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

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.”

Elite links up with new logistics partner

Building Products Index Ltd January 22, 2020 Concrete, Precast Leave a Comment

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One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of precast concrete has teamed up with a new logistics provider.

Elite Precast Concrete will work in partnership with flatbed haulage specialists Shropshire Express Deliveries to ensure its nationwide delivery operation runs like clockwork.

The exclusive relationship will create a transport solution tailor-made for the precast concrete industry and underline Elite’s ethos of providing the highest levels of customer service.

Owen Batham, Sales and Marketing Director of Elite Precast, said: “Our logistics operation is very important to us, so it was vital to find the right partners.

“We wanted to build a long-term relationship with a company we can fully rely on and, in Shropshire Express Deliveries, I’m confident we’ve found just that.

“They’ll provide a really cost-effective service carried out by experienced drivers in the highest standard of delivery vehicles.

“But they also place great value on top-quality customer care and that’s something we’re absolutely passionate about.”

Elite also works in partnership with logistics specialists Hallett Silbermann, based in Hertfordshire. The relationship enables the company to provide deliveries that are FORS Gold, Silver and Bronze compliant and that are approved for HS2, Crossrail, CLOCS and Tideway projects in London and the South East.

The business, which operates from two factories in Telford, focuses on providing the best possible value within the precast industry.

A uniquely lean business model enables it to drive down costs and pass savings directly on to customers.

The company manufactures a vast range of semi-dry and wet-cast products for every sector of UK industry and a portfolio that includes interlocking blocks, ballast blocks, safety/security barriers, service protection and drainage products.

The deal will also have significant implications for Shropshire Express Deliveries, according to owner/director Neil Bennett.

The company, also based in Telford, has taken on a string of new drivers as well as office staff as a direct result of the new partnership.

It has brought in five new 44-tonne tractor units, together with trailers featuring side protection, to supplement its fleet of fully Euro 6 compliant vehicles.

And it has installed a state-of-the-art booking and tracking system that enables the company to pick up Elite orders automatically.

He said: “The new partnership is fantastic news for the company and a big step forward for us.

“It’s the biggest contract we’ve won since we launched the business six years ago and it’s a real vindication of how we operate.

“We’re very much focused on quality of service and that was crucial to Elite, which insists on putting customers first.”

Crittall featuring in BBC’s Great British Railway Journeys.

Building Products Index Ltd January 22, 2020 Steel, Windows Leave a Comment

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The BBC’s popular Great British Railway Journeys programme presented by Michael Portillo, the former Secretary of State and steam train enthusiast, recently alighted to film at Crittall’s Witham-based state-of-the-art manufacturing facility base for iconic steel windows, doors and internal screen production for over 170 years.

The resulting programme will be aired on BBC2 on Wednesday 22 January 2020, at 6.30pm, and shows the affable and intrepid presenter in the factory where he helps shape a window for US Ivy League University, Yale.

Michael also tours the factory before being seen heading to Silver End to discuss its impact as a concept and the Silver End (Crittall) trainline that used to be there.

In the programme Crittall Chairman John Pyatt is seen outside the manor house in Silver End?, discussing its history and the 1930’s housing boom, highlighting Crittall’s significant influence on architectural design.

Crittall is the only company featuring in this episode produced by Boundless Productions.

Design & Build Waterproofing Philosophies for Podium Decks, Buried Roofs, Balconies and Terraces

Building Products Index Ltd January 22, 2020 Membranes Leave a Comment

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Delta’s Technical Waterproofing Consultant and Architect, Michael Vernon considers Waterproofing Design philosophies

There are many common pitfalls when it comes to designing a waterproofing system for podium decks, buried roofs, balconies and terraces. Products do not fail! When failures occur, it is due to the design and build philosophy not being correct. The devil is in the detail – all waterproofing elements must be considered at the construction design stage to be durable and effective.

The trend for outdoor living has led to a market growth in external balconies, large roof/ground floor terraces and patios. As well as adding monetary value to a property, external areas can be aesthetically pleasing, offering a wide range of colours, textures and finishes to a home.

Outside living can also help to promote health and well-being benefits as these extra useable areas for open air living, help to soften heavily urbanised locations and steadily increase the number of green and usable spaces for leisure.

Balconies, roof terraces and patios are part of a trend which is inspired by aspirational and luxury living in suburban and rural areas alike.

When specified with the correct waterproofing systems, all types of installations are possible, however the design needs careful consideration and a CSSW qualified Waterproofing Design Specialist should always be consulted at the earliest opportunity.

The primary requirement of waterproofing design is the prevention of water ingress and the management of water and water vapour movement through and out of a structure. The design ethos for waterproofing podium decks, buried roofs, balconies and terraces is identical to that used in any below ground area of a structure.

There are many different approaches to structural waterproofing. The construction methods will in part contribute to the specification of types of waterproofing systems and may also determine the overall structural waterproofing strategy.

Structural waterproofing falls into 3 categories:

Type A – Barrier Protection

Type B – Structurally Integral Protection

Type C – Drained Protection

With 3 grades:

Grade 1 – Some water seepage and damp are tolerable depending on the intended use

Grade 2 – No water penetration is acceptable

Grade 3 – No dampness or water penetration is acceptable

Successful waterproofing design lies with choosing the most appropriate combinations of structure and waterproofing system to achieve pre-determined performance levels and criteria. In order to design out risk of failure due to less than adequate workmanship, damage or defects on site it is also important to consider practicality and ease of installation, the phasing of the construction process and the scope for testing and certifying during construction.

In summary, it is the duty of the waterproofing designer to assess a variety of factors and variables simultaneously and to come to a logical and balanced decision regarding the design. Working as part of the design team and keeping abreast of changes, revisions and updates to the project is important because these could have a bearing upon the environmental, structural and other stresses that may be imposed upon the waterproofing system and adaptations may need to be made. Ensuring proper training, application expertise, certification and testing procedures on the part of the installing contractor is critical. Whether the proposed construction is warm roof, cold roof, green roof, blue roof or a combination of types the principles stated here will apply in equal measure to achieve a successful long-term outcome.

If you would like to find out about structural waterproofing, damp proofing, ground gas protection systems, flood resilience or installing a Delta System we’re happy to help. Give us a call on 01992 523 523 or email info@deltamembranes.com

WIN WITH ALBANY PAINTS!

Building Products Index Ltd January 22, 2020 Paint Leave a Comment

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Albany, the quality trade paint brand exclusively available at Brewers, celebrates its 100^th birthday in 2020. As part of the celebrations, Brewers are giving you the chance to win one of 20 coffee machine prizes in their latest Facebook competition.

For your chance to win one of 20 prizes consisting of a Delonghi ECC 221.B Espresso & Cappuccino Coffee Machines (in black) plus a pair of limited edition Albany enamel mugs simply enter via the Brewers Facebook page

Albany paints, wallpaper collections and sundries are available from the Brewers network of over 170 stores and online at Wallpaperdirect.com and Designerpaint.co.uk. Open a Brewers Card to get 20% off your first purchase and save 10% on Albany products – sign up today!

Kawneer Introduces an Enhanced Expansion Joint to accommodate Building Movement

Building Products Index Ltd January 10, 2020 Curtain Walling Leave a Comment

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Today’s requirement for building facades to incorporate increased levels of building movement has been met by Kawneer with the introduction of a curtain wall system with superior capabilities to counter slab deflection.

Kawneer has launched a fully CWCT tested version of its AA®110 curtain wall system with an expansion joint that will allow for up to 15mm of building movement.

While a conventional pressure-plated and face-capped stick system curtain wall can be constructed with allowance for movement in the vertical direction this is normally limited to +/- 2mm at a mullion/mullion joint. Kawneer have now developed a solution for the AA®110 curtain wall that will allow +/- 15mm at a mullion/mullion joint.

Conventional stick curtain walling is widely specified in the UK and offers a cost-effective façade solution, particularly on buildings which do not have a requirement for significant movement allowance.

One of the main complexities in designing a façade is the accommodation of slab movement/deflection and, due to the extension of structural spans seen in contemporary building designs, slab deflection is increasing. This places additional demands on a façade design team to accommodate movement between slab and façade.

When building designs require facades to withstand high slab deflections one solution is to incorporate unitised curtain wall systems like Kawneer’s AA®201 or AA®265 systems, which due to their construction, can provide greater movement allowance.

However, unitised curtain walling usually comes at a cost premium and is generally more appropriate for very large facades and where there might be issues of site access. Traditional stick curtain wall is more readily used by most fabricators and installers in the UK, hence the development of the expansion joint by Kawneer.

The standard mullion/mullion expansion joint only provides a +/- 2mm movement allowance. By increasing the deflection allowance in the curtain walling to +/- 15mm, the beams used to support floor slabs can be reduced in size and consequently in cost.

Working with our approved sub-contractor FK Group, the first project to feature our AA®110 expansion joint is Manchester’s prestigious Circle Square Development.

The joint locates at each slab level and is therefore concealed by spandrel glass or panels. Its specialised engineered foam seals expand and contract with the movement of the structure. A unique transom profile (which incorporates a concealed breather membrane) at each floor level provides allowance for the increased movement of the spandrel infill while maintaining the air and weather tightness of the façade.

Glazing and cladding systems need to be designed to allow for building movement without compromising the performance or safety of the system. The consequences of failing to provide sufficient allowance for in-service building movement can range from a reduction in weather performance to glass breakage and significant system failure.

In order to prove the system and to ensure compliance with UK standards, the expansion joint has been rigorously tested during development to ensure performance in all UK conditions. In consultation with the CWCT, an enhanced version of the Standard for Systemised Building Envelope: Sequence B programme was developed. This included a series of performance tests while the expansion joint was in compression, extension and in the neutral position.

Kawneer’s expansion joint gives architects ultimate design freedom by providing a traditional stick curtain wall system that gives exceptional performance in the area of building movement.

DANFOSS STREAMLINES TIME CONTROLS

Building Products Index Ltd January 6, 2020 controls, Heating Leave a Comment

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Danfoss has streamlined its high efficiency range of Time controls for domestic heating and hot water systems. The redesigned TS710 and FP720 replace all existing Danfoss timers as part of a major rationalisation programme that gives installers a simpler choice without compromising any features and benefits for end-users. Designed by Danfoss to deliver optimum comfort and economy, the TS710 and FP720 are easy to programme for either 24hr, weekday/weekend (5/2) or 7 day periods. The versatile Timers can also be configured for 2, 4 or 6 events (1, 2, 3 periods) per day to suit different lifestyles. Both Timers are 230V mains supply devices and are available in 1 and 2 channel variants.

The Danfoss TS710 and FP720 Timer controls have been developed with a range of advanced features to ensure the convenience of users and improved heating system efficiency. These include a handy Holiday mode to save energy when the property is empty, together with a user channel override and one-hour boost function when required to maintain desired comfort levels. The FP720 Timer also offers the additional facility to set up either 2 x Heat Zones or 1 x Heat and 1 x DHW zone, which provides end-users with independent control of their heating and hot water.

The TS710 and FP720 Timers have an intuitive user interface, with simple controls and a large backlit display that is easy to see, even in dimly lit areas. In addition, the Timers incorporate a service interval timer, which can be activated by the installer as a gas safety feature for landlords.

The TS710 and FP720 Time controls join the upgraded TPOne with OpenTherm and redesigned TP5001 programmable room thermostats in Danfoss’s streamlined product line-up. The new look range also includes the RET1001M dial room thermostat and the RET2001 room thermostat featuring OpenTherm and an electronic display. For more information visit www.heating.danfoss.co.uk

Procter Contracts launches Pro-Secure SR1 and SR2 security-rated entrance gates

Building Products Index Ltd December 18, 2019 Security, Security Gates Leave a Comment

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Procter Contracts is launching the Pro-Secure family of security-rated entrance gates comprising SR1 and SR2 swing gates and sliding gates. Swing gates are available in single-leaf and double-leaf formats, and all of the new gates can be manufactured in a variety of sizes for use at vehicle and pedestrian access points in a wide range of different sectors.

Customers can specify SR1 or SR2 security ratings for swing gates or sliding gates in a broad range of sizes.

The Pro-Secure gates have been independently tested and verified as achieving security rating SR1 or SR2 as defined by the internationally recognised LPCB standard LPS 1175 Issue 8.0, and they are therefore listed in the LPCB Red Book. The LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board) is part of BRE Global, a third-party approvals body, and LPS 1175 is the standard for certification of intruder-resistant building components, strongpoints, security enclosures and free-standing barriers. To achieve the SR1 and SR2 certifications, the gates had to be tested and proven to resist sustained attacks using specified hand tools for defined periods.

In most cases Pro-Secure gates will control vehicular access but they are equally suitable for use where large numbers of pedestrians enter or leave a site. Typical applications include commercial and industrial premises, warehouses and logistics hubs, waste recycling centres, schools and other educational campuses, hospitals and care homes, sports grounds and leisure facilities, data centres, government and defence establishments, airports, docks and utilities sites.

Features that help the SR1 gates achieve their security rating include all-steel robust construction, heavy-gauge 868 wire mesh cladding fully welded to the frame, reinforced latch areas and, for the swing gates, hinge protection plates. The SR2 gates additionally benefit from double cladding with 358 steel mesh to resist cutting and climbing.

All of Procter’s Pro-Secure gates are hot-dip galvanized for long-lasting protection against corrosion. Customers can specify an optional polyester powder coating on top of the galvanizing for additional corrosion protection and improved aesthetics. Standard colours are black and green, or almost any RAL colour can be chosen.

Smaller gates in the Pro-Secure range can be manually operated but larger gates are powered or automated, and these are CE marked to the Machinery Directive.

Procter Contracts provides a comprehensive service that includes site surveys, security risk assessments, design, manufacture, installation, commissioning and, for powered/automated gates, CE marking and maintenance contracts. Furthermore, the company supplies and installs a variety of access control systems for powered and automatic gates.

Hywel Davies, Director of Procter Contracts, comments: “We have been manufacturing security gates for decades, so it is great news for customers that we now have independent certification by BRE and can market the Pro-Secure gates as LPS 1175 SR1 and SR2 security rated. This will be particularly beneficial for specifiers and contractors throughout the UK working on Secured by Design projects, for which we have been an accredited installer for several years.”

To complement the Pro-Secure gates, Procter Contracts can supply and install high-security fencing – including electric pulse fencing – plus CCTV systems and street furniture such as fixed or rising bollards, Armco barrier, rising-arm barriers, speed ramps and one-way flow plates.

For more information about the new Pro-Secure SR1 and SR2 swing and sliding gates, go to www.proctercontracts.co.uk. Alternatively, contact Procter Contracts to discuss specific projects by emailing Enquiries@ProcterContracts.co.uk or telephone 0800 294 4177.

Non-Penetrative Balustrading from Dani Alu (UK) Ltd

Building Products Index Ltd December 18, 2019 balustrades Leave a Comment

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‘Panorama C-ST®’ is a freestanding balustrade from Dani Alu offering a non-penetrative, aluminium balustrade system suitable for all designs and styles of publicly accessible balcony and roof terraces.

Making flat roofs an asset

A communal space on a new-build apartment block; a break-out space for employees on an existing building; rooftop drinks at a coastal retreat – whatever the use, Panorama C-ST is a quick, simple and highly cost-effective solution that allows the realisation of your flat roof as an asset, giving much greater value to the building and occupiers experience.

The system is unique in more ways than one. Panorama is entirely manufactured from lightweight aluminium components which help minimises the roof load making it the perfect solution for both new build and retro-fit projects. Furthermore, the use of aluminium allows for a modular approach, making design and installation simple for any project requirement.

Create your own design; choose glass or railing infill and any RAL colour to finish. Dani Alu (UK) Ltd are here to help along the way with full and immediate support, be it presentations, demonstrations, design and technical assistance and installation support.

Innovative Design

Looking for a system that will integrate with green roof applications, gravel, deck or slab finishes? This is no problem for our Panorama system. We have designed the system with versatility in mind

Our patented system firstly utilises a balustrade holder allowing 5 position alignment of the vertical posts, compensating for any unevenness in the roof surface. Stability and safety of the system is provided by base rails with load support plates. The use of baluster plates, results in the balustrade not requiring any penetration through the roof membrane and creates no sound transmission or thermal bridging through the roof.

Panorama C-ST can be installed independently of the roofing works, although it is particularly suited to integration with green roof systems and roof terrace finishes. This non-penetrative approach enables Panorama to be simply installed without invalidating any existing roofing warranties.

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