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

Building Products Index Ltd April 26, 2019 Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

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

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 April 26, 2019 access covers Leave a Comment

View the Howe Green entry on BPindex

Visit the Howe Green website

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.

Howe 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 April 26, 2019 MDF Panels, Panels Leave a Comment

View the Medite Smartply entry on BPindex

Visit the Medite Smartply website

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

Created 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 April 26, 2019 cubicles, toilet 1 Comment

View the Relcross entry on BPindex

Visit the Relcross website

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 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).

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 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 April 25, 2019 radient heating and cooling Leave a Comment

View the Zehnder entry on BPindex

Visit the Zehnder Multi-Service Foil Page

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.

Product 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
Quality 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

Mercia 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 March 27, 2019 Concrete, Precast Leave a Comment

View the Elite Precast Concrete entry on BPindex

Visit the Elite Precast Concrete website

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.

A 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

Relcross Solve Door Closer Problems at John Ferneley College

Building Products Index Ltd March 27, 2019 Door hardware Leave a Comment

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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.

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 19^thcentury, 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.

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.

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 March 27, 2019 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.

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 March 27, 2019 underfloor heating Leave a Comment

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Developer, 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.

Senior 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.”

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

Building Products Index Ltd March 27, 2019 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.

The 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.

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