Saving time and reducing waste on site with precast bespoke cover slabs

Building Products Index Ltd Concrete, Precast Leave a Comment

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Precast special access cover slabs, manufactured offsite, within quality controlled environments, reduces the stress on resources at building and construction sites, according to Paul Cartwright, Business Development Director at Elite Precast Concrete, here’s how:

Precision Manufacturing

  • Exact Fit: Precast cover slabs are tailored to previse project specifications, minimising the need for adjustments, specialised materials and skilled labour on site.
  • Controlled Environment: Manufacturing in a factory setting ensures accurate material calculations, reducing excess and defects.
  • Quality Assurance: Rigorous quality control reduces errors compared to on-site casting, leading to less material waste.

Elimination of on-site modifications

  • By designing cover slabs to exact dimensions, the need for cutting or trimming on-site is eliminated, reducing waste materials.
  • Minimises the risk of ordering surplus materials as a contingency.

Optimised Design

  • Efficient use of materials: customer designs allow for optimised slab thickness and reinforcement placement, avoiding unnecessary use of concrete and steel.

Reduced Formwork Waste

  • Precast cover slabs eliminate the need for temporary formwork, which is often discarded after use, thereby reducing construction waste and vehicle movements.

Material Recovery

  • Any waste, generated during manufacturing can be recycled or reused within the factory, unlike on-site waste that is harder to manage

Extended Lifespan

  • Designed for durability, these bespoke slabs can last over 100 years, under normal conditions. This longevity reduces the need for replacements, further minimising long-term material waste.

By integrating precision engineering, optimised design, and offsite manufacturing with modern methods of construction, special access cover slabs offer a sustainable solution to reduce material waste in construction projects, increase the health and safety on site and make the lives of designers, specifiers, buyers and installers easier.

Call 01952 588885 to find out more or visit www.eliteprecast.co.uk/drainage-products/large-diameter-cover-slabs/

Excellence in Student Accommodation: The Spireworks Project

Building Products Index Ltd Waterproof Membranes, waterproofing Leave a Comment

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A Modern Approach to Construction

Student accommodation has evolved significantly over the past decade, with a strong emphasis on durable materials, sustainability, and occupant well-being. The Spireworks, a contemporary student accommodation development located at 163 Cowley Road in Oxford, reflects this evolution, showcasing effective construction techniques and reliable materials.

Completed by main contractor RG Group for student accommodation provider Aparto, The Spireworks is a £21 million development that integrates seamlessly into Oxford’s vibrant and eclectic surroundings.

Designed by ICA Architects, the scheme delivers 137 student bedrooms alongside a range of communal spaces, including a gym, games room, study areas, and an outdoor courtyard. Retail and service facilities within the development also enhance the local community’s amenities.

Reliable Building Envelope Solutions

A crucial element of The Spireworks project was the roofing and waterproofing system, which needed to deliver durability, energy efficiency, and long-term performance. Specialist contractor Roofworx (UK) Ltd was appointed to manage this complex installation, ensuring the specified solutions met the required standards.

Matthew Coupe, Managing Director at Roofworx (UK) Ltd, explained: “The roofing and cladding package was particularly challenging, with multiple interfaces and a phased construction programme. Early involvement in the design stages was key, enabling us to collaborate closely with ICA Architects and specify products that would ensure longevity and performance.”

SOPREMA’s solutions were specified for the roofing works, delivering a full building envelope system that offered both waterproofing integrity and thermal efficiency. The project incorporated a total of 1,200m² of SOPREMA’s products:

  • 720m² of DUOFLEX hot melt system with 200mm SOPRAXPS insulation and 56mm cement board upstands for the main roof.
  • 450m² of SOPRATORCH bituminous membrane multi-layer system, combined with SOPRATHERM PIR tapered insulation on various levels.
  • 50m² of FLAGON single ply membrane for all canopies and lift-over runs, incorporating edge trims and drips.

 Overcoming Challenges for a Seamless Installation

Every construction project presents unique challenges, and The Spireworks was no exception. With a phased build programme and an initial two-month delay due to external factors, meticulous planning was essential to keep the project on schedule.

“The project required strategic sequencing as the building was constructed in two halves,” said Matthew Coupe. “Additionally, persistent wet weather during winter months posed further delays. To counter this, we specified SOPRADVANCE concrete compound, a SOPREMA solution that enabled application to the concrete deck after just seven days instead of the standard 28-day curing period. This allowed us to accelerate the programme without compromising quality.”

Logistics also played a critical role, as the project’s central location within Oxford’s narrow streets meant material deliveries had to be precisely timed. Roofworx worked closely with SOPREMA to coordinate deliveries, ensuring smooth progress and avoiding disruption.

Quality assurance was another key consideration. SOPREMA’s in-house field technicians conducted thorough on-site inspections at every stage of the installation, ensuring all waterproofing elements met required performance standards. Furthermore, all operatives received full SOPREMA system training, ensuring a consistent standard of workmanship.

A Lasting Legacy for Oxford’s Student Community

Despite initial setbacks, The Spireworks project was successfully completed on time and within budget, delivering a modern, comfortable, and durable living space for Oxford’s student population. The collaboration between Roofworx, ICA Architects, RG Group, and SOPREMA played a pivotal role in overcoming challenges and ensuring the necessary standards were achieved.

The success of the project underscores the importance of early-stage collaboration, the right product specification, and technical expertise in delivering durable, future-proof buildings.

Today, The Spireworks provides students with a safe and well-constructed living environment for years to come.

To find out how SOPREMA can help support your next project visit www.soprema.co.uk  or email technical@soprema.co.uk.

Environmental Product Declarations in Waterproofing: Newton’s Commitment to Sustainable Construction

Building Products Index Ltd Waterproof Membranes, waterproofing Leave a Comment

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Written by Warren Muschialli

In an era where sustainability is at the forefront of construction industry concerns, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) have emerged as crucial tools for architects, specifiers, and builders. These standardised documents provide transparent, verified sustainability information about the environmental impact of their products.

Specifically, EPDs outline the environmental impact of construction products throughout their life cycle, from extraction of raw materials to end of life, enabling strategic decisions that support sustainable practices.

For Newton Waterproofing, a leader in innovative waterproofing solutions, our EPDs represent a commitment to sustainable practices and a response to growing market demands for eco-friendly construction materials.

Understanding Environmental Product Declarations

Environmental Product Declarations are comprehensive background reports that detail the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle, including its ecological impact.

From raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal, EPDs offer a holistic view of a products ecological footprint. These declarations are based on Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and adhere to international standards, ensuring consistency and comparability across different products and manufacturers.

Key components of an EPD include:

  • Product description and specifications
  • Details of the manufacturing process
  • Life Cycle Assessment results
  • Resource use and emissions data
  • Potential environmental impacts

The Importance of EPDs in Sustainable Construction

EPDs play a vital role in promoting sustainable construction practices by:

  • Providing Transparency: EPDs offer verified environmental information, allowing architects and specifiers to make informed decisions about the products they choose.
  • Facilitating Comparisons: Standardised formatting enables easy comparison between similar products, helping professionals select the most suitable option.
  • Supporting Green Building Certifications: Many environmental assessment methods, such as BREEAM and LEED, recognise EPDs as a means of earning credits towards overall sustainability scores.
  • Driving Innovation: As manufacturers strive to improve their environmental performance, EPDs encourage continuous product development and innovation.
  • Meeting Market Demands: With increasing focus on sustainability, EPDs help manufacturers meet the growing demand for environmentally responsible products.

Newton Waterproofing’s EPD Journey

Newton has always been at the forefront of sustainable waterproofing solutions, and our commitment to environmental responsibility is reflected in our expanding range of EPD certificates. Our journey began with EPDs for three products, including the closed-cell Fibran XPS 500-C insulation, a key component of the Newton CDM cavity drain waterproofing system.

However, in response to the growing importance of EPDs in construction, we have recently acquired two additional EPDs for our high-performance, pre-applied external Type A waterproofing membranes:

  • HydroBond 402: A pre-applied, fully bonded sheet membrane for external waterproofing of below-ground structures.
  • HydroBond 403: A pre-applied, fully bonded and self-healing sheet membrane and radon barrier, with exceptional waterproofing capabilities.

These new EPDs demonstrate our continued commitment to transparency and environmental responsibility across our product range. Furthermore, both our Type A external HydroBond System and Type C cavity drain CDM System now possess products with full EPD certification.

Why are EPDs important for waterproofing products?

EPDs for waterproofing products are significant as they provide verified data on a product’s environmental impact. In turn, this allows specifiers to make informed decisions, selecting sustainable materials that contribute to green building certifications, and which meet increasing regulatory and market demands for eco-friendly construction solutions.

The EPD Process: From LCA to Verification

Creating an EPD involves several key steps:

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): This comprehensive analysis forms the foundation of an EPD, examining the product’s environmental impact from cradle to grave.
  • Product Category Rules (PCR): These guidelines ensure that EPDs within a specific product category are consistent and comparable.
  • EPD Development: Using the LCA results and following the PCR, the EPD document is created, detailing the product’s environmental performance.
  • Third-Party Verification: An independent verifier reviews the EPD to ensure accuracy and compliance with international standards.
  • Publication: Once verified, the EPD is published and made available through EPD programme operators or the manufacturer’s channels.

Environmental Impact Indicators in EPDs

In Europe, all EPDs must conform to European standard EN 15804 EPD. This ensures that these EPDs all report on the same 25 environmental impact indicators, grouped into three categories:

  • Environmental Impact Indicators:
    • Global Warming Potential (GWP): Measures all CO2 and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during a products production and use.
    • Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP): Assesses the production of ozone-depleting gases (e.g. CFCs, HCFCs and halons) that cause damage to the ozone layer.
    • Acidification Potential (AP): Evaluates the product’s contribution to acidic gases such as sulphur dioxide (SO2), leading to the formation of acid rain.
    • Eutrophication Potential (EP): Measures the impact on water ecosystems due to certain levels of nitrates and/or phosphates in water.
    • Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential (POCP): Measures the release of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the low-level atmosphere, causing smog.
    • Abiotic Depletion Potential: Evaluates the use of scarce non-renewable resources, including scarce chemical elements (ADPE) and fossil fuels (ADPF)
  • The second category reports on the amount of primary energy used both within the product and during manufacturing, and whether this comes from renewable sources. The EPD also includes information on the use of recycled materials, and the amount of recovered material, fuel or energy produced at end of life.
  • The third and final category covers the output and waste from the product. This includes whether materials can be recycled, and if electrical or thermal energy is generated and supplied to the net. Hazardous and non-hazardous waste is also declared.

Without providing this standardised list of environmental indicators across all EPDs, specifiers would not be able to make direct comparisons and  informed decisions around the sustainability of their construction projects.

The Benefits of EPDs for Architects and Specifiers

For professionals in the construction industry, EPDs offer numerous advantages:

  • Informed Decision-Making: EPDs provide the data needed to select products that align with sustainability goals and project requirements.
  • Compliance with Green Building Standards: EPDs contribute to achieving credits in green building rating systems, supporting certification efforts.
  • Risk Mitigation: By choosing products with verified environmental information, architects and specifiers can reduce the risk of greenwashing claims.
  • Client Satisfaction: The use of products with EPDs demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, meeting the expectations of environmentally conscious clients.
  • Competitive Advantage: Specifying products with EPDs can set projects apart in an increasingly sustainability-focused market.

Newton’s Commitment to Sustainable Innovation

Our dedication to sustainable construction goes beyond providing EPDs. We continuously strive to innovate and improve our products’ environmental performance. This commitment is reflected in our product development, where environmental factors are considered from the outset.

Our expanding range of EPDs is just one aspect of this sustainability strategy, which includes:

By combining innovative waterproofing solutions with a strong focus on sustainability, we aim to be the preferred supplier for environmentally responsible construction projects.

The Future of Sustainable Waterproofing

Environmental Product Declarations represent a significant step forward in the construction industry’s journey towards sustainability. By providing transparent, verified information about the environmental impact of waterproofing products, EPDs enable architects, specifiers, and builders to make informed decisions that align with their sustainability goals.

Newton’s expanding range of EPD certificates, including those for Fibran XPS 500-C in our CDM cavity drain waterproofing system, and the membranes in the HydroBond external waterproofing system, demonstrates our commitment to sustainable construction practices.

As we continue to innovate and improve our products, EPDs will remain a crucial tool in communicating our environmental performance and supporting the industry’s shift towards more sustainable building practices.

Contact Newton Waterproofing today for expert guidance on selecting environmentally responsible waterproofing solutions backed by comprehensive EPDs. Our team of specialists is prepared to provide tailored advice and products that ensure the long-term success and sustainability of your construction projects.

 

Crittall Windows achieves prestigious BSi certification for innovative steel window and door system

Building Products Index Ltd Doors, Steel, Steel doors, Windows Leave a Comment

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Crittall Windows, the world’s leading manufacturer of steel windows and doors, is proud to announce that its innovative Homelight® range is fully certified and registered with the British Standards Institution (BSI).

This independently verified certification symbolises the quality, safety and trustworthiness of products and is testament to the exceptionally high standards the steel fabricator applies within its manufacturing facilities in Essex.

Following the vigorous testing process, Crittall Windows can confirm that its Homelight® range achieves an impressive B energy rating, exceeding the requirements of Approved Document L. Thanks to the advanced multi-point locking systems, this range also meets the stringent PAS24 security standards set out in Approved Document Q.

Like all steel windows and doors manufactured by Crittall Windows, the Homelight® range also features extremely slim sightlines and expansive glass areas, meaning the impressive performance combined with the aesthetic appeal, makes this system the perfect match for commercial and residential projects.

Russell Ager, MD of Crittall Windows, said: “Achieving BSi certification for our Homelight® range is fantastic news and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to manufacturing premium steel windows and doors that meet the highest industry standards.

“Energy efficiency and security features are non-negotiable requirements for both commercial and residential projects so installers should feel confident in the quality, safety and trustworthiness of the products they’re installing.

“Homelight® is a unique system that delivers outstanding performance without compromising on the distinctive looks that installers and homeowners expect from Crittall Windows’ products. Securing the B energy rating perfectly showcases how we continue to evolve and adapt our products to ensure that the traditional steel window and door design can meet the latest building regulations.”

As a leading steel window and door manufacturer with 175 years’ experience, Crittall Windows encourages installers to verify that all products they work with are registered with either BSi or the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC). This important verification step ensures they are only using products that meet the most stringent performance standards, particularly regarding energy efficiency and security ratings.

“Working with certified products provides confidence,” adds Russell. “When installers choose the Crittall Homelight®, they can be certain they’re using a product that delivers the best performance backed by a highly respected certification body in the industry.”

This latest BSi certification further positions Crittall Windows as the leader in steel window and door innovation. For more information about Homelight® and other Crittall Windows’ products visit: https://www.crittall-windows.co.uk/

ALL ABOUT ACCESS COVERS

Building Products Index Ltd access covers Leave a Comment

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When delivering projects involving access covers in commercial or education facilities, it is vital that construction professionals partner with manufacturers known for quality, innovation and outstanding design. Here, Kevin Bohea, Managing Director at ACO Building Drainage, explores how architects and contractors can deliver the best access cover for the job.

One important part of any successful project is ensuring quality work is matched with quality solutions. By choosing a manufacturer who has built a world-wide reputation for high-quality products that deliver choice, function and style, it can be the key factor in leaving customers and end-users happy.

In facilities, where areas may be high-traffic and all building components need to be robust and durable, access covers from ACO Building Drainage are regularly installed. We understand that access covers must meet high standards, including being easy to work with for the professionals installing them. They must also be designed with aesthetics in mind and available in a range of finishes. For projects where short turnaround times are a factor, having a portfolio of standard aluminium covers available with three-day delivery means that construction professionals and flooring contractors can provide the right cover, whatever the setting.

Making the grade

Typical applications for access covers in commercial and educational buildings are in corridors and communal areas, where they’ll be subjected to heavy footfall and light traffic from trolleys. In some cases, it may be necessary to account for heavier vehicular traffic too. Available in a choice of materials such as aluminium, hot dipped galvanised steel and stainless-steel grade 304 as standard, ACO access covers complement a variety of hard and flexible floor finishes including concrete, epoxy, terrazzo, carpet, vinyl, stone or ceramic tiles.

With a comprehensive range of standard clear opening sizes from 200mm to 1200mm, ACO floor access covers can be supplied either as single units or for ducting and multi-span applications. Manual lift or gas spring assisted versions are also available to suit the intended method of opening, frequency and ease of operation.

Manufactured using recycled materials, ACO UniFace™ and ACO UniTop™ floor access covers can be 100% recycled at their end of life, contributing to a sustainable environment and eco-friendly building practices. All of ACO’s access covers are tested to the Fabricated Access Cover Trade Association (FACTA) specification and use FACTA classifications for ease of selection and specification.

Delivering quality projects

Planners, architects and end-clients are often looking for reliable partners with answers to very specific problems. Here, ACO Building Drainage’s team of experts can help with the design and specification of bespoke access covers.

Bespoke access covers, that can be sized as needed, are available from ACO in single or multi cover options for both manual and assisted opening designs. These can be manufactured in either aluminium, hot dipped galvanised steel or stainless-steel grade 304 and 316 materials and are also designed to different load classes for pedestrian areas and for heavy traffic areas. Bespoke aluminium covers are often available in fewer than ten working days, helping projects run smoothly and on schedule.

A successful installation is one that meets the project requirements and satisfies the customer’s needs. Education projects can often involve many moving parts and tight deadlines. With ACO’s portfolio of access covers combined with speed of delivery and technical expertise, contractors can be confident that they can deliver quality work, whatever the project.

View our extensive range of standard access covers, including both recessed and solid covers, and bespoke access covers at ACO.co.uk.

ISOMAT, Mould’s Worst Nightmare: Available At Brewers Decorator Centres!

Building Products Index Ltd Anti Mould Paint, Paint Leave a Comment

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Got a kitchen or bathroom job with a mould and fungi problem? Let us introduce Isomat Bath & Kitchen! 

Steamy showers and cooking fumes create the perfect breeding ground for unwanted growth, turning freshly painted walls into a major hassle.

But what if there was an easier way to keep walls looking spotless and mould-free?

Introducing ISOMAT BATH & KITCHEN – the extremely durable anti-mould flat matt emulsion, specially designed to protect the paint film against mould and bacteria.

Say goodbye to constant scrubbing and repainting, and hello to long-lasting and fresh-looking surfaces your customers’ will be proud of.

Ready to make mould a thing of the past? Let’s delve into it!

Unmatched Protection & Performance

ISOMAT BATH & KITCHEN is a nearly odourless interior flat matt emulsion, with a 3% sheen level and water-based technology.

Specially formulated with film preservatives, it protects the paint film against mould and bacteria (ISO 22196).

Thanks to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, it effectively prevents mould and fungal growth caused by excess moisture and condensation, ensuring an extremely durable, anti-mould, flat matt finish.

Ideal for high-humidity spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms, ISOMAT BATH & KITCHEN offers excellent surface coverage, high opacity, and brilliant whiteness.

The smooth application, excellent flow and workability make it a breeze to use, while its Class 1 resistance to repeated washing and ageing ensures lasting durability.

Perfect for both new projects and renovations, whether residential or commercial, this paint delivers the performance you need in demanding spaces.

For other rooms in the house, try ISOMAT PREMIUM which is included in March’s Trade Deals!


Whether you’re aiming for a bold statement or a timeless, elegant look, ISOMAT has your back. 

ISOMAT has developed two exclusive colour collections to make your choice easier.

Home Beauty colour collection showcases 30 remarkable colour combinations selected from all the colour families included in the CHROMA fan deck, and Pure Sophistication special palette features 12 atmospheric colour combinations across 60 unique, sophisticated colour shades for a soft, timeless result.

Available from Brewers Decorator Centres online and in-store in 10L, 3L, and 0.75L buckets, making it suitable for jobs of any scale.

Discover ISOMAT’s range of premium paints in your local Brewers Decorator Centre or online.

 

BUILDING THE NEXT STAGE OF LONG-TERM SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN’S CHARITY

Building Products Index Ltd Cladding, Roof tiles Leave a Comment

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Following a decade-long collaborative relationship, Marley has recently supported the latest construction development for Derby-based, children’s charity, Foundation Matters.

Like all charities, Foundation Matters has to ensure every penny raised delivers value for money. This is especially important when it comes to construction projects, which always need to be delivered on time and on budget.

Marley first started working with Foundation Matters over ten years ago, and in the intervening time, has continued to support the charity – which runs residential holiday camps for children – through technical design and innovative product solutions.

The latest project sees the two collaborating once more, as the charity embarks on an ambitious building programme to add much-needed accommodation blocks at its site in Stenson, near Derby.

The development showcases Marley’s Weatherboard range, which was recently certified by UL Solutions, a leading authority in applied safety science, following robust independent testing. This provides critical product credibility, so specifiers can select Marley’s Weatherboard solution with confidence, knowing its performance and safety credentials have been thoroughly examined.

Adding further choice for building projects, Weatherboard is also now available in a stylish new blue-grey colourway.  This complements the existing choices of white, light grey, slate grey and black.

Delivering essential accommodation buildings

Foundation Matters provides an invaluable opportunity for children to get away and enjoy a range of low-cost holiday activities, such as orienteering, canoeing, archery and bush craft, in an outdoor setting.

However, as a result of its success, demand for the charity’s services has continued to rise – and so too has the number of volunteers needed to support its mission. To address this, founder Jem Hudson took the strategic decisions to extend the site’s current accommodation facilities and build four new staff blocks, which would future-proof the essential work the charity undertakes.

He says: “As the number of children attending our holiday camps has risen, we need more volunteers to help us provide a safe and stimulating experience. Our original building is no longer large enough to cope with demand. To make it as easy as possible for our volunteers to give their time, we needed to provide more on-site accommodation, and so we started looking at building additional facilities.”

Having worked with Marley since the construction of the site’s main building when it opened in 2014, Jem was keen to build on the relationship as planning for the first of the new four blocks got underway. He continues: “After speaking with Marley, they immediately helped us in a number of ways. They supported with the design specification solutions for the new blocks, which included the selection of Marley’s weatherboard solution to clad the exterior of the structure.

“I was impressed with the minimal maintenance requirements of the weatherboard, as well as its great looks. We had used log sidings on our buildings previously, but they have to be re-stained every year, which is both expensive and time consuming. Marley’s weatherboard removes this job for us and frees up valuable resources for other important areas.

“Marley also worked with us to maximise the budget we had for the build and provided a high quality, aesthetically pleasing solution that the charity could afford.”


As well as the grey weatherboard cladding used to adorn the exterior walls, the new block has also seen the installation of 199m2 Smooth Grey Edgemere concrete slate tiles on the roofscape. Providing a complementary visual appeal that sits perfectly with the surrounding landscape, part of the project planning process included Marley suppling Edgemere tile samples to ensure that the grey specification would match the existing roofing colour on the original building.

As part of its holistic support, Marley also recommended MKM Derby as the roofing contractors and the project was completed on time and within budget.

Future plans

After being so impressed with the benefits delivered by the weatherboard cladding, and the aesthetics of the Edgemere tiles, Jem now plans to use the same specifications on three new accommodation blocks, which will be constructed when budgets allow.

“I hope to eventually replace the sides on the main building, and Marley’s weatherboard is an affordable and high-performing solution, which we will specify for the next three new blocks, as well as for our original building when we have the opportunity. It is durable and weatherproof and is ideal for the rural setting of the holiday camp. When installed, it looks really impressive, and the fact we do not then have to pay attention to it from a maintenance perspective is extremely beneficial for us.”

Charities need the support of companies, such as Marley, to help provide the facilities they require to help make a practical difference, something Jem Hudson is well aware of.

He concludes: “I have had a relationship with Marley for over a decade now, and the new accommodation block is the latest in a long line of successful projects we have worked on together.  Their roof tile and cladding offering is great, delivering affordable and long-lasting solutions.

“Together with the design, supply chain and technical support we have enjoyed, it makes for a great collaborative effort. Everyone is delighted with the end result, and we look forward to commencing work on the other new blocks when we are financially able to.”

GEC Anderson Stainless Steel Worktops with ultra thin edge profile

Building Products Index Ltd Stainless Steel, Stainless Steel, Stainless Steel Worktops, Worktops Leave a Comment

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View the Yellow Kitchen Hackney Case Study

A recent worktop installation by GEC Anderson reflects the strong design intent of a spacious London kitchen. Featuring prominent yellow cabinets that sit below the made to measure stainless steel worktops, the kitchen also has bare plaster walls and brightly glazed floor tiles.

Thin worktop edge profiles add to the dramatic look as does the ‘Patina’ surface finish of the worktops that was chosen to match the [stainless steel] window system. Matching window sils, splashbacks and planter area were also included in this highly individualistic design creation.

As with most renovations, walls and angles were irregular. GEC Anderson were instructed to template and install their worktops which fitted perfectly.

Founded in England in 1962, GEC Anderson has pioneered the development of made-to-measure stainless steel products. Today, the company’s range also includes standard and modular stainless steel options. Products include sinks, worktops, cabinets, shelving, splashbacks, doors and sanitaryware for use in domestic, commercial and specialist environments. All products are manufactured to ISO 9001 and backed by a comprehensive support service from planning and product specification to installation and maintenance.

Axis Entrance Systems Case Study: Intensive Care Unit Redevelopment at Homerton University Hospital, in Hackney

Building Products Index Ltd automatic, Automatic door, Automatic door system, Automatic Entrance Doors, Doors Leave a Comment

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INDUSTRY: Healthcare

CLIENT: Homerton Healthcare NHS Trust Foundation

CONTRACTOR: Quinn London

ARCHITECT: Hunters

PROJECT:

The redevelopment and upgrade of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Homerton University Hospital, in Hackney, East London, to significantly increase the hospital’s capacity for accommodating critical care patients.

Working within the existing hospital footprint, this redevelopment and refurbishment included a reworking of the space to include:

• Six new isolation bed bays

• Areas for relatives

• A simulation suite

Our brief was to supply and install the doors to the six new isolation bays, as well as several glazed screens.

CHALLENGES:

The two big challenges for this project were the space constraints and working in close proximity to live clinical areas within this busy hospital.

SOLUTION:

Working closely with the project’s architects, Hunters and main contractor Quinn London, six Manusa bi-parting hermetic doors with integral blinds were specified.

The Manusa bi-parting hermetic sliding doors combine the advantages of an automatic door with the airtightness and hygiene required in clinical settings – perfect for healthcare environments.

Other features of these doors include:

  • The highest classification for air permeability
  • Maximum safety systems for people & operation
  • Obstruction-detection systems with automatic reopening & unlock for manual opening in power cuts

Additionaly, we fitted several glazed screens of various dimensions.

OUTCOME:

Our Manusa bi-parting hermetic sliding doors and the glazed panels supported the vision and work of the architects, Hunters and main contractor Quinn London by providing these significant benefits:

  • Excellent light transfer to maximise the feeling of spaciousness
  • Flexibility for clear patient/staff visibility or patient privacy withthe integrated blinds
  • Improved infection prevention with the hermetic doors
  • Improved protection from the door safety devices
  • An attractive, efficient & improved environment for staff, patients & visitors

“The Axis team was always at hand to engage with us as designers and explore appropriate solutions and the doors looked great”

Tim Ashton, Director at Hunters

T: 01604 212500         W: www.axisentrances.com

Cedral colour collections and style choices for contemporary homes

Building Products Index Ltd Facade Leave a Comment

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A sophisticated choice for contemporary homes, Cedral facades come in two different styles with a choice of two finishes in 21 curated eye-catching shades.

  • Cedral Lap is designed so the planks overlap when installed to create a traditional clapboard aesthetic
  • Cedral Click is a tongue and groove material which creates a modern, flush fitting facade

Both styles are offered in a choice of woodgrain and smooth finishes, while the recently launched Cedral Colour Collection collated focus group feedback with scientific colour research to create a chic, up-to-date colour range created for the way consumers live today.

Discover the Cedral Collections

Four distinct living styles have been created for the Collections using complementary palettes to make it easy for customers to match colour choices to their lifestyle and personality.

The Design Collection creates a modern impact using a monochromatic palette to make a bold design statement.

Who is it for? It will appeal to modern consumers and trend setters living in contemporary homes with clean lines.

Colour palette: Stylish black, white and a range of greys, from silver to steel and platinum.

The Natural Collection’s palette is guided by nature to create homes in perfect harmony with their surroundings.

Who is it for? Nature lovers and home birds with a strong sustainability ethos are drawn to this look.

Colour palette: A warm blend of earthy browns, sea blue, sand yellow and pearl grey.

The Classic Collection epitomes elegance through a harmonious palette selected to create uplifting, inviting homes.

Who is it for? Traditionally minded and family orientated, this consumer’s home is a soothing intimate space.

Colour palette: A classic mix of blue, green, grey, brown and subtle whites.

The Expressive Collection’s rich palette is designed to complement and contrast to create unique and characterful homes.

Who is it for? Expressives love to reveal their personality through their homes, mixing old and new to striking effect and creating eye-catching spaces.

Colour palette: A unique fusion of metal green, brick red, walnut brown and distinctive greys.

Read more about The Cedral Collections here

Award-winning and loved in the market

Testament to its success, The Cedral Collection was selected the winner of the prestigious 2024 Livingetc Style Award for Best Exterior Cladding. The industry-leading Livingetc magazine said: “Out of the numerous outstanding entries we received, your design delighted the judges and emerged as the deserving recipient”.

Cedral products also offer:

  • Long-lasting durability:our fibre cement facades and roofing materials have a minimum life expectancy of 50 years
  • Low maintenance upkeep:fibre cement doesn’t rot, rust, warp or crack and is fire, insect, bacteria and algae resistant; it doesn’t need painting and is easy to clean
  • Easy-to-install products: with dry fitting roofing processes and all-in-one cladding solutions
  • Sustainable options:we focus our business towards building a more sustainable world for those around us. Find out more

Visit www.cedral.world for more information