BPindex blog | The Largest Building Products directory in the uk

Sustaining the future – more than half of consumers want homes of the future to be built with environmentally-friendly materials

Building Products Index Ltd June 25, 2019 Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

New research has revealed that more than half of consumers believe it is important that their home is made using environmentally-responsible materials.

Conducted by Eurocell plc, the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC-U window, door, conservatory and roofline systems, the research looked into consumer attitudes towards sustainable building.When asked about their preferred sustainability features, consumers identified double/triple glazing as the most appealing (58%), followed by solar panels (35%), energy efficient appliances (34%) and the use of recycled and sustainable building products (22%).

One of the key drivers behind this trend is the implementation of sustainability features by developers, which are regularly being incorporated into housebuilding voluntarily rather than as a result of legislation.

Explaining this trend, Steve Marshall, Architect Director and Head of Housing at BDP commented: “Some of our local authority clients like to be seen as leading the way and pushing standards when it comes to sustainability. They need to be seen to be doing the right thing and as such will go above and beyond minimum requirements. It might take time for this to impact the standards that others build to, but this may happen as buyers start to ask why the council is offering something that private developers are not.”

Whilst housing developers are pushing this trend currently, a group of architects presented with these statistics believe that consumer and tenant demand is likely to be a driver for sustainable development in the future. Despite this increased awareness it was highlighted by the architects that, for homes to become more sustainable, consumers need more education on what sustainability actually means in housing.

James Roberts, Project Architect at SimpsonHaugh, said: “It comes down to what is tangible. People understand the concept of double glazing and smart meters, for example. However, if you look at the sustainability credentials of the materials used, or how air tight a home is, these are less tangible yet can have an equally significant impact on how sustainable a home is. As such, willingness to invest in some ‘sustainable design features’ is likely to increase as the public’s understanding of them does. Some they will already be investing in, without appreciating it.”

What’s clear is that sustainability means different things to different people across the housebuilding industry. As such it is critical that the sector works to both understand, and meet, the expectations of future homeowners – especially as they become increasingly educated in this area.

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

Profab Access Ahead of the Curve with Fire Testing

Building Products Index Ltd June 25, 2019 Access Panels Leave a Comment

View the Profab Access entry on BPindex

Visit the Profab Access website

Profab Access Ltd, part of the Access 360 portfolio, is prioritising fire safety in buildings with the introduction of fire testing for both sides of its 4000 Series riser door range.

Established in 2001, Profab Access Ltd is a leading UK manufacturer of wall and ceiling access panels and riser doors. The company employs a team of 71 and operates from a 46,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and distribution facility in Atherstone, Warwickshire. All aspects of the design and manufacturing process are carried out onsite.

Profab has been working with the global testing, inspection and certification company, Warrington Fire, for several years and has the CERTIFIRE independent third party certification for its 4000 Series riser doors, 8000 Series access panels for tiled walls, 1000 Series access panels and steel doors. The 4000 and 8000 Series ranges are available with up to a 4 hour CERTIFIRE rating.

Since the Grenfell Tower fire the issue of fire safety has dominated the construction sector. Following the Hackitt Review and the subsequent Government Implementation Plan, published in December 2018, four key areas were highlighted for improvement, including “Clearer standards and guidance, and product safety”.

James Fisher, Managing Director of Access 360, comments, “From our perspective actions speak louder than words. In the spirit of the Hackitt Review we wanted to ‘start living the cultural shift’and to lead the industry by investing in testing and certification because we believe it’s the right thing to do and not just because it’s a legal requirement.”

“Fire testing from both sides is a significant investment on our part, in terms of time and cost. It takes nearly twice as long to test from both sides, requires two doors to be tested on opposite sides and doubles the cost of the testing and certification process. The benefit to our customers is that they can have absolute confidence that when they specify a Profab fire rated riser door its performance has been tested and independently verified above and beyond what is legally required.”

“We want all our customers to have this level of peace of mind and it is our intention to conduct fire testing from both sides on all the products in the Profab range. Testing on the 1000 Series access panels is already under way.”

Warrington Fire, now a part of the Element Group, is a UKAS accredited laboratory which specialises in fire resistance testing for passive fire protection products. The testing process is stringent, from start to finish. The testing personnel from Warrington Fire come to the Profab Access manufacturing facility to personally select the riser doors they wish to test. Both the doors and frames are signed by the testers to ensure the correct products are delivered to them for testing.

Once at the laboratory the riser doors are tested to BS EN 1634-1:2014+A1:2018, the standard for fire resistance and smoke control. The testing process involves the riser doors being held in a rig in front of a kiln. The size of the rig, 3 metres high by 3 metres wide, enables testing of single, double or triple riser doors to be carried out.

The riser doors are tested to measure the integrity of the door and frame when subjected to fire. The process involves ensuring that flaming cannot occur on the unexposed face of the door for longer than 10 seconds and that a 25 mm rod cannot be passed through the specimen. The transfer of radiant heat though the surface of the doors is also measured. Limiting the transmission of heat from one side of the door to the other to protect building occupants so they can safely exit the building is paramount.

Amendments have already been made to the Building Regulations Approved Document B (Fire Safety), notably the ban on combustible cladding on all new buildings over 18 metres in height. Further changes are expected as a result of the call for evidence for the technical review of Approved Document B, which closed in March. By taking the lead in fire testing both sides of the 4000 Series riser doors Profab Access is future proofing the products being used in the construction sector. When it comes to riser doors building professionals now have the opportunity to specify products that exceed the legal requirements.

To find out more about the range of fire rated products available from Profab Access please visit www.profabaccess.com or call the Technical team on 01827 719051.

A NEW ART IN SECTIONAL GARAGE DOORS

Building Products Index Ltd June 25, 2019 Garage Doors Leave a Comment

View the Hörmann entry on BPindex

Visit the Hörmann website

Europe’s leading door manufacturer, Hörmann UK, has launched its new aluminium frame sectional garage door (ART 42).

The new sectional garage door has been manufactured based on Hörmann’s impressive industrial product range, offering outstanding durability and longevity. The ART 42 model features an aluminium frame and diverse infill offering, from synthetic double pane grey tinted glazing to perforated stainless steel. With the option of including a thermal break, the new design of the sectional garage door provides professionals and their clients with enhanced performance.

While thermal efficiency is increasingly a top priority for architects and specifiers, aiding clients in reducing long term energy costs, the opportunity to create a property that has real kerb appeal appearance is also an important factor in the initial design and specification process. The ART 42 range is available with 11 infill variations, which maximises the available natural light, as well as improving ventilation for parking in larger garages that house multiple vehicles.

In terms of aesthetics, Hörmann UK’s ART 42 can be coated in one of 15 preferred colours, as well as providing specifiers with the option to colour match to complementary building products, such as entrance doors. This supports architects in achieving a cohesive and visually striking look across the entire exterior of the property, with the ART 42 aluminium frame door also offering the ability to be constructed as a complementary side garage door.

As well as launching its ART 42 aluminium frame sectional garage door, Hörmann UK has also launched 24 new Duragrain finishes, which allows professionals to move away from the look and style of traditional garage doors. The fresh approach provides specifiers with the flexibility to create a bepsoke exterior to a property, without compromising on quality or durability. Architects and specifiers are able to select from a comprehensive range of contemporary and traditional finishes, from concrete to whitewashed oak.

Duragrain is Hörmann’s innovative digital printing technique, which contains a protective exterior coating to the door for an ultra scratch-resistant finish, as well as protecting the surface of the door from the weathering effects of the environment.

Hörmann UK’s latest ranges are all available on the newly updated Architect’s Programme, which provides real-time collaboration between architects, engineers and contractors to streamline and support the design process. As well as this, the Architect’s Programme provides its users with the required data at all stages, from planning, to final phases of the build for its industrial, commercial and domestic product ranges.

To access the Duragrain and ART 42 BIM and CAD files on the Architects’ Programme and to start collaborating smarter, visit: https://www.hormann.co.uk/architects/architecture-consultation/architects-programme/.

ALTRO SERENADE REDUCES NOISE AND INCREASES COMFORT AT NEW £17M REACH FREE SCHOOL

Building Products Index Ltd June 25, 2019 acoustic flooring, Flooring, Rubber, Safety, Vinyl Leave a Comment

View the Altro entry on BPindex

Visit the Altro website

Altro Serenade™ acoustic flooring has been used throughout the new £17 million Reach Free School, in Rickmansworth, providing the highest level of sound reduction and comfort underfoot.

The newly-constructed school has created places for 840 secondary level students in a cutting-edge environment. Architect ADP created a very modern design for the school, and reducing noise throughout the new building was a priority.

ADP Associate Director, Neil Lister, said: “Our concept for the school was an open plan space with a lot of openings that connect the various floors. This meant the potential for noise and reverberation throughout the school was quite high, and we wanted to find ways to reduce that.

“We consulted an acoustician at the early stages of our design, and were advised that a flooring with an acoustic rating greater than 17dB would give us significant reduction in noise from footfall, chairs scraping in the classrooms and overall background noise volume.

“The school itself specified vinyl flooring rather than carpet, for robustness and ease of cleaning. It was also important for the school that the flooring would bring comfort underfoot.”

Altro Serenade flooring was recommended by Horizontal Limited, which installed the product. MD Jonathan Bown explained: “We needed a floor that not only had a high acoustic rating, but was also great looking, hard wearing, stylish, contemporary and very comfortable underfoot. I have been working with Altro for nearly 25 years and I knew they had a product that would fit the bill and that quality would be guaranteed.

“At 3.9mm thick and with 19dB impact sound insulation, Altro Serenade fit the brief perfectly. It’s ideal for this type of busy, noisy environment where there is a great deal of foot traffic. Many manufacturers struggle to make good acoustic flooring that doesn’t mark or indent but, with Altro Serenade, Altro has cracked this issue with a superb quality product.

“I love this flooring and would fit it every day. It’s sublime looking, with a very luxurious look and feel that raises a floor above the ordinary. It has a great colour palette – the school selected the shade Encore; a pale grey with a good textural design that will hide marks and scuffs over time. It’s a good colour base which complements the strong school colours of teal blue and purple.

“For the installer it’s a very easy floor to work with and fit, and a vital point is that it withstands the immense wear and tear during installation and construction. Some types of flooring have to be replaced even before the project is handed over to the client, because it gets so scratched and damaged during the build. This can add a great deal of cost to a project. But Altro Serenade never marks or scratches and stays looking pristine throughout.

“We laid just over 1,500m²of the flooring on the ground and first floor in all communal areas, stairs and classrooms, and it makes a huge impact on the whole look of the building. It looks stunning. People don’t fully appreciate how important a flooring can be for wellbeing and overall effect, but I was there the day the new school opened and I was blown away by how the flooring lifted the whole space.”

The new Reach Free School was built by Willmott Dixon. Senior Surveyor Iain Charnley commented: “We work closely with Altro and have a long-term supply agreement with them, so we know they are a trusted and professional company. Their ability to supply us with Altro Serenade quickly was vital and enabled us to complete the project on time under very tight deadlines. Their overall service and co-operation with us was also superb.

“The school was very involved in the selection of Altro Serenade and the headteacher wanted to put it through its paces before he gave the go-ahead. He was doubtful it could withstand the rigours of school life, so together we put it through some pretty tough ‘kick’ tests. This involved repeated kicking to see how quickly it would scuff. He was surprised and very impressed that is stood up to this treatment extremely well and it passed with flying colours.”

Richard Booth, Headteacher at The Reach Free School, is thrilled with his new school and how the Altro flooring is contributing to the look and feel of the space.

He said: “The school looks wonderful, the students and staff are very happy, and I must say that everyone who comes to look around comments on the flooring more than anything else. They assume it’s carpet, because it looks so smart, and they are astounded when I tell them it’s vinyl. The floor has pattern to it, which not only makes it look great, but it helps to hide marks. In terms of overall quality, it really is a huge cut above the other vinyl flooring we were looking at.

“In terms of comfort and noise reduction Altro Serenade is really helping, and anything that damps down the volume that the students create here is a huge plus for wellbeing. We find that furniture doesn’t mark the flooring, which means we can be so much more flexible in arranging the internal spaces without fear of damaging the flooring.

“I needed to be happy in my own mind that the flooring was tough enough for the continuous footfall, mud, dirt and potential scuffing it would be subjected to, so I put on my skiddiest shoes and took some time to see what it was made of. I struggled to make any marks on it, and I was amazed that a flooring that looked so good could also be practical and hard wearing.

“It cleans very well too, and comes up like new every time. I would recommend this flooring to anyone that wants a hard-wearing, great looking modern solution that also helps to reduce noise and increase comfort in the environment.”

A brand-new sports hall with an authentic wooden façade look

Building Products Index Ltd June 25, 2019 Cladding Leave a Comment

View the Rockpanel entry on BPindex

Visit the Rockpanel website

Since February 2019, residents in the commune of Celles-en-Hainaut in Belgium can do sports, dance or take yoga classes in a brand-new sports hall with a look that clearly stands out from the rest. What makes this complex so unique? The building façade and the Rockpanel Woods boards that are applied. The façade panels stand out thanks to the variety in colours and dimensions.

Just next to the Maison de l’Entité in Celles, a municipal park and five outdoor sports areas, stood an old, dilapidated building in need of a face-lift. Architect Michel Meyrant went for a contemporary design that is perfectly integrated into the rural surroundings. It was quite a challenge, as the two main buildings were made of traditional materials such as brick and typical roof tiles while another more recent building consisted of concrete and corrugated sheets.

Rockpanel Woods available with A2 fire class rating.

Four designs from the Rockpanel Woods range were used for the new sports hall: Ceramic oak, Carbon oak, Rhinestone oak and Slate oak. The ‘treehouse school’ (NL) was a great source of inspiration. The panels with authentic wood designs were applied to the façade in various thicknesses and sizes to create a playful effect. A first for A3MENUISERIE, the company that applied the façade cladding: “The installation was more than unusual. We cut the panels to various dimensions in our workshop (heights of 30, 27, 21 and 14 cm) and then mixed up the colours and thicknesses. It resulted in a unique design.”

Rockpanel Woods façade boards are made from compressed basalt stone fibres with a water based paint. The boards are robust, and durable and self-cleaning. They are as easy to install as if they were made of real wood – they are light weight and can be cut and installed with traditionally tools also used for wood. Rockpanel Woods are available with A2 fire rating and can therefore complies with newest UK fire regulations.

An extraordinary project

The building really catches the eye. Day and night! Michel Meyrant: “The sports hall is naturally lit by large aluminium windows fitted with awnings. These give the building a contemporary look and support the comfort of the users. In the evening, the façades are enlightened by LED spotlights.” The sports hall includes a multipurpose room for various sports activities (dance, yoga, gymnastics, etc.), three changing rooms, a bar with a storage area, public toilets and a toilet for the disabled.

Everyone involved in the project is extremely satisfied with the end result. “It’s a really lovely building and a great reference for our company,” A3MENUISERIE concludes.

Do you want more information about Rockpanel Woods façade boards or order a sample?

https://www.rockpanel.co.uk/products-overview/nature-facades/rockpanel-woods/?selectedCat=documentation#Assortment&Samples

New Antracite Grey Flat Glass Rooflights from just £379

Building Products Index Ltd June 24, 2019 Rooflights Leave a Comment

Visit the Rooflights and Skylights website

Maximise the daylight in a property with Lunaglaze modular fixed glass rooflights, designed to fit directly to a builder’s timber kerb or a with a supplied PVC kerb.

This easy-to-install solution has a PVC glass construction with fully sealed double-glazed units and delivers a combined unit U-Value of 1.26 W/m²K.

Supplied in a stylish Anthracite grey finish, it is available in 14 stock sizes to ensure fast dispatch, including next-day delivery, and comes with a 5-year warranty. Available fixed, manually hinged & electrically hinged from both the top only and supplied kerb options.

Make a room feel bigger, lighter and airier with this cost-effective flat glass solution, which allows optimum natural light into a space.

Order from just £379 today at www.rooflights-skylights.co.uk.

Lunaglaze at a glance:

NEW Anthracite Grey finish – external
Clear glazing
Double glazed Toughened/Laminated glass
Fixed, manual or electric hinged options
Combined Unit U-Value 1.26 W/m²K
Carriage paid (no additional carriage charge)
Can be installed to a builder’s upstand or Lunaglaze proprietary upstand
14 stocked sizes for next day delivery
5-year warranty

For advice on the right rooflight for your project, contact us on 0800 019 4493

Our Technical Team can also provide advice and support on industry policy and regulations, as well as give guidance on the most thermally efficient way to introduce natural light into your project.

Building materials for safer future

Building Products Index Ltd June 24, 2019 Waterproof Membranes 1 Comment

View the Delta Membrane entry on BPindex

Visit the Delta Membrane website

Delta Membrane cavity drain systems type C waterproofing

David J Symes, Delta’s Technical Director gives thought to fire safety following the findings of the Hackitt Report

The Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 was the deadliest structural fire in the United Kingdom for almost 20 years. Since the Grenfell Tower tragedy, fire has been under public inquiry. May 2018 saw Dame Judith Hackitt present to Parliament and challenge construction, that an urgent and comprehensive review of our building regulations and fire safety was required with immediate effect.

In the wake of 72 people losing their lives, Dame Hackitt called for wholesale culture change in the construction industry and a regulatory system that assigned responsibility and held people to account.

In all, her report contained 53 recommendations and she warned at the time that the industry should not be allowed to pick and choose which to implement; there should be no compromises with people’s safety ever again.

What are Building regulations, and why are they so important?

Building regulations ensure that new buildings, renovations, extensions and conversions both in domestic and/or commercial structures are going to be safe, healthy and high-performing. Regulations also cover specific topics within the built sector: structural integrity, fire protection, accessibility, gas safety, electrical, energy performance, acoustic performance and protection against falls.

Standards which are particularly aimed at basements and below ground structures are: protection against the ingress of water, protection against contamination (including methane, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and radon gas), ventilation, drains, along with others.

Building regulation approval is required for the construction, adaptation and extension of all basements and below ground structures.

How do you apply for Building Regulation approval?

Applying for building regulation approval is a relatively straightforward process. Application can easily be made to [your] local building control team by email or via their online portal.

The Basement Information Centre offers a comprehensive guidance and in-depth analysis on all building regulations related to basement construction, I would strongly recommend this publication to anyone seeking a valuable resource (www.https://www.basements.org.uk/TBIC/Building-Legislation/Building-Regulations.aspx).

EuroClass Fire Resistance Rating

Reaction to fire, often called the EuroClass system gives building products a classification. The ‘Reaction to fire’ classes tests three properties of the building material: spread of fire, smoke intensity and burning droplets. Most building materials sold on the European market must be assigned a file indicating its fire resistance based on a EuroClass rating system. There are 7 EuroClasses of reaction to fire performance for construction products which extend from A1 to F. I would strongly recommend any designer, specifier or constructor to check the source of products you are planning to specify, use or install. All manufacturers should be able to provide you with their Product Fire EuroClass rating, CE Mark Certification and Declarations of Performance (DoP) as a minimum.

Fire Safety –The Importance of Fire-Resistant Construction Materials

It is essential for building products to meet a variety of performance requirements. Depending on the type of material and its intended application, specific fire performance properties are tested.

The Building Research Establishment (BRE) offer a wide range of fire resistance testing (from British to European fire test standards) for construction industries for the purpose of complying to UK Building Regulations or for European Classification and CE Marking.

Delta undertook this service many years ago. In fire testing our products we can have a better understand how they perform during a fire. The benefits of these fire resistance assessments allow us to share with designer’s test data to ensure safe future construction.

Fire Resistant Design Considerations in Basements/Below Ground Structures

Important considerations should be given when designing a basement or below ground structure on how it will behave during the event of fire. Whilst a basement is not counted when assessing the numbers of storeys of a property for fire resistance and means of escape, it should be factored into design and be a key consideration. Typically, 30 minutes fire resistance is required for a two-storey house over a basement, which increases to 60 minutes where the number of storeys is four or more.

Designers should consult the relevant approved documents to check requirements related to their specific design and for other housing types.

Fire separation between a basement and upper storeys is required if the height of the top floor is more than 4.5 metres above the lowest external ground level. This situation is only likely to occur in two-storey dwellings if the basement floor level is less than 1.2m below the external ground level or located on a very sloping site.

The walls and floor between garages and houses also require 30 minutes fire separation which also applies if located in a basement.

Ground floor flats or maisonettes with a basement level and direct main entrances require no fire separation over and above typical fire separation between apartments.

Means of escape

Habitable rooms in basements require a safe means of escape. The maximum distance that people must travel, from any point in a building to a place of safety, is usually termed the “travel distance”. A safe means of escape from a basement could be provided by the main staircase of a structure, provided it is protected and connected to a final exit. Alternatively, escape can be provided by an additional stair offering an alternative final exit. Escape through windows is permissible if designed to permit escape as defined by the building regulations.

It is worth noting that non-habitable rooms in basements, such as kitchens, utility rooms and bathrooms can be classed as inner-rooms and depending upon the layout of the structure may not require separate means of escape.

It is permissible to exit into gardens or courtyards, provided they have an exit to a place of safety or are greater in area than the height of the structure.

Thank you for reading our article, if you have a question or would like to find out about structural waterproofing or installing a Delta Membrane System, we are happy to provide CAD drawings and information relating to waterproofing and gas proofing solutions in accordance with British Standard 8102:2009, and 8485+A1:2019 give us a call on 01992 523 523 or email info@deltamembranes.com.

Balconette’s Frameless Juliet Balconies

Building Products Index Ltd June 24, 2019 Balcony Systems Leave a Comment

View the Balconette entry on BPindex

Get an online price for a Frameless Juliet Balcony

Balconette’s Frameless Glass Juliet Balconies comprise just a single sheet of glass with two slim, elegant side profiles. They are a highly aesthetic offering for a balcony guarding solution.

Utilising 21.5mm laminated and toughened glass and offering 8 standard sizes that range in width from 1280mm to 3200mm with a 5-working-day manufacturing lead time, Balconette has designed an ideal solution for a Frameless Juliet Balcony. Custom sizes are also offered up to 3300mm, with a 30-day lead time.

A frequent request amongst architects, designers and customers, the end result is a stunning, beautifully designed product with absolutely zero obstruction from the inside that also complements any building from the outside.

CRITTALL WINDOWS FEATURES AGAIN AT SILVER GILT WINNING SHOW GARDEN AT RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

Building Products Index Ltd May 30, 2019 Steel, Windows Leave a Comment

View the Crittall entry on BPindex

Visit the Crittall website

For the second year running, Witham-based Crittall Windows has had one of its iconic steel framed windows featured at a Silver Gilt Medal winning show garden, at this May’s world-famous RHS Chelsea Garden Show.

A Crittall Corporate W20 window, glazed using glass created by artist Wendy Newhofer, was a distinctive feature in the Warner’s Distillery Garden, designed by Helen Elks-Smith and built by Bowles and Wyer, and which won the prestigious Silver Gilt Medal.

The RHS explains: “This sheltered garden provides a relaxed space for socialising and engaging with family and friends. Central to the design is an impressive sheltered courtyard referencing the pastoral setting of Falls Farm,
the heart of Warner’s Gin Distillery in rural Northamptonshire.”

The show garden’s designer Helen Elke-Smith comments:
“We were looking for a window which reflects and complement our design for The Warner’s Distillery Garden, We found that Crittall windows suited this style well.

“We love the lightness of the design which contrasts well with the stronger elements within the garden, referencing modern design aesthetics, but with a nod to the earlier, mid-20th Century modern movement.”

At last year’s show, a minimalist style Crittall window was a striking feature in Hay Joung Hwang’s ‘Eco-City garden, which also was a winner of the Silver Gilt Medal.

Designed with modern living in mind, Crittall Windows’ doors and screens provide a sense of space, light, understated beauty, clean lines, subtle detailing and excellent technical properties. The window this year for the
garden sponsored by Warner’s Distillery, was supplied and installed by Crittall.

Crittall Corporate W20 windows and doors are unrivalled for their versatility and extensive range of sections, which allow the designer to create many styles, including elaborate composite windows.

Jaga Clima Canal allows for two additional floors in luxury high rise residential

Building Products Index Ltd May 30, 2019 Heating, Ventilation Leave a Comment

View the Jaga entry on BPindex

Visit the Jaga website

Telus Garden is a mixed-use development located in Vancouver’s bustling downtown area. Comprising two buildings, one is home to a variety of businesses including the national headquarters of telecommunications giant Telus, and the other consists of luxury apartments. With sustainability a critical consideration, the developers needed a heating and cooling system to meet a high level of energy-efficiency. Having considered a variety of systems, including underfloor heating, specifiers struck upon a solution from Jaga which would add an additional two floors of apartments to the building.

Overview

Telus Garden is a 22-storey, one million square foot office mixed-use redevelopment project that was designed to meet high internationally recognised standards for environmental sustainability.

The buildings have an energy-efficient heat-recovery system, solar arrays, and rooftop gardens, among other green features. Its environmental credentials were recognised when the Canada Green Building Council awarded the development the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification – the highest rating a building can receive.

With energy efficiency a key requirement, the developers needed a solution that could work with the onsite district energy system—meaning it must function at low water temperatures and high chilled water temperatures. Furthermore, a compact solution was required which could still promote lasting comfort for building occupants in the rapidly changing Vancouver climate.

After careful consideration, Jaga was chosen as the ideal partner to deliver a fast, sustainable heating and cooling solution for the building.

Solution

To meet the multiple needs of Telus Garden, specifiers opted to install more than 1900 of Jaga’s Clima Canal Hybrid heating and cooling units throughout the building. The Clima Canals are integrated seamlessly by installing the units into a raised floor around the perimeter of the offices and the apartments. Crucially, the units work perfectly in conjunction with the onsite district energy system to help reduce overall energy consumption.

The Clima Canal Hybrid units feature a continuous aluminum grille with six millimeters of open spacing to prevent even the slimmest high heels from getting caught. Since the unit operates at low-water temperatures, it is able to react quickly to temperature changes, enabling occupants to stay comfortable regardless of internal or external heat loads.

In conjunction with the Telus Garden onsite energy system, the Clima Canals help the building to reduce energy demand by an estimated 80 percent. Additionally, since the Clima Canal Hybrid creates a curtain of air between windows and heat generated by the radiator, overall heat loss and condensation are reduced.

Since the Clima Canal Hybrid units are built into the floor, there is no obstruction of the panoramic views of Vancouver the building offers for its occupants. The space saving design of the Clima Canal Hybrid also allows for additional furniture or conference room seating in offices. What’s more, because the developers opted for Clima, rather than underfloor heating, they were able to add an additional two floors of apartments to the building.

Quote

Cyrus Kangarloo, Jaga engineer and HVAC system advisor, said: “The heating and cooling system used in this project capitalises on the primary strength of the Clima Canal—energy efficiency. The Telus is a great example of how our products work seamlessly with other energy efficient systems.”

Page 93 of 137
←
1
...
92
93
94
...
137
→