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Howe Green bespoke access covers fit for the challenge at underground station

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Howe Green Ltd, the UK’s leading manufacturer of fabricated metal floor, wall and ceiling access covers, has supplied over 850 specially designed and manufactured floor access covers for an underground station.

Duct Runs Credit copy 2An access solution was required in order to provide safe, secure and easy access to building services concealed beneath the floor within an elevated concourse building.  The Howe Green bespoke duct covers were designed based on the 7500 Series Medium-Duty Floor Access Covers.  With a 69mm depth the access covers were manufactured with an extra thick baseplate and reinforcements to meet the demands of what will be a highly trafficked area.

The access covers were installed by the award winning DMC Contracts Ltd, specialists in the installation of floor finishes.  Over the last fifteen years Howe Green has developed a strategic partnership with DMC for the installation of its access covers and has worked on many projects with DMC.

The covers were infilled with two different types of flooring dependent upon their location. The main duct run in the station concourse uses Conservation Smooth pavings from Marshalls.  The access covers in the other areas of the station are infilled with Granazzo.

The 7500 Series can be also be supplied as a single cover or as a multipart unit.  The duct covers supplied for the underground station were specially made to order however standard sizes are available from stock.   Fire rating is an option with up to a 3 hour fire rating BS 476: Part 20 1987 on stainless steel single covers or 2 hours on duct and multipart covers if required.  The covers can also be supplied double-sealed to meet the highest standards of hygiene and security.

The 7500 Series can withstand up to a 5 tonne pneumatic wheel loading and is resistant to rust and corrosion.

If you have a requirement for an access solution that can rise to the challenge of a highly demanding environment and provide safe and easy access to concealed services please call 01920 463230 or visit www.bilcouk.co.uk.

6 reasons why the specification is so important within construction

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“In our experience, you cannot underestimate the value of a comprehensive specification. It has the ability to minimise risk and uncertainty, improve compliance, as well as saving time and money.”

James Fisher, MD Bilco UK & Howe Green

Circular Access Cover insitu copyCall into either of our offices in Bury St Edmunds or Ware and we guarantee you will hear the “S” word before the kettle has finished boiling to make you that welcoming cuppa!

The specification, and being specified, is fundamental to our ongoing success. Everyone in our team knows and understands that fact.  And, they fight hard to ensure that the Bilco and Howe Green brands are in the frame whenever it comes to the specification of roof hatches, smoke vents, safety ladders, floor doors and floor access covers.

When you are a well-established brand with a track record for quality products and innovative solutions it is easier to get your product specified.  Throw into the mix the depth and breadth of speciality access expertise within our team and you can tick another box off the credentials that architects, specifiers and building services professionals are looking for when it comes to deciding which products to specify.

Why is the specification so critical in our industry?

There are many reasons why buying decisions are based on specification but in our experience these can be distilled into 6 main areas:-

  1. Clarity

Developing a specification provides clarity and precision on exactly what is required. A good specification will have taken into account the desired performance, suitable material, usage of the product, aesthetic appearance, installation environment, life expectancy, life cycle impact and cost.

  1. Minimise risk

An accurate specification helps to minimise the risk of dispute and the potential for legal action on a project further down the line if anything goes awry. As it is an intrinsic part of the contract documentation the specification is legally binding in the event of any dispute or litigation. According to a report by Arcadis the “ value of disputes within the UK construction and engineering industry grew by around a third during 2016 to an average value of £27 million.”

  1. Improve compliance

Statutory compliance is essential to avoid legal implications and penalties. For example the specification can outline which Building Regulations or Health and Safety legislation with which a product needs to comply.

  1. Peace of mind

Given the level of disruption caused when something goes wrong with a project, in terms of time and money, it is surprising that there are still those in the construction sector who do invest in producing a detailed specification. An accurate specification provides an audit trail for a project and can provide peace of mind for stakeholders. The end client has the assurance that due diligence has been followed in the selection of the product.

  1. Enhanced efficiency

A clear and accurate specification enhances efficiency in all aspects of a construction project – from improving channels of communication to providing clear instructions to the team responsible for the delivery of the project.

  1. Saves time and money

Accurate, well-constructed specifications make life easier for everyone involved in a project.

A right first time approach ensures that costly errors and delays can be avoided.

Need some help with your specification?

Pick up the phone and talk to our technical team, we are always happy to help.  If you are specifying roof hatches, smoke vents, safety ladders or floor doors then please speak to the Bilco technical team on 01284 701696.

If you require help with specifying floor access covers, wall hatches, linear drainage, tree grilles or bespoke architectural metalwork then you need to speak with the Howe Green technical team on 01920 463230.

Alternatively take a look at the Downloads and External Resources sections of our product pages to access BIM Objects, NBS Specifications, CAD Drawings, Submittal Drawings, Technical Data Sheets, Installation Guides and Brochures.

 

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – for the stressed and overworked!

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We are all aware that CPD is obligatory for architects in the UK. With Chartered Members of the Royal Institute of British Architects having to undertake 35 hours of learning every year,    20 of which must come from the 10 mandatory RIBA Core Curriculum topics, just how easy is it to satisfy this requirement?

Bilco Carl Sutterby presenting Bilco Access all Areas CPD to CABE South West regionThere are certainly plenty of ways for architects and building services professionals to fulfil their obligation when it comes to CPD.  From reading articles, watching videos, going to seminars and roadshows to participating in workshops, conferences, organised factory tours and courses. It would appear that the opportunities to gain those all-important CPD points are endless. However, when you are a time poor architect trying to achieve some semblance of work life balance it can be challenging.

Stressed and overworked

Just how stressed and overworked architects actually are was highlighted in last year’s AJ Life in Practice Survey.  The survey found that one third of architects were regularly working more than 45 hours per week.  15% of 40-49 year olds were clocking up in excess of 60 hours work per week!  Given that, in England and Wales in 2015, the average age for fathers was 33.2 years old and 30.3 years for women those working the longest hours will also be the ones with young families.  The survey revealed that for those architects with children the impact of having too much work was the biggest concern in their job.

Making the right choices

Against the backdrop of long hours and a culture of high expectations, making the right choices when it comes to CPD is essential.  The most obvious way to guarantee efficient use of time is to select only RIBA assessed and approved CPD presentations.  These presentations have been vetted by RIBA to ensure they meet stringent criteria.  Not only is the quality of the CPD verified, architects can also earn double CPD points if a presentation is RIBA approved.

RIBA Approved CPD from Bilco UK

Bilco was established in the US in 1926 with Bilco UK set up in 1989 to serve the UK and European markets.  Bilco UK is a horizontal access specialist supplying standard and bespoke access solutions including roof access hatches, floor doors, ladders and smoke vents.  Following the acquisition of Howe Green Ltd in March 2017 Bilco UK can now also offer floor, wall and ceiling access covers, panels and hatches, linear drainage and bespoke architectural metalwork.

Bilco UK has run more than 500 CPD presentations over the course of the last decade.  The focus of the Safe Access All Areas RIBA and CPD Certified presentation is on designing an appropriate safe solution for an access requirement.

The CPD is delivered by Bilco UK’s team of experienced Regional Sales Managers and usually takes around one hour.

70% of the CPD presentations are delivered in-house, primarily to architect practices but also more recently to the Building Control departments of local authorities.  By presenting the CPD at the audience’s place of work the time input for the attendees is kept to an absolute minimum.  There is no travel time or expense incurred. The in-house CPD is the most cost and time effective option for busy architects and building services professionals. Visit the website for a list dates and locations for the rest of 2018. http://www.bilcouk.co.uk/cpd-seminars

From Inverness to Redruth

The remaining 30% of the CPD presentations are run as part of an extensive annual programme of ‘Meet the Expert’ CPD events organised by Direct Contract Exhibitions (DCE).  These free roadshows take place across the UK and provide those involved in building and construction with an easy way to keep on top of their CPD.

The events offer a minimum of six CPD eligible problem solving product presentations contributed by leading industry experts, including Bilco UK, on a wide range of specialist topics.  The geographic spread of DCE events attempts to keep travelling time to a minimum and to ensure that there is a relatively “local” session for anyone wishing to attend. Refreshments and lunch are also provided free of charge.

Feedback

The team at Bilco UK take their responsibility in assisting architects and those involved within building services with the enhancement of professional knowledge in the specialised area of safe access very seriously.  In addition to being audited by RIBA, as an approved CPD provider, Bilco UK also use a feedback form to continually assess relevance and delivery standard. Visit the website to read what attendees have to say. http://www.bilcouk.co.uk/cpd-seminars

Further information

If you are interested in organising a Safe Access All Areas CPD presentation for your team please get in touch with the Bilco UK –  call 01284 701696.

If you would like to attend a DCE Meet the Expert event please visit our website to see the programme of events for the rest of 2018. http://www.bilcouk.co.uk/cpd-seminars.

How Bilco’s Natural Smoke and Heat Ventilators are contributing to the overall safety of Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) across the United Kingdom

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There is no doubt that the student population is growing. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) student numbers have almost doubled since 1992.

Despite the referendum result on Brexit, international students still see the UK’s higher education institutions as an attractive investment.  A recent article in Housing Hand reports that university applications from Chinese students have almost doubled over the last decade.  With the sterling – yuan exchange rate 8% lower than before the Brexit referendum this growth is expected to continue.

A Universities UK report, ‘Higher Education in Numbers’, states that in the academic year of 2015/2016 there were 2.28 million students studying in higher education in the UK including 1.75 million undergraduates.

Many of these undergraduates are living in Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) for the duration of their first academic year whilst away from home. This type of accommodation provides excellent opportunities for students to live, work and rest within a space that is operated by staff who provide basic assistance, services and supervision to the building and their occupants.

With so many undergraduate students occupying PBSA the general risk profile is relatively high, particularly when it comes to fire safety.

Data provided by the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) states that during the academic year of 2011/2012, 514 fires were recorded across student accommodation in Great Britain alone. 58% of these fires were said to be due to misuse of cooking appliances!

Research highlights those under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication as also having a higher risk profile.   The National Union of Students (NUS) Research Services found that 66% of students they surveyed had cooked after midnight and 50% had done so under the influence of alcohol.

The research and statistics are sobering. They present a challenge for architects, specifiers and contractors.  When it comes to ensuring a fire strategy that will provide a safe place for students and staff to live and work the emphasis has to be on incorporating trustworthy, operationally reliable, high quality products.   Products that will meet the standards set out in the Building Regulations and the British Standards.

There are different ways in which a fire can start but it is a known fact that fire spread by convection is the most dangerous and causes the largest number of injuries and deaths. When a fire starts in an enclosed space the smoke rises from the fire and gets trapped by the ceiling.  Once trapped the fire spreads in all directions over the entire room space.

Sugarhouse Close - close up of smoke ventBilco’s range of Natural Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilators (NSHEV) products are specifically designed to provide a solution that prevents the excessive build-up of these hot gasses.  By exhausting smoke, Bilco’s NSHEVs reduce the risk to life from smoke inhalation, aid in visibility, provide a means of escape for occupants, protect the building from excessive smoke damage and provides valuable time for firefighters to tackle the blaze.

Bilco’s products have a proven track record and have been specified and installed in numerous student accommodation projects across the UK including developments in Hertfordshire and Edinburgh.

Ninety Bilco UDF-50 REM Natural Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilators (NSHEV) were installed at the College Lane Campus, University of Hertfordshire.   The standard size double leaf smoke vents were fitted by commercial roofing company T R Freeman.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

In Scotland seven Bilco MUGEW-50REM single leaf smoke vents were installed on four blocks of Edinburgh’s prestigious student accommodation – Sugarhouse Close, located just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.  Bilco also supplied OS2 control panels for the smoke vents.  The control panels are dual purpose. The battery backup system ensures that in the event of a mains power loss, the vents will still open due.  The control panel also allows the Fire Officer to manually override the smoke control system if necessary.

Bilco’s NSHEVs are available in standard and customised sizes and form part of an integrated approach to design, construction and fire safety. The range is fully compliant with the Construction Products Regulation 305/2011. Ventilators are supplied CE marked with a Declaration of Conformity and manufactured to meet the demands of Building Regulations, Approved Document B, BS9999 and EN12101-2, guaranteeing a high build quality and a product that is operationally reliable.

If you are designing, specifying or building student accommodation and require quality products, please get in touch by calling 01284 701696 or visit www.bilcouk.co.uk for further information.

Specifying Bilco and Howe Green products for your next project just became even easier

Building Products Index Ltd access covers Leave a Comment

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Leading access brands Bilco and Howe Green have recently launched a new website – www.bilcouk.co.uk.

New website screenshot - BilcoThe website is designed to provide easy access to all the resources an architect, specifier or building services professional would need to include Bilco and Howe Green products in their next project.  The significant investment in the new site acknowledges the importance that Bilco UK attributes to the role of the specification in the construction industry.

Howe Green Ltd, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of floor, wall and ceiling access hatches, was acquired by the ERA Group in March 2017 and incorporated into the Bilco range of horizontal access products to support Bilco’s proposition for “safe access all areas”.

The new website contains the full product range for both brands – Bilco roof access hatches, floor doors, smoke vents, ladders and roof safety products and Howe Green floor access covers, wall access panels, tree grilles and linear drainage.  The website provides a wide range of resources including specifications, submittal drawings and technical data sheets in addition to links to external resources such as NBS specifications and BIM files.

To coincide with the launch of the website a new brochure has been printed.  The brochure contains detailed information on floor access doors, floor access covers, wall and ceiling access and safety ladders.  Again the aim is to make it easier for architects and specifiers to establish the information they need to create an appropriate specification.

Managing Director of Bilco UK Ltd and Howe Green Ltd, James Fisher, comments, “Since the acquisition of Howe Green we have been working to bring the Bilco and Howe Green brands together to deliver our ‘safe access all areas’ proposition.   The new website helps us to present our full range of speciality access products in a way that is not confusing for customers who in the past may have only worked with either Bilco or Howe Green.

“We have brought together two premium quality, long established brand names to deliver a very strong offer to the building services market.  Our goal is to make life easier for architects, specifiers and contractors though a combination of quality products supported by high levels of technical expertise and ease of access to information.”

If you would like to find out more about the Bilco or Howe Green specialty horizontal access products please visit www.bilcouk.co.uk.

New! Sliding Skylight Ventilators and Roof Hatches

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Bilko image 1BILCO UK is pleased to introduce a new line of skylight products for smoke ventilator
and roof top access. The innovative design features a sliding cover that is electrically actuated for fast emergency response or access with just a push of a button. Click here for more information

Sliding Skylight Ventilator Vent

Bilko image 2Skylight ventilators feature an innovative sliding cover design that provides natural daylight and automatic smoke ventilation protection. This CE marked ventilator is readily available in a standard size and custom sizes can be specified.

Natural Smoke Ventilator Models: SKY-1M, SKY-SS

Standard Features and Benefits

  • CE marked skylight ventilators provide natural daylighting and smoke ventilation protection.
  • The unique sliding cover design does not require wind deflectors for smoke ventilation and features a rigid PVC frame with external metal profiles
  • Over-lapping design ensures complete weathertightness
  • The polyester upstand is fully insulated for energy efficiency
  • Low voltage actuator opens and closes the cover in a smooth and controlled motion.

 

Standard Sizes
Type Size (mm)  Overall Dimensions (mm) Weight (kg)
SKY-1M 1000 x 1500 1300 x 1800 170
SKY-SS Special*
* Fabricated to special size requirements. Consult Bilco for sizing.

Guide Specifications

  • Performance Characteristics: Dome has been tested for impact resistance to EN1873 Class SB1200. Operation of the cover shall be through a 24VDC battery backed control system that will open the cover to the fire open position within 60 seconds and be capable of closing the cover. Operation of the cover shall not be affected by temperature. Entire vent shall be weathertight. U-value 1.02 W/m2
  • Cover: Shall be a double-layer thermoformed polycarbonate dome assembled on a fully welded PVC frame, in which a double-layer security glass(classified 2(B)2 according to EN 12600:2004) shall be inserted. Cover shall have extruded EPDM rubber gasket to ensure a continuous seal when compressed in the front and in the back of the vent.
  • Cover Insulation: Not applicable.
  • Curb: Shall be 250 mm in height and of double-layer (internal and external) polyester resin reinforced with fiberglass. The curb shall be formed with a 150 mm flange with 9 mm holes provided for securing to the roof deck.
  • Curb Insulation: Shall be extruded polyurethane of 60mm thickness.
  • Operating Mechanism: 24VDC actuator
  • Finishes:
    • Factory finish shall be:
    • Polycarbonate: Clear Finish
    • Glass: Clear Finish
    • PVC Profiles: White
    • Metal Profiles: White Powder Coating
    • Upstand: White
  • Warranty: 10-year product warranty/ 2-year motor warranty. Contact BILCO for complete warranty details.
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