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Tree grilles

Shouting from the tree tops: The benefits of tree pits

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The specification of trees within an urban area can provide many benefits, including improving inhabitants’ mental and physical wellbeing, to filtering urban pollutants and aiding the offset of carbon emissions.

However, the planting of trees within landscaped or paved exterior public spaces can also present a range of potential complications that must be considered at the very initial design stages. Here Chris George, Business Development Manager at Howe Green, explores the wide ranging benefits tree pits and tree grilles offer and the key elements specifiers should consider.

Whilst the planting of trees in urban location can contribute to the reduction of the city or town’s carbon footprint, it is essential any trees or saplings are planted within the provision of a healthy and secure environment.

This will ensure the successful nurture and facilitation of the trees’ long term growth, with adequate root management, access to water and the condition of the soil all essential elements that must be considered.

External tree pits and tree grilles present a popular choice as they can successfully alleviate the potentially negative effects an urban environment can have on a living organism, whilst simultaneously providing inconspicuous access to electrics, valves, pumps and water features.

Tree pits and tree grilles also prevent any potential damage to the urban environment as the tree roots are securely managed within the tree root ball. This eliminates the opportunity for the roots to spread up and across the landscape, where they could cause damage to the flooring and present a dangerous trip hazard.

When specifying tree pit covers for upcoming landscaping projects, professionals should consider solutions manufactured of stainless steel as they provide long term resistance to rust and corrosion. The addition of a top edge seal also prevents dirt, grout or grinding waste ingress for increased longevity and resilience. This style of tree pit also aims to eliminate the requirement for slither cuts of stone, which often leads to recurrent and often costly breakages.

However, the structural integrity and design of a stainless steel tree pit shouldn’t hinder safe access to the tree root ball. Here, specifiers should consider solutions that utilise lifting keys, facilitating easy ongoing maintenance of the tree root ball without any additional budget, time or resources.

As each urban landscaping project is different from the next, so too must be the approach to the tree pits or tree grilles installed. Custom made specifications will best meet the specific requirements of each individual project, rather than a standard ‘off the shelf’ offering. A bespoke offering will also ensure the type of stone used and the modules or pattern formations featured within the hard landscaping are seamlessly integrated into the covers, providing the highest quality finish available.

The orientation of the tree pits, whether single, multiple or in a duct formation, should be adapted to meet the bespoke requirements of the project, providing a desired visual style without impacting on the long term growth and success of the trees.

Tree grilles also offer the opportunity for the installation of electrical elements such as up lighters, creating an enhanced visual effect. If using tree grilles, stone thickness must also be considered, whilst load bearing for both grilles and pits must be addressed at the specification stage. For example, will the solutions be installed in a high footfall pedestrian area, or will there be vehicles regularly travelling through? This is essential to ensuring the solution is fit for purpose throughout the duration of its lifetime.

By working closely with a manufacturer from the very initial specification stages, landscaping professionals can not only achieve the successful implementation of trees into hard landscaped areas, but ensure their long term growth and maintenance whilst achieving the desired visual aesthetic.

For further information on Howe Green’s complete range of tree pit covers and tree grilles, visit www.howegreen.com or call 01920 463230.

Four reasons why specification is so important within construction

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Four reasons why specification is so important within construction

Comprehensive specification has the ability to minimise risk, improve compliance and save valuable time and money.

Here at Howe Green, working closely with architects to achieve a proficient specification is fundamental to ensuring our floor access solutions are not only fit for purpose, but successfully futureproof each development against new regulations and requirements. The four main areas we focus on are:

  1. Clarity

Howe Green Kings CrossDeveloping a specification provides transparency and precision on exactly what is required. A good specification will have considered the desired performance, suitability of chosen materials, usage of product, aesthetic appearance, installation environment, life expectancy, life cycle impact, sustainability and finally, cost.

All of these factors must be considered at the initial stages to ensure the most appropriate and ecological access solution is specified to best meet the requirements of the individual project. It is vital that the specification of sustainable building components is considered from the earliest possible stages to minimise any potential environmental impact the development may have.

  1. Reduction of risk

An accurate specification helps to ensure compliance with all relevant legislations, while also minimising the risk of a product failing to meet its intended or stated requirements. This also eliminates the potential for future disputes between each involved party, if an issue was to occur.

By ensuring the solutions specified are fit for purpose for the project at hand from the very beginning, it also ensures the long term success of the development and service life of the specific building components.

  1. Reassurance and compliance

Cribbs1As it is an intrinsic part of the contract documentation, the specification is legally binding in the event of any dispute or litigation, providing a clear audit trail of compliance that outlines the specific Building Regulations or Health and Safety legislations that must be adhered to.

If certain aspects of a project do not go to plan, the level of disruption caused can lead to serious ramifications in terms of both time and money. This is where an accurate specification provides a clear audit trail of due diligence, delivering peace of mind for stakeholders and the end client.

  1. Enhanced efficiency

A concise and correct 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, each team is completely aware of their role and expectations throughout the process. An accurate and well-constructed specification will also ensure a ‘right first time’ approach that avoids any costly errors or delays.

Need some help with your specification?

Here at Howe Green, our experienced technical team works closely with each client to provide direct advice and guidance on the specification of its floor access covers, floor doors, linear drainage, tree grilles or bespoke architectural metalwork.

A wide range of technical support is also available to view and download on the Howe Green website. This includes BIM Objects, NBS Specifications, CAD Drawings, Submittal Drawings, Technical Data Sheets, Installation Guides and Brochures.

For further information on Howe Green’s complete range of floor access solutions, visit www.howegreen.com or call 01920 463230.

 

 

A Smart Step-Up for Greenford from Howe Green

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Greenford LUBest known for high-quality access covers for floors, walls and ceilings, UK manufacturer Howe Green also creates bespoke metalwork solutions for a variety of applications. Most recently, the company supplied custom-fabricated staircase risers for refurbishment works at LUL’s Greenford Station, home of the original step-free access project which was re-established with the opening of an innovative incline lift in October 2015.

In response to a request for a competitively priced solution with a fast turnaround, Howe Green supplied over 100 bespoke risers for specialist contractor D&D Rail to install, made to their specification from 316-grade stainless steel and delivered within days.

Howe Green undertakes substantial and ongoing investment in design software and machinery, which enables the accurate and cost-effective manufacture of special purpose access covers, corner guards and trims in unique sizes and shapes, plus tree grilles and pit covers and other metalwork for the architectural building sector.

“Our experience and manufacturing capabilities make it possible for us to act quickly and without having to charge a premium for bespoke work,” commented Richard Centa, Sales and Marketing Director at Howe Green. “From simple metal risings like those at Greenford to complex tree grilles at One Hyde Park, we provide solutions that fit perfectly, helping to save time and money at the installation stage and creating the best result for aesthetics and performance.”