"water pipes and pipe fittings"

The Portsmouth Ferry Terminal offers all the modern high standards and style of an airport. A full height concourse contains shops, check in desks and the arrival and departure areas. The Ferry terminal achieved a high BREEAM rating through a number of initiatives including the installation of Franke Sissons Stainless Steel Urinals and WC’s connected with the unique A3000 Open Water Management System. The use of dual flush touch free controls to flush the 4 litre WC and using sea water for flushing further reduced the water consumption of the building.

Our latest distributor story looks at how Borg & Overström’s recent innovation in point of use water dispensing, the E6, was able to meet the brief from DHL in Dubai to provide a premium, bottle-free, sustainable drinking water solution for their staff.

Located at the first locks of the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal, the second phase of the £1bn Middlewood Locks development in Salford delivers 546 apartments across 4 new buildings with private podium gardens. Phase 2 of the development is part of the wider mixed-use scheme to regenerate 25 hectares of brownfield land with new apartments, office space, a hotel, bars, restaurants, car parking and a gym.The large catchment area of the development discharges to the newly renovated balancing basins that service the confluence of adjacent canals and the River Irwell. An extensive podium drainage landscaping design was required to meet the site’s strict discharge limits and reduce the impact of surface water run-off to less than that of the pre-developed brownfield land.The ABG blueroof storm water attenuation system specified for the scheme covers over 9,500 m2 and restricts rainfall outflows to below the 16 l/s discharge limit on Plot G of the site and within the 20 l/s limit for Plot H. The system incorporates 27 ABG restrictor chambers above rainwater outlets which are configured to restrict outflow rates to within the discharge consents.The system is designed to attenuate a 1-in-100 storm event (data extrapolated from the local FEH 2013 flood report), plus 30% allowance for the effects of climate change. The geocomposite drainage and attenuation layers and network of restrictor chambers serve to filter surface water run-off pollutants to treatment train stage one of the SuDS process, meaning no other filtration measures are required. The top of the chambers are designed to sit flush with the porous resin paving surface, and different configurations and thicknesses of drainage composites were used to achieve the correct height of system to match the different surface levels. The ABG Deckdrain geocomposite layer provides multi-directional flow capacity to efficiently channel rainwater to the nearest restrictor chamber outlet whilst the integral geotextile filter helps to prevent the cuspated drainage core from becoming blocked.The choice of hard and soft landscaping materials specified for the development are of a very high standard and the inclusion of large areas of green spaces and substantial planting creates valuable new private gardens and amenity spaces for the area.The attenuation system configuration was designed and supplied by ABG and installed over a 6 month period by ABG Installs. As part of the storm water attenuation system design, a new restrictor chamber diffuser was developed to fit directly onto the downpipes of the apartment buildings. The attenuation voids were modified to allow for cable ducting to pass through them and a method was also developed to provide structural drainage beneath the concrete footings of the stone planter walls.

The 16,500m2 new Faculty of Social Sciences building is designed to meet the future growth demands of the department up to the year 2035 and creates a world class, BREEAM outstanding building that encourages collaboration and enhances the Faculty’s reputation for excellence in teaching and research.The landscape design for the new University of Sheffield building set out to create a large area of public realm on the social sciences campus, with provision for sustainable drainage systems including extensive use of tree pits and rain gardens. As part of the SuDS design specifications, a Blue Roof stormwater drainage system was considered as an alternative option to underground attenuation tanks to keep surface water run-off within the discharge consent.ABG were able to demonstrate that specifying a shallow Blue Roof attenuation layer involved much lower carbon emissions than excavating underground storage tanks.The volume of vehicle movements required to install underground stormwater attenuation compared to the ABG blueroof system was calculated (delivered from ABG’s factory based 25 miles away), and a carbon footprint saving of 59% was estimated. The reduction in construction emissions was deemed particularly important given the site’s proximity to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital.The 108mm ABG blueroof system design was fitted over a 4,500m2 roof catchment area by the ABG Installs team over a period of 8 weeks. The inverted roof system build-up includes a 245mm XPS insulation installed onto the waterproofing with a Water Flow Reducing Layer (WFRL) above. The ABG Deckdrain 4mm geocomposite drainage layer is installed above a 100mm void former, wrapped in a Terrex NW20 geotextile layer to prevent debris entering the drainage voids. The roof build-up is completed with a surface finish combination of stone ballast and 63mm pavers.For the majority of the year, the roof drains into the rainwater outlets as normal, however during prolonged spells of heavy rainfall the void formers begin to temporarily attenuate the stormwater. During storm periods the rainfall outflow rate is slowed using 13 stainless steel restrictor chambers, positioned above each rainwater outlet.This controls the volume of water that is able to discharge from the roof during the storm, minimising surface water run-off and reducing the risk of flooding in the local area. The system is calculated to only reach maximum attenuation volume during a 1-in-100 year storm event, as calculated using the Flood Estimation Handbook rainfall data for Sheffield, plus 40% allowance for climatic change. The system features an integrated overflow outlet in the event a storm occurs that exceeds this designed capacity.

We are delighted to share that our Climate Resilient Schools program in partnership with the Greater London Authority, the Department for Education, and Thames Water, received recognition at the prestigious Flood and Coast Awards. This accolade is a testament to the effectiveness and innovation of our approach to climate resilience. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to London's sustainability goals and support the city's commitment to addressing climate change.At Meristem Design, we are proud to have been awarded the prestigious Climate Resilient Schools contract by the Greater London Authority (GLA). Our mission was to design, build, and install 564 SuDS Rain Planters across London's most flood-prone schools. In collaboration with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, the Department for Education, and Thames Water, our aim was to enhance the resilience of these schools in London, ensuring they are better prepared to face the challenges posed by climate change. Through this project, we aimed to create sustainable, climate-resilient environments while educating children on the importance of nature in combatting global warming.FOCUSING ON FLOOD-PRONE SCHOOLSThe Climate Resilient Schools project focuses on schools that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Priority is given to the top 10 percent of schools facing the highest surface water flood risk and falling within the most severe bands of the Climate Risk Map. Flooding can have a devastating impact on schools, as was evidenced in the summer of 2007 when extensive flooding in England led to widespread school closures, resulting in a staggering loss of 400,000 pupil school days and an estimated economic cost of £12 million.Outlined below are the key elements of the program along with a list of participating schools:SuDS Rain Planters: To mitigate flood risk, 72 schools have received 564 Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) rain planters. These planters effectively capture rainwater from rooftops, providing a dual benefit of flood reduction and supporting biodiversity. The feedback from schools has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing satisfaction with their SuDS rain planters. In fact, one enthusiastic Year 2 student, while participating in the planting process, expressed their aspiration to become a gardener in the future.Smarter Business Visits: Thames Water's Smarter Business Visits program offers free assessments to identify leaks and install water-efficient fittings in schools. Measures such as tap restrictors, urinal sensors, and conversion from single-flush to dual-flush toilets have been implemented in 28 schools.Weather Stations and Educational Resources: To monitor the effectiveness of the SuDS rain planters, weather stations with loggers have been installed in 24 schools. This network of weather stations is one of the most extensive in any school system. Further details and data regarding this project can be accessed on the FreeStation website.Climate Adaptation Plans: Bespoke climate adaptation plans have been provided to 60 schools to assist in identifying potential measures for future implementation, aimed at addressing the risks associated with a changing climate and extreme weather events. Each school underwent a survey to determine high-risk areas within their premises, following which appropriate measures and interventions were suggested. Examples of such measures include green roofs or window shading to mitigate overheating. The SuDS planters have proven to be a remarkable success, as they operate autonomously without requiring additional watering. The flourishing plants, nurtured by harvested rainwater, have delighted the children involved in the planting process. As part of the team at Meristem Design, we are proud to have contributed to the fabrication of the SuDS planters and the successful delivery of this project.

With over 300 members of staff, it can get very busy in the café area and to keep everyone happy and productive, the facilities team had to think of smart ways to deliver refreshments during peak times.Paul Fraine, the Facilities Manager, eliminated the option of boiling water through kettles and providing bottled water for their staff. Our popular sparkling systems, combining boiling, chilled and sparkling filtered water through the XL lever dispenser in chrome were the perfect solution, giving the team a wide range of drinks to enjoy on a daily basis.

When Saffery Champness moved to the new premises in the City of London, they required boiling and chilled filtered water systems for their four tea points. Gail Woodend, Facilities Manager and Dean Donnelly, Facilities Assistant Manager were introduced to Billi after speaking to their appointed interior designer, Edge GB.After carefully discussing the client’s requirements, the Billi Quadra Plus 15 was specified for the four teapoints. This is extremely energy and space efficient as it combines filtered drinking water provision with hot water dispense, all from one under counter system.

The Parap Swimming Pool in Darwin, Australia needed water tight, corrosion resistant doors that would not rot, rust, warp, swell or corrode. These doors were to be used in external areas exposed to chlorine water, rainwater and high temperatures from sun exposure. The doors needed to withstand conditions but also adopt the architecture aesthetic finish. Dortek were able to supply their GRP doors and frames to the project as it was a necessity for the doors to be water and corrosion resistant. Some of the doors were to be located externally and able to withstand sun exposure and hot temperatures.

With a poor accident record, the initial project on the 2.3 km upgrade of the A7 Auchenrivock route, south of Langholm was to improve and increase the number of overtaking opportunities of the roadway, while incorporating the need of cyclists and pedestrians, the water management needs of the scheme, including surface water runoff had to be taken into consideration.

Delta Membrane Systems Limited was asked to assistance on a particularly technically complicated project. The project in question was a new build luxury property in North London, providing almost 17,000 sq ft of accommodation, over four floors.  High volumes of hydrostatic water pressure was bearing on the structure, which was causing the property to suffer severe water ingress through construction joints. The property when constructed was built at a low level, it sits lower than the neighbouring properties adding to the hydrostatic water pressure issue.  An additional problem was the property had been built without a waterbar/hydrophilic strip.

Franke were thrilled to provide products to one of the UK’s leading theme parks and attractions for a recent refurbishment, which consisted of a large male toilet room, a large female toilet room and a less abled disabled washroom. Water conservation was also an important aspect. Franke supplied a number of self closing Pureline taps, which only release water for a controlled amount of time, bringing down water usage in the washroom. Stainless steel table top soap dispensers (SD80) were also supplied, removing the possibility of spillages onto the vanity units and making the area easier to clean.

Over 320m2 of Terrabound resin bound surfacing was specified for the pathways of the Cool Garden designed by multi-award-winning designer Jo Thompson. The design has a strong focus on water, embracing the challenge of the high levels of rainfall experienced in the region. With water flow in mind, BBA certified Terrabound resin bound porous surfacing was chosen for the curving pathways that follow the rills and form organic shaped planting beds, helping to reduce surface water runoff. A 6mm Hazelnut natural aggregate blend was selected, providing seamless, low maintenance, decorative pathways for this stunning new garden.

REQUIREMENT: Able-bodied access to the cabin. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: We quoted and produced technical and CAD drawings, with reference to the finished floor height measurement supplied by the modular building company.END RESULT:Our expert installers fitted a step system as shown. FEATURES INCLUDED: Mesh Platform - self-draining mesh allows water to pass through rather than collect on the surface.Trombone Ends - these are added to the ends of a step system to prevent clothes catching.Telescopic Legs - these can be adjusted to accommodate different threshold heights.Standard Continuous Handrail - this handrail system ensures users always have support to hold onto.Standard Colour Black - ramps are powder-coated black, to create a durable finish that is tougher than conventional paint.THE COMPLETE RAMP PACKAGE:An all-inclusive, stress-free option which we managed in-house.This package includes a site survey (if applicable), quotation, CAD and technical drawing, supply, and installation.