"water"

JT Atkinson, a family owned independent builders' merchant in the North of England, needed a lightweight yet robust drainage solution for their new branch in Stokesley. They required a reliable and durable solution which would be installed quickly, to ensure their 30th branch opened on time.  The branch yard would be a highly trafficked area, so the JT Atkinson team were seeking a drainage solution that could withstand large loads and constant heavy traffic of forklift trucks and articulated lorries.Technodrain is an advanced, linear drainage channel, providing versatility whilst being economic, light and quick to install. Constructed of High Density Polyethylene (HD-PE), it delivers long life with low whole-life cost. Having used Clark-Drain products at their other branch sites, the JT Atkinson team knew first-hand the quality of Clark-Drain’s products and customer service.Designed for surface water management, the versatility of Technodrain enables it to be used across all construction environments as a light, robust, solution for run-off surface design. Technodrain’s size-to-weight ratio maximises its savings in transport and installation costs, and this installation was within the limits set by the HSE manual handling guidelines for a one person lift.Chris Gilbertson, Project Manager for JT Atkinson, says: “We were looking for a quality drainage product which would be easy to install, able to withstand F900 loads, and be long lasting. Technodrain from Clark-Drain is the ideal solution and doesn’t disappoint. Not only does it provide us with the drainage we need at a competitive price, the installation was extremely easy thanks to its lightweight nature.”Technodrain was installed at the Stokesley branch of JT Atkinson in October 2019.WHY THIS PRODUCT WAS CHOSEN Hard wearing – Constructed of High Density Polyethylene (HD-PE), Technodrain delivers long life with low whole-life cost.Easy to install – Tongue and groove joints allow for ease of installation and the connection of multiple channels. Preformed lateral and vertical channel outlets also provide quick and easy connection to discharge pipes.Cost effective – whilst providing a safe environment and a highly efficient system for surface water clearance. BS EN1433:2002 – Load handling performance is rated at 90 tonnes, making it durable with strength to spare in an area used by a range of vehicles from forklift trucks to artic lorries.Hydraulic performance – With maximum through-flow of 8.25 litres per second and a water way area of 372cm2, it has more than enough capacity for JT Atkinson.Bolted locking system – Technodrain features a bolted locking system, with 4 bolts in every 500mm to avoid grating movement.

Project Overview:Guttermaster Limited played a pivotal role in the development of the Quintana Gate project, a modern residential new build. This case study outlines Guttermaster's key contributions in providing tailored rainwater management solutions that seamlessly blend functional efficiency with contemporary aesthetics.Project Details:Scope of Works:Supply of Flush Joint Pipe, SnapLok Capping, and aluminium rainwater hoppersProject Goals:The Quintana Gate project aimed to achieve both functional efficiency and contemporary aesthetics in rainwater management for a modern residential development. The key project goals included:Functional Efficiency: Efficient rainwater conveyance and collection tailored to the needs of a modern residential building.Contemporary Aesthetics: Sleek, modern design elements that enhance the overall visual appeal of the residential development.Guttermaster's Approach:Guttermaster Limited approached the Quintana Gate project with a focus on providing advanced rainwater management solutions that marry functionality with contemporary design:Tailored Rainwater Solutions: Guttermaster supplied Flush Joint Pipe, chosen for its streamlined design and efficient water conveyance, meeting the specific needs of a modern residential development.SnapLok Capping for Parapet Wall Finishing: The inclusion of SnapLok Capping provided a clean and polished look to the building’s exterior, showcasing Guttermaster’s commitment to contemporary design and adding a touch of sophistication.Aluminium Rainwater Hoppers: Guttermaster supplied aluminium rainwater hoppers, emphasizing the company’s dedication to delivering comprehensive rainwater management solutions. These hoppers ensured efficient water collection and added a visually appealing element to the building’s exterior.Results:The collaboration between Guttermaster Limited and the Quintana Gate project managers resulted in the successful implementation of advanced rainwater management systems:Functional Efficiency: The Flush Joint Pipe, with its streamlined design, contributed to the overall functionality of the project, efficiently conveying rainwater in line with modern residential needs.Contemporary Aesthetics: The inclusion of SnapLok Capping added a touch of sophistication to the building’s exterior, enhancing the modern aesthetic appeal of the residential development.Visual Appeal: Aluminium rainwater hoppers not only ensured efficient water collection but also added a visually appealing element, contributing to the overall aesthetic success of Quintana Gate.Conclusion:The supply of Flush Joint Pipe, SnapLok Capping, and aluminium rainwater hoppers by Guttermaster contributed to the overall success of the Quintana Gate project. This case study highlights the importance of collaboration between industry experts and showcases Guttermaster’s ability to provide advanced and visually appealing rainwater management solutions for modern residential developments. The project exemplifies the synergy between functionality and contemporary design in the realm of new construction.

Prepping decking with PrepdeckAfter cleaning their decking with bleach and removing any loose or flaking bits from the surface, our customer then used our professional stripper, Prepdeck to remove the old stain from their decking.Our customer applied Prepdeck in small areas that he could complete in 15-30 minutes, then, after leaving it to do its magic, used a stiff nylon brush to ‘lift’ the stain from the wood, ensuring that they worked in the direction of the grain.They then thoroughly rinsed the product off the decking using a garden hose – again, working in the direction of the grain.If you want to make this part of the job a little easier, you could opt for hot water instead.This is a great product, as it can also be diluted to make a powerful cleaner for weathered woods and can even be used on thermo (burnt) wood.Next neutralise with Net-trolThe customer then used our wood cleaner Net-trol to neutralise the surface of the decking, in preparation for the finish.After applying Net-Trol to the wet decking, they scrubbed the surface with a brush.They then left it to stand for around 15 minutes, keeping an eye on it to ensure that the surface of the decking didn’t dry.If it had begun to dry, he would have had to dampen it with a mist of water.They then scrubbed the decking again, this time whilst rinsing it.Now, it was just a matter of leaving the wood to dry for 48 hours before applying the finish.Choose a finish to protect your deckingThis customer opted for Aquadecks, our water-based penetrating finish. One of the great things about this product is that not only does it protect the wood from warping, splitting, cracking and UV damage, it is also easy to apply and maintain, as our highly penetrative formula guarantees there will be no peeling or flaking.Plus, it dries quickly and has a low odour, so you can be back on your decking with a glass of wine in hand, in no time at all.Our customer applied an initial coat of Aquadecks and allowed it to penetrate into the wood. Then, after around 15-20 minutes (when the ‘wet look’ of the first application had disappeared), they applied a second application and allowed this to penetrate.After a further 15 minutes, they brushed out any puddles so that the decking wouldn’t dry with shiny spots on the surface. Aquadeck’s place is in the wood, not on top of it!“Very pleased with all products purchased.”This customer was so delighted with our products, they got in touch to tell us how well everything had gone.“On advice gratefully received from Ken I had several stages to complete. It’s looking great and I am hopeful the results will last”, he continued.For more information on Aquadecks, please click here.

The new company name KWC Group AGThe new company name symbolises the coming together of KWC, Franke Sissons and Dart Valley SystemsFollowing the sale and carve-out of the Franke Water Systems division from the Franke Group, Franke Sissons and Dart Valley Systems have changed its name as planned. The company now trades under the name KWC Group AG and controls the other companies in the Group. The UK currently operates as KWC DVS Ltd, which combines the Franke Sissons and Dart Valley Systems brands.Since the sale of Franke Water Systems AG to funds advised by Equistone in May 2021, the company’s new owners have successfully established the international sanitaryware group as a stand-alone company. The sale has resulted in a close association between the brands KWC, the leader in Switzerland’s domestic consumer market, and Franke Sissons and Dart Valley Systems. The new company name, adopted in March 2022, reflects this change. With immediate effect, Franke Sissons and Dart Valley Systems now have a new name: KWC DVS Ltd.This development derives from the two companies’ shared brand values: quality of life through health protection, sustainability, reliability, and enthusiasm. The merging of the two brands creates synergies by transferring knowledge in their areas of expertise. About KWC Group AGKWC Group AG is an international premium manufacturer of taps, comprehensive sanitaryware and specialist healthcare solutions. In 2022, all the brands belonging to the corporate Group, including KWC and Franke Water Systems Commercial, began operating under the new name KWC Group AG. At six locations in Europe and Asia, the Group manufactures high-quality products for domestic consumers, (semi-)public institutions and the medical sector. KWC Group AG combines more than 150 years of tradition and innovation with advanced expertise in technology and materials coupled with superior design. Reliability, sustainability, and safeguarding are among the values that best describe the Group. The headquarters of KWC Group AG are in Unterkulm, Switzerland. The Group employs more than 1,000 staff worldwide.  The Franke Sissons and Dart Valley Systems brands form KWC DVS Ltd to provide one solution to some of the most demanding environments in the UK. Key markets include mental healthcare, healthcare, custodial, retail, leisure, education, and other public and semi-public washrooms. KWC DVS can deliver standard, customised or fully bespoke solutions for any project with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in the UK and Europe.

ASF worked with AECOM and Barhale Construction for the new fish pass and viewing platform at Mid Calder, Livingstone. A standard base plate version of the ASF Buckden 2 Rail post was used, manufactured in 100% recycled cast iron, for the fish pass itself offering a safety barrier for Scottish Water and fish pass technicians when accessing the riverside area. A bespoke version of the posts were manufactured for the viewing platform that were supplied as a panel post with vertical infill bars so that the public can view the fish pass. A matching lockable gate with vertical infill was also manufactured to link the viewing platform and the fish pass itself.

The Changing Places toilet campaign urges the government to mandate the inclusion of Changing Places facilities in large public buildings during construction, redevelopment, or refurbishment. Care Spaces were approached to collaborate with Birmingham Children’s Hospital to implement a Changing Places facility. Initially, the chosen space was too small, prompting relocation. The Care Spaces team were able to design a layout, which they approved, and the project addressed challenges such as hands-free tap integration, drainage adjustments, and ceiling height modifications. Overcoming fire and water system issues, the completed Changing Place boasts user-friendly features, including sky ceiling LED panels and a mural wall.

Introducing the first new design, cast iron, coal hole cover made in the UK for more than 50 years . Based on 4 segmented circles traditionally used during the Victorian period, this design is right up to date and proudly displays our company name. Particularly important in todays modern society is the deep rebate that allows the design to "pop out" and help generate grip for pedestrians. The circumference has cutaways to prevent water pooling. Available in a bare metal finish to rust naturally and improve grip or painted black . Weighing in at over 5KG this cover will last a lifetime and be a feature within the paving for the public today and for future generations.

Crown Trade has launched a comprehensive new product performance guide to support its market-leading and recently expanded Clean Extreme range of high performance water-based paints. The new Clean Extreme product performance guide is packed full of information along with advice and tips to ensure specifiers select the most appropriate paint for each job and decorators get the very best finish every time. The Clean Extreme range features a trio of high performance paints - Clean Extreme Stain Resistant Scrubbable Matt, Clean Extreme Mould Inhibiting Scrubbable Matt and Clean Extreme Anti-Bacterial Scrubbable Matt.

This metal roof had already been treated with a well known cut edge corrosion system, which had begun to fail in multiple areas due to water becoming trapped between the overlapping roof sheets, which had been sealed with silicone sealant. Flexlap system is made from a specially hardened silicone, designed to resist environmental dirt pick-up as well as providing a much smoother finish. Liquasil does not recommend that the gap between overlapping roof sheets is sealed. Any moisture that might be present can escape or evaporate naturally, which is how built-up steel profile roofs are designed to work.

To provide high quality instantaneous hot water, the developers were persuaded to move away from a conventional recirculation system to the higher efficiency single-pipe solution, using nVent RAYCHEM HWAT-M self regulating cable and the unique nVent RAYCHEM RayClic connection system. In addition, nVent RAYCHEM T2Red and T2Reflecta underfloor heating was used in the main living areas. The self-regulating cable could provide very responsive heating without overheating, thus avoiding damage to the high quality wooden flooring. Underfloor heating was also used in the bathrooms, using nVent RAYCHEM T2Quicknet. All fully integrated with the BMS to avoid individual controllers.

ProjectSurespan manufactured and supplied a double-glazed access hatch for use on a private residential apartment in downtown San Francisco. ProductThe 915 (36”) x 4115 (162”) hatch was electrically operated for easy operation and allowed easy access to the roof deck for Al Fresco dining in the Californian sun. “The glass hatch is one of the best features of the house.” Glazed hatches feature a frameless design eliminating water ponding. The 28.4mm sealed glazed unit comprised of Pilkington Insulight™ Therm, 6mm Optifloat™ Clear ‘T’ (toughened), 16mm Argon filled cavity, 6.4mm Pilkington Optilam™ ‘K’ Glass Laminated glass.

Product:Surespan manufactured this SAC Aluminium, single leaf, flush floor access cover to fit a structural opening 1000 x 1000mm. The access cover comes complete with gas spring assisted, Aluminium chequer plate lid which locks in the open position with a safety hold open stay to prevent against accidental closure. Should any water pass the seals, it will be dispersed via an integral drainage channel. The lid is held shut by a heavy-duty Grade 316 Stainless Steel ‘slam action’ cab lock and can open from both sides with the use of a removable ‘Tee’ key., for safety. Finished Self-colour Aluminium.

The Queens Quay project is the UK’s first large-scale water source heat pump, taking the latent heat from the nearby River Clyde and using it to heat the 23-hectare Queens Quay development which will include 1,200 homes, commercial facilities and essential infrastructure. The project saw us deliver a complete energy solution which included our next generation of smart, in-home technologies which bring transparency and functionality to both the client and end user. Our vTherm°e Heat Interface Unit (HIU) and Glass app were chosen as the preferred products as they are heat-pump-compatible and facilitate the decarbonisation, digitalisation and electrification of heat.

Reaching depths of more than 30 metres beneath the streets of London, Crossrail Stations required unique solutions to ensure water tightness. GCP Applied Technologies, a leading supplier on some of the major stations including Canary Wharf, Whitechapel, Liverpool Street, Moorgate, Farringdon, Tottenham Court Road and Bond Street, reached into an extensive portfolio of high performing and easy to install Preprufe® waterproofing products to solve challenges presented by each station. Composed of durable HDPE, the Preprufe® waterproofing membrane adheres directly to concrete with Advanced Bond Technology™ to form an impermeable seal. Find out more from gcpat.com.

This building was once home to the Henderson Garage door production facility, with the client in the process of renovating the entire premises to be split into several new warehousing and office units. To be able to secure new tenants, however, there was an urgency to stop a mass amount of water ingress into the building, due to the roof's years of neglect.Systems in useHyranger®Starcoat® RChallengesThe state of the existing waterproofing was poor, meaning it needed to be stripped back to the metal deck below. Given the years of water ingress it was clear some areas of the substrate were deteriorating and would need replacing.There was also an issue with the adjacent metal cladding to the perimeter of the roof space, one of which was coated in an asbestos paint and the potential for asbestos rope within the old rooflights. All of this needed addressing prior to the roofing works commencing.SolutionsAxter were called to initially survey the roof area, highlighting the main areas of concern and interface issues. Following a roof condition survey report, proposals were put forward as to how best to detail waterproof these areas and achieve the brief set out by the client.To the metal cladding, Starcoat R cold applied liquid bitumen PU resin was used to create a waterproofed upstand without the need for the complete removal of the cladding. Upon discussions with the building owner, it was also discovered that the existing rooflights were no longer needed, so these were boarded over and waterproofed in line with the rest of the main field area.The Hyranger system, comprising polyester reinforced SBS polymer modified bitumen membranes, was ideal for the job due to its guarantee strength, stability, performance and cost efficiency.The completed roof gained a 20 year guarantee and extended the life of the building.

Broughton & Yeamans House are high rise apartment blocks in Bristol, Avon, under the management of Bristol City Council. The roof areas, totalling over 3,500m2, had originally been waterproofed with asphalt and then later treated with a coating repair.Unfortunately, water ingress continued to be a problem with leaking occurring at numerous locations. Not wanting to cause further disruption to the residents and to avoid costly damage to the interior of the buildings, the council contacted Polyroof and a survey of the roof was arranged.The survey by Polyroof’s Technical Services highlighted the extent of the issues within the roof, including identifying water ingress through the many vertical sections present on the roofs, including parapet walls and the lift house building. After performing core tests on the roof, it was shown that the existing roof build, which contained insulation as part of a warm roof design, was in a suitable condition to be retained and overlaid – avoiding costly disruption for the client and residents.A bespoke specification was drawn up by the Polyroof Technical Team that provided a comprehensive set of recommendations to ensure the apartment blocks were fully protected from the elements.To make sure the roof could be left in a totally weatherproof condition, it was necessary to treat not only the flat roof sections but the vertical areas too. The client was keen to improve the thermal performance of the buildings by adding additional insulation, but it was imperative that disruption was kept to a minimum – not only would stripping works impact on the buildings’ residents, but hauling waste materials from such a great height would be costly and logistically challenging.With BBA approval, top-rated fire performance and Polyroof’s trusted 20 Year Accredited System Guarantee, the client has total peace of mind that the apartment block could not be better protected for decades to come.

THE CLIENTThe Novotel Leicester is a modern hotel in the heart of the city, convenient for business or leisure guests. The hotel boasts easy access to many of Leicester most exciting attractions, close to the Leicester Tigers Stadium and King Power Stadium, the National Space Centre and The Curve Theatre. THE CHALLENGETo provide shading to expand their outdoor dining area for the NINEB Restaurant, as well as added brand visibility with the addition of sign writing on the awning and side blindsTHE SOLUTIONThe Markilux Pergola was chosen for the frame and roof, with the addition of Markilux 790 side blinds to offer additional wind protection, partitioning and brand awareness.Markilux PergolaThe Markilux Pergola awning shelters large areas from the sun. Two slender support posts at the front provide excellent stability, even during showers, and unobtrusive lateral guide tracks. The pitch of Markilux Pergola is easily adjustedMade to measure and manufactured in GermanyRated for wind speeds up to 30mph (Beaufort 6)Water resistant, dirt proof, non fading acrylic fabric with UPF 50+ sun protection4 frame colours and hundreds of fabrics choices as standardChoice of electric or remote control operationExtended product and workmanship guarantee availableMarkilux 790The Markilux 790 is simple to operate and has a compact cassette which fits to the wall vertically. It extends manually and fixes to a freestanding post or bracket fixture on a fence railing.Made to measure and manufactured in GermanyWater resistant, dirt proof, non fading acrylic fabric with UPF 50+ sun protection4 frame colours and hundreds of fabrics choices as standardExtended product and workmanship guarantee available

An historic landmark in the Lake District has been given a new lease of life with the installation of StoTherm Mineral K external wall insulation and StoSilco finishing render. Built in 1937, the building in Keswick originally housed the UK’s first pencil factory, and now provides new headquarters and site for the Keswick Convention for the Keswick Ministries organization. After being used by the Cumberland Pencil Company the building had fallen into disrepair. Set at the entrance to Keswick, this important local landmark has now embarked on a £10.5m redevelopment project, split into four phases. The Sto materials have been used on the first phase which has seen the building’s front elevation fully restored, and they have also been specified for the remaining three stages of the work.The BBA-certified StoTherm Mineral K system combines impressive insulation with unrivalled fire protection characteristics. It features Sto-Mineral Fibre thermal insulation boards, which in this case were fixed to the substrate using StoLevell Duo Plus mineral bonding and reinforcing mortar.  “This allows any unevenness in the surface of the substrate to be accommodated and makes installation a fast and easy process,” comments Alan Rees of Eco Rend North East who installed the Sto system. This efficient single-leaf construction allows for excellent thermal performance without reducing the interior space, and as it requires no additional expansion joints, a smooth and unbroken exterior surface can be created.  An additional mineralic reinforcing coat was applied and the exterior surface was finished with StoSilco silicone resin render.  With high CO2 and water-vapour permeability, StoSilco render allows a weather- and water-repellant outer surface to be created in any of the 1,000+ colours available in the StoColor System.  

Here is an email we received after a client installed the conservation cowled cast iron air vents to a London property in September 2022)...We recently did a project on an old coach house in a listed building. They wanted a/c but we couldn’t route water for the h2o unit and couldn’t have two big white plastic vents on the outside of the building.The solution was to combine your products, a pair of CON6 cast iron conservation vents. The clients are ecstatic. I thought I’d share as I’m sure a lot more people in old houses will be looking for a/c going forward.Sally Estad, Elstad Interiors, Chicago USA ( working on a property in Wimbledon, UK)

Strawberry Gardens is a private housing living development in Yatton which offers independent living with access to on-site care for people over the age of 55. This 1,200m² development of timber frame apartments have created 60 apartments and various houses, shops, a post office, pubs and transport links. Situated 10 miles from Bristol airport and around 30 minutes from the centre of Bristol.Cellecta HEXATHERM XFLOOR 250 was specified on this project for its high resistance to compression and closed cell structure that provides unrivalled resistance to water absorption, making them ideal for residential applications.Oakmere Homes was awarded the contract to construct this picturesque village and civil parish within North Somerset.

Lok'nStore is a self-storage facility which provides local householders, renters and business users secure steel self-storage units and rooms. The development involved a shop front concept to take advantage of the various locations on busy commuter roads. This not only displays the business to passersby but also contributes by raising the overall urban design quality of the local area.Cellecta’s HEXATHERM XFLOOR 300 was specified by Forum Architecture due to its high resistance to compression and closed cell structure that provides unrivalled resistance to water absorption, making them ideal for a multitude of domestic, commercial, and educational applications.Mitchell Design & Construction was awarded this 140m² contract for this development at Cardington Road, Bedford.

Hartham Leisure Centre scheme comprises of a refurbishment and two-storey extension as part of the East Herts Council’s investment in leisure. The centre now includes a gym, modern studios, soft play areas, and a café area. This refurbishment and extension have not only enhanced the centre's aesthetic appeal and functionality but also solidified its position as a leader in sustainability and commitment to a greener future.Cellecta’s HEXATHERM XFLOOR 300 was specified by Saunders Boston Architects due to its high resistance to compression and closed cell structure that provides unrivalled resistance to water absorption, making them ideal for a multitude of domestic, commercial, and educational applications.Cadman Construction was awarded this 500m² contract for this BREEAM build in Hertford.

We’ve installed 99 URIMAT Ecoplus waterless urinals installed across 33 washrooms (3 urinals per washroom) at Cannon Place in London. This is a modern office development cantilevered over Cannon Street train station with a range of large professional City of London occupiers.There are 4 stairwell cores containing washrooms with 1 per floor over 8 floors plus one washroom in basement level -2. All urinals are installed on specialist toughened glass IPS panels to match existing washroom finishes in RAL 9010 colour.Each urinal saves up to 100,000 litres of water per year as well as offering a considerably enhanced washroom experience for users.

Harlequin worked closely with the Royal Academy of Dance throughout the whole planning and development process. After working with Harlequin for After working with Harlequin for over 30 years, the RAD knew that they wanted Harlequin floors in their new studios. Harlequin supplied and installed over 1200m2 of Harlequin Activity sprung floor and Harlequin Cascade vinyl performance floor with BioCote antimic antimicrobial protection. Harlequin water cut the mirrors to fit the wall mounted ballet barres directly to the walls to create a seamless and neat finish. Along with the studios, RAD’s new home for dance has a 193-seat pe 193-seat performance space with Harlequin Activity and Harlequin Cascade to showcase the RAD’s dancing talent. 

Ground source review: Ullenwood Court, Churcham HomesA development of large luxury family homes in the heart of the Cotswold countryside is being built with sustainability in mind by property developer Churcham Homes. Once complete, all 26 contemporary properties, located within 34 acres of stunning countryside, will feature innovative ground source technology that produces zero emissions or air pollution.Key FactsPrivate, new build development13kW & 15kW Kensa Evo GSHPs52 x boreholes between 141m – 227m deepHeating, hot water and coolingAnnual heating load 672,099 kWhHigh spec, luxury new buildsUp to 6,547sq ft

SCM group have recently undergone a major refurbishment of their washrooms. SCM are a leading producer of machinery and systems, as well as a service provider, for the woodworking industry. Inspired Washrooms, a Nottingham based company were chosen to carry out the project and specified Franke Water Systems product range to complete the male and female washrooms as part of the refurbishment. The range of products provided included:·        1 x ANMW431 - Triple Quadro Miranit washbasin·        1 x ANMW411 - Single Quadro Miranit washbasin·        4 x F3SV1001 – Self-closing pillar taps·        4 x CHRX669 - Stainless Steel mini jumbo toilet roll holders·        3 x RODX618 - Stainless steel Rodan soap dispensers

Groupe Atlantic’s mission is to help society rise to the challenge of reducing energy consumption and increasing the use of renewable energy whilst still satisfying the demand for thermal comfort. So when RFD Interior Architecture was asked to design and build the interiors for its new Expert Training Academy in East Yorkshire, where the heating and hot water industry could learn about the next generation of renewable energy sourced appliances, it was key that the academy’s interior should itself have minimal impact.With this in mind, the project focused on mirroring Groupe Atlantic’s commercial approach by using sustainable materials and recycled products wherever possible to provide a practical, low maintenance interior with authentic natural aesthetics.

Family houses renovated... CHALLENGE 134 single family houses needed to be renovated to liveable conditions. The main problem for the architect and building contractors was the fact these houses had to remain occupied during the works. SOLUTION For the roof two prefabricated timber roof elements covered with the RENOLIT ALKORDESIGN roofing system were installed to replace the existing roof structure. The roofing elements consisted of a layer of OSB, a layer of 350 mm cellulose fibre insulation, another OSB plate and a 2 mm thick RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing membrane. The prefabricated roof element has a U-Value of 0.11 W/m². On top of the prefab roof elements hot water panels were installed. 

This exclusive up-market housing development in rural Somerset, required surfacing for what would become an adopted residential road. Planning requirements specified that a sustainable form of drainage would be needed to gain planning consent. ULTIPOROUS, Tarmac’s durable porous asphalt was recommended. It would allow full infiltration of rainwater to eliminate puddles and standing water even after heavy rain. It would also achieve a safe, all-weather surface for residents and avoid surface run-off into the local catchment. The approach taken, meant that no drains or manholes were required, which is another advantage of using this product for architects and designers. It would also deliver lasting durability, helping to minimise future maintenance requirements.

Axter Ltd and Empire Roofing Systems Ltd were engaged by the library directly to upgrade the existing roof covering which was underperforming thermally and in terms of drainage falls.Systems in useHyranger®Neo-Bitumen® Flame FreeStarcoat® PMMAOverviewDesborough Library and Community Hub took over responsibility for the running of the library service in Desborough in 2020. With that came the maintenance of the library building itself. Over time, certain parts of the building had deteriorated. There were leaks and sections of standing water across the 100 square metres plus of flat roofing that forms part of the roof structure.The client applied to The National Lottery Community Fund for a grant that would be used to refurbish the roof area. The Library and Community Hub were fortunate enough to obtain the necessary funding for the work to go ahead.An overlay of the existing system was proposed to utilise the current build up, including a cut to falls insulation scheme to comply with Building Regulations Parts L & H, and BS 6229:2018. Safe2Torch principles were followed throughout with some creative detailing agreed between the contractor and manufacturer due to combustible elements and areas of asbestos.An excellent finish was achieved within budget and in a timescale of 3 weeks.ChallengesAxter were brought in following initial core sampling that was completed by Empire Roofing Systems. The roof area was assessed, and a robust solution was proposed which would alleviate the standing water seen across the roof area, while also improving the thermal performance of the building up to a 0.18 U-Value to comply with Building Regulations: Part L.The existing system was in fair condition but had reached the end of its guaranteed life with no leaks reported and core samples returning dry. There was a noted lack of maintenance across the roof area and significant challenges apparent in terms of detailing due to fire risks and asbestos present.SolutionsBased on the condition of the existing system we were confident that an overlay would be the most cost-effective option. Our Hyranger® multi-layer RBM system was installed using gas driven torches to fully bond the AVCL and capping sheet. The underlayer was installed over a tissue faced PIR and therefore needed to be self-adhesive to reduce the risk of fire, complying with Safe2Torch guidelines. Our hot air applied Force® Neo Bitumen system was installed in the areas of fire risk, and our cold applied Starcoat® PMMA liquid system was installed in areas where a hot air application would be problematic.A cut to falls scheme was designed based on our onsite survey, allowing water to flow freely to the outlets. This alleviated the risk of water buildup and thermal degradation caused by ponding water.Axter’s quality assurance team regularly attended site and were in constant communication with Empire Roofing’s operatives. This was to ensure that the system was being installed correctly and to the expected standards, in order to achieve the Silvershield guarantee required by the client. To achieve the Silvershield guarantee level, all materials and workmanship had to be installed as per the Axter specification. The installation of the roof area was completed to exceptional standards, leaving the client very impressed with the workmanship.System and ProductsAxter’s Hyranger® system was used across the main roof area. The system is fully BBA and Broof T4 compliant, and comes with a single point 20 year Axter Silvershield guarantee that covers materials and workmanship. This was signed off by our Quality Assurance Team who audited throughout installation.Safe2Torch principals were adhered to throughout. Our Neo-Bitumen® Flame Free system was predominantly used on any areas of fire risk, as well as our Starcoat® PMMA for the tricky details where a comprehensive weld may not have been possible.Acknowledgments"We knew of Empire Roofing Systems from another good job they had completed for us on a separate part of the building, and asked them to quote for repair of the troublesome flat roofing.Empire and Axter came up with a plan to make the roof drain properly and we went ahead with their quote.The work went ahead on schedule and to plan without any disruption to the running of the Library and Community Hub and took around two weeks to complete.The guys worked hard and were always helpful and polite when we asked any questions about the work in progress. We had an issue with a blocked internal drainpipe which was quickly and effectively dealt with by Jim and his team from Empire.We are delighted with the end results and have the assurance that the work has been inspected by technicians from Axter themselves and comes with their written guarantee." Gil, Desborough Library

F. Ball and Co. Ltd.’s newest high-performance water-mix smoothing underlayment, Stopgap 1500 AquaPro, has been used alongside the company’s Styccobond F46 pressure sensitive vinyl adhesive to provide a time-saving solution for installing floorcoverings in Derbyshire’s largest hospital.Derbyshire Flooring Contractors installed an eye-catching bespoke vinyl flooring design in the waiting area and connecting corridors of the children’s outpatient ward at Royal Derby Hospital, a total area of 800m2.The floors in the ward required refurbishing as the old floorcoverings had become worn. Work needed to be carried out in the evening, in stages, so that it would not interfere with the day-to-day running of the ward. Requiring a time-saving solution, contractors opted to use Stopgap 1500 AquaPro water-mix smoothing underlayment, avoiding the need to remove old adhesive residues.Stopgap 1500 AquaPro uses the latest technology to offer a water-mix smoothing underlayment that can be applied over old adhesive residues, including bitumen, carpet tile tackifiers and ceramic tile adhesives. In such applications, there is no need to prime beforehand, saving further time and expense. Fast-setting and fast-drying, it is walk-on hard in as little as 60 minutes after application and ready to receive floorcoverings from just four hours.Work began with the labour-intensive task of uplifting old floorcoverings. Stopgap 1500 AquaPro was then applied at a thickness of 3mm over the subfloors to create a perfectly smooth base for new floorcoverings.A bespoke two-tone design, resembling a river running through the children’s ward with ‘islands’ of colour either side, was created by cutting shapes from two different colours of Polyflor Classic Mystique PUR vinyl sheet flooring, with the pieces adhered using Styccobond F46 pressure sensitive adhesive.Styccobond F46 provides instant grab, preventing floorcoverings from sliding when placed, helping with the creation of designs and patterns. The adhesive is also formulated to minimise the incidence of trowel serrations showing through thin vinyl flooring potentially affecting the finished appearance of installations.Commenting on the project, Mark Grant, Managing Director at Derbyshire Flooring Contractors, said: “We like using F. Ball products – they’re really good quality and reliable. Also, their tech reps are always available, if needed, to provide advice on products to use and procedures to follow throughout a project, from start to finish, including keeping us up-to-date with the latest technology that can help us achieve optimum results efficiently. That’s how I found out about Stopgap 1500 AquaPro, which saved us a lot of time outside of normal working hours and enabled us to complete the work while the ward wasn’t in use, minimising disruption to services.”

A £2.7million Environment Agency project to renovate an ageing river sluice facility on the River Medway in Kent, has required the technical attributes of webercem five star repair concrete and the high-build properties of webercem HB30 mortar. The structural sluice repairs are now complete with new gates and operating systems installed, bringing the sluice performance up to standard. Reflecting the substantial improvement in the river water quality over recent years, a new fish and elver pass has been created to enable fish to travel further upstream in the clean waters. This has enhanced the habitat in upper sections of the Medway, whilst allowing migratory and freshwater fish free passage. Constructed in 1937 the Allington Sluice lock gate is the last on the River Medway before it becomes tidal. Although the sluice is not listed, the Environment Agency took a keen interest in the repair of the structure due to its location adjacent to the Museum of Kent. Areas of failed surface concrete that had spalled, due to 70 years of weathering, were repaired sympathetically to match the existing finishes. These areas were cleaned back to sound material with all loose material removed. The major repair areas required shuttering before pouring in the flowing recasting concrete. webercem five star repair concrete is a pre-blended cementitious material that conforms with BS EN 1504 : 3 as an R4 mortar and also with the Highways Agency specification BD 27/86. It contains non-reactive aggregates and low alkali content. This is a shrinkage-compensated, high-strength flowing repair concrete specifically designed for permanent structural repairs that delivers a compressive strength of 65N/mm² after 28 days.Additional smaller damaged areas of the sluice structure have been improved with webercem HB30 repair mortar which is ideal for façade repairs where high compressive strength is not required. webercem HB30 is an acrylic-polymer modified, high-build façade repair mortar that complies with BS EN 1504 : 3 as an R3 mortar. Damaged areas were cut away and any steel re-enforcement was cleaned and coated with webercem keycoat prior to the application of the webercem HB30. This product has a unique shrinkage compensation system that ensures long-term dimensional stability. webercem HB30 is easy to apply with low permeability to water, carbon dioxide and chlorides.Main contractor Jackson Civil Engineering of Maidstone, Kent, carried out the sluice gate works while Structural Renovations Ltd of Slough, Berkshire, carried out the concrete repairs in the overall reconstruction, renovation and modification programme of the main structure. The project was designed by Atkins for the Environment Agency, who also undertook site supervision during the renovation procedure. In addition to the repairs and fish pass, a new wheelchair access has been formed allowing cross river access at this point on the Medway.

Internally and externally waterproofing the below-ground developments of the extended Christian Dior store on New Bond Street, with Newton 403 HydroBond, Newton 107F and Newton System 500.New Bond Street has been one of the most prestigious retail streets in London since it’s 18th Century beginnings, and in 2011 was named as the second most expensive retail street in Europe after the Champs-Élysées in Paris. The Christian Dior name has also been synonymous with haute couture and luxury retail since its own inception in 1947.This project required both the internal and external waterproofing of the extended basement area of Christian Dior’s flagship London store. A significant extension of the existing floor space on this stretch of famous London road, the extensive basement area will be used as stock rooms, changing rooms, and staff and shop floor areas. It was therefore a crucial requirement to achieve a completely dry internal space.The property line construction between two existing buildings meant that there was a requirement for waterproofing both new and existing structural elements, including pile caps, underpinning, a new reinforced concrete slab, existing foundations, and also existing vaulted areas at the front of the building which extend below New Bond Street.Because a completely dry internal environment was required, (defined as Grade 3 by the BS 8102:2009 Code of Practice for The Protection of Below Ground Structures From Water From The Ground) the proposal put forward by design specialists G05, in consultation with Newton, was a combination of Type A and Type C waterproofing systems. Due to the fact that the build was between the flank walls of two existing structures, the Type A system comprised of a combination of the hydrophilic, fully-bonded Newton 403 Hydrobond membrane pre-applied below the new concrete slab, and was linked to the cementitious, flexible Newton 107F membrane, which was applied to the internal faces of the walls and the prepared internal areas of the vaults.Following the application of the Type A system, a Newton System 500 Cavity Drain membrane system (Type C) was applied to the internal wall and floor areas by Newton Specialist Basement Contractor Advanced Preservations Ltd, who also guaranteed the work. The system included perimeter drainage using Newton Basedrain, and two Newton Titan-Pro pumping systems. The under-pavement vaults were lined internally with the Newton 500 system.Not only was continuity achieved with the waterproofing systems across numerous below-ground building mediums and scenarios, but the waterproofing system also conformed to the recommendations of BS 8102:2009 for combined waterproofing protection, where even the slightest form of water ingress is unacceptable.The internal areas were also successful in achieving an environmental Grade 3 with regard to their degree of water tightness, meaning that they will be suitably fit for purpose and use by both Christian Dior’s staff and customers.

Over time bricks can discolour and lose their lustre because of the impact of wet weather, air pollution or efflorescence. The result can have a detrimental effect on a building’s visual aesthetic, compromising the architect’s design vision and reducing the value of the property for the owner. Brick manufacturer, Vandersanden is the first company to develop a viable, large scale coating solution to provide superior protection against efflorescence as well as secondary protection against the effects of pollution.Vandersanden’s automated coating formulation makes facing bricks water-repellent and resistant to the effects of air pollution and efflorescence, ensuring façades remain beautiful and untarnished throughout their lifetime. This innovative and environmentally sustainable process which also makes it easier to clean the brick, if dirt or damage does occur, has now been fully rolled out across the entire Vandersanden hand-formed brick range available to UK specifiers.Vandersanden worked with Belgian University, KU Leuven, to develop the solution which treats bricks with a special coating after the firing process. The process penetrates to a depth from 5mm to 15mm whilst retaining the original colour of the brick.The liquids contain no harmful substances or chemicals that can damage the brick or the environment and is automatically applied at Vandersanden’s manufacturing facilities in Belgium and The Netherlands.A coated brick has exactly the same pore structure as a non-coated brick and the number of pores and their size remain the same. However, as the walls of the pores are covered with a water-repellent layer, the water droplets are no longer attracted to the walls and will not be absorbed. As the pores remain open, the bricks also retain their resistance to frost.Applying the coating during the production process, eliminates the need to coat the bricks with an applicator once they have been installed, which is a highly specialised and expensive process. It also reduces the often laborious and costly task of prepping the facade for a coating and the regular maintenance required.“Creating beautiful facades that will stand the test of time remains crucial for Vandersanden,” says Jean-Pierre Wuytack, CEO at Vandersanden. "Thanks to our commitment to innovation in product design and manufacturing, we can ensure a lifetime of colour-safe brick performance for architects and their clients. We are proud of our coated solution which demonstrates how Vandersanden is the natural partner for architects who care passionately about creating the very best, most long-lasting aesthetic for their buildings.”Vandersanden coated bricks come with a 25-year guarantee and the company has worked hard to ensure these bricks can be delivered at the same cost as non-coated bricks.Vandersanden produces a vast array of high-quality bricks in different finishes and colours, ranging from reds and browns, to greys, creams and buffs that will inspire and enable the design and construction of beautiful buildings.To find out more, register for our RIBA approved CPD #2 "How to avoid brick stains and efflorescence" here CPD – Continuing Professional Development | Vandersanden

Viega has supplied its cold applied Profipress and Sanpress Inox press connection systems to the latest refurbishment of the 17th century Queen’s House in Greenwich.Queen’s House, a Grade I listed building and scheduled ancient monument, was originally built between 1616 and 1635 and is the last surviving section of the palace of Greenwich. Queen’s House is now part of the Royal Museums Greenwich and is home to a large collection of important paintings, drawings and sculptures. Over the last few years the 400-year-old building has undergone a program of vital maintenance.The scheduled ancient monument protection is granted to sites of national architectural importance and makes it a criminal offence to damage the monument in question. The importance of the building meant that during the maintenance work the materials and methods used had to be carefully considered. For example, no hot works of any kind were permitted on-site so traditional soldering or brazing of pipework was not an option.Mechanical and electrical maintenance specialist Red100 was selected to carry out the work as the latest in a number of contracts to work on the building. The renewal of the pipework systems included the heating and chilled water systems, for both of which the supply comes off a header pipe from a plant room located in another building. The contract also included work on the greywater system.As a result of the restrictions on hot works, press connection technology was the chosen methodology for the pipe installation. Viega’s Profipress system was selected for use on the copper heating and water pipework while the stainless steel greywater pipe was connected with Sanpress Inox fittings.Stephen Phillips, Director at Red100 said: “We were familiar with press connection technology, having employed it on a number of similar projects. We had been recommended the Viega systems and were impressed by what we saw when we visited Viega’s production facilities in Germany.”Paul Burkett, Technical Sales Manager at Viega commented: “After discussing the requirements with Stephen at Red100 we were confident that the Viega products fitted their needs exactly. Also the range of different press connection options offered by Viega meant that there were suitable products available as the scope of the work expanded.”Due to the historical significance and protected status of the building as well as the priceless nature of the artwork housed within the Queen’s House, the security of the connections was paramount. Any water leaking from incomplete or inadvertently unpressed joints had to be avoided due to damage it would cause. The SC-Contur feature designed into products from across the Viega range, including Profipress and Sanpress Inox, ensure that any missed connections are reliably identified during testing. This avoids expensive and potentially damaging failures once the project is complete.Stephen Phillips concluded: “We were delighted with the performance of the products. The installation on Queen’s House went very smoothly and as a result we have subsequently used the Viega systems on other projects."

The new six storey HSBC building at No.1 Charter Square in Sheffield utilises ABG’s blueroof system to meet the National Planning Policy Framework and the site's Flood Risk Management Policy. Attenuation for the building is provided at roof and street level, comprising void formers constructed within the roof and streel level structures to temporarily attenuate storm water, before gradually releasing it over a number of hours via the ABG restrictor chambers.At street level the system was installed underneath the surrounding walkways and access routes to restrict discharge rates at ground level, including a large landscaped podium deck area above a service yard where heavy duty void formers were used in the event emergency vehicle access is required.