"green applications resources sustainability"

The result is an attractive and thermally-efficient loft ladder that is perfectly suited for residential/domestic applications. The Cadet is available as either a 3-part folding wooden loft ladder (shown here) or a 2-part sliding ladder. Key benefits at a glance… ? Well insulated (U-value 0.90 W/m2K) ? Airtight seal (Class 4 certified) ? Load capacity of 150kg per step ? Wide steps / treads with anti-slip profile for comfort and safety ? Hatch box trap door finished in white on both sides ? Supplied ready to install Visit our web site for more information about the Cadet loft ladder

Designing, specifying and installing fire rated timber framed butt-jointed glazing is now easier with the assurance of a fully traceable supply chain with the launch of SYSTEMGLAS® Ligna by Promat, one of the country’s leading manufacturers of fire, thermal and acoustic solutions. Ligna gives designers the ideal balance of assured fire protection and maximum light transmission in all kinds of timber framed glazed partitions and screens. Ideal for offices, healthcare, education, retail and public sector applications, it has been tested to provide integrity and insulation (EI) fire protection from 30 minutes up to 60 minutes (EI30 to EI60).

neaco provided a bespoke modification to its Techdek aluminium decking system as part of a bridge specification at the Grand Canal Dock development project in Dublin. Using the renowned design versatility of the company’s technical team and state-of-the-art precision engineering facilities at its Malton factory, neaco developed a unique grille surface which features tactile strips to alert visually impaired pedestrians when they are nearing a step. Providing a high architectural aesthetic, Techdek is extremely versatile and can be used in many other applications, including staging, modesty screens, solar shading, maintenance galleries and roof access walkways.

Project DetailProject: National Bank of KuwaitLocation: London, UKProduct: TS.9205 High usage architectural door closerProject DescriptionThe National Bank of Kuwait’s London head office required 36 fully adjustable door closers to fit a range of door sizes. They chose the TS.9205 because it:Is easy to install, as it is power adjustable by spring from size EN 2-5, meaning it can be fitted and then adjusted afterwardsHas fire rating on all fitting applicationsCan be installed on the push or pull side of the doorIs easy to open for any age or person, for compliance with the Equalities Act

In the heart of Blyth’s impressive harbour development, The Commissioners Quay Inn sought out a soundproofing solution, to improve the noise quality within the rooms. Allowing customers enjoy a better night’s sleep, as noise was able to spread to the rooms above.Upon being called from main contractor Bowmer & Kirkland, we won tender to supply 1,358 m2 of 50mm FFT3 Soundis Acoustic Battens including 10mm Soundis Rubber Acoustic Resilient Layer. To reach required Part E of Building Regulations, but also to improve noise quality and allow for creating a void for any under floor applications, such as cables.

F. Ball and Co. Ltd.’s newest high-performance water-mix smoothing underlayment, Stopgap 1500 AquaPro, and Styccobond F48 PLUS temperature tolerant fibre-reinforced adhesive have enabled a fast-track LVT installation as part of barn conversions to create three holiday cottages in rural Nottinghamshire.Flooring contractors installed floorcoverings in bedrooms, open-plan living and dining areas and corridors of three previously disused farm buildings of varying size, a total area of over 200m2.Work began by sanding down the new concrete bases, which had been installed as part of the renovation of the properties, by mechanically preparing them, removing any laitance, contamination, dust and debris, to leave a solid, sound, micro textured surface to receive floor preparation products.A moisture test was undertaken by one of F. Ball’s technical representatives to ensure that the building’s subfloors were dry enough to receive floorcoverings. Surfaces were then primed using Stopgap P131 general-purpose primer to promote the application characteristics of subsequently applied subfloor preparation products.Stopgap 1500 AquaPro was applied to create a perfectly smooth base for floorcoverings. 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. The product 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. As it is moisture resistant, it can be applied to damp subfloors prior to the application of a waterproof surface membrane.Flooring contractors then used Styccobond F48 PLUS to adhere 7-inch wood-effect vinyl planks in each of the three cottages. The temperature tolerant adhesive holds floorcoverings in place when subject to high temperatures, which may be an issue as a result of solar gain caused by large patio doors. This can cause tenting and gapping at the edges of vinyl floorcoverings as a result of repeated expansion and contraction over time. Fibres in the adhesive also provide high initial grab, a benefit when installing LVTs.Commenting on the project, Anthony Holmewood, fitter at Forester Flooring, said: “Using Stopgap 1500 AquaPro meant that we could complete the work in less than a week. We opted for Styccobond F48 PLUS to install LVTs mainly because we like the adhesive, but also for the reason that floorcoverings are exposed to direct sunlight in some areas.”

The Burrell Collection’s renaissance is an ambitious refurbishment which will allow visitors to explore all three floors in the building, set out as galleries, visible stores and special exhibition spaces. Arup was tasked to improve and reinstate the entire envelope of the building. The goal for the failing metal standing seam roof was to replace it with a new waterproofing system incorporating falls to provide effective drainage and to incorporate sustainable technology in the form of solar PV.

4500m2 of Optima FC, TFC, IPC & Feature Fabrications in Aluminium Axalta PPC has been used in the completion of Horizon Heights student accommodation at Liverpool Lime Street. The project has been awarded BREEAM Excellent rating for its sustainable building design, development and management. It has also been nominated winner of the RICS Social Impact Awards for the North West region for student accommodation.

The Valentino Untamed tile installation at Westfield, Stratford is a testament to our ability to blend ecological responsibility with modern design demands. This project not only revitalizes the retail space but also aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver top-tier, sustainable flooring solutions that meet the exacting standards of today’s commercial spaces. Project details: Location: Westfield, Stratford, London Product: Valentino Untamed Tile Dimensions: 448mm x 448mm x 20mm Total Area: 245m² Type: Retail Floor  At Terrazzo Tiles, our expertise in creating sophisticated and sustainable flooring solutions was showcased spectacularly in the recent renovation of a retail space at Westfield, Stratford. The installation covered an expansive area of 245 square meters with our Valentino Untamed tiles, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the environment. The Valentino Untamed Selection Chosen for its exquisite design and durability, the Valentino Untamed collection features an impressive array of large grey and white marble chips . This eye-catching pattern not only adds a layer of sophistication to the retail space but also resonates with the modern consumer looking for style and substance.  

Barony CampusBauder Thermofol PVC single ply waterproofing system withBauderSOLAR FSynopsisBarony Campus is a new build project situated in Cumnock, Scotland. The campus will incorporate a range of primary schools, learning centres and academies within the area, and is the biggest capital project undertaken by East Ayrshire Council.Bauder Building BoardProject:Barony CampusLocation:Cumnock, ScotlandProject type:New buildRoof size:5,230m²Client:Sheppard RobsonMain contractor:Morrison ConstructionApproved contractors:EJ ParkerW.G. Walker & Co                             Q9 Cladding SolutionsThe specificationThe client required flat roof waterproofing as well as a sustainable energy source in the form of solar PV panels. Due to Part L regulations there was a requirement for a large PV array. Main contractors, Morrison Construction, bought into the risk-averse, zero-ballast, zero-penetration solution that the BauderSOLAR system offers. As Morrison Construction had not yet used this system, Bauder conducted a technical seminar to share the benefits of using BauderSOLAR in conjunction with a Bauder single ply membrane and to discuss the acoustic considerations for a building of this nature.The technical support and advantages of a single-source supplier resulted in a specification of a 176.80kWp BauderSOLAR PV system generating an estimated 157,800kWh per annum. The system proposed by Bauder ensured the solution was compliant in relation to the SAP calculations that had been carried out.Products appliedBauder THERMOFOL PVCThis single ply membrane is lightweight and has a high-grade virgin polymer formulation. The PVC formulation ensures it is resistant to chemicals and micro-organism attack making it well suited to receive a green roof.BauderPIR M 60This PIR insulation has aluminium foil facing on both sides and rebated edges to remove a thermal bridge. The matt black facing on both sides enables the board to be installed either way up. BauderSOLAR FThe lightweight, integrated system ensures that the integrity of the roof is upheld throughout the installation of the PV array. The panels are designed to create a 12º angle with modules delivering up to 455w per panel.Project challengesThe client had limited space for the storage of 544 solar panels and they could not be stored on the single ply roof. To overcome this, deliveries of the panels were coordinated with the roofing contractors finishing sections so that the panels could be raised, installed and welded as they arrived to site, mitigating the need for storage. Due to the reduced labour time of BauderSOLAR compared to ballasted systems, the site team managed to install the system quickly and efficiently, making back time lost due to weather delays and enabling the deadline to be met.The BauderSOLAR system is the lightest system on the market at 11.5kg/sqm. The system is also warrantied in combination with the roof membrane to ensure peace of mind is given to the client if any leaks or damage were to occur.System installedBauder Thermofol PVC single ply system1 Bauder THERMOFOL U15 FR1.5mm polyvinyl chloride membrane (PVC) reinforced with a pre-coated polyester cross-weaved matting for mechanically fixed installations. 2 BauderPIR M 60This efficient tissue-faced flatboard insulation has been specially developed for use within Bauder single ply systems. 3 BauderSYN DB-PE 100A blue, polyethylene air and vapour control layer. The product is installed by loose laying and suitable for Thermofol mechanically fastened and ballasted single ply systems.BauderSOLAR PV F SystemThis system provides a risk-free, zero penetration installation with a single source for integrated design of waterproofing and PV. Depending on the module selected, this system can weigh just 9-12.5kg/sqm, making it suitable for single ply applications. AdvocacyJordan from EJ Parker:“Our site team found the system very easy and quick to install. However, we found some challenges getting started due to the bad weather but once we finally began it was very straight-forward and fast to install. The technical help received from Chris and the team from design through to project completion was second to none.” 

The roof to a Waitrose distribution centre has been completely refurbished in a single ply membrane system chosen for its sustainable credentials and no disruption to the retailer’s 24/7 operations at Aylesford near Maidstone, Kent. Supplied by SIG Design and Technology, 10,200m2 of IKO’s Spectraplan single ply membrane was specified for its ability to contribute to a BREEAM Very Good rating for the project which is in line with Waitrose’s mission to ‘tread lightly on the environment’.

In the retail sector, a design-oriented, hard-wearing floor is essential for balancing aesthetic impact and practical demands. Floor coverings from Amtico meet these high requirements perfectly because not only are they beautiful, but they are also flexible, durable and sustainable. This makes them first choice for a vast array of projects, and it was precisely these properties that made Haus der Mode: For men in Schweinfurt choose a floor covering from the Amtico Signature collection.

Completed in July 2020, The Sorting Office has been designed and constructed to the highest sustainable standards achieving LEED platinum certification.The development is articulated with design features that add visual interest and assert a clear geometric form. The material palette of the facade consists of perforated aluminium brise-soleil fins applied in a fine texture metallic powder coating that are strategically placed to minimise solar gains.Finish: YW387I Ordos Sable

Find out why IOBAC Adhesive-Free Magnetic Flooring was specified by innovative house-builder Etopia for its BRE test house showcasing best-in-class sustainable buildings.The magnetically receptive Ezy-Install Underlay took just 45 mins to lay over the 55m2 ground floor area, followed by 3 hours to dry install magnetic Karndean Luxury Vinyl Tile in a modern herringbone pattern.

A Stannah passenger lift has made access easy for residents of Victoria Wharf Apartments, a £5.5m, sustainable and contemporary canal-side housing development for intermediate rent in Ladbroke Grove, St John’s Terrace, London W10. The eight-person lift is wall-mounted in a purpose-built, freestanding structure that rises from an exterior courtyard at lower-ground level to serve all 22 apartments ranged over five floors.

ASF were initially approached to supply the standard ASF 5002 bollard to use in the protection for car charging units situated at motorway services across the UK. After some initial discussion it was decided that a variation on that bollard would be best, offered at 2 standard diameters (101mm and 114mm) and as both straight and cranked bollard profiles.This allowed a standard spec to be circulated around several installation contractors that was at once consistent whilst also having the flexibility to be used on individual sites that typically have slightly varied needs.The bollards are finished polished with a green visibility band in a machined recess and off a robust and effective barrier whilst being relatively unobtrusive not displeasing to the eye.

Location: Upton Park, Green Street, London E13 9AXProject type: ResidentialProducts: Rainscreen PanelsSolar shading/Brise SoleilFinish: RAL 7031 MattProducts: Weatherstruck Coping SystemFinish: RAL 7006 SatinSatin RAL 7030 SatinRAL 7031 Matt Products: Kwikfix Soffit PlanksFinish: RAL 7030 MattFire Rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Architect: Goddard Manton PartnershipMain Contractor: Barratt Developments PLC (East London) Sub contractor: G.K. Engineering & Design Ltd  Photography: a2n

This extension to the Tate St Ives nestles into the beautiful surroundings of the Cornish town. In reference to the history of ceramicists in St Ives, such as Bernard Leach, the building is clad in shiplapped ceramic tiles from our partners Agrob Buchtal, which were then hand glazed in the UK by glazing experts Froyles.Architects, Jamie Fobert, selected these tiles as the clay is pale sandy yellow with blue and green glazes that capture the ever-changing Cornish weather and blend into the hues of the sea beyond.The end result is a sensitive exterior which reflects the craftsmanship contained within.Tate St Ives was awarded the Art Fund’s Museum of the Year and shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling Prize 2018.

Akari Care, a nationwide residential care home provider, enlisted Crown to create a uniform refurbishment programme for its extensive portfolio of properties last year. Crown Paints Colour Service created six new dementia friendly colour schemes include mauve, pink, turquoise, natural, green, citrus and terracotta. Ideal for high-traffic areas, Crown Trade Clean Extreme Stain Resistant Scrubbable Matt was specified for all walls in the corridor, lounge and bedroom areas while Crown Trade Clean Extreme Mould Inhibiting Scrubbable Matt was specified for the bathrooms. Crown Trade Clean Extreme Antibacterial Durable Acrylic Eggshell will be used in the kitchens.

Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo was established in 1988 in Wales when the old dairy farm grounds were converted into an adventure park and zoo. So when they were preparing for the arrival of a pride of African Lions, one of the top priorities was to design and manufacture their enclosure fencing. The main requirements for this project were to protect the welfare of the lions whilst holding security features for visitors and staff when observing. The lion enclosure consisted of CLD Fencing Systems Dulok Double Wire Fencing using a dark green RAL colour for coating. The whole enclosure featured 2 paddocks, 4 dens and 5 yards to offer the very best comfort for the African Lions.

For this incredible work space Shadbolt was asked to supply an array of products, all bespoke & FSC certified. The co-ordination of such a variety of products was a challenge, one that we rose to, ensuring that our project co-ordinating team managed the needs of the client. •Black Grey RAL 7021, Pale Green RAL 6021 & Pure White RAL 9010 factory paint lacquered FD30, FD60, FD90 & FD120 fire performance doors & framesets. •PAS24 certified security doorsets •High performance (42dB SRI Rw) doorsets •Stain finished SG European oak, veneered 3 panel pattern, toilet cubicle flush rebated doors, pilasters & interconnecting dividers.

Architect- AWW BristolInstaller- W.M. Ironwork Ltd.System- Easy Glass Max, 60x30Metres- 250m Max, 75m 60x30The new home of the Bristol Pit Bulls ice hockey team is now fitted with our Easy Glass Max system. When Planet Ice, a multi-use ice rink, contacted us, we knew that the Green Guide needed to be adhered to, so our knowledge was key when deciding on the correct system to be used. And when Planet Ice asked us to recommend a reputable installer, we had no doubt in suggesting one of our long-time partners, W.M Ironwork Ltd.

We worked with the architectural team at Sparcstudio to deliver unique contemporary washrooms and changing areas for the Reebok Sports Club. We installed our highly engineered Marcato toilet cubicles, featuring a flush front and rebated finish, ensuring division panels and doors meet edge to edge for maximum privacy, in the washroom areas. Manufactured from solid grade laminate, the cubicles feature wood veneer doors complemented by yellow partitions. The same wood veneer was used for the Concerto integrated duct panelling system and urinal modesty panels. Our Luminoso glass shower cubicles were manufactured with a green coloured layer beneath the toughened glass.

Royal Winchester HouseComer Homes is renowned for the high quality of its residential and commercial developments, which span London, Hertfordshire, Dorset and throughout the South East. Its latest project is Royal Winchester House, a landmark building of one and two bedroom apartments at the heart of Bracknell's new town centre. As a planning requirement of Bracknell Forest Council, Comer Homes was required to provide a sustainable, low energy form of heating that would offer a reduced carbon footprint, as well as being affordable to run.The SolutionComer Homes specified F730 Exhaust Air Heat Pump systems from NIBE for all 337 apartments on the development to ensure they could meet their renewable targets. The new homes builder employed MKP Consultants Limited to undertake the building services design as they had previous experience of NIBE systems on other apartment developments in the area.The NIBE F730 Exhaust Air Heat Pump system was an ideal solution, as it offers mechanical extract ventilation, alongside heating and hot water in a compact design. The heat pump units were installed in a service cupboard in each apartment, as they have a small footprint of only 0.6m2.NIBE F730 operates by recovering energy from the ventilation air and, if desired, extracted from outdoor air, the heat energy is absorbed by the heat pump using a vapour compression process and subsequently transferred to the water-borne heating system, in this case an underfloor heating system. The integrated 180L domestic hot water cylinder also ensures a plentiful supply for the one- and two-bedroom properties.A sustainable solution, NIBE F730 keeps energy consumption to a minimum. The efficient control system automatically adjusts the indoor climate for maximum comfort for the occupant, using a combination of weather compensated control and the low energy inverter driven compressor.Each apartment is also fitted with a NIBE RMU 40 room controller, to allow greater flexibility of control for users and if required can be easily connected to NIBE’s internet remotely monitoring and control platform UPLINK™.Thanks to this innovative heat pump system, residents at Royal Winchester House are set to benefit from lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.The ResultsThe NIBE F730 system complies with Parts L, F and G of the building regulations, and helps to meet planning requirements designed to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints within residential housing developments. External noise is kept to a minimum and building aesthetics are unaffected by the need for external plant.TestimonialHead of Projects at Comer Homes, Jack O’Brien explains: “We were looking for a heating and ventilation system that would be both sustainable and affordable to run. We have been impressed with the performance of NIBE’s heat pumps, with their high efficiency, low noise and low running costs further enhancing the sustainability of the whole development.”About Royal Winchester HouseRoyal Winchester House is a landmark building of high specification 1 and 2 bedroom apartments available to rent. The unique design and architecture of Royal Winchester House creates a striking and impressive presence from the ground floor retail spaces up to the luxury penthouse levels.Royal Winchester House has been built for the private rental market and the development is being managed by Chancellors estate agency. The apartments benefit from high standards of insulation and air tightness. In addition to the NIBE heat pumps, the whole development has been fitted with a biodigester for the repurposing of food waste, as part of reducing waste sent to landfill and to add to its sustainability.

Products: Flexi light – flexi frames. Flexi heavy – flexi modular frames. Application: Smaller Air-handling units. Roof build-up: Inverted roof design. Diversitech supplied a number of their flat roof plant support frames to the University of Wales new SA1 development, Trinity St. David’s in Swansea. The mechanical contractor chose Flexi Support Systems to support a number of air-handling units, where our flexi light and heavy duty modular frames were required. The flexible nature of our systems combined with even load distribution through our non-penetrative feet, provides the simplest and most cost effective method of support.

Products: Flexi light – flexi frames. Flexi heavy – flexi modular frames & QUAD frames. Application: Air-handling units & Chillers. Roof build-up: Inverted roof design – (upside down roof). Diversitech recently supplied a number of their flat roof plant support frames to the REEC School development in Twickenham. The mechanical contractor on the project, chose Flexi Support Systems to support their rooftop air-handling units and packaged chillers. All flexi frames are fully adjustable, due to their M24 adjustable leg assemblies supplied as standard. Pump House carry out full load management reviews of all services being supported on their frameworks.

The range of Koster flooring systems were specified for use on this large warehouse project in Plymouth. The existing concrete slab and coatings were being effected badly from vapour drive and osmotic blistering so following full investigations by the Koster Technical team, the Koster VAP I 2000 was chosen as the primary form of protection thus preventing further vapour drive and outgassing. A fast application and setting material, this meant a short factory down time and a guaranteed solution.Please read the full case study. For more information or if you would like assistance on a similar project, please contact the Koster technical team at technical@kosteruk.com.

Liquasil's Cladcoat™ was applied the cladding of this industrial unit in Shirley, West Midlands.The cladding was jet washed prior to application to remove the failing factory finish, creating a smooth surface and ensuring proper adhesion. Any areas of spot rust were treated using SWT Primer to prevent rust breakthrough before two coats of Cladcoat™ were applied directly to the substrate.The project gave the unit a new lease of life, completely revitalising the old and worn-looking cladding to leave it looking good as new.On top of the aesthetic overhaul, the finish is UV stable and resistant to cracking and flaking, due to its excellent flexibility and adherence.

Rubio WoodCream was chosen for the exterior cladding of this stunning residence in Hout Bay, Cape Town, because the finish mimics the look of Shou Sugi Ban (ancient Japanese technique of burning timber). This home was designed by Salt Architects and built by Musa Renovations and Projects. The homeowners wanted the cladding to look modern without coming across as too "slick" or having too much sheen in the finish. Rubio WoodCream created a natural look and feel, showing the variance of the natural grain and weathered look. Besides the aesthetics, they chose this product because of the ease of application and maintenance. As the name suggests, it takes one coat per board and is incredibly easy to touch up.

At the heart of one of the largest centres of health science and medical research in the world, the £140 million Papworth Hospital in Cambridge has seen the application of a comprehensive range of waterproofing solutions from Sika, ensuring this landmark hospital has a watertight and healthy future.Located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the 300 bed hospital replaced the existing Papworth Hospital and was built by Skanska for the Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The specialised cardiothoracic hospital will features 7 state-of-the-art theatres, a 46 bed critical care area including Cardiac Recovery Unit and Cardiac High Dependency Unit, diagnostic and treatment facilities and a 24 bed day ward.

Union Industries is helping a growing Berkshire manufacturer to keep its new facility extension properly segregated.Union Industries designed, manufactured and installed a Picadoor and two Static Fabric Industrial Partitions to create a 3-Sided static enclosure. The Picadoor, which was originally created as a bespoke product for an existing customer, is one of Union Industries’ smaller, lighter weight, fast acting doors and helps to maintain temperatures and reduce energy consumption in small internal applications. The door has a variable speed motor, inverter system inside the panel for controllability and is ideal for small internal doorways where regular access is required, but environmental conditions also need to be maintained.

As the global climate crisis intensifies, the imperative for sustainable and low-carbon housing solutions becomes increasingly apparent. In response to this pressing need, the United Kingdom has emerged as a pioneering force in the development and implementation of net-zero housing initiatives. Net-zero housing aims to mitigate carbon emissions by ensuring that the total amount of carbon released is balanced by an equivalent amount sequestered or offset, thereby achieving a neutral carbon footprint.Vistry group, a UK leader in providing affordable housing, embarked on a mission to collaborate with different suppliers and manufacturers to come together to create the Vistry Innovation Centre; a unique, full-sized house bringing together come of the most innovative technologies in the construction industry to help towards net-zero goals. The Head of Technical Innovation at Vistry Group, Jack Brayshaw, stated “We are very proud to share our progressive timber frame facility and the VIC with its innovative new technologies. This centre is part of Vistry’s roadmap to Net Zero and this ambition is thriving as we keep moving on our journey”.Metrotile’s innovative, fully-integrated solar tile, eQube, was used for the roofing inline with their Qube roofing system.eQube is where sustainability meets style; providing a stunning design with no additional height and minimal extra weight to the roof, enabling quicker and easier installation of solar panels than ever before. The eQube system as part of the VIC showcases Metrotile’s drive towards helping meet sustainable energy goals, providing solutions to help lower carbon emissions in the UK construction industry.Interested to know more about the VIC? Check out Vistry’s case study here: https://www.vistrygroup.co.uk/media-centre/press-releases/vistry-launches-vic-unique-innovation-centre-showcasing-technologiesFor more information and to see the full range of Metrotile products available, please visit www.metrotile.co.uk or call the sales team on 01249 658514

Although sustainable building is on the rise, large quantities of the harmful substances in some building materials still manage to slip through into new and refurbished buildings. In a new online theme from Troldtekt A/S, experts present their views on material health and indoor climate – and possible solutions to the challenges.   This problem exists because material health does not always have the same concern as, for example, acoustics, ventilation or daylighting. In an interview with Martha Lewis, head of materials at Henning Larsen Architects, the theme focuses on the health of building materials and their influence on indoor climate.  The theme also features inspiration from some European buildings which excel at being verifiably healthy and have Troldtekt acoustic solutions incorporated into their architecture. For example, it features the newly opened C2C lab in Berlin where all the materials meet the Cradle to Cradle Design criteria. These are valuable and much more detailed calculations than are available elsewhere.   Troldtekt, a leading developer and manufacturer of acoustic ceiling and wall solutions which contains no deleterious materials, wants to be specified for buildings that are healthy for their occupants. This is why the company is working strategically to support the third UN Sustainable Development Goal – ‘Good Health and Well-being.’ In practice is because their products contain no deleterious materials. This theme also explains how the recognised DGNB Certifications focuses on the health and comfort of building users. Specified throughout the UK and Europe, the benefits of 100% Troldtekt natural wood wool panels include high sound absorption, high durability, natural breathability, low cost life cycle performance and sustainability. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme  to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour. Samples, case studies and technical information are easily sourced from www.troldtekt.co.uk (tel 01978 664255) while information on Troldtekt’s building health theme can be found at https://bit.ly/2X50oS6Photo: Copyright: ©Kirstine Mengel.

Troldekt’s wood wool acoustic ceiling panels have made a major contribution to the Enterprise Centre at the University of East Anglia. Dubbed the greenest building in the UK, it is also one of the most sustainable. It is recognised as the first large scale project to target both Passivhaus Certification and BREEAM Outstanding and one which meets the highest energy and environmental standards. Designed by sustainable architects Architype, in collaboration with contractor Morgan Sindall, it is a great signal for clever thinkers and designers to be equally inspired in their choice of materials. The rationale behind the decision was to make the Centre a live and educational demonstrator of the performance of renewable materials. Here it would be possible to see any changes over time and to understand their impact, including energy efficiency and carbon offsetting. The building has become a classic source of knowledge for designers and builders. The more they are informed of the environmental impact on their own projects and the options available to them, the easier it becomes to break with convention and design something innovative using traditional natural materials.  In addition to the Troldtekt wood wool panelling, good examples from this project include the interior glulam beams which make up the main timber frame and the thatch for the wall panels which is an innovative system comprising hundreds of straw cassettes. This makes the Centre the largest exterior thatched building in Europe with one of the finest interior acoustics for learning and study.  Founded on the Cradle-to-Cradle design concept, Troldtekt’s natural and inherently sustainable panels are available in a variety of different surfaces and colours and contribute positively to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB and LEED ratings. In addition to their high sound absorption and tactile surface, they offer high durability and low cost lifecycle performance. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme fine to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour. Samples, case studies and technical guidance is available from tel 01978 664255 or Troldtekt.co.uk while more information about the project can be found here at http://bit.ly/troldtekt-uea1

Congratulations to Deicke Richards (DR) Architects for their win at this year’s 2020 Learning Environments Australasia Awards for excellence in educational design. The John Paul College (JPC) Kindergarten extension articulates the college’s Reggio Emilia approach to teaching and learning within an Australian context. Reggio Emilia is an early learning education style that values children as capable and resilient and rich with wonder; it emphasises hands-on, discovery learning that allows children to actively engage all their senses, guided by educators rather than directed.The kindy’s program is strongly art and nature-based and focuses on encouraging children to creatively problem solve, engage deeply with personal and group projects, and to experience nature with freedom and wonder.To support this program, Deicke Richards led a collaborative process with a diverse stakeholder team to produce a design framework that fosters engaging experiences with climate; form (external, internal and transitional spaces); light; colour; materials and texture; smell; sound; and taste. Marmoleum flooring was chosen as the main internal floor finish as it fits the design and teaching philosophy.Marmoleum is made from natural raw materials, many of which grow and are renewable. The material is produced CO2 neutral without offsetting and can be sustainably recycled at the end of its useful life. Marmoleum is healthy, containing zero plastics and is asthma and allergy approved by the British Allergy Foundation. Marmoleum thanks to the linseed base is inherently bacteriostatic naturally inhibiting the growth of common bacterial and viral infections creating a better interior for children and staff.The kindy’s new building has a logical layout. Two classrooms are separated by a central amenities block and open onto a generous verandah that flows into the “piazza” or green heart. Each classroom is characterised by an internal “Atelier” form which offers focused respite from other activities – a sunken studio features in ‘The Burrow’ classroom, while a playful house-like structure punctuates ‘The Nest’ classroom. These unique Atelier spaces are dedicated to creative exploration and elevate the children’s art-focused learning experiences.JPC Kindy’s thoughtfully layered learning experiences exemplify how the values of a kindy – or any educational institution – can be meaningfully embedded in its environmental and spatial design.Diecke Richards founded in 1994 is renowned for their collaborative processes and inclusive culture. DR has a commitment to using their skill in design to achieve a social purpose and this is evident in the JPC kindergarten community project.

Alumasc Rooflights provided an ideal solution to allowing natural daylight into the building from above. The unique kerb design incorporates both security and waterproofing to create a reliable, safe and secure rooflight, allowing horizontal termination of the waterproof membrane. This makes water penetration virtually impossible. The domed glazing is moulded from Marlon FSX Longlife, premium quality solid polycarbonate, which has an impact resistance up to 200 times that of glass.Technically sophisticated, Harmer AV high-performance aluminium roof outlets are chosen for this project as they guarantee a trouble-free performance and are especially suited to flat roofing applications featuring continuous membranes.Harmer AV roof outlets combine innovative product design with full industry compliance to meet the needs of rainwater drainage in any construction project, with the ability to drain up to 40% more roof area than conventional gravity outlets. Further to this, their lightweight, durable, non-corrodible design means that they will do so for up to 40 years.GX Pressed Aluminium Gutters are robust box section gutters designed for traditional wet jointing on site. They’re especially suited to applications where maximum capacity gutters are required. For the very large drainage area of the campus roof, they were perfect.Designed to fully accommodate thermal movement at every joint, they are lightweight, durable and noncorrodible, and, upholding the environmental prerequisites of this project, they are 100% recyclable.Finally, Heritage Circular Pipes are available in 4 pipe diameters and 3 pipe lengths, together with a complete range of fittings. Can be factory finished to replicate cast iron or with BBA certificated powder coatings in a range of colours.