"controls for services energy recovery"

Four years ago, sustainable developer Citu set out to create homes 10 times more energy efficient than typical UK houses. To do this, the company invested in a state-of-the-art production facility where all the components for its properties are built offsite.Thermal performance is critical to energy efficiency. Citu wanted to go far beyond the regulations to achieve wall build-ups with an extremely low U-value of just 0.10W/m2K. This is at least three times better than the U-value achieved in most new build homes and fifteen times better than older houses.Adding offsite capabilityCitu turned to Knauf Insulation for advice and support in developing the offsite capability required for this level of thermal performance. Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team undertook extensive calculations and recommended the Blowing Plate Insulation System to install Supafil® Frame – a high performance, non-combustible blowing wool.Supafil® Blowing Wool lends itself to offsite production because it completely fills the cavity, without any voids even around complex penetrations – something that can occur when insulation slabs or rolls are cut to size. It is also a dry process, so operatives are not exposed to any harmful chemicals and it doesn’t require a dedicated production line.Instead, the system comprises a blowing machine and a filling plate. The system is modular allowing for phased investment. Citu opted to install the blowing machine in phase one, which allowed them to manually fill the panels. Phase two saw the addition of the blowing plate, semi-automating the process.Supafil® Frame can be run by a single operator, fits easily into the existing production line, and can even be moved quickly and swiftly to other areas in the manufacturing facility depending on Citu’s volume capacity requirements.Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team provided full training and support during each phase of installation.Insulating the panelsCitu homes are manufactured from wooden panels with a 300mm cavity. The blowing plate is positioned over the panel completely covering the cavity. Supafil® is then blown into the wooden frame to the specific parameters of each panel. All cavities are filled to the correct thickness; something that has been carefully calculated and tested by the Knauf Insulation Technical Support Team to ensure settlement does not occur. And because the machine is programmed to install the exact quantity of insulation required, there’s no waste.Supafil® is a high performance Blowing Wool. It is non-combustible with Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification as well as providing excellent thermal and acoustic performance. It contains a silicone-based additive to ensure it is water repellent.As well as providing excellent thermal performance, Supafil® has great sustainability credentials. Knauf Insulation’s Glass Mineral Wool contains up to 80% of recycled content. This reduces the amount of virgin materials used and prevents around 60,000 tonnes of glass a year (350 million bottles) from going to landfill or polluting the environment. Knauf Insulation has also invested in advanced compression packaging. This means there’s less packaging used, so fewer lorries on the roads leading to a reduction in transport carbon emissions. All of which helps to support Citu’s goal that every home should be carbon zero to manufacture.By combining modern methods of construction with the very highest levels of thermal performance, Citu and Knauf Insulation are creating homes that reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions – homes that are fit for the future.

Creating a Passivhaus home Balancing sustainability and style, Sort Trae is the culmination of a retired architect’s vision for a home and creative space that blends into a South Yorkshire hillside. HEM Architects helped the client to bring this dream to life, using Knauf Insulation’s glass mineral wool insulation to achieve the incredibly high Passivhaus standards for energy efficiency. Low carbon and high comfort The client envisioned a sustainable build using Passivhaus, a voluntary standard for designing and building properties with very low energy consumption, that offer high levels of comfort for their occupants. To achieve this, the levels of air tightness and thermal performance far exceed those mandated by building regulations. FrameTherm® Slab 32 was friction-fitted within the 140mm thick timber frame walls on the first floor, while DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 was used to fill the stone-clad masonry cavity walls on the ground floor.  “We try to specify fully filled masonry cavity walls where possible, sometimes up to 200mm wide, to maximise the use of mineral wool insulation. It pays dividends for the client”, explained Liam Seaman, Architectural Technologist for HEM Architects. Thermal performance is critical to the Passivhaus approach. The FrameTherm® Slab 32 provided a calculated U-value of 0.137 W/m2K in combination with the black timber frame wall and cladding. For the masonry cavity wall on the ground floor, a fractionally higher U-value of 0.138 W/m2K was achieved using thermally broken wall ties and DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32. This has contributed to Sort Trae’s exceptional thermal efficiency. Because glass mineral wool is flexible and fibrous, slabs knit together and adapt to minor imperfections in the substrate. This tight fit contributed to an overall air change of 0.54 ach (air change per hour), comfortably below the Passivhaus standard of 0.6 ach, meaning the property is air-tight while still providing good ventilation. Sustainable practices Liam explained his reasons for choosing Knauf Insulation, “The alternative products are often oil-based and the application of these is outweighed by the environmental impact of their production and lifecycle.” Both FrameTherm® Slab 32 and DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 are manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. The binder is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders. Knauf Insulation’s glass mineral wool insulation contains up to 80% recycled content, mostly glass bottles and jars. It is also compressed so more product can fit per pack or pallet, and less packaging is used. This means there’s more product per truck, resulting in fewer vehicles on the road, and less packaging per m2 of insulation. Achieving the Passivhaus standard In collaboration with HEM Architects and other suppliers, the client has created a stunning home and an inspiring set-up for her loom-weaving workshop. “It is general practice for us to specify Knauf Insulation as standard because we find the product information available to be really clear and useful”, Liam added. Knauf Insulation’s practical, detailed product information made it HEM Architects’ first choice to achieve the Passivhaus standard for thermal performance. 

WJL Contracts have been providing high-quality, bespoke joinery solutions to some of the largest contractors in UK construction for over forty years. Known for their expertise and design flair, their fire-rated doorsets and panels have been installed in prestigious building projects spanning the education, entertainment, and commercial sectors. They also offer a full installation service which ensures that their fire-rated and acoustic products are installed competently, setting them apart from a lot of other joinery manufacturers. One of these projects was for Crawley Town Hall in West Sussex on behalf of Kier construction. They successfully delivered bespoke joinery and acoustic panelling doors, an elliptical ceiling, a feature wall, mirrors and kitchenettes. The team overcame significant challenges to hit the deadline including managing the installation of 2700 large 2.7m doors.Fire and Acoustic Seals Fire Door FoamTM and Intumescent Acrylic Sealant were used to install all fire-rated doorsets to guarantee their compliance. Joel Mayer, Buyer & Commercial Manager at WJL comments“We’ve been using Fire and Acoustic Seals’ own-label Fire Door FoamTM and Intumescent Acrylic Sealant on our large construction projects for many years. Our team particularly like the Fire Door FoamTM because they think the quality is excellent compared to others on the market, it’s quick and easy to install and it’s backed up by specific fire door test evidence.We also love the service we get from the team at Fire and Acoustic Seals which is why we’ve continued to work with them for over a decade. They’re incredibly reliable and have a fast turnaround service which ensures our onsite team are never without the products they need when they need them. This is really important to us as we are constantly working to tight deadlines.” For more details about this and other WJL projects visit https://wjlcontracts.co.uk/portfolioContact our team for more information about Fire Door FoamTM and Intumescent Acrylic Sealant.0121 521 2179 | sales@fireandacousticseals.co.uk 

With a steadily expanding workforce of 200+ highly skilled software engineers, space is at a premium at Amazon’s development centre in Edinburgh. Working with architect, Hassell, and contractor, Clark Contracts, Style was specified to deliver a partitioning solution that would enable the open-plan conference and training room to be segregated into smaller rooms, as required.Installing two Dorma Hüppe Variflex moveable walls either side of a central column, the large area can now be quickly split into two individual rooms.With an incredible 59db Acoustic rating, this is almost an entirely sound-proofed solution, which means there is no disturbance from events taking place either side of the wall. The fabric wrapped Kvadrat Lloyd finish is the perfect complement to the contemporary interior décor.“This easy to manoeuvre, manual moveable wall is the ideal solution when you want to quickly sub-divide space and turn one room into two,” said David Louden, Style’s director for Scotland.“The Variflex panels are manufactured separately to the frame, making it cost-effective to replace a single panel lining if damage occurs, or to update all the panels when the room is re-decorated in the future.“Further contributing to a low carbon footprint, the Variflex moveable wall has an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804, making it a highly sustainable system.”Style has also been commissioned to provide the Amazon development centre with a programme of planned servicing and maintenance, helping ensure an extended working life for the moveable walls.“A regular check-up ensures continued smooth operation, compliance with Health and Safety Legislation, and for acoustic moveable walls, it also ensures its acoustic integrity remains intact,” said Louden.“Regular servicing also minimises the chance of any minor issue escalating into a more expensive repair later down the line. We have examples of well-serviced moveable walls lasting up to 25 years.”Amazon’s development centre in Edinburgh is responsible for devising and growing innovations for Amazon around the world with teams of developers, designers and leaders running major parts of Amazon’s business, technology and operations.

Project OverviewMount Earl Gardens is a new residential development in Streatham, South London, built on a site formerly occupied by old garages. Modular construction has been used to create a building of one, two and three storeys, creating as little impact as possible on the views from existing houses. Walkways have been designed within the block, with 'modernist' screening which allows light and fresh air into these areas whilst still keeping them safe and secure for residents. The aluminium screening runs along the length of the buildings and is also utilised in sections, including garden division screens, throughout the entire block of thirty-two apartments. To achieve the design vision, the building needed an homogeneous appearance to blend with the external red brick facade.Off-site build and finishThe client selected the perfect shade from our Landscape™ Terrain range of powder coatings - 'Original Terracotta'. All of our architectural powder coating have excellent durability, requiring minimal maintenance. Powder coating as a process brings further benefits, particularly to a modular build. The apartments were entirely built in a factory, leading to a faster installation time, less time spent on site and a 90% reduction in on-site waste. Powder coating is also a factory controlled process, thereby reducing time spent, and waste generated on site, and not dependent on weather conditions as is the case with air drying wet paint.Powdertech Corby coated nearly 3000 linear metres of aluminium which was fabricated into screens off-site and delivered to site just in time for installation.BenefitsPowder coating is an offsite process. It is factory controlled leading to improved consistency, less wastage and reduced environmental impact.The powders have excellent weather resistance and colour stability.Powdertech's rigorous pre-treatment system will help to keep the facade elements free from corrosion for up to 40-years.Powdertech plant and the operational team have the capacity to process large quantities of material within a short time frame, with no compromise on quality.

Controlling noise and acoustics is a key element in design and particularly when designing for the elderly. The need for more assisted-living and retirement accommodation continues to rise to match the ever-growing ageing population whether it’s to combat the cost of living independently, downsizing, increased care needs or just a sense of community and freedom.Care Homes and Day Centres play an important role in our society and can improve the quality of life for its users through an increased sense of security and to combat isolation. New accommodation is frequently designed to replicate the comforts of a home and to minimise transitional stress but all too frequently ambient levels of noise add to the challenges faced by the elderly. The impact of noise pollution on the elderly is far worse than in younger years. Presbycusis, (hearing loss that occurs gradually for many of us as we grow older) along with cumulative lifetime noise exposure, decline in physiological resilience and dementia all have an impact. The McManus and McClenaghan (2010) study recommended that “having a good acoustic environment can support inclusion and reduce confusion in people with dementia”. Today’s trends of designing with hard surfaces means that all too often the problem is exacerbated with residents, staff and visitors suffering from noise pollution adding to increased levels of stress and anxiety.Danish acoustic panel manufacturer Troldtekt is a world leader in designing and developing acoustic panels to create calm, healthy, comfortable environments with their long-lasting solutions for effective sound control combined with colour to create characterful design. Troldtekt acoustic panels are available in a variety of different structures and colours combining superior sound absorption with award-winning design. The Troldtekt range has a minimum expected life cycle of 50 years coupled with excellent resistance to humidity and tested to meet ball impact standards. The range is available in various sizes and structures, from extreme fine to coarse. They can be supplied as natural wood or finished in almost any RAL or NCS colour. Depending on the panel specified, reaction to fire is classed in accordance with EN 13501 as B-s1,d0 or A2-s1,d0 respectively.

Project: 1 Aylesbury Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1R 0DRClient: MeritcapeArchitect: Atum Design LabM&E consultant: EngDesignProtecting Cities Against Fire with Advanced GlazingDaylight-flooded spaces command a premium from tenants, but in the densest urban areas – where buildings are very tightly packed – it can be difficult to achieve. Not least because of the need to protect against the spread of fire.This was the challenge for developer Meritcape when they set out to refurbish 1 Aylesbury Street – a converted historic warehouse building in Clerkenwell, East London.The designers wanted to fill every floor of the building with natural light, from both the front and the back of the building by using floor-to-ceiling glazing on every floor. However, the rear of the property was just three metres away from a neighbouring building.To prevent fire spreading from one building to the next, building regulations specify the fire resistance that external walls need to be able to provide. This is given as minimum requirements for integrity – how long they can contain smoke and flames – and insulation, or how long they can prevent the escape of heat. Steve Bond, technical and customer support manager, fire, at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, said: “When you have two buildings this close together, standard glazing is not an option, as it doesn’t put up enough of a barrier to fire spreading outwards from the building.“That’s where fire-resistant glazing can make a big difference. By providing protection against fire while also letting light flow in, we can create light-filled spaces in very built-up parts of the city where not long ago it wouldn’t have been possible.“As well as sealing in flames and smoke for at least an hour, the glass also provides radiation shielding that reduces the amount of heat energy that can pass outwards through the glass – another key means of spreading fire.” The rear façade of the building is glazed in Pilkington Pyroclear® Plus insulating double-glazed units, delivering not only the right level of fire resistance, but have also been designed to give excellent thermal insulation (U-value) properties to reduce heat-loss from the building.Davood Kiani, Senior Project Consultant at Meritcape said: “Those looking for modern commercial space expect floorplans to be well lit with natural light, and this is one of the main design challenges when working with buildings in the most densely urban areas of the city.“Fire regulations are one of the big reasons for this, so Pilkington fire-resistant glazing means we can achieve the best of both worlds - a building that meets or exceeds all of the safety regulations while also feeling spacious and airy.”A total of 800 m2 of Pilkington glass was used in the project, including in the front façade of the building, in which hundreds custom-sized small double-glazed solar-control units were used to imitate the crittall steel-framed windows that are a signature feature of buildings in the area.Images by S G Photography

ABOUT CURRAGH:Nestled in the glorious countryside of Southern Ireland sits the Curragh Race Course. Initially founded in the coffee rooms of Kildare, the Irish Turf Club was quickly established as the governing body for horse racing throughout Ireland.The first recorded race on the plain took place in 1727 and now Curragh (from the Irish name ‘Cuirreach’ meaning ‘place of the running horse’) is home to Ireland’s five classic races.ABOUT THE PROJECT:The Curragh site has recently undergone a 65 million Euro redevelopment project across its entirety. Works carried out included the stable yard (featuring 135 stables) and the building of a brand new grandstand with a spectacular sweeping roof. Covering 10,500 square metres the new grandstand can cater for up to 6,000 people within its four levels – in fact, the site as a whole, has an incredible crowd capacity of 30,000 - which is a typical number for events such as Derby Day!Visitor enjoyment and responsible ‘crowd’ control during any event at Curragh are equally important to the site owners and managers; therefore, all aspects of this were to be considered carefully during the planning stage of the redevelopment. Ensuring an event at Curragh is a pleasurable experience takes a lot thought and care. Aspects such as creating the right atmosphere for the different areas and ensuring that everyone can hear race commentaries and announcements, all form part of the overall impression of the day’s event. Taking great lengths to provide all visitors with a memorable day is likely to encourage them to return again in the future.To carry out the works required, a selection of top consultants were selected for the different aspects of communication throughout the site. Dublin based, Sound Productions Ltd was chosen to design and commission the PA/VA and EVC, as well as the TV and other audio distribution systems required for the Curragh buildings and surrounding grounds.The brief to Sound Productions was to supply a flexible multi-zone audio and voice alarm system with top quality audio. The specification was for a complex zone arrangement, with multiple audio inputs from broadcast companies, live commentary, background music and TV audio distribution. This included the requirement for a 98dB sound level trackside, with absolute intelligibility throughout all areas (including those with high reverberation) and, for this, a highquality PA/VA system was needed. It was imperative that these works were delivered on schedule, with ‘quality’ to be considered as the prevailing factor, without exception, throughout the project.The PA/VA system was to be delivered over two phases – the first one being the system rack for the Parade Ring; the second to be the New Grandstand, including two main Baldwin Boxall PA/VA VIGIL control racks delivering power to a network of EN54 loudspeakers. The specification for VIGIL to be the PA/VA system for Curragh was due to Baldwin Boxall’s renowned reputation for product quality and reliability, as well as the company’s excellent track record for the delivery of large projects.Now fully installed and operational, the PA/VA system is equipped to cater for up to 24 analogue and 32 digital audio channels all distributed to over 50 zones. Multi-zone general paging is also delivered using Baldwin Boxall’s BVRD TSM touch screen microphones along with BFM series microphones for emergency purposes.The project’s requirement for disabled refuge call points has been fulfilled by the installation of Baldwin Boxall’s Omnicare EVC system, which is controlled via a 16-way control panel situated in the Security Room.Commenting, Peadar Carley, Project Engineer, Sound Productions said “We are delighted to have been involved with such an amazing project. We have a long-standing professional relationship with Mercury Engineering (the project electrical contractors), who share our ethos of being very particular with detail and passionate about providing the best quality. To know that we were chosen due to our ability to deliver large, complex systems and for our audio knowledge, makes us very proud indeed.”When asked about Baldwin Boxall, Peadar continued, “We have been buying, installing and commissioning Baldwin Boxall products for very many years - over 30 in fact. The systems just keep on going - they really are robust! But it is not only for this reason that we return to Baldwin Boxall repeatedly, but also because of the support we can get from them. They know their stuff, are easy to deal with and I recommend them without hesitation.”

Isolating Hotel Rooms from RestaurantsPreventing noise transmission between the noisy areas of a building to the quiet areas is an ongoing challenge. When the quiet areas are people sleeping and the noisy area is a busy hotel dining room, the problem is particularly acute, but can be resolved by using the appropriate products which are cost effective and easy to install correctly.The ProjectPremier Inn Scarborough North is a new build 105 room, 5-storey hotel with a 68-cover restaurant, which was completed in March 2021. The new hotel was granted planning permission in 2018 and construction was slightly delayed over the Covid lockdown period.Owner of the Premier Inn brand, Whitbread, continues to see strong growth with their UK business continuing to outperform in the midscale and economy market and now has over 800 hotels in the UK. Key to the brand’s message is that wherever you stay in a Premier Inn, you will always get great levels of comfort.The ChallengeSources of noise which affect hotel guests include:External sources of noise and vibrationTransmission between rooms and between rooms and corridorsTransmission from engineering systems (ventilation and air conditioning, heating systems, lifts and so on)Transmission from public areas – reception, conference facilities and in particular restaurants.Noise transmission from restaurants, bars and reception areas becomes a significant challenge where the design of the hotel incorporates these areas on the ground floor of a block, with hotel rooms directly above.Reducing the transmission of noise from a large common area to individual hotel rooms rests principally on isolating the plasterboard or suspended ceiling. To overcome this challenge, a frequent recommendation is to design a ceiling incorporating neoprene isolation hangers.Neoprene Isolation Hangers for HotelsNeoprene isolation hangers are primarily used to isolate suspended sources of audible frequency vibration, such as piping and ductwork systems. They also provide very effective vibration isolation for hanging acoustic ceilings by preventing transmission of noise to the building structure.The isolation hangers supplied for use in the ceiling at Premier Inn Scarborough North were Isogrid Quick-Connect Ceiling Hangers, supplied by CMS Danskin Acoustics.The IsoGrid Quick Connect Ceiling Hanger has a specially designed dual deflection neoprene isolator which allows internal bulging. This enables the neoprene element to achieve greater deflections whilst maintaining lateral stability. Greater deflection translates to greater performance for noise control ceilings.IsoGrid Quick-Connect Ceiling Hangers have several other benefits:They are more cost effective than similar products;The simple design makes them quick and easy to install, providing significant labour savings over conventional sound control ceiling hangers;The known deflection rates ensure acoustical performance under design loads;Tested for airborne, impact and frequency performance to BS EN ISO 10140 requirements;Various attachment methods allow for installation on a variety of ceiling structures, including concrete, metal deck or structural framing;A bronze core serves to prevent poor acoustic performance due to over compression or due to accidental short circuiting of the transmission pathway.InstallationThe ceiling was installed by specialist contractor B W Shrimpton Limited. This was the first time that Shrimpton’s had used IsoGrid hangers, but they were well received.Supervisor Kirk Talbot, who has worked closely with the CMS Danskin Acoustics Team on several projects, explained his preference for the hangers is very much about the ease of installation:“We used Hilti pan head HUS fixings into the soffit for fixing them up, and the lads on site had no issues with them at all.“The IsoGrid hangers are definitely robust enough and easy to fix angle or wires to. On that basis and the cheapness compared to other hangers out there, I’d definitely use them again and will recommend that others do too.”Kirk Talbot, BW Shrimpton LtdTechnical Advice on Acoustics in HotelsCMS Danskin Acoustics are specialists in soundproofing materials and acoustic insulation. Our expert technical team can advise on the specification of a wide range of specialist acoustic and vibration control systems – balancing performance, aesthetics and budget. We provide solutions to treat floors, walls and ceilings, as required, delivering a holistic design approach to sound control for the complete gym or sports hall environment.We don’t just design, manufacture and deliver market leading products. We work with the entire supply chain and project teams to ensure a smooth path from conception to completion.

Enhancing Accessibility and Efficiency: Creating user friendly entrances at Birmingham UniversityWe’ve had a long-standing relationship with Birmingham University, having installed many doors and operators in the past. The University has a large campus, and we have a few projects under our belts where improved sustainable access has been achieved.Below is a fine selection of some of our more recent installations.Project Year: 2023Product: ASSA ABLOY SW200 Operator (Main entrance)Product: ASSA ABLOY SW200 Operator (Harding Building)Product: ASSA ABLOY SL500 F (Arts & Law Building)Project Background: The University’s goal is to make every door and every entrance accessible for everyone so it's inclusive, reflecting their commitment to diversity and equality. By prioritizing accessibility, they aim to ensure that all members of the university community, regardless of their physical abilities, can navigate the campus with ease. Through these efforts, Birmingham University continues to set a standard for higher education institutions striving to provide equitable access to education and resources for all.With this in mind, the facilities management team required robust, reliable and energy saving elements to their entrances.Solution: Two of the buildings required strong operators to withstand the daily use of their current swing doors. Our elegant heavy duty SW200 swing door operators were incorporated into one of the University’s main entrances and The Harding building, which both required reliability and ease of entrance, as students are often carrying heavy bags full of books and electronics. The SL500 Frame sliding door was installed in the Arts & Law building, allowing for a seamless and responsive entrance as you enter the bright lobby. This helped to reduce the amount of energy required in this building, making it more efficient at heating and cooling.We have more projects in the pipeline with Birmingham University as they continue to enhance their facilities. Our commitment to providing first-rate door solutions and operators aligns perfectly with the university's mission to create a welcoming and accessible environment for students, staff, and visitors.For more information or assistance with any project, please contact enquiries.esuk@faactechnologies.com where we can provide expert guidance and detailed documentation.

House of Tomorrow Today... CHALLENGE + SOLUTION Before your imagination runs away with you: HoTT stands for House of Tomorrow Today. This new Dutch concept is based on both the Smart Building and Active House principles. It tries to gather recent innovations as well as new technological developments in one project, entirely in line with future market trends. From the very beginning HoTT gathers together all parties involved in order to have a smooth running building process and thus limiting the number of contacts and intermediaries. Compared with traditional building methods this optimal cooperation already results in at least a 30 % cost reduction. Also it is worth mentioning the construction itself - HoTT strives for prefabrication and modular building components, resulting in a decrease of project schedules, project budget and construction site waste. Although prefabrication had over time developed the stigma of cheapness and poor quality, it has nowadays been turned around into a green trend in construction. The first HoTT healthy home in the Netherlands has just been completed. Comfort, energy and technology are the main issues. It is a house with comfortable living conditions, a lot of natural light and fresh air, and, above all it is energy neutral, modular and durable, reducing its ecological footprint. Electrical wiring, plumbing and wall components can all be easily adapted for the future needs of the building. Both sloping roofs are prefabricated steel frame structures with insulation, vapour barrier and roof covering already included, allowing a fast and easy installation. The less sloping, south facing roof has a RENOLIT ALKORPLAN PVC roof covering, provided with aesthetic RENOLIT ALKORDESIGN roof profiles. Also part of the roof has solar panels which have been installed using RENOLIT ALKORSOLAR profiles. The building is being constantly evaluated by means of sensors gathering data to continuously improve and develop future HoTT buildings. The concept will not only be applicable for detached housing, further developments will also aim at terraced houses, schools, hospitals, etc. This project proves once again RENOLIT is a reliable “green” partner, a company that is responding to the growing demand for ecological products by offering sustainable building materials. It’s the first HoTT of hopefully many more...

Set on the former site of a pub and a fish and chip shop, the stunning new Clifftown Shore residential development has breathed new life into the Western Esplanade in Southend-on-Sea in Essex. The development boasts a stunning location close to both the seafront and the nearby Conservation Area, which encompasses some of the coastal city’s most celebrated local architecture including the 1912 built Cliff Lift funicular railway. In addition to the 51 luxury one, two and three bedroomed apartments, the development also features a ground floor restaurant and cocktail bar and a host of aluminium fenestration systems.Taking inspiration from the Art Deco style of the neighbouring buildings and the beauty of the natural landscape, the undulating ‘waves’ of the white concrete framed building have been further accentuated by the curved installation and slim sightlines of Senior’s thermally-efficient SF52 aluminium curtain wall system.The stunning views from the individual apartments have been framed using Senior’s patented PURe® tilt and turn aluminium windows, with PURe® SLIDE aluminium doors providing access to the outdoor terraces. The thermal efficiency achieved by Senior’s PURe® aluminium system has been further enhanced with the use of energy-efficient triple glazing.The main entrance to the development features Senior’s aluminium PURe® Commercial Doors to provide safe and secure access. As well as contributing to a more energy-efficient building envelope, with all of Senior’s aluminium windows and doors comfortably meeting the new lower U-value targets of Part L of the Building Regulations, the use of the PURe® system also offers improved acoustic performance.Owing to the coastal location of the development, Senior’s aluminium fenestration systems were powder-coated in marine grade Matt Black to offer additional protection from the elements and provide an attractive contrast with the white building design. The installation of aluminium brise soleil, also powder-coated to match the aluminium windows, is both an attractive and practical feature, and will provide solar shading and protection against solar gain.Designed by LAP Architects and built by Cura Construction, all of Senior’s aluminium fenestration solutions were fabricated and installed by supply chain partner Glass & General.

A global construction, energy and infrastructure organisation required a durable, chemical resistant floor coating solution with an anti-slip profile that would withstand the daily wear and tear of its internal vehicle repair and maintenance facility. VINCI Construction is part of VINCI Group, a multinational enterprise with operations in the energy, infrastructure and construction industries. Founded in 1899, the company now has a presence in over 120 countries with a global team of around 220,000 people. The Widnes facility is one of ten VINCI Construction UK locations and houses, among other facilities, a vehicle maintenance workshop where the company ensures their fleet of general and specialist vehicles. The industrial unit that houses the workshop previously had a concrete paving slab floor that proved to be uneven, unsafe, and difficult to maintain.  Not only did the new flooring solution need to address these concerns, it also needed to be both slip and chemical resistant as well as feature clearly marked automotive bays and provide enough durability to withstand frequent wheeled traffic as well as the impact of dropped tools and the weight of heavy equipment. Installed in a combination of RAL 7037 Dusty Grey and RAL 6024 Traffic Green, vebrores EP HBC was installed across the 332 m2 vehicle workshop, with the Traffic Green used to mark out the facility’s six automotive bays, before being outlined using vebrodeck PU Linemarker in Yellow. Prior to the installation of vebrores EP HBC SR – a system comprising an initial layer of vebro EP Primer followed two coats of vebro EP Universal with a broadcast of 52 mesh silica sand after the first coat for an anti-slip profile – the pre-existing concrete paving slabs were first coated with an epoxy DPM and a 20.0 mm screed to level the surface. vebrores EP HBC SR is a pigmented, solvent-free, slip-resistant high build epoxy floor coating system that is best suited to floors in medium duty processing areas where a textured, hard-wearing, chemical resistant finish is required. Available in a wide range of BS 4008 or RAL matched shades, the system is ideally suited to areas where there is a need for navigational demarcation and zoning. 

Heslington East Campus Student Residences: Sustainable and Efficient Expansion Alongside the preservation of listed buildings, the University of York is investing in a flagship £130m development for students that promotes wellbeing, community, and sustainability. The initial phase sees 16 brand new student accommodation blocks and 2 communal hub buildings providing flexible social spaces. Surrounded by stunning lake views and natural habitats, the buildings are part of a huge initiative to expand the student accommodation offering.GOALSArchitects Sheppard Robson alongside Graham Construction sought to futureproof accommodation by incorporating multi-use buildings, including catering outlets and social hubs. Key to the brief was using the latest in safety, energy efficiency, longevity, and warranty credentials. Graham Construction’s use of modular external sandwich panels, prefabricated steel bathroom pods, and pre-assembled services distribution racks used Modern Methods of Construction with off-site construction techniques.CHALLENGESThe major challenge was to specify a roofing system that could keep up with the pace of the build, given the typical building was constructed from start to finish in circa 14 weeks.The roof deck comprised of precast concrete slabs which facilitated the works programme for speed of construction and consistency in build quality.Alumasc’s challenge was to find not only a waterproofing solution that was able to keep up with such speed of construction but also to meet a truly sustainable life cycle equalling the lifetime of the building.A key consideration in the design was the roofing materials’ thermal properties. To meet the u-value target of 0.15, Alumasc’s XPS Plus insulation was specified, providing a single layer of 175mm, which reduced the height of the overall build-up when compared traditional XPS.SOLUTIONHydrotech 6125 Waterproofing System / Derbigum Hybrid Upstands For over half a century Hydrotech Monolithic Membrane has been successfully used by architects and specifiers, ensuring some of the world’s most prestigious buildings and structures are kept watertight. With no product failures in over 50 years and guaranteed waterproofing integrity for the lifetime of the structure, Hydrotech offers a total life cycle solution for the building.Hydrotech was specified on the main roof areas for this project as it easily meets individual requirements of the buildings. In addition, the system is designed to last the lifetime of the building or structure to which it is applied, giving long-term waterproofing integrity and no future replacement costs.Applied in a hot liquid state to the deck, and including a polyester reinforcement, the bond of Hydrotech MM6125 is 100% absolute. There is no risk of water tracking below the membrane and because it is monolithic, no possibility of lap failure.DERBIGUM WATERPROOFINGDerbigum sustainable roof system was selected for the upstand areas. This hybrid solution was developed to improve the thermal efficiency in all areas to mitigate against cold-bridging with minimal insulant thickness. Derbigum bituminous membranes are high-performance waterproofing systems offering extended warranties and the highest levels of project support. The upstand zones benefited from Derbigum Mineral which is a mineral surfaced composite reinforced membrane.ROOFTOP MANAGEMENT STRATEGYIn addition to the waterproofing solution the buildings benefit from the full Alumasc rooftop management service. This included the design and supply of safety systems, accessories, and over 20 AOV smoke hatches meeting all British and European standards.Specific safe zones were designed by Alumasc Roof-Pro and positioned around all roofs for safe access. Purpose made clips for installing lightning conductor tape without roof penetration were also provided. All rooftop accessories are part of the Alumasc Roofing specification and therefore can be found back-to-back within the Alumasc 35-year system warranty.PROJECT DATACompletion: Autumn 2022 BuildingType: Student Accommodation ProductApplication: Hydrotech & Derbigum waterproofing systems Certification: BBA Approved & European Technical Approval Architect: Sheppard RobsonMain Contractor: Graham ConstructionAlumasc Registered Roofing Contractor: Tandragee Roofing

Liverpool Street station first opened in 1874 and by 1895 it had the largest number of platforms than any other terminal railway station in London. Liverpool Street is one of the busiest railway stations in London, serving as the terminus of the West Anglia Main Line to Cambridge, Great Eastern Main Line to Norwich, Stansted Express service to Stansted Airport and other trains serving East London and destinations in the East of England. Not forgetting the integration of London Underground lines; Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines.

Harmer Drainage high performance Roof Outlets and SML above ground drainage were recently specified for a new, forward thinking children’s hospital in Liverpool.The Alder Hey Children’s Health Park is a large £250m project developed to improve the paediatric medical facility and enhance the experience of both patients and staff. The aim is to set the hospital as a new benchmark for the delivery of paediatric care in the UK and around the world. It includes six wards, a large critical care unit, 16 theatres and a host of clinical services, together with shops and cafes.

The Royal Voluntary Service Hertford branch wanted to provide a lunch club to bring older people together to enjoy a hot nutritious meal and socialise with friends at the same time. The room to be used for the club was not fit for purpose. Altro donated floors and walls to transform the room to create a warm and welcoming environment. Altro Wood Safety Comfort was used for the floor to provide a good aesthetic and easy to clean floor. Altro Whiterock White was used to provide a smooth, easy to clean surface that is impact resistant and reduces maintenance costs.

Viking Line is one of the market-leaders in passenger transport on the northern Baltic Sea. The company runs passenger, leisure and freight transport services on its seven vessels. When the passenger ferry ‘Cinderella’ was due for a refit, including the laying down of new floors, Amtico Marine was chosen for the wide range of designs and sizes. Pale Maple was chosen for the crew’s canteen, a light wood design to create a warm atmosphere. Ceramic Frost and Linear Metallic Jewel were combined in different parts of the duty-free shop.

A Raised Floor System was nominated for this project in order to ensure full access to cables / services within the flooring. This provides greatest flexibility for the long term function of any commercial building. The stunning design was created by Sheppard Robson Architects who won a design competition in 2005 to create this building. The site was developed by Linkcity with their sister company Bouygues UK as the Main Contractor. Bathgate Flooring was appointed to manufacture, supply and install over 10,000m2 of PSA steel encapsulated panels to create the raised floor system over 7 floors.

Ginni Bilham, lead Interior Designer was tasked with updating and transforming the Bedale Centre which provides specialist mental health, substance misuse and learning disability services. Ginni’s main aim was to create a tranquil feeling throughout the facility, which in turn would help users of the centre to feel relaxed and comfortable during their visits. ”The décor was previously very plain. Everyone loves a trip to the seaside and feels refreshed after a day by the sea so I wanted to create that atmosphere within the Centre.” Explains Ginni.

Wharncliffe provides technology consultancy, selection, installation and support services to a wide range of businesses and industries. Due to their product offering and bespoke software packages the business has grown over the years and as part of an office furniture refurbishment project, to accommodate their growing workforce, Wharncliffe looked to danfloor to provide a long-term flooring solution for their Sheffield based head office. Not only was look and performance an important part of their decision, but with their technical telephone support team based within the open plan offices an acoustically sound environment was an essential requirement.

We have been working alongside ModuleCo, the provider of fast-track modular construction of complex, fully-fitted healthcare buildings to the NHS and other healthcare service providers. This has involved us fitting out the facilities in situ at ModuleCo’s manufacturing facility, so they’re ready to deliver to hospitals around the country. The modular buildings we have fitted out include operating theatres, reception areas and consulting rooms, which are assembled offsite at the ModuleCo factory, and then delivered to the hospital location and put straight to use.

Blue Fly Interiors, chose Bushboard Washrooms after being impressed previously with the service from initial quotation through to delivery. Tiny Stuff cubicles in HPL were chosen in our vibrant jumble blocks print and pampas or powder blue to compliment.Semi-recessed vanity units and were manufactured to a lower height to accommodate the early years children. We were told the fit out was “at least 75% quicker” by using our Ready Plumbed system. Read the whole case study on our website.

This elegant collection of apartments will benefit from far-reaching views towards the City, Regent’s Park and Hyde Park. With architecture by renowned architects Squire & Partners, this development comprises an approved scheme of 672 residential apartments with 24-hour concierge and business lounge, 25m pool, spa, gym, cinema room, entrance lobbies and receptions, private gardens. Servicing and parking for 286 vehicles is arranged over two basement levels. Effisus Vapour FR membrane Class A1 was chosen to protect the insulation and building interior.

Millbury Nursing Home is a purpose-built residential nursing home.The Development will consist of a new fully serviced single storey extension which will double the capacity taking it from 66 bedrooms to 132.The works consist of a new extension incorporating 66 single bedrooms with associated nursing accommodation, visitor accommodation, administration and staff areas, dining & living facilities & all associated accommodation to ground floor level with associated alterations to elevations. Being able to deliver this extension quickly and with minimal disruption to the current residents was of the upmost importance.

As part of a 200 Streetpod purchase deal with East Midlands Trains (EMT), a single Streetpod was installed amongst standard bike racks at EMT head office to trial the product to their own independent standards. “This is a fantastic product that will be very beneficial to our cyclists. Not only is it 100% green, which supports our objective to provide greener travel, but the single locking facility makes it even more secure, providing maximum bike protection for our cyclists.” David Horne, East Midlands Trains Customer Service Director

The area of Bermondsey Spa in South London was a vast development project in 2017 and 2018, the Bermondsey Square Hotel being a focal point of the area. As well as assisting with various applications for the projects, Fixfast helped with site visits and rainwater calculations to ascertain the needed level of roof drainage. Having swiftly answered these requirements, Fixfast then supplied many of the well proven FarBo roof outlets together with leaf guards to ensure the longevity of the roof areas."Brilliant service, didn't have any problems at all"Tanya Hall - Buyer

James Latham have supplied 40 door blanks from their Moralt Laminesse FireSmoke range to the grade 1 listed Christ Church at Spitalfields in the East End of London. The brief was to convert the crypt of Nicholas Hawksmoor’s church into a multi-purpose space for events, board meetings and a fully operating café. The door blanks with a European Oak veneer were specified due to their superior acoustic values which was of the upmost importance for keeping the outside noise out and not disturbing any events or services that will take place simultaneously.

12 of Howe Green’s 7500 Series floor access covers have been fitted internally and externally at the domestic section of Ebbsfleet International Station. A robust access solution was required to provide easy and safe access to vital internal underfloor services in the station building. The access covers were tailor made to the sizes required. Set into the substrate, the access covers sit flush with the flooring and do not present a trip hazard. They can be easily removed with the use of lifting keys or a Howe Green Cover Skate.

The demand for centrally located, furnished apartments with services similar to the hotel trade is on the rise. The apartment block in Berlin offers 135 apartments with made-to-measure floor plans and designs à la carte.Depending on their needs, tenants choose an apartment ranging from 17 to 54 square metres that combines all the comforts of an exclusive hotel suite with the feeling of being at home. The sliding doors are made of toughened laminated glass with grey mirrored film and – depending on building structure – attached to either the wall or the ceiling with HAWA Junior 80 GP hardware.

Premier Security & Fire fabricated and installed three Secured by Design steel security gates and fencing for instructing clients MDP Communications Services at their project in King’s Cross, North London.Premier’s gates have been tested by the BRE (Building Research Establishment) achieving LPS1175 SR2 security status and sit alongside our dual-certified LPS products in a portfolio of more than 250 designs, including communal entrance doors, screens and curtain walling.Check out our website for more information. www.premier-ssl.com

Since 2010 the Hub South East initiative has been a development partner to many different entities in the public sector in Scotland, working on the regeneration of infrastructure and local services across the country to help ‘level up’ many local communities.As part of this long-term strategy the development of Calderwood Primary School in East Calder would add a new state-of-the-art learning facility to the West Lothian village, provide hundreds of school places to young pupils and sit at the heart of the wider residential masterplan for the area.

Future-proof GP services for the community of Beaconsfield.The new 1800sqm Primary Care Centre was developed to bring together The Simpson Centre and Millbarn Medical Centre. Designed to cater for the forecast increase in the town’s population, the relocation of the two GP practices provides centralised, high-quality care for over 20,000 patients.Whilst both GP retain their own identities, the new building allows them to work collaboratively to improve patient journeys and provide more holistic care for the surrounding health community within the primary care network.

Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world, it is key to ensure continued support on their projects. FSi Ltd were approached to provide a product to seal new and existing service penetrations in walls and floors up to 120 minutes fire resistance. This has been achieved through the installation of FSi Ltd products by Mitie Fire providing full compartmentalization. Mitie, BAA and Firestopit have a long working relationship throughout the Heathrow Airport complex, which requires careful planning and installation decisions to ensure the correct products are used.

Face fixed panels on constant display on this student accommodation block meant that the original rivet specification was changed to a powder-coated self-drilling fastener, to eliminate the inherent problem of damage often caused by riveters denting or scratching the panels.Fixfast was also able to colour-match the fasteners to a unique NCS colour required, enabling the fasteners to seamlessly blend in with the panels."Good service, quick response, quick advisory on delivery dates. Prompt to visit customers on requirement to undertake colour matching exercise"George Alabaster - Quantity Surveyor

A Howe Green 5000 Series Aluminium Access Cover was supplied to The Fish & Chip Shop in Islington. An unobtrusive access solution was required to cover the kitchen’s essential mains drainage services and provide fast access to them for easy maintenance. The access cover was fitted into quarry-tiled steps leading to the kitchen. It was designed to be virtually invisible to prevent any slips or trips – essential within a busy restaurant environment. The cover is double-sealed which means water or bacteria ingress is preventable ensuring that the highest hygiene standards can be maintained.