"hot and cold water"

When it comes to specifying the best of the best, Leicht Contracts know from experience that design and accreditation go hand in hand. The high-end, German kitchen manufacturer was commissioned to design and supply nine luxury kitchens for Purelake Group’s latest development project, Park View Mews in Lee, South East London.

The reservoir had an estimated 180 metres of cracks that needed repair, as well as the main element of the concrete that required coating to waterproof and add durability to the concrete structure. The Reservoir was taken out of commission but it needed to be returned to service as soon as possible. To do this, we looked at the order of the processes to ensure the tight time frames could be met.  

Invited to work with our friends, Mike and Frank of hot tub specialists, Euphoria Lifestyle, to create a traditional garden sauna chalet for a private client based in Surrey, HELO proposed the popular MIKA model. The site available suited perfectly the MIKA design with deep walls and compact but attractive fascia. The standard model was however a little short on space to meet all the client’s requirements so a special extended model was commissioned with an extra central room to house the shower and cold plunge. The result: a completely self-contained family sauna retreat!

Leading property developer, Related Argent, installs three TopBrewer coffee machines in its new, sustainable London headquartersRelated Argent incorporated biophilia, natural light and sustainable design into their award-winning office that was designed by Basha-Franklin.Two TopBrewer Pro Series and one TopBrewer Compact Series were seamlessly integrated into the modern, stylish space alongside one TopWater machine, offering a full menu of hot and cold beverages."The choice of beverages is essential for inclusivity, and this can be achieved in such a seamless, non-intrusive way with TopBrewer."

Following the brief outlined by the water treatment plant the proposal adopted for implementation was for the creation of secure access control. Bi-Folding Speed Gates topped with razor wire were supplied to each of the main entry and exit points to the site. These were supported by PAS 68 rising bollards and rising arm barriers with synchronised operation and traffic light signalling. The gates and barriers were flanked by runs of Jacksons Securi-Mesh® fencing to provide a separate pedestrian entrance to the facility, while static PAS 68 rated bollards were additionally deployed to manage traffic within the site.

Hull homeowner Ben Andrew is watching his home energy bills carefully to measure the benefits of switching from an all-gas heating and hot water system to a combination of gas boiler and air source heat pump.

Daikin Altherma low temperature monobloc heat pumps provide heating or cooling and domestic hot water for three homes newly built by award-winning housebuilder Distinctive Developments in a former farmyard near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.

A barn conversion in Brecon has had a renewable heating system installed, featuring an Aerona³ air source heat pump and a QR hot water cylinder, a system which was designed by Grant UK and installed by a G1 Installer.

Two renowned Alumasc brands, Harmer and Wade, were recently specified and installed for a new striking residential development in London.Newfoundland Tower, also known as “The Diamond Tower”, due to its unique diamond shape and diagonal structure, is a build-to-rent development in Canary Wharf, London. Harmer SML Cast Iron above ground, and Wade gulliesand linear drainagewere installed to provide an effective water management solution.The Harmer SML lightweight cast iron pipework system is dry-jointed, BBA & Kitemark certified, and has a proven track record in above-ground drainage. With its comprehensive range of fittings and accessories, Harmer SML is the ideal soil and waste system for above and below-ground drainage, including rainwater installations, and is fully compatible with other Harmer and Wade drainage products.“Harmer was chosen primarily for its longevity,” said Gary Zumeris - Area Sales Manager – Harmer SML, South. “It’s also easy to install and has excellent acoustic qualities. It’s a very quiet system, which is especially good in apartments or other high-density housing as you can’t hear fluids flowing down the pipes.“The Harmer system was also chosen for its fire-resistant properties, which is an important aspect, due to current legislation. Cast iron is highly specified in London currently, where most buildings incorporate cast iron for increased fire safety.”Harmer SML has the highest product reaction to fire classification possible, which is A1 for BS EN 13501-1, as well as a system fire classification of A2 for BS EN 13823 Single Burning Item A2, s1-d0.

Ground source review: Rural Farmhouse RetrofitTwo Kensa 15kW Evo’s were installed to deal with the heating and hot water demands of an old farmhouse conversion with a swimming pool in a picturesque rural farm in the South West of England.

A 35 sq.m end-terrace house in Gloucester is a showcase for greener heating. Preparing for a new tenant, landlord and heating specialist Craig Vernon replaced the 1990s all-electric space heating and hot water systems with a modern, greener solution.

Brett Landscaping, leading provider of high-quality hard landscape materials, has partnered with O’Brien Contractors, to supply block paving for the development of a new sports facility for the Old Saltleians Rugby Football Club in Warwickshire. The club, which was formed 95 years ago has been a fixture of West Midlands amateur rugby was required to relocate due to their original home obstructing the route of the HS2 development. With a sizeable budget at hand due to generous compensation from HS2, there were high expectations for top specification materials and an impressive finish at the new Water Orton site. O’Brien Contractors were appointed in 2021 to transform 17 acres of farmland into a state-ofthe-art sporting facility. The aim was to create a modern facility for sport and events, with the inspiration for the project being the surrounding natural environment. For Old Saltleians, this meant four high-standard grass pitches featuring advanced trench and pipe drainage (adhering to Sports England Standards), with irrigation ensuring year-round playability. The relocation included the addition of an ultra-modern clubhouse offering social spaces for the club and community to host events. This meant including extensive parking for the site was required on the site.

The historic Bell Street Stables in Glasgow has recently undergone an extensive conversion, featuring the installation of Alumasc’s Flushjoint aluminium rainwater downpipe system.This magnificent period property has an interesting history. It was built between 1896-98 by A. W. Wheatley, originally to house horses working to pull the Glasgow City Council Cleansing Department’s refuse collection carts. In 1955, the building was redesigned to provide a separate entrance for the Police Department who shared the property with Cleansing until the 1980s. Situated in a prime position within the Merchant City area in the city centre of Glasgow, the building was converted to form 52 mid-market affordable rented flats by the Construction and Manufacturing Group (CCG) on behalf of Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) and Lowther Homes, during a two-year construction programme. The renovation was completed in 2019.A major requirement of the renovation was to conserve as much of the building’s heritage as possible, which included all exterior aspects. This involved the upgrade of the stone elevation, replacing all windows and making repairs to the roof and rainwater system.Flushjoint aluminium downpipes along with contemporary hopper heads were specified for their contemporary design. The installation was completed in a non-standard RAL colour to match and complement the window surrounds. 

Alumasc Skyline was recently chosen by contractors Tetraclad to design and supply bespoke soffits and fascia for the assisted living complex Greenfields in Leighton Buzzard. The prestigious development is made up of 82 one and two bedroomed apartments, designed for over 55s. The apartments are finished to a high standard and are available on a rental or shared ownership basis, with extra care assistance available for those who need it. .

The new HydroTap means there is one less touchpoint to worry about, which is ideal both during the pandemic and in the future. The taps come with simple instructions and the response from our employees has been very positive, with feedback suggesting they are easy to operate.

Humberside homeowner James Clark scrapped the gas combi boiler at his three-year-old house in Welton, for indoor warmth and hot water are now provided by a Daikin air source heat pump that is partly powered by batteries and rooftop solar panels

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

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

A chapel in North Yorkshire has been renovated and converted into a home where two Aerona³ R32 air source heat pumps have been installed to provide the heating and hot water. With the space outside of the property limited, Grant’s compact and slim heat pumps were the perfect solution.

Delta Registered Installers, Oaks Damp Proofing having previously undertaken work for the client were commissioned to design and install a Cavity Drain Waterproofing system that would meet BS8102:2009 the British Standard for the protection of structures against water from the ground, Grade 3 (no dampness or water penetration acceptable) to the cellar area of The Blonde Hedgehog. The Cellar having been used historically to store beer was not waterproofed historically. Beer cellars are notable for being very cold and wet. For hundreds of years beer cellars were always underground – because underground rooms are generally quite cool.

This large car dealership in Dorset required a new car park surface for the external paved areas. Planning requirements meant that a porous system was required to enable sustainable drainage and avoid large scale run-off into the surrounding catchment. Using Tarmac's ULTISuDS porous asphalt sustainable drainage systems met the needs of the local planners by managing surface water and reducing direct surface water run-off, but also met the client’s requirement for a safe, accessible all-weather surface for their customers. By eliminating surface water, it also eliminates the problem ice patches that can occur in cold weather conditions. It would also be durable enough to cope with daily vehicle movement and static loading from cars that were on display. 

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

We were contacted by a customer in Bucharest trying to source our Ipe Timber Tiles. He was concerned about durability as Romania has extremes of hot and cold, and torrential rainfall. We reassured him that even with a minimum gap drainage would be sufficient and the suspended tiles system would ensure longevity. He selected the Ipe timber tiles mounted onto fixed height 14mm Plastic Pad. To protect against the extreme weather the tiles were then treated with a generic wood preserve on site, giving them a rich, luxurious finish and producing the "treasure chest" George Ezra would be proud of. https://www.wallbarn.com/case-study/timber-tiles-cata-romania/

Sika Liquid Plastics’ Decothane Ultra cold-applied liquid roofing membrane has been used to refurbish the roof of All Saints Catholic Academy in Mansfield, providing a solution that has addressed water ingress, thermal performance and awkward detailing around roof lights without causing any disruption to lessons or health and safety concerns on site.Components:Sika Liquid Plastics Decothane Ultra.

Exclusive Collection selects TopBrewer for innovative informal workspace at The Royal Berkshire HotelThe Royal Berkshire worked with specialist hotel designers, Trevillion, to create a purpose-built meeting space, ‘Homespace’, designed to meet the growing demand for alternative workspace that provides a welcome respite from home working.Two TopBrewer Pro machines are now installed in the Homespace environment at the Royal Berkshire to provide a full selection of speciality coffees, hot chocolate and steaming hot water for tea drinkers."The TopBrewers are perfect for our new, flexible corporate workspace that caters for individual clients or collaborative meetings." - Debbie Guy, General Manager, The Royal Berkshire

A family home in Wiltshire has made the move from a gas central heating system to a renewable solution featuring an Aerona³ air source heat pump, a solar thermal system and QR hot water cylinder all supplied by Grant UK, helping the household to reduce their dependency on fossil fuel and lower their energy bills.

Skyline fascia soffits from architectural rainwater specialists Alumasc, have been used for the extensive refurbishment of The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon.Driven by the need to enable all-weather play, renovation of the legendary Centre Court included a state-of-the-art retractable roof. From the outset, Alumasc worked closely with Architects Populous of London, on the massive six-year undertaking which resulted in one of Alumasc’s largest rainwater product installations to date. Alumasc’s Skyline soffit system was specified for the underside canopy of the stadium bowl, in order to meet the demanding performance requirements for the arena’s ceiling cladding. 6000 individual soffit modules were supplied, in 80 varying profiles and sizes, totalling an impressive 6500m² of aluminium and associated fittings. Dedication to client support was priority, with Alumasc attending numerous site meetings and manning extra shifts in order to accommodate workload and deadlines. Alumasc’s premium level of technical assistance involved the provision of full product mock-ups prior to manufacture and regular testing of the Skyline system throughout the construction process, to ensure compliance with the client’s requirements at all times.

From chic studios and one, two and three-bedroom apartments and luxurious four-bedroom duplex penthouses, each property at The Stage exudes five-star style. To best support the range of properties in The Stage development, Abode supplied both the Pronteau Prostyle 3 IN 1 hot water tap and the Althia Single Lever tap in Graphite. 

Whether you’re using oil, electric or solid fuel to power your businesses heating, hot water or cooking you should consider switching to Calor. We offer an efficient and versatile alternative. Switching to gas is easier than you think, and in just a few simple steps, you could be enjoying the benefits of mains gas, off the grid.

A Wiltshire farmhouse has updated its heating system, replacing its original heat pump with a Grant Aerona³ air source heat pump which has been installed alongside a QR hot water cylinder. The new heat pump and cylinder were integrated alongside an existing solar thermal system, giving the property’s renewable heating system an upgrade.

Hydrostop AH-25 product was chosen to refurbish 450m2 of roof at the Sacred Heart Primary School in the Bridgeton area of Glasgow. Areas of the roof had been leaking, leading to considerable water damage and disruption to some classrooms. The priority for the roof works was to procure a waterproofing system with minimal hot works that would cause as little disruption to the school’s everyday activities as possible.

If your hospitality establishment is off grid, here at Calor you can benefit from our versatile LPG heating solutions which translate into both fuel and CO2 savings when compared with oil, keeping your customers happy with hot water and piping hot food. Follow the link to read through the case study with one of our clients, Nash Manor House. ''The oil tank has rusted and started leaking and I was concerned about the impact that this might have on the environment. I also didn’t like the fact that oil was a target for thieves – so I wanted a fuel that could not be easily stolen. On paper LPG appeared to be more expensive than oil, but in practice that has not been the case.''

RSP Consulting Engineers designed 1.8km of RAYCHEM HWAT-R self-regulating heating cable in a single-pipe hot water system throughout this new hospital. Capable of maintaining water temperatures at a standard 55°C, the system also provides the capability to boost temperatures to 65°C periodically during legionella prevention cycles. The system is controlled via 19 RAYCHEM HWAT-ECO controllers which communicate seamlessly with the central BMS. As the system uses half the pipework of a conventional re-circulation system the installation time was cut dramatically and much needed space savings were made in walls and ceiling voids.

David Austin Roses, award winning rose growers and home of the National Rose Collection, has recently installed Alumasc Rainwater steel gutters and downpipes at its nursery tea rooms in Shrewsbury. Following a recent extension they wanted to give the property a new lease of life as the existing plastic rainwater was becoming unsightly and tired. Rainwater specialists Roweaver Developments Ltd recommended the perfect solution for David Austin Roses with Alumasc’s contemporary steel range. The replacement steel guttering complements the timber cladding of the building and fits in with the overall look of its well-kept gardens.

Heritage Cast Iron Rainwater systems from Alumasc have been used at The Lancasters, one of London’s most exclusive and prestigious residential developments.Overlooking Hyde Park, The Lancasters was originally a parade of 15 magnificent stucco-fronted Grade II listed houses dating from the mid nineteenth century. More recently used as a hotel, it has now been restored and developed into 77 prestige homes. A leading team of developers, architects and interior designers has created a unique fusion of traditional architecture with brand new design and construction.Alumasc’s Heritage Cast Iron system was specified by the architects Nilsson, for its combination of traditional manufacture and modern quality control standards. The result is a highly robust rainwater solution that provides a visually sympathetic finish to fully complement the stunning Victorian architecture.The Heritage Cast Iron was installed by Premier Services Installations (PSI) Ltd and comprised traditional 4” downpipes and ogee gutters finished in a bespoke white, created especially for The Lancasters by Alumasc who created a dedicated paint line to ensure the order was completed on time.Dave Jones of PSI Ltd commented: “The Lancasters is the largest fascia construction project in Europe and boasts one of the longest and highest Victorian residential terraces in the UK. The sheer height of the building required eighteen 1.8m lengths of downpipe from ground level to the hopper heads.

A new and vibrant housing development in Chelmsford, Essex recently specified a range of bespoke Skyline solutions where ‘inspirational architecture’ is a key element.Beaulieu Park is a charming new district set around New Hall School, which was originally King Henry VIII’s Tudor palace and estate parkland. The concept behind the development was to create a series of individually designed neighbourhoods, which connect to the wider landscape. “This was an exciting project to get involved with as it was an open specification. This also meant that it was important to get this project absolutely correct commercially,” says John Hemphill, Skyline Technical Sales Manager at Alumasc. “Our work at Beaulieu Park, in conjunction with our customer, involved designing and manufacturing a full and comprehensive range of bespoke Skyline aluminium products such as window pods, copings, canopies, fascia and architectural feature cladding and corner post details.”For this unique project, Skyline collaborated with our ‘Recommended Installer’ Specialised Fixings to deliver and design products that were tailored to each individual house type and plot.