"drain"

The refurbishment of platforms is part of Network Rail’s government funded National Stations Improvement Programme (NSIP ). The five year programme aims to deliver £179 million worth of station improvements to a minimum of 150 medium sized stations in England and Wales.An overarching objective of the programme is to achieve a noticeable improvement to the passenger perception of stations whilst providing value for money in station investments. Part of this remit involves aspects of customer comfort and safety, including ensuring that the control of surface water runoff is efficiently and effectively managed. For this project Murphy Group were commissioned by Network Rail as the main contractor.Clark-Drain has provided a total of 740m length CD 434 linear drainage channel for installation in three of the station‘s platforms to drain the surface water at a maximum rate of 4.6 l/s into silt box traps before discharge into the mains.The silt boxes work by retaining runoff to allow deposited silt to settle to the bottom of the basket before the water is discharged via the outlet pipe connection. The basket is located so that it is easily removed for periodic cleaning. Both the channels and silt boxes are lightweight and designed for easy handling, installation and maintenance. The bodies of the channel are constructed from recycled hard wearing polypropylene to protect them from damage and ensure long lasting durability. A BS EN 1433 Class B125 quick-fit grating with ‘CatchLock’ retention system provides all the strength required for the 12.5 tonne loading it was designed and tested to withstand and perfectly suits high trafficked station platforms.The narrow-slot ‘heel-guard’ design reduces the potential for tripping and slipping and provides a useful safety feature for passengers and rail staff.The weight of each one meter length, at 5kg, made it very easy to install enabling Murphy Group Engineers to lay several lengths in one go for faster levelling and taking 25% less building time  than heavier polymer concrete options. As part of the aesthetic appeal of the platform refurbishment, the CD 434 was specified because of its flexibility to follow the curve of the platform edge, giving uniformity and enhancing the visual appearance when laid to the same contour.In addition, the linear drainage channel was supplied with 450 x 450mm, 600 x 600mm and 750 x 600mm steel recessed covers and frames. These enabled 60 of the stations lighting cable access chambers to be securely covered and in-fi lled with the marble effect paving specified for the station floor as part of an attractive and functional design for the public to enjoy.WHY THE CD 434 WAS CHOSENLightweight – The one meter length channel and grate is lighter, weighing 5kg, compared to traditional concrete products weighing 20kg or more without being detrimental to its strength for EN1433 B125 loading.Reduced manual handling – Lightweight design and simpler, easier and safer installation provides greater emphasis on health and safety, reducing work related injuries.Easy and quick to install – Installing up to four lengths in one go enables faster levelling, taking 25% less time than traditional polymer concrete.Dual Locking – The Catchlock system simplifies locking of the grating yet enables safe and speedy access for maintenance. The optional anti-tamper bolt locking system provides added security against theft, reducing time and cost spent on replacing lost gratings.Anti-slip and narrow slot finish – Reduces the potential for tripping and slipping, helping to improve public safety.100% recycled – ‘Green’ credentials help toward reducing the carbon foot-print and act as a theft deterrent due to having no intrinsic scrap value.Enhanced durability – Carefully designed load transfer structure improves product life span and lowers maintenance and replacement costs.Heat resistant – The polypropylene/nylon properties make the CD 434 channel ideal for hot tarmac installation.

Before there was an open, 4" (100mm) diameter pipe that drained water from the back of this Devon farm house into the yard. Apart from an open pipe, which never looks good on a listed building, when it rained heavily there was water gushing out across the road causing havoc to any cars parked nearby. With the installation of the cast iron cowled conservation vent now the water is deflected downwards and the opening is no longer open to the elements and in eye line. With a choice of 100mm or 125mm spigots this cowled vent has many uses

We have overcome the challenge of installing low channels in an existing reinforced slab at the southern entrance to the French station.We have supplied mini range polymer concrete shallow drainage channels. This range is specially designed for areas with height limitation and load classes up to C250. Since this specific case involved a pedestrian tunnel, channels with heel-proof grates that comply with PMR regulations for people with reduced mobility were installed.

This large college needed to increase parking capacity for students and staff and commissioned a new 5,500m2 car park. Local planning guidelines encouraged a sustainable approach to drainage to avoid excessive run-off into the local catchment. It would be used throughout the year, so there was also a requirement to avoid standing water during heavy rain. As it would be in frequent use by large numbers of staff and students, the chosen surfacing needed to provide long term durability with minimal maintenance requirement.After discussions with the main contractor, Tarmac’s experienced team recommended ULTIPOROUS, their specialist porous asphalt car park surface. Using a modified binder and open aggregate structure, ULTIPOROUS combines excellent drainage characteristics with long term durability. It reduces direct surface water run-off to help meet planning requirements. It also eliminates the problem of both standing water after heavy rain and ice patches that can occur in cold weather conditions.

At a Glance:New £253m resettlement prison required complete and secure cabling infrastructureManufacture and off site build of completed chambers reduced onsite labour by one third minimising COVID / H&S risksLighter, recyclable materials cut fuel use, accelerated installation and reduced environmental impactHMP Five Wells has won 15 major industry awardsThe ClientKier (www.kier.co.uk) is a leading UK construction and infrastructure services company, providing specialist design and build capabilities for vital economic and social building projects across the UK. Kier was awarded the contract by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) for a new build resettlement prison in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire – as part of their New Prisons Programme. The aim of the programme is to reform and modernise the prison estate to provide more safe, secure and functional prison places focused on supporting rehabilitation.The ChallengeKier needed a cable access infrastructure that could satisfy the extremely secure access requirements of a prison environment spanning a 36-acre site.Over 1100 components were supplied to ensure a fully secure cable access system with features such as custom cabling.Kier’s goals for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, as well as for environmental sustainability and social responsibility, is in line with their brand values.The site required a simplified installation, reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions solution that would both endure and be recyclable at the end of their life. The benefits of Kier’s approach came to the fore during the COVID-19 pandemic.As Kier’s project director Rob Stanton explains, ‘new ways of working and offsite manufacture were embraced to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on project delivery’.The SolutionUsing polypropylene products from Clark-Drain, via subcontractor Mitchellson, significantly reduced the weight of the components as compared to traditional concrete. This removed the need for lifting equipment, reduced the on-site labour required (and the attendant health and safety risks), and dramatically shortened the installation time on this £253 million project.From a sustainability point of view, too, these lighter components scored highly, not only in respect of reduced fuel consumption and end-of-life recyclability, but also in terms of provenance, robustness, and therefore long-life durability.Clark-Drain also made several prior visits to site to assess the project requirements, and, based on these early engagements, added further value by designing, building and deploying, in relatively short timeframes, two new chamber bellmouths, to protect below-ground cabling. The bellmouths enable cables to be easily routed within the inner chamber walls during installation by site operatives, but also enable ducts to be securely housed and connected, inside the chamber walls, prior to concrete backfill being applied during installation. Clark-Drain manufactures over 70% of its products inhouse, including the completed chambers, which were manufactured and built offsite at its yard in Yaxley, Peterborough.Demonstrating its commitment to social value and equitability throughout, Kier also involved its Digital Apprentice trainees in the project, and created a project bank account to ensure easier and quicker supplier payment.Outcomes and ResultsThe figures speak for themselves:Cable access for the project is being assembled 22% faster than if traditional construction methods had been usedLighter materials meant that one third less labour was required on-site to install the chambersSurveys were carried out 70% faster using dronesMillions are being saved on post-project snagging using cloud-based review and QA technologiesThe project has won 15 major industry awardsAnd as for the environmental benefits, long life and recycling apart, the polypropylene chambers are only 38% of the density of concrete, greatly reducing the project’s fuel consumption and carbon emissions.Rebecca Wade, Bid Director at Kier, describes the project’s successes: ‘Thanks to the deployment of agile digital methods and next-generation suppliers, we are delivering efficiently and cost-effectively, whilst respecting our commitments to our society, our community, and our planet.’For more information on how Clark-Drain can help your business deliver robust, cost-effective, environmentally responsible cable access solutions, no matter how big or small your project, get in touch.

Ashdown Forest in East Sussex is a major destination for horse lovers, with several stables and riding schools amidst miles of bridleway. Clark-Drain supplied drainage solutions to one of the forest's prestigious equestrian centres, which is undergoing development of its visitor amenities.The centre has installed 3,000 square metres of new paving and parking areas, along with other upgrades to its facilities. Contractor Codrin Iordache of Cody Building took the opportunity to use Clark-Drain’s new HD-PE Technodrain solutions for the first time. Codrin says: “I was interested when I heard about Technodrain as an alternative to the polymer concrete drainage channels we generally use. Technodrain seemed to combine value with meeting all our technical specifications.“We found that the lightweight system is easy to handle. It’s also clear that, despite being light, the drainage channels have all the strength required.”All the Technodrain channel installed at the centre is in fact load rated to D400 and able to accommodate vehicles up to 40 tons. This means the area is equipped to handle even the biggest horseboxes, including HGVs carrying up to nine horses.Channels of two sizes were sourced from the range for this project:1. An external depth of 210mm, internal width of 100mm and max through-flow of 8.25 litres per second. 2. An external depth of 310mm, internal width of 200mm and max through-flow of 42.6 litres per second.Integrating sump units with channel drainageAlso supplied were several Technodrain sump units. These remove silt from the surface water, preventing dirt and debris from entering the drainage system and causing blockages. Codrin says: “I was impressed by the sump units. As with the channels, the galvanised steel edging made it simple for us to integrate them with the 80mm paving. They also feature grating that bolts in place, which is really easy to remove for maintenance inspection and cleaning of the unit and the channels.“The design of the Technodrain system also means that it’s easy to connect units together. Simple tongue and groove joints allow for the installation of channels with a ready-mounted grating, saving time on site and providing accurate connections. We will definitely be using Technodrain again on future projects.”Cody Building sourced the Technodrain products through the Tunbridge Wells branch of Professional Building Supplies, who specialise in drainage products as part of their wider range. Terry Hallett says: “We have been talking to customers since Clark-Drain introduced the Technodrain range and have had a really positive response. People like the value the range offers, and the fact that the light weight makes the units easy to handle.“The light weight is also good for us as a merchant. It makes this product sustainable to transport, and the HD-PE construction means there’s less likelihood of channels cracking in transit. It will also make storage at our central warehouse and branches simpler, with fewer issues around safe handling to deal with.”WHY THESE PRODUCTS WERE CHOSEN:Value - Technodrain consistently adds great value to excellent specifications.Load ratings - units chosen for this project were rated at Group 4 (D400), suitable for HGV parking. Robust - the HD-PE (high density polyethylene) channels and sump units are resistant to a wide range of acids, salts and hydrocarbons.Ease of installation - the 210mm deep channels used in this project weigh just 15kg each, including the ductile iron grating and galvanised steel edge.System integration - products in the Technodrain range connect easily together using simple tongue and groove joints.

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

A popular brewery brand recently expanded its headquarters to support the increase in demand of its craft beer range. John Lord Flooring were approached to specify the resin flooring and Aspen Stainless steel products were utilised for the drainage system. The Uragard-HT62W antimicrobial resin flooring was an ideal solution for the project due to its durability, chemical resistance and anti-slip properties. The floors and drains worked hand in hand to distribute waste water into the central drainage channel within the processing area.Aspen Stainless Davos Plus drain channels were installed to cope with the high level of waste demand within the brewery. The channel profile was carefully designed to provide an easy to clean surface with a self-draining slope feature. The strictest level of hygiene standards are required within food and drink facilities due to the build-up of bacteria and possible cross contamination of liquids.   It's essential the drainage is perfectly compatible with the flooring to ensure a seamless connection and high performance. This partnership with John Lord supports optimum performance compatibility by preventing the elevation of floor plates that can compromise hygienic performance.The drain channels are designed in compliance with EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group) to support safe hygienic engineering in food manufacture. The EHEDG states ‘product contact surfaces must be easy to clean, non-absorbent and not present a toxicological hazard by leaching of substances and foodstuffs’ the cleanability of the drainage is also an important hygiene requirement as stated in the EHEDG ‘Improperly or insufficiently cleaned equipment cannot be effectively disinfected’ A perfectly fitted drainage system will have a positive impact on boosting the hygienic performance of the entire facility. This includes employee health & safety, operational costs as well as consumer safety. The dedicated project managers worked closely with the contractor during the installation process to ensure the highest standards for drainage and protection were achieved. If you have any questions regarding our drainage solutions, please email aspen@canalengineering.co.uk or visit our site and speak to one of our technical advisors for more information. 

WILDLIFE KERB SOLUTION FOR PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCILWhen local wildlife rangers reported significant numbers of amphibians trapped in roadside gullypots, Perth and Kinross Council were concerned that many of these animals would be unlikely to escape or survive. In order to provide a safe and sustainable solution to prevent this issue, the council turned to ACO’s Wildlife Kerb to eradicate the problem.  Following prior observations during routine drain maintenance, Perth and Kinross Council Countryside Ranger Service set out to conduct the Amphibians in Drains Project throughout the region. The surveys revealed that significant numbers of trapped amphibian wildlife – primarily frogs and toads – were being found, having fallen through the drain grid. In fact, nearly 70 percent of the gullypots surveyed contained amphibians and small animals. Crucially, once trapped, it is unlikely they are able to escape or survive. Furthermore, the majority of animals were found in August and September, and the road gullies they had fallen down were less than 500m from a breeding pond – which suggests they were dispersing to their hibernation sites. This gave rangers enough information to infer that roadside drains have a significant impact on their populations. Amphibians typically follow the side of the kerb along the road which directs them straight into a traditional gullypot. Following funding from the SITA Trust, the Ranger Service was able to obtain ACO Wildlife Kerbs, which provided the perfect resolution. As part of their eco-friendly design, ACO Wildlife Kerbs contain a recess which allows amphibians  to follow the lower edge of the kerb and bypass  the gullypot.  The council piloted the use of Wildlife Kerbs at a site on Elm Drive in Blairgowrie. Following the success of the trial, the products were subsequently rolled out throughout the area.To read the full case study visit www.aco.co.uk/casestudies

NV Buildings is one of the most prestigious and iconic residential sites in Greater Manchester.The distinctive sail-shaped buildings are a major landmark in Salford Quays. The blocks have a curved main elevation providing a unique aesthetic on the skyline and are one of the most popular developments in the area.With a prominent location in Salford Quays, adjacent to the Lowry Theatre and Media City TV headquarters, the apartment blocks feature in many iconic photos of the area.The project itself was funded by the Building Safety Fund, the Government’s £4.5 billion fund to remove unsafe non-ACM cladding on residential and mixed-use properties that are 18 metres and over and do not meet building safety regulations.Our Approved Installer QFF Facades were contracted to complete the exterior wall insulation and rendering which upgraded the fire performance of the cladding, ensuring the safety of both the building and residents.Three 15 storey blocks were refurbished, with a safe and thermally efficient façade solution.Our ServiceWe worked in close partnership with QFF Facades throughout the duration of the project.Deliveries and install were strictly monitored and a very systematic approach was followed. A planned install programme was agreed to ensure minimal disruption to the residents of N V Buildings, who remained in their homes while the work was carried out on this prestigious site.We produced a bespoke specification which included various detailing such as soffits, balconies, and full height panels.A partnership approach was vital, as we worked with QFF Facades, Thomasons Consulting engineering, and the fire officer to agree upon and deliver specific detailing at abutments, openings, and for the drained cavity of the façade system.Particular attention to detail was afforded to the drained cavity fire-stops, including fire-stop details between floors, at party walls for each apartment and around openings.As part of our service commitment, our technical team were available to provide hands-on-guidance, offer support, technical guidance and ensure high levels of quality.Technical Project DetailsAfter testing, the existing cladding had been deemed a fire safety risk by experts and therefore needed to be removed and replaced with anon-combustible alternative.The project was a strip-and-refit of a drained cavity external wall insulation system, which included an expanded polystyrene insulation system.Our Approved Installer QFF Facades installed a K Systems Exicco M, Drained Cavity External Wall Insulation System for steel frame buildings, utilising Mineral Wool insulation. This high performing system provides high levels of fire resistance and non-combustibility.The fire classification of the façade for N V Buildings was upgraded to A2-s1, d0 and therefore complies with the latest building regulations, ensuring the safety of its residents.For the finish, high-performance thin coat silicone render (Silicone TC) was specified. Our Silicone TC render has a number of fantastic advantages including ease of application, and its hydrophobic properties make the render low maintenance. Available in a wide range of colours the topcoat finish used on NV Buildings is a light grey to match the original façade, meaning aesthetically the iconic buildings maintained their distinctive design.

BackgroundBelfast City Council designed Walkways Community Centre with the local community in mind, providing them with places to both work and play. In this £1.37m project, the original portable modular building was demolished and replaced with a new 575 square metre build. The two storeys include a creche and soft play area, a 250sqm sports hall and a series of multipurpose rooms for meetings and courses aimed at the local people. Main contractor, McKelvey Construction led the project and worked alongside Michael Whitley Architects to design and deliver the most appropriate solution for Belfast City Council and the local community. K Systems provided on-site technical support and installation guidance throughout the build which resulted in delivery of a modern, aesthetically pleasing facility that achieved the target U-value of 0.18W/m ² K. Our ServiceHaving originally specified rainscreen cladding, K Systems technical team worked with the architect to design a bespoke engineered system with the drained cavity to suit the metsec frame. Regular site visits from our team ensured support was available throughout the build. The Centre is located on a busy street with limited surrounding space, so we had to manage a very congested, condensed site with deliveries planned and arranged by appointment only. We worked closely with McKelvey Construction to manage such challenges and ensure that local access for residents was uninterrupted, as well as ensuring the overall safety of the site area. From design advice through to installation, we offered a partnership approach which ensured a smooth installation process with minimal disruption, and the delivery of a fantastic community centre for the local area to enjoy. Technical Project Details Originally rainscreen cladding was specified for the Walkways project. However during the construction process, due to spiralling material costs and budget restraints, this was deemed too expensive so alternative solutions had to be sourced. It was decided an external insulation system would be used and a ventilated cavity system was required, as this provides a secondary defence in commercial buildings like Walkways. The K Systems Exicco E drained cavity façade system was specified as it ticked all the boxes. Exicco provides excellent protection and can offer an excellent fire rating of up to A2-s1,d0, providing high levels of fire resistance and non-combustibility. The drained cavity behind the insulation in the Exicco system will ensure that any interstitial moisture will escape without detriment to the performance of the system. As EWI was not originally specified for the project, no metsec frame had been designed. This is a crucial element for the Exicco system, which meant a bespoke metsec frame had to be designed specifically to suit our system. The Exicco E system for Walkways used Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation boards that were mechanically fixed and attached to 12mm BBA Approved sheathing boards to create a 25mm drained cavity. EPS boards are extremely light-weight and the system offers a great fire rating of B-s1,d0. It is a high performing, economical system that generates high levels of thermal performance and ensured the target U-value of 0.18W/m ² K. was achieved. For the finish, Silkolitt+ silicone renders ensured a clean, crisp contemporary finish that offers protection to the exterior of the community centre. The flexibility of this finish provides resistance against cracking and increases the durability, ensuring a long-lasting finish for Walkways. 

The Merry Hill Shopping Centre in Brierley Hill recently underwent an expansion and overhaul of its entrance area. Aspen were approached to design, manufacture and install bespoke drainage for the newly renovated entrance area to the shopping centre.Aspen worked closely with the client to manufacture and install stainless steel solutions to support the performance of the outdoor environment. There was great importance placed on the rainwater calculations and anti-slip resistance to ensure the channels and covers were fit for purpose in an outdoor setting. Aspen provided engineering drawings, samples and prototypes to ensure a seamless manufacturing process and delivery of the project from day one.Aspen Stainless  HD Heel Guard Drain Cover and Drain Channels were specifically designed to support the flow of rainwater within the entrance area. The standard central bottom Meribel Outlet was installed to efficiently dispose of non-liquid waste built up within the outlet. The trap featured fully removable trash baskets to allow for the efficient disposal of non-liquid waste, built up within the outlet.The HD Heel Guard Cover was specifically tested using the pendulum anti-slip test. The pendulum assesses the friction offered by the floor when a foot comes into contact with the surface. The cover was tested to ensure that the surface presents a safe level of grip in end use. The pendulum anti-slip has proven to deliver the most accurate results and is therefore the key adopted method for assessing floor slipperiness in all conditions. The pendulum CoF test is the subject is a British Standard, BS 7976: Parts 1-3 using an imitation heel (rubber soling sample) sweeping over the drain cover. The slipperiness of the flooring has a direct impact on the value provided and is therefore the adopted method for assessing floor slipperiness in all conditions.The dedicated project manager worked closely with the contractor during the installation process to ensure highest standards for drainage and protection were achieved. The design, manufacture and installation process was specifically scoped out to meet with all the necessary building regulations in line with the latest HSE and UKSRG guidelines.If you wish to find out more about Aspen Stainless solutions please email: aspen@canalengineering.co.uk or speak to one of our technical sales team via our online chat portal.

The Leeds Arena, when completed, will be a 13,500 capacity entertainment focused arena. BLUCHER® have supplied over 70 drains from their adaptable range of floor drains for the concourse, plant room and kitchen areas. BLUCHER® also supplied BLUCHER® EuroPipe, their push fit stainless steel drainage pipework system which was installed in the kitchen and conference areas. BLUCHER® EuroPipe was specified over other metallic or plastic systems for two specific reasons, due to the potential heat of the waste to be drained through the pipework and A1 fire rating of the exposed pipework in general.

The global drinks manufacturer Britvic have recently completed the expansion of its manufacturing site in Rugby. This particular investment involved installing a fourth canning line, growing the site capacity by 18%.This new, state of the art canning line was designed to boost Britvic’s Rugby facility, which continues to produce recyclable cans for popular drinks brands such as Tango & Pepsi. The additional capacity will also be used as a platform to drive further innovation and expansion within the business.Aspen Stainless Davos Plus drain channels with ladder covers were installed to cope with the high level of waste demand on site. The channel profile was carefully designed to provide an easy to clean surface with a self-draining slope feature. The strictest level of hygiene standards are required within food manufacturing facilities due to the build-up of bacteria and possible cross contamination of liquids. The new drainage channels were designed to match the existing flow and volume capacity of their existing drains and included bespoke outlets, tied into the building’s underground drainage systems.Banff outlets were also installed with a hinged trap, the removable trash baskets were designed to efficiently dispose of the non-liquid waste, which has built up within the outlet. It’s essential the drainage is perfectly aligned to ensure a seamless connection across the entire site to boost performance standards.The drainage channels are designed in compliance with EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group) to support safe hygienic engineering in food manufacture. The EHEDG states ‘product contact surfaces must be easy to clean, non-absorbent and not present a toxicological hazard by leaching of substances and foodstuffs’ the cleanability of the drainage is also an important hygiene requirement as stated in the EHEDG ‘Improperly or insufficiently cleaned equipment cannot be effectively disinfected’The perfectly fitted drainage system boosted the overall hygienic performance of the new drinks recycling facility. This included employee health & safety, operational costs as well as consumer safety. The dedicated project managers worked closely with the contractor during the entire installation process to ensure the highest standards for drainage and protection were achieved.If you have any questions regarding our drainage solutions, please email aspen@canalengineering.co.uk or visit our website and speak to one of our technical advisors for more information.

Challenge  A few years ago, rumours circulated that Microsoft was planning a bricks and mortar store in London, the very first of its kind. Details emerged that the new store would be on Oxford street, with a level below ground, but no further update was issued for quite some time.Behind the scenes, Microsoft was reaching out to PUDLO and MPS after the initial contract was taken away from a previous supplier.SolutionWith no time to waste, the minds behind Project George needed a quality waterproofing system that could be fitted quickly, efficiently, and in line with the strict compliance standards of the surrounding area.Due to the depth of the underground basement, Project George required specialist waterproofing. Other factors to consider were the fact that the area would be storing a large number of electronics and featured 3m-deep light wells from the surface above.Due to the complexity of the project and the previously publicised delays, developers were concerned that it simply couldn’t be finished on time. Our team was keen to put those fears to rest, reassuring them that not only could we supply the perfect products, but also install them in a much tighter timeframe than anticipated.To protect the store without excavating or losing valuable surface area, two specialist PUDLO products were used: Cavity Drain and Render Seal.Our unique cavity drain systems work with water, rather than trying to eradicate it entirely. It’s flexible, suiting almost any internal wall application.The dimpled membrane is attached to the wall, preventing water from passing through it, but allowing it to run down the internal side. This water run-off is dripped into channels which are fed directly to a sump-and-pump system after which the water is pumped out of the basement.As for PUDLO Render Seal, this post-applied cementitious surface waterproofing system is ideal for masonry and concrete structures. It is easily be brushed onto the substrate and into all hard-to-reach areas. Being simple and quick to apply, PUDLO Render Seal was critical in ensuring the project ran to time.ResultBy employing our specialist products, we saved Project George a total of three weeks on its schedule, where competitors had quoted over eight weeks. We installed around 140m2 of cavity drain membrane a day – saving both time and money on this project.This system in particular ensured water was drawn away without damaging the wall or allowing for any permeation into the internal store. Best of all, visitors can’t even tell it’s there, allowing Microsoft to focus on crafting the best possible experience for its customers.

This old Mill House in Cornwall has undergone a huge conversion and extension to become a luxurious five-bedroom home, protected by the failsafe Newton CDM System. Simon Williams purchased the 18th Century Water Mill in 2015 with a view to renovating, developing and extending the beautiful property, located in Blowinghouse just South of Perranporth, into his private residence.Once planning permission was gained for the required conversion and extension to transform the mill into a luxurious 5-bedroom family home, Simon liaised with CAD Architects on the design, which incorporated a waterproofing design specified by Newton.An additional large garage with charming two-bedroom ancillary accommodation was also added to the grounds of the property, which required specialist steel and concrete foundations, given the close proximity of the water.In order to restore the old mill and achieve a Grade 3 habitable environment, BS 8102:2009 recommends that a Type C internal cavity drain membrane system is one of the primary forms of waterproofing, as it is the most failsafe system that is least prone to defects and issues.The Newton CDM System is also completely maintainable, and was therefore ideal for the 18th Century structure, considering that Williams Creative Homes did not want to compromise the external appearance of the thick stone walls.The proximity of the river also meant that there was a high risk of water ingress, however, Newton's robust cavity drain waterproofing is designed to capture water using Newton 508 membrane on the walls, then drain it away via gravity using Newton Basedrain.Finished to an incredibly high standard by Williams Creative Homes, Simon has been living in the property ever since, whilst the Newton waterproofing system successfully ensures that his home is completely dry and protected.

A small farm cottage in a Cornish Village has been transformed with a stunning large modern extension and balcony.The team of Camel Glass installers have been heavily involved in this home with the installation of windows, doors and the glass balustrade. This home is situated on the grounds of an old quarry, with views over the valley towards an engine house. The customers wanted to be able to enjoy their view to the maximum and using glass balustrade provides a safe and solid railing. This home is highlighted throughout with copper oxide furnishings, the front door and elements of the kitchen follow this theme while the sink splash back is made from glass petals in a beautiful glass meadow scene. The balcony glass was the last outside job to be done, having to wait for the kitchen counter to be installed through the French doors it was safer to install the glass after this had been carried over the balcony. Now that winter is coming the indoor jobs can be finished off and the home owners can enjoy their newly renovated home! This installer has used POSIglaze base-fix in black. Balcony Seal® has also been used to ensure water can run off the balcony under the channel without causing water ingress. Most balconies and flat roofs are built with a slight pitch to encourage rainwater to drain towards the edge of the roof. In these cases, the balustrade installer needs to allow for drainage points under the channel, to avoid water pooling around the edge of it. The Balcony Seal® system works by subtly raising the channel a few millimeters above the substrate on drain blocks. Notches on the top side of the drain blocks locate into the rebates of the POSIglaze channel, locking it into position before the system is bolt-fixed to the substrate through each block. 

A small farm cottage in a Cornish Village has been transformed with a stunning large modern extension and balcony.The team of Camel Glass installers have been heavily involved in this home with the installation of windows, doors and the glass balustrade. This home is situated on the grounds of an old quarry, with views over the valley towards an engine house. The customers wanted to be able to enjoy their view to the maximum and using glass balustrade provides a safe and solid railing. This home is highlighted throughout with copper oxide furnishings, the front door and elements of the kitchen follow this theme while the sink splash back is made from glass petals in a beautiful glass meadow scene. The balcony glass was the last outside job to be done, having to wait for the kitchen counter to be installed through the French doors it was safer to install the glass after this had been carried over the balcony. Now that winter is coming the indoor jobs can be finished off and the home owners can enjoy their newly renovated home! This installer has used POSIglaze base-fix in black. Balcony Seal® has also been used to ensure water can run off the balcony under the channel without causing water ingress. Most balconies and flat roofs are built with a slight pitch to encourage rainwater to drain towards the edge of the roof. In these cases, the balustrade installer needs to allow for drainage points under the channel, to avoid water pooling around the edge of it. The Balcony Seal® system works by subtly raising the channel a few millimeters above the substrate on drain blocks. Notches on the top side of the drain blocks locate into the rebates of the POSIglaze channel, locking it into position before the system is bolt-fixed to the substrate through each block. 

In the industrial area of Cambridgeshire, specifically in Alconbury, the toy company John Adams has a warehouse where, in the outside area and car park, they have installed 200 ML of Multi V+ channel with load class D400, which, as I mentioned at the beginning, drains rainwater more quickly.Why do they achieve this?Because its design has been optimized so that a smaller channel can be chosen, i.e. one that is cheaper, but drains the same amount of water as a larger channel. In this way, the cost of the work or project is optimized.But it doesn't end there. The V-shape of this model, by draining the water at a higher speed, has a greater capacity to drag the sediments that accumulate inside the channel. In this way, a self-cleaning effect is achieved. And how does this benefit the drainage system? Less maintenance and savings in cleaning costs. Because the V-shape provides:More velocity at low flow ratesMore capacity at extreme flow ratesThis is because ULMA has redesigned the V-section of the Multi V+, and it is larger than the traditional V-sections on the market. 

Located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; one of London’s most prestigious locations is now home to an exclusive collection of luxury apartments and penthouses. 375 Kensington High Street is now one of the most sought after addresses in London, setting itself above all others and serves as the epitome of London living. Wetroom Materials worked hand in hand with the architects and contractors to overcome the varying challenges the project presented. 300+ low profile wetroom solutions were able to be supplied to the development.The Unidrain linear drain system 1004 model finished with the highline custom tiled panel was the chosen drain. This was supplied as part of the Unislope 1K kit, which couples the drain up with a preformed slope and waterproofing solution.

Wood Wharf consists of 2.6 million sq ft of residential space including up to 3,600 new homes offering the very best in city and waterside living. A Bespoke Shallow Wet room Drainage was required to fit within the POD manufactures and the Architects Design constraints. THE CHALLENGE Wood Wharf is a new district in Canary Wharf which is creating a vibrant new urban quarter. The size of the project itself poses a challenge due to the logistics that go into conducting work at various points throughout the site at any one point. The decision to have the wetrooms and bathrooms constructed off site by POD manufacturing would mean that time spent on site would be drastically reduced, however a bespoke drainage offering would have to be made available in order to present a drainage solution that would fit within the confines of the POD system. Due to the nature of the project, a sophisticated design would be needed within the bathroom in order to tie in with the rest of the interiors of the residential apartments. THE SOLUTION Wetroom Materials worked closely with the POD Manufacturer to present a wetroom system that would be able to adapt to the demands of the POD construction. Wetroom Materials have a range of different channel lengths that can be used on a variety of projects with different requirements; a channel length was specified around the parameters of the space available. Due to the limited floor depths within the suggested POD construction, Wetroom Materials offered a low-profile system starting from just 64mm, that still had the capacity to take a large flow rate. On the back of Wetroom Materials’ advice, the wetroom design was altered to have the drain running along the long wall in order to minimise the required floor depth needed to slope the floor space to allow the water to fall to the drain gulley, whilst still providing a level entrance point across the threshold to the shower area. The drain finish chosen was the HighLine Panel. The reason for this choice was to provide a clean, minimalistic finish that kept in line with the high-end nature of the entire project, while still providing a function and durable product that will stand the test of time. In succeeding to provide a drainage solution that adapted to the requirements of a POD construction, Wetroom Materials were able to reduce the project timescale and increase the site’s work efficiency.

Our customer required a solution where the floor drains and channels could withstand the variance of temperature in the spa, and support footfall from the public, whilst maintaining an luxurious appearance in line with the environment. Alongside the drains for the changing room showers, using a bespoke design, BLÜCHER created a circular channel to surround the ice fountain, and an arched channel in grade 304 stainless steel with an infill grating to accompany the experience showers. Our infill gratings were the perfect choice for this spa setting, allowing a flawless finish of the chosen floor type against the drainage, completing the aesthetic appeal of the room

Yorkshire Sculpture Park at Bretton Hall estate is the largest of its kind in Europe with growing visitor numbers year on year. As a result the site suffered from insufficient parking with the site’s overflow areas becoming unsuitable with uneven ground prone to rutting, localised flooding and loss of traction. To combat the sloping, poorly drained site ABG provided a highly efficient SuDS drainage system, employing a combination of their Geogrids, Geotextiles, and Deckdrain, all in conjunction with the free-draining surface of the Sudspave 40 permeable paving system to resolve the access and parking issues for the 150,000 vehicles that visit each year.

The Hurlford Avenue new build project, situated on the former Garscadden Primary School site, truly harnesses innovation and design. This ‘Modern Methods of Construction’ project, completed in partnership with CCG, showcases technical prowess and constructional excellence.Garscadden Primary School closed back in 2017 but the 1930s school building remained standing. Spotting the potential for something impressive on the site, Glasgow Housing Association proposed a modern replacement – a portfolio of properties.The key requirement was to build modern, energy efficient homes which would provide much-needed affordable housing in the sought-after area of Dumbarton and make a significant difference to the local community.After extensive planning, focusing on matching an appropriate insulation system with a complementary finish, K Systems devised a comprehensive delivery plan using our unrivalled experience and expertise.CCG fabricated the building off-site with timber kits and incorporated elements from our Aricco system, with the final finish being completed on-site. This approach was advantageous for a few reasons, including the speed of construction and a reduction in required labour.Hurlford Avenue is a prime example of our experience with off-site modular builds and our project-specific approach to EWI solutions. We brought Glasgow Housing Association’s vision to life and delivered 28 houses and 42 flats for mid-market rent.Our ServiceThe build of the Hurlford Avenue development wasn’t without its challenges. Precision planning was required to ensure minimal disruption to the residents in surrounding estates. All traffic ways remained free for passage and noise pollution was kept to a minimum.During the build, our team encountered some detailing challenges. However, working directly with the contractor and main contractor, these challenges were quickly resolved by key colleagues within our Technical Team, and the build remained on schedule and of the highest quality.From specification and design to planning, delivery and evaluating, our team transformed a derelict site to a contemporary multi-dwelling development that rejuvenated the Dumbarton area.“I would like to thank everyone on the K Systems technical support team for their contribution in accomplishing the Aricco System project at Hurlford Avenue. The regular visits from senior technicians always go a long way to keeping any project in check and it makes the job of our management much easier by having honest, professional judgement to go back to our guys, with well earned praise on this occasion. Everyone was onboard from the outset in working around any potential difficulties and you will agree it shows in the final results.”Garry Barton, Contractor.Technical Project DetailsAs the client of this project, Scotland based construction company CCG, approached K Systems to provide a suitable façade solution that would complement their design. A build with timber kits and a drained ventilated cavity system was specified, along with a silkolitt thin coat render finish.CCG are renowned for off-site manufacturing (OSM) and manufactured the kits from their production site in near-by Cambuslang. They sourced the correct material according to our exact specification. CCG’s ‘iQ’ System was chosen, which is designed with a fabric-first approach where greater tolerances are determined by fewer junctions and thermal bridges to deliver enhanced U-values and significantly improve airtightness. By incorporating OSM and the iQ system into this project, it is just a small insight into our unrivalled knowledge and expert approach that we take to fulfil the requirements of our clients.For the supporting façade, the K Systems Aricco system was specified - a drained ventilated cavity system perfectly suited for use in low rise buildings, particularly new build projects and timber framed construction. The Aricco system is also the most compatible with offsite/modular construction techniques and boasts an A2-s1, d0 fire rating and therefore complies with the latest building regulations, ensuring the safety of all residents.The finish was just as important as the façade system, with the cost-effective, industry-leading Silkolitt thin coat render specified. Silkolitt renders provide a contemporary finish to new-build applications, something this project very much required to modernise the area. Silkolitt is simple to apply, and its hydrophobic properties makes the render low maintenance. It also has excellent vapour permeability, allowing the Hurlford Avenue properties to breathe and avoid interstitial condensation. It is the most flexible system on the market, making cracking over its lifetime less likely and therefore delivering a pleasing aesthetic with outstanding longevity.The combinations specified by the K Systems team resulted in the build of impressive dwellings boasting a U-value of 0.13W/m ² K – meaning homes were easier and cheaper to heat, a particularly attractive benefit given the current cost of living crisis.

BackgroundLocated in the Ancoats area of Manchester, the Albion Works strip and re-fit project was funded by the Building Safety Fund, a Government Fund to remove unsafe non-ACM cladding on residential and mixed-use properties that are 18 metres and over and do not meet building safety regulations.K Systems Approved Installer QFF Façades were contracted to complete the exterior wall insulation and rendering of the 8-storey residential building.The original 60mm EPS system was stripped from the building and replaced with a safe, thermally efficient façade solution, which upgraded the fire performance of the cladding, ensuring the safety of both the building and residents.Our ServiceK Systems provided support throughout the application process for this Building Safety Fund project. The Technical team offered on-site technical and installation support throughout the build process and supported QFF to ensure quality and reliability.We produced a bespoke specification and worked closely with Thomason Consulting and QFF Façades to agree and deliver specifics such as fire stopping and abutment details.From design advice through to installation, we offered a partnership approach which aided a smooth installation process with minimal disruption.Technical Project DetailsThe original sheathing boards were replaced, and the K Systems Exicco M drained cavity façade system was installed. This high performing drained cavity system was specified as a requirement for this steel frame residential building. 60mm mineral wool insulation was specified to retain the line of the existing façade.Fire safety with high rise buildings like Albion Works is of utmost importance and this solution generates high levels of fire resistance and non-combustibility (A2, s1-d0 rating), meaning the latest building regulations were complied with. Additionally, the thermal performance of the building improved with a U-value of 0.28 W/m²K being achieved. Residents will therefore enjoy reduced heating costs and better living conditions.For the finish, silicone thin coat render ensured that aesthetically Albion Works had a clean, crisp attractive appearance. This durable, low maintenance render transformed the outside of the building and will ensure a longlasting finish to the property.

An impressive basement extension, housing a swimming pool and sauna, required a robust waterproofing solution at this large country home.Newton Specialist Contractor Stonehouse were brought onto this large residential project to waterproof an underground extension including a swimming pool and sauna. Set in a small village in Berkshire, the impressive countryside home was designed by architects Spratley and Partners.For the new below-ground structure, Stonehouse were required to install a failsafe and maintainable waterproofing system that would completely protect the luxurious basement from unwanted water ingress.Ensuring that the project was fully compliant with BS 8102:2009, Stonehouse recommended a combined waterproofing solution using a Type B reinforced and water-resistant concrete structure designed to BS EN 1992, combined with a full Type C internal cavity drain membrane system.As the most reliable and completely maintainable Type C waterproofing solution, the Newton CDM System was the ideal choice for this structure. Firstly, Newton 508 membrane was securely fixed to the internal walls of the basement using Newton's specialist MultiPlug fixings.Any water that is captured by the membrane is then drained away with Newton Basedrain channels, and pumped out of the property using a Titan-Pro sump chamber fitted with two NP400 pumps and supported by a failsafe battery back-up system.As an extremely experienced waterproofing contractor, Stonehouse were able to confidently recommend, design and install a comprehensive and truly failsafe waterproofing system that will protect the property from unwanted water ingress for many years to come. Stonehouse also provided complete peace of mind by offering a 10-year guarantee on the installation.

Challenge  Fourteen years ago, the Baltic Triangle was about to be written off as a red-light district. Now it’s one of Britain’s hippest destinations and growing day by day. How did it happen? And how did it survive its regeneration?The Baltic Hotel was developed by Living Brick as part of a longer-term plan to completely reinvigorate the hospitality sector in Liverpool. Living Brick works with leading edge architects and skilled craftsmen to produce hotels and serviced apartments that set new standards of luxury and service and are a benchmark for the hospitality sector in Liverpool.Life as a hip hangout is just the latest twist in the Baltic’s long story. The area’s name comes from its Northern European links. Its streets became home to the timber trade, with firms importing wood from Baltic countries including Sweden and Poland.Early 20th century pictures show an unrecognisable Baltic, packed with warehouses and terracing. Then bombing and post-war clearances started to drain the life out of the area. Even in the 70s and 80s there were still shops and pubs on the main arteries, Park Road, and St James Street.But by the 90s the main roads had been largely cleared and the Jamaica Street area was left with old crumbling warehouses and newer ‘crinkly sheds’ for the local light industry.Studio RBA were the architects and were tasked with retaining the stunning pilaster entrance and crittal windows aligning them to a contemporary rooftop extension.[JH1]  SolutionType B and Type C waterproofing measures were put in place for a basement that was dug under the old building. This took the form of PUDLO’s Surestop BWB on all stop ends on the walls, slab and lift pit base, and PUDLO’s waterproof additive being added to all concrete mixes as well as a Type-C cavity drain system being installed.A lift pit base was integrated into the slab so the base as well as the lift pit walls were PUDLO protected. This included the first layer of walls leading up to the ground floor being applied with waterproof PUDLO cement.Once completed, the basement will be a nightclub with the bottom floor taken up with rooms.And the ultimate mark of success? The Project Owner said on completion of our work, “Get that PUDLO lot down for a few drinks on us when finished!”ResultThese days, the Baltic Hotel sits within a beautiful turn of the century building at the most visible junction to Liverpool’s newly emerging creative hub.The location, on a main arterial route, affords open aspects and the hotel maximum exposure with associated footfall near the gateway to the Baltic district.The Baltic Triangle is now one of the most buzzing areas in the UK, not just Liverpool, and a widely praised piece of urban regeneration attracting millions of visitors every year and hosting thousands of jobs. Every Friday night at Cain’s Brewery is like a festival.

When HSP Architects and Price & Myers wanted to transform a listed commercial basement in Temple Fortune to create a new community centre, they needed to look no further than Newton Specialist Contractor Arti Construction to perform the waterproofing.ning three of the walls were either fully or partially below-ground and suffering from water penetration. Arti recommended the Newton CDM System, as it is the most safe and reliable form of waterproofing that would deliver a completely dry internal space and cause the minimal amount of disruption to the Listed structure.The basement, part of a four-storey Listed building, was built into a hillside, meaning that three of the walls were either fully or partially below-ground and suffering from water penetration. Arti Construction worked with the design team at an early stage to design a waterproofing solution.With existing Listed basements such as this one, Arti Construction were quick to recommend a Type C cavity drain waterproofing solution in the form of the Newton CDM System. Type C waterproofing is the safest and most reliable form of waterproofing that will deliver a completely dry internal space, whilst also causing the minimum amount of disruption to the Listed structure.Before Arti could proceed with the installation, they first had to re-level the existing concrete slab in order to provide a flat and stable floor.With the structure fully prepared, Arti could then proceed with installing a full cavity drain waterproofing system. This consisted of installing Newton 508 with minimal MultiPlug fixings to the walls and floors to capture the ingressing water. The water is then directed via Newton Basedrain channels to a Titan-Pro sump chamber, for removal by dual NP400 clean water pumps.The complex basement space included existing columns, windows and an internal staircase which all had to be factored into the waterproofing design.Regardless of this, Arti Construction completed the 280m2 installation within budget in just one week, delivering a reliable Type C structural waterproofing system that is also compliant with British Standard 8102:2009.

The playground area of approximately 50m² stretched across some well-established tree roots, it was important that when resurfacing this area the roots were not damaged but also received sufficient water, SureSet resin bound gravel is a SuDs compliant paving material, that water drains through reducing puddling but would ensure water would drain down to the tree roots or any nearby runoff points.

Waterproofing design is a key and critical component for successful construction of below ground structures. Whether it’s a completely new build or making smaller changes to an existing property, waterproofing design should never be overlooked.Waterproofing might account for just a small fraction of a building’s total cost, but waterproofing defects can result in catastrophic consequences. When waterproofing fails, the implications are significant.Delta’s MD, Kevin Dodds was approached to offer advice and guidance on a failed waterproofing system.The existing structure had an impressive 5-level basement which houses: kitchens, food storage and food preparation areas, spa, plant rooms and accommodation. Near to a large river, the site sited well within the water table. The original waterproofing system was based on the secant piled walls and a block wall internally to provide a basic drained protection system with drainage holes at various points to drain to various levels.Over time, the third floor had become completely saturated with all levels of the basement experiencing water ingress in varying levels from damp patches to significant “jets” of water and flows of water through the secant piles.With remediation waterproofing design strategies, it may take some time to specify a suitable system. It is important that investigations are thoroughly carried out by individuals with the capability of diagnosing the defect, assessing the extent of that defect, and recommending a suitable corrective measure.

Architectural glazing systems by Kawneer were specifically selected for a £18.5 million extension to the UK’s oldest business school for their ability to meet the building’s design aesthetic and high-performance requirements. The new 3,000m2 extension features Kawneer’s AA®110 and AA®100 mullion-drained curtain wall systems with capped and capless mullions as well as AA®100 zone-drained fully-capped curtain wall. The AA®100 system, with 50mm sightlines, was used in all areas with the exception of two full-height curtain wall screens which featured on the building’s ‘social space’ characteristic that utilised the AA®110 system with 65mm sightlines.

A previous client of Renderseal Ltd – who had works undertaken on his home in Hampstead in 2013 – requested help recently with further works at the same property.Due to a defective external drain problem, water ingress had occurred in the client’s rear bedroom in addition to damp staining and paint blistering in the side entrance hall.Familiar with Renderseal Ltd’s expertise, the homeowner returned to the waterproofing specialist for help. Providing its services throughout London and the Home Counties, Renderseal Ltd’s plan was to install a Sika waterproofing system that would combat the issues created by the home’s defective drain.

Creating Paradise: Alumasc Delivers for the Complete Building Envelope for One Chamberlain Square Paradise Project One Chamberlain Square is the lead project in a wider vision to create Paradise in Birmingham—the most important development the city has seen in a generation. With the help of Alumasc offering solutions for the entire building envelope, One Chamberlain Square is set to be a vibrant mixed use development that will not only be the new home of professional services firm PwC, but will endeavour to maintain a balance between busy urban hub and the natural world. To do this, Alumasc provided a range of products and services encompassing the entire building envelope, specified by Weedon Architects. This included a Blackdown Extensive Brown Roof, applied over Hydrotech Hot Melt Waterproofing, alongside Harmer Roof Outlets and bespoke solutions from Roof-Pro, for building D: an eight-story commercial building over a podium car park. Inside, bespoke blinds by Levolux, also an Alumasc company, were installed. “This is an extremely high-profile development, which demanded trusted, standard setting products,” said Owen Doherty, Director at Weedon Architects and Project Architect for the venture. “All systems decided on were chosen on quality, durability and enhanced design life compared to competition.” ON THE ROOF OF PARADISEBlackdown’s Extensive Brown Roof is a green roof in the making. Covering approximately 4000m2 of roof space for this project, One Chamberlain’s ‘brown’ roof is installed without plant life and will naturally seed from plant material that either blows in from the local environment or that is introduced by birds. In this way, it literally replaces the green space that has been taken up by the construction of the building it lies on, encouraging biodiversity by providing and strengthening habitats for wildlife local to the area, with truly local plant life. Typically, the substrate is mounded to offer habitat variation, therefore the depth of the brown roof can vary be between 92-170mm and have a saturated weight of approximately 113-213kg per square metre, depending on the depths of the substrate. Beneath this, Hydrotech MM6125 roofing, a hot melt rubber bitumen membrane, delivers sound structural waterproofing. The bitumen is heated and combined with a polyester reinforcement and protection sheet to form a weatherproof layer that has a 100% bond to prepared concrete surfaces. With no product failures in over 50 years, Hydrotech Hot Melt roofing is guaranteed for waterproofing integrity for the lifetime of the structure. Working in tandem with each other, the Blackdown Extensive Brown Roof helps to extend and reinforce the life and guarantee of the waterproofing, offering a protective layer of natural insulation. Giving his seal of approval, Owen said: “I only specify Alumasc hot melt at the moment and have done for many years. All products and systems chosen here have had zero product failures and I have never had any issues with technical specifications on previous high-profile buildings.”PROVIDING EFFICIENT DRAINAGEGiven the huge expanse of roof space involved this project, effective flat roof drainage was essential. Harmer AV high capacity aluminium roof outlets were installed for this purpose. Suitable for all regular flat roofing applications with continuous membranes, these outlets are lightweight, durable, non-corrodible and have been proven to drain 40% more roof area than conventional gravity outlets, therefore further ensuring the long life and service of other flat roof systems. Aiding project completion, Roof-Pro support systems were also tailored bespoke to meet the roof structure requirements. Free-standing support and access solutions were devised that would allow work to be carried out safely, efficiently and without causing damage to any of the roofing systems being installed. A WORD FROM THE CONTRACTORChristian Bradley of Briggs Amasco, who installed the roofing, commented: “One Chamberlain Square and the surrounding podium waterproofing form part of the largest construction programme in Birmingham. We are extremely proud to be working on this landmark project. “The products and systems installed all have long legacies of successful projects behind them, and there are no better guarantees than real results. They also offer excellent value for a competitive cost. These are just a few of the reasons why we love working on Alumasc projects. Alumasc offer a single source for all solutions, bespoke design detailing and the technical support is always on-hand when you need it.” Completed in autumn 2019, One Chamberlain Square forms an integral part of a masterplan redevelopment that will transform part of Birmingham City Centre.

This new build project in the centre of Cambridge combines a Sustainable urban Drainage Solution (SuDS) with vegetation and renewable energy in a warm roof construction.The client for the Department of Civil Engineering at Cambridge University, R H Partnership, identified sustainability as being a key driver in the design of the roof, but also sought a single source supplier that could provide a guarantee for both workmanship and products. Bauder’s systems range encompasses products to meet all the sustainability objectives, and with our network of approved contractors carrying out the installation, we could offer the comprehensive guarantee that was required.Bauder Building BoardProject:Cambridge University Department of Engineering​Location:CambridgeRoof Area:1610m²Client:University of CambridgeSpecifier:RH Partnership ArchitectsMain Contractor:SDC LimitedApproved Contractor:Voland LimitedThe specificationTo meet the sustainability criteria set out by the client, the Bauder technical team designed a roof system combining an extensive blue roof, a green roof and a solar PV array. The first and most fundamental element of the roof system though is the waterproofing. Bauder Total Green Roof System (BTGRS) was selected as it provides robust and durable waterproofing with a life span in excess of 35 years, as validated by BBA Certificate 10/4744. The Plant E cap sheet has also been tested by the FLL to ensure long term root-resistance, making it ideal for use in conjunction with the BauderSOLAR G LIGHT system. The BauderSOLAR G LIGHT system is a unique way to combine rooftop vegetation with renewable solar energy. The PV panel mounting boards are held in position using the growing medium as ballast, meaning the waterproofing is not penetrated and therefore compromised. The mounting boards incorporate a water retention feature which allows a small amount of excess rainwater to be stored for short periods of time for the various plant species to feed from. The BauderSOLAR G LIGHT system’s unique mounting system lifts the panels above the vegetation allowing the plant life to grow freely and therefore qualify a greater area of the roof as biodiverse.In addition to the BauderSOLAR G LIGHT system, a blue roof was added to the build-up. Blue roofs are sustainable drainage solutions designed to manage stormwater on a flat roof to reduce water runoff rates and ease flash flooding and standing water in built up areas. The BauderBLUE Roof System attenuates water from a flat roof over a 24-hour period via a restrictive flow outlet. Calculations are carried out to determine the rate at which the water should egress the rooftop. This is determined by the local planning authority and is often set as low as 5-8 litres per second per hectare. With these calculations, Bauder can design each flow restrictorto meet the necessary runoff rate. For the Department of Civil Engineering, the main roof area of 1455.5m² required two flow restrictors, each with flow control holes to ensure the specified discharge rate of 0.77 litres per second was achieved. The maximum depth of water the roof is designed for is the H-max. When the water level reaches H-max, it will drain via the emergency overflow pipe. These overflow pipes are set at the same height as the H-max level. On this project the H-max was calculated to be 99mm. Although an unlikely scenario, this provision for a ‘once-in-a-hundred-years’ storm event will ensure that the structural integrity of the building is always preserved.Project challengesThe roof deck was constructed using a pretensioned concrete plank roof structure. Due to the large span of these planks, the dead load weight to the roof would be restricted. This being a blue roof with green landscaping and PV (a reasonably heavy build up), presented the issue of balancing the need of the roof design and the weight restriction of the supporting structure. To add to this challenging scenario, the pretensioned deck did not provide a completely flat finish. When installing a blue roof, a flat deck with no positive or negative falls is essential, as detailed in the 2018 update of BS 6229 – Flat roofs with continuously supported flexible waterproof coverings. To overcome this onsite challenge,the final deflection of the fully loaded roof was calculated and the concrete deck was screeded to give a flat finish.The resultBauder believes this project to be one of the first of its type in the UK to bring together so many rooftop systems in one space. Project management and clear communication was paramount in order to ensure a smooth installation. The Bauder project team consisted of green roof and solar PV product managers, area technical manager, technical design team, site technicians and approved installers for the waterproofing.With all the different elements being installed, green roof and solar PV product managers worked with our technical team to design the best possible PV array configuration for optimum energy generation whilst also qualifying for the maximum biodiverse area.Bauder site technicians worked closely with Bauder approved contractors, Voland Asphalte Ltd, to ensure works were kept to schedule and that a high quality of workmanship was maintained throughout.To ensure the landscaping is maintained, irrigation was installed by Access Irrigation Ltd. The system, Permadrip Pro, is a drip line irrigation system with anti-syphon design to resist clogging and pressure regulation. Due to the specialist nature of the irrigation system, Access Irrigation Ltd provided a bespoke design service.The result of this network of expertise was a multi-faceted support service for the client, specifier, main contractor and roofing and PV installers. System installed1 BauderPLANT E 42Green, 5mm torch-on root-resistant capping sheet.2 BauderTEC KSA DUOA self-adhesive, elastomeric, bitumen underlayer. This underlayer was used to ensure thorough sealing of lap joints in low temperatures when the roof was installed.3 BauderPIR FA-TETissue-faced flatboard insulation faced on both sides with aluminium foil to provide efficient thermal output.4 Bauder Super AL-ETorch-on air & vapour control layer. Once installed on the concrete pretensioned plank deck, it can act as a temporary waterproofing layer, allowing internal works to be carried out immediately which was a huge advantage on this new build project.

Aspen Stainless supplied bespoke stainless-steel solutions to the UK’s leading food producer Cranswick. Aspen worked closely with Trundley Design to design effective hygienic plant equipment for a number of food processing plants across the UK.The drainage system was installed to support the cleaning regime and water flow around the factory. This blended perfectly with the John Lord flooring design and allowed for waste to drain effectively into the surrounding channels and gullies; creating a seamless connection between the systems and prevented any standing waste and bacteria from building up.

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.