"electrical inspection and testing"

A range of Ultima aluminium insulated panels incorporating an eye catching perforated outer skin have been specified on the new Reflector residential development at Chambers Wharf in The Southwark district of London. Designed by Simpson Haugh Architecture the properties featured over 1500 sq metres of Ultima aluminium insulated panels glazed in to the structural glazed system across multiple buildings on the development. Each of the panels were finished in a distinctive Basalt Grey PPC colour, that featured a unique perforated outer skin which stood proud of the glazed in panel. These were fitted via a toggle system together with an internal channel surround that added to the distinctive appearance of the building. Ultima aluminium insulated panels are a highly versatile façade panel that can be adapted to fit a variety of external applications. Available in sizes up to and including 6000mm x 2000mm, Ultima panels are fire tested to BS476, provide excellent thermal performance and are supplied with A1 non-combustible insulation materials. They are available in a wide range of high grade anodised colours and PPC finishes.

Garratt Lane in Tooting is located in the South East of London, close to the Northern Line on the London Underground, making it a residential building perfect for commuters.Works started on Garratt Lane towards the end of June 2014, where we supplied approximately 2,350 m2 of Soundis cradle & batten acoustic flooring to provide a deep service void and a level floor on the un-even concrete structural deck. Our Cradle and Risers are manufactured from 100% recycled materials assisting to the sustainability targets of projects. The extremely un-even sub-floor throughout the premises combined with project specific requirements of a deep service void for Under Floor Heating soon meant the Soundis Cradle System was the only solution in maintaining a 125mm finish floor height throughout the project.The quality of installation by our installation partner UK Acoustic Systems was made clear upon the release of the acoustic flooring testing results as noted below. The average reduction and improvement of Impact noise was 22dB, with Airborne performance averaging 56dB, which is significantly higher than ADE and RD regulations.

Some 92,000 Cwt Y Bugail slates feature on a ground-breaking new/old roof. Formerly a seedy area worth avoiding, London’s Kings Cross has now been transformed into a go-to destination for office workers, students and tourists. Developer Argent’s regeneration of the area has sensitively re-purposed the early Victorian railway buildings into variously, a college campus, supermarket and offices, in which the interior changes are radical but the exteriors have been left largely unaltered. Not so for Coal Drops Yard, a pair of elongated Victorian coal warehouses originally built to distribute coal from the North of England across London. Here, the pitched roofs of two almost-parallel buildings, 150m and 100m in length and 39m apart, have been reconfigured to curve up at their northern ends and gently kiss each other. Designed by Heatherwick Studio, the roofs peel upwards and extend into the middle of the space between the two buildings. A new floorplate sits below the roof structure, with glazing filling the gap between the two, creating a third level of retail. The new roofs of the ornate cast-iron and brick structures have been slated with 92,000 new versions of the original Welsh Slates – 500mm x 250mm Cwt Y Bugails from the manufacturer’s Llan Ffestiniog quarry in North Wales – by Banbury-based specialist sub-contractor Attleys Roofing. Attleys already had some Kings Cross experience, using 6,400 500mm x 300mm Heather Blues from Welsh Slate’s main Penrhyn quarry for the re-roof of the nearby German Gymnasium - the first purpose-built gym in England - which is now enjoying a new lease of life as a designer restaurant. Coal Drops Yard was a whole new ball game, testing Attleys to the limit, but the result is an extraordinary reinterpretation of the canal-side site. Main contractor BAM Construction was responsible for the structure of the new roofline. More than 50 new steel columns were carefully threaded through the existing structure to support the roof independently of the building, a point cloud survey being carried out to help calculate where to put the columns without clashing with the existing building fabric. Primary support is provided by a set of large cranked beams supported on cores in each building which join in the middle over the yard. There are four primary beams, two on each building. These dip down towards the centre to create the valley between the two roof structures and have been nicknamed “giraffe beams” in reference to their angled neck and head - the structure looks like two giraffes rubbing noses together. Tie beams at floor level take the tensile loads generated by the weight of the roof. The giraffe beams support two ribbon trusses that define the upper and lower edge of each roof structure and connect in the middle over the yard at the lower edge. These are 7m deep in the middle and taper to 5m at the ends where these join the existing roof. Tubular steel sections were used to create the trusses because of the complex geometry. The new floorplate below the roof is suspended from above using macalloy bars and is tapered towards the perimeter to minimise the impact on the view. More than 60 panels of full-height structural glazing between the floor and new roof are stepped rather than curved or faceted for aesthetic reasons and has the added benefit of hiding the macalloy bars. Temporary trusses were erected to support the giraffe beam assembly and ribbon trusses during construction. The giraffe beam assembly was erected first. The ribbon trusses were brought to site as components, bolted together on the ground into fully-assembled sections complete with rafters, craned into position and bolted together where they meet in the middle. The whole roof structure was then de-propped. Visually, it was important to maintain a seamless transition from the existing roof to the new section so the original timber roof trusses were retained where possible, with some localised strengthening required where the timber had been damaged. The gap between the existing and new roof structure was then boarded over ready for the new Welsh slates.The two roofs are bolted together where they meet in the middle. Heatherwick Studio chose to position the new roof element at the northern ends of the two buildings as the eastern building had been devastated by a fire in 1985. Used more recently for warehousing and nightclubs, they were largely abandoned in the 1990s. Group leader Lisa Finlay said: “Our challenge was to radically remodel this Victorian infrastructure to meet the needs of a modern urban development without losing what made them special. To do this, we focused on understanding their original function and how they were adapted over time so we could appreciate how best to preserve and reuse the existing fabric, whilst also introducing new elements. One of which is an entirely free-standing new structure threaded through the historic buildings, from which a spectacular new third level is suspended.”  Attleys were on site for a total of almost 18 months. The roof pitch of the original sections of roof was 28° but as the curves swept around and met in the middle this changed to 47°. Thereafter the length also decreased from 8.4m to 6.9m at the kissing point where the two curved roofs met but the same number of courses of slates (44) had to be maintained. This meant Attleys had to decrease the gauges and not only cut the sides of the slates to take them around the curve but also the tops of the slates to maintain the same number of courses. No clever nailing or hidden bibbing was required to stop rainwater flowing diagonally at this point as the pitch was so steep. Attleys’ managing director Shaun Attley met with Heatherwick Studio and BAM’s design team up to two years prior to commencement on site to discuss the design issues and how to achieve the aesthetics requested while using the products selected.  Shaun advised the project team that the Cwt Y Bugail slates could not be used for their initial roof design which exceeded a 90° pitch so it was re-designed to ensure that where the eaves met it was at a pitch commensurate with Welsh Slate’s fixing recommendations and warranties. Due to space being at a premium, all the Cwt Y Bugail slates were cut off-site at Attleys’ depot in Banbury. To do this, Attleys had to calculate how much of the slates needed cutting off. This was done by taking measurements from the steel work underneath - from steel to steel at the eaves and steel to steel at the ridge which was generally over 10-15m depending where you were on the curve (on the internal curve or external curve). The kissing point determined how the slates were cut to ensure the perp lines and side laps were maintained.  And because the roof pitch was increasing while the rafter length was decreasing, Attleys also had to cut the tops of the slates down so they suited the decreasing gauges. A total of 32,000 of the 90,000 slates used on the project had to be cut with hand guillotines so the dressed edge could be maintained around the curve which comprised 1,600m2 of the total 4,600m2. Shaun Attley said: “Our timescale for the sections of roof was provided to BAM Construction and this was put into their overall programme with all other sub-contractors but unfortunately our commencement on site was delayed due to previous issues in the construction of the steel frame prior to us starting.  “This meant we were up against the clock in trying to pull back time to ensure the overall programme was still met and we were asked by BAM to find ways of doing as much as possible off-site and increasing labour and production on-site to pull back the time lost. By working together with other sub-contractors and the main contractor we managed to finish a week earlier than our anticipated 43-week overall programme.” He added: “The project was challenging at the beginning to ensure we set the roof out properly but as the contract progressed it became easier. Welsh slates are easy to work, and we work with them all the time, but in this case it was challenging getting the slates to course all the way round. Attleys’ SMSTS-trained supervisor ran the day-to-day safety, conducting Toolbox talks every morning and attending daily safety briefings by BAM Construction staff and supervisors from all trades on site to brief each other of any risks and ensure trades were not disrupting one another.  The team of 10 Attleys operatives, which included two NVQ Level 2 apprentices, carried out daily visual inspections of tools and all power tools were PAT tested every three months. Shaun Attley visited weekly to inspect the job for workmanship and production and also to gather feedback on any safety issues or to see if any safety measures could be instigated to improve the overall safety for their and other operatives on site. “We found some of these measures not only improved safety but also helped improve production,” said Shaun. Attleys also had an independent safety inspector (from The Health & Safety People) visit site monthly to see if there were any safety improvements they could recommend. Far from handling eight million tonnes of coal a year, Coal Drops Yard is now forecast to pull in 12 million visitors a year.

The developer behind a Victorian mill conversion in West Yorkshire has achieved superior levels of sound insulation for the building’s separating walls, floors and ceilings through a range bespoke sound insulation systems and products from Hush Acoustics.The redevelopment of the Old Town Mill in the Pennine hills close to Hebden Bridge was undertaken by Clay Developments, with the conversion work managed by its sister-company Clay Construction. Both companies have a strong track record in successfully breathing new life into heritage buildings, but this latest project presented its own unique challenges including how to soundproof each of the newly created individual two- or three-bedroom connected properties.The original mill building was built around 1851, initially for use as a cotton mill. The complex was developed with the construction of a second larger mill building and associated facilities in the 1880s, and it was used for a variety of purposes during its industrial life, including for the production of hosiery yarns, wool combing and sheepskin rug manufacture.Externally the converted building, known as Carding Mill, retains its external character with its distinctive coursed square gritstone walls and Welsh blue slate roof, complemented by high performance aluminium glazing and new features including perimeter walls created using natural reclaimed stone. Internally, however, the transformation has been substantial to remodel the building into residential units which comply with the high performance standards demanded by today’s Building Regulations.The new homes created in Carding Mill could have been designed and built to comply with the minimum acoustic requirements, but that was deemed insufficient to deliver the level of luxury the developer wanted to offer potential buyers. Hence, Clay Construction approached Hush Acoustics to explore the design options and available materials to go beyond what the Building Regulations require for material change of use projects like this.Hush Acoustics supported Clay Construction and the architect, Gagarin Studio, to achieve the optimum separating wall and floor designs throughout, with underfloor heating (UFH) also accommodated.Airborne sound tests in the separating walls revealed levels ranging between 52 and 61 dB DnT,w+Ctr, well above the compliance level of 43 dB. And for impact sound on the separating floors, two tests were carried out which registered levels of 35 and 37 dB L'nT,w, again surpassing the Approved Document E requirement of no higher than 64 dB.

According to Alzheimer’s UK, there are around 900,000 people with dementia in the UK and this figure is expected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040. Dementia is an umbrella term and is caused when diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia and other conditions, damage the brain. As well as memory problems, dementia can also cause issues with vision and perception, leading to problems such as a welcome mat by a door looking like a black hole. The Equality Act and Building Regulations (Part M) make provision for people with dementia and there are some, when specifying paving for care homes and in the public realm, that can make a significant difference. One of the key points that can be addressed by speaking to a reputable paving manufacturer is the consistency of light reflection values (RV) throughout the landscape design. LRV measures the amount of light reflected back from a material when illuminated by a light source. The more light reflected, the higher the LRV. It is usually measured using aspectrophotometer. Research by Liverpool John Moores University demonstrated that an ‘uneven’ appearance of ground surface or patches of darker tone or colour can be confusing and potentially cause accidents. The institution also described how paving patterns or changes in colour that are arbitrary can cause confusion. It has concluded that strong paving patterns - such as chequerboard - may cause disturbance, as consistent light reflectance values are required. When Keepmoat Homes was involved in the building of the planned dementia care facilities in Litchfield, Staffordshire, the company spoke to specialists at Brett Landscaping. Keepmoat was working on a centre that would house up to 90 people in six buildings and needed the paving to be suitable for the residents at the centre. It required external paving which registered between 25 and 45 on the light reflective value spectrum. Rigorous and extensive testing of the LRVs of Brett’s products enabled Keepmoat to install paving that falls within the strict parameters of the guidelines. Testing of Brett’s Alpha Flow permeable paving systems at Brett’s manufacturing plants in Kent and Dorset, showed that the LRV was consistent on individual colour ranges. It also revealed that the variance between all three colour ranges (Autumn Gold, Brindle and Charcoal) is ideally suited for the project. Brett’s Alpha Flow paving is already widely used across the country for developments where developers are looking to improve surface water drainage and prevent flooding. Existing Alpha Flow pavements are also still offering between 15 and 20 years of low maintenance service. Other than the consistency of light reflective values, Alzheimer’s UK has called for other work to help those living with dementia. It also recommends carefully selecting materials to avoid reflective or dark surfaces which could confuse perception, planning continuous, level routes and avoiding steps if possible.

Eastbourne station is located in East Sussex. It was originally built in the 19th century and is classified as a Grade II listed building. Over the years, the station has undergone several renovations and upgrades.Back in October 2020 it was announced £5 million would be spent on restoring Eastbourne Railway Station to its ‘former glory’. Work done includes canopy refurbishment, slate roof replacement, masonry work to the front of the station, and new roofing above the atrium.Twinfix were approached to replace the glazing panels on the 32 lanterns on the station’s train shed with something hard wearing, sustainable and modern but without losing the period look. The change was needed because, according to the plans, the existing fixtures were ‘life expired and inefficient’.Twinfix supplied their Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) roof glazing system, glazed with 6mm solid obscure polycarbonate. The new glazing spanned 1243 square metres and was installed by Gable, on behalf of Main Contractor BAM Nuttall.The Multi-Link-Panel NF system is an innovative roof glazing product that has been well utilised for many years on station canopy roofs, and it has been thoroughly tried and tested in that time.It was the chosen system for this project for a number of reasons:sustainability– these panels are virtually unbreakable in manufacture, transit and in situ, meaning that, unlike glass, maintenance costs will be eliminated. The system is also completely recycleable.safety– Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) conforms to the HSE recommended test method ACR[M]001:2019 (as outlined in document HSG33) and achieves a ‘B’ Classification.off-site construction– The panels are pre-assembled in Twinfix’s factory ensuring strict quality guidelines are adhered to, which is not always guaranteed when roofing products are assembled on site.ease of access– The Multi-Link-Panel NF system can be fitted with In-Line Access Hatches, to allow cleaning of gutters and roof. These hatches are hardly visible and allow safe access through the glazing without needing to get on the roof.weight– The Multi-Link-Panel NF is light in weight and due to its modular format, it is very quick to install which allows for short rail possession works. A slight redesign of the original roof allowed 96 access hatches to be installed, making maintenance easier. Installed it’s almost impossible to detect the modern materials that have been used to bring this historic structure back to life.During the renovation work, Shaun King, Sussex route director for Network Rail, said, “The quality of work on site is being completed to a very high standard and we’re taking great care to restore the Grade II listed building to its former glory.”

Eastbourne station is located in East Sussex. It was originally built in the 19th century and is classified as a Grade II listed building. Over the years, the station has undergone several renovations and upgrades.Back in October 2020 it was announced £5 million would be spent on restoring Eastbourne Railway Station to its ‘former glory’. Work done includes canopy refurbishment, slate roof replacement, masonry work to the front of the station, and new roofing above the atrium.Twinfix were approached to replace the glazing panels on the 32 lanterns on the station’s train shed with something hard wearing, sustainable and modern but without losing the period look. The change was needed because, according to the plans, the existing fixtures were ‘life expired and inefficient’.Twinfix supplied their Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) roof glazing system, glazed with 6mm solid obscure polycarbonate. The new glazing spanned 1243 square metres and was installed by Gable, on behalf of Main Contractor BAM Nuttall.The Multi-Link-Panel NF system is an innovative roof glazing product that has been well utilised for many years on station canopy roofs, and it has been thoroughly tried and tested in that time.It was the chosen system for this project for a number of reasons:sustainability– these panels are virtually unbreakable in manufacture, transit and in situ, meaning that, unlike glass, maintenance costs will be eliminated. The system is also completely recycleable.safety– Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) conforms to the HSE recommended test method ACR[M]001:2019 (as outlined in document HSG33) and achieves a ‘B’ Classification.off-site construction– The panels are pre-assembled in Twinfix’s factory ensuring strict quality guidelines are adhered to, which is not always guaranteed when roofing products are assembled on site.ease of access– The Multi-Link-Panel NF system can be fitted with In-Line Access Hatches, to allow cleaning of gutters and roof. These hatches are hardly visible and allow safe access through the glazing without needing to get on the roof.weight– The Multi-Link-Panel NF is light in weight and due to its modular format, it is very quick to install which allows for short rail possession works. A slight redesign of the original roof allowed 96 access hatches to be installed, making maintenance easier. Installed it’s almost impossible to detect the modern materials that have been used to bring this historic structure back to life.During the renovation work, Shaun King, Sussex route director for Network Rail, said, “The quality of work on site is being completed to a very high standard and we’re taking great care to restore the Grade II listed building to its former glory.”

Leading UK utility contractor, Telent, have used UltraCrete’s superb ironwork installation materials to repair and install a CW1 access cover in Sutton Coldfield.BackgroundAs part of their ongoing commitment to maintaining the UK’s national utility infrastructure, Telent have used UltraCrete’s latest product innovation Mortar Buoy® to repair a chamber and install a CW1 ironwork access cover in the West Midlands.The ChallengeLocated on a busy junction, it was crucial that the repair and installation of the CW1 cover was carried out quickly to minimise disruption to motorists. With a reputation drawing on decades of experience in the design, build, support and management of the UK’s critical infrastructure, it was imperative that Telent used reputable installation materials that had been tried, tested and proven to work in the road network.The SolutionUltraCrete’s independently tested and approved ironwork installation system was specified by BT Openreach to complete the project.The new CW1 cover was installed using the Install Plus method. To begin, Mortar Buoy® was inflated in the existing chamber to prevent debris falling into the cavity and causing potential damage to the network. Once inflated, the team were able to use Mortar Buoy® as internal shuttering and repair the damaged chamber using QC10 F rapid strength flowable concrete.QC10 F, part of UltraCrete’s range of high specification concretes, is rapid setting fibre modified concrete for backfilling around manhole frames and gullies and for surface repairs.To complete the installation, Mortar Buoy® was used as a dam and Envirobed® CD534 Flowable was poured around the edges of a chamber for a permanent installation.Specially formulated for utility reinstatements, Envirobed® CD534 Flowable high performance bedding mortar is BT LN550 and LN320 compliant and offers superior compressive, tensile and flexural strengths in just 3 hours.Mortar Buoy® is a ground-breaking, innovative, inflatable access frame that acts as a dam, allowing for a flowable mortar ironwork installation in seconds – revolutionising traditional methods.Enhance your specification and upgrade your reinstatement with UltraCrete Mortar Buoy®.ResultsThe project took place on a mild winter day in December 2021. The work was completed without delay and with minimal disruption. Using Mortar Buoy® instead of a traditional damming mortar increased the speed of the installation, reduced costs and made the install less labour intensive for the team.On the performance of Mortar Buoy®, John Doherty, Area Supervisor for Telent commented: “Mortar Buoy® makes life much easier versus traditional shuttering for both chamber repair and bedding the ironwork. It is also much faster.”

It’s not everyday you get a phone call from an architect asking for help on a grade 2 listed mill building, but that is what happened to us back in April 2017 when Stephenson Studios contacted us with a problem they were having with floor to ceiling heights on their Brownsfield Mill project in Manchester.Their design criteria was for the existing 75mm thick timber mill boards to be retained and each of the apartments in the building would have these as an exposed ceiling. The idea was to keep the building as rustic and to retain as much of the original look and feel of the listed mill building as possible. Because of this all of the acoustic (Part E.) and fire Building Regs. (Part B.) requirements would have to be installed above the existing floor.The drawings we were sent through identified a floor build up, on top of the mill boards, at nearly 300mm thick. This started with a self levelling compound on top of the mill boards, to level them to, and then a timber on timber solution with a final layer of cement particle board prior to the oak flooring being installed.This thick floor section was causing a problem due to the original oak beams that were in place meaning the floor to ceiling heights weren’t as high as they needed to be. This design was compounded flowing the removal of the bitumen floor covering. When the mill boards were exposed and then levels were taken across each of the floors it was clear that the original design was no longer suitable for the project.With the age of the building some of the mill boards were beyond repair and each of the floors needed levelling up so the use of self levelling compound and a timber/ cement board solution also became a very expensive solution. We were asked if we could come up with a solution that was able to reduce costs and time and also to be able to achieve the required acoustic and fire requirements for this type of conversion project.Our initial thoughts on the project was to use timber ferrings, 100mm wide at 600mm centres, to lay our Lewis Deck system onto. This was reducing the number of ferrings by 50% (these were originally at 400mm centres) and it also removed 4 layers of timber/ cement board as well as the self levelling compound from the project. Following a meeting on site however, and after being able to fully talk to the design team and developer about what the Lewis Deck system can do we agreed that we would look at putting the ferring strips at 1400mm centres with the Lewis Deck being laid across at these centres. Rubber granulate acoustic strips would be installed on top of each of the timbers and mineral wool insulation would then be installed between. This would allow more material to be removed from the project but crucially still hit both the acoustic and fire requirements of the project.A test floor was commissioned, by the acoustic engineer, and built in August 2018 which passed all tests. You can see from the photos below the Lewis Deck laid at 1400mm centres for the middle section of the test with the 15mm thick rubber granulate acoustic strip laid on top of the timber ferrings. These timbers, due to the nature of the mill boards below, had to be installed individually to differing heights.The first full delivery of Lewis Deck arrived on site at the beginning of June 2019 following on from the steel strengthening works that were being carried out on site.The deck was quickly installed across the whole first floor in just a couple of days and the first screed pour was scheduled for the following week. The whole floor was poured using an anhydrite screed in just a few hours.The project continued on and the last main section of floor was poured on 19th December 2019, exactly 6 months after the first of the pours.This grade 2 listed mill building was a great project to work on. One that gave us a lot of challenges to overcome from the outset and one that helped overcome a number of issues that kept dropping up as the remedial works on the building progressed. We are delighted with the final result.Developer: Urban SplashFloor Installer: Trent Construction Services Ltd.

Premier Security & Fire Consultants has joined forces with leading forensic security company DNA-Detect to create a market-first, integrated high-security door system armed with a Forensic DNA traceable, marking fluid.Our design team has worked with DNA-Detect to incorporate an automatic spraying system into our LPS1175 SR2 (B3), SR3 (C5) and SR4 (D10) and our upcoming SR5 (E10) security door designs tested and passed by the BRE (Building Research Establishment), the UK’s No.1 testing house.If attacked, the DNA based security system will automatically dispense a covert spray concealed within the door frame. The perpetrator will be forensically marked linking them to a crime scene providing irrefutable evidence to prosecuting authorities.Each DNA-Detect Forensic Perpetrator Marking system contains a unique, registered Bio-synthetic DNA Code. The UV Marker in DNA-Detect’s products is Orange, to avoid any confusion with other products which may offer different colour UV MarkersOnce in the police custody suite, the police will check a suspect for the UV marker and will then proceed through the police process to take swabs from the marked area for submission to DNA-Detect’s forensic Labs for DNA extraction using a process known as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)If the sequenced code recovered from the perpetrator’s skin and clothing matches the code from the registered door device, which can be securely verified at the ISR (International Security Register) then this will provide prosecutors with irrefutable evidence pinpointing the perpetrator to the crime scene.Premier Security & Fire Managing Director Neil Johns welcomed the collaboration with DNA-Detect. “Breaking new ground with unique designs and ideas is very much in Premier’s own DNA. The combination of Premier’s certificated door systems and the DNA-Detect trace system certainly brings an exciting, new element to the security market.”Those words were echoed by Chris Taylor – Chief Technical Officer at DNADetect. He said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Premier in this important industry-first initiative. Integrating Forensic DNA Spray Technology within Premier high-grade security doors will provide the ultimate deterrent to violent attacks within both private and business premises. This will ensure our client’s safety, protection and business continuity.”Premier Security & Fire Consultants is the UK’s leading supplier of Secured by Design LPS1175 door systems with more than 2000 designs and options including SR2; SR3; SR4, fire-resistant and thermally brokenTechnical Overview:An integrated compact modular DNA based Forensic Security System can be completely concealed within, for example, a door frame or above any entry point.The unique DNA and UV mark will forensically link an offender to a crime scene providing irrefutable evidence to prosecuting authoritiesWhen installed above or within an entry point or a door, the system will activate when the door is attacked. The perpetrator will be Forensically marked with a DNA based Forensic Marker and Orange UV fluorophore, dispensed as a covert spray from within the door frame or over the entry point.The unique DNA code within each door frame installation is backed up and registered on an LPS1224a secure database managed by the International Security Register (ISR)The Forensic DNA component within DNADetect’s system is widely tested and proven in court as a highly effective deterrent to criminal activity.​Unique DNA markers provide irrefutable evidence linking an offender to a crime sceneEach DNADetect Forensic Perpetrator Marking system contains a unique Bio-synthetic DNA Code which is registered to the trained security professional.When called to the scene of an incident where a DNADetect product or system has been activated, the police may use their standard-issue 365nM UV torch to look for a UV Marker on the perpetrator.The UV Marker in DNADetect’s products is Orange, to avoid any confusion with other products which may offer different colour UV MarkersOnce in the police custody suite, the police will then check the perpetrator again for the UV marker and will then proceed through the police process to take swabs from the marked area for submission to DNADetect’s forensic Labs for DNA extraction using a process known as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)If the sequenced code recovered from the perpetrator’s skin and clothing matches the code from the registered canister (which can be securely verified at the ISR (International Security Register) then this will provide the Police and Prosecuting Authorities (CPS) with irrefutable proof that the perpetrator was at the crime sceneKey Features of DNA Detect’s DNA Forensic Marking Systems:Forensically Robust – DNA Markers have been proven in court to irrefutably link the suspect offender to the offenceIntrinsically Safe – All materials used within DNADetect Jet are safe having undergone extensive Toxicology testingEnd to End Secure – Every DNADetect Jet Device is registered to a trained security professional on an LPS 1224 Secure Database.Accredited Training Programme – DNADetect can only be used by Security Personnel that have undergone an accredited training programme delivered through DNADetect’s ‘Trusted Trainer’ network. This negates misuse ensuring that if and when deployed, the authorities can have confidence that the DNADetect was deployed as a last resort and inline with legal guidelines (within Common Law and Criminal Law – both of which are covered in the training programme)For further information about DNADetect, please contact:Chris Taylor – 07824099907Clive Lloyd – 07730370381Website: dna-detect.com 

PROJECT OVERVIEW IQE, the leading supplier of advanced wafer products and material solutions to the semiconductor industry, planned a £100million investment to create a state-of-the-art semiconductor facility over the next ten years. The works were undertaken on the old LG site in Newport, which had stood redundant for twenty years. The new compound semiconductor wafer foundry is set up at the site as part of the Welsh Government’s commitment to creating the world’s first ‘semiconductor cluster.’We were first engaged by the architects Atkins, who was looking for a system that could be installed to expeditated programme but still achieve the GMP standards, including ISO 4 to ISO 7 cleanrooms. Atkins saw the Norwood Mediline partition 60min fire rated system as the perfect solution, allowing the build to be prefabricated and modulated, however still giving their second fix subcontractors full access to the partition void, which included gases and electrical works. We worked closely with Atkins, developing a design that could be installed quickly but maintained a high quality and specification.  During the construction phase, we worked closely with the appointed principal contractors, CMB Engineering. The project was delivered on time and recognised in Wales by winning the Constructing Excellence awards. Norwood’s relationship with CMB Engineering and Atkins has continued to grow, securing several future projects with the team.As part of our scope, we designed, manufactures and installed our Medline solid and glazed partitions, walk on ceiling and fire rated single and double doors.

The Trumpington Residents’ Association and Cambridge City Council wanted to update a 60-year-old pavilion at the heart of the village in a £600,000 community project.Cambridge architects 5th Studio designed a striking colourful exterior cladding. They turned to an artist specialising in the treatment and perimeter fencing manufacturer Zaun to create the multi-coloured stripe effect with a specialist bright green protective steel mesh ‘cage’.The SolutionTrumpington Pavilion employs an unusual multi-coloured exterior treatment. An artist specialing in the technique has dribbled green, blue, red and yellow randomly onto a corrugated plastic sandwich sheet, which is then covered with Zaun’s Duo8 mesh in bright green, fixed to coloured timber battens.The pavilion includes a main building with a hall, youth room, kitchen, toilets, office and inter-connected changing rooms for two teams plus an officials’ room.The doors to the changing rooms are in boldly contrasting colours. At the same time, an eight-metre green mesh electric sliding gate protects the building but opens to provide unrestricted access to the patio and the King George V Playing Fields beyond.Zaun installed the Diamond cantilever sliding gate with Duo8 mesh in-fill, KeyFob and internally mounted switchto ensure both the safety of all users of the pavilion when the gates are operated especially children, and the security of the contents when the pavilion is not in use.The original pavilion, built in the early 1950s, was about half the size of the new main building, including a small hall and changing rooms.

Roof terrace for more space to enjoy with family and friends The ChallengeThe homeowner wanted to make sympathetic improvements to the existing components of their London townhouse without losing the essence that made it a home. This included partial conversion of main roof into terrace with access, the addition of roof light and the enlargement of an existing roof light. But with such a stunning property, standard and ordinary just would not do.The SolutionThere were three components were we provided expert advise and unique glazing solutions. Firstly, they wanted to bring more light to an existing bathroom which was achieved with an opening electric vent rooflight, that allowed both light and additional ventilation to the space.Secondly was enlargement of the roof light to a single storey extension at lower ground floor level. Thirdly was the design and installation of a Sliding over fixed rooflight above the third floor staircase that provided access to a new flat roof terrace which replaced the original butterfly roof.This now meant our client could maximise their property, create more space, and make a feature of their roof terrace where they could enjoy this vista with family and friends, capitalising on the views they and let light flood into the space below. Get in touchWhether you’re at planning or construction stage why not see how we could help you add natural light and space to your home; you can call us on 01223 792244 or pop us an email via info@nextgenrooflights.co.uk outlining what help you need.

Cargill is an international food, agriculture, financial and industrial products and services business. Cargill connects farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and people and animals with nourishment.Project/doors:32 doors across six facilities12 Storm, 3 Super, 3 Mini, 6 Insulated Fast Action Roller Shutters, 4 Electric Operated Roller Shutter 4 Special Doors. Ongoing replacement of old doorsThe challenge Hart were consulted to help reduce vermin access mainly from pigeons, seagulls and geese attracted by the feed/agricultural nature of the production process. The doors needed to be capable of thousands of operations in dusty conditions allowing large vehicles fast access to the facilities. The solution With over 30 Hart doors installed across six production facilities, the latest contract replaced existing roller shutters, which remain open all day, with seven Speedor Storms, one Speedor Super and one fast action roller shutter. The emphasis was on speed of open/close cycles to significantly reduce the vermin access and improve energy efficiency. The success The investment by Cargill is also part of a drive to improve energy efficiency by 5% and to maintain a better working environment and temperatures within the building as well as preventing unauthorised access to different areas of the plant. The Review:“I wanted to say I was really pleased with the job David and guys have done. They showed great work ethic, housekeeping was spot on and their attitude to safety on site was great- whenever they were challenged they were very patient and helpful.”Gavin Dunn, Project Engineer, Cargill

Hart has supplied hundreds of industrial doors to infrastructure projects both across the UK and internationally.Project/doors:9 Electric insulated roller shutters14 Speedor Super high speed doorsThe challengeOld rail shutters are unreliable with a potential to free fall due to mechanical failure. Doors that are past their ‘asset life expectancy’ should be replaced to ensure up to date legislations are met. These areas tend to have varying traffic and need to be secure for safety. These dangerous situations can be remedied by replacing with new doors designed for purpose. The solutionHart completed a major contract to replace old and unreliable shutters at the Stewarts Lane depot, Battersea. The contract included the removal of old doors and re-installation of nine doors of varying sizes, the largest being 8.5m wide and 4.7m. Safedrive motors delivered quiet and smooth operation despite the size and improved security and safety for staff.The successHart replaced 14 of it’s own Speedors installed at Laira Depot, Plymouth which were still operational after 22 years. This is an astonishing length of service and a testament to the quality of product. Hart’s reputation for technical excellence developed over many years has given Hart a distinct edge when involved such contracts.The Review:“Your installation staff were extremely efficient and friendly workers. They carried out the work safely in a professional manner and there were no issues or problems on site. Both of them were a credit to your company.” First Great Western Ltd

Fastlight Direct have undergone a refurbishment of their washrooms and chose Franke Water Systems as one of the chosen washroom manufacturers. Products provided included:2 x ANMW411 single Quadro Miranit Washbasins1 x ANMW421 double Quadro Miranit Washbasin 4 x F3SV1001 self-closing tapsMaintaining a high standard of hygiene is a key element to consider when specifying any washroom project. Franke’s Miranit composite wash basins are seamlessly moulded in Miranit, an advanced resin and granite composite material with a gelcoat layer, providing a non-porous, robust and hygienic finish. Miranit is several times stronger than ceramic, highly impact-resistant and virtually shatter-proof, making it ideal for busy washroom environments. The F3S self-closing taps are perfect for reducing water consumption with its proven piston-free self-closing water control. These highly durable self-closing F3 taps have been tried and tested over a million times, ensuring a long-lasting solution. The push cap is light and easy to use, with adjustable flow stop time for a one push operation.

Suma International Manufacturing Company fabricated 26 Halspan FD90 64mm for Jawaher Residential Building.Halspan 90 internal fire door blanks feature Halspan's unique 3-layer particle board. Specifically designed for the purpose, using a complex combination of chemical and engineering development, these blanks produce doors of altogether superior quality, strength and overall preformance.The Jawaher Residential Building is suited in Salmiya, Kuwait, and compromises of 13 floors featuring luxury apartments, a gymnasium, and a rooftop swimming pool overlooking the city.This project featured 26 fire-rated doors fabricated using Halspan’s FD90 64mm unique 3-layer particle board that is durability tested to severe duty and is suitable for veneer, laminate, or paint finishes.The doors were used in the primary entrances for all floor levels and are latched single-acting single doors (LSASD) featuring a wooden frame and solid red meranti lipping with beech veneer facing.This project was contracted by Main Contractor; Al Daleel General Trading & Contracting Co and was fabricated by Suma International Manufacturing Company.Photography courtesy of Suma International Manufacturing Company.

The iconic architecture of the three Kranhäuser buildings in Cologne’s former commercial harbour is reminiscent of the old loading cranes that could once be found here. While the two initial structures were designed as office spaces, the last in the collection – Kranhaus Nord – is entirely residential. This means there were high standards to meet with regard to impact sound insulation in this construction. Fortunately, Schöck Tronsole® type T offered the perfect system solution in this regard.Both the structural engineering and architectural planning processes for this residence had to be adapted accordingly to suit the high-end use of the building. Unlike the design of the office buildings, the bridge abutments are connected via an atrium that leads to the premium apartments rather than being separated.The main stairwell runs right alongside premium apartments, which means sound proofing was a key consideration. This was required not only due to standard building regulations, but also for the fact that “as a provider of luxury apartments complete with a whole host of amenities for international clients, people expect top quality. Thus, the decision was made to use the Schöck Tronsole® sound proofing system: A tried-and-tested solution for integration into stairwells.”

In 2021, Wirquin assisted in the refurbishment of Holiday Inn Corby. Holiday Inn Corby is located close to both the business and logistic areas of the midlands and Northamptonshire. With Midland Logistics Park, Eurohub close by and Wicksteed Park not too far away they have a lot of footfall. The hotel has 110 refurbished rooms, 6 conference rooms suitable for meetings & functions for between 2 and 500, Open lobby and diner, Woodland outside seating, 3D Health & Fitness and Pampered & Polished Beauty Salon!We provided just under half new Initio frames for the refurbished room. The Initio was the obvious option for this refurbishment offering the perfect solution for compact spaces and bathrooms, freeing up more of the area. Holiday Inn Corby opted for our matching hoops flush plate in white which matched and complimented the of the decor in their rooms perfectly. The large front panel means there is easy access for maintenance, perfect for hospitality should there be any issues repairs can be done easily and quickly, causing minimal disruption. The Initio also boasts a durable metallic structure which is coated in a anti corrosion solution and tested up to 400kg. 

We supplied our Irish-produced Streetscape® BS 7533 compliant laying course materials including; bedding course, jointing, and priming mortars, to Scottish-based principal contractor, RJ McLeod (Contractors) Ltd for the hardscape element of the new Helix Park project in Falkirk, Scotland.The hardscape element of the Helix Park, comprising of open-space paving and connecting pathways, totalling 9,000 m2 of granite paving, was expertly laid by paving contractor, Granite Paving Specialist Ltd. The SMET Streetscape® portfolio complies with the rigorous requirements of BS 7533 with all products undergoing independent testing and certification to confirm compliance. By providing a superior level of customer service and focused aftercare to our Smet Supported Partners with the Streetscape® brand, we demonstrate best-practice in Streetscape Hardscaping construction partnerships. Click for more detailed information on the SMET Streetscape® BS 7533 range: https://www.smetbuildingproducts.com/products/streetscape/Click for more on some of the projects we have supplied to:https://www.smetbuildingproducts.com/projects/by-product/streetscape-high-strength-bedding-concrete/Contact SMET for any Streetscape enquiries.

Innovative technology firm chooses Altro for its new HQChallengeTriton Systems Inc. are a global product venturing and investment company, developing innovative ideas from concept stages to commercial fruition. In order to accommodate their rapid growth and expand production capabilities, Triton needed to relocate its facilities and headquarters to a newly renovated space. The remodelled site includes a host of upgraded amenities, such as new laboratories and development centres, to enable a full spectrum of in-house operations ranging from chemistry and biology to machining, testing and virtual reality.ApproachLocal design firm Fishbrook Design Studio, collaborated with Triton to create the ideal interior for their new site. In the laboratory areas, the studio specified Altro Walkway 20 safety flooring to promote employee safety and achieve the desired aesthetic.Solution“We were looking for attractive flooring solutions that offered safe environments, cleanliness, low maintenance and durability,” explained Kristin Naumann, Director of Design, Fishbrook Design Studio. “For my renovation projects, Altro products offer a great looking, durable way to upgrade hightraffic areas such as common areas and workspaces.”

School kitchen flooring refurbishment Millfield School kitchen flooring has recently been subject to a significant makeover. The existing vinyl finishes were showing significant signs of wear and needed to be replaced with a new flooring that offered better slip resistance and durability without the need for frequent repairs.The services of specialist industrial flooring installers, Inca Flooring & Structural Ltd, were called upon to offer advice and guidance in selecting the most suited school kitchen flooring solution.Millfield School required a flooring solution that could withstand the test of time in a constantly busy kitchen environment. In order to fulfil the client’s requirements to the highest standards, the contractors recommended using Degafloor’s fast curing, slip-resistant Full Broadcast System with associated coving.Degafloor Full Broadcast is specifically designed to deliver outstanding hygiene, performance and safety even in tough environments such as commercial kitchens, canteens and food technology areas.The school kitchen flooring was installed across two kitchen areas. Due to the ultra-fast curing nature of Degafloor MMA and flexibility of the contractor, the entire project was completed over the Xmas break.

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.

The ClientLABTECH owns Camden Market, the 3rd most popular tourist and shopping location in the world with an annual footfall of 28m. The Group is also redefining co-working for businesses of any size, with state-of-the-art-locations throughout London attracting mass affluent professionals with unrivalled technology and contemporary smart design office spaces. The group is currently valued at £2.bn, offering Retail and Co-work spaces to affluent audiences. The owners of LABS have a desire to exceed their environmental targets, while engaging their community of local businesses to increase revenues by implementing innovative and Smart technologies that offer shared value to their community.Their ProblemThe estate has 12 washrooms in 3 locations in London using Dyson hand dryers in their washrooms with a power rating of 1600 watts. Further, due to the unusually high footfall at Camden Market, washroom maintenance is proving challenging due to sudden peak surges. The client was looking for a technology solution to reduce their energy and operational costs, and new ways to engage its users to drive additional revenue based on shared values with its community.Our SolutionSAVORTEX deployed 20 of its revolutionary adDryerTM hand dryers on a pilot in 2 of the busiest washrooms at Camden Market. The adDryer uses an advanced digital brush-less motor technology, which consumes power of just 550W, offers 10x more operational life than traditional dryers and comes with an in-built Video screen, connected to a content management system and shows a full motion advert or internal message in response to users drying their hands.The dryer wirelessly reports the energy usage per dry and washroom footfall to the SAVORTEX web portal, allowing estates managers to remotely manage their washroom facilities, and drive responsive cleaning for enhanced hygiene and sustainability. Over the trial period the estates manager was able to monitor hand dryer usage and washroom footfall of 45,100 people per month with an average drying time of 8.8 seconds, triggering 1,100 washroom inspections per week, resulting in significant operational savings throughout the estate. Further, the Marketing team at Camden Market Management inspiredlocal business to drive adverts via a the SAVORTEX contentmanagement system on-line direct to users drying hands. 19 out of the 30 local Businesses signed up and pushed daily offers and adverts direct to users to drive traffic into their store.

The challenge of installing one of the largest expanses of flooring in a single project – and one of the most complex – faced the hub where east meets west at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar. The airport is described as ‘the gateway to Qatar’ and the hub for its world-class airline Qatar Airways with the capacity to serve 8,700 passengers per hour and 30 million every year. Specifiers wanted a flooring high in aesthetic and environmental credentials to meet all requirements at this important airport zone and meeting all relevant environmental and health and safety regulations.  SystemThe system chosen was epoxy terrazzo flooring supplied by Sherwin-Williams - 140,000 sq metres of pigmented epoxy resin - involving the shipping of pre-mixed marble aggregates from Italy to complete the design for the main floor areas consisting of three colours, primarily dark grey with pure black or white epoxy terrazzo.The epoxy terrazzo was poured in situ as the 16,000 workers from various countries navigated their way around the 5,500-acre site and ground and polished the flooring to a high finish, bringing with it major environmental benefits. Thin set epoxy conforms to the EU’s solvents and Volatile Organic Compounds Emissions Directive.The installation process itself also meant there was very little waste – the terrazzo prepared for installation was measured accurately to allow as much or as little to be used in application.The epoxy terrazzo is high in aesthetic and environmental features and meets the demands of architects and specifiers for longer-lasting products with ever-greater green credentials.Terrazzo flooring is a composite – a mix of resin with aggregates which give the product such variety in its design. Intended to be a durable, hard-wearing and highly decorative flooring solution, the resinWith simple re-polishing or re-sealing using water-based products a typical terrazzo flooring can last up to 40 years. However, vinyl floor sheets would require replacing typically every 12 years or less.The Sherwin-Williams Difference By putting our customers first, we know that the innovation, imagination, research and development we put into each and every product will be worth it. You are at the centre of our thinking wherever we operate around the world across five continents whether it is advice, specification or on-site inspection. You are the reason we exist. This is the Sherwin-Williams difference.

Our technical team were invited to complete a roof survey and condition report of this residential project, where the existing roof area which was suffering from repeated leaks, failed repair attempts and significant standing water.ChallengesUpon inspection it was clear the roof covering had been recently renewed, but the workmanship, attention to details and drainage falls were sub-standard and no doubt contributory to the ongoing leaks and consequential ceiling damage to the areas below.Although the client preferred a robust torch-applied reinforced bitumen waterproofing system, our Safe2Torch assessment picked up some redundant roof plant, combustible cladding interfaces and complex penetrations which necessitated a localised flame free solution.Our team also carried out a level-survey to ascertain the existing falls, and what, if anything, could be done to alleviate the standing water without excessive cost.SolutionsOur comprehensive roof survey report included a dimensioned roof plan, identification of Safe2Torch areas/details, bespoke waterproofing designs for complex penetrations, and a thorough assessment of the existing roof make-up (via core samples) and drainage.Given the apparent age and good condition of half the roof area, it was left in-situ and overlaid with Hyranger single layer RBM system. Minor improvements to the drainage layout, via the introduction of a tapered insulation scheme central to the roof where the outlets where positioned, helped to significantly improve falls. Elsewhere, the rest of the existing roof covering and thermal insulation were stripped back to expose the original asphalt.The asphalt received a new air and vapour control layer before the same Hyranger system, including a mix of both flat board and tapered Hytherm ADH insulation, was installed to improve the falls and correct the thermal performance balance.A Safe2Torch abutment detail to existing cladding was identified early on in the Axter roof survey report as a fire safety hazard, so in accordance with our specification and recommendations, our accredited Axtershield Installer - N R A Roofing & Flooring Services Ltd - expertly installed a Hyranger Neo-Bitumen Flame Free membrane solution around a 900mm wide margin.The Axtershield Installer worked efficiently and to a very high standard to complete the project on budget whilst delivering an aesthetically pleasing and robust waterproofing solution.Systems in useHyranger®Neo-Bitumen® Flame Free

THE PROJECTCanterbury Riverside is a major new residential development designed by PRC Architecture for Bouygues Development\Link City. Its construction has been in progress since 2020, and in January 2022, the main contractor for one of the housing elements, Jenner Ltd, commenced work on the below-ground Block 11-13 car park. Jenner appointed specialist contractor GSE to install a new ground bearing slab within the car park, which would tie in with existing columns and retaining walls. The dimensions of the slab required movement joints to be accommodated and there were multiple access points that required waterproofing detailing. The design and installation was also required to meet the requirements of the NHBC (National House Building Council), so Fosroc was appointed to supply materials, and Waterproofing Design Services to carry out the design work. Jenner had previously worked with both Fosroc and WDS on block 14 of the project to provide gas resistant membranes and design.THE SOLUTIONSupercast Crystalline Waterproof concrete was selected due to its robust waterproofing response to any potential ingress through the ground bearing slab. Supercast PVC waterbars were also installed at every movement joint, with the complete Fosroc joint solution installed via Hydrocell XL closed cell compressible joint filler and Nitoseal MS300 joint sealant, which protected the joints against damage from traffic. Care was taken to design a fully linked waterproofing system around the joints between the new slab and existing column bases. This element was closely coordinated with the installing contractor (GSE).THE BENEFITSPour sizes and schedules were optimised by careful design and coordination. A flexible and fully watertight solution was achieved, and regular dialogue with the installing contractor ensured obstacles were swiftly overcome. Feedback from GSE was positive, with Site Manager Darren Knight commenting “This was the first time we had installed the FOSROC products on a waterproof detail. The advice and the back up from the team was very good and Paul Hitchins was on hand all along the install route to aide any issues, promptly answering our questions. The products were easy to install, and regular on-site inspections ensured a smooth install throughout. I would have no issue installing this product on any other job when specified.”

Anchor is England’s largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care for people  in later life, committed to providing homes where people love living in later life. This not-for-profit organisation serves more than 65,000 residents in 54,000 homes across almost 1,700 locations and operates in more than 85% of local councils in England.Deep rooted within the company values are robust initiatives aimed at providing the highest level of nutritional standards to the residents to support overall health & wellbeing. Comprehensive water hygiene inspection regimes are put in place to minimise risks and they continually seek new opportunities to reduce their environmental impact through reuse and recycling schemes.Committed to fulfilling their sustainability initiatives, Anchor partnered with BRITA VIVREAU and invested in premium drinking water solutions across multiple locations, bringing filtered, refreshing, clean drinking water for both it’s residents and staff. Based on business and residents’ needs, Anchor opted for different BRITA water dispensers across their care home sites – the versatile Top Pro is situated in waiting rooms and corridors and the powerhouse Fill model in the kitchen canteen, allowing for bottle-filling for residents in room, and keeping guests and staff hydrated. Additionally, BRITA’s signature Extra C-tap installed in the kitchen caters to hot & cold water requirements for their staff and residents.By being plumbed-in water dispensers, the care home could not only save money and use space more efficiently, without having to compromise on patient care, but this also encouraged round the clock access to fresh and hygienic purified drinking water, thanks to the powerful BRITA ThermalGateTM solution.Noel Finnegan,National Catering & Hospitality ManagerAnchor Hanover Group"To us, being sustainable means providing residences that people love living in. Sometimes maintaining an environmental policy in a healthcare setting can come with certain challenges and uncertainties, but our recommendation would be to start by taking small steps. Investing in a water dispenser program has been an easy way for us to reduce our carbon emissions, as we no longer have to worry about the logistics involved with handling, storing or recycling bottled water. We knew we needed to move away from our unreliable and expensive pre-bottled water process and the BRITA water dispensers helped us achieve that."

Here's how Freedom has transformed the Troke Family's living space - Why Freedom?Freedom embraces unique features to support independent living scenarios and offers the latest kitchen trends so there’s no need to compromise on style. Key components of safety, style, storage and smart flexibility at the core of the Freedom brand, make it ideal for multi-generational living, including mobility requirements.Meet The Troke FamilyLucille Troke, is a wheelchair user who lives with her family in Aylesbury. Over the last few years, the family’s property has been renovated to enable Lucille, younger sister Josephine and her parents, Leonie and Jon the ability to use and enjoy their new kitchen.  “I look forward to using this amazing kitchen every day! My mum has always been really good at baking pastries and cakes and now I can also enjoy cooking at home”.The family’s previous kitchen had a custom-made fixed lowered worktop, which was helpful to Lucille, but it was back-ache inducing for the rest of the family. The old kitchen had outward opening oven doors which were impractical for Lucille to use.Zoe Paye of OT Healthcare, the family’s Occupational Therapist, provides support to the family and oversaw the design process for the transformation of their bungalow. She suggested Adam Thomas, accessible design consultant, of the Adam Thomas Consultancy and Tara Neil Kitchen Retailer.The Design SolutionsAs part of an early design consultation, a few essential yet practical accessible kitchen features were agreed:Integrated Slide&Hide® ovens positioned at a 90-degree angle to a lowered height fixed worktop to makes it easier, and safer, for Lucille to transfer dishes to and from the oven.A tall larder with i-move pull-down baskets and pull-out drawers, providing quick and easy access to dried food and tins.Various work surface space to make the kitchen ideal for all the family; a standard worktop with sink, a lowered height worktop, an electric rise-and-fall worktop with induction hob and sink.   Additional design features:Pull-out crockery and pan drawers, so the contents are easy to access and visible at a glance. Plenty of manoeuvring space incorporated into the layout to ensure a fit-for-purpose space to support Lucille’s mobility requirements. Le Mans pull-outs in the corner base cabinets, ideal for storing and accessing items in hard to reach corners. A waterfall edge finish to the electric rise-and-fall worktop, to avoid accidental spillages onto Lucille. Flip sockets set within the rise-and-fall work surface to allow easy reach for Lucille. Two sinks, one at a standard height near the dishwasher and the other, a prep sink set within the rise-and-fall work surface providing essential convenience for all the family. Recycling and waste bins integrated into cabinetry, accessible to the whole family.  Products featured: Freedom Urban kitchen in Indigo colourway with chrome handles. Mix of worktop materials in Quartzite and Corian in pale grey and white.Appliances: single bowl sinks, integrated hide and slide ovens, microwave and induction hob, hot tap, integrated fridge-freezer & dishwasher, feature lighting and flip sockets.The Freedom brand is designed in collaboration with the Adam Thomas Consultancy. Adam is an accessible design consultant and industry expert with over 40 years’ experience. Freedom is available from selected retail partners around the UK.

Zoo Animal Enclosure Heating SolutionIn partnership with HEVAC Services Ltd of Kings Langley, Powrmatic was approached to develop a heating solution for the White Rhino’s House at Whipsnade Zoo, which saw the installation of an overhead gas-fired (LPG) continuous radiant heating system, as the previous electric heating system inside their indoor habitat was not efficient enough and heat was escaping through the timber structureProject BackgroundThe White Rhino house at Whipsnade Zoo is the home to a herd (also known as a “crash”) of seven southern white rhinos, Sizzle being the only male – the six females are; Mikumi, Bertha, Tuli, Jaseera, Fahari, and Nandi. Sizzle and Tuli are the parents of the latest baby rhino Nandi born in August 2021.The heating inside their indoor habitat at Whipsnade was not efficient enough. Localised electric heaters were spread around the large space to create coverage, but the heat was escaping through the timber structure. It was decided to upgrade the structure by foam insulation to the internals of the asbestos roof and to provide a new continuous gas-fired overhead radiant heating system providing blanket heat coverage to the complete floor area of the house.  Project SolutionHEVAC Services Ltd of Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, who undertake servicing of HVAC equipment at Whipsnade Zoo on behalf of Pareto FM for the end client ZSL (Zoological Society of London), approached Powrmatic to develop a heating solution for the rhino’s house. The brief was to provide an overhead gas-fired (LPG) radiant heating system to blanket cover the complete floor area of the rhino house, but also design it so that it could be zone controlled, should one of the herd have a need to be in an area of a higher or lower temperature.The LPG propane tanks for the heating system needed to be sunk into the earth at the edge of the rhino house to avoid having to remove any trees, thus maintaining the conservation ethos of ZSL. For a structure such as the rhino house, being the size of a large sports hall, a Powrmatic SRP-PCV+ continuous gas-fired radiant tube system comprising; 4 x 73kW burners was the proposed solution, arranged in 4 temperature zones, with the new MC400/C controller and just the one flue discharge to atmosphere.Project ResultThe installation of the new PCV+ continuous overhead radiant heating system was skilfully undertaken by HEVAC Services Ltd, with the contract programme being driven by the daily habits of the rhino herd! Whether they wanted to be in their house or out on the field. Thus, the logistics of undertaking the heating installation were unique compared to working in a standard commercial/industrial environment.The White Rhinos now have a refurbished home and a heating system that delivers radiant heat in exactly the same way that we (and the rhinos) receive energy in the form of heat from the sun. Radiant heating systems efficiently radiate infrared radiation, which is the transfer of energy in waveform from a hot surface to a relatively cooler surface without heating the medium between. Thus, the rhinos can bask under the radiant heat, whether indoors or outside under the sun.The ZSL Whipsnade Zoo White Rhino Enclosure now benefits from a highly energy-efficient Powrmatic SRP-PCV+ system, listed on the Carbon Trust Energy Technology List (ETL), endorsing the Seasonal Space Heating Energy Efficiency of; 92.1%, and thus delivering low; energy usage, fuel bills and carbon emissions minimising their impact on the environment.

The Protec System was used to waterproof the domed green roof areas of this striking, sustainable house development which was featured on Chanel 4’s Grand Designs. With an ambitious vision and a tight budget, Robert and Milla Gaukroger set about transforming a dated 1980’s house overlooking Lake Windermere into a state-of-the-art, eco-conscious home. Since the house lay in beautiful hillside surroundings, in order to blend into this setting, the domed roofs of the house were to be covered with a wildflower meadow mix to provide a green roof construction.The SolutionThe Protec System was chosen as a waterproofing membrane for the roofs as it is ideally suited for green roof applications. Lightweight, flexible and highly durable, the system can easily accommodate structural expansion movements and is tough enough to resist root penetration. The Protec system was applied to over 350m2 of domed roof to provide a long-lasting waterproofing membrane.The key reasons why Eastleigh chose Protec are the same reasons that has seen it become one of the fastest growing cold-applied liquid roofing systems in both the new build and refurbishment markets. Combined with the timber cladding to the verticals of the building, the finished aesthetics of the development blended seamlessly with the surrounding areas.A warm roof build-up that can be made waterproof at multiple stages:For larger projects the Protec system can be made temporarily waterproof at two stages prior to the application of the full waterproofing system. The first stage is upon installation of the sealed, aluminium-faced vapour barrier.The second phase follows the reinforcing of the foil-faced insulation board joints with Protec resin and taping mat. This enables a much more controlled approach to the installation with a greatly reduced chance of rain causing disruption and damage during the works.Highly flexible membrane:Regardless of the size of the roof, Protec forms a homegenous membrane, without a single joint or seam and without the need for any expansion joints.RapidCure technology for quick installation:The application of Protec as a liquid, through to the curing process where a solid, tough membrane that can be walked over, takes only 30 – 60 minutes. This enables large sections of the roof to be fully completed in a short space of time.Installing the Roofing SystemsThe Protec System provided waterproofing to all flat roof areas as well as the extensive parapet wall sections. The roof areas were made up of two designs: the Protec Warm Roof System (approx 7,500m2) and Protec applied to concrete as part of an inverted roof design (approx 1,000m2).The roof installation was carried out with a planned, phased approach that was synchronised to the wider construction schedule. For the warm roof areas, the first stage was to fill the troughs of the structural metal roof deck with acoustic insulation infills that will dampen external noise within the leisure centre. Next, the crowns of the deck were primed ready to receive the self-adhesive vapour barrier.The use of a high-performance aluminium vapour barrier not only eliminates the risk of condensation within the roof, but also provides temporary waterproofing protection, which is extremely useful on larger works such as this.The Polyroof RES Insulation boards, which comprised of a two layer system totalling 170mm to achieve a U-Value of 0.14 W/m2K, were bonded using high-performance PU adhesive to the vapour barrier. Following the wind uplift calculations it was determined that mechanical fixings were not required for this application – making for an extremely rapid installation. As you can probably imagine, fixing through 170mm of insulation into the crowns of the metal deck can be a tricky and time-consuming task.A key advantage of using a tongue and groove insulation system is that the finished surface of the roof is smooth and level without any unsightly board steps that can also lead to standing water issues. The insulation board joints were sealed using Protec resin with Polymat Taping Mat 450 which, in addition to providing additional strength to the joints, also creates a temporarily waterproof layer.For the inverted roof sections, Protec was applied directly to the primed concrete/screed surface. The membrane was inspected by Polyroof Technical Services, signed off and then covered with inverted roof components. An interesting fact when using Protec in inverted roof situations is its incredible durability performance – as tested by the BBA, Protec “can provide an effective barrier to the transmission of liquid water and water vapour for the design life of the roof in which it is incorporated”.Monitoring and CompletionThroughout the duration of the contract, Polyroof Technical Services carried out regular site visits that were reported back to Interserve as part of Polyroof’s free-of-charge contract monitoring service. This enabled the client to keep up-to-date with the progress of the roof installation in detail and also provided peace of mind that the original specification was being closely followed and implemented.Polyroof worked closely with the Roofline Group during the installation, enabling the challenges were identified and solved in an efficient and coordinated manner – saving the client time and money.

The Cartcraigs high-rise project located in the heart of Southside Glasgow was a rewarding project to be involved with allowing real transformation and change in several key areas.The tower block was originally built in the 1960’s with a grey cladding finish but due to decades of inclement Scottish weather, the building was weather-beaten, tired and dated. With its stature and prominent location, the building should have been an attractive living option in Southside Glasgow but instead was unappealing to potential residents, and in desperate need of modernisation.Rising fuel prices and the current poor thermal performance of the tower block, meant it was extremely difficult and expensive for tenants to heat their flats – so much so that many occupants were considered in a state of fuel poverty.In collaboration with MAST Architects and our approved installer PWM, we designed a façade solution that not only significantly improved the thermal performance of the building, but transformed Cartcraigs aesthetically creating a modern, fit-for-purpose living space.A complete revamp which has given the building a new lease of life and delivered safe, modern and energy efficient homes for the residents.Our ServiceDue to the scale of this project, the congested location and small site footprint, we had to work closely with our approved installer, main contractor, and local authority to ensure minimum disruption to both the residents of Cartcraigs and residents of the surrounding area.Delivery routes and schedules were agreed to ensure consideration for local residents throughout the project.As part of our service commitment, our Site Application Specialists carried out regular site visits to ensure our system was installed to the highest standard and in line with our specification.They were available throughout the duration of the project to provide technical guidance, installation support and ensure the highest levels of quality. This allowed the K Systems Technical & Logistics Teams to support the schedule of the project with timely delivery of materials to site and ensuring there were no delays during the installation and inspection processes.“In conjunction with the Architects we approached K Systems to design a system to comply with fire regulations and offer a solution to make the look of the building more aesthetically pleasing along with making it a point of interest within the Southside area. Great site support was provided by Ally along with Technical/Service support from Jim and Martin. The team at PWM look forward to working on our next project with K Systems.”Kevin Fox, PWM Projects ManagerTechnical Project DetailsThe original façade incorporated a 25mm cavity with reinforced concrete inner leaf shaped panels, which could be seen beneath the then grey façade panelling. Wheatley Group, the client, had requested a clean, crisp, and smooth finish that would also comply with Scottish Fire Regulations.After numerous design meetings taking into consideration client requirements, budgets, and timeframes, we put forward our industry-proven K Systems M Silicone EWI system. The system was designed using 160mm non-combustible mineral wool insulation to meet the 0.18 (W/m2K) U-value requirement, making it the perfect choice for the refurbishment to combat the heating issues faced by residents and futureproof the building as a viable living space for years to come.Bespoke technical detailing and rigorous adherence to our high-rise policy ensured a high performing system with an A2 non-combustible fire rating, complying with all safety regulations for buildings over 11m in Scotland. The 160mm insulated grey and white façade delivered a really attractive high-rise that will now better withstand the Scottish elements.The finish used was our high-performance thin coat render, Silicone TC15. The contemporary colours of grey and white were chosen from our wide range of colours which visually transformed the 17-storey building. Our polymer rich Silicone TC15 allows ease of application, and its hydrophobic properties will provide a clean, crisp and low-maintenance finish for years to come.Our specification included bespoke detailing to provide solutions for Cartcraig’s individual retrofit design challenges. We also commissioned wind load calculations and fixing pull-out tests to determine optimum fixing patterns to anchor the EWI system to the different substrates. Ultimately, a safe, thermally efficient and visually appealing result was achieved.“K Systems provided a great overall package from the inception of this project with design advice, through the technical stages, with assistance through specification and then with the provision of weekly reports and checks once the project got on site. Cartcraigs, being a high-rise block needed monitoring and adherence to the project specification, and having the K Systems team providing regular on site checks gave the design team the assurance that all requirements were being met.”David Locke, Mast Architects

RESTORATION ENSURES SUSTAINABLE FUTUREThe historic Bath Abbey has undergone extensive repair and conservation work along with the addition of new facilities. With its Footprint project, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios sensitively restored the 1300-year-old place of worship and improved the accessibility, flexibility, and sustainability of the building. As part of reworking and improving the Abbey’s back of house facilities, FCBStudios designed the Song School, a new, timber-lined choir practice room where up to 60 singers can rehearse. The oak-panelled room features Junckers solid 20.5mm Oak Harmony plank flooring installed by Moran Floors. The solid oak further enhances the acoustics in the room, an important consideration to the Abbey. Said Huw Williams, Director of Music, Bath Abbey: ‘The floor of the new Song School is a beautiful feature, we are particularly appreciative of the acoustic properties of the floor. It really helps to create a suitable acoustic for rehearsing which has given our choirs a huge boost following a difficult year of lockdowns. The standard and finish of the floor is exceptional, it provides a warmth in contrast to the natural stone features and contributes enormously to the professional and high-quality character of these unique new spaces.’ The importance of high ethical standards was a key objective for materials sourcing on the project, and FCBStudios was able to rely on Junckers’ experience in procuring sustainably sourced and manufactured material in the specification process. Naturally low in carbon, Junckers solid hardwood flooring comes with sustainability credentials including EPDs, FSC®, PEFCTM and Indoor Climate certification as well as an A+ rating in the BRE Green Guide, which played an important part in the architects’ specification. Said Alex Morris, Associate, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios: ‘FCBStudios selected Junckers wooden floors for the Bath Abbey offices and new choir rehearsal spaces because we needed to provide hard wearing and elegant floor finishes that would be sympathetic to the character and historic significance of the Grade 2 listed Georgian buildings.” In addition, Moran Floors fitted Junckers’ 15mm single stave blocks made in solid oak in a single herringbone pattern with a 129x15mm oak plank border in the ground floor reception area. The floor was sanded and finished with Junckers’ Rustic Oil on site. The reception spaces are made up a series of domestic-scale rooms original to the Georgian terrace, which contain many original features. The parquet floor was selected to complement and enhance the elegant grandeur of the building as a whole. A solid hardwood floor from Junckers has a crevice-free surface which cannot harbour dust or mites, easy to keep clean and contributes to a healthy indoor climate, one of the RIBA’s targets in its 2030 Climate Challenge for architects. Junckers floors carry the Danish Indoor Climate label, recognised by BREEAM, and have undergone extensive degassing and odour testing to ensure no harmful gasses are released into the room. Installing timber in an interior helps minimise static from electrical appliances and helps maintain an even temperature. A very old, historic building which forms part of the UK’s architectural heritage has been updated and adapted to secure its sustainable future. Junckers flooring with its proven long lifespan was an integral part of the project - expected to last well over 60 years, the floor forms part of the design to future-proof the Abbey. The Bath Abbey Footprint Project by FCBStudios has been shortlisted for Renewable Energy Project of the Year in the BusinessGreen Leaders Awards 2022. The awards celebrate the best of the UK’s green economy and burgeoning net-zero transition. This category recognises projects that have demonstrated a wide range of environmental and economic benefits associated with clean energy deployment and development. The £19.3 million programme of restoration, building works and interpretation will help to secure the Abbey’s physical future. This included repair and restoration of 2,400 floor stones conserved and re-laid, and a revolutionary underfloor heating system harnessing water from Bath’s hot springs. 

FOAMGLAS® Tapered T4+ (Slab)Design Architects: Amanda Levete ArchitectsStructural Engineer: ArupMain Contractor: WatesRoofing Contractor: Knight AsphaltApplication: Podium Roof - FOAMGLAS® Tapered T4+ (Slab )Finish: Porcelain TilesThe Victoria and Albert Museum is one of the world’s greatest museums of art and design. It provides unparalleled knowledge and understanding of the designed world to the public.The newly refurbished entrance is the first porcelain tiled public courtyard in the UK. It consists of a total area of 1200 m2 distributed in different levels.For this application, FOAMGLAS® Tapered T4+ (Slab) was specified and installed on a concrete deck with two high performance bitumen waterproofing membranes.The bedding and porcelain tiles provide the final finish and they will support the large volumes of visitors expected every day.The podium roof at Exhibition Road Quarter will showcase the best of contemporary design, as well as celebrating the beauty of the V&A’s existing building.At the heart of the Architects brief the newly created space is to accommodate the V&A’s headline exhibitions, it will also act as a public area.The Foamglas strength and time tested thermal performance will offer a long term solution to this very important entrance and courtyard.

As part of cultural regeneration of the Olympia Exhibition Venue, Olympia Central Hall has been demolished and the iconic structures of Olympia National and Olympia Grand, both Grade II listed buildings, are being incorporated into the site’s overall redevelopment. The West Hall Exhibition Space is being structurally strengthened to allow for a two-story music venue to be constructed above the existing exhibition hall.It is necessary to isolate the Central building, originally known as Empire Hall, from the West Hall performance space to prevent music and entertainment noise disturbance.Three massive bearing assemblies comprising solid thick steel plates holding Stravibase VHS bearings, which were pre-compressed using our patented frozen bearing technology.A small mock-up (approx. 1/3 of the size) was also constructed, and fire tested at Liege University, comfortably achieving a two-hour fire rating.Music and entertainment noise breakout from this new venue causing disturbance to residents.A custom designed Stravifloor Deck solution with rubber bearings isolating the concrete roof flab from the structure below. This complex floating roof is laid to multiple falls by using supporting rails that are tapered to suit.

The ProjectFfestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway’s new Caernarfon Station forms part of a £15m Waterfront regeneration project led by Gwynedd County Council.Designed by Architects Purcell to include catering and retail facilities, the project hopes to bring an extra 5,000 visitors to the area as well as boosting the local economy. The Welsh Highland Railway is the UK's longest heritage railway, having been extended to a 25-mile line starting from beneath the castle walls in historic Caernarfon, the railway climbs to the foot of Snowdon before dropping again to sea level at the harbour in Porthmadog. The ChallengeProvide a washroom package befitting the iconic new station building.The station will need to cope with up to two hundred people at departure / arrival times with facilities to tell the story of both the waterfront and railways.Produce first class facilities capable of withstanding the rigors of high traffic footfall. The Solution Excelsior Mariner range offers extremely high levels of durability. Free standing, 12mm solid core panels are extremely robust and vandal resistant.Solid grade laminate used for the vanity units ensure water resistance and a solid, hard-wearing surface, guaranteed to withstand the test of time.