"generator systems"

There are two options to compensate for the heat loss in hot water distribution pipes: using a temperature maintenance cable or a re-circulation pipe. Which option is more sensible from an energy point of view, when using a condensing boiler for hot water generation? A study by the Technical University in Dresden addresses the question of which option is more energy-efficient.The results presented show that a single pipe hot water system that compensates for heat losses with a self-regulating temperature maintenance cable is a better solution.

We have been selected by architects IBI Group and construction group, Tilbury Douglas, to manufacture and install healthcare furniture for a project improving the obstetric and neonatal facilities at Glangwili General Hospital, Carmarthen. The furniture contract is for the value of £100,000.The contract win follows the Welsh Government’s £25.2 million investment into the obstetric and neonatal facilities at Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Glangwili Hospital as part of its Design For Life Framework. The project is divided into 4 phases: Phase 1 of the project has already been completed, Phase 2 is underway at present and the entire project should be completed by early 2023.David Bailey has a strong presence in Wales and we had recently carried out some successful, substantial contracts there, as part of notable projects in the area, that had come to the attention of Interserve. 

The first to enjoy the latest generation of Lödige Industries' proven technology are the homeowners of a luxury residential complex containing 29 luxury apartments for the over 60s on Fitzjohn’s Avenue in London. The building’s footprint could not accommodate enough conventional parking spaces and street parking was not a viable option. To meet this challenge, Lödige Industries, on behalf of the London-based residential development company Lifestory Group, installed a fully automated parking system with capacity for 29 vehicles, all equipped with electric vehicle charging docks, at a depth of 10m over two levels.Today's cars are bigger, heavier, and more and more often electric. We are responding to this development with a major update of its RESPACE technology. Among other things, we have increased the load capacity of the automatic parking solution to 3 tons, adapting the equipment and drives as well as expanding charging technology for electric vehicles. Globally the number of electric vehicles is on the rise. In 2019 alone, global e-vehicle stock climbed by 43%. Architects and developers alike are forced by regulations as well as buyer intent to offer e-charging in their parking facilities. This has long been an issue for many automated parking technologies, especially since car manufacturers have yet to agree on a standard for wireless charging.  The new RESPACE offers 100% e-charging for all spaces. Following an engineering breakthrough, the new technology is resilient against dust and dirt and responds automatically to periods of high system activity to ensure vehicles can be retrieved quickly and efficiently at any time. The new e-charging technology supports individual billing per vehicle and can be retrofitted in existing systems. Furthermore, an intelligent load management system automatically exchanges a fully loaded car with an empty car, if not all parking spaces are equipped with a charging facility. RESPACE uses a sliding pallet system and provides optimal use of space in residential developments as it eliminates the need for drive or walkways within the parking system and the requirement for internal or external access ramps, the combination of which can save more than 60% of the space taken up by traditional car parks.  Faster installation and commissioning times are another major benefit of the optimised RESPACE technology. This increases the number of parallel movements possible, whilst avoiding any single point of failure. New engineering software integration also means that system configurations can be tested early in the development process using simulation programmes to optimise planning and give a greater range of viability options to developers.An improved cabin setting means that drivers accessing the system are now going to benefit from a much-improved user guidance. Users of the system will enjoy the new on-screen visualisation with specific step-by-step task focused instructions, on larger, eye friendly screens. In-cabin panels have been given a modern design overhaul in line with Lödige Industries’ successful CUBILE technology and are now equipped with security and motion sensors, cameras and number plate recognition technology if requested.  In addition, a new app, called ParkGO!, now available in iOS and android app stores, enables users to park and recall their vehicles with the touch of a smartphone. A handy system status view allows retrieval of cars during less busy periods. With its overhaul of the cabin and introduction of the app, Lödige Industries has brought the luxury parking experience that has defined their public automated parking systems in outstanding architectural objects in Denmark and elsewhere to private parkingUSP -       The Car Park System RESPACE is an extremely space-saving option - up to 60 percent more cars can be placed in the same space in comparison to traditional car parks. -       Residents will use a modern and intuitive smartphone app ParkGO! developed by Lödige Industries to retrieve their cars.  -        Due to the increase of e-vehicles, the new RESPACE offers 100% e-charging for all spaces. Easy parking and unparking guaranteed by parking aids, safety checks and the provision of the vehicle in the direction of travel. “This solution ticked all our boxes. With Lödige’s RESPACE, every apartment has its own parking space and owners will benefit from a seamless parking experience; they will simply drive their car onto a pallet in a cabin, the only interface between the driver and the car park. From then on, the process is entirely automated.”David Newey, Director of Development at Lifestory Group

To develop a new state-of-the-art Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) at Northampton General Hospital. Axis had a key role, devising a solution capable of providing flexible space with options of a light and open environment for better communication between staff to manage problems with patients more effectively, but also with the option to isolate spaces for patient privacy, when required

Biotecture recently completed this internal living wall at Legal and General's new flagship HQ in The Interchange, Cardiff. The green wall was installed using Biotecture’s naturally resilient hydroponic system and the planting design includes the icon Legal and General umbrella.

Cellweb®TRP is a cellular confinement system specifically designed for tree root protection. The system creates a stable, load bearing surface for traffic or footfall whilst eliminating damage to roots through compaction and desiccation. The distinctive cell size, cell depth and cell wall perforations combine to create the tree root protection system.The Cellweb®TRP system comprises of the three specific elements, Cellweb®TRP, Treetex™ pollution control geotextile and an infill of clean angular stone.Features and benefits:Guaranteed cellular confinement system.Independently tested.No dig solution - loads placed upon it are laterally dissipated rather than transferred to the soil and roots below. Prevents sub soil compaction.100% success rate.Continued water permeation and gaseous exchange, ensuring that nutrient supplies to the tree roots are maintained.Prevents surface rutting; optimising long term performance and aesthetics of the final surface.Simple to install.Complies with BS5837:2012, APN 12 and Tree Preservation Order (TPO) guidelines. 

Following an extensive overhaul of the emergency lighting system at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI), the LuxIntelligent emergency lighting panel is ensuring ongoing compliance with the BS 5266-1 code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises.A large teaching hospital in the centre of Leeds, the LGI is a Major Trauma Centre and a leading centre for hand transplants. Following significant improvements to its emergency lighting system, 24 LuxIntelligent panels now ensure compliance across many of the hospital’s key departments, with over 2,000 standalone light fittings covering general acute services like A&E, intensive care and high dependency units, maternity and operating theatres.The system upgrade involved the recommissioning of panels and rewiring of loops to deliver a more robust and reliable system, with significantly reduced device failure rates. Advanced’s range of low voltage LED lighting was used, making the maintenance of fittings and sourcing spares simpler. With equipment also installed across Chapel Allerton, Seacroft and St James University Hospitals, Advanced is now integral to the Standard Operating Procedure for the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

A brand new, state of the art Oncology Unit had been proposed for Southampton General Hospital, to become a flagship facility for the area. Designed to house 27 dedicated beds, cutting edge treatment rooms and medical equipment, the new Oncology Unit would provide life-saving treatment for cancer patients and essential support services to the locality.With works originally scheduled to commence during the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHS Trust Estates Team worked closely with Garland UK and all contractors to speed up the construction as safely as possible, to ensure the vital facilities were available at the earliest convenience.From the outset, Southampton General clearly outlined their future intentions to increase the capacity of the Oncology Unit, and fully utilise the inverted roof design by adding extra stories of ward space.As an essential part of Garland’s brief, the unique design intentions for the building had to be factored in and the rooftop waterproofing system required careful planning.

Crystal Window & Door Systems fabricated over 2,100 windows and doors for the project. All of the windows and the storefront of the structure were coated in Powdura® 5000 coatings from Sherwin-Williams General Industrial Coatings,in the colors Bronze and Cloud. The fluoropolymer resins and solar reflective pigments in this powder coating defend against UV radiation, enhance thermal stability and deliver a hard, durable finish to combat wear and tear. As a result, the materials will require less maintenance, because the durability of these coatings will serve to protect the integrity of the structure’s design well into the future.

The San Siro playing field was designed to be heated using an under-soil system featuring single-head, in-line electronic pumps. In the wider facility areas, a heating substation was installed, incorporating wet-rotor circulators and in-line electronic pumps for the climate conditioning systems. Additionally, co-generation systems with both single-head and twin-head in-line electronic pumps were implemented for auxiliary plants dedicated to heating energy production.Despite the initial investment in inverter technology for the pumps, the operational optimization results in a lower running cost, showcasing a great example of an energy efficient installation.

In a building that offers views of lower Manhattan, you need to have windows that match the quality of the stunning scenery. Crystal Window & Door Systems manufactured windows, coated with Sherwin-Williams powder coatings, that delivered aesthetic, performance and sustainability benefits for The Lenox residence in Jersey City, New Jersey.Architects from Marchetto Higgins Stieve and the Fields Hi-Rise Construction company constructed the towering structure with 255 residential units, which was completed in 2017. Crystal Window & Door Systems supplied more than 2,000 windows and doors for the project, all of which were coated in Powdura® 5000 powder coatings from Sherwin-Williams General Industrial Coatings. The finishes for the windows, doors and louvers used Bronze and Black colors. The Powdura coatings meet AAMA 2605 requirements, and provide efficiency and sustainability benefits for the multifamily residential building.The Lenox has since been awarded with a LEED Silver certification. Sherwin-Williams powder coatings can help contribute up to 3 LEED v4.1 credits in the category of Building Products Disclosure and Optimisation. Powdura 5000 coatings have near-zero VOCs and result in almost no waste during application. These coatings also have Environmental Product Declarations, certified by the NSF. Building products that utilise powder coatings from Sherwin-Williams can help architects meet environmental compliance requirements.

Introducing the next generation of sliding systems. MasterPatio is a high insulation and high performance lift-slide system with minimalistic look and clean design, down to the details. The system combines top thermal performance with slim sightlines and a maximum element height of 3.7 m.

Project Details:System: INTRAshapeSpecification: Small rectangle INTRAshape in black, laid in a herringbone pattern, and Elite 606 Grey fibre insert. Client: Franklin Ellis ArchitectsInstaller: SyncrosLocation: 11 Station Street, NottinghamUnique Commercial Office Entrance MattingFranklin Ellis designed the new 50,000 sq ft city-centre Domestic & General office to achieve BREEAM Excellent standard. It welcomes over 500 employees each day through glazed revolving and accessible side doors.The sloped site means the entrance has steps and a wheelchair lift to the right of the doors, giving access to the security turnstiles on the raised ground floor. With multi-directional and wheeled traffic, SpaceInvader Design needed suitable office Entrance Matting to meet the challenge. INTRAshape fits the brief, fulfils BREEAM standards and delivers a unique, modern tessellation for an easy install across the lobby width.Striking Aesthetics Without the StressINTRAshape comes as individually tessellating tiles in a variety of sizes and shapes for infinite creative options – rectangle, square, hexagon, triangle, diamond. There are 22 colour and fibre combinations as well.The office entrance matting is an irregular polygon shape, approximately 8.5m wide x 4m deep. We provided detailed layout drawings based on the construction plans and the chosen herringbone pattern. We labelled every title with a co-ordinating reference and boxed them by type to make installation easier. It also helps that INTRAshape can be cut to shape without any specialist tools.High-quality, Sustainable and PracticalSpaceInvader Design chose INTRAlux Elite Grey 606 inserts, our high-quality 100% recycled practical Econyl – ticking those BREEAM boxes in this instance. As one of our most absorbent inserts, it can hold 5.4L per m2.With a combination of coarse and fine strands, it brushes off dirt and sucks in the moisture from shoes and tyres. It’s hard-wearing and has top fibre resistance and acoustic ratings so perfect for a busy office building.They also chose an anodised black finish for the recycled aluminium frames to complement the rest of the luxurious design scheme. Adding to the palette of gold, greys and greens throughout the building.Grade A Entrance Matting for Grade A OfficesINTRAshape and INTRAlux Elite partner perfectly to deliver easy installation, high-performance and striking design. This isn’t just office Entrance Matting, this is luxurious office Entrance Matting.

This is the latest cycle hub designed, manufactured, supplied and installed by Falco for Fairfield General Hospital in Bury, Greater Manchester. Installed on behalf of Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation trust, the cycle hub is based on the flagship FalcoLok design and provides staff, visitors and patients to the hospital with secure cycle parking for up to 28 bikes.The FalcoLevel-Premium+ two-tier cycle racks are housed within a 6m x 4m version of the FalcoLok-500 cycle hub, complete with easy access automatic power doors, motion sensor LED lighting, helmet lockers, bespoke branding graphics and powder coating in an NHS blue RAL colour. The cycle hub is clad in toughened safety glass, designed to be sympathetic to the surrounding area.The whole shelter is a bespoke contemporary design of the classic Falco Cycle Hub shelter, which features clean lines through the glass cladding and supported by stainless steel glass clamps. The steelwork is hot dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461 and also meets UK structural design laws with EN 1090 accreditation. Rainwater is collected via innovative integral gutters as part of the roof system and a bespoke bund ensure that the cycle hub is weather proof!In addition to the cycle hub shown here for Fairfield General Hospital, Falco has also recently installed cycle hubs for many locations across the UK including Rochdale Infirmary, Stromness Travel Centre in the Orkney Islands, Crewe, Runcorn, Birmingham International, Warrington Bank Quay and Carlisle station for Avanti West Coast, Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke’s Hospital for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation, The Royal Oldham Hospital for Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School in Dundee and a bespoke cycle hub for Leicester City Council.For more information about the project here at Fairfield General Hospital or how Falco can assist your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

Creating a more welcoming arrival experience for children and their families at Leeds Children’s Hospital, Forbo Flooring Systems donated its time and flooring solutions to help transform what was once a tired entrance at one of the UK’s largest specialist children’s hospitals.Two state-of-the-art hospital buildings are being built at Leeds General Infirmary and one will be a brand-new home for Leeds Children’s Hospital. As part of the transition to the new spaces, Forbo supplied 600m2 of its Modul’up Compact ‘Fast Fit’ flooring to help transform the existing tired entrance space.

Brick manufacturer Vandersanden is launching a new texture generator for its facing bricks and brick slips. With the new online tool, architects, property developers and consumers can design a facade by combining, among other things, different types of bricks and brick slips, colours, laying patterns and joint thicknesses.In total, the texture generator allows more than 1.1 million combinations to be created and compared. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, Vandersanden's texture generator displays the most detailed and realistic digital reproduction of a facade texture to date. The generated texture can be easily downloaded, including image folders and technical specifications.Maximising digital opportunitiesVandersanden has been focusing on the digitisation of its offering for some time. For several years, the company has been digitising various services for different customer groups. Knowledge sharing, inspiration and convenience for customers are central to this. The new texture generator is their very latest digital innovation."With the texture generator, we are making the most of the possibilities that the digital world offers, in order to better fulfil the present and future needs of our customers. The texture generator is an endless source of inspiration for both professionals and consumers. Professionals can visualise their projects realistically in a simple way, because the texture can easily be integrated into drawing programmes", says Nathali Donatz, Group Marketing Director at Vandersanden. "With the texture generator, we make it easy for professionals and consumers to design the perfect facade and by doing so, strengthen our role as the partner for creating beautiful facades."Lifelike visualisationsWhereas most texture generators on the market make visualisations based on photography, Vandersanden embraces a new technology, namely photogrammetry. This technology enables a digital 3D image of a brick, and in a later phase also of clay pavers, to be created by means of an extensive set of photos.As a result, products are displayed with a particularly high level of detail and 3D depth. The new technology also allows for greater scalability, which means that recurring patterns are virtually impossible. All this means that textures can be visualised in a particularly realistic and natural way. Vandersanden does not compromise on user-friendliness: the tool is very simple and intuitive to use.Texture generator 2.0With its texture generator, the family business wants to go beyond the existing tools on the market."By using advanced technology, we are addressing gaps in existing texture generators. Current technology allows for less detailing and less flexibility, making textures more repetitive and artificial. With our texture generator, we want to provide customers with the most realistic image possible, so that they can perfectly imagine what their future facade will look like", says Nathali Donatz of Vandersanden.For more information and to try the texture generator visit Lifelike textures with the texture generator | Vandersanden

In November 2013, we were contacted by Stroods Specialist Contractors who were working on a project at Colchester General Hospital and required a canopy over the entrance of the accident and emergency department.

After nearly 30 years without refurbishment, the Paediatrics department at Ormskirk District General Hospital required a new lease of life to be injected into the building. With hospitals in operation around the clock by patients, visitors and staff, it was vital that the new flooring solution offered a combination of optimal performance benefits, whilst being quick and easy to install to minimise both disruption and downtime. Looking for a time and cost saving solution, Southport and Ormskirk NHS Hospital Trust chose Forbo Flooring Systems’ Modul’up adhesive free sheet vinyl for the refurbishment. Easy and quick to install during out of hours, the ‘fast fit’ floor covering delivers outstanding dimensional stability and indentation resistance.

The sound effectAt the same time, it provides effective sound dampening with an impressive acoustic class of ‘A’ to create a harmonious environment wherever it is specified. Feltfon Linear’s appearance is akin to wool, it has a strong textural appeal and represents a further exploration of material innovation.Based on a linear design and so in keeping with Gustafs well-known design language, this iteration of Feltfon can be specified with strips of wood in between the felt ribs, creating an appealing nature-inspired surface solution.Although this solution can be customised for each project, it is a uniquely designed ready-to-use system. Unlike most felt installations, Feltfon Linear uses the standard Capax Quick-Up installation system for walls and ceilings. Fully demountableThis system is sturdy for use in high traffic environments, it has the benefit of being able to grip multiple rib widths and it is also fully demountable during or at the end of its useful life. The range has a thickness of 9mm: comparable products do not usually have such generous proportions. This means it is suitable for high-traffic commercial application, for example, in school environments and other public spaces. Gustafs Acoustex material has a fire rating of B-s1,d0, in line with Gustafs continuing commitment to the fire safety of its products.Sustainable and flexible choiceFlexible in its design, the Feltfon Linear ribs can be chosen from a mix of three wool shades of grey, with many widths and depths to choose from as well. It is a sustainable choice too, with this next generation textile composed from a minimum of 50% post-consumer recycled material.Feltfon Linear pushes the boundaries of what is expected of a felt product system creating an attractive practical solution with infinite possibilities.Feltfon LinearFeltfon Wall installationFeltfon Ceiling installation

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.

Koster Aquatecnic were approached to design a bespoke system of sealing up the inside of long lengths of underground ducting. These ducts were carrying high voltage power cables and there was a need to prevent ground water entering and coming into contact with the cables.Using Koster`s range of acrylic injection gels, vast lengths of duct could be sealed without generating any additional heat or pressure.If you have a problem which requires a bespoke solution, please contact the Koster Technical team at technical@kosteruk.com.

When charity, Small Steps, secured its new home at the heart of Richmond, it required a warm and welcoming interior environment that would support children living with physical disabilities and their families. Providing the perfect natural canvas, Forbo Flooring Systems' linoleum brand, Marmoleum, was installed throughout the purpose built facility. Spread over three floors of a former office building on Worple Way, the 517 m² site that Small Steps now calls home, was funded through a generous donation. The entire design team – which included JTP Architects, Robert Bird & Partners, MTT Consultants, ISG Ltd, PIP Building Services and P2 Design – worked together, many on a pro bono or reduced fee basis to complete the refurbishment for the charity.

Brick manufacturer Vandersanden is expanding its Texture Generator with paver textures for garden and landscape projects. This allows professionals and consumers to render their designs in a detailed and lifelike way. These designs can also be integrated into the CAD programme Vectorworks. Integration with other common software packages for architects is in development. "At Vandersanden, we are constantly pushing for innovation and the digitisation of our offering. This major expansion of the Texture Generator fits in seamlessly with that," said Bart Hesen, Paving Marketing Manager at Vandersanden.Following the launch of the texture generator for facing bricks and brick slips, an online tool to design facades, Vandersanden is now expanding it to include its range of clay pavers for garden and landscape projects. So now the texture generator also visualises paving for gardens and public spaces in a lifelike way and allows users to design and download their own textures. This allows garden and landscape architects, project managers at municipalities, garden contractors and private individuals to imagine the end result in a lifelike way.More than 1.1 million lifelike combinationsAmong other things, users can experiment with formats and laying patterns in the online tool. In addition, they can mix colours themselves to create their own unique colour mix. This possibility is especially valuable for architects.The paver’s textures visualise public spaces or gardens in a lifelike way and help both professionals and consumers make aesthetic choices. After all, there are more than 1.1 million possible combinations at Vandersanden, all of which are available in the texture generator. The texture obtained is also infinitely scalable, with minimal repetition of patterns.Thanks to digital innovation, the brick manufacturer succeeds in making all combinations look lifelike: all pavers are scanned in 3D for this purpose, and lighting is added afterwards.Faster and more efficientThe texture generator works quickly, easily and intuitively. Afterwards, users can also download the creations, including exposure folders (including Albedo, Alpha and Diffuse) and technical specifications, allowing them to integrate the creations into their own design or 3D model."Knowledge sharing, inspiration and convenience for customers are central to us. The digitisation of our offering is indispensable in this respect. With the expansion of our texture generator for the paving of public spaces and gardens, we are taking another step forward on the digital front. We strive for the most realistic representation of our products in 3D visuals," says Bart Hesen, Paving Marketing Manager at Vandersanden.Vandersanden also enables the integration of its texture generator for facades and paving in the most common software packages for architects. This has already been done in the Vectorworks CAD programme; integrations with Archicad and Revit are under development.Try the Vandersanden texture generator here Texture generator | Vandersanden

The first thoughts about safety at work are always about physical injury prevention as well as inhaling fumes, hazardous substances, etc. However, Occupational Noise, which is the amount of acoustic energy received by an employee of a company, can cause permanent damage if it is continuous.In the UK, The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, came into effect for all industries from April 2008, which is quite late when you consider that the harm hearing loss can cause. Harm such as Tinnitus, which is the perception of noise in the ear or head, caused by a problem with the inner ear.The sustaining of high noise levels can also mask warning signals, prevent concentration and vital communication.Most authorities around the world have agreed that noise becomes dangerous when it’s higher than 85 decibels during a typical 8-hour work shift. However, noises under 85 decibels can also cause issues with the general public who are in and around the working environment.An example below shows the different examples of noise levels in decibels – the definition of noise is sound that is unpleasant or causes disturbance.ReductionIf a noise can’t be reduced by engineering the equipment, then acoustic quieting is required. This is the process of dampening vibrations from machinery and systems such as flue systems.With the increasing demand for noise attenuation, the demand for noise reduction from flues and chimneys in marine and industrial situations mean that many companies have developed their own silencer programmes. These tend to be combined with flue systems to have a product range which is reducing sound at the design stage

2020 General Binding RulesFor decades, millions of septic tanks have been installed throughout the UK in rural and urban areas. Septic tanks are known to be ineffective at processing sewage to modern environmental standards, causing long-term damage to the country’s natural water infrastructure and wildlife.It was therefore inevitable that new rules and a code of conduct would be introduced to prevent the effects of wastewater pollution once and for all; The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2014 came into force on 1 January 2015 creating the General Binding Rules (GBRs) for septic tanks or small sewage treatment plants for domestic use. These rules are designed to reduce the level of pollution from sewage in the nation’s watercourses.The rules state that any existing septic tank discharging to surface water, ie, to a water ditch, stream or river, etc, must have been upgraded or replaced with a new package sewage treatment plant by 1st January 2020.  Failure to comply can incur significant fines from the Environment agency and delays in selling impacted properties.OptionsCurrent methods of discharging wastewater from septic tanksPrevious to the General Binding Rules, wastewater from septic tanks was typically discharged in the following two ways:Drainage fieldWastewater is released through a network of pipes in surrounding sub-soils, providing an additional form of treatment for the waste from the septic tank. This helps to ensure that the wastewater being dispersed does not cause pollution.Septic tanks discharging into a drainage field are not affected by the 2020 septic tank regulations.Directly to surface waterWastewater flows through a pipe directly into a stream, river or lake. Binding rules state that direct discharge from a septic tank into a watercourse is not permitted.So, what are your options?1. Connect to the main sewerThis may not be possible in remote locations, although pump chambers can be used to direct wastewater to the mains sewer.2. Install a drainage field(Designed in accordance with BS6297)This allows the septic tank to discharge wastewater into the ground instead of surface water. In many cases, the installation of a drainage field is not possible due to site constraints such as space and/or the soil not having sufficient drainage potential (ie, rock, clay, high water table).3. Install a Uni:Gem septic conversion unitA Marsh Uni:Gem can be installed and connected to a pre-existing septic tank. This treats the wastewater to a sufficient quality allowing it to be discharged to surface water. See below for further detail.4. Upgrade your septic tank to a Marsh sewage treatment plantThis eliminates the need for a drainage field and ensures that the wastewater is fully treated before being discharged. Options include the Ensign, Ensign Shallow and Ultra Poylok L.Uni:Gem★Marsh Industries, the leading UK manufacturer of package sewage treatment plants, produces over 3000 units per year. However the company’s range of Uni:Gem★ septic conversion units is the only product available on the market which can treat wastewater from an existing septic tank without the need for a complete replacement product or drainage field upgrade.To comply with the GBRs and current EN standards, the entire Uni:Gem range was redeveloped from the ground up and tested, not only to meet, but to exceed UK and International standards. The Uni:Gem★ was born – creating an ‘industry first’ 2020 compliant septic conversion unit with outstanding processing performance.The Uni:Gem★ range was tested in accordance with BSEN12566-3/A1:2009 and EN12566-6 standards at the PIA GmbH test facility in Aachen, Germany, over the course of 38 weeks with a daily loading of:Flow: 900 litres/day BOD: 360g NH4: 48gTesting occurred between November 2018 and August 2019 to ensure all seasons were covered whilst minimum/maximum temperatures were tested to assure Ammonia and BOD process reduction for the UK climate. Holiday periods were also simulated during the test procedure. Final test results yielded an output of 12.5:16:4mg/ltr (BOD:Suspended solids:Ammonia) that is well within national discharge consent requirements.The Uni:Gem★ is an extremely cost effective solution for converting any polluting septic tank into a fully compliant sewage treatment plant ensuring homeowners, estate managers, water companies/amenities have an effective way to keep the environment clean whilst providing a quick and efficient installation process.

DFV Company realises all their finishes only using Qualicoat approved non-toxic polyester powders. In this regard, the continuous collaboration with suppliers of powder coatings is fundamental, such as Sherwin-Williams, strategic partners in the creation of excellent products and in the research and development of cutting-edge solutions, capable of responding promptly to the changing needs of the market.DFV is an Italian Company with an important international relevance, a leader in the sector of painting for architectural and industrial use.Founded in 1972, today DFV has 3 production units in Italy (Lecce, Venezia, and Agrigento) and 2 abroad (Brazil and Australia). All production sites are equipped with modern painting systems, both vertical and horizontal, and with wood-effect decoration systems that allow DFV to offer a wide range of high-quality colours to several thousand customers as window fabricators, distributors of aluminum profiles, producers, and systems engineers for residential and industrial architecture. The product range of DFV varies from classic and special RAL colours to wood-effect paints and decorations. The core business is represented by the DFV patented EZY and EZY HD2 wood-effect decorations, made using powder on powder technology.

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) continuously strive to provide better education for the next generation of medical professionals. As such, with help from NTW Solutions they wanted to create a modern learning space for their medical education centre in Gosforth. Forbo Flooring Systems' Flotex, Modul'up and Allura Flex ranges all played a key role in bringing this project together .NTW solutions was established in 2017 by CNTW NHS Foundation Trust to provide a range of important services, across a variety of teams. They work alongside stakeholders such as NHS Foundation Trust to provide high-end project outcomes. Offering a variety of foundation placements, the medical centre will provide young nurses and doctors with a good base level of education to then move forwards in their chosen speciality. To do this there was a variety of factors to review when looking at designs.

The Project Perton First School has been open for over 40 years and the infant washroom facilities are in need of modernisation.The school prides itself its family ethos and has seen generations of families come the doors.The ChallengePropose a system with children of nursery age in mind. Consider the height of the doors & partitions.Peardrop range is not supported by an overhead rail and the frontage is fixed at the floor and gable walls only.Flooring substate needs to be at lease 60mm thick and stable to ensure a secure fixing point at the base of the foot.Deliver a non-standard laminate to enhance the systems aesthetics. The SolutionExcelsior, working alongside G Evans and Entrust, are excited to have installed our Harlequin Select Range at Perton First School. The school chose our Peardrop Range with low level accessible doors and magnetic locks, perfect for the classroom environment. The cubicles doors were finished in our vibrant Lolly Pop Digital Print & the area was surveyed to ensure suitable fixing points.Harlequin Peardrop is the ideal system for children of nursery age, the system is self-supporting on an aluminium leg; the legs ability to perform is reliant of the strength of the floor substrate which in this case proved suitable, enabling the client to proceed with this infant friendly system.The full system is professionally manufactured with children in mind providing easily accessible doors for children whilst ensuring efficient dimensions for adults to supervise.SpecificationProduct Range: Harlequin Select HPLDoors: 18mm High Pressure Laminate, Lolly Pop Digital PrintPilaster: Polyrey C018 ChardonPartition: 18mm High Pressure Laminate, Polyrey C018 ChardonIronmongery: SBAA 

SubFloor flooring was used to help renovate, raise and ventilate a 700 m² floor into a Nursery near Gothenburg, Sweden.The Subfloor ventilation system was ideal for this nursery, as it allowed for multiple floor height adjustments and for ventilation installations under the floor. Associated floor ventilation material such as ducts, air distribution strips, fans, etc. was also provided. The negative pressure the ventilation generates under the floor creates a fresh and healthy indoor environment.This simple and elegant solution raised and levelled the floor to allow for installations and insulation. The joist and screw system allows for quick and easy assembly so that the floor can reach the desired height.Products:Steel Joist 45x30x3800 mmSubFloor Screw 100 mmInsulation Bearer 45 mmHeight Variation: 46 - 100 mmJoist separation: c/c 600 mmSystem Weight - c/c 600 mm: 2.06 kg/m²Materials:Steel, Z100 GalvFibre-reinforced polypropylenePoint Load Limit (50 x 50 mm): Between screws over joist - 7.08 kNOver screws over joist - 8.78 kN

The Port of Tyne is one of UK’s most efficient deep-sea ports, handling a diverse range of cargoes from cars to containers and bulk goods to renewable energy across five continents. They offer a unique end-to-end solution ensuring goods move safely, securely and efficientlyThe project4 Speedor Storms designed, manufactured and installed to mobile hoppersThe challenge:A key part of the port’s ship unloading procedure required fast and reliable doors to compliment their logistics process. Materials such as wood pellets are unloaded into hoppers which simultaneously load directly into lorries that drive into the hoppers. The process generates dust which must be controlled as a residential area is close by. These hoppers are in highly exposed areas and require a product that withstands strong winds.The Solution:The mobile hopper systems originally came with rigid doors that blew out as they were rated Class 3 and were not fit for purpose. We resolved the issue by installing robust Speedor Storms, the Speedor variant with exceptional wind resistance up to Class 5 (over 90 mph). Their automatic action and robust design ensured that the doors worked during all weather conditions ensuring the efficiency of the port is maintained.The success:The original project was to install 2 doors to the hopper systems. Due to the reliability of the first 2 doors, a further 2 Speedor Storms were installed a few years later. 

The new Dunfermline Learning Campus will incorporate the relocation of a college and two schools: a new Fife College Halbeath Campus, St Columba’s RC High School and Woodmill High School. Due to open in 2024, the 55 acre, circa £220m ‘super-campus’ will accommodate up to 2,700 school pupils and 2,500 college students.Designed by AHR Architects, the high school development is being delivered by BAM Construction for Fife Council and is one of the largest Passivhaus buildings in the world, at 26,666m². The schools form part of AHR’s and Fife Council’s journey to reduce energy use and carbon emissions.Metal Technology has been appointed to supply its ‘next generation’ System 5-45 Hi+ Inward Opening Windows and System 17 Hi+ Curtain Walling. Both high performance products have been purposefully designed to meet the required Passivhaus energy-efficiency criteria and have been approved as Certified Components by the Passive House Institute, with System 17 Hi+ Curtain Walling achieving the highest ranking of A+.Metal Technology’s systems are designed to perform seamlessly together to deliver the desired aesthetic and performance standards. Further products to be supplied for this exemplar campus include System 5-20D Hi+ doors, System 23 Louvres and LV023 Barrier Grilles.

Ponzio and Sherwin-Williams have a long-lasting business relationship through which Ponzio acquired advantages in terms of services, quality and product customisation.With 80 years of history and success, Ponzio is a leader in high-quality aluminium systems for windows, facades and doors. Thanks to the experience and leadership in the sector, Ponzio has developed models, solutions and finishes that can make the best use of the spaces, freeing light and style. The Company is a partner for architects, professionals and window fabricators from all over the world. Ponzio’s products offer sophisticated system technology for buildings of the future with versatility in terms of design and materials that give safety, brightness, beauty and living in harmony with nature. The choice of finishes is wide, performing and emotional: glossy, matte, extra glossy, oxidised, sandblasted, scratchproof. The range also includes two-tone windows to respond: "outside" to the architectural and regulatory needs of the building and, "inside", to total personal freedom of choice and one's desire for interior design.Ponzio is an absolute reality in the design, production and innovation of aluminium systems for architecture with a corporate philosophy oriented towards technological research and innovation. The Company is present throughout Italy with a network of almost 200 highly qualified professional retailers. Also, in the last decade, the international dimension of the company has grown a lot, with the opening of new markets such as Asia, South America, Africa, and North Europe. 

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.

Crystal Window and Door Systems achieves precision colour matching with Sherwin-Williams Powdura 4000Within the last 30 years, Crystal Windows & Door Systems has grown exponentially, now selling roughly 500,000 products per year. The company relies on Sherwin-Williams to help ensure quality, colour matching and quick turnaround for their customers.

The challengeA new 53,280ft campus was being built to enable three schools to co-locate. An Additional Support Needs (ASN) unit and a new Early Learning and Childcare Centre (ELCC) would also operate at the site.In total there would be 21 open-plan flexible learning spaces for the potential 747 students, as well as a centrally-located shared administrative areas, gym halls and assembly area, while the ASN has capacity to assist 36 pupils with a varying range of support needs.To ensure the success of this modern and multi-faceted open-plan approach to learning, the specification of ceiling systems with high performing acoustic control and total design flexibility was imperative.The solutionFor maximum acoustic comfort Zentia’s Oplia hA Tegular within a standard 24mm grid was used in offices, classrooms and stores.These tiles perform to Sound Absorption Class A and were also the first mineral ceiling tile in Europe to win Cradle to Cradle™ certification as part of the new generation of sustainable and acoustic ceilings offered by Zentia.In keeping with the modern and sleek design of the campus, Zentia’s integrated ceiling systems featuring Perla OP Tegular 15 planks were also used throughout. Whilst, in the kitchen and changing room spaces, Zentia's Hygiene board mineral tiles on a 24 mm corrosion-resistant grid was specified.

All.co Group is an industrial group established in Pisa (Italy) in 1973 by the Vecoli family. Over more than 47 years, the All.co brand has developed into a synonym for aluminium profile systems that meet the highest standards. Since its establishment in 1973, All.co S.p.A has been a leader in the aluminium extrusion industry design, developing and creating aluminium section bars of any shape, in total harmony with the needs of the customers. The products offered by All.co cover a wide range of applications, starting from the building sector, with over 50 patented systems. The Company boasts full coverage of Italy, a very strong presence in Europe and some other countries around the world. All.co’s exacting technological standards, rigorous system considerations, and the quality manufacture of all products, as well as comprehensive services and technical support, have all made a significant contribution to the success of the brand.CUSTOMISED PAINT PROCESSThe powders applied on all All.co products are Syntha Pulvin® polyesters specifically designed for the architectural sector, which are Qualicoat and GSB International approved. Thanks to the joint efforts of Inver and All.co, the company can offer different finishes and effects while maintaining a high-quality standard. These skills have helped to establish the firm on both the building and industrial market as well as expanding the application sectors of its products – which currently include road, naval, and air transport. Today’s market requires attention to detail and very high-quality levels, even in industries where a lot less attention used to be paid to possible defects and imperfections, such as the building one. Now, not only quality must be high, but suppliers must also be able to cope with the most diverse requests in terms of colours and finishes.All.co performs 4 to 6 colour change operations per day and Sherwin-Williams is the ideal supplier able to guarantee versatility and expertise. All.co’s activity is certified according to the international quality standard ISO 9001 and the environmental standard ISO 14001, and their pre-treatment phase is Qualicoat Seaside certified. During production, samples of each colour are taken, at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of the coating cycle. Then they perform the tests required by the certification – scratch, impact, tear-off, and bending tests – as well as a salt spray test to ensure a 1000-hour resistance value. Sherwin-Williams plans to further strengthen the collaboration with All.co and offer to the Italian market an added value for conventional products, that is, better performing powders.