"insulation"

Castlebar Government OfficesBauder Total Roof System (BTRS) and BauderThermofol PVC single ply waterproofing systemSynopsisThe roof area of this government office building was complex due to expansion joints, air conditioning units and intricate detailing requirements. Work hours had to be agreed with the client to keep disruption to other ongoing work at the site to a minimum and insulation upgrades were necessary to satisfy building regulations. The office also had to remain open throughout the works, causing some logistical challenges. All deliveries were timed so not to cause any disruption to visitors coming in and out of the facility.Bauder Building BoardProject:Castlebar Government OfficesLocation:Castlebar, Ireland​Roof Area:2,500m²Specifier:Office of Public Works​Approved Contractor:Deane Roofing & Cladding​The specificationBauder’s bituminous system, BTRS, was specified because it is durable, robust and can withstand permanently sited loads of up to 2000Kg/m². The system build-up included Bauder’s 100 mm Thermotech Glass insulation for superior thermal performance, ensuring the roof achieved the required 0.17 U-Value. Small linking roof areas were waterproofed using Bauder Thermofol PVC single ply system, which is long lasting, possessing high tensile strength of over 1100N, and allows for no physical penetrations of the roof.Products appliedBauder Total Roof SystemIntegrated bituminous waterproofing system with a life expectancy in excess of 40 years.Bauder Thermofol PVC1.5 mm single ply membrane can be guaranteed for up to 20 years depending on system type.System installedBauder Total Roof System (BTRS)1 Bauder K5KA heavy duty, torch-applied SBS elastomeric bitumen capping sheet, featuring a spunbond polyester reinforcement to allow the finished product to cope with structural movement without fracture. The mineral finish provides protection against UV degradation.2 Bauder ThermotechPIR insulation board with a coated glass tissue facing on both sides.3 BauderPIR FA-TEAn efficient PIR insulation board with aluminium foil facing on both sides. The top facing features a printed grid pattern to aid site cutting. It is lightweight and has zero ozone depletion potential.4 BauderTEC KSD FBSA self-adhesive SBS elastomeric bitumen air & vapour control layer, with a mica finish.Bauder Thermofol PVC single ply waterproofing system1 Bauder Thermofol U15 FRA 1.5mm thick, reinforced PVC waterproofing membrane. Stated within BBA certificate 06/4354, the Thermofol PVC waterproofing membranes have a service life in excess of 35 years. 2 Bauder PIR MTissue-faced flat board insulation, benefitting from a zero ODP and a Green guide rating of ‘A’.3 BauderTEC KSD FBSA technically advanced self-adhesive elastomeric bitumen air and vapour control layer with an aluminium foil facing for vapour impermeability.AdvocacyProject specifier, Tony Collins, Office of Public Works:“Bauder delivered a comprehensive roofing solution that utilised their top quality products and unrivalled technical support. Despite the design and logistical challenges encountered, the new roof system was delivered on time and to budget much to the delight of the client” 

When Galaxy Insulation – Hush Acoustics’ parent company – moved into its new regional offices near Glasgow, the team wanted to ensure the spaces were pleasant to work in and acoustically comfortable.The offices at Blantyre to the south of the city are contained within a modern building in a business park. This is typically designed and optimised for versatility, energy efficiency and low maintenance with large windows to allow for plenty of natural light transmission.As is common with office buildings of this type, given the relatively low levels of soft materials and furnishings used in the fit-out and décor, once the team moved into their offices it quickly became apparent that the environment was echoey and acoustically uncomfortable as a result of reverberation.RESOLVING ACOUSTIC ISSUESBeing familiar with this issue, the team at Galaxy Insulation were keen to ensure that everyone in the new office could work without being disrupted by excessive background noise, which is often caused by soundwaves reflecting off hard surfaces like glass and wood.Galaxy Insulation turned to the team at Hush Acoustics for assistance with this issue, having seen how it had worked with clients across the UK to address similar reverberation problems. Hush started the process by conducting an acoustic survey to determine the extent of the problem and identify where sound absorber panels could be fitted to resolve the issue.Hush proposed fitting six Hush Absorber 50 panels in varying sizes, including 1800x1200mm, 1200×1200 and 1000x1000mm, which would be strategically mounted on the walls of the offices.This is a Class A absorber that comprises a specially formulated 50mm thick acoustic foam, hand-finished with an interior fabric, which is applied to the face, edges and back return.ADDING A CREATIVE DIMENSIONAs Hush Absorber panels are always manufactured to order in a fabric cover coloured to the requirements of the client, this presented an opportunity for Galaxy to use the new panels for decorative purposes too.Rather than apply a single colour or generic pattern, the local team leading the project wanted to celebrate their great city by printing large photographs of famous Glasgow landmarks onto the panels. A number of high-resolution photographs were sourced and supplied to Hush to arrange the fabric printing as part of the manufacturing process.Hush manufactured and supplied the absorber panels within three weeks from the date of order, and installed them all in a matter of hours to minimise disruption at the Galaxy Insulation offices. Feedback from the team gave the panels an immediate thumbs up, with the difference in acoustic comfort noticed instantly and the images giving the office a distinctive new look.CLIENT FEEDBACKJim Downie, Scotland’s Managing Director of Galaxy Insulation said: “What a transformation the absorber panels have made! Firstly, they look amazing with the vibrant colours of the photographs reproducing extremely well, reflecting our intention to celebrate Glasgow’s iconic buildings and skyline.“Acoustically, the offices are far more comfortable for everyone. We’re an extremely busy office here as we work with customers across Scotland, so we’re always speaking on the phone or talking to each other to deliver for clients. We wanted to ensure high levels of background noise did not result in reverberation and make the working environment potentially unbearable.“The team at Hush Acoustics were quick to understand our requirements which gave us complete confidence that their proposed solution would meet our needs. Now the panels are installed, it is clear that the Hush Absorber 50 panels have worked exactly as planned, working in the background to minimise the risk of nuisance reverberation.”

Proteus Waterproofing were contacted to assist with the roof refurbishment for the The Co-Operative Group, Wembley. The existing felt waterproofing and timber deck had failed allowing water ingress into the residential building below. Upon further inspection, Proteus established that the existing roof lacked any insulation and therefore did not meet current Building Regulations. a Proteus Pro Felt® system was specified as a competitive and cost effective waterproofing solution.High Performance WaterproofingThe roof coverings and timber decking had to be removed. A new 18mm ply wood deck was installed to the roof pitches before a high performance Proteus Pro Felt® system could be laid. This incorporated 120mm Proteus Pro-Therm® insulation to ensure all current building regulations were met. Due to the 45 degree pitch of both the front and rear roofs, Proteus needed to design a fixing method to ensure the felt and insulation did not slip in the warmer weather. Proteus Waterproofing worked closely with the Proteus Approved Contractor, to ensure the project was delivered to a high standard.Health & SafetyWhen working on public buildings, safety is always of utmost importance. Proteus Pro-Felt® Self Adhesive Mineral Capsheet has the highest European Fire Rating, BROOF(t4), making it the ideal felt to use on public building as the risks to operatives and members of the public are greatly reduced. All Proteus Waterproofing specifications promote fire safe installation methods conforming to the industry lead Safe2Torch guidelines.Long Term PerformanceProteus Pro-Felt® is a High-Performance range of bituminous membrane system, tested to perform in extreme temperatures and weather conditions. It has class leading modified bitumen content which allows the flexible membrane to move with the building and ensure long term durability and performance with guarantees available up to 25 years.

After securing funding via the CIF application, Knighton Fields Primary Academy was able to address some of the long-term issues they had in relation their roof, which was beginning to show signs of wear.ChallengesThe existing waterproofing had been suffering with significant amounts of standing water, water ingress, structural deck failure (localised), poor thermal insulation, and several tired old and dilapidated lantern roof lights. All roof areas needed to be inspected and level surveyed and, in one localized area, the existing waterproofing and deck had to be entirely stripped and removed owing to significant deflection and fear of collapse. The works needed to progress swiftly so as to provide minimal disruption to the school environment.SolutionsAfter inspection, proposals were put forward for a tapered insulation overlay where deemed necessary, to help improve falls to existing outlets and rid the problem of standing water. In most instances, the existing roof covering was simply overlaid and formed part of the new Air and Vapour Control Layer (AVCL) before a new Hytherm ADH flat/tapered insulation board and two-layer fully adhered Excel RBM system was installed over this. On the area where the existing waterproofing had been stripped, the deck was replaced (to falls), a new AVCL installed and the same Excel warm roof system was carried through to complete these areas.Works progressed throughout the summer holidays to avoid any disruption to the school or pupils. NFRC Safe2Torch principles were observed, prescribed and employed as part of the scope of works. An Insurance backed Guarantee covering design, materials and workmanship was issued upon practical completion of the works and following successful sign off from the Axter in-house QA team (who monitored the procession of works from start to finish) to the client, indemnifying their risk and protecting the building and its occupants for a period of 25 years.Systems in useExcel®

The JACKOBOARD range from BEWI is “ideal” for use as a tile backerboard on projects where increasingly popular underfloor heating systems are being installed, the company says.Made from extruded polystyrene foam (XPS), the construction boards are said to be inherently waterproof because the structure of the board does not allow water to penetrate. They are designed to be easy to work with and cut, as well as truly lightweight.They are finished on both sides with a special coating and reinforced fibreglass mesh, ready to be tiled, rendered or plastered. The boards are said to possess excellent thermal insulation properties, which give them enormous advantages over plasterboard or cement board. They are especially suitable for interior construction, the company says, especially in rooms subject to high moisture levels.According to BEWI, JACKOBOARD goes “beyond bathrooms” and can be used in any room of the house and as a backerboard for virtually any tiling project.The boards are suitable for quickly and effectively levelling uneven walls and floors, for partition walls, compensating for cracks in substrates and for creating substrates for laying tiles on non-adhesive surfaces.JACKOBOARD is also said to provide the best waterproof, insulated, tiling substrate for underfloor heating projects. Whether electric mats or hot water systems are being installed, BEWI says, JACKOBOARD – laid underneath the heating elements or pipework – will help to decrease warm-up times of the system by pushing the heat directly up to the tile layer. In this way, the heat generated by the system is used in the most efficient way, not just during the initial heat-up stage, but in general usage with the continued thermostat-controlled use of the heating system.As builders are forced to reduce the carbon footprint of their projects, the materials they choose to build with can provide a key to unlocking the thermal performance of a building. The XPS foam used on JACKOBOARD products reportedly achieves excellent insulation properties. It’s designed to help maximise the energy efficiency of walls and floors, improving the overall thermal performance of any property.www.bewi.com

City Tower, a private apartment tower block located in Canary Wharf required a new high performance waterproofing system as the existing single ply roof had been damaged beyond repair due to a fire. To provide a cost effective, long term waterproofing solution, Proteus Waterproofing specified a Hybrid Tapered Insulation Scheme with a Proteus Pro-Felt® finish, meeting the client’s specific requirements.High Performance WaterproofingAs the existing roof was beyond repair, it needed be completely stripped. Pro-Prime® SA and Proteus Pro-Felt® Self Adhesive Underlay were used as a vapor control layer. Proteus Pro-Therm EPS and Proteus Pro-Therm PIR were used for the Hybrid Tapered Insulation Scheme and bonded using Pro-Bond Foaming Adhesive. Proteus Pro-Felt® 3mm Plain Underlay was then fully adhered to the insulation, followed by a final installation of Proteus Pro-Felt® Ultima Plus Fireguard. Proteus Waterproofing worked closely with the Proteus Approved Contractor to ensure the project was delivered to a high standard.Health & SafetyWhen working on residential buildings, safety is always of utmost importance. Proteus Pro-Felt® Ultima Plus Fireguard has the highest European Fire Rating, BROOF(t4), making it the ideal felt to use on residential properties as the risks to operatives, building occupants and members of the public are greatly reduced. All Proteus Waterproofing specifications promote fire safe installation methods conforming to the industry lead Safe2Torch guidelines.Long Term PerformanceProteus Pro-Felt® Ultima Plus Fireguard is a high-performance multi-layer bituminous membrane system, tested to perform in extreme temperatures and weather conditions. It has class leading modified bitumen content which allows the flexible membrane to move with the building and ensure long term durability and performance. It is certified by the BBA to be in excess of 30 years, and had the highest European Fire Rating – BROOF(t4).

TaperedPlus in conjunction with Unilin Insulation supplied tapered TR/MG for the full PIR scheme. The East Tower L55 and Machine roofs were 798m2 in total, so we supplied the roof in two call-offs to make deliveries more manageable on site.The vision for the Wardian “is to take inspiration from [Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward’s] curiosity, his spirit of adventure and his sense of precision, and to create the most exciting new development in the British capital”.

Visitors approaching the 25,000m2 Sandwell College building are immediately struck by the distinctive waveform roofs, featuring Ash & Lacy Standing Seam roof system in stucco-embossed aluminium. Pre-formed elements contribute to the high precision of concave areas and tight convex eaves. Ash & Lacy Standing Seam was installed as part of double-skin roof construction, including quilt insulation and liner panel, to achieve a U-value of 0.20 W/m2K.

Secondary glazing supplied by Granada Secondary Glazing has added greater thermal and acoustic efficiency to an historic converted chapel in the Vale of Glamorgan, delivering 21st century levels of comfort for the building’s occupants and helping to lower energy bills.To provide additional thermal insulation and soundproofing to the original single-glazed windows, a total of 15 Granada Glazing’s Vertical Sliders and two-pane and three-pane Horizontal Sliding Units were installed.

A landmark London entertainment venue is under refurbishment and will feature striking black windows that will not only suit the style and appearance of the Grade II listed building but also meet modern performance criteria for thermal insulation, fire safety, security, and ventilation. The new windows being at installed at Camden’s Koko Club, manufactured by heritage windows specialists Mumford and Wood, use Hodgson Heritage putty to meet performance standards while maintaining a traditional appearance. 

This previously draughty corridor was in sore need to refurbishment at this hotel and spa just outside Manchester. Our ThermGard-R rafter glazing bars were ideal for sitting on top of the existing steel rafters and provided a robust glazing method to retain the large double glazed units. Softcoat low-e laminated and toughened glass insulating glass units provide excellent heat retention and being North facing, there was no need for the addition of solar control.

Despite the potentially catastrophic consequences of changing a specification for fire resistant glazing, doors and windows, specifications are still being routinely altered just to save a few pounds or due to a lack of technical understanding, according to leading fire, thermal and acoustic insulation manufacturer Promat UK Promat UK is supporting the market with a campaign to raise awareness of the significant risks of changing even the tiniest detail in the specification of building elements that are designed to protect lives and properties.

Quadra+®Metal door with insulated coreA very economical solution with fire resistance up to 2 hours whilst maintaining sleek aesthetics. The door leafs are hung on a unique quick-release pivot system and is supplied with all ironmongery pre-fitted which allows for a swift and simple installation. The Quadra+ system can be provided in banks of up to 6 doors wide and still maintain 2 hours fire rating, an industry first.

These intriguing high-quality apartments in Vienna, stand out dramatically from neighbouring blocks – and not just because of their blue, orange, yellow and turquoise finish. The large protruding cantilever balconies are a major feature, made possible by incorporating Schöck Isokorb® T thermal break modules throughout. Their outstanding thermal insulation properties dramatically reducing any thermal energy loss, they also transfer load and maintain full structural integrity.

The VELFAC composite system has been installed in two award-winning student halls built for the University of St Andrews. Designed by HLM Architects, Powell and Whitehorn Halls provide comfortable and stylish accommodation for over 380 undergraduates and postgraduates, with VELFAC windows providing excellent thermal insulation and maximum natural light. VELFAC units are also integral to innovative architectural façade features, including dramatic glazed screens and angled window pods.

When embarking on converting an existing London building into a new music studio, Claudio (Doctor Mix) Passavanti a music producer, pianist, YouTuber, and digital entrepreneur who offers online mixing, mastering, and music production services through his website doctormix.com, needed to create an acoustically-sound environment that would optimise music production whilst preventing disturbance to neighbours.For this project ROCKWOOL Sound Slab insulation was used throughout the walls.

The Elephant and Castle project, will incorporate 1000 apartments, retail, restaurants and leisure facilities along with new cutting-edge campus for London College of Communication with exhibition and cultural spaces. Will also include two underground and a mainline rail station, 28 bus routes, excellent road connections and one of London´s first Cycle Superhighways will ensure the development is easily accessed. Effisus Vapour FR System Class A2 was chosen to protect the insulation and building interior.

The Flower Bowl is a large new build leisure complex in in a semi-rural Lancashire location close to Preston. It offers a range of attractions, including an indoor bowling alley, a curling rink, a crazy golf course and golf simulator, a cinema and restaurants.Green roof components:Sika Liquid Plastics‘ Decothane Root Resistant.Sika Liquid Plastics‘ Decotherm insulation.S-VAP 500e Vapour Control and Moisture Barrier Layer.Green Roof Detailing Coat.

New school construction with biosolar wildflower roof system. Selection of sedum and native wildflower species pre-planted into M-Tray modular green roof trays for fast and easy access to and installation on single ply roof membrane. Client increased thermal insulation, reduced rainwater run-off, achieved energy savings, protected the waterproofing membrane and attracted wildlife to the roof space.The wildflower / PV roof system will feature in students' learning projects in the future.

Kier Group is a leading property, residential, construction and services group, which invests in, builds, maintains and renews buildings operating across many sectors, including housing, defence, education, power, transport and utilities.Kier handled both the design and delivery process and worked directly with Cottenham-based roofing contractor, Voland Roofing, on this project.Kier wanted the roof to not only insulate against airborne sound, but also to reduce noise from the impact of raindrops on the roof.

Borrisokane Community CollegeBauder Thermofol PVC single ply waterproofing systemSynopsisOriginally constructed in the 1970s on the site of former workhouses in County Tipperary, the Borrisokane Community College building needed to be demolished and replaced, having exceeded its serviceable life. The client wanted to bring a modern and refreshed appearance to what is a site of great historical significance and the new building’s roof played an integral role in achieving this; with the majority of the roof areas sloping inwards towards the open central courtyard area making them highly visible.Bauder Building BoardProject:Borrisokane Community CollegeLocation:BorrisokaneRoof Area:3,650m²Specifier:Healy & Partners Architects Main Contractor:JJ Rhatigan & Co.Approved Contractor:Priority Roofing & CladdingThe specificationRoof areas totalling over 3,000m2 were fitted with Bauder’s Thermofol single ply fleece backed membrane, which is lightweight, visually appealing and possesses a high tensile strength of ≥ 1100N/50 mm. The system build-up included 160 mm of Bauder’s Thermotech Glass Insulation for superior thermal performance, ensuring the roof achieved the required 0.19 U-Value, and PVC roof profiles were also installed as a cost effective way of replicating the appearance of a standing seam metal roof. Bauder supplied new rooflights to deliver high standards of illumination, insulation and ventilation, and smaller single storey roofs were waterproofed with its bituminous Bauderflex system.Products appliedBauder ThermofolA high quality single ply PVC system with a life expectancy in excess of 30 years.Bauder ThermotechAn efficient PIR insulation board with a coated glass tissue facing on both sidesThe result Despite the various design and logistical challenges encountered, all roofing works were completed to budget and in time for the start of the inaugural school term much to the delight of everyone involved in the project. System installedBauderThermofol PVC single ply waterproofing system1 Bauder Thermofol U15 FRA 1.5mm thick, reinforced PVC waterproofing membrane. Stated within BBA certificate 06/4354, the Thermofol PVC waterproofing membranes have a service life in excess of 35 years. 2 Bauder ThermotechAn efficient PIR insulation board with a coated glass tissue facing on both sides.3 BauderTEC KSD FBSA 2.5mm depth, self-adhesive air & vapour control layer with a mica finish.AdvocacyHealy & Partners Architects:“Bauder delivered a roofing solution of the highest quality, providing expert technical support throughout the project. Their single ply waterproofing system has undeniably helped in transforming the appearance of the college and most importantly given the client total confidence with regards to their roof’s long term future performance.”

The Crouch End Picturehouse in North London is an interesting example of how Kalwall® can be used to convert an ugly 1950’s concrete building into a state-of-the-art space suitable for the 21st Century.  •   This project by Panter Hudspith Architects forms part of a wider initiative within the London suburb of Haringey aiming to re-establish the area as one of London’s cultural and arts centres. The result is a remarkable transformation of a building, originally a factory then an office, into a £4.5 million cinema complete with café, bar, restaurant and community rooms.  •   The unique style of this four-screen cinema has attracted much interest, not only because of the dramatic transformation but also because of its new external elevation. •   The use of Kalwall, coupled with other sustainable measures including solar panels and a green wall, means the picturehouse has achieved a BREEAM rating of Very Good. The Solution Panter Hudspith Architects replaced the original curtain wall and specified Kalwall® for the front elevation. Unusually, this unique translucent cladding is fitted with a tight 150mm wide grid, known as Verti-Kal™, which not only serves to emphasise height but is the first of its type in the UK. On this scheme the Kalwall panels also insulate to 0.78 w/m2 making the building eye-catching and sustainable. Unlike conventional glazing, Kalwall eliminates shadows and glare and the stark contrasts of light and shade. The system also enhances simplicity by eliminating the need for blinds, curtains or solar control. Even on cloudy days, the interior is bathed with natural daylight, which means less artificial lighting and, because Kalwall is highly insulating, energy costs are reduced. Kalwall is increasingly being used in the UK for new buildings and also for the refurbishment of cladding or rooflights on aged buildings. One of the main attractions of specifying Kalwall is its unique effect on both the interior and exterior. Although translucent, it offers the big advantage of privacy while the elevations appear crisp and simple. When illuminated at night they emit an inviting ethereal glow.  The CommentsArchitect James Jeremiah comments, “This is the first time we’ve specified Kalwall and it fulfils our vision of retaining the modernist characteristics of the building. One of our original concepts for the building was of a zoetrope (one of the earliest forms of moving image) and there’s a strong history of using transparency in films with people moving behind the shadows. We felt the Kalwall system was a very good fit for what we wanted to achieve”. Amanda Birch, Technical Editor Building Design writes, “To appreciate fully the building’s transformation, it is best viewed from the street. The concrete structure has been retained along with its striking line of concrete columns, which are now a strong feature of the front elevation. The original coloured insulated glass panelled system has been replaced at first and second floor levels with Kalwall’s 75mm thick insulated cladding system creating a dynamic façade that is particularly effective at night.

A thick tile floor covering meant a reduced floor section buildup, plus reduced construction joints to aid tiling. Ground floor 45mm Gyvlon ECO over 90mm insulation on a beam and block substrate First Floor 45mm Gyvlon ECO on a precast plank substrate. Gyvlon was used to reduce the floor build on both floors plus reducing the need for construction joints. This gave the client more flexibility on the thick floor coverings and eased installation with reduced construction joints.

The Wraptite external air barrier system from the A. Proctor Group has been chosen for its high performance airtight insulation for a new home for young people in Dundee, Scotland.The new £3m single-storey building will be a home for some of the most vulnerable young people in the city where they can grow up in a supportive and caring setting. The project design includes en-suite bedrooms, shared living space, dining, kitchen, and activities facilities, and accommodation for staff.

The client wanted the roof of this new building to not only be of the highest quality but also designed to be aesthetically pleasing and echo the ethos of the school based upon respecting your environment. Insulation needed to be incorporated into the roof build-up in order to satisfy building regulations and work hours had to be agreed to keep disruption to a minimum. The work also had to be completed to strict deadlines to ensure that the school would be open in time for the start of its inaugural term at its new location in Hazeley

This historic property is being converted into luxury apartments and in the grounds of the palace some twenty six new houses are being constructed to be architecturally in keeping with the historic main building. Taking cues from the complex roof layout of the original palace, the new houses have numerous hips, valleys, box gutters, monoridges and even turrets. The increased levels of thermal insulation required within the roof space meant that the risk of condensation occurring out of sight in the loft voids increased dramatically.

Ayrshire technical College required replacement of their rooflights which are positioned over engineering workshop areas. The designated areas required good levels of light but with high quality transmission and insulation. The college needed a solution that was easy to install and so project time managed to ensure minimised noise and disruption. A series of Multivault GRP vaults were installed covering an area of approx. 800m2 or 15% of the total roof area providing an economic and yet highly effective daylighting solution.

Eternit’s fibre cement open protected ridges were used to create an effective ventilation system in the bull accommodation unit at Knocknagael Bull Stud Farm - ensuring a constant outflow of stale, moist air. The width of the air gap created by the open ridge was specifically designed for the number of bulls and size of the building. Profile 6 sheeting from Eternit was also specified for the roof, thanks to its durability and low maintenance costs, as well as its noise insulation properties.

Originally known as Britannic House or Britannic Tower, was the former headquarters of the oil company British Petroleum, with 35 floors and 122m. Its structure began to be “outdated” with the passing of the years, while home prices in the area began a rapid ascent. In the early 90’s the oil moved to its former headquarters in Finsbury Circus. In order to protect the façade elements against moisture, driving rain and wind avoiding corrosion, insulation deterioration and mould growth, Effisus Breather FR System was applied.

As with all balcony constructions, the issue of cold-bridging (also known as thermal-bridging) must be addressed and minimised to meet the required building standards - Part L of the Building regulations being of particular relevance. The H-BAU ISOPRO® thermal insulation element from J&P solved this problem by providing structural connection between the internal concrete floor slab, and the external concrete (insitu, or precast) balcony, whilst creating a thermal break to minimise cold-bridging.

Aughinish Alumina is the largest European refinery plant manufacturing aluminium oxide (the basic raw material required for aluminium production). After a lengthy and demanding tendering procedure for one of currently largest waste disposal projects in Europe (attended by all important world´s manufacturers of polymeric insulation materials), JUTA managed to win the tender with high-density polyethylene geomembrane JUNIFOL (thickness 1,5 and 2,0 mm, both with smooth and textured surface, roll width 8,0 m).

Oscar Iso-Mounts combine space saving with isolating acoustic technology to provide clients with the best possible ceiling acoustics and soundproofing, perfect for house/flat/apartment conversions, new builds and renovations. Commercial applications include hotels, offices, shops and restaurants. The mount fixes under existing concrete and timber joist ceilings with just one fixing saving time and money. Extensions are available for 50mm to over 1 metre voids for acoustic services and thermal insulation.

The intricate facade on Garden Halls was inspired by the existing large-scale Victorian and Edwardian buildings that populate Bloomsbury, such as the Russell Square Hotel and Victoria House. The windows employ a very thin profile section, achieved with Reynaers CS 38-SL systems, and have a decorated, perforated aluminium screen to the side. This uses an insulated panel that can be opened from the inside for ventilation. The lower level screens are bronze-coloured anodised aluminium, while the upper screens are powder coated.

The Quadro DD is a highly insulated wooden loft ladder. It features a secondary upper loft hatch, which achieves an overall U-value of 0.46 W/m2K. The upper hatch can be closed immediately after entering the loft, therefore helping to lock the warmth in the home or building, and preventing moist air from flowing into the loft and condensing in the cold areas. Suitable for high ceilings (up to 3.44 m). Visit Premier Loft Ladders web site for further details.

Manufactured from light-weight, durable aluminium components, the Ecco concertina loft ladder is easy to operate yet still offers excellent performance. Capable of supporting loads of 150 kg per step, it is also tested to EN 14975 (DN 4570). It is supplied as a ready to fit unit for ceiling apertures as small as 800mm long by 550mm wide. Furthermore, the ladder is fitted within an insulated and airtight wooden hatch box. Technical drawing NBS Specification and BIM object available.

Ronacrete was called to a site meeting at The Brunswick Centre in February 2017 to discuss detailing of Ronafix floating screeds laid to falls where the required balustrade heights on the podium decks restricted the minimum screed thickness. It was agreed that a minimum screed thickness of 35mm could be applied if plant and materials were only positioned on thicker sections of screed until after granite paving had been laid, to ensure that heavy point loads did not cause deformation of the insulation boards.