"mechanical heating cooling and refrigeration"

Deansgate Square, one of Manchester’s highest profile city centre residential developments, is using mechanical smoke control and ventilation solutions from SE Controls to protect residents by keeping corridors, stairwells and escapes routes clear of smoke, should an apartment fire occur.

CEDARWOOD HOUSE, BATH Customer: ST8 LimitedProject Installation Dates: 2021Flooring Systems Installed: Unique Character – Bolidtop FiftyFiftyColour: HazeArea: 200m2  This high end property developer from Bath knew exactly what to expect from Stratum, being a returning customer. Stratum were a part of this new build design for an eco-friendly modern family home. Since the developer experienced a Stratum resin floor in his previous new build property, he was keen for it to feature across a larger area on this project, with the installation taking place in the kitchen and main living space, hallway, utility room, cinema room and the garage. Challenge-      To select a colour and finish that would sit alongside and compliment a range of different materials chosen for the interior spaces.-      To carefully programme in the work and coordinate with the other trades on the project.-      To achieve the desired level of liveliness in the character of the floor when being mixed and applied. -      To install the floor system alongside a mechanical car lift within the garage Solution-      Bolidtop FiftyFifty was selected for all of the living spaces to create a seamless flow with a bespoke, warm, modern aesthetic. An anti-slip epoxy resin floor was selected to meet the demands of a garage.-      Stratum consistently communicated with the project manager, navigating around the project whilst maintaining access to adjoining areas for other key trades.-      To invite the customer to watch the pour.-      To arrange delivery of materials to site at just the right time. Benefits/Installation-      The developer had experience of working with Stratum and our floor systems which helped with the planning and design stages of the build, e.g substrate, underfloor heating, skirting detail etc.Result-      A beautiful unique floor, for a stunning, environmentally friendly new build home. This floor provides comfort and pleasure with ease of cleaning and will provide many years of use.“This was to be a quality high-end, energy efficient new build family home. We used resin throughout the lower ground floor with under floor heating. The installation was brilliant. We look forward to working with Stratum again.”Nick Sandy | Director at ST8 LIMITED 

A Grant Solar Thermal system has been installed at a five-bedroom property with gas central heating, helping the family to not only significantly reduce their carbon footprint but also lower their monthly heating bills.

Manufacture and installation of bespoke white concrete kitchen worktops and concrete cladded central island. The large format concrete panels were wrapped around the central island with 3D concrete tiles completing the design. All worktops and tiles were fitted using mechanical and chemical fixings.

Working with the main Contractors Vascoft, Warmup were asked to provide a bespoke underfloor heating solution for the world famous Andaz London Liverpool Street Hotel.Our hydronic solution the Clypso system, was used in conjunction with our PEX A heating pipe which has a lifetime warranty. The Clypso System is easy for the end-user to control and offers a quick, hassle-free installation.Warmup’s underfloor heating solution will provide the Andaz Hotel with ideal comfort temperatures for many years to come.

Thames City is a spectacular location and presence in Zone One of the River Thames. With some of the city’s most breathtaking views, especially for those not afraid of heights, this is a fresh district featuring three residential towers, a development of 12 buildings, beautiful apartments with private luxury amenities, high-end retail, and fine dining venues.The overall experience of this amazing project is made even more appealing thanks to its network of interconnecting parks, cosy green courtyards, and romantic city squares.This project was complex, involving both TerraSmart Rail Paving and TerraSmart Pedestal Paving Systems. Both these systems are designed for waterproofed substrates with TerraSmart Rail being the ultimate raised paving system, unbelievably solid thanks to its unique lattice framework.Due to the height of the tower, we worked closely with Midgard Design Services to develop and install an appropriate wind uplift mitigation solution to keep the project within budget.The TerraSmart Rail Paving System was weighted using ballast weights, and installed in the joist frame to mitigate uplift – it couldn’t be fixed into the structural slab due to it being an inverted roof. The pavers were then mechanically fixed to the joists using a wind uplift visual fixing, which clamps down the entire system.The TerraSmart Pedestal Paving System was mechanically fixed to the structural slab as there was no waterproofing membrane to penetrate underneath. The wind uplift mechanical fixing was screwed into the top of the pedestals to retain the concrete pavers and prevent any movement in strong winds.The installation of the systems was beautifully done by ANC Construction and the proof is in the photos you see on our website.

An Essex-based project centring on the provision of a much-needed National Autistic Society (NAS) school has seen the installation of electric underfloor heating system Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E-DUO into the 60 houses built to off-set its costs.

VIEGA’S MEGAPRESS PROVIDES IDEAL SOLUTION FOR THE NEEDS OF THE NATIONAL GALLERYViega’s Megapress connection technology has been specified as the ideal solution for a section of pipe relocation work at The National Gallery in London. The industry-first press connection system for thick-walled steel tube, Megapress, ensured that the installation of steel pipework for the building’s heating and chilled water HVAC systems could take place without disruption to the gallery space which remained open throughout the project.The work was necessary in preparation for a gallery extension which is due to take place in January 2019. Before the building work could take place, it was vital that all pipe routes were relocated, bypassing the location of the extension, so that the other gallery spaces could continue to remain open during the planned building work.Colin Garbutt, Contracts Manager at Capri Mechanical Services Ltd. selected Viega’s Megapress due to the specific range of needs that the gallery space and its displays necessitated. Colin highlighted the difficult circumstances which involved taking the pipework up a riser and across the top of the gallery through a ventilation and services space.“For this installation, speed, cleanliness and minimal noise were key requirements to make sure we did not disrupt the gallery space which remained open below us,” Colin commented. “Hot works were not an option in such an environment and it would have been incredibly difficult for us to get the machinery needed for a screw system into such a tight space. Megapress allowed us to carry out the work quickly, cleanly and efficiently - which was ideal.”

As part of an exciting regeneration project in Cardiff, Lowfield Timber Frames specified SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT panels alongside a supply of their timber kits for a development of 12 two-bedroom houses in Heath, Cardiff.As part of an exciting regeneration project in Cardiff, Lowfield Timber Frames specified SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT panels alongside a supply of their timber kits for a development of 12 two-bedroom houses in Heath, Cardiff.The homes are built to strict Passivhaus standards, offering improved health and wellbeing conditions for occupants whilst requiring very low levels of energy for space heating or cooling. Additionally, using timber frame for the construction lowers the carbon footprint of the development.The major benefit of a Passivhaus build is the reduced energy consumption during the operating life of the structure. This will ultimately lead to reduced energy costs, heating bills, and even lower carbon emissions for the planet.The average air test result for the 12 homes came in at below 0.5 ACH. A Larsen truss panel (a lightweight wall extension which creates extra wall space to a house insulation) was also used in the project. It was 330mm deep with the finished wall make-up being closer to 500mm.Darren Jarman, Managing Director of Lowfield Timber Frames, commented: “The Highfields scheme in Cardiff was just one of several passivhaus schemes we have completed over the past 2 years. We now have an external wall build-up that not only meets the passivhaus standards, but also has extremely low embodied carbon credentials.“The external wall has been fire tested and achieves the airtightness required, all in all, reducing the heating requirements and the running costs of the property.”SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT is an airtight OSB/3 panel with integrated vapour control and air barrier properties for use as structural sheathing in timber frame structures. The airtightness is engineered into the OSB panel substrate, whilst the factory applied specialist surface finish technology provides increased and constant vapour resistance on the warm side of construction. The panels are suitable for both new build and renovations.The distinctive green layer of SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT is a UV cured coating providing increased and constant vapour diffusion factor. In addition, it provides a smooth and durable surface for taping the connections.The panels made to OSB/3 grade, are moisture resistant and can be used in humid conditions (service class 2). The hygroscopic nature of the OSB panel acts as a humidity buffer to help prevent interstitial condensation within the timber frame structure in limited cases of reverse diffusion.Jarman concluded: “Whilst there are other products available which will achieve the airtightness, we feel SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT is the most robust solution available and eliminates the possibility of accidental damage, resulting in a failed test.”The ambitious project is part of the ‘Cardiff Living’ programme, a 10-year partnership between Cardiff Council and Wates Residential, which will deliver 1,500 new homes at sites across the city.Discover more about SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT and its applications here: https://mdfosb.com/en/products/smartply-airtightFind out more about Lowfield Timber Frames here: https://www.lowfieldtimberframes.co.uk/Twitter: @LTFltd

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.

The Hale Country Club has a rural setting but only four miles from the hustle and bustle of Manchester airport. When the Hut Group purchased the club they looked to enhance the appearance throughout the facility. Phase two was the health suite and vitality pool. Sauna360 designed four new thermal rooms in the area and replaced the existing grp tiled vitality pool with a beautiful stainless steel design. The internal space was opened up with large glass frontage to all but the steam room. Two feature showers with cool mists and tropical rain were added together with an ice station.

Radbrook VillageShrewsburyCemfloor was the screed of choice for Radbrook Village, a mix of 3 and 4 bedroom homes along with 1 and 2 bedroom apartments in the magnificent refurbished Radbrook Hall.Floreat Homes were the developers of this project, which was contracted to SJ Roberts Construction, while the screed was installed by Ryflow Liquid Screeds.Cemfloor provided the ideal solution for the screeds on thisdevelopment. The speed of installation and the fact that floors can be walked on after a day provided the least disruption to other trades and the rapid drying avoided concerns re installation of floor finishes. The benefits to the efficiency of the underfloor heating were also attractive to the project. Cemfloor’s compatibility with underfloor heating, which has grown in popularity in recent years, and the ability to be laid at 50mm gave the builder scope with thickness of insulation and floor finishes. The screed totally encapsulated the underfloor heating pipework and eliminated air voids which ensured optimal heat transfer from the heating pipework to the screed surface.With the advent of flowing screeds, as well as the traditional sand and cement screeds, there is great choice in the market to find a product that suits your needs when it comes to durability, time management and installation.

Elevating Urban Living at Southbank Tower.Southbank Tower, standing tall at 41 storeys, is a symbol of inspired urban living in London’s Southwark district. The transformation of this iconic tower, originally designed by Richard Seifert in 1972, has been a collaborative effort to create a world-class mixed-use development, enhancing the public realm and providing a unique address moments from the River Thames.Project Transformation:Architectural Redesign:Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) spearheaded a major redesign, adding 11 stories to the tower and converting upper floors into residential units.Three new floors were added to the podium, and original 1970’s cores were replaced and repositioned.The redesign included the creation of a new route through the scheme, doubling retail space, and adding valuable public areas along the riverfront.Sustainability Measures:The new construction introduced sustainability measures, including a highly-effective heat recovery system and low-energy lighting systems.Future-proofing the building with space for links to district heating and cooling schemes.Southbank Tower’s Features:Mixed-Use Tower:199 residences, 217,000 sq.ft. of office space, and 52,000 sq. ft of retail space.Private residential roof garden spanning 10,000 sq.ft and an exquisitely designed atrium.Design Collaboration:Design studios, including Goddard Littlefair, Studio Ashby, Johnson Naylor, and 1508 London, played a key role in shaping the aesthetics of the tower.The Black Edition Apartments:Interior Design Excellence:Leading interior designers, Studio Ashby and Johnson Naylor, designed the Black Edition apartments.Duplex and lateral apartments designed by Dara Huang of Design Haus Liberty and 1508 London.Selo Doors played a pivotal role in enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of Southbank Tower by providing concealed metal riser doors and sliding pocket doors. The bespoke door solutions align with the tower’s commitment to a modern, space-saving, and fire-rated environment. These doors seamlessly integrate into the architectural design, offering a flush and concealed appearance while optimizing space.Southbank Tower’s transformation is not only a testament to architectural innovation but also a reflection of collaborative efforts to create a vibrant urban living experience. Selo Doors’ contribution, through concealed metal riser doors and sliding pocket doors, adds a layer of sophistication, safety, and space optimization to this iconic development. Southbank Tower stands as a landmark in London’s skyline, representing the successful convergence of design, sustainability, and urban regeneration.

CONCEALED RISER DOORSOur Christo Riser Doors blend discreetly and seamlessly with the surrounding interior. They are certified third party fire approved and are available in a variety of acoustic and air tight options. With a ‘T’ Key or Euro Cylinder Locked for security, the doors have a 5 Point Locking Mechanism securing the leaf in 5 places.

One of our largest jobs to date approx. 3,800 m² of Vantage MF panels adorning the Unite Building at the everchanging landscape of Wembley. The façade comprises of Aluminium Vantage MF mechanically face fixed flat and slot perforated panels, powder coated to YW273F Jaisalmer finish, expertly installed by Metclad Contracts Ltd.

Warmup inscreed cables were installed throughout this brand new development of 12 exclusive 3 and 4 bedroom family homes.Warmup’s underfloor heating was installed under the hallway’s beautiful oak, rustic brushed and UV oiled bevelled flooring and the underfloor heated wooden flooring continues into the lounge areas.

A new ferry terminal on Brodick Bay, created as a tourism and community gateway to the Scottish Isle of Arran, has been fitted from stem to stern with door and window systems supplied by GEZE.Maritime design and modern comfortThe ship-shaped terminal, designed by the renowned architectural firm Norr of Glasgow, is part of a £30 million investment which aims to update the harbour, get it ready for 21st century travel, and improve passenger comfort.Natural ventilation thanks to automated windowsThe generously sized lounge with its double height and large wall of windows on the western façade offers visitors a breathtaking view of Brodick Bay. The large windows, which are automatically opened and closed by 30 GEZE Slimchain chain drives, give the reception area at the main entrance to the building a bright and spacious feel. The uniquely slim and understated look of the Slimchain window drives integrates perfectly into the unique façade design of the Brodick ferry terminal.The Slimchain window drives were installed not only on the large windows in the lounge, but rather throughout the entire two-storey building – with the exception of the upper ventilation openings: Powerchain chain drives are used there. These especially powerful window drives were chosen to operate the larger windows, since they allow for large opening widths – which is important for quickly venting smoke in case of a fire.The window drives are connected to a GEZE MBZ 300 SHEV control panel for smoke and heat extraction drives, which is integrated into the building management system of the terminal. This makes it possible to easily control and monitor the complex natural ventilation system.Ventilation, smoke and heat extraction, and emergency exit protectionThe windows in the staircases are also equipped with Slimchain chain drives. If needed, the window systems also allow for natural smoke and heat extraction: In case of smoke and heat, the smoke extraction solutions open the windows and control fresh air openings, so that lifesaving escape routes remain smoke-free and safe to use in case of an emergency. In addition, GEZE OL Line manual fanlight openers provide supplementary natural ventilation.Door systems for accessible fire protection doorsBeneath the glazed western elevation are two automatic swing doors to either side. These are powered by GEZE Slimdrive EMD-F door systems, just like another door on the side façade of the building. The electro-mechanical swing door drives for single leaf fire and smoke protection doors are extremely versatile: They provide power assisted opening and can be initiated using the operating button with constant opening and closing speed. Integrated obstacle detection also identifies potential obstacles and stops the opening or closing process if needed. By doing so, Slimdrive EMD-F drives also ensure easy and safe access for people with mobility issues.Understated design and high access convenienceFrom the main entrance, a glazed corridor leads to a bi-parting sliding door powered by a GEZE Slimdrive SL NTsliding door system, which leads into the foyer of the main reception area. The Slimdrive door drive fulfils two key stipulations here at once: It is suitable for interior and exterior doors with high levels of footfall, and ideally suited for glass façades with high design standards – such as the Brodick ferry terminal – due to its low operator height of just 7 cm.

Royal Enfield is one of the world’s oldest and most famous motorcycle manufacturers, known for creating modern classics. The company’s cool and contemporary style is reflected in the design of its striking new technology centre in Leicestershire. Senior’s SF52 curtain wall system was chosen to create the dramatic glazed entrance. Slimline thermally-broken SPW300 windows were also specified, alongside robust, high-performance SPW501 doors - ideal for high traffic areas. The glazing package enabled the architect to create a sleek, modern finish, whilst the low U-values made a significant contribution to the building's overall energy-efficiency.

SAS International ceiling rafts were installed into the meeting rooms, directly suspended from the structural soffit to allow for energy efficient movement of air for thermal-mass-cooling. Chosen for its acoustic properties, SAS600 offers acoustic performance tailored to interior requirements through absorptive and reflective techniques. The visually engaging SAS500 was selected for the office zones and circulation areas. This system conceals M&E services and offers an attractive acoustic ceiling. Both systems supplied to the One Molesworth Street project were in a pre-coat timber effect to achieve an organic interior aesthetic, creating a striking feature ceiling.

Thermography tests assessed the differences & compared the thermal gain of uncoated Accoya decking to thermally modified wood & wood plastic composites. Results showed Accoya is superior having a low thermal gain while the other materials attained significantly higher surface temperatures; the Accoya decking remained cool to touch despite being in direct sunlight on a day with an ambient temperature of 32 degrees. This particular Accoya decking benefit is very crucial to the visitors of the Thai resort & further contributing to the barefoot friendly credentials, Accoya decking’s surface remains smooth, resists splintering & grain raising, despite the high ambient temperatures.

3 x high-rise tower blocks in Essex received new ground source heat pumps, 3 x more energy-efficient than their old night storage heaters, reducing heating and hot water bills by up to 66%.Award-winning project:Winner of ‘Regional Large Scale Project of the Year’ at The South East Energy Efficiency Awards 2023Winner of ‘National Renewable Heat Project of the Year’ at The National Energy Efficiency Awards 2023Winner of ‘Climate Action – Decarbonisation / Retrofit Award’ at the Essex Housing Awards 2023Shortlisted for ‘Domestic Installation of the Year’ at the PHAM Energy Saving Awards

nVent was brought in to employ a variety of heating solutions at the London Rolex Building. Rolex was looking to convert its heating to a simpler, lower cost single pipe system requiring less maintenance. nVent provided hot water services using the RAYCHEM HWAT single pipe hot water temperature maintenance system. More than 400 meters of cable were installed to provide hot water all the way to the point of use, 600 metres of pipe freezeprotection to safeguard the chilled water supply lines from freezing. In addition, the entrance foyer welcomes visitors with the warmth of RAYCHEM QuickNet floor heating systems.

The London borough of Camden’s extensive heating system renewal and refurbishment programme at the St Silas Estate is using bespoke manufactured metal pipe boxing boxing from Pendock to conceal external pipework on several high rise blocks where the community heating system is being upgraded.The metal boxing from the Pendock Profiles range is bespoke manufactured from 2mm thick aluminium to ensure it fully conceals the vertical and horizontal pipework used on the new heating system. Incorporating two PPC finishes in brown and dark yellow to integrate with the brickwork, the boxing not only conceals the pipework, but also protects it from damage.

Evinox will provide indirect heating and instantaneous domestic hot water to 176 apartments via our ModuSat® XR Twin Plate heat interface units. Our integrated Modbus® energy meters will connect to a third party data logger via a hard wired TCP/IP ethernet network for the collection of metering data.

To provide high quality instantaneous hot water, the developers were persuaded to move away from a conventional recirculation system to the higher efficiency single-pipe solution, using nVent RAYCHEM HWAT-M self regulating cable and the unique nVent RAYCHEM RayClic connection system. In addition, nVent RAYCHEM T2Red and T2Reflecta underfloor heating was used in the main living areas. The self-regulating cable could provide very responsive heating without overheating, thus avoiding damage to the high quality wooden flooring. Underfloor heating was also used in the bathrooms, using nVent RAYCHEM T2Quicknet. All fully integrated with the BMS to avoid individual controllers.

Cambridge Central Mosque is Europe's first eco-friendly mosque and the first purpose-built mosque within the city of Cambridge. The mosque is well insulated and naturally ventilated, using efficient heat lights in the roof and solar panels on the top to help generate renewable energy.Cellecta XFLO Micro was specified by Marks Barfield Architects as its underfloor heating insulation boards were used to help create an efficient and environmentally friendly heating system. Cellecta ScreedBoard 20 was also specified for the overlay floorboard. It is suitable for all types of steel, concrete and timber floors.Warmafloor were awarded this 250m² contract to develop this eco-friendly structure.

ASF's 128 pattern cast iron bollard was used in this project as the post for a bespoke step unit. One side of the steps was fixed to a set of railings (also by ASF) by a core fixing directly to the bollard upright. The handrails themselves were bespoke manufactured mild steel, galvanised rails, with steel side mounting brackets made to mechanically fix into the ASF 128 Bollards.

The Hydro Arena was designed in a way to maximize energy efficiency. The building combines natural ventilation with mechanical ventilation – fresh air enters the building above the entrances, and is ventilated to a higher level. Externally, the Hydro Arena is covered with light translucent panels that emit the effects produced in its interior. All of the building can be lightened, being reflected on the sea, just like a lighthouse.

How do you replace the water distribution system in a 100-year-old prominent building? That was the challenge for contractors Capri Mechanical Services who took on replacing and updating the domestic services at the prestigious Strand Palace. Their solution was simple: replace all pipework and utilise Viega press technology to install the systems in a way which protected the hotel and met building requirements.

Washroom created a unique ‘superloo’ design featuring Silestone vanities complete with glass upstands featuring a bespoke bronze effect hexagonal design for two adjacent properties on Cork Street in Mayfair. The self-contained superloo cubicles are the ideal way to maximise the available space. Each cubicle features Washroom's Concerto integrated duct panels, faced with back-painted toughened glass in two colours; grey behind the WCs and white underneath each vanity unit, are completed with bronze look metal vertical sections. Washroom created the staff shower and changing area featuring bespoke Legato benching and glass iLockers, back-painted to a cool grey.

Ten Degrees, developed by Greystar, is the world’s tallest modular residential building. The build-to-rent schemein Croydon boasts 546 apartments across two adjoining 44- and 38-storey towers, as well as 10 different social spaces, including a games lounge, coworking space, dining room and gym.Greystar’s designers originally envisioned using timber flooring for the high-spec amenity areas but instead opted for the durability of Amtico’s Signature LVT. The cool brown base and lightly limed grain of Manor Oak was chosen to add texture and a premium aesthetic, creating a calmingand relaxed atmosphere in the open-plan social and co-working spaces.

The increased levels of thermal insulation found within the roof voids of a modern house is intended to reduce the amount of heat that is lost from the warm living spaces of the property over time. However breaks in this insulation layer, such as through the loft access door, will severely compromise its effectiveness. This editorial explains how to avoid losing heat in the loft space and therefore losing money.

One of the tallest new buildings recently added to the Bournemouth skyline has been completed with a combination of external wall insulation and render products supplied by Sto. The company’s StoTherm Mineral M system, with Sto-Rotofix Plus mechanical fixings and StoSilco exterior render were all used on the new Skyline student accommodation building, which achieved a BREEAM ’Very Good’ rating.

The Quadro wooden loft ladder is the solution when ‘standard’ is simply not good enough. It is supplied as an easy to fit, made-to-measure unit. The 3-part folding wooden ladder is contained within, and attached to, a laminated wooden hatch box and an insulated trapdoor. The Quadro wooden loft ladder offers very good energy efficiency thanks to an insulated trapdoor with an airtight 4-point locking mechanism.

Altecnic Ensures Energy Efficient District Heating System for New London Apartments

The building was constructed using ICF blocks that are to have a rendered finish. Internally the ground floor is a concrete slab and the upper floor has timber posi-joists with the Lewis Deck and resilient strips laid above. 16mm underfloor heating pipes are then clipped into our new clip rail system with a free flowing screed then poured on top, 50mm thick. This then gives 20mm cover to the heating pipes, maximising the efficiency of the whole system.