"pipe"

Project:Surespan designed and manufactured several floor access covers for the £6.5m Liffey Service Tunnel Project in Dublin Ireland.The service tunnel is one of the crucial links for the rejuvenation of the docklands, it will carry water mains to the docklands and transfer wastewater to the treatment plant at Ringsend. The 260m tunnel will also carry district heating pipes, gas mains, and electrical and telecommunication cables.Products:Surespan designed and manufactured several floor access covers including SAC Flush floor access covers and HIAC Recessed floor covers.All the access covers were supplied with either a gas spring-assisted opening, hydraulic or electric with a retractable safety grid and pedestrian (FACTA Class ‘A’) Loading. A hydraulic HIAC was also supplied with a FACTA Class ‘D’ Loading which is the equivalent of an 11-tonne wheel load.

On the Grand Union Canal in Hemel Hempstead, the Nash Mills Wharf housing development features a range of stylish new build 1-4 bedroom houses and luxury apartments offering high quality waterside living in this Hertfordshire town.With a waterproofing system required to protect the concrete podium above the ground floor car park, a selection of hot and cold applied products were provided by Proteus Waterproofing that met the requirements of the client Linden Homes. The licensed roofing contractor worked with Proteus Waterproofing on a dual system specification which included the fast and economical Proteus Hot-Melt waterproofing system, and for the intricate detailing around upstands and to avoid hot works around the plastic soil and vent pipes, the Cold Melt® waterproofing system was the ideal solution.Fast, hassle-free applicationWith the podium deck covering 3000m2, the Proteus Hot Melt® system was the optimum waterproofing solution for a robust, cost effective, seamless and fast application. This solution worked exceptionally well for the Licensed Contractor and is compatible with the fast applied Cold Melt® solution which was used for high detail items including plastic soil and vent pipes and upstands. There was also the added challenge of wet brickwork and an exacting building program to keep to. To overcome this problem, Proteus isolated the wet substrate with Pro-DPM Primer (Damp Proof Primer) which can be applied to green concrete 3 days old and then followed immediately by the Proteus waterproofing system. This enabled the Cold Melt® to be installed on to the vertical elevations will no loss of time.Quality controlProteus Waterproofing worked in close partnership with its Licensed Contractor to successfully deliver the project to a very high standard within the required timeframe.Long term performanceIncorporating recycled rubber-crumb and other organically grown products, Cold Melt® creates an elastomeric, seamless, cold applied membrane and can outlast the lifetime of the substrate on which it is installed.

Project Overview:The Hemisphere Project marked a unique architectural venture where Guttermaster Limited played an integral role in shaping the project from its inception. Collaborating closely with Ruddle Wilkinson Architects and Stoneguard (Midlands) Ltd, Guttermaster was tasked with designing and manufacturing 960 meters of bespoke aluminium copings, alongside providing 90 meters of TrimFix fascia, aluminium rainwater pipes, and cast aluminium hoppers. This case study unveils the meticulous planning and execution that resulted in a stunning architectural statement with bold symmetrical lines surrounding the entire building.Project DetailsScope of Works:960 meters of bespoke SnapLok cappings90 meters of TrimFix fasciaAluminium rainwater pipesCast aluminium hoppersClient's Requirements:The client, driven by a vision for a distinctive and iconic architectural statement, outlined their objectives for the project:Architectural Finesse: The project aimed to create an architectural masterpiece with bespoke aluminium copings, challenging Guttermaster to deliver on design, quality, and execution.Symmetrical Roof Edge: The roof edge required bold and symmetrical lines to accentuate the building's aesthetics.Collaborative Design: Guttermaster was involved from the project's conception stage and had to work in close collaboration with Ruddle Wilkinson Architects and Stoneguard (Midlands) Ltd to bring the design to life.Guttermaster's Approach:Guttermaster's role in this ambitious project was characterised by a blend of precision and collaborative innovation:Custom Design and Engineering: The Guttermaster design team embarked on creating complex bespoke aluminium copings that adhered to the architect's vision. This involved advanced engineering to ensure structural integrity and aesthetic excellence.Symmetrical Lines: Guttermaster devised a slim edge perimeter feature aluminium coping with secondary support, ensuring that the roof edge featured bold and symmetrical lines that embraced the entire building.Collaborative Development: From the very start, Guttermaster worked hand in hand with the architectural and construction teams, ensuring seamless integration of their solutions into the project's design and construction plans.ResultsThe collaborative effort between Guttermaster Limited, Ruddle Wilkinson Architects, and Stoneguard (Midlands) Ltd yielded remarkable results:Architectural Masterpiece: The bespoke aluminium copings, SnapLok cappings, TrimFix fascia, aluminium rainwater pipes, and cast aluminium hoppers combined to create an architectural masterpiece that surpassed the client's expectations.Bold Symmetrical Lines: The roof edge, with the slim edge perimeter feature aluminium coping, displayed bold and symmetrical lines, enhancing the building's visual appeal.Seamless Integration: Guttermaster's proactive involvement from the project's conception ensured that their solutions were seamlessly integrated into the architectural and construction plans, contributing to the project's overall success.ConclusionThe Hemisphere Project stands as a testament to the power of precision, collaborative design, and innovative engineering in creating a distinctive architectural masterpiece. Guttermaster's role in the project showcased their commitment to delivering bespoke solutions that enhance architectural vision and bold symmetrical lines. This project serves as a striking example of how expert collaboration can transform a vision into reality, producing an iconic and visually appealing building that captivates all who encounter it.

Redland Court is an exceptional landmark development of the former Redland High School, which was transformed into a collection of architecturally unique buildings to create 44 new 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments located in Bristol. Also, an exquisite duplex and townhouse over two floors with an open plan living area, additional mezzanine living space and roof terrace. Many of the original period features will be meticulously retained and restored, with the original Old School Hall and Library.Cellecta Mojave S2-8 was specified by KWL Architects for its high-performance underfloor heating system, it offers a dry and robust floor build-up from one source. XFLO-FF boards are manufactured to suit the pipe diameter and spacing required to achieve the desired thermal output.Juniper Homes were awarded this 600m² contract to develop this collection of architecturally unique buildings.

Foxley Lane is a redevelopment of a former residential care home on a prominent corner plot west of Purley town centre in a prime position on one of West Purley’s premier roads. This development comprises of a five-storey building with fifty-seven exquisite one, two and three bed apartments located within a mile of Purley mainline station. All with parking and a private balcony or patio, it also features white rendered façades and prominent gabled elevations, significantly enhancing the Foxley Lane street scene.Cellecta’s Mojave S2-8 was specified by OB Architecture as it offers a dry and robust floor build up from one source. Mojave S2-8 is a high-performance underfloor heating system which performs at a low flow temperature. XFLO-FF boards are manufactured to suit the pipe diameter and spacing required to achieve the desired thermal output.HQ Homes were awarded this 530m² contract to construct this redevelopment.

Moneyfields is football club in Portsmouth which includes a new social club and sports facility Building with housing development of 26 residential units in the form of 14 one and two bedroom apartments and 12 four-bedroom houses. Redevelopment of this part single and two storey building was completed to accommodate the sports and social club with bars, function hall, kitchen, cellar, offices, changing rooms, boxing ring, gym, spectator stand, classrooms, ticket office, tea hut, car park, and a pitch with floodlights and fencing.Cellecta’s Mojave S1-8 was specified by PLC Architects due to it being a high-performance underfloor heating system, offering a dry and robust floor build up from one source.XFLO boards are manufactured to suit the pipe diameter and spacing required to achieve the desired thermal output.Chichester Building and Carpentry Ltd was awarded this 900m² contract to construct this redevelopment in Portsmouth.

The aesthetics of this new brewery in Ashford were incredibly important to the overall design process, with no detail left unchecked - including the style of the fastener heads used to fix the impressive jet black cladding panels.Designed by Guy Holloway Architects, the Curious Brewery combines two functions in a single 'supershed' - alongside the stainless pipes and vats of the production facility is a visitor attraction comprising space for tastings, a shop, restaurant, and bar. The building makes a bold statement about modern brewing in Britain with a suitably 'curious' black façade, which gives little away until visitors step inside where it then opens up the modern brewing process to visitors - with an immersive approach to the brand experience. "We are extremely impressed with the aesthetically pleasing fasteners chosen for this project. Fixfast colour coated low profile fasteners and washers with very little lead time were a cost-effective solution to an aesthetically pleasing building" Jamie Cook - Managing Director at TLC Industrial Roofing & Cladding

ROJECT NAME: RENOVATION PRODUCT SUPPLIED SUPPLIED: INSTALLER SELFBUILD CONTRACT FLOORS AEROMIX was chosen for this renovation project thanks to its many benefits of offering warmth, smoothness of finish and speed of install. This project came with a challenging access issue meaning a long pump distance and lots of services in the floor AEROMIX was the perfect solution. This was the perfect product, providing an ideal solution for the insulation for this project. Reducing CO2 due to reduced carbon emissions within the product. The installer who completed this project SELFBUILD CONTRACT FLOORS said AEROMIX was poured as insulated ground baring slab, installed at 250mm deep achieving the required 0.11 u-value, this allowed the customer to clip the UFH pipes directly to it before being topped with a 65mm C20 liquid screed AEROMIX provided the ideal solution for the insulation on this project, compared to the normal concrete floor and other traditional methods, the speed of pumping the insulation coupled with the high thermal properties has contributed in saving the customer both time and money. 

Project type: EducationLocation: Wimbledon High School, London, SW19 4ABProject Cost: £21mProduct: Rainscreen with ExtrusionsFinish (Extrusions): Syntha Pulvin RAL 7047 Matt Telegrau 4Finish (Panel): Syntha Pulvin RAL 7021 Matt Black GreyProduct: Fascia Soffit to Eaves, Verge & RIdgeFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7021 Matt Black GreyProduct: Vertical Feature FinsFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7021 Matt Black GreyProduct: Copings & Rainwater PipesFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7021 Matt Black GreyFire Rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Product: Monocoque Support System (Galv)Fire Rating: A1 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Client: Neilcott Construction LTDArchitect: IID ArchitectsContractor: Neilcott Construction LTDPhotography: IID Architects & John Nason

If a small town with fewer than 2,000 inhabitants decides to build a multi-purpose hall, special care needs be taken over money. The Swabian town of Altdorf has shown that this can be done. The municipality, located in the Esslingen district, chose an unusual way, one that was also unknown territory for the architect. The people of Altdorf opted for an industrial hall that was expanded into a multi-purpose hall. The challenge for the architect Werner Krepela was to equip this functional hall so that it complies with all current safety regulations and, in doing so, fulfils its new function as a sports and multi-purpose hall.At the centre of the 50 x 28 m hall is a football pitch measuring almost 1,000 m². An unfilled LigaGrass Synergy with mineral support grain was laid as turf. The 978 square metre pitch, the largest indoor football pitch ever built by Polytan, is surrounded by a system of boards and a piping netting system at the sides and above the pitch. The boards and nets can be easily removed to enable the hall to also be used for other public purposes.

Apex Heritage Cast Iron rainwater system from leading specialist Alumasc was commissioned as part of the £800 million extension and restoration of St Pancras International, London.The extension and interior of the station comprised all the modern facilities expected in Britain’s most advanced station, however, work on the oldest Grade 1 listed part of the station called for the faithful and painstaking restoration of the gothic red brick façade, to retain the original detail of George Gilbert Scott’s design.Existing rainwater systems, despite being almost 150 years old, were still in use. As part of the redevelopment project English Heritage insisted that any new rainwater details must faithfully reproduce the original patterns of the Victorian rainwater goods used when the station was first built. Alumasc worked closely with the main contractors to produce bespoke moulds, creating cast iron replicas of all the existing pipes and hoppers to take away rainwater from the vast single span roof, which is still the largest of its type in the world.

The Audley Stanbridge Earls retirement village is an exclusive residential development of 155 luxury retirement apartments and cottages designed around a Grade II listed Tudor Manor house on a 32 acre site near Romsey, in Hampshire. Underfloor Heating had been specified as part of the design and the large floor areas now needed to be finished with floor screed that could be installed quickly and efficiently within the operating windows provided by the main contractor.TOPFLOW Screed A Thermio + offers a higher thermal conductivity than conventional sand-cement screeds, can be laid thinner and fully encapsulates heating pipes without leaving any voids. This makes it ideal for use with underfloor heating systems where it helps to improve the thermal performance and energy efficiency of buildings. All TOPFLOW Screed A products are made from gypsum and are completely cement free, with a binder made from 98% recycled material. This gives it a lower carbon footprint than a conventional cement-based screeds, saving up to 20.45kg CO2e per m2, making it a more sustainable choice.

Work was undertaken at Ringside House in order to convert the building from offices into 46 luxury one and two bedroom apartments.Acoustics are vital for maintaining comfort in private residences, particularly in multi-level apartment buildings with numerous occupants, due to the noise being passed between floors and walls.Soundis along with our installation partner UK Acoustic Systems were brought in by the main contractor PDR Construction to provide 2,862m2 of acoustic flooring. After site visits, we agreed to use one of our Soundis Cradle & Batten Systems, as this system provides excellent impact and airborne noise reduction capabilities, can be used to level out uneven floors, creates an underfloor void for utilities such as piping/ wiring and even underfloor heating. Our Cradle and Risers are manufactured from 100% recycled materials assisting to the sustainability targets of projects. After the project completion, we successfully achieved our goal of providing an excellent flooring solution, which could create a peaceful environment and improve the acoustics within the building, helping add value to the luxury apartments.

Our purposeOn behalf of Amye Defence Services, Acclaim Contracts Ltd was commissioned to address the aging roof of the building, which was leaking despite receiving patch repairs over the past 20 years. The Ministry of Defence’s Project Allenby/Connaught demonstrates the Government’s commitment to maintaining defence estates.The £1.45bn scheme is a 35-year commitment to providing modern, high quality, fully serviced, purpose built living and working accommodation for 18,700 soldiers. It involves the new build and refurbishment of more than 550 buildings across Salisbury Plain and Aldershot, including upgrading Allenby’s Building 51, otherwise known as the Sports Pavilion.Our solutionAcclaim turned to Langley to provide all the material necessary to complete the work. After stripping the original roof to the existing plywood deck, the team fitted new treated timber around the perimeter and new uPVC fascia. The current edge trims, perimeter check kerbs, and extended flues were removed to ensure regulatory 150mm clearance was achieved once the new roof covering was installed. Langley’s HT180 attachment layer was loose-laid and nailed into place to provide appropriate protection to the timber deck while the “hot works” above were undertaken. Langley’s TA-20 Flat Roofing System was installed across the roof area, with insulation to achieve the regulatory requirement of 0.18W/m2K. SA-20 Flat Roofing Detailing System was used in fire risk areas, in line with Safe2Torch guidance. The range of Langley’s TA systems complies with Broof(t4) classification and has a Local Authority Building Control (LABC) assured accreditation. Under MOAT 31, Langley’s Parafor 30 GS (cap sheet to the TA system) achieves a ‘resistance to damage” rating of R4. It is independently certified by the BBA to deliver a life expectancy of at least 40 years, one of the longest available in the UK.Acclaim fitted Langley’s ParaFurb Refurbishment Outlets to upgrade the internal outlets where possible, cleaning and priming those where the design precluded the use of ParaFurb. We installed New Code 5 lead pipe sleeves to flues and hot pipes to a minimum 150mm above the waterproofing. In addition, Langley’s ParaTrim GRP Edge Trim was fitted to all the kerbs.“It carried great weight with us that Acclaim worked in partnership with Langley, who offers an independent insurance-backed guarantee. That is indicative of pride and confidence in its work, giving synergy with Amey. It also gives us, and our client the Ministry of Defence, that the refurbished estate at Allenby will serve and be fit for purpose for decades to come.”Will Loates, Service Delivery Area Manager, Amey

VIEGA MEGAPRESS – THE IDEAL FIT FOR FESTOOL HQAward-winning international power tools manufacturer, Festool has invested £10 million into its new headquarters based in Bury St. Edmonds. As part of the construction, Viega’s Megapress press connection technology has been utilised for the building’s new state-of-the-art heating system, allowing for an efficient and effective installation.Festool has relocated its 55 office-based employees to the new site in Suffolk Business Park, in Bury St. Edmonds. The large, modern facility includes meeting rooms, cafés and office space with a separate warehouse and demonstration facility. It was important for the company that its new headquarters represented a modern and sustainable design and could be a facility where the company can continue to expand and develop.The headquarters has a complex range of HVAC systems, including a hybrid air conditioning system, underfloor heating and domestic services. Viega’s carbon steel press fitting system, Megapress was an ideal solution to create the pipework connections, offering a fast and effective alternative to traditional methods such as welding.David Aldous, Mechanical Project Manager at Ceetech, the contractor for the project, commented: “We selected Megapress as it ticked all the boxes. It provided a secure press connection without the need for welding and allowed our team to undertake the work efficiently and effectively. This project had to be completed to a tight deadline, so it was essential to make strategic time gains throughout the installation period.“We were also able to make valuable time-savings because with the Megapress system, there is no need to prepare the pipe surface or clean it after as with welding, threading or grooving. From a health and safety perspective – it also removes the element of hot works.”A highly effective pressing method, Megapress connections can be made in just seven seconds – helping to achieve a 60% reduction in installation time. After cutting the pipe to the required length, contractors need only deburr the cut surface, slide the press fitting into place and press the connection.The simplicity of the press fitting process also ensures that a uniform seal is created on each connection throughout the project; particularly important on large-scale developments where there is set to be thousands of joints across a single site. Once the fitting has been pressed, it forms a strong and secure connection.David concluded: “The Megapress system is excellent, I’ll certainly select Viega again for future projects. It was a clean installation and the end-client was pleased with the high quality of work."

A high-quality installation of pipework for heating and drinking water, absolutely free of contaminants, quick to install and guaranteed to perform over the long term. These were the priorities for the developer of the prestigious West End Gate development in London, leading to the specification of the Profipress system from Viega throughout.The development is a collection of apartments, stunning penthouses, commercial units, and leisure facilities situated in the prestigious neighbourhood of Marylebone and Little Venice. Berkeley St Edwards were taking no risks with water hygiene, looking for a piping system which would guarantee clean water to the different heights of the towers. Given the prestige of the development, the system had to be faultless, future proof and guaranteed to last. Specifying a high-quality solutionKevin Guiry, Senior MEP Manager for Berkeley St Edwards, explained the rationale for specifying the Profipress solution. “Quality was our top priority, both in terms of the water system and the products used. With all the heating and chilled distribution pipework running in a closed system, we needed a solution to guarantee clean and safe water without contamination. The copper Profipress system delivers this alongside real on-site benefits.” Berkeley St Edwards has made a considered effort to move to press connections over soldering methods for pipework. Particularly in domestic projects, the benefit of cold press means contaminants from soldering are reduced and so systems produce a quicker turnaround for test results from flushing. On top of the speed advantages of cold press, the additional benefit of risk reduction through removal of hot works helps increase safety for those installing on site.“Viega was specified in the first phase block, and it was fantastic. As such, we approved the spec for the next phase as per the previous block. The contractor who received the contract used their same core operatives which resulted in a consistent, clean installation.” Kevin summarised.Working with Viega qualityCraig Yardy, Fit-Out Manager at Vital Energi, oversaw the installation of the system and mirrored the sentiment from Kevin. “Three to four years ago we mainly used soldering, but we’ve shifted to press connections systems. With soldering, you get flux and contaminants in the pipe, so you must flush the system. With press, it’s a far cleaner system.”On working with the Viega Profipress system Craig commented: “we had used the copper system on previous projects which were good installations, and it has been the same on-site here. Generally, the high-level fitting has been easy, the challenge has been where pipework in the walls runs into mixers. This means tight spaces for the installer to work the pipes and makes it difficult to press the joints. Viega press tools come with an angled jaw giving us the flexibility to get into those hard-to-reach places.”Providing ongoing support and training One of the benefits of choosing the Viega specification is the on-site training offered for the installation teams. This will ensure that the systems are installed correctly and effectively, using the recommended tools and techniques. Not only does this process maximise speed of installation, it also allows Viega to issue its full warranty.“The support from Viega started with demonstration days at the very beginning of the project. Throughout the first block installation they visited multiple times to check on the installation, offering support and guidance” Kevin noted. “We plan to continue using Viega for the remaining phases of the development. The Viega quality and future guarantees are what made the initial investment worth it in the long run. I’m a big believer in quality and with this system we’re getting the best quality fittings for this premium development. We didn’t want to risk any further maintenance or damage and the Viega Profipress system achieves this.”Due to be completed in 2025, the first four tower blocks have been completed. Ranging from 10 to 30 storeys in height, the development offers unparalleled views of the surrounding area, commanding high-quality finishes to the apartments inside and out.

A new project in Woking showcases the many benefits of Maple’s new Pluto louvred screening system.Designed to hide unsightly HVAC machinery on the roof of a new four-storey independent living development, the system is lighter and easier to install than traditional systems.   It’s perfect for the rooftop location. Seen from the ground, it’s a sleek bank of aluminium louvres – but the modular system also means that installation is safer, with time spent working at height kept to a minimum.  Maple’s Pluto system fixes easily to the building sub-frame using galvanised steel brackets, while an advanced sub-structure of posts, mullions and rails in high grade aluminium will provide hidden support for the 100mm louvre blades.  Despite a practical function of hiding equipment, pipes and ducting, the screening will not detract from the clean lines of the building, which are complemented by a bank of curved louvres (also supplied and installed by Maple) on the west elevation of the building.  The project is a collaboration between Maple, Willmott Dixon, HNW Architects and Woking Borough Council. When complete, the four-storey development will provide a mix of 48 one- and two-bed flats, which will provide independent (but supported) living.

Brett Landscaping, leading provider of high-quality hard landscape materials, has partnered with O’Brien Contractors, to supply block paving for the development of a new sports facility for the Old Saltleians Rugby Football Club in Warwickshire. The club, which was formed 95 years ago has been a fixture of West Midlands amateur rugby was required to relocate due to their original home obstructing the route of the HS2 development. With a sizeable budget at hand due to generous compensation from HS2, there were high expectations for top specification materials and an impressive finish at the new Water Orton site. O’Brien Contractors were appointed in 2021 to transform 17 acres of farmland into a state-ofthe-art sporting facility. The aim was to create a modern facility for sport and events, with the inspiration for the project being the surrounding natural environment. For Old Saltleians, this meant four high-standard grass pitches featuring advanced trench and pipe drainage (adhering to Sports England Standards), with irrigation ensuring year-round playability. The relocation included the addition of an ultra-modern clubhouse offering social spaces for the club and community to host events. This meant including extensive parking for the site was required on the site.

ChallengeThe London Stadium (formerly Olympic Stadium) and home of Premier League football club West Ham United, required an insulation solution that would not only upgrade the thermal and acoustic performance of the HVAC and service pipe areas, but also one that could meet the overall environmental demands of the project.SolutionAfter a series of consultations with the main contractor, Knauf Insulation developed a bespoke, one product solution, which met all requirements and helped to reduce engineering costs and installation time.23,000m2 of Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard was installed in the different elevations of the stadium, from level two to the lower ground level of the West Stand.Manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard is a laminate of a compression resistant, non-combustible Rock Mineral Wool slab with a variety of aesthetic finishes designed to provide a robust faced solution suitable for installation in semi-exposed environments such as stadiums like this.The project was completed before West Ham’s first competitive game at the London Stadium in August 2016."The insulation product knits together to prevent open joints, which helped us to maximise the thermal efficiency of the insulation."Kunal Vekaria, Project Manager at HLS Installations

This self-build project was looking to improve the quality of the 1st floor construction, eliminate any danger of floor creaking that is common to timber floors and include an efficient underfloor heating solution.Underfloor heating work at its most efficient when it is installed within a screed, this is the way ground floor system are installed and being able to replicate this pipes in screed arrangement upstairs makes sense for the performance of the complete system.Also, by including some stiffened mass to the upper floors, the feel of the floor is replicated from the ground floor and also provides some very useful solar thermal buffering to keep summer temperatures under control in a building technique that otherwise has very little mass to to achieve this, especially on the upper levels.A timber frame structure requires the floor to provide racking to prevent the building from twisting. Meaning the floor needs to be secured to the joists below so the floor can stop twisting. There are 2 ways of installing Lewis Deck in timber frame structures. Firstly is to fix the Lewis Deck down or, alternatively, fix a timber deck on top of the timber joists and the Lewis is then laid loose on top of the timber with the resilient acoustic strips in between , thus, further enhancing the acoustic performance of the floor.

The 51 storey tower in the heart of London’s financial district will offer 52,900m² of office, retail and event space. Sustainability has been a key design driver, aiming for a BREEAM Outstanding Rating. Only the most energy efficient technology will be considered to deliver on the BREEAM Outstanding Rating objective. In line with the building’s sustainability design strategy, Belimo EPIVs were specified to be fitted on the Fan Coil Units. A space-saving flushing bypass assembly that incorporated the EPIV and fitted well over the drip tray of the Fan Coil Unit was required. The successful supplier had to work closely with the fan coil unit manufacturers to design the most compact, space saving configuration for the Fan Coil Unit of choice.FloControl offers a prefabrication service, liasing with any Fan Coil manufacturer to work out the best-fitting configuration for the model selected, incorporating any control valve including the EPIV into a DZR ByPass configuration assembled with FlowCon component parts. FloControl was appointed to prefabricate 2500 FloSets Contract for the entire building. FloControl was able to not only incorporate the specified control valve, but also offer bespoke copper pipe connections, saving space, as well as a reliable management process, for testing, pallet and product labelling as well as the call-offs.

CHALLENGEIlam Park was a popular tourist destination in the Peak District with a parking problem. The main car park is paved with asphalt but their sloped overflow car park suffered from rutted, unsafe and uneven surfaces due to poor drainage and puddling. More asphalt would create water runoff and drainage problems elsewhere so a permanent and durable permeable paving solution was required.SOLUTIONHanpaveTM was chosen as it’s a freedraining system that’s tested to bear almost any vehicle. There are no more problems with rutting or uneven surfaces. It’s also highly durable, weather-resistant and made from 100% recycled plastic. When installed on a properly engineered permeable base (no pipes or ducting required!), it can be in-filled with gravel or grass for an attractive, stable base that becomes virtually invisible to the average user.CONCLUSIONHanpaveTM was installed in 2019. We called in on a very wet day in November 2022 and the HanpaveTM grids were in excellent condition. Surfaces were even, rutting was gone and, even in torrential rain, puddling could only be found in areas paved with asphalt – not HanpaveTM. Despite some extremely hot summers, Hanpave’s unique expansion absorbing design and professional installation have given Ilam Park an effective, longlasting and attractive solution to their overflow parking problems.

Soundsure 560 was laid over concrete blocks (1350 kg/m3 from Lynx Precast), installed as an acoustic resilient layer below insulation, underfloor heating pipework and 75mm sand / cement screed. Installed in first floor areas of all 8 houses. Soundsure 560 was overlaid with 30mm insulation, a waterproof membrane, and underfloor heating pipes clipped into place. A 75mm sand / cement screed was then laid above. Soundsure 560 was lapped up all perimeter edges, ensuring that the insulation and screed were isolated from the main structure, providing maximum acoustic performanceBenefits of Soundsure 560 • Cost-effective acoustic solution for use with all types of floor screeds. • Exceeds the performance standards required in the UK building regulations for sound insulation. • Ideal for use in New Build Houses, as well as Apartments and Hotels, where acoustic insulation is required. • Excellent acoustic performance from Soundsure 560 – gives 24 dB impact sound improvement when used below 75mm sand / cement screed. • Quick and easy to install without any need for perimeter edge strips. • Provides long-lasting durability and high levels of acoustic performance. • Can be used as an alternative to Robust Details. • Made from recycled rubber crumb.

Addagrip are used to seeing their surfacing systems being used for projects all over the country but it is great to see an installation being undertaken in our own town.As part of the Uckfield town centre improvements project, Addagrip approved contractor Street Tree Care Ltd was appointed to install a number of trees and SuDS compliant Resin Bound tree pit surfacing in the newly widened pavements in Uckfield High Street.Field Maple trees were selected for their compact habit, tolerance of pollution and vibrant autumn colour. Once planted, a stainless steel tray was suspended above the tree root ball and filled with a decorative resin bound porous tree pit surfacing system.The Addastone TP tree pit system consists of a 10mm aggregate bound in a PU resin which provides a hard wearing, low maintenance finish that is porous enough to let the water reach young tree roots but robust enough for the urban environment. A drainage pipe and grill was seated in the Resin Bound surfacing to assist with additional watering that will be carried out from April to September over the next few years.A 10mm Trent aggregate was selected for maximum porosity to help alleviate surface water flooding and to provide a decorative finish to complement the new York Stone pavements.

The Royal Albert Hall in the heart of vibrant west London is distinctive for its unique circular architecture and Victorian styling, and famous for bringing a wealth of high-brow art and culture to the city since it opened in 1871.A building such as the Royal Albert Hall is not only a building, but part of the heritage of its surrounding community. For this reason, the Royal Albert Hall Grade One Listed and meaning all proposed renovation works must meet strict regulations put in place to ensure the preservation and respectful enhancement of the building.Sir Robert McAlpine were awarded the overall contract to deliver a programme of upgrade, renovation and refurbishment work. So, when it came to replacing the original water management systems that had been in place since it’s opening, the challenge was on to find a manufacturer and installer that would bring the Hall the best products possible that were also in keeping with these requirements.Gutterworks, an Alumasc approved installer, installed Alumasc Rainwater management systems during the refurbishment in 2018. Alumasc was chosen for its ability to analyse and precisely recreate the original gutter and pipe mouldings that were used in the originally installed systems, therefore contributing to the preservation of the historic building. Over ten years ago, Alumasc Rainwater management systems were installed in a similar project at Kings Cross St Pancras Station.

Avoiding gas reliance when building a new house.Traditional self-build projects have always had heating systems such as gas central heating and solar panels installed. However, with the increasing costs of gas, and the uncertainty of future supplies, a secondary heating source is required.There are options such as ground heating pumps, etc. but a real heating system independent of the grid, plus a stunning focal point has to be a wood burning stove.In fact, wood logs are now the cheapest domestic heating fuel. According to the Stove Industry Alliance, wood now is “costing households 74% less per kWh than electric heating and 21% less than gas heating”. The benefits don’t end there. “Using a modern wood burning stove also costs 29% less to run than an air source heat pump. Wood logs are 87% less carbon intensive than gas, 88% less than electricity and 74% less than an air source heat pump.”Building a traditional steel pipe flue system is always an option, but steel systems are more suitable in retrofit projects where minimum disruption is required. When you are building a house from the ground up, then a more permanent and ultimately lifetime option is the better one.

Not what you would normally expect a pressure vessel to look like? This unusual toroidal design was driven by our customer’s requirement to pressure test high technology components at high pressure but with minimum foot print and floor load in their test cell.Designed and fabricated entirely by FlexEJ’s in-house team, it’s been a long and successful project for us.Working in close partnership with our customer over many months, using SolidWorks 3D modelling and extensive Finite Element Analysis, our engineering team came up with this shape as the best way to meet all the design constraints. It’s light and compact yet capable of operating in excess of 120 Barg.Fabricated in 5” 304 SS pipe with 100% X-ray Weld examination; dimensions are approximately 2.6m long x 1.6m wide. The flanges are all 1500# and act as the test ports. Complete with the stainless steel support frame underneath designed with ease of installation in mind.FlexEJ specialises in high specification pressure vessels and pressure fabrication in general; if you have a project in mind, our in-house design team is always pleased to discuss.If you are interested in finding out more about FlexEJ's design and manufacturing capabilities, please contact our Technical Sales Team on +44 (0) 1384 881188 or send an email to sales@flexej.co.uk.

Gerico France designs, manufactures and installs bulk solid storage and handling equipment. It offers bucket elevators, conveyors, pipes, silos, warehouses, milling machines, feed producing equipment, heat treatment devices, and accessories.Project/doors: 21 Speedor Storm High Speed DoorsThe challenge Gerico France delivered a turn-key flour mill project in Mombasa, Kenya for a Grain milling company at their state of the art milling plant. They required a solution to stop dust going out of the building instead of being aspirated by the installed system when emptying grain trucks into the wheat grain intake pit.The solutionHart installed three Speedor Storm doors from 4m wide x 5m high to 7m high. The Speedor Storm is the next generation of large external door which has improved wind resistance on both sides of the door and is suitable for larger openings, greater than 6m. This door does not require separate wind bars as the curtain contains wind bracing every 1m and is held securely into the guide channels with rollers at either side. The success Hart Doors sent an experienced engineer to Mombasa to supervise and assist in the installation and commissioning of the doors along with the training of staff to install future orders. 18 more Speedor Storms were ordered for a specialised dry bulk discharge and handling terminal for grain imports, located in Shimanzi, Mombasa.

The 'HOOLA' in Tidal Basin Road in East London, gateway to the soon-to-be regenerated Royal Victoria Docks area, has transformed a brownfield site into two rippling 23 and 24 storey glass towers, that offer 360 apartments with a mix of studios, along with one, two and three-bedroom units.The buildings are super-insulated and the concrete frame will act as a heat sink – absorbing heat on warm days and releasing it back into apartments when it cools. An innovative link-up with the neighbouring ExCel Exhibition Centre will also see excess heat piped directly into the two towers. This will provide all the necessary heating and hot water requirements and significantly reduce maintenance costs by doing away with the need for individual boilers. A critical design requirement for such a super-insulated building was the avoidance of any risk of thermal bridging at the many concrete-to-concrete balcony connectivity points – so highly efficient structural thermal breaks were required throughout. The preferred solution was the Schöck Isokorb® T type K for cantilever balconies.Luke Smerdon-White, Technical Director at Thorp, takes up the story: "We had to design, manufacture and deliver 1410 precast concrete balcony sections that had to then be cast integrally with the in situ concrete structure." "The exposed front-face is curved, with almost 50 different dimensional configurations, while the internal face has a facetted line that had to correlate with the glazing line and opening doors."

Viega’s Megapress press connection technology has been installed across 11 floors of a new £85 million development, 125 Deansgate in Manchester. Selected for its speed of installation and its reputation as a trusted method for connecting thick walled steel tube without hot works, the Megapress connections have been used throughout the heating system.With 12 floors in total, 125 Deansgate echoes the industrial Victorian architecture of the Deansgate area and comprises 117,000 square foot of offices above 12,000 square foot of retail space at ground floor level. The development is expected to achieve a BREEAM Excellence rating on completion.Briggs & Forrester Engineering Services Ltd. were awarded the M&E contract by main contactor Marcus Worthington & Co. Ltd. and began on site in May last year. Briggs & Forrester had not previously worked with Viega’s Megapress system in its northern region so this was the team’s first experience of the product.On the decision to use it in this development, Richie Jones, Site Manager for the company commented: “The project specification suggested using a crimp system for the pipe connections, but Briggs & Forrester Engineering Services do not use lightweight carbon steel crimp systems, so we were looking for an alternative.“Our sister company, Briggs & Forrester Living highlighted that they had used a Viega press connection system on one of their projects and had also been on a Viega factory tour where they had been impressed with the Megapress system. After researching Megapress and the installation process ourselves, we decided to use the product for 125 Deansgate.”In total, approximately 7,000 Megapress connection joints were installed, with somewhere between 500 and 650 joints being used per floor across the 11 floors of office space.Richie highlighted that while Briggs & Forrester were working to a tight programme, Viega’s Megapress helped the company to meet its installation targets though its simple installation process.Using Megapress press connections can provide a 60% to 80% time saving compared with alternatives such as welding, grooving or threading tube. Viega’s proven SC-Contur technology is also designed to deliver a 100% positive leak if a fitting is left unpressed which is clearly discernible during leakage testing or when the system is filled for the first time. This prevents costly remedial work that might be required later on and can again save contractors a significant amount of time on site.Richie continued: “The installation of the Megapress connections was simple and we did not have any issues with the products. There is a good selection of connections to choose from to suit any installation requirement and the system is also simple to clean which reduces the flushing time and overall cost.“We will definitely use Megapress again - using Viega is like going back to using traditional heavy grade steel pipe systems but with a modern twist.”Paul McCormick, Senior Project Manager at Marcus Worthington & Co. Ltd commented, “As yet, Briggs and Forrester have not started to test the system; however, from a safety stand point the Megapress system is much better than traditional brazed pipework as it cuts down on the number of live hot works permits required at any one time and is also less prone to workmanship errors. I look forward to seeing the system prove its reliability during testing.”

Timescales: March 2021 -- Project Size: 800 m2Products: MonoTile - Finished in “Bianco Botticino”The Mills Fabrica, Cottam House, Kings Cross, LondonThe Mills Fabrica is a contemporary co-working space that has been thoughtfully designed to foster collaboration and community among sustainable conscious businesses. A key component of any modern office space is the flooring system, which can have a significant impact on both the aesthetics and functionality of the environment.In order to ensure that the flooring system for The Mills Fabrica was both visually appealing and practical, AFD collaborated closely with our contracting partners. We were able to provide the expertise needed to specify the correct finish design that would be appropriate for the space, taking into account factors such as traffic flow, durability, and maintenance requirements.The chosen flooring system was a Terrazzo raised access system, which was installed alongside matching floor tiles in other areas, as well as wall tiles. The Terrazzo Raised Floor system material is renowned for its durability, low maintenance requirements, and stunning visual appeal.The raised access system offers several advantages over traditional flooring systems. It allows for easy access to the void beneath the flooring, which is particularly useful for buildings that require extensive cabling or piping. It also provides greater flexibility for future modifications to the space, such as the installation of new electrical or data systems.By choosing a Terrazzo raised access system for The Mills Fabrica, we were able to achieve a high-end design finish that seamlessly flows from one area to the next, while still providing the practicality and functionality that is essential for a modern office space. The result is a flooring system that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also enhances the overall functionality of the environment.

Two renowned Alumasc brands, Harmer and Wade, were recently specified and installed for a new striking residential development in London.Newfoundland Tower, also known as “The Diamond Tower”, due to its unique diamond shape and diagonal structure, is a build-to-rent development in Canary Wharf, London. Harmer SML Cast Iron above ground, and Wade gulliesand linear drainagewere installed to provide an effective water management solution.The Harmer SML lightweight cast iron pipework system is dry-jointed, BBA & Kitemark certified, and has a proven track record in above-ground drainage. With its comprehensive range of fittings and accessories, Harmer SML is the ideal soil and waste system for above and below-ground drainage, including rainwater installations, and is fully compatible with other Harmer and Wade drainage products.“Harmer was chosen primarily for its longevity,” said Gary Zumeris - Area Sales Manager – Harmer SML, South. “It’s also easy to install and has excellent acoustic qualities. It’s a very quiet system, which is especially good in apartments or other high-density housing as you can’t hear fluids flowing down the pipes.“The Harmer system was also chosen for its fire-resistant properties, which is an important aspect, due to current legislation. Cast iron is highly specified in London currently, where most buildings incorporate cast iron for increased fire safety.”Harmer SML has the highest product reaction to fire classification possible, which is A1 for BS EN 13501-1, as well as a system fire classification of A2 for BS EN 13823 Single Burning Item A2, s1-d0.

A new flooring solution was required as part of a large, high-specification selfbuild housing project on the stunning Archerfield estate in North Berwick. Underfloor heating had been specified for the ground floor of the house and it was important that the chosen floor solution would help to optimise heating efficiency. Given the scale of the project it was also important that the chosen screed solution could be installed quickly over a large area to fit within the build programme. Following initial discussions and a successful pump trial the customer decided to use Tarmac’s TOPFLOW Screed C cement based liquid screed.TOPFLOW Screed C is a free-flowing, cement based liquid screed that can be trafficked after just 24-48 hours and dries within 21-28 days. It can be pumped into place and allows large areas to be covered quickly with up to 120m2 laid in as little as 45 minutes. Fast drying times mean it can be laid later in the programme when the building is fully water-tight and still hit deadlines for installation of flooring. It is ideal for use with underfloor heating systems. As a self-compacting screed, it fully encapsulates heating pipes without leaving any voids and is also a more conductive medium than traditional sand and cement screeds, improving the thermal performance of the system. It is also compatible with most cement based adhesives meaning it can be used with a wide range of flooring types.The fast-drying times and early trafficking characteristics of TOPFLOW Screed C enabled other trades to follow on quickly, helping to provide continuity and efficiency within the client’s build programme. The contractor was delighted with the outcome, commenting on how good the material was to work with and on the excellent finish achieved.

Newton System 500 provides a complete waterproofing solution for a boathouse situated on the River Thames, installed by Newton Specialist Basement Contractor Stonehouse. Newton Waterproofing Systems were contacted to provide a solution for a delightful boat house on the River Thames.The property originally had a wet dock but this had been back filled and capped with a concrete floor. The client wished to use the ground floor as a bedroom, but during a recent flood the water level had reached 500mm internally.Newton System 500 provided the ideal solution, as it works by redirecting the water, rather than trying to hold water back – which would be impossible under such pressurised conditions. Newton 508 Mesh was chosen for the walls, Newton 520 to the floor with a Newton Basedrain ring around the perimeter. Two Newton Titan Pro pump systems were used, which included a battery back up system.Newton System 500 was installed to this property by Newton Specialist Basement Contractor Stonehouse BasementsRather than holding water pressure back, therefore, it was accepted that the river would penetrate the structure and would be pumped out. The system is designed so that ingressing water is depressurised by the Basedrain and then moved around the Basedrain ring to the two Titan sump chambers. The chambers each had 40mm discharge lines exiting the structure. Both pump systems had non-return valves so if the river rose over the level of the pipe the pumps would still be effective.The full waterproofing system was installed in a little over a week. The major test came when the River Thames rose against the property to a depth of over one metre! The Newton System 500 waterproofing system coped with the water ingress as designed. At the height of the flooding, all three pumps in each sump chamber were operational. The system proved to be fully successful.

This stunning new-build with floor-to-ceiling glass panels is built into the hillside and thus required a robust waterproofing solution for failsafe protection. After the original property on this site in Barnet was demolished, construction began for a new building that could take full advantage of the stunning location. With floor-to-ceiling glass panels on one side of the property , this new-build is the best place to admire the views over London.Built into the hillside, the property was therefore partially-retaining and required a full waterproofing system throughout to protect from unwanted water ingress. As such, Newton Specialist Contractor Stonehouse were called in to expertly install a robust waterproofing system to the entire structure.The client appointed Stonehouse's Richard Allen as the waterproofing design specialist on this project, to ensure a fully BS 8102:2009 compliant build.Due to the partially-retaining nature of the structure, Richard recommended a combination of Type A, B and C waterproofing systems to ensure a Grade 3 habitable environment. Relying on an effective Type B structure, Stonehouse then applied a cementitious coating of Type A Newton 107F to the external surface of the flat roof decks and to the internal area of the lower lift pit.Given the high risk from water, the failsafe Newton CDM System was also installed on both levels of the structure. Newton 508 membrane was securely fixed to the internal walls using Newton's ancillary products, with water from the upper level being bunded and piped down to the lower level, then drained via gravity fall using Newton Basedrain.As one of our most experienced specialist contractors, Stonehouse expertly recommended, designed and installed a truly failsafe waterproofing system that will continue to protect this contemporary home for many years to come. Furthermore, Stonehouse were able to provide a 10-year guarantee for the installation, for complete peace of mind.

Located between St. David's and Aberdour, the tanker terminal at Braefoot Bay is a base for the export of liquefied petroleum gas. The terminal consists of two jetties located on the north shore of Incholm Island. The gas is piped to the Mossmoran Plant in Fife direct from the North Sea, broken down to form ethane and then converted into ethylene, the basic hydrocarbon 'building block' of the petrochemical industry. The products are then piped the final three mile journey to the Braefoot Marine Terminal where they are fed into tankers and gas carriers for markets in Europe and the USA. The terminal is operated jointly by Shell Expro and Exxon.The jetty was suffering from increasing levels of deterioration of the reinforced concrete structure due to the relentless corrosive action of the marine salt environment on the reinforcing steel. A remedial plan was developed to carry out repairs and to introduce a cathodic protection (CP) system to greatly enhance the protection level and therefore extend the life of the structure. The plan was prepared by structural engineers from Shell, led by Hans Verheyde, and Balfour Beatty Construction Services UK (BBCS) was awarded the contract.Two major factors had to be accommodated within the repair programme. Firstly, the tidal flow that submerged the lower part of the jetty twice every 24 hours and secondly, the jetty is a fully live and very active transport hub and shipping schedules had to take precedence at all times. Round-the-clock flexible working maintained delivery of the twelve-month project.Saint-Gobain Weber's specialised repair concrete products were specified for the remedial actions on the Braefoot Bay jetty and technical application advice was provided for the active phase of the project. A suspended scaffold was designed and installed which allowed fast access when the tide ebbed so that productivity could be maintained. Traditional techniques were used to breakout the spalled and cracked concrete and to wash out the surface chlorides and clean the existing reinforcement steels.webercem five star repair concrete CP is a shrinkage-compensated, high strength, low resistivity, flowing repair concrete designed for use in conjunction with CP systems. This pre-blended cementitious concrete fully complies with the Highways Agency Specification Class 29F for high-strength flowing concrete for major structural repairs. It contains non-reactive aggregates with a low soluble-alkali cement content which is particularly important where CP is to be used. The rapid strength development and dimensional stability of webercem five star repair concrete CP – which reaches 27N/mm² in 24 hours – was especially valuable in the tidal conditions in Fife. Tight shuttering was used on the wide beam sections of the jetty to take the poured concrete which reached an integral bond with the original concrete. This process reformed the structural integrity using products with proven durability.An innovative CP system using Duogard® hybrid anodes from CPT was installed to protect the steel reinforcement with the anodes fixed into the soffits with a special CPT mortar. Where the CP installation required chases to carry the cabling, webercem HB40 high-build structural repair mortar was used to fill and seal the chases. webercem bondcoat, a polymer-modified, cementitious bonding aid and steel reinforcement primer, was first applied into the chases to ensure enhanced bonding. webercem HB40 is an acrylic-polymer modified, single component mortar and is lightweight with high build qualities. It can be applied in layers up to 75mm thick vertically, and 50mm on overhead soffits, and can be used without formwork. It was then applied onto the tacky webercem bondcoat primer and finished flush to the concrete surface.The Braefoot Bay terminal project has been completed successfully and Dewi Miller, contracts manager, BBCS, is confident that the jetty protection will extend the working life of the structure. "The products we have used are excellent and the application methods have enabled us to deliver a high degree of protection and reinstatement to the concrete structure. Working on a live site in a tidal zone has required a flexible work schedule but the whole project has worked exactly to plan and the client is very pleased with the result. The Weber materials have been the key to achieving this success."