"water pipes and pipe fittings"

The 16,500m2 new Faculty of Social Sciences building is designed to meet the future growth demands of the department up to the year 2035 and creates a world class, BREEAM outstanding building that encourages collaboration and enhances the Faculty’s reputation for excellence in teaching and research.The landscape design for the new University of Sheffield building set out to create a large area of public realm on the social sciences campus, with provision for sustainable drainage systems including extensive use of tree pits and rain gardens. As part of the SuDS design specifications, a Blue Roof stormwater drainage system was considered as an alternative option to underground attenuation tanks to keep surface water run-off within the discharge consent.ABG were able to demonstrate that specifying a shallow Blue Roof attenuation layer involved much lower carbon emissions than excavating underground storage tanks.The volume of vehicle movements required to install underground stormwater attenuation compared to the ABG blueroof system was calculated (delivered from ABG’s factory based 25 miles away), and a carbon footprint saving of 59% was estimated. The reduction in construction emissions was deemed particularly important given the site’s proximity to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital.The 108mm ABG blueroof system design was fitted over a 4,500m2 roof catchment area by the ABG Installs team over a period of 8 weeks. The inverted roof system build-up includes a 245mm XPS insulation installed onto the waterproofing with a Water Flow Reducing Layer (WFRL) above. The ABG Deckdrain 4mm geocomposite drainage layer is installed above a 100mm void former, wrapped in a Terrex NW20 geotextile layer to prevent debris entering the drainage voids. The roof build-up is completed with a surface finish combination of stone ballast and 63mm pavers.For the majority of the year, the roof drains into the rainwater outlets as normal, however during prolonged spells of heavy rainfall the void formers begin to temporarily attenuate the stormwater. During storm periods the rainfall outflow rate is slowed using 13 stainless steel restrictor chambers, positioned above each rainwater outlet.This controls the volume of water that is able to discharge from the roof during the storm, minimising surface water run-off and reducing the risk of flooding in the local area. The system is calculated to only reach maximum attenuation volume during a 1-in-100 year storm event, as calculated using the Flood Estimation Handbook rainfall data for Sheffield, plus 40% allowance for climatic change. The system features an integrated overflow outlet in the event a storm occurs that exceeds this designed capacity.

With over 300 members of staff, it can get very busy in the café area and to keep everyone happy and productive, the facilities team had to think of smart ways to deliver refreshments during peak times.Paul Fraine, the Facilities Manager, eliminated the option of boiling water through kettles and providing bottled water for their staff. Our popular sparkling systems, combining boiling, chilled and sparkling filtered water through the XL lever dispenser in chrome were the perfect solution, giving the team a wide range of drinks to enjoy on a daily basis.

When Saffery Champness moved to the new premises in the City of London, they required boiling and chilled filtered water systems for their four tea points. Gail Woodend, Facilities Manager and Dean Donnelly, Facilities Assistant Manager were introduced to Billi after speaking to their appointed interior designer, Edge GB.After carefully discussing the client’s requirements, the Billi Quadra Plus 15 was specified for the four teapoints. This is extremely energy and space efficient as it combines filtered drinking water provision with hot water dispense, all from one under counter system.

The Parap Swimming Pool in Darwin, Australia needed water tight, corrosion resistant doors that would not rot, rust, warp, swell or corrode. These doors were to be used in external areas exposed to chlorine water, rainwater and high temperatures from sun exposure. The doors needed to withstand conditions but also adopt the architecture aesthetic finish. Dortek were able to supply their GRP doors and frames to the project as it was a necessity for the doors to be water and corrosion resistant. Some of the doors were to be located externally and able to withstand sun exposure and hot temperatures.

We are delighted to share that our Climate Resilient Schools program in partnership with the Greater London Authority, the Department for Education, and Thames Water, received recognition at the prestigious Flood and Coast Awards. This accolade is a testament to the effectiveness and innovation of our approach to climate resilience. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to London's sustainability goals and support the city's commitment to addressing climate change.At Meristem Design, we are proud to have been awarded the prestigious Climate Resilient Schools contract by the Greater London Authority (GLA). Our mission was to design, build, and install 564 SuDS Rain Planters across London's most flood-prone schools. In collaboration with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, the Department for Education, and Thames Water, our aim was to enhance the resilience of these schools in London, ensuring they are better prepared to face the challenges posed by climate change. Through this project, we aimed to create sustainable, climate-resilient environments while educating children on the importance of nature in combatting global warming.FOCUSING ON FLOOD-PRONE SCHOOLSThe Climate Resilient Schools project focuses on schools that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Priority is given to the top 10 percent of schools facing the highest surface water flood risk and falling within the most severe bands of the Climate Risk Map. Flooding can have a devastating impact on schools, as was evidenced in the summer of 2007 when extensive flooding in England led to widespread school closures, resulting in a staggering loss of 400,000 pupil school days and an estimated economic cost of £12 million.Outlined below are the key elements of the program along with a list of participating schools:SuDS Rain Planters: To mitigate flood risk, 72 schools have received 564 Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) rain planters. These planters effectively capture rainwater from rooftops, providing a dual benefit of flood reduction and supporting biodiversity. The feedback from schools has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing satisfaction with their SuDS rain planters. In fact, one enthusiastic Year 2 student, while participating in the planting process, expressed their aspiration to become a gardener in the future.Smarter Business Visits: Thames Water's Smarter Business Visits program offers free assessments to identify leaks and install water-efficient fittings in schools. Measures such as tap restrictors, urinal sensors, and conversion from single-flush to dual-flush toilets have been implemented in 28 schools.Weather Stations and Educational Resources: To monitor the effectiveness of the SuDS rain planters, weather stations with loggers have been installed in 24 schools. This network of weather stations is one of the most extensive in any school system. Further details and data regarding this project can be accessed on the FreeStation website.Climate Adaptation Plans: Bespoke climate adaptation plans have been provided to 60 schools to assist in identifying potential measures for future implementation, aimed at addressing the risks associated with a changing climate and extreme weather events. Each school underwent a survey to determine high-risk areas within their premises, following which appropriate measures and interventions were suggested. Examples of such measures include green roofs or window shading to mitigate overheating. The SuDS planters have proven to be a remarkable success, as they operate autonomously without requiring additional watering. The flourishing plants, nurtured by harvested rainwater, have delighted the children involved in the planting process. As part of the team at Meristem Design, we are proud to have contributed to the fabrication of the SuDS planters and the successful delivery of this project.

With a poor accident record, the initial project on the 2.3 km upgrade of the A7 Auchenrivock route, south of Langholm was to improve and increase the number of overtaking opportunities of the roadway, while incorporating the need of cyclists and pedestrians, the water management needs of the scheme, including surface water runoff had to be taken into consideration.

Franke were thrilled to provide products to one of the UK’s leading theme parks and attractions for a recent refurbishment, which consisted of a large male toilet room, a large female toilet room and a less abled disabled washroom. Water conservation was also an important aspect. Franke supplied a number of self closing Pureline taps, which only release water for a controlled amount of time, bringing down water usage in the washroom. Stainless steel table top soap dispensers (SD80) were also supplied, removing the possibility of spillages onto the vanity units and making the area easier to clean.

Over 320m2 of Terrabound resin bound surfacing was specified for the pathways of the Cool Garden designed by multi-award-winning designer Jo Thompson. The design has a strong focus on water, embracing the challenge of the high levels of rainfall experienced in the region. With water flow in mind, BBA certified Terrabound resin bound porous surfacing was chosen for the curving pathways that follow the rills and form organic shaped planting beds, helping to reduce surface water runoff. A 6mm Hazelnut natural aggregate blend was selected, providing seamless, low maintenance, decorative pathways for this stunning new garden.

Delta Membrane Systems Limited was asked to assistance on a particularly technically complicated project. The project in question was a new build luxury property in North London, providing almost 17,000 sq ft of accommodation, over four floors.  High volumes of hydrostatic water pressure was bearing on the structure, which was causing the property to suffer severe water ingress through construction joints. The property when constructed was built at a low level, it sits lower than the neighbouring properties adding to the hydrostatic water pressure issue.  An additional problem was the property had been built without a waterbar/hydrophilic strip.

Being one of Accor’s preferred suppliers for water filtration, coupled with the heritage of the brand, it was no surprise that BRITA was the nominated partner for the water program at Novotel London Tower Bridge. Located at the heart of the British capital and metres from the world-famous Tower Bridge, this hotel boasts of its commitment to sustainability and making efforts to change the mindset of customers, so that sustainability becomes a key factor they actively seek out, when choosing a hotel.Under their commitment to sustainability, one of the key objectives of the hotel was to look for eco-friendly alternatives and removal of any single-use materials, driving a positive change towards hospitality. This is where BRITA stepped in, addressing some of the major environmental challenges currently faced by this sector and helping to create zero single-use plastic culture in hotels.Novotel London Tower Bridge embraced the versatile Top Pro – a champion water dispenser by BRITA, on every floor of their hotel, dispensing premium, filtered water on demand for staff and guests at the touch of a button. Expertly designed with an intuitive display, the Top Pro provides unlimited ambient, chilled still, semi-sparkling and sparkling water to cater to tastes of all customers. Guests are provided with glass bottles (BRITA Swing model) in their rooms, that they can refill themselves, and access on-demand filtered water on their respective floors when needed. In addition to the rooms, this hotel also   provides filtered water to its guests in the  bar and restaurant with the BRITA Top Pro, bringing great tasting still or sparkling water to complement customers’ food & beverage choices. This has encouraged the restaurant to advertise filtered water as a sustainable offering to its guests.This hotel has also provided BRITA's reusable Wave bottles to all of its staff, helping to educate and empower them to take sustainable actions. These initiatives have had a positive impact on the environmental footprint of the hotel, by significantly helping to manage single-use waste. The time and costs involved in the process of having to buy, store, refrigerate and transport bottles have been considerably reduced, thus leaving more time to focus on things that directly contribute to guest experience.Giada Melegoni, Front of House Operations Manager, Novotel London Tower BridgeSince 2022 we have been using the BRITA dispensers to cater to water requirements of our guests on each floor as well as our bar and restaurant. We used to purchase about 70,000 bottles per year for the rooms alone which we have now completely eliminated! Having a dispenser on every floor has not only had a huge impact on waste control and a predicted 30% cost-saving for our hotel, this initiative has generated such a positive response from our guests, improving our overall ‘eco-friendly’ score in our customer satisfaction surveys. Being sustainable in a hotel can come with certain challenges and uncertainties, but our recommendation would be to start by taking small steps. Customers are demanding higher sustainability measures from hospitality venues and by creating a hotel that reflects their values, you’re also helping empower their drive for sustainability. Partnering with BRITA and investing in a water program has been an easy way for us to limit the environmental footprint of our establishment.

Wunderman wanted to make their space just as aesthetically pleasing. With a modern style office, they sought to ensure their 300 London staff were kept fully hydrated, keeping the creative thinkers, business minds and data scientists in tip top condition. They chose two Quadra Plus models dispensing boiling and chilled filtered water from XL lever taps in a Chrome finish; and hot and cold filtered water from matching paddle mixer taps. For their meeting room, they opted for one Quadra Plus Sparkling system in Matte Black, this system allows them to dispense additional filtered sparkling water.

REQUIREMENT: Able-bodied access to the cabin. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: We quoted and produced technical and CAD drawings, with reference to the finished floor height measurement supplied by the modular building company.END RESULT:Our expert installers fitted a step system as shown. FEATURES INCLUDED: Mesh Platform - self-draining mesh allows water to pass through rather than collect on the surface.Trombone Ends - these are added to the ends of a step system to prevent clothes catching.Telescopic Legs - these can be adjusted to accommodate different threshold heights.Standard Continuous Handrail - this handrail system ensures users always have support to hold onto.Standard Colour Black - ramps are powder-coated black, to create a durable finish that is tougher than conventional paint.THE COMPLETE RAMP PACKAGE:An all-inclusive, stress-free option which we managed in-house.This package includes a site survey (if applicable), quotation, CAD and technical drawing, supply, and installation. 

PROJECTWith the UK market for high specification homes in desirable locations continuing to grow this year, Abode was the natural choice to supply the prestigious Limsi Grove Cala Homes development in Hertford. Designed to cater for the executive market, 41 exceptional 3,4 and 5 bedroomed detached family homes have been meticulously designed to complement a conservation area and provide the best in town and country living, offering modernity and low maintenance. With properties on the market at £834,950-£1,359,950, choosing the best suppliers was key.  PRODUCTSTwo styles of undermounted sinks from Abode’s classic R50 stainless steel range were selected for installation with solid surfaces for a premium look and feel in the kitchen (AW5015) and utility room (AW5014). The classic Matrix R50 under-mount stainless steel sink collection offers a range of 0.7mm thick 18/10 grade steel bowls that will suit every kitchen environment and budget. Other options include the AW5015 large single bowl, and LH or RH 1.5 bowl sinks. All Abode stainless steel sinks are made from 304 grade stainless steel, which is highly durable with excellent corrosion resistance.  The kitchens in the Limsi Grove development were supplied with AW5015 large single bowl sinks which were combined with an Abode Pronteau Prothia 3 IN 1 hot water tap (PT1142) in Chrome or Matt Black. This ensured a practical working area for the end user with domestic hot, cold and 98° instant steaming hot water, making the tap fully compliant with Part G (3) of UK building regulations.  The Pronteau Prothia 3 IN 1 tap is available in two contemporary spout choices, swan neck and quad and 5 on trend colourways: Chrome, Matt Black, Urban Copper, Brushed Nickel and Brushed Brass, an option to satisfy all decors  Developers also benefit from the quick to install, Proboil.2X intelligent hot water boiler which can be fitted quickly and easily in the wet zone. Furthermore, Abode’s Proboil hot water products comply with all LVD/EMC/ROHS standards according to CE and UKCA. Both Proboil boiler models (2L or 4L) have WRAS certification to further reinforce the company’s ability to design and make safe and stylish tap solutions. All Pronteau taps are either WRAS or KIWA approved or have approvals pending.  DESIGN COMMENT Paul Illingworth, Design Manager at Abode says, “We are proud to support superior homes in superb locations through our comprehensive range of contemporary sinks and taps. Our extensive trend-mapping and research into the UK kitchen market allows us to pinpoint key lifestyle trends and given that online research by consumers is now specific as opposed to just browsing, we know that home buyers demand practical luxury. Considering this, our main areas of focus major on all elements of luxury interior design including safety, efficiency, flexibility and reliability. This is why we were pleased to elevate the quality of life for end users at Limsi Grove with larger sinks which can accommodate bigger pots and pans especially in conjunction with a steaming hot water tap for enhanced cooking.”

THE CLIENTThe Novotel Leicester is a modern hotel in the heart of the city, convenient for business or leisure guests. The hotel boasts easy access to many of Leicester most exciting attractions, close to the Leicester Tigers Stadium and King Power Stadium, the National Space Centre and The Curve Theatre. THE CHALLENGETo provide shading to expand their outdoor dining area for the NINEB Restaurant, as well as added brand visibility with the addition of sign writing on the awning and side blindsTHE SOLUTIONThe Markilux Pergola was chosen for the frame and roof, with the addition of Markilux 790 side blinds to offer additional wind protection, partitioning and brand awareness.Markilux PergolaThe Markilux Pergola awning shelters large areas from the sun. Two slender support posts at the front provide excellent stability, even during showers, and unobtrusive lateral guide tracks. The pitch of Markilux Pergola is easily adjustedMade to measure and manufactured in GermanyRated for wind speeds up to 30mph (Beaufort 6)Water resistant, dirt proof, non fading acrylic fabric with UPF 50+ sun protection4 frame colours and hundreds of fabrics choices as standardChoice of electric or remote control operationExtended product and workmanship guarantee availableMarkilux 790The Markilux 790 is simple to operate and has a compact cassette which fits to the wall vertically. It extends manually and fixes to a freestanding post or bracket fixture on a fence railing.Made to measure and manufactured in GermanyWater resistant, dirt proof, non fading acrylic fabric with UPF 50+ sun protection4 frame colours and hundreds of fabrics choices as standardExtended product and workmanship guarantee available

Leicester City Council has worked collaboratively with Asda, ISG and ACO Water Management to achieve a first in sustainable urban drainage within a supermarket development. The solution is an integrated drainage solution that combines proprietary and vegetative systems to achieve effective surface water management, whilst introducing a level of biodiversity never attained before on a retail development.

Central Scotland Police have selected DVS automatic flushvalves and wave on sensors for their new hand rinse system which have been in place since the early seventies.Due to the nature of the cells a lot of water was being wasted with each flush and hand wash. Choosing DVS flushvalves and wave on sensors for the hand rinse basins will significantly reduce their water usage. DVS flush valves and sensors have various functionalities for high security environments, including ligature resistant designs along with lock out functions to prevent any mis-use. This also prevents the system from being flooded, also minimising any potential water wastage.

An introduction to laboratory gas and water taps.

Sika supplied the waterproof solution to eliminate the threat of water ingress at an underground car park which houses a fleet of luxury cars.The car park, situated in Camden, North London, was subject to lateral moisture ingress due to ground water. It was decided to waterproof the affected area to safeguard a number of expensive cars regularly parked in a nearby designated bay.

The fit-out of a new primary school building in North-West London has featured the installation of half a dozen different configuration of high quality stainless steel work-surfaces within its teaching, staff and family areas, specified for their durability and visual appeal as well as the creation of hygienic, easy to clean and maintain facilities.The Edith Neville Primary School in Camden has been built by Orpington based Neilcott Construction for the London Borough of Camden with Hayhurst and Co. Architects leading the design team. Project Architect, Jamie Wakefield, commented: “I had seen GEC sinks on another project and we specified them as part of a full Stage 4 design for the Edith Neville Primary School, which has been built for the London Borough of Camden. Schools inevitably get some very heavy usage, but with stainless steel it is easy to clean the surfaces up and get them looking smart again and they’ll still look good in ten years’ time. The different GEC fabrications feature throughout the new school as classroom art sinks, tea-point countertops and in spaces such as the family centre. There is also one in the staff kitchenette and a special studio space. We’re very pleased with how they look and they are working well for the school.”The many and varied units supplied by G. E. C. Anderson include a total of 16 in varying sizes from 1440mm long x 600mm deep and up to 3073mm long x 650mm deep, all with flat surfaces for food preparation and stacking dishes, including ten units supplied with one full size sink and six with a full sink together with half sink, plus three with cut out for cooker hobs, while 300mm high splashbacks- again in stainless steel, help prevent water or waste material staining or damaging the walls. The tops also incorporate five different edge details for such purposes as preventing water run-off.Since its formation in 1962, GEC Anderson has built its reputation for the supply of top end stainless steel sinks and sanitaryware on a combination of innovative design, top quality materials and expert craftsmanship. In addition to the company’s Decimetric system of cabinets, sinks, drainers and other equipment - widely specified for sectors including health and catering – it is able to create custom engineered solutions to exactly fit any space or specification.

St James Quarter is an impressive new galleria retail shopping centre and residential development that rejuvenates a large area of the New Town in Edinburgh city centre. The site was formerly occupied by a dated 1960s era shopping precinct, and with the exception of the John Lewis store, all of these old buildings have now been demolished to make way for the new development. The £1 bn project creates 850,000 sq. feet of new retail space, with a capacity for 80 units focussed on high-end retail alongside the Bonnie & Wild’s Scottish Marketplace and Food Hall.Such a large city centre development is subject to strict planning conditions for the management of surface water. The Water Environment Regulations3 (CAR regulations, Scotland) require all surface water from new developments to be attenuated and treated by a Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) before it is discharged into the water network. The aim of SuDS is to mimic natural drainage, encourage infiltration and attenuate hydraulic impacts to minimise downstream flood risk. Excavating underground storm water storage tanks to control surface water run-off was not possible since three levels of basement parking are incorporated beneath the retail centre. Even where possible, basement tanks are comparatively expensive compared to roof level attenuation systems, with high spoil disposal costs, increased safety risks arising from the excavation activities and a large carbon footprint incurred as a result of the number of additional site vehicle movements.The proposals for drainage and SuDS at the St James Quarter development were mainly focussed on the large 15,000m2 catchment area on roof level 5, with 4,734m2 of 80mm deep attenuation void capacity installed by ABG’s installation division ABG Installs. The blueroof system treats and restricts storm water that deluges onto the roof before it is gradually released over a number of hours via outlet control and filtration chambers to the underground drainage system.The attenuation and restrictor chambers on level 5 (east and west of the soon to open central circular W hotel building) and onto balcony areas 1 and 2 at the front and back of the upper apartment buildings, are supplemented with an additional of 2,280m2 of ABG Roofdrain geocomposite, installed at the base of rooftop planters to provide a connected drainage and irrigation / reservoir layer as part of the landscaping design.ABG calculated and designed the required attenuation capacity, including a new diffuser chamber solution to control water outflow at downpipes.

Refreshing chilled water, still and sparkling, on tap!

This case study focuses on the successful implementation of Britmet's Structural Conversion System, BritFrame, and composite slate tile, Liteslate, installed by ART Contracts LTD in a residential flat roof renovation project near Llangollen. The existing roof had been plagued by ponding and water ingress, necessitating repeated repairs and replacements over 20 years. This case study explores the benefits, challenges, and outcomes of utilizing the Britframe and Liteslate, providing a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing solution. Residential flat roofs are susceptible to issues such as ponding water, water ingress and yearly inspections, which can lead to recurrent maintenance and repair requirements. This case study showcases the utilisation of Britmet Lightweight Roofing's Britframe Structural Conversion System and Liteslate to overcome these challenges and deliver a durable, low-maintenance roofing solution. Britframe is a versatile and innovative solution designed to convert flat roofs into pitched roofs, providing improved water runoff and a new more aesthetically pleasing finish, and reduced risk of ponding water and improved thermal performance. This can be covered using a variety of different roofing materials, and Liteslate, a lightweight synthetic slate roofing slate, was specified due to its excellent weather resistance, durability, and aesthetically appealing finish. Llangollen is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site along eleven miles of canal from Gledrid to the Horseshoe Falls and required a durable yet authentic roofing solution.The project involved the renovation of a residential flat roof that had undergone multiple repairs and replacements over 20 years due to ponding and water ingress, and constant maintenance. ART Contracts LTD was tasked with implementing and installing LiteSlate to resolve recurring issues.The Britframe System converted the existing flat roof into a pitched roof, enabling efficient water runoff and preventing ponding, thereby eliminating the risk of water ingress, and reducing the need for yearly inspections and constant maintenance to site, Britmet’s Liteslate offered excellent weather resistance and durability, reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements while offering an attractive finish replicating the appearance of natural slate. Overall offering the advantages of lightweight construction and ease of installation.Conducting a thorough structural assessment of the existing flat roof to ensure compatibility and feasibility of the Britframe required careful analysis and engineering expertise. Coordinating the installation of the Britframe and Liteslate with existing roof features, such as skylights or ventilation systems, posed challenges in achieving a seamless integration.The implementation of Britframe has effectively addressed the issue of ponding, providing efficient water runoff and preventing water ingress into the residential property. The utilisation of Liteslate offered exceptional durability, weather resistance, and longevity, significantly reducing the need for future repairs and replacements, and thereby providing long-term cost savings. Liteslate also improved the overall aesthetic appeal of the residential property, replicating the natural beauty of slate roofing while offering the advantages of lightweight construction. The integration of the Britmet Lightweight Britframe System and Liteslate successfully addressed the challenges the building was facing. The project resulted in improved water runoff, enhanced durability, a more aesthetically pleasing roofing solution, along with a new 60+ year life expectancy. This case study emphasizes the importance of selecting innovative and reliable roofing systems to overcome recurring roofing issues and deliver long-lasting and visually appealing outcomes.

A four-bedroom farmhouse built on an exclusive development on the border of Wiltshire and Berkshire, has had a Grant renewable heating system installed including an Aerona³ air source heat pump, hot water cylinder and heat emitters. This property completes the development of four sustainably built homes, all of which have Grant heat pumps fulfilling their heating and hot water requirements.

Edenside Barn is a real-life demonstration property in the Cumbria Flood Resilient Showcase Project. The idea behind the Flood Resilient Showcase Project was to use products and materials that will try to keep water out of properties prone to flooding. In a flooding event that is less severe, those products (all of which have been tested to a high specification) are expected to reduce water ingress.

When specifying the most appropriate method of waterproofing for a new-build basement it is advisable to follow the recommendations within BS 8102:2009 ‘Code of Practice for Protection of Below Ground Structures Against Water from the Ground’. The standard advises on the types of waterproofing available and confirms the performance grade to be achieved. This project required Grade 3 protection – no dampness or water penetration acceptable.

This large car dealership in Dorset required a new car park surface for the external paved areas. Planning requirements meant that a porous system was required to enable sustainable drainage and avoid large scale run-off into the surrounding catchment. Using Tarmac's ULTISuDS porous asphalt sustainable drainage systems met the needs of the local planners by managing surface water and reducing direct surface water run-off, but also met the client’s requirement for a safe, accessible all-weather surface for their customers. By eliminating surface water, it also eliminates the problem ice patches that can occur in cold weather conditions. It would also be durable enough to cope with daily vehicle movement and static loading from cars that were on display. 

Customer: Mark Greensill, Rugeley, West Midlands, England Background to the IssueMark Greensill from Rugeley in the West Midlands had a major issue of weed ingress in his garden pond. The garden feature was created 15 years ago and after fitting a brand-new pond liner just last year the very aggressive weed Mare’s Tail (also commonly known as horseweed) had broken through a seal and was growing rapidly in the pond. The creeping stems of this highly destructive plant may go down deep below the surface, making them hard to remove by digging out. CT1 Provides and Environmentally Compliant SolutionMark needed a long-term solution to repair the liner without replacing it, whilst being environmentally friendly to ensure no detrimental chemical impacts on the pond life and ecological biodiversity of the surrounding areas. Containing neither solvents nor highly reactive isocyanates CT1 is environmentally compliant and perfect for all pond and water feature maintenance as it will not affect any aquatic plants. Why Choose CT1?Having seen CT1 in his local hardware store and previously watched videos of internet sensations The Bald Builders sticking a skip to the ceiling and driving a Ferrari under it, Mark was sure it would provide the answers to his problem without having to drain all 900,000 litres of water out of the pond.For ease of access to remove the Mare’s Tail he pumped out approx. 250,000 litres of water. This made identifying where the harmful, spreading weed had damaged the pond liner very easy.As the CT1 is a highly deformable, polymer enriched sealant and adhesive with 350% more elongation it can be used in wet and damp conditions where increased flexibility, resistance to environmental changes and UV light are important.The Application of CT1Mark cleaned any silt and filamentous algae off the effected areas to ensure full contact of CT1 on the pond liner repair.This created a perfect seal that would prevent further ingress of damaging weeds while simultaneously preventing water seeping out of the pond. Another Successful Result Provided by CT1!The repair of the pond liner is a complete success, and the garden feature has been restored for the family to enjoy and local wildlife to benefit from. Mark said;“I’m absolutely delighted with the result. I thought I was going to have to remove and replace the while pond liner. It would have been so much work. CT1 provided such a great solution; cost effective, time saving and environmentally safe for the pondlife and local habitat.”Once again CT1, which comprises of the very best raw materials, has demonstrated why it’s the number 1 sealant and adhesive available. CT1 is always leading the way in quality, service and advancements being made in the construction industry.

The ChallengeA former industrial area along the south bank of the Union Canal in Merchiston, Edinburgh required transformation with the expected outcome of becoming one of the places to live in the city centre. A housing development was to provide a stylish addition to the already thriving growing community.The development consists of 11 stylish, one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The apartments feature high quality engineered flooring, bespoke kitchens, designer bathrooms and fitted wardrobes, and each has a terrace or balcony enjoying open views over the canal.It was important that the building materials used were sympathetic to the local sandstone buildings.The SolutionThe original intention had been to use extruded bricks for the project, however, it was decided instead to use Forterra’s buff, stock thrown, Belgravia Gault Blend from its Ecostock range. A total of 55,000 bricks were used in the construction of Horne Terrace.The BenefitsBelgravia Gault Blend complemented beautifully the sandstone aesthetic of the buildings in the locality, while at the same time delivering great technical specification of low water absorption and low embodied carbon.

Ridgeway Views is a collection of 490 flats set within 47 acres overlooking fields of Totteridge Valley. These energy-efficient homes offer village life coupled with city living. The development includes a gym, bar, parking, charging points, landscaped gardens, fitness trail, concierge, café, car club and play area. The National Institute for Medical Research was originally designed in 1934 by Maxwell Ayrton, with the buildings all being named after pioneering researchers from the institute (Dodson & Wolff House), with the main cruciform named as Ayrton House. This building has been recreated with a green copper-roofed centre, village pond, 3 storey workspace and restaurant.Cellecta’s HEXATHERM XPERi was specified by Julian de Metz of dMFK working with Hawkins\Brown & RMA Architects due to its closed cell structure that provides unrivalled resistance to water absorption and high compressive strength, making them ideal for external basement lining applications.Barratt Homes was supplied 112,500m² of Cellecta products to develop these flats in the Mill Hill conservation area.