Latest innovations and products in the building fabric section of the construction industry.

Topped off and sold out with Rapidres Fastrack from Creagh

,

It’s a double celebration for SevenCapital this week as the developer, alongside construction partners Colmore Tang and Creagh Concrete, marks the topping out of its St Martin’s Place development – and announces it is now sold out one year ahead of expected completion.

With 228 new one, two and three- bedroom apartments across four blocks of between six and 17 storeys, the development will feature exclusive private residents’ amenities, including cinema room, WiFi lounge and a gym.

 

Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 4)

 

The building envelope is now complete, with floors laid across the development and windows fitted to all levels. M&E has been integrated into panels off-site.  The build utlised a total of 3000 precast pieces, manufactured by Creagh at their head office facilities in County Antrim (NI), benefitting the project with six months build betterment against traditional construction methods.
Seamus McKeague Chief Executive of Creagh Concrete added: “This is a proud moment for Creagh. In recent years we have moved from being just a concrete and materials supplier to a specialist subcontractor, which has opened up new opportunities. We are seeing strong interest in our Rapidres Fastrack Build System because developers now understand the true value of slashing programme times. Investors not only benefit from revenue gained by the early occupation of units but, also, from the mobility of their capital resource. Quite simply, shorter build times mean developers can complete more projects with the same pot of finance.”

www.creaghconcrete.co.uk

/0 Comments/by

Protect Membranes IS supplier of choice for flagship modular development

A variety of wall construction membranes, roofing underlays and accessories from Protect Membranes has been used by modular construction specialists Totally Modular as part of an innovative pilot scheme, built offsite on behalf of social housing provider Citizen in partnership with Coventry City Council.

Built in compliance with BOPAS, CML and LA Building Control requirements, the scheme involved the manufacture of a two-bedroom and a three-bedroom two-storey dwelling in light gauge steel frame, built in controlled factory conditions in Totally Modular’s premises in Birmingham. Using this volumetric modular approach, a series of four fully furnished modules were created, delivered to former disused land in Willenhall and craned into place before being connected together onsite.  Taking just twenty weeks from build to delivery, time on site was reduced significantly in comparison to traditional housebuilding construction.  With offsite construction seen as an ideal way to combat the national housing crisis and deliver a quality, precision product, the pilot was deemed to be successful with the potential for roll out across Citizen’s housing stock where suitable land is available.
A number of Protect products were supplied and installed in both dwellings to help ensure the management of moisture within the structures. This ensured condensation control and strict airtightness levels were met to help meet a minimum levels of 4.00m³/h.m.² or lower. This included Protect BarriAir, an internal airtightness and vapour control layer to contribute to energy efficiency and Protect Zytec, a roofing underlay offering strong wind uplift resistance and good vapour permeability.  The roof structure also included Protect RediRoll, a universal dry fixed ventilated ridge and hip system, to deliver 5,000mm2/m of ventilation as well as the Protect Eaves Skirt and dry verge system.

 

Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 4)

 

Mick Pettitt, Director at Totally Modular commented, “Protect’s comprehensive package of solutions was the perfect fit for this project to help us meet the detailed specification, using materials that we know are tried and trusted.  In particular, the use of BarriAir helped to achieve strict airtightness and vapour control, contributing to an outstanding energy efficiency rating for both properties that exceeded Building Regulation requirements. The dwellings achieved a 97 and 98 EPC ‘A’ rating, which compares very well to the average rating of band ‘D’ for properties built in England and Wales.   Protect understood our needs and provided detailed technical support along the way, whilst ensuring our products were delivered on time to meet our busy schedule.”
Richard Whittaker, Director of Development at Citizen, said: “The products supplied by Protect were ideal for the modular homes and helped them achieve a high energy rating. There are so many benefits to modular housing which include reduced disruption at site, high thermal efficiency and quick completion. We’re looking forward to seeing the use of modular homes increase in future.”
Protect’s range of wall, ceiling and floor construction membranes together with its roofing underlays and accessories provides a comprehensive solution to the modular build sector, helping to ensure the whole building envelope and internal structure can be controlled in terms of moisture management, condensation control and thermal resistance.
For details of how Protect products can be incorporated into both residential and commercial builds constructed offsite:

please email info@protectmembranes.com

or call 0161 905 5700, quoting ‘Totally Modular’ or visit

www.protectmembranes.com

/0 Comments/by

ICF – Insulation Comes First

Now that the glamour of being photographed beside the latest renewable technology of wind turbines and solar farms has worn off, the principle of Fabric First is being recognised as a more immediate and reliable process of improving energy efficiency in buildings.   

Even without the subsidies and grants awarded for generating energy, the benefits and long term economy of improving the performance of building fabric has at last been recognised as more significant in the equation of balancing our environmental impact.

FABRIC FIRST has become the strapline for sustainable construction.  After all, if you build a decent stable with a well fitted door, the horse (ie. energy) wouldn’t be able to bolt and, given the improved comfort levels in the building, probably wouldn’t want to anyway!
Retaining energy in the building reduces energy demand and the detrimental effect of lost energy on the ice caps.   Reducing energy demand reduces energy costs and environmental impact.   The more passive buildings are in terms of energy needs, the more the environmental impact is reduced – permanently.

 

Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 4)

 

FABRIC FIRST – Insulation is the key ingredient
By improving the performance of building fabric – thermal insulation, air tightness, elimination of cold bridges – energy demand is reduced.   ICF (Insulating Concrete Formwork) building systems do just that, as a complete formwork system to contain the concrete structure they are also a complete insulation system to contain the energy.   ICF (Insulation Comes First) is a primary means of reducing energy demand in buildings, and the Wallform ICF system has been designed and detailed to maximise the efficiency of the building envelope.
The simple logic of ICF construction enhances the overall performance of the building – insulation on the face of the wall where it is most effective, complete insulation with good airtightness and no thermal bridging.   With nothing to rot, corrode or deteriorate over time, a Wallform structure will last significantly longer than other forms of construction.
Although build costs are increasingly competitive as ICF becomes more popular, long life expectancy places Wallform ICF ahead of alternative building methods in terms of both Total Life Costing and carbon footprint.
AND – should the building reach the end of its useful life, the materials can be recycled into a new generation of building materials.

FABRIC FIRST – PRODUCTIVITY NEXT

While ICF construction is a practical route to raising performance standards, UK construction still has to overcome the problem of productivity which has not improved in recent years.   Efforts to upgrade the performance of traditional building methods have complicated the building process and constrained output.
Wallform ICF, on the other hand, actually simplifies the building process, speeding up the rate of build at the same time as producing a strong structure which is fully insulated and airtight in its basic format.   Other than use of a concrete pump to place the concrete, the building process does not require any specialist tools or equipment to achieve high rates of productivity.
Quality of construction is also improved as the materials’ functions overlap – no leakage of concrete through the formwork means no leakage of energy as there are no gaps in the insulation.   Similarly as the structure is built, the concrete seals it with a high level of airtightness.   First fix services are then recessed easily into the insulation substrate, with no effect on airtightness.
The practical building technique means that upskilling the existing workforce is a relatively smooth process of transition.   The introduction of ICF methods causes minimal disruption and is an opportunity for the existing workforce to raise levels of output in the process of adopting a Modern Method of Construction.    Site performance is improved and the processes of procurement and management made easier as a consequence of a simpler building method.

www.becowallform.co.uk

/0 Comments/by

External Wall Insulation (EWI)

EWI is used to augment the thermal insulation performance of existing external walls by improving their thermal resistance value.

EWI is the preferred method of insulating a solid wall property, refurbishing non-traditional housing or that which requires external repair work, or to improve a building that has severe heating problems. It should only be applied to walls that do not suffer from pre-existing rising damp.

An EWI ‘system’ comprises an insulation layer fixed to the outside of the wall and covered with a protective and decorative render, brick effect or cladding finish.

The insulation layer can be expanded polystyrene (EPS), phenolic foam or polyurethane foam boards; or mineral wool (MW) batts. A render finish is a cement based, mineral or synthetic base coat reinforced with mesh; and over-coated with a primer. A top coat render is then applied and finished to a smooth, textured, painted or pebble-dashed finish. Dry cladding includes timber boards and aluminium panels; whereas brick effect finishes can be stone or clay tiles or brick slips.

Benefits of EWI include ​improved protection of external walls against rain penetration to the inside, reduced heat loss, reduced CO2 emissions and lower heating/energy bills, reduced draughts through walls and around window frames, improved sound resistance and an enhanced appearance (i.e greater “kerb appeal”).

Warmer walls reduce the risk of condensation on internal wall surfaces and help with damp problems; and increase a property’s energy efficiency (EPC) rating.

EWI will change the external appearance of a property. In most cases planning permission or consent from local council planning authority is needed before undertaking any work. EWI must be installed in accordance with the national Building Regulations. The reaction to fire classification of EWI (which is largely determined by the materials selected for use) may restrict its use in terms of location and height.

Prior to installation each property to be treated must be surveyed to establish suitability, as incorrect treatment can be detrimental the building fabric in the longer term. Where appropriate, a condensation risk analysis must be undertaken by a competent specialist. If the ‘dew point’ will occur between the wall and the insulation, or within the insulation itself, a vapour barrier must be included between the wall and the insulation.

The project specific choice of EWI is determined by the existing wall type. For example, solid stone walls may be breathable and allow moisture to penetrate a little and be evaporated away. Using a breathable MW insulation with a breathable non-acrylic external render or other finish will allow the wall to maintain its breathability.

Solid brick walls may be impermeable to moisture penetration and non-breathable. Any rigid foam insulation will suit such a wall.

Window trickle vents and extract fans in high humidity areas need to be installed to meet room space ventilation requirements.

As with all property fabric related work, a high standard of installation is required. Poor detailing e.g. around eaves, allows water to pass behind the insulation where it can become trapped and cause hidden damage to the property in the longer term.

Simon Lloyd is Technical Project Manager working for Kiwa Building Products on construction Product and Systems for 3rd party certification with regard to fitness for purpose.

For more information please visit www.kiwa.com

/0 Comments/by

BBA CERTIFICATION FOR RCM PRODUCTS – QUALITY GUARANTEED!

RCM are delighted to announce that three further products have successfully achieved the prestigious BBA accreditation.

Through extensive testing RCM have secured BBA approval for its Supertech Weatherboard, Multipurpose sheathing board and Renderflex render carrier board.

The BBA – British Board of Agrement was initially set up back in 1966 by the government of the day. Today the BBA is an independent body, which provides extensive and independent testing of products designed for the construction indus

try. BBA accreditation supports today’s government by being an independent voice within the construction sector.

Only products which meet the highest specifications will receive BBA approval as ‘fit for purpose’, bringing great reassurance and ultimately maintaining quality in the construction industry.

RCM offers a wide portfolio of building boards and facades, with its popular A1 non-combustible Y-Wall fibre cement building board having already achieved BBA accreditation a few years ago.

Recently, RCM applied for BBA accreditation for three additional products and after having undergone rigorous testing, an approval was achieved for all three. RCM are highly delighted with this prestigious outcome, confirming the outstanding quality of their sheathing boards, render carrier board and weatherboard façade.

The latest BBA certifications pertain to three of RCM’s popular products:

Firstly, Multipurpose, RCM’s A1 non-combustible, cellulose fibre cement building board. With its excellent strength, weathering and mechanical properties it is the perfect choice for multiple applications, especially for buildings over 18m.

Secondly, Renderflex, RCM’s A2-s1,d0 fire rated cellulose fibre cement render carrier board, offering excellent strength, weathering and stability properties when used in conjunction with polymer renders.

And finally, Supertech Weatherboard, a simple to install, fully ventilated cladding system, which has an appearance similar to that of traditional timber cladding but the durability and strength of cellulose fibre cement.

The importance of an independent certificate demonstrates commitment to quality and is further proof of RCM responsibly operating in line with industry best practice and management systems.

“We are very proud of achieving the acclaimed and trusted BBA certification for our products. This accreditation will further bring great reassurance to our customers and highlight the high-performance and reliability of RCM’s products. It also enables us to give confidence to architects, contractors and designers to specify and install the RCM range of materials, whether the product is being used on its own or forms part of an overall solution, both in internal and external applications.

We believe that the BBA certification will open up new opportunities for RCM and help us to break into new sectors and markets.

We look forward to ongoing business growth and the opportunities which will present themselves.” (Ian Quinton – Managing Director, RCM)

About RCM:

Established in 2004, RCM is a major supplier of complete through wall solutions to the UK construction industry.

Supplying specialist building boards, façades, breather membranes and airtightness solutions, RCM offers a fully integrated approach to the building envelope for all building applications.

RCM are a market leader in providing innovative products and solutions designed and tested to meet the demanding needs of construction. Specified for use in external façades, fire protection, acoustic, airtightness and decorative applications, our extensive portfolio has been installed on many of the UK’s largest projects.

CPD Seminars

For those interested in finding out more, RCM provides informative CPD sessions including a guide to materials, applications and specification considerations for building boards, internal and external linings and rainscreen façades, covering:

  • What a specifier needs to consider
  • Board materials and benefits
  • Board applications
  • Work on site

For more details call 0800 612 4662 or email info@rcmltd.biz.

www.buildingboards.co.uk

/0 Comments/by

STUDY SHOWS SOFFIT SAVINGS WITH KINGSPAN INSULATION

New research from quantity surveyors, Rider Levett Bucknall, has shown that the physical properties, specifically the enhanced thermal performance, of Kingspan Kooltherm K110 FM Soffit Board can allow installers to fit an additional 5.25 m2 of insulation every thirty minutes when compared with the closest competitor, rock mineral fibre.

The independent study first compared the physical properties of five common soffit insulation materials. This analysis showed that the thermal conductivity of Kingspan Kooltherm K110 FM Soffit Board (0.018 W/mK) was the lowest on the market, 11% better than the next best material and 89% better than rock mineral fibre. This means that a compliant construction can be achieved with a slimmer thickness of insulation. For example, a 100 mm layer of the insulation material fitted beneath a 150 mm concrete deck can achieve a U-value of 0.17 W/m2K, the recommended best starting point to meet non-domestic Building Regulations in England and Wales. To match this performance with rock mineral fibre, 210 mm would be required. As the rock mineral fibre material assessed within the study is only available in thicknesses of between 130 mm and 160 mm,, two layers of insulation would need to be fitted to a total thickness of 260 mm.

To assess how this might impact an installation, a demonstration was carried out looking at how quickly a 100 mm thickness of Kingspan Kooltherm K110 FM Soffit Board could be installed beneath a 150 mm concrete deck when compared with the thinnest solution of 130 mm thick rock mineral fibre insulant. The results showed that the lightweight, easy to install design of Kingspan Kooltherm K110 FM Soffit Board allowed a 17.28 m2 area to be insulated in 37 minutes compared with just 10.8 m2 with the rock mineral fibre insulation, an improvement of 60%.

The study further showed that Kingspan Kooltherm K110 FM Soffit Board was the only material assessed that could provide details of certification as an ‘excellent’ product under the demanding responsible sourcing standard – BES 6001. The board, produced at Kingspan Insulation’s Pembridge, Herefordshire manufacturing facility, is also FM Approved to FM 4880.

The view the full demonstration of the Speed of Install video and to download the Reduce Your Overheads whitepaper, visit:

www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk/SpeedMatters

 

For further information, please contact:

Tel: +44 (0) 1544 387 384

Fax: +44 (0) 1544 387 484

email: info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk

Website: www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk/SpeedMatters

www.twitter.com/KingspanIns_UK

www.linkedin.com/company/kingspan-insulation-uk

/0 Comments/by

A PROTEUS FAÇADE FIT FOR A KING

A combination of Proteus Facades’ solid and perforated brass, zinc and aluminium cladding panels have helped to create a striking finish on the redevelopment of 24 King William Street, a new mixed-use office scheme in London.

The £23 million renovation of the 80,730 ft² building, located on the northern approach to London Bridge, was designed by Ben Adams Architects and includes the addition of two new storeys.

 

An elegant reception area comprises of a double height entrance hall leading into a lift lobby, finished with Portland stone floors and feature walls in marble and leather, with brass accents throughout. To reflect the style within, striking perforated Proteus SC TECU Brass panels and bespoke vertical fins and trim flashings, with an Artisan hand applied patinated finish were specified for the ground level, street facing elevations.

The fins at 24 King William Street are designed around a rigid bespoke aluminium extrusion that connects to the curtain wall glazing system. The outer TECU Brass element of the fins are profiled in shape and taper across the length to generate an angled effect – the fins increasingly extend outwards as they ascend – whilst the connection of the material to the extrusion and the window frame remains constant.

The internal aluminium structure of the fins provides the necessary support and structural connection back to the curtain walling. This also created a depth at the rear, hiding the curtain wall system from plain view and giving passers by the perception that the fins float in front of the glazing system.

The combination of thin gauge brass material and internal aluminium support framework ensured that this element of the façade met budgetary requirements. Proteus’s in-house expertise also overcame the difficult folding requirements of the TECU Brass fin profile, which were towards the limits of current bending technology.

The fins are complemented by Proteus SC perforated panels, which are fixed over insulated spandrel panels within the curtain wall system. These panels hide the ventilation elements of the curtain wall and blend the fins and curtain wall system together. The panels were finished with the Artisan patination effect which is created by applying a fine linear /orbital grain brush effect to the face of the material before having the chemical application and sealing. The panels will gradually weather over time and continue to embellish the already highly desirable warm ochre hues of the Artisan hand patinated finish.

The TECU Brass is developed by blending copper and zinc, which creates an extremely tough, robust façade and then applying a patinated finish that adds texture and contrast, giving a richly aged aesthetic. This rich diversity of the copper-alloy material allows unparalleled variety and high-quality aesthetics, complementing the natural stone and brass tones of the lobby.

 

Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 4)

A touch of zinc

The rear elevation of the nine-storey building near Monument station features an equally impressive façade complete with Proteus HR Graphite Grey Rheinzinc rainscreen panels. This zinc material then wraps up and over, forming a curved zinc roofing system which blends vertical and horizontal elevations into one. The material is gaining favour with architects and developers as it provides a long, maintenance-free life and offers adaptability to various design styles ranging from traditional to modern.

Once dominated by rambling plant rooms, the interior of the zinc roof is now home to state of the art offices overlooking the City and the River Thames. A limestone façade featured on the front of the building connects to the roof through Proteus’ perforated flat sheets in a United Anodisers UnAtex bespoke finish.

These United Anodisers UnAtex panels are also integrated within the windows on the top two floors, and then flow up and onto the roof generating the patterned effect, while making is look like the façade and roof become one element.

Together this juxtaposition of materials has helped to bring an outdated and under-utilised 1980’s office building back into use; transforming it into a modern, aesthetically pleasing structure that stands out amongst many others in a prominent and sought-after location within the Capital.

Redeveloped to a Grade A specification, the building includes a tranquil new garden coupled with new retail spaces at ground floor level.

For more information on the range of inspirational cladding materials from Proteus Facades, visit: www.proteusfacades.com or call: 0151 545 5075.

 

/0 Comments/by

Kingspan adds glitz to Birmingham apartments

Kingspan Kooltherm K110 PLUS Soffit Board and Kingspan Kooltherm K118 Insulated Plasterboard have been installed as part of the conversion and expansion of a former office building, adding luxury accommodation to Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter.

Beaufort House offers 88 one and two bedroomed apartments in the heart of Birmingham city centre. Benchmark Architects have drawn on Urban Luxe and Art Deco influences for their revisions to the Beaufort Housing Development Project. This styling is continued within all of the apartment rooms, which also feature generous open-plan living areas and a range of modern facilities. The construction work, overseen by Shaylor Group Ltd, included the erection of a recessed, two-storey roof extension.

To ensure the new apartments provided a comfortable environment for occupants, the design team looked to address the performance of areas of the existing building fabric – bringing them up to the standard of current Building Regulations. To insulate the ceiling of the basement (containing a residents’ bike store) and an undercroft below the ground floor they specified over 650 m2 of Kingspan Kooltherm K110 PLUS Soffit Board.

The soffit board has a thermal conductivity of just 0.018 W/m·K across all thicknesses, the lowest of any commonly used insulation material. This allowed heat loss through the ground floor of the building to be minimised without significantly reducing headroom within the basement area. Installers mechanically fixed the boards to the basement ceiling and concrete undercroft soffit.

The building’s stylish, glazed roof extension has been designed to provide contrast with the brick façade of the main building. To insulate its external walls, 57.5 mm Kingspan Kooltherm K118 Insulated Plasterboard was installed. The product combines vapour control, 12.5 mm plasterboard and a premium performance insulation core in a single product. This allowed installers to rapidly fit the insulation and begin decorating the apartments. The internal layer of insulation also mean that flats respond more quickly to heating – keeping them comfortable throughout the cooler months.

Kingspan Kooltherm K110 PLUS Soffit Board and Kingspan Kooltherm K118 Insulated Plasterboard produced at Kingspan Insulation’s Pembridge manufacturing facility are certified ‘Excellent’ to the demanding BES 6001 (Framework Standard for the Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products) responsible sourcing standard.

For further information, please contact:

Tel: +44 (0) 1544 387 384

Fax: +44 (0) 1544 387 484

email: info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk

Website: www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk

www.twitter.com/KingspanIns_UK

www.linkedin.com/company/kingspan-insulation-uk

/0 Comments/by

Milbank Concrete Products Launch Revolutionary Thermal Flooring Solution

Milbank Concrete Products based in Colchester, North Essex, are one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of precast concrete products with a focus on exceptional customer service.

Throughout the design, manufacturing, delivery and installation stages, Milbank offer one of the most comprehensive and professional service packages, providing a range of precast concrete products including: balconies, beam & block flooring, bespoke concrete products, ground beams, hollowcore flooring, helical stairs, rail products, sea defence & flood solutions, stadia products and straight stairs & landings.

Following on from market research and the identification of the need for an affordable, cost effective and efficient thermal floor arrangement, Milbank Concrete Products have recently launched their new and improved insulated concrete flooring solution, WarmFloor Pro.

WarmFloor Pro offers construction professionals a cost-effective alternative to quickly assembling a thermally insulated concrete ground floor over the industry leading competitor brand, Jetfloor, by Forterra (Bison). Reduced initial construction costs and an increase in energy savings make WarmFloor Pro a compelling alternative to a standard beam and block floor. In combination with its certification and A+ Green Guide rating, WarmFloor Pro is proving to be a must have addition to any new, eco-friendly development where keeping heating costs low is paramount.

WarmFloor Pro is suitable for almost any structure, but is most commonly used in housing, from single dwellings to complete housing developments. It offers a simple, cost effective, concrete insulated flooring solution to self-builders and construction professionals alike. Without the need for any specialist tools or skills, installation of WarmFloor Pro is efficient and streamlined whilst minimising waste and emission rates.

WarmFloor Pro works by combining rigid insulation modules (EPS panels) manufactured from lightweight closed cell expanded polystyrene which is laid in-between prestressed concrete beams (either 155mm or 225mm deep) with an EPS top sheet, damp proof membrane and structural concrete topping. If required, underfloor heating can be incorporated with the pipework attaching to the EPS panels with plastic pegs before the concrete topping is applied.

WarmFloor Pro is comprised of 6 main EPS components that are available in two types of EPS; standard issue in white (0.038W/m²K) or an alternative high-performance platinum in grey (0.031W/m²K). The 6 components are made up of Top Sheets – available in depths of 75-150mm, Infill Panels – available in 533mm for nominal 600mm beam centres and 343mm for reduced beam centres, and End Panels – available in both 178mm and 300mm.

EPS end panels are used for both the start and end of the flooring installation. The end panels are inserted at the start of the row with the straight (1200mm edge) opposite to the beam. All units are 1200mm long and can be cut on site to the required length using basic tools such as a handsaw; (minimum 300mm long).

As every building is different, Milbank are well equipped to design your floor to achieve the specific targeted U-Values (reaching as low as 0.07W/m²K) together with the structural layout of the floor to suit. Milbank then manufacture the concrete components and supply the materials (including the EPS panels) directly to your site. WarmFloor Pro is currently available on a supply only or

supply and installation basis using their vastly experienced installation teams.

WarmFloor Pro Benefits:

  • Easy to install – does not require any specialist tools or skills.
  • Quick to install – each EPS panel is the equivalent length of 5 standard concrete blocks.
  • Cost effective – WarmFloor Pro is designed to save you money. Faster installation speeds combined with reduced waste and excavation removal allow for an increase in overall savings.
  • Bespoke – a wide range of EPS panel depths and grades are available to satisfy your U-value or budget requirements.
  • Sustainable – WarmFloor Pro is designed to last the lifetime of the building while maintaining its exceptional thermal performance.
  • Clean, safe and easy to handle – lightweight EPS panels only weigh around 2Kg.
  • Underfloor heating compatible – heating pipework is simply held in place using plastic pegs that push into the EPS panels.
  • Proven Technology – now in use for over 10 years.
  • Industry compliant – Milbank WarmFloor Pro is Fully certified and has an A+ green guide rating.

For more information on Milbank Concrete Products or to enquire about their extensive range of products including WarmFloor Pro Insulated Flooring, please visit their website or call them on 01787 223 931.

For more information please visit www.milbank.co.uk.
/0 Comments/by

Introducing Performance Technology Group

Among the many benefits of modular construction is the speed with which a project can be completed, due to the fact construction of modular buildings can occur simultaneously with site and foundation work. By carrying out typically linear tasks simultaneously projects can reach completion 30%-50% sooner than with traditional construction methods.

The value of simultaneity in construction is also one of the benefits delivered by Performance Technology Group. By bringing together expertise and manufacturing capabilities across a wide range of disciplines, PTG are able to reduce the amount of activity required in ensuring a construction project meets fire, thermal, acoustic and other challenges.

Saving Time, Reducing Complexity

Whereas ordinarily, an architect, contractor or installer will have to liaise with multiple contacts across multiple businesses in order to source solutions for their construction project, with PTG there is a single initial point of contact. In principle, a project’s fire, thermal and acoustic requirements can be addressed in a single meeting, with PTG bringing all the necessary expertise to the table. This obviously represents a time-saving for customers (one meeting, rather than several), but there is also a subtler time-saving due to the reduction in complexity.

Complexity, particularly in construction projects, creates numerous opportunities for problems to arise. According to Sven Bertelsen, Senior Research Advisor to Lean Construction (Denmark), “Construction projects are in general rich in plan failure, delays, cost overruns and grief. Construction – along with most phenomena in our living world – must be perceived as a complex system, operating on the edge of chaos.” By reducing this complexity, PTG are able to mitigate the kinds of problems that can undermine and jeopardise the construction schedule.

System Solutions

PTG is also able to use its interdisciplinary structure to produce system solutions that would normally involve an architect, contractor or installer having to interact with a number of separate suppliers.

For example, in rainscreen cladding applications, PTG can bring together sheathing panels, the innovative Chi-Gasket cold-bridging solution (both from the Euroform arm of PTG) with a range of Open State Cavity Barriers from their AIM business to create an effective means of achieving compliance in relation to thermal performance and resistance to fire. PTG can also source and supply thermal insulation and high-performance cladding through their established third-party relationships and robust supply chains.

From Foundations to Fit-Out

PTG are involved at almost every stage of construction. They provide site protection from the very outset of a construction project. They supply both vibration isolation and thermal insulation for foundations. They are involved in every stage of the building envelope’s development, contributing to through-wall solutions to offer resistance to air, water, heat and noise transfer. They’re involved in HVAC solutions for both acoustic and thermal performance. They contribute to the acoustic effectiveness of wall, floors and ceilings, ensuring Part E compliance. Wherever and whenever, for example, an architectural technician finds themselves facing a challenge relating to the material performance of a building project, PTG will have, or will have access to, a solution.

The PTG Roster

PTG currently consists of nine businesses: AIM, CMS Danskin, Euroform, Mayplas, Ockwells, Central Refractories, IMS, Innogain and Insulslab. AIM is a manufacturer of mineral fibre and foam products, specialising in fire stop blocks and cavity barriers. CMS Danskin are experts in soundproofing and acoustic insulation. Euroform specialise in building boards and in ensuring fire and thermal compliance in building facades. Mayplas fabricate and supply a wide range of insulation materials, and specialise in highly bespoke cutting, lamination and encapsulation. Ockwells are a leading supplier of temporary site protection. Central Refractories, as their name suggests, a premier supplier of refractory products and services. IMS are experts in high-temperature insulation. Innogain are the innovators behind a revolutionary solution for through, anchor and precision hole-making in concrete. And, finally, Insulslab offer a complete foundation system, particularly for housing sites with difficult ground conditions.

Mark Fyfe, Group Sales and Business Development Director for Performance Technology Group, said, “We offer an industry-leading portfolio of trusted products, the interdisciplinary expertise to supply with confidence, and with an emphasis on highly bespoke fabrication and ambitious product innovation.”

 

www.sigpt.co.uk

/0 Comments/by