Building News is an information portal for all professional building specifiers. Here you can find all of the latest construction news from around the UK and the rest of the world.

NEW ‘GEMELLO’ TWIN SKIN ROOF AND WALL SYSTEM FROM SIG BUILDING SOLUTIONS

 

Metal building envelope specialist SIG Building Solutions has launched a warranted twin skin system called ‘Gemello’.

Gemello, is a self-supporting roof and wall system consisting of a trapezoidal pre-finished steel liner and outer sheet with a Class A1 non-combustible glass fibre insulation in between.  Under development for a number of years, the system is now available for the roofing and cladding of steel framed buildings, including industrial, retail, office, health, education, and leisure buildings.

This new SIG Building Solutions roof and wall system can be tailored to suit the aesthetic, acoustic, thermal, fire and loading requirements of a building.  The Gemello external profiles are available in an extensive range of colours, profiles and coatings, enabling designers to create visually-engaging buildings.

In addition, the Gemello system can provide U-values down to 0.12 W/m²K or lower depending on the required performance. The design of a twin skin system also allows for denser materials to be used in its construction, improving acoustic sound reduction and rain noise.

A key feature is the Gemello system warranty.  The Gemello warranty is flexible, providing warranty periods for 12, 25 or 30 years. This warranty covers all the components within the twin skin system and the system itself.

SIG Building Solutions provides an extensive range of accessories for Gemello, including rooflights, gutters, flashings, fascias and cappings.

Working alongside the customer with a collaborative approach, SIG Building Solutions provides the technical expertise and robust product offering to develop a bespoke, effective roof and/or wall system with minimum complexity.

Commenting on Gemello, Samantha Jones, SIG Building Solutions’ commercial development director, said,

 

“An exciting product development, Gemello is an example of the innovation and expertise that is made available by bringing our extensive manufacturing experience together in one dynamic built up system offer.”

SIG Building Solutions

 

Following more than a decade of operating collaboratively alongside each other, SIG’s team of cladding and sheeting manufacturers came together in Q4 of 2022 to provide a cohesive customer facing brand under the SIG Building Solutions banner.

Providing complementary product ranges and servicing regional markets to create a national solution, these manufacturing businesses are prevalent in the agricultural and light industrial sectors and are well placed to combine their resources to present their service to a wider audience.

 

“SIG Building Solutions provides a relationship-driven, solutions-focused, single point of contact which translates well across the industrial, commercial and agricultural build sectors.  Our manufacturing businesses combine decades of roof and wall system expertise and manufacturing know-how which have been brought together and backed by the robust supply chain and extensive capabilities of SIG plc,” said Sam Jones.

 

SIG Building Solutions manufactures secondary steelwork, insulated panels, single and twin skin roof and wall profiles, bespoke fabrications, rainwater goods and ancillary products.

In addition, SIG Building Solutions has developed a range of solar car park canopy structures, and works alongside solar system providers to help organisations with large parking facilities generate solar energy and reduce their carbon footprint.

 


CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE

NEW ‘GEMELLO’ TWIN SKIN ROOF AND WALL SYSTEM

 


 

LOGICAL THINKING MAKES RINNAI’s

H1 – Hydrogen / BioLPG ready – H2 – Hybrid Solar Thermal and heat pump – H3 LOW-GWP heat pumps

THE informed CHOICE

 

Chris Goggin argues that when logically thinking of current UK national energy legislation, Rinnai’s range of H3 products can deliver all commercial, domestic and off-grid properties heating and hot water solutions. Rinnai’s H3 range is well placed to deliver heating and hot water to all UK sites that are interested in low-cost decarbonisation.

 

 

 

[Visit www.rinnaiuk.co.uk or call 0300 373 0660 to find out more]

 


UK customers of energy and energy related products are presently experiencing increased levels of financial turbulence. UK energy policy stipulates that fossil fuels will be gradually withdrawn from power options and renewable energy alternatives being used in replacement.

The UK government views renewable sources of energy as cost-effective and sustainable. When thinking of investing in a heating or hot water system for a domestic or commercial property it is worth pausing to consider current and future legislative direction.

As fossil fuels are targeted for actively being phased out of circulation, seeking a decarbonising heating and hot water system has become a prominent issue to UK customers. UK customers must now think logically when considering future energy and energy related products.

Current domestic UK policy is keen on expanding on and offshore wind farms for electrical generation. Construction of on and offshore wind farms are continuing with several beginning operations soon, or have already started production, such as Triton Knoll and Hornsea 2.

Only recently wind farms across the UK have set a record for secondary power generation. National Grid ESO said that during a 30-minute period on the 2nd of November, wind farms accounted for 53% of Britain’s electricity. The previous record was set last week when 19,936MW of electricity was provided towards national demand by on and offshore wind farms in a half hour period.

UK acceptance of renewable wind farms has been gradually growing since initial introduction in the 1980s. Communities strongly opposed plans to install wind farms as they were viewed as distorting natural scenery and therefore potentially affecting house prices.

Since the 1980s a climate emergency has been imposed and energy costs have reached exorbitant levels. A survey taken by RenewableUK demonstrates that the UK public now overwhelmingly supports the installation of new solar, wind (on and offshore) and wave power facilities to tackle on-going issues relating to the cost-of-living crises and energy costs.

RenewableUK gathered the following results when asking if the public was in favour of renewable energy installations that reduce electricity bills: 81% were in favour of solar energy, 76% of people backed offshore wind, 74% in favour of onshore wind and 72% support tidal and wave power.

To protect UK customers against market volatility and enhance domestic energy security, the UK government must seek alternative and sustainable methods of energy cultivation. As a result, renewable sources of energy will be steadily introduced into the UK domestic energy mix.

Public support and relaxed legislation will see renewable energy production and dispersal become widespread. Rinnai hold a selection of products capable of fulfilling any UK customer requirements regarding the purchase of a decarbonising heating and hot water system.

Rinnai’s H3 range includes all mainstream varieties of renewable energy alternative options including, solar thermal, heat pumps, Bio LPG water heaters and boilers and solar thermal tube collectors. All options focus on decarbonisation and reducing customer cost across all stages of product life cycle.

Rinnai can offer multiple avenues of cost reducing decarbonisation across various energy vectors. To create a healthier way of living, Rinnai is offering customer choices in hot water provision as well as heating domestic and commercial buildings through a wide range of renewable energy systems.

Rinnai’s solar thermal water heating systems are a decarbonising commercial option. Rinnai’s Solar thermal VirtuHOT units are designed and manufactured in conjunction with Naked Energy. Core design values of VirtuHOT has benefited from multiple workshops with experienced installers, whose valuable insights have been integrated into design and innovation. VirtuHOT saves up to 3.5x more carbon per m2 compared to conventional solar technology.

Rinnai’s H3 range of decarbonising products include commercial and domestic heat pumps that contain a variety of features: the HPIH range of commercial heat pumps is suited towards schools, restaurants and small retail outlets. Rinnai’s HPIH Monobloc Air Source Heat Pumps – 21, 26, 28 & 32kW range can allow for up to seven units to be cascaded together or operate alone as one unit. Once joined together – can serve increased demand for heating and hot water.

The HPIH series includes a range of controls and system peripherals which ensures that all technical machinations can be monitored. Rinnai’s HPIH commercial heat pumps also deploy the refrigerant – R32, which contains a low GWP. The HPIH use maintains an ERP rating of A++ making this range of heat pumps an ideal economic and environmental option for refurbishment projects.

Rinnai’s HPHP series of domestic heat pumps arrive with the ability to save up to 25% of power input, enhancing efficiency and operational performance. State-of-the-art technology added in the injection process outperforms gas compression technology and ensures that even with outside temperatures of –25 Celsius, heating and hot water of up to 60 + Celsius can still be delivered.

Rinnai’s HPI SL range models perform with ultra-low sound capability ensuring compatibility with areas that hold strict sound compliance standards. All units operate in three different modes: heating, cooling and DHW. All three models include specific system programmes that enhances product performance in all modes.

UK energy policy is aimed towards long term renewable energy production that is sustainable and free from outside malign market influences. Logical thinking infers that the UK customer must begin considering investing in decarbonising renewable heating and hot water provision. For more information and details contact


www.rinnaiuk.com.


RINNAI H3 PRODUCT ROADMAP TO LOWER CARBON AND NET ZERO DE-CARBONISATION

Rinnai’s product and service offering is based on H3- Hydrogen, Heating and Heat Pumps – which allows any site in either residential or commercial sites to maximise the energy efficiency and performance in striving for NetZero and Decarbonisation. Additionally, Rinnai is developing and introducing electrical formats to all existing product ranges within the next few months. Rinnai’s new “H3” range of products includes a wide selection of commercial heat pumps as well as hydrogen blends-ready and hybrid hot water heating systems.

Rinnai is a world leading manufacturer of hot water heaters and produces over two million units a year. The company operates on each of the five continents and the brand has gained an established reputation for high performance, robust cost efficiency and extended working lives.

Rinnai’s commercial and domestic hot water products offer a limitless supply of instantaneous temperature controlled hot water and all units are designed to align with present and future energy sources and accept either natural gas or hydrogen gas blends. Rinnai units are also suited for off-grid customers who require LPG and BioLPG or rDME.

Rinnai units are UKCA certified, A-rated water efficiency, accessed through multiple fuel options and are available for purchase 24/7, 365 days a year. Any unit can be delivered to any UK site within 24 hours. System design services are available if needed and cost comparison services are accessible to all customers who require further cost detail.

Rinnai’s Innovation Manifesto clearly outlines the path to carbon neutrality and maintains a pledge to fully decarbonize company operations by 2050. Rinnai will further support the global clean energy transition by introducing a wide variety of domestic heating options across multiple energy vectors.

Rinnai is committed to decarbonisation. Rinnai’s water heating products are all hydrogen-blends ready NOW including the world’s first 100% hydrogen powered water heater. Rinnai products also accept BioLPG capable of delivering NetZero carbon emissions. Rinnai offer comprehensive training courses and technical support in all aspects of the water heating industry. More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose” webpage.


CLICK HERE For more information on the RINNAI product range

 


 

Balancing effective natural ventilation with reduced noise pollution poses specifiers with a challenge, but leading product manufacturer Passivent has the perfect solution in the form of its patented SoundScoop® acoustic air transfer unit.

 

Passivent’s SoundScoop offers superior natural ventilation whilst simultaneously reducing sound transfer between noisy and noise-sensitive areas thanks to its patented internal lining and ribbed design. It has been designed in association with Arup in a collaborative approach to acoustic design, natural ventilation performance and product development.

The innovative design of the SoundScoop system allows air to pass through freely whilst sound waves are reflected and absorbed by the unit’s lining. The system targets mid-frequency sounds such as speech and footfall, helping eliminate noisy distractions and providing greater privacy.

The combination of low airflow resistance with high-performing acoustic attenuation, provides greater crossflow ventilation between internal spaces of buildings, allowing more schemes to adopt a natural ventilation system without the worry of excessive noise travelling from room to room. The SoundScoop system is particularly suited for education, residential and hotel projects, as well as commercial environments that are adjacent to noisy spaces, such as cellular offices, as it can reduce speech noise levels by up to 50%.

SoundScoop has been tested for acoustic performance and complies with BB93 (Acoustic Design of Schools – a design guide), Priority Schools Output Specification for Acoustic Design, BS8233 (Sound Insulation and Noise reduction for Building Code of Practice) and Building Regulations Part F (Ventilation). The system boasts a lightweight design, with units ranging from 3kg to 18.3kg for ease of both installation and transportation, and with a variety of different sizes available, is ideally suited to a range of different applications.

 


CLICK HERE to find out more

call 01732 850 770

or CLICK HERE to email Projects at Passivent

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Panel product manufacturer, West Fraser, has introduced a new ready-primed version of its industry-leading SterlingOSB Zero board which is ideal for use in a wide range of situations from site hoardings through to building exhibition stands and other installations where appearance is important.

SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus is being produced in 18mm thick, square-edged sheets measuring 1220 mm wide by 2440mm long. The top face is primed with a UV putty and the sides are sealed to reduce water ingress, leaving the sheets ready for decoration or the application of graphics. The high-quality surface is smooth while the structure is free from knots or voids and from an environmental perspective the ‘Zero’ in the name assures specifiers that the product contains no added formaldehyde.

 

West Fraser’s Dom West, Sales Director for UK and Ireland, commented: “SterlingOSB Zero is the first UK manufactured OSB with zero-added formaldehyde to deliver health as well as several other technical benefits, making it superior to softwood plywood as well as particleboard. The factory-primed, ultra-smooth surface presents a blank canvas for marketing messages and other types of promotional display. Being rugged and weather-resistant, the SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus boards can be used outside for security applications, such as screening or walkways while we’re already getting strong interest from the hospitality sector and shopfitting specialists, as well as housebuilders and other contractors.”

 

SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus is CE-marked and complies with the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) and BBA Agrement requirements. The boards are supplied in packs of 50 to cover a total area of approximately 150m². Right across its range, West Fraser has been making substantial investment in reducing the environmental impact of its production processes including signing new contracts with its energy suppliers to ensure that all its power comes from renewable sources that are covered by REGO (Renewable Energy of Guaranteed Origins) certification.

 

For peace of mind, the boards also conform to European E1 emission standard, comply with BS EN 622: Parts 1 and 5.

 


For further information, call 01786 812 921

or Click Here to visit West Fraser

 


 

By implementing the Reuse model of lighting circularity, TRILUX has cut lighting energy costs by 47% for tenants of a prestigious London office, reducing their carbon footprint by 6.6M tonnes of CO2 and by reusing the existing luminaires saved 1.3 tonnes of new material being created.

Constructed in 2003, One London Wall is a prominent landmark office building designed by Foster & Partners. The available space comprises 200,000 ft2 of Grade A office accommodation which benefits from full height glazing and offers excellent levels of natural light. The building is ideally situated to take advantage of the superb amenities in the bustling City of London and the vibrant Farringdon area.

Design and build specialists Epiphany secured two floors (3 and 5) of CAT A & CAT A+ fit-out in this remarkable building. For the lighting, the client wanted to keep the same look and feel but improve the energy efficiency.

The chosen lighting partner, TRILUX, takes a forward-thinking approach to sustainability and proposes several viable routes its clients can take to limit resource use. It believes that products that do not generate waste and do not themselves become waste are ideal for a circular economy. With sustainable management of material flows, companies can significantly contribute to climate and resource protection.

The TRILUX design team worked collaboratively with Epiphany to determine the best solution to improve lighting efficiency and reuse as much material as possible.

Here, it was possible to reuse the existing luminaire and redesign it with LEDs and a new gear tray—retaining the main body and other usable parts – a perfect example of circular principles at play.

Working to a tight timescale, the TRILUX design team took sample luminaires back to its manufacturing site and designed a retrofit LED solution. Over 400 14W, 21W, and 26W T5 and TC-D fluorescent luminaires now incorporate LEDs and DALI gear trays. The new design links to existing DALI control to take advantage of Daylight linking, making maximum use of natural light.

Apart from improving the working conditions for new tenants, circular lighting principles have helped the office building cut its lighting energy costs by an impressive 47% and reduce its carbon footprint by 6.6M tonnes of CO2. The longer lifetime of the LEDs means maintenance has been minimised, too, allowing the facilities teams to focus on other business areas.

Reusing the existing luminaires has saved 1.3 tonnes of new material being created, reducing material waste, and preserving virgin material resources. Furthermore, the old T5 and TC-D fluorescent lamps were collected from the site for professional recycling.

Darren Furlong, Director of Epiphany, comments, “There’s only one way to deliver consistently exceptional results. And that’s by working with tried and tested tradespeople. So, we make sure to treat our suppliers as we do our employees. In return, we get a loyal team of craftspeople who go the extra mile on every project. This is always the case when working with the team at TRILUX. In this case, they pulled out all the stops helping the client to achieve greater energy efficiency in the most sustainable and cost-effective way.”

 


For further information on TRILUX services, PLEASE CLICK HERE

 


 

The former headquarters of British iconic retailer Woolworths located at 242 Marylebone Road in London, is a striking building constructed of red bricks with a facade of Portland Stone to the front elevation. It is currently being transformed into homes, offices and retail premises, including an events auditorium, rooftop bar, coffee shop, cyclist zone and health and wellbeing amenities. While the restoration is underway, the contractor has installed site welfare facilities, including several WC blocks, for the construction workforce.

Initially, the WCs relied on gravity drainage to discharge the waste to a soil and vent pipe some 40m away. However, blockages occurred and there were concerns that the situation would worsen as the full complement of workers arrived on site. An enquiry for a solution was lodged with the Saniflo technical team who swiftly visited the site to scope out the requirement and recommended a Zehnder Kompaktboy Duplex lifting station. The unit was able to installed below the WC blocks, in the basement, allowing for optimum gravity fall and pumping the waste back to the main sewer. The powerful, 3-phase pump, which can be integrated into the building management system if required, has two vortex pumps as a fail-safe precaution. This feature provides continuity of operation, which is critical to the building works.

Tim Pestell, Managing Director of Saniflo is delighted to be involved in another project in the Capital, which is preserving iconic and historical buildings for future generations. He says: “As a company we enjoy being involved with change of use projects such as these. Since the installation of the pump, the drainage issues have been solved and the refurbishment is going forward without the worry of failing WCs.  Saniflo is often involved in ensuring important projects go ahead by providing pumps, lifting stations and macerators for site welfare facilities and for any number of building and renovation projects. There really is a Saniflo product for every job. Our technical team is always on hand to provide advice and it’s always advisable to speak to the team at the outset of project to avoid potential problems.”


CLICK HERE FOR THE SANIFLO WEBSITE


 

…………UPDATE:  The Retrofit Academy Awards 2023

– Deadline Extended to 7th Feb 2023

Be Recognised for Your Passion and Commitment to High Quality Retrofit …………


The Retrofit Academy CIC will be returning to Futurebuild 2023, 7th – 9th March,

curating the Retrofit Seminar programme, and at the heart of the thriving Retrofit Zone.

The first day will also culminate in the prestigious Retrofit Academy Awards,

which will take place on the main stage at 6.30pm.

The Importance of Retrofit

Futurebuild is a chance for building industry professions to access inspiring ideas, innovative solutions, and knowledge sharing to drive sustainable construction to achieve net zero. One of the busiest sections of the show last year was The Whole House Retrofit Zone, in partnership with The Retrofit Academy CIC (TRA), the zone will be returning this year, bigger and better.

Visit to find a showcase of the best solutions, technologies, and services, that together, can unite and strengthen the delivery of whole house retrofit at scale. With an even larger space for 2023, the area will identify products, technologies and systems that can help scale up and meet the challenges of delivering retrofit at an unprecedented scale.

CPD-accredited Seminar Programme

Over the three-day show, the diverse, fresh, and cutting-edge retrofit seminar programme will be curated by TRA and sponsored by Elmhurst Energy. The line-up will feature industry leaders, pioneers and innovators who are driving forward with retrofit. Speakers include Jarrod Green, Retrofit Technical Solutions Manager – EQUANS, Edith Colomba, Senior Sustainability Consultant – Useful Simple Trust, Antonia Craze, Senior Energy Officer – Portsmouth City Council, and many more.

“The Futurebuild show aligns with our values and goals at TRA, as we forge a path for safe and high-quality retrofit. The Retrofit Seminar programme is designed to offer valuable insights at all levels from assessment, coordination, deployment, and evaluation,” said David Pierpoint, CEO at The Retrofit Academy. “We’re about to undertake one of the greatest infrastructure challenges in history to deliver the UK Government’s commitment to net zero by 2050. Futurebuild is another opportunity to provide access to knowledge and skills development as we continue to make a difference together.”

The Retrofit Academy Awards

There is still time to enter the Retrofit Academy Awards and be a part of the celebration at Futurebuild on Tuesday 7th March. As well as increasing credibility, the awards set out to recognise the rising stars in the industry and showcase the hard work and dedication going into outstanding retrofitting projects across the UK, being made across all levels, including retrofit coordinators, installers, social housing, local authority delivery programmes, and individual projects.


There’s still time to enter – nominate yourself, your business, or another individual or business in one of the eight award categories. Entries close 31st January.  NOW EXTENDED TO THE 7TH OF FEBRUARY

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

Sigma Homes has submitted a planning application to Runnymede Borough Council for a £20m GDV residential scheme in Weybridge, Surrey.

The proposed scheme will include 29 dwellings — comprising a range of a mix of detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses, together with eight apartments.

Of the total homes, 11 will be affordable dwellings for rent or shared ownership.

In line with all Sigma Homes developments, the scheme will be built using timber frame construction to maximise thermal efficiency.

The one- to four-bedroom homes will have an A EPC rating, and will each be fitted with air source heat pumps.

Residents will also benefit from EV car charging points.

Powell Dobson Architects was appointed to undertake the architectural designs for the homes.

Sigma Homes’ development proposals also include retaining and restoring heritage features and buildings within the redundant collection of industrial premises, including the Grade II-listed Pigeon House and courtyard assemblage.

The new residential development will maintain existing moats, ponds, and the adjoining landscape, in order to deliver net biodiversity gains.

Geoff Potton, chief executive at Sigma Homes, said: “The £20m scheme will enable the sensitive redevelopment and regeneration of a redundant brownfield site.

“This will be our fourth project in Surrey, and our biggest development in the county to date.

“We are thrilled to be working with Runnymede Borough Council’s planning officers, local councillors, and stakeholders to progress with the plans for our Weybridge site.”

 

Stylish, high-quality and long-lasting, Kingspan modular fencing is the latest product from respected supplier F.H. Brundle.

Built using Kingspan’s tried-and-tested sandwich panels, the new-to-the-market system is lightweight, easy to handle, and quick and simple to install.

Its sturdy double-sided panels, available in Anthracite Deep Matt RAL 7016, are smooth on one side and ribbed on the other.

Available in heights of 488mm or 610mm, the system only requires a post every 2.5m, meaning far less groundwork is required than alternative composite solutions.

The aluminium concrete-in or bolt-down posts have been specially designed to make installation extremely straightforward. Gravel boards provide a level base for the fence panels to rest on.

What’s more, they’re highly weather resistant, with a heavy gauge coated steel skin, that allows them to be used up to 1km from the coast.

They’ve also been wind pressure tested to 120 km/h, UV tested and come with a 10-year anti-corrosion warranty.

F.H. Brundle Head of Marketing Paul Smith comments: “Kingspan fence panels are widely renowned for their versatility and performance, and we’re delighted to be offering this extremely convenient and installation-friendly system.”


To find out more call 01708 398048

or visit www.fhbrundle.co.uk

 


 

With growing pressure on the UK construction industry to adhere to environmental targets, it has never been more important to understand the journey materials have taken before they arrive on site.  At West Fraser’s UK sites, all engineered wood panels are made with a commitment to making better products for a sustainable future. West Fraser’s UK manufactured SterlingOSB Zero and CaberMDF are made from responsibly managed forests.

With the ongoing demand to provide more homes in the UK, coupled with the drive to use sustainable building materials, it is little surprise that the timber frame market is making use of SterlingOSB Zero.  As Steve Roebuck, West Fraser’s European Health & Safety Director explains, “Virtually all housebuilding in Scotland has been timber framed for many years.  The markets are now growing in England and Wales with timber frame construction being recognised for its thermal capacity and significant insulating properties.  At West Fraser, we are proud to provide the UK construction industry the materials it needs to achieve its environmental goals.  Wood comes from a sustainable source and is renewable.  You’re not digging something out of the ground to make bricks”.

West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero is unique in the market by being the only zero added formaldehyde OSB manufactured in the UK.  Produced from forest thinnings taken from sustainably managed forests, the board is certified according to the guidelines of the FSC® (C012533) or PEFC®.

What are the other environmental benefits to those using West Fraser panels?  West Fraser delivers a net carbon negative benefit in all the products produced in the UK, locking up more CO2e in the products (and lifetime of use) than is emitted in the manufacture of them.  That accounts for everything from forest to customer, including harvesting, production, sales and logistics.


To find out more about the net carbon negative status of West Fraser’s UK manufactured products

CLICK HERE

 


For further information on West Fraser’s products, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/