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 bio-based glazing reduces embodied carbon

Marlon Clickfix Panel Glazing

Brett Martin to cut buildings’ carbon footprint with products based on used cooking oil with ISCC certified product

 

Brett Martin is set to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings around the world with a remarkable new Polycarbonate glazing product largely based on bio-circular attributed material such as used cooking oil, produced in a ISCC Plus certified mass balanced approach.

Called Marlon BioPlus, the new sheet offers a major carbon footprint reduction by cutting the use of fossil-based material by 70%. This raw material delivers an 84% decrease in carbon emissions and in addition Brett Martin achieves further reductions in carbon by producing the sheet using 100% renewable energy, generated at its own site.

Marlon BioPlus has already achieved International Sustainability & Carbon accreditation with ISCC Plus certification. ISCC PLUS is a globally recognised sustainability certification program for bio-based and bio-circular (recycled) raw materials with a focus on the traceability of raw materials within the supply chain.

What makes Marlon BioPlus unique is the combination of this certification and Brett Martin’s 100% onsite renewable energy which together represents a huge step towards a zero-carbon polycarbonate sheet.

As the UK’s largest producer of polycarbonate roofing and facades Brett Martin supplies high profile projects as diverse as London’s Royal College of Art or Manchester’s Old Trafford stadium as well as a wide range of commercial and industrial buildings.

This new low carbon alternative retains all the physical and performance properties of the company’s other Polycarbonate ranges and will be available to be specified in any Brett Martin’s Marlon polycarbonate multiwall, corrugated or flat sheets for use in roofs and walls.

Employing over 1,000 people in total and with sales of £220million, Brett Martin is already one of Europe’s largest plastic sheet producers for the construction industry, and the new range is expected to create strong demand from a construction market eager to reduce its environmental impact.

Brett Martin Director, Paul Martin said: “The drive for sustainable, carbon neutral plastic materials is progressing well, and our launch of Marlon BioPlus is the latest milestone in our journey to that end. Our extensive investment in renewable energy at our Mallusk site is unique in our industry and an important part of our plan. We extrude the sheet using energy generated from our own wind turbine and dedicated solar farm at Mallusk.”

“This development of this new product reflects the newest technology in the plastic industry to introduce bio-based material. The process, known as mass-balancing, certifies the input of the material through the production system, similar to the way renewable energy enters the power grid. Importantly, the material is a recycled source and therefore the bio-based content does not compete with food production.

“And because the substitution occurs at the earliest stage of the resin production process, all the visual and mechanical properties of the finished sheet remain completely unchanged. So, we anticipate strong demand for the product which is soon to be available to the market globally and we will begin to see it being used in all kinds of buildings soon,” he adds.

www.brettmartin.com

 

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New Hollo-Bolt plug-in tool available

New Hollo-Bolt plug-in tool available in Tekla Warehouse.

Working in partnership with Trimble Solutions (UK), Lindapter is pleased to announce the launch of a new Tekla plug in-tool, which will help to facilitate the efficient and accurate detailing of the Hollo-Bolt system into structural steel models.

 

Available to download within Tekla Warehouse,

the time-saving tool enables Lindapter’s innovative Hollo-Bolt system to be incorporated

directly into a Tekla user’s 3D BIM model in Tekla Structures.

 

Renowned in the industry for manufacturing and supplying innovative steelwork connections, the Hollo-Bolt system is Lindapter’s range of CE UKCA marked expansion bolts that only require installation access to one side of the steel. Suitable for both end plate and profile-to-profile connections and with three bolt heads available (Hexagonal, Countersunk and Flush Fit), the products provide a faster alternative to welding or through-bolting, enabling steelwork contractors to reduce construction time and labour costs.

 

The new Tekla plug-in tool takes these time-saving benefits even further, providing a more efficient and accurate detailing process.

 

Prior to the launch of the tool, Tekla and Lindapter customers would have had to manually model a generic steel bolt connection with no specific attributes. The generic connection is not linked to any manufacturer, making it impossible to generate precise take-offs. Now, using the tool, users can automatically detail the Hollo-Bolt connection, with the associated product-specific information and data (including product codes and attributes) leading to more accurate quantity take-offs and estimates.

 

What’s more, rather than detailing a bolt connection in isolation, the tool creates a parametric component. A more intelligent detailing experience, this automatically prevents users from going outside of the set parameters – for example, the positioning of the Hollo-Bolt products has to allow for a pre-stated distance between both the bolts and the inside edge of the steel section. The tool’s intelligent parametric capabilities help to ensure a correct first-time steelwork connection design, in turn contributing to a more seamless installation and assembly stage on site with minimal rework required.

 

Talking about the launch, Sunny Bansal, Engineering Director at Lindapter said: “As a business, we’ve been wanting to integrate our products into BIM software for a while. As the global industry leader in Structural Steelwork Detailing Software, Tekla was the ideal partner for Lindapter to work with to further enhance our digital journey. For us, it’s all about providing our customers with a product that’s easy to use, right from the initial design & detailing stage through to on-site installation.”

 “This plug-in tool does exactly that, providing a simplified and improved user experience for fabricators and steel detailers, enabling them to utilise our Steelwork Connection Solutions within Tekla’s digital and automated 3D environment.”

 

Craig Johnson, Business Development Manager – Detailing & Manufacturing at Trimble, added: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to work with Lindapter on this new plug-in tool, combining the Hollo-Bolt system’s time-saving capabilities with our constructible 3D modelling software; providing our customers with an enhanced design and detailing process.”

To learn more about Tekla Structures and to download the plug-in, please visit:

www.tekla.com/uk

To learn more about Lindapter and the Hollo-Bolt system, please visit:

www.lindapter.com

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Meeting building regulations with Fassa Bortolo’s quality render

The team at Fassa Bortolo were recently contacted by award-winning building, surveying, architectural and property management specialist, 3Sixty Real Estate, to provide a solution that would protect and weatherproof a high-end, luxury home in Bristol. The property was originally designed by renowned Bristol-based architect, Hartland Thomas in 1935 and was in need of modernisation.

Following the specification process, cycle 3C from the Fassarend system was selected to ensure a quality finish. This cycle includes a cement undercoat (SP22), followed by a lime and cement base coat (KC1), Fassanet reinforcing mesh and a primer (FX26) with a texture coat (RX561). The nature of the raw materials used in the formulation gives the surface a rustic appearance, which well suited the aesthetic of the property.

DE Price Plastering was contracted for the project, who chose to work with local distributor, Woodman Brothers Construction Supplies Ltd, who has 25 years’ industry experience and is a dedicated supplier of Fassa Bortolo products.

Darren Price, director DE Price Plasterings, commented: ‘We’ve worked with Fassa Bortolo on many projects as the company offer a great range of products which are all extremely easy to use no matter what the requirements are. As well as this, the customer service is excellent and there is always someone available to contact who is willing and able to meet our requirements.’

He added: ‘Woodman Brothers have a good knowledge of the render industry combined with a vast stock of Fassa Bortolo products, making them the go-to distributor for all of external façade related jobs.’

 

www.fassabortolo.co.uk

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Helping create the ideal learning and working environment for creative talent

Manchester Metropolitan University’s new £35m SoDA (School of Digital Arts) Building aims to create an ideal learning venue for digital creatives. Gilberts Blackpool is helping deliver the most appropriate environment within.

 

Built by Kier Construction with M&E services provided by Dodd Group, the four-storey centre provides production studios, digital innovation laboratories, editing suites, music and sound studios, which prompted complex ventilation criteria.

In designing the ventilation strategy for the facility that is fully air-conditioned via air source heat pump technology, Dodd Group had to balance attenuation of noise to varying levels as low as 20dBa, minimisation of heat loadings from the array of computer equipment within, whilst creating compliant supply and extract of air without hot or cold spots in spaces varying from single person offices through the café, toilet and changing facilities to seminar rooms.

Gilberts worked closely with Dodd Group throughout the process, beginning at the design stage to support with technical considerations.

To achieve the necessary reduction in background ventilation noise levels, Gilberts proposed using larger diffusers than would normally be used to achieve ventilation within the given spaces.

Gilberts’ GHV double deflection grilles and GSF omni-directional circular swirl diffusers supply air throughout the building. Both GSFR standard swirls and GSFA premium swirls, in matt black or pure white finishes, were utilised to provide alternative visual appearances to compliment the interior design. With their horizontal distribution of supply air they achieve higher air change rates than conventional diffusers, thereby helping moderate heat gain.

Additional GSFRs plus GECA eggcrate grilles extract the used air on all levels.

Gilberts’ SX and GX air valves supply and extract air from the toilet, shower and changing facilities on each floor., and the Changing Places accessible toilet

The combination of Gilberts’ diffusers ensures correct indoor air quality for the 1000 students annually that Manchester Metropolitan University predict will graduate from SODA.

 

“Sustainability was central to the M&E services, including air source heat pumps, LED lighting, and photovoltaic panels. Gilberts’ location in the North West- the same region as SODA- added synergy to the sustainable message,” explained Dodd Group Project Manager Will Tatterton. “Gilberts offers unrivalled technical support and has the manufacturing expertise to be efficiently able to create specials for particular project requirements. The company was invaluable in its assistance, supporting us in delivery of this high quality installation.”

 

The Manchester Metropolitan University SODA Building is one of numerous higher education facilities which benefit from Gilberts’ grilles and diffusers, including University of Liverpool’s Regius Chair chemistry laboratory and Rotblat lecture theatre, and the Harper & Keele Veterinary School.

Gilberts is recognised as the UK’s leading independent air movement specialist, offering grilles, louvres, and diffusers for natural, hybrid and mechanical ventilation. Founded 60 years ago and still family-owned and directed, Gilberts Blackpool is unique in its ability to develop components, be it ‘mainstream’ or bespoke- entirely in-house, from initial design through tooling, production, testing and supply, at its 8825m2 manufacturing facility.

Its state of the art test centre, designed and built in-house, is one of the most technically advanced in the country.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GILBERTS WEBSITE

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One-Stop Shop for Strand Solutions

Strand Hardware has introduced new products to

its panic and emergency hardware range to provide customers with

a one-stop shop for complete solutions to key products

 

Armoured door loops, power supply units (PSU) and PSU batteries to provide battery back-up are now available to purchase alongside the Strand Antipanic Motorised Touch Bar range.

Until now, Strand Hardware customers have needed to source these items from other suppliers. Being able to buy them in one place should save time and money by incorporating into existing orders, thereby reducing costs.

The power supply units (PSU) are used to convert the external mains voltage, 240v into the required voltage current to operate the motorised touch bar which is 12 – 24v DC or 12v AC.

 

The additions have been competitively priced and meet Stand Hardware’s exacting quality standards.

 

Said Strand Hardware Sales Director Craig Fox: “These products are useful additions to our key motorised touch bar products: the PHTM0, 55 and 57. Most businesses are currently experiencing increased costs throughout their supply chain, so it makes sense for Strand to stock items as a total solutions package and help our customers save time and money.”

For more information contact: info@strandhardware.co.uk

or call: 01922 639111

www.strandhardware.co.uk

 

 

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Saniflo solves drainage issue for prestigious floating holiday accommodation

Saniflo UK – a leading designer and manufacturer of macerators, pumps and lifting stations – is known for being able to supply drainage solutions for unusual places, such as basement and attic conversions in older buildings, commercial venues with limited waste discharge options and a whole range of other applications. In recent years, the boom in staycations here in the UK has revolutionized the tourism sector and the more unusual the accommodation and the location, the more de rigeur the venue becomes. Many need a pumped waste solution and Saniflo has supplied a range of products for glamping pods, cabins, caravans, boats, campsites, festival venues and portable WC and shower cabins.

Recently, Saniflo provided a number of Sanibest Pro macerators and a Sanifos 280 lifting station to Hampshire- based MDL Marinas – a multi-service leisure business running marinas, boatyards and holiday centres in the South of England – for its new marine lodges overlooking the stunning Badnam Creek on the River Hamble.

The challenge for pontoon supplier, Intermarine and lodge manufacturer, Trojan Timber, was to work out the most efficient waste discharge from the bathrooms and kitchens with least possible disruption to customers and marina staff. Pumps were always going to be needed in the lodges themselves, but collection and storage was the biggest stumbling block and ideas such as manual collection with a waste trolley or a separate floating tank were considered but rejected.

Saniflo was approached by Tony Goodman of Trojan Timber for advice and a technical engineer from the company visited the site to meet the stakeholders, assess the options and present a workable solution. This was in the shape of a Sanibest Pro macerator fitted in the bathroom of each lodge and a Sanifos underground lifting station to collect and pump away the waste to a landside drain.

Waste is discharged through a pipe out of each lodge which connects to a run of pipe installed under the service cover along the main pontoon. This then runs for 20m to meet an adjacent jetty where a Sanifos 280 lifting station, built in to an anti-corrosion black metal box, is installed out of sight under the edge. It is activated when a certain fill point is reached and the waste is then pumped into discharge pipes under the water, up the wall of the quay and across to the mains drain.

 

Karl Decaux, from pontoon supplier, Intermarine, was delighted that the solution recommended by Saniflo enabled the waste to be discharged landside;

 

“Thanks to the innovative method of connecting the Sanibest Pros into the Sanifos, the whole waste discharge process happens automatically and makes use of the mains drains on the site and that means no manual emptying – a real bonus. We couldn’t be any more impressed with the support we received from Saniflo and there are plans to add more lodges in future. We will know from the outset how to plan the drainage using their recommendations.”

 

For more information and technical details, please visit www.saniflo.co.uk

 

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UK POLICY TO DIVERSIFY BASELOAD & DISPATCHABLE ENERGY OPTIONS

 

 

 

 

Chris Goggin examines the recently published UK “Energy Security Strategy” and what this means for customers of domestic fuel and related products. Specific focus of this article will be applied towards how diversifying alternative power avenues will satisfy national demand and how this process affects how the UK secures its sources of domestically cultivated energy.

 

Russian military intervention in Ukraine has pushed global energy and geopolitics into a new epoch. EU Fossil fuel payments that assist Russia’s economy will entirely cease within two years. Multiple European and international governments are beginning to publish centralized strategies that offer solutions to locating, developing and introducing future and current secure national energy supplies.

The recently published UK government paper, titled: British Energy Security Strategy outlines a plan to reduce domestic energy costs and decarbonise national fuel supplies whilst ensuring future energy security.

A reduction in fossil fuel consumption is a key facet of this strategy. At present Russia controls an ability to nefariously affect international energy market prices that hurt the domestic customer, a current major concern for notable economies across the globe.

There is urgent need for Western economies and nations to replace fossil fuels and natural gas imports. British Energy Security Strategy measures implement the replacement of fuel imports with the rapid advancement of hydrogen and renewable production as well as three new nuclear installations by 2030.

The current British energy mix is reliant on natural gas which is both dispersed domestically and responsible for 41% of generated electricity. Due to these volumes natural gas can be considered a baseload power source.

Energy provision can be separated into two distinct columns that best describe how UK energy providers deal with on and off demand at peak times of year.

To provide continuity to domestic energy supplies, a baseload of power is dispersed to communities throughout the UK. A baseload of power ensures that the minimum requirement of national demand is constantly met. Baseload energy demands are satisfied via energy sources that are cost effective and readily available, such as natural gas.

Dispatchable power refers to separate sources of energy that are utilized in times of peak demand. Throughout the calendar year the UK power grid will experience times of pressure where it is a necessity to incorporate additional energy to cope with demand and output.

Optimistic estimations can assume a nuclear capacity of 12GW by 2040 and an offshore wind generation capacity of 50GW in a similar time line. Nuclear energy alone will not possess the capability of providing a baseload of UK energy once natural gas imports are reduced. For this to be made possible other forms of fuel will have to be utilized to assist in electrical generation, such as renewables.

If the UK is to rely on absorbing renewable resources, further pressure will be added to the energy system due to the seasonal nature of sunlight and wind. Neither solar or wind can be considered reliable enough to provide a consistent baseload source of power. A further source of energy is needed to help balance the UK energy grid and options.

A form of energy mentioned early on in the UK Energy Security Strategy is hydrogen. Hydrogen is to be a major contributor towards the UK national energy mix, both as a short term dispatchable power source and as a potential future baseload.

In a short-term approach the UK government favour the use of blue hydrogen as a preliminary step towards overall domestic green hydrogen usage. In making this possible various hydrogen hubs are being constructed across northern UK.

HyNet Northwest is located in the North West of UK, H2 Saltend in Yorkshire and BP in Teesside are all developing projects that will be using CCUS technology and producing blue hydrogen for localized consumption. It has also been recently reported by UK mainstream media that the UK government hope to fast track these plans as quickly as possible.

As UK imports of natural gas and fossil fuels are reduced and eventually nullified, the UK energy mix will experience a transformation that will introduce possibilities for alternative green gasses and biofuels such as rDME, LPG and BioLPG to become staples of UK energy mix.

Although there is no mention of pink hydrogen within the British Energy Security Strategy, this too could be used to fill the void left by natural gas once expelled from UK energy options.

Pink hydrogen occurs when produced through nuclear means. Considering the UK plans to add 3 new nuclear installations by 2030, it is safe to assume that pink hydrogen will play a role in future UK energy issues.

To summarise the British Energy Security Strategy: it appears that the overall objective is to shield UK energy companies and customers from adverse price spikes. Doing so means a switch from foreign fuel imports of fossil fuels and natural gas towards a programme of sustainable national energy cultivation that favours the expansion of nuclear and renewable power with the immediate development and advancement of blue and eventually green hydrogen.

A baseload of power will be supplied through nuclear and renewables with other alternative forms of gas to be also incorporated into daily activates to deal with dispatchable peak times.

Once strategy transforms into active operations, UK policy may well see fit to add further energies such as pink hydrogen in assisting domestic energy demand being met with relative comfort.

After a sustained period of the UK government largely overlooking hydrogen, hydrogen appears to be fully accepted by the existing UK administration in released public literature.

The British Energy Security strategy states that only manufactured hydrogen at present can offer the volumes of scale required to fully balance the UK energy grid. Hydrogen now appears to be the fuel of the UK’s future.

 

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit

www.rinnaiuk.com 

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Tim Takes on AliMet Technical Sales Role

Tim Moore has joined AliMet Fabrications as Technical Sales Consultant to help establish new business partnerships and support the delivery of quality products and services.

Tim, from Leicestershire, has a wealth of experience in the door and window industry and should prove a huge asset to AliMet’s client base.

He began his career as an estimator in the 1980s with automatic door supplier Dor-o-matic in his home town of Leamington Spa. He moved into sales, worked with Boon Edam and spent seven years with Horton Automatics.

Tim has also worked for GEZE UK and for the past 17 years, with Axis Entrance Systems, in Northampton. He was a member of the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) executive committee for more than 20 years including two as chairman.

His move sees him reunited with two former colleagues: owner Paul Ryan and Managing Director Steve Marshall.

“I first met Steve when I worked at Dor-o-matic and we used to buy aluminium from James Gibbons where he worked at the time. I then went to work for GEZE which Paul and Steve helped establish in the UK. It is nice to be reunited again at AliMet Fabrications,” he said.

The move into the aluminium industry is not a huge leap – many of the companies with which he worked also sold shop fronts and doors, curtain walling and screen work.

“There’s a fantastic amount of scope within AliMet to grow the company, its range of products and services. I am looking forward to taking on new challenges and opportunities, do the job with a smile on my face and make an active contribution to the workplace,” he added.

Tim’s knowledge and experience will help him advise customers to find the most suitable and cost effective options to solve problems or apply improvements, combining functionality with aesthetics while being mindful of health and safety and legal considerations.

Outside of work Tim enjoys spending time with his wife and two grown-up children. His passion is rugby union – as a former player and supporter. His son is following his footsteps and looks set to establish a career in the sport.

Said AliMet Managing Director Steve Marshall: “I am delighted to welcome Tim to the team. His experience will be invaluable in helping AliMet develop and grow its sales but more than that, he is a thoroughly nice chap who will bring something special to the workplace and become a key member of the team.”

For more information about AliMet’s range of products and services contact: sales@alimet.co.uk or visit: www.alimet.co.uk

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Two new styles and four new colour options, from F. H. Brundle

F.H. Brundle add two new styles and four new colour options to their Marano® range of stylish, easy to maintain aluminium fencing. 

 

F.H. Brundle have a total of 6 contemporary styles of aluminium fencing and are continually adding even more styles to what is already one of the most extensive ranges of stocked metal fences available in the UK. It’s easy to install and produces stunning results that will last for years to come.

The newest additions to the Marano range are Connect and Parallel, which are perfect for creating privacy fencing, and allow for face fixing to the post for ease of installation.

They are available in four colours, as well as the increasingly popular mill finish which customers can then complete in a colour of their choice.

Connect and Parallel are great additions to the already popular Marano range, where you will find a variety of different systems.

Elements is arguably the most versatile – letting you create striking, ultra-modern fencing with a combination of double-sided boards, aluminium strips, and acrylic panels that can be supplied either frosted or clear.

Marano Convex slats can be fixed to the external face of virtually any fencing posts, as well as being incorporated into steel gate frames, for a striking and quick-to-install privacy fence.

Our stylish Marano Stripe fencing boards are double-sided – on one side you will find a contemporary flat design, while they feature a traditional grooved effect on the other, allowing you to create different effects to produce an eye-catching privacy fence.

Our stunning Marano Breeze fencing slat kits, available in a realistic oak wood effect, are lightweight and fit easily between posts with discreet fixings, allowing you to produce a beautiful privacy fence that will last for years to come.

Installation manuals are available for all the ranges on our website to help guide you.

If you’d like to learn more about our Marano range PLEASE CLICK HERE

 

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Gilberts “ticks the boxes” in more ways than one…

Two into one does go with advancements to Gilberts’ natural ventilation accessories in line with changes to Building Regulations and guidance. Its latest Series VN-S unit not only addresses noise attenuation into the internal space but is also fully non-combustible.

The Series VN-S range of acoustic silencers for natural ventilation provide sound reduction with a choice of five depths (from 100-600mm) between 19- 49dBA, depending on unit size and further influenced by the degree of open free area (from 30-50%). The units can be fitted in air intake and air transfer applications. Thus external noise and/or noise nuisance/breakout between spaces is minimised. Tested to BS EN 10140-2 2010, the silencers are fully compliant with BB93 for acoustics within schools.

Importantly for any public or commercial building using natural ventilation, the Series VN-S is also fully non-combustible. This delivers compliance with the latest Building Regulations Approved Document F 2021, particularly with the Guidance’s interaction with Building Regulations Approved Document B. It can therefore form a key part of fire rated transfer applications when used in conjunction with approved fire, intumescent or smoke dampers.

“We’re all aware of the growing drive to reduce carbon emissions, and thus the growing specification of natural ventilation in buildings,” says Jonathan Haslam, Gilberts Managing Director. “Building services designers are all too aware of the need to balance those drivers with other considerations, including noise and fire. As the UK’s #1 independent air movement specialist, it is right that we are at the forefront of enhancements that enable designers to ‘tick all the boxes’ as efficiently as possible and have the tools to specify, as easily as possible, a strategy that is Regulatory compliant and delivers an internal environment that optimises occupant productivity and enjoyment.”

Full technical details of Series VN-S can be found on Gilberts’ website:

CLICK HERE

Founded 60 years ago, privately owned Gilberts is unique in having its own, on-site (85,000ft2) manufacturing facility, producing engineered solutions, with an in-house test centre. Technical expertise is supported with full in-house testing addressing air movement and combining with computational fluid dynamics CFD).

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