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.

THE SOUND CHOICE FOR NATURAL VENTILATION

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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SterlingOSB Zero ‘Primed for Action’ across the board

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

 

 

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TRILUX IN PARTNERSHIP TO SAVE 1.3 TONNES OF MATERIAL

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

 

 

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A little help from Saniflo

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

 

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Retrofit continues to expand at Futurebuild 2023

,

…………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

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SIGMA PLANS FOR £20M DEVELOPMENT

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.”

 

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Introducing F.H. Brundle’s sleek new modular fencing system from Kingspan

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

 

 

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Cut your material miles with West Fraser’s home-grown panels

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/

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“Nothing better” claims for new ventilation with heat recovery unit

In the drive towards reduced net zero, Gilberts Blackpool claims its new MFS-HR surpasses performance of anything comparable on the market for commercial and public sector applications.

Building on Gilberts’ pioneering MFS hybrid ventilation unit- the first of its kind to be developed in the UK- the combined hybrid unit can achieve up to 75% heat recovery.

The exceptional and market-leading heat recovery performance means that when employed as part of a sustainable strategy including photovoltaic arrays, MFS-HR could achieve energy negative status.

As with the original MFS and other alternative hybrid ventilation systems, MFS-HR is a stand-alone unit installed through the façade to ventilate, cool and warm the interior. Initial tests indicate each MFS-HR will provide up to 4kw heating and 2kw cooling capacity whilst still delivering a airflow rate of up to 470l/s. It could cost as little as £10/annum/zone to operate.

Manufactured by Gilberts in the UK, the whole MFS range makes optimal use of recyclable materials making it low on embodied carbon, MFS attains air leakage better than legislative requirements – 3m3/HR/m2, and a U value of less than 1W/m2/°C, all combining to further enhance the green credentials.

“When we launched the original MFS, there was nothing else like it in terms of performance,” says Gilberts Sales Director Ian Rogers. “MFS-HR will build on that, taking hybrid ventilation with heat recovery to new heights in the drive towards energy and carbon reduction and re-affirming Gilberts’ position as a technological leader.”

Details are available on Gilberts’ website

CLICK HERE

 

 

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ROCKWOOL NyRock® Rainscreen 032 now BBA approved

ROCKWOOL has been accredited with the British Board of Agrément (BBA) Agrément Certificate for its NyRock® Rainscreen 032 product.

NyRock Rainscreen 032 is a stone wool insulation product specifically developed for use within ventilated cladding systems, as well as sealed systems such as curtain walling. Manufactured using patented technology, NyRock Rainscreen 032 has a more efficient fibre structure that increases the density of air pockets trapped within each slab. This results in an improved thermal performance when compared to traditional stone wool products.

“Launched just a few months ago, NyRock Rainscreen 032 has already been well received by the industry thanks to the improved thermal performance it provides,” comments Lisa Stephens, Product Manager for the Building Envelope at ROCKWOOL UK. “With the BBA approval, architects and designers have independent third-party confirmation of the advantages that NyRock Rainscreen 032 brings to their project.”

“The BBA provides services that drives quality and safety throughout the construction space, enabling innovation, risk mitigation and assurance from design through to completed build, and beyond” says Emma Wiles, Sales and Marketing Director from the BBA. “It is great to see more sustainable products entering the market such as this Rockwool product.”

BBA approved NyRock Rainscreen 032 has a low thermal conductivity of 0.032 W/mK. It has proven acoustic benefits and is water repellent, yet breathable. Being manufactured from stone wool, NyRock Rainscreen 032 is classed as non-combustible in Euroclass A1. Stone wool is dimensionally stable and has been proven to provide the same performance for more than 55 years after installation.[1]

For more information CLICK HERE

 

[1] FIW, Durability Project Mineral Wool (2016), “Conclusions and Outlook.”

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