Richard Reeve to take Axim to new heights

TPG, The Parkside Group Limited is pleased to announce that Richard Reeve, Sales Director will be exclusively looking after one of its major divisions, Axim Architectural Hardware.

Richard has been with TPG for 15 years and is excited to take the leading hardware brand to even greater heights. Richard said, “Axim is one of the most trusted brands in the industry for reliability and quality. Axim celebrated 30 years of business last year and having worked throughout the industry I know that the Axim TC-8800 series of Concealed Transom Closers is well known for its superb long-term performance and as part of TPG, Axim, is backed up by market leading delivery to its European wide distributor and partner network.”

Over the last 30 years Axim has extensively developed its product range to include all the hardware that top quality commercial doors require. Richard commented that “Everyone knows the top performer the Axim TC Series of Concealed Closers, however, I am not sure that everyone is aware of how extensive the Axim product range is. The Axim PR Series Panic Exit range is comprehensive, and the Axim Panic Exit Locking Handle is one of the most high-quality products I have seen which fits across the entire range.”

The Axim branded product range includes Emergency and Panic Exit Devices that are certified to BS EN 179 and BS EN 1125, a range of handles including D-handles, Lever Handles, Pad Handles, Pull Handles and Tube Handles, Floor Springs which can take a door weight of up to 150Kg, Locks including Mortice, Dead Latch, Extension Flush Bolts for security slave doors.

The Axim TC-8800 Series of Concealed Transom Closer will fit most major manufacture’s doors and has 3 different strengths. The TC 9900 is a universal closer which is ideal for repair and maintenance and where closers have failed, the TC9900 offers a fast solution without the need for costly repairs.

Richard continues “Axim is known very well in the aluminium door industry, however the Surface Mounted Door Closer, the Axim FC Series, offers a solution for both aluminium and timber doors, in fact it even comes as standard with fixings to suit both materials. This means that installers and distributors can minimise the closers they carry, and the Axim FC-1000 Series has been tested for Fire Rating to BS 476-22 1987.”

Offering innovative solutions has been at the fore of Axim and launching new products such as the Axim ES-2100 Electric Strike a remote access product that offers installers a reduction in installation and maintenance time. The Axim LK-2100 Reversible Deadlatch offers a non-handed solution which means that installers and distributors can reduce their stock-holding by only stocking one Deadlatch instead of two.

Last year Axim had a face-lift with a new revamped logo, which joined the new website and Technical Literature which offers extensive technical, specification and installation information with speedy navigation to get you to the place you need to be.

Axim designs and supplies a comprehensive in-stock range of transom closers, panic exit devices, electric strikes, deadlatches, surface mounted door closers, floor-springs, flush-bolts, letter-plates, locks and handles through a pan-European distributor supply chain.

For more information please contact Axim on 0208 685 9685, email axim@parksidegroup.co.uk or visit www.axim.co.uk

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Built Environment as key to solving country’s productivity conundrum

Former Director-General of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Lord Digby Jones has cited the UK’s Built Environment priorities of housing and infrastructure as key to solving the country’s productivity conundrum, providing the younger generation with homes and jobs to deliver economic growth for the country.

Speaking at the launch of the Built Environment Communications Group (becg), Lord Jones said “With our growth forecasts dropping and productivity remaining stubbornly low, housing and infrastructure, alongside skills, are the vital economic drivers as we navigate through Brexit. Our next generation needs Parliament to unite its focus on their future for the sake of the country’s prosperity.”

Lord Jones’ comments were made at the launch event of becg, the UK’s largest specialist communications agency for the Built Environment. Formed from the rebrand and repositioning of the Remarkable Group and incorporating the heritage, expertise and team from specialist property communications agency HardHat, becg will have a 90-strong national team across eight UK offices. This has created one brand, with a clear mission to deliver expert counsel and multi-disciplinary communications services for the Built Environment sectors.

Reflecting Lord Jones’ comments, becg chief executive Stephen Pomeroy said: “Our Built Environment impacts on every aspect of our lives. For our country to succeed we need a better Built Environment that supports our economic growth and provides the foundation for society to thrive. Our next generation is at the heart of this – giving them the homes and jobs they need to help our economy flourish.

“We know that this success can be hindered by national and regional policy, media misunderstanding and barriers and delays to planning and development – there is no quick fix, but effective and expert communication has a clear role in helping to resolve the frustrations and ensure quality and quantity. Working together across public and private sector, we can address the challenge of delivering a better Built Environment.

“In becg, we have created a UK market leader to advise those who are deliverers of our evolving Built Environment. As a multidisciplinary agency we will continue to provide expert advice with unrivalled national, regional and local networks to provide our clients with solutions that deliver commercial value, maximise opportunities and reduce risk.

“Too often, crucial Built Environment projects can be delayed due to a lack of understanding of the benefits they can bring to individuals, communities and the wider economy. At becg we are dedicated to communicating the vision of our clients as they shape a better Built Environment, and to genuinely engage with government, media and stakeholder communities.”

becg’s client base spans all aspects of the Built Environment, with residential and commercial property – including land acquisition, development and housebuilding; energy and environment – including energy generation and supply, recycling and waste management; and infrastructure – including transport, health, education and retail.

To find out more about becg and its specialist communications offering for the Built Environment, visit: www.becg.com.

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Alumasc launches BIM Level 2 for ‘all metal’ Rainwater

Alumasc Rainwater, part of Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS), is the first and only manufacturer to provide BIM Level 2 content (Building Information Modelling) for a complete range of metal rainwater – Aluminium, Cast Iron and Steel. This means specifiers, engineers and contractors can now access the files they need for metal rainwater from one BIM model.

The leading manufacturer of metal rainwater systems has developed its BIM files so specifiers and contractors can benefit from a new slimmer version too. This has been completed in response to feedback and requests from customers to receive smaller files.

BIM files from Alumasc Rainwater are modelled to achieve an accurate external space envelope and connection detail. But file sizes increase with model detail, so in the new slimmer model it has been stripped of non-essential details such as logos, small radii, internal strengthening ribs, fasteners & fixings. This means files can be accessed much more easily and quickly.

BIM is a process for creating and managing information on a construction project across the project lifecycle. Introduced by Government in 2011 initially for public sector projects, the benefits of BIM can be realised for the private sector too. The aim of BIM is to improve efficiencies, reduce risk, encourage better planning, and reduce operational costs. 3D models are developed based on information assembled by manufacturers, architects and specifiers and updated at key stages of a project.

BIM files for Alumasc Rainwater’s all metal range can be downloaded from www.alumascrainwater.co.uk. For more information call 01536 383810.
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The silence of international design

Setter Architects in Israel have designed stunning new offices for several international companies, including Palo Alto Networks, one of the world’s most innovative technology organisations. The link between these projects is the way their interiors all benefit from high performance acoustic ceilings manufactured by Troldtekt in Denmark.

Palo Alto Networks is a company involved in developing cyber defence solutions. Located on the 24th floor of a complex of multi-storey office towers in a colourful and historical part of Tel Aviv, the design inspiration is the introduction of eclectic low-tech external elements to the interior. These include steel window profiles and garage doors, exposed bricks, old textured glass to divide public spaces and historic artefacts.

All employees, including managers, work in open spaces located at the perimeter of the floor, alongside the windows. Transparent high partitions enable intimacy and improve acoustics, yet allow the urban feel of the outside environment to flow in.

Palo Alto benefits from stunning aesthetics and controlled environments which absorb the sounds and reverberations from hard surfaces and the natural echoes of a very busy offices. The superior acoustic performance of the ceilings is combined with different forms of lighting, air-conditioning and amplifiers. Apart from high sound absorption, other benefits include durability and natural breathability coupled with low cost performance and sustainability as documented by Cradle to Cradle certification at silver level.

Troldtekt natural wood wool ceiling panels are widely specified throughout the UK, Europe and internationally for many different buildings as well as for refurbished interiors. They are available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme fine to coarse. Although most are used in their natural untreated state, they can also be painted in virtually any RAL colour.

For samples and comprehensive technical information tel 01978 664255 or visit www@troldtekt.co.uk.
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Rinnai – combined heating and hot water systems

Rinnai is now offering a complete package in a combined heating and hot water system for all commercial and domestic applications.

Rinnai is offering three sizes of boiler –50kW, 75kW and 100kW –to its range of HE continuous flow gas water heaters, thus giving a one-stop shop to installers. The package, for all a site’s heating and hot water needs – are delivered direct to site or wherever needed. Rinnai can also offer compete flexibility when it comes to designing combined systems.

Lots of installations utilise Rinnai’s proven, energy efficient continuous flow water heaters use multiple units for example, schools, hotels and gyms and spas. Now installers can very easily manifold two or three Rinnai Infinity continuous flow water heaters with, for example, two boilers via a common flue and on the same cascade rig.

Rinnai UK Associate Director Chris Goggin says “System thinking is what is going to give us the edge as we head into a future where fuel prices are going to need to be managed with pin-point precision.”

This ‘system thinking’ approach has led Rinnai to offer a service to design and deliver a complete heating and hot water system in one easy to install, fully specified and energy efficient ‘pack’ delivered direct to site meeting all the demands of the client in one seamless operation.

“Why would busy installers and end users want waste their time planning and then assembling all the parts of a jigsaw when Rinnai can specify, design and deliver the total solution?”, says Goggin.

“System thinking is so much more effective from design to delivery, through installation and throughout the system’s life time,” concludes Goggin.

A total solution including water heaters, flues, scale protection, unvented cylinders, valves, prefabrication racks, advanced BMS controls – even water sampling equipment – can be specified, designed and delivered by Rinnai.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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Rinnai CPD courses – full programme on hot water heating systems and delivery

Rinnai, the UK’s leading supplier of hot water heating products and systems, has announced its full programme of approved CPD courses which are now freely available to all sectors of the industry – contractors, engineers, specifiers, building services consultants and interior designers.

There are four basic CPD courses: Energy Efficiency On Demand Water Heating; Continuous Flow & The Future Of Water Heating; Continuous Flow and Excellence in Design; Understanding ACOP L8 and Hot Water Design.

All are available in one batch or as individual ‘stand-alone’ topics. Venues for course delivery can be either the Rinnai state-of-the-art Training Suite by accredited tutors. These CIBSE approved courses are free of any charge.

Rinnai supplies the biggest range of continuous flow hot water heater units and systems currently available on the UK market. All products either fully comply or exceed all UK and EU legislation

For more details on RINNAI products visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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Rinnai hot water delivery systems for large sites and demands

Rinnai offers a range of A-rated energy efficient continuous flow water heating systems that meet all user demand from the biggest sites-as well as reducing fuel costs, maintenance and minimising any possible downtime.

Large commercial building owners, in both public and private sector whether hospitality, healthcare, education or office buildings can benefit from fully modulating continuous flow water heating systems.

Independent comparisons on the Rinnai range showed 7% savings over the lifetime of the appliances (20 years) against certain traditional storage methods.

This follows another independent endorsement of Rinnai energy efficiency claims – ErP Energy Labelling. The ErP A-rating** the Rinnai models have achieved applies over the complete Infinity range – from small domestic models to XXL sized industrial units.

Rinnai is said to be the only manufacturer that can field a complete range of gas fired continuous flow water heaters that exceeds the demands of new legislation on fuel efficiencies and yield outstanding reliability throughout the life of the appliance.

An example of just one of the Rinnai units is the heavy duty condensing models (HDC), the Infinity HDC1600i. This premium condensing water heater which has been tested to below 20 ppm NOx, produces the lowest emissions on the market and has 107% net thermal efficiencies. The Infinity HDC 1600 renewables-ready low NOx series is the first heater of its kind to utilise Rinnai’s own patented pre-mix burner technology. The newly developed down-firing burner allows increased efficiency and reduces NOx gases. The Infinity 1600i low NOx series is available with an output of 58.4 kw producing 16.2 litres of temperature controlled hot water per minute (or 9.73 per hour) raised at 50°C.

The Infinity Plus solution for large commercial operations has been developed to provide never-ending hot water without costly storage and brings together multiple units of the company’s award-winning condensing continuous flow water heaters into single, easily manoeuvrable modules.

The comprehensive Rinnai Infinity PLUS range offers specifiers and end users a system that guarantees a constant flow of safe hot water at precisely the chosen temperature. Operated via an easy to use built-in digital controller, the water heater provides near mains pressure flow for as long as is necessary, without the need for thermostatic mixer valves. For large building operators who have stringent CSR conditions to fulfil, Rinnai hot water systems can help achieve targets.

For commercial buildings, Rinnai’s development and investment in integral smart controls compatible with sophisticated BMS Gateway compatibility allows easy monitoring to optimise the whole hot water heating system.

As for Legionella control, Rinnai has new technology for secondary return DHW systems where there is a pipework of cooling water that could possibly breed Legionella. This innovation comes in the form of a ‘little grey box’ inside which is both a timer channel programme and a temperature controller.

The ‘little grey box’ ensures the timer will over-ride the temperature control for a short period and then revert to safe levels. This combination allows for safe running of water at 42°C core temperature during the day and 60°C at a time when the building is closed. By the time the building opens again, core temperature is back down to 42°C for safe use. It assists in eliminating risk from Legionella bacteria and scalding and is ideal for use in schools, office blocks and sports clubs to name just a few applications.

**In an ErP competitor comparison, the nearest competing brand to Rinnai Infinity units were also found to perform strongly in both XL and XXL load profiles. In the non-condensing product band the competitor could only produce a B rating for its XXL model while Rinnai scored A for its XL Infinity HD50i. It was the same story for the Infinity HD55i and HD55e XL units against the competitor’s corresponding XXL units. This is a defining key performance indicator for specifiers, installers and end users alike, giving confidence they are buying the best energy efficient kit available today.

For more details on RINNAI products visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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SFS extends specifier support to drive better quality doorsets

Leading door hinge manufacturer SFS has extended its technical support for architects, interior designers and fit-out contractors to help deliver safe, secure and compliant doorsets which take advantage of the latest hinge technology for long term reliable performance and visual appeal.

The company’s new RIBA-Approved CPD seminar is now available for bookings. Its focus on security and access for the disabled provides essential guidance on the design considerations for external and internal doorsets, and why the hinge plays a pivotal role. The 60-minute seminar recaps on the Secured by Design initiative, along with the PAS 024 security standard that underpins this, and provides practical insights into aesthetics, delivering outstanding performance, Part M and disabled access requirements, the demands of Part L and the thermal performance of windows and doors.

In addition to its new CPD seminar, SFS has also made accessing hinge product information easier, with an updated website offering downloads to all hinge technology solutions, along with direct contact information for its skilled technical team.

SFS, which was exclusively invited to share its specification market knowledge, analysis and experience from a manufacturer’s perspective in the 2017 NBS ‘What Specifiers Want’ report, has worked closely with architects and building contractors for three decades. Its strength and depth in the specification market includes a UK-based Specification Team focused on supporting specifiers with writing NBS clauses.

David Wigglesworth, Managing Director of SFS intec’s UK business, who wrote the article in the NBS report, says: “As a designer, manufacturer and supplier of door hinges we’re well positioned to share our technical knowledge with specifiers but we know how important it is to make this information as available and useful as possible. That’s why we’ve invested in our new CPD seminar and refreshed our website.

“We were delighted to be invited to share our insights in the 2017 NBS report which will be enormously beneficial to anyone working in the specification market. The key findings of the NBS survey indicate that access to information is key, which resonates with our ethos and the way our support is structured – designed to help deliver better quality buildings and maximise client satisfaction. This is particularly so given the high proportion of specifiers who value good relationships with manufacturers and having detailed information easily accessible online.”

Expert technical support has been at the core of SFS’s success in serving the door and window market for more than 30 years with a wide range of exterior and interior door hinges, including the market-leading Dynamic 2D range, as well as fasteners for the building envelope. Operating from its UK HQ in Leeds, the company is part of the Swiss-based SFS Group which has annual sales in excess of £1.1bn and a history dating back to the 1950s serving customers in the construction, automotive, electronics, industrial and medical products markets.

Find out more about SFS at www.sfsintec.co.uk and download the NBS ‘What Specifiers Want’ here.
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New-look offices pioneer use of Armstrong’s bespoke metal baffles

Armstrong Ceiling Solutions has marked the first use in the UK of its wood-effect metal baffles, alongside other innovative systems, in a prestigious £3.9 million office refurbishment.

The manufacturer’s VP-500 vertical metal baffles with a US Walnut finish were specified by frequent Armstrong users BPR architects for Blake House (formerly Teal House), a three-storey office building on Cowley Business Park, coincidentally about one mile from Armstrong’s own offices in Uxbridge, Middlesex.

The 300mm-high metal baffles bring a contemporary linear aesthetic to a new lobby extension and refurbished main stairs alongside 2,800m2 of Armstrong’s 600mm x 600mm metal MicroLook tiles in a Prelude 15mm grid in the open-plan office areas, Armstrong’s new Drywall Grid System (DGS) for plasterboard ceilings in staircase areas, and Ultima+ Vector 600mm x 1200mm mineral tiles on a 24mm grid in the core areas.

The new look for client Henry Boot Developments involved increasing the size of the 1990s steel-framed building from 22,000ft2 to 30,000ft2 by adding extra office space to the rear, remodelling the internal core layout and building a new double-height entrance lobby at the front to enhance its dated appearance and attract large corporations as lease holders.

Special attention was also given to the specification of fixtures and fittings and communal spaces, much of which feature black walnut to echo the Armstrong baffles, without over-prescribing the design.

As well as delivering an exciting architectural aesthetic, the Armstrong metal baffles enable easy integration of services and achieve the required acoustical level via the use of perforated sides and an acoustic inlay fleece. They are also highly scratch resistant, manufactured from up to 30% recycled steel and are quick and easy to install.

BPR project architect Ross McMahon said: “We used Armstrong’s wood-effect metal baffles in the new lobby extension. They soften the acoustics in the lobby and the timber effect brings the outside environment of trees inside the building. They also matched the walnut finish with ‘real’ wood used in the interior such as the doors, reception desk and hand rails.”

Ross added: “We specify Armstrong because their product portfolio is comprehensive. We have used and trusted their products over many years and so unless they didn’t provide a particular product that a client requested we would be unlikely to look elsewhere.”

For this particular project Ross added: “We have a long-standing relationship with Armstrong. The sales rep who visited us was very knowledgeable and we were impressed by him. The client likes the softening of the acoustics and is pleased with the aesthetic tying in with the real wood finishes.”

Ian Mitchell of CPC Interiors, who carried out the ceilings package of the Category A fit-out for the principal contractor, Apex Contractors, said: “Our team worked closely with the electrical contractors to ensure the Armstrong baffles and the lights were installed in consideration of the reception desk and seating.

“This was a refurbishment of an existing building to get it ready for future letting. The landlord gained planning to extend the building by approximately 30% which entailed a new escape staircase at the rear of the property. While all necessary approvals and construction of this area was undertaken, works to the existing areas had to continue to keep to the client’s programme.”

More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/ or the manufacturer’s app which is available from both the Apple store as well as the Google Play store, or by clicking on one of the links below with your mobile device www.armstrong.com/CeilingDownloads-Apple or www.armstrong.com/CeilingDownloads-Android.

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Brio CPD for sliding and folding door hardware and tracks

Brio, the leading sliding and folding door architectural ironmongery designer and provider, is hitting the CPD trail with a module designed to familiarise architects and specifiers with the different types of sliding/folding interior and exterior door systems.

Brio has signed up with the RIBA CPD Providers Network to offer specifiers the opportunity to view and understand the different applications of each door system, and where they can be used.

The course, presented by Brio’s expert tutors, also clearly explains terminology; for example, the different applications of bi-fold, bi-passing, bi-parting, multi-directional, single folding and single run doors to name just a few.

The CPD module also sets out the three basic rules for choosing the right sliding door hardware for any job as well as getting to grips with BS EN 1527 for sliding and folding door hardware. Those three basic rules are that top hung sliding door hardware is specified whenever possible, in preference to bottom roller; door weight should be carried by two hangers only; and, sliding door hardware suitable for the door weight should be specified as system capacity is based on a single door, not the sum of the doors.

The CPD also has useful guidance, for example, on what should happen after deciding on the type of system required, informing course delegates what the next steps are to select the fixing requirement – soffit, face fix or other – then indicate the size of the opening, number of panels required and the panel configuration. Whether timber, aluminium or composite, specifiers will need to know the weight per panel and whether the opening is in or out.

Delegates will also hear why it is important to specify ‘regional’ hardware – is it to be used in a coastal or non-coastal area? Architectural ironmongery that can stand up to salt erosion that is robust enough to handle the constant buffeting of strong winds over its lifetime is essential for coastal areas.

The Brio CPD is a worthwhile and interesting module that will leave delegates more confident about specifying the right architectural ironmongery for the job and with a good understanding of the products on the market that can help them turn their design vision into practical reality.

Information on construction health and safety/CDM, sustainability and environmental issues is also covered in the CPD seminars.

For more information please visit www.briouk.com.
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