EJOT CROSSFIX® helps shape the future of sustainable housing

   

The construction of two apartment buildings within the ground-breaking Climate Innovation District urban regeneration project in Leeds demonstrates how the EJOT CROSSFIX® substructure system can be used to incorporate rainscreen facades into highly sustainable buildings, without vastly increasing insulation depth.

Developed by Citu in partnership with one of Scandinavia’s leading architectural practices, White Arkitekter, and civil and structural engineers Civic, the scheme is creating an entire new sustainable neighbourhood with high quality urban housing. Over 500 low energy homes with integrated amenities have been created to a design that has been PHPP (Passive House Planning Package) assessed.

The development’s two apartment buildings, known as volumes, feature a mix of private sale and affordable housing in line with the planning consent, with nine social rent apartments and seven sub-market intermediate units incorporated.

Both volumes, named Aire Lofts and District Lofts, are constructed using a steel structure with composite metal deck floors and a light gauge steel framing system. This facilitates a rear ventilated façade (RVF) featuring two types of Swisspearl fibre cement panels externally, providing a consistent aesthetic across both multi-storey buildings, which rise up to 10 floors in height.

EJOT CROSSFIX® was selected to provide the critically important substructure because it enabled the construction of a highly insulated façade without compromising aesthetics, with the added benefit of streamlining installation.

Meeting multiple performance goals

The entire façade of District Lofts was constructed by Hansen Facades using CROSSFIX, in conjunction with main contractor Artium Construction. It was chosen following its successful deployment on Aire Lofts, where the system’s versatility and effectiveness were first recognised by Citu after it was used for secret-fix panels used to demarcate duplex apartments at the ground and first floor levels.

The EWS1 (External Wall System 1) rating of the facades for both volumes meant that the materials used in their construction, inclusive of specified attachments, had to be A1 ‘non-combustible’, signifying the best possible rating with minimal fire risk. Optimising the fire performance included the incorporation of FSi open and closed state cavity barriers, along with RCM Y-Wall A1 non-combustible sheathing boards.

These fire safety objectives were balanced with thermal and ventilation goals. Given the high thermal requirements, the substructure cavity had to be sufficiently deep to accommodate Rockwool Duo-Slab insulation with a thickness of 250mm and maintain the required ventilation for a system of this type.

The deep layer of insulation was one of the most important façade components needed for both buildings from a thermal perspective. The facades had to meet a weighted U Value (based on a typical subframe arrangement) of 0.13 W/m²k, which was key to delivering on the developer’s commitment to providing homes with heating energy demand around five times lower than the average UK house. However, CROSSFIX was also instrumental in making this high level of thermal performance a reality.

 

A sustainable façade enabler

The CROSSFIX substructure consisted of a 220mm Konsole K1 in A2 stainless steel, complete with the Powerkey for enhanced structural stability in the same metal grade, which supported L, Z and T profiles. The EJOT package was completed with five types of stainless steel fasteners to provide secure assembly with consistent performance.

CROSSFIX’s stainless steel composition made an important contribution to meeting the façade’s thermal performance goals given its very low thermal conductivity, which minimises the potential for thermal bridging. Coupled with a thermal stop incorporated into the CROSSFIX Konsole, this meant the facade’s U-value is lower than it would have been if other types of substructures had been used with the same thickness of insulation.

In addition, considering the whole life cycle of the products, CROSSFIX is mainly formed of recyclable stainless steel which requires significantly less energy to manufacture compared to the materials used in other RVF substructure systems – confirmed by an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).

A smart solution for modern construction methods

The multiple sustainability benefits provided by CROSSFIX, enhanced further through the ‘non-flammable’ fire resistance rating of the system and a unique design flexibility that enables it to be used in both horizontal and vertical assembly, means it aligns well with the higher efficiency, safety and quality targets demanded in modern construction.

In addition, at the Climate Innovation District, valuable efficiency benefits were delivered because CROSSFIX does not require special or handed brackets in areas of the façade where space is limited, such as between windows and other openings. The versatility of the substructure also meant that one subframe system could be used for both the secret-fix and face-fixed cladding.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

 

/0 Comments/by

New halogen-free acoustic insulation from Armacell

 

  • ArmaComfort® NH-S Alu – high-performing multi-layer solution in space-saving design
  • Excellent fire performance: B-s1,d0
  • Visually attractive and easy-to-clean aluminium foil covering
  • Highly flexible, easy to cut and install
  • Also available as self-adhesive material

 

Armacell, a global leader in flexible foam for the equipment insulation market and a leading provider of engineered foams, is expanding its acoustic product portfolio with the launch of ArmaComfort NH-S Alu, a halogen-free multi-layer acoustic insulation material for air ducts, fan coil units and pipe lagging in residential and commercial buildings. Combining excellent sound reduction properties with outstanding fire performance and environmental credentials, this product the new material sets a new benchmark for acoustic lagging in modern building services.

 

Tackling noise at the source

Noise has become one of the greatest environmental issues of recent times. Whether at work, in public buildings or at home, unwanted sound can disrupt concentration, disturb sleep, and impair quality of life. Mitigating noise from building services at the design stage is essential for maintaining acoustic comfort throughout a building’s lifecycle. Early use of high-performance insulation materials can prevent costly retrofits and enhance occupant well-being.

 

High-performance multi-layer acoustic insulation

ArmaComfort NH-S Alu combines mass, damping, and decoupling into a single product – composed of an EVA/EPM high-mass acoustic barrier effectively blocking airborne noise, and an ArmaFlex® damping layer minimising noise by reducing vibration. This combination addresses a wide frequency spectrum – from low-frequency vibrations to high-pitched noise. Installed on vertical pipes, it can reduce noise by up to 16 dB(A) – and by as much as 24 dB(A) on horizontal pipe sections. When used as a duct wrapping solution, ArmaComfort NH-S Alu can achieve a reduction of 10 dB(A) – a level typically perceived as halving the loudness.

 

Minimising the risk of fire damage

Based on a highly innovative halogen-free foam technology, ArmaComfort NH-S Alu achieves Euroclass B-s1,d0, the highest fire classification attainable for organic materials. It emits up to 10 times less smoke than conventional elastomeric insulation, improving visibility and evacuation conditions. Being free from halogens, the material is especially suitable for sensitive environments such as hospitals, hotels, schools, and pharmaceutical facilities.

Health- and environment-friendly

ArmaComfort NH-S Alu is free from halogens, lead, bitumen, and fibres, making it ideal for applications with strict indoor air quality requirements. It supports green building certification schemes such as LEED®, BREEAM® and MINERGIE® Eco, with product-specific compliance documentation available. Thanks to its high water vapour diffusion resistance, it provides long-term condensation control.

 

Thin, highly flexible and easy to install

Despite its high acoustic performance, ArmaComfort NH-S Alu features a slim profile that is ideal for installation in tight spaces. It is available as standard and self-adhesive sheets, and its visually appealing aluminium surface ensures robust protection, eliminates the need for additional cladding, and provides a consistent, professional finish. Armacell supports contractors and specifiers with expert guidance and offers tailored training sessions and project-specific assistance upon request.

 

“Install it. Enjoy quietness. ArmaComfort NH-S Alu is the ideal pipe and duct lagging solution for specifiers and installers looking for a safe, flexible and high-performance acoustic insulation material that also meets the demands of modern sustainable construction,” says Pascal Raphoz, Director Global Acoustics at Armacell.

 

For more information, please visit: www.armacell.com

 

/0 Comments/by

ARBOSHIELD Pro® range of self-adhesive and pasted Class A and B membrane systems

CARLISLE® provides complete ARBOSHIELD Pro® range of self-adhesive and pasted Class A and B membrane systems

CARLISLE®, the waterproofing and building envelope specialist, has extended the company’s market-leading ARBOSHIELD Pro® fire-rated façade systems range with the launch of two new pasted fire-resistant membrane systems. The new products mean that specifiers can now choose both the fire-rating and installation method best-suited to their project from CARLISLE®’s independently tested EN 13501-1 certified range.

The launch of the ARBOSHIELD® Pro Class A2 Pasted Façade System (ARPS) and ARBOSHIELD Po® BRPS Class B Pasted Façade System means that both A2-s1,d0 and B-s1,d0 reaction to fire classifications are available from CARLISLE® in a choice of self-adhesive or pasted solutions, all providing high performance, durability and buildability.

ARBOSHIELD® Pro ARPS is the non-combustible, pasted EPDM alternative seal and interface sealing membrane system for windows and structural openings that delivers A2-s1, d0 fire classification for higher risk buildings.

ARBOSHIELD Pro® BRPS is CARLISLE®’s Class B s1,d0 rated pasted façade membrane system, which has been fully tested and certified as Class W1 rated.  While many Class B-rated pasted façade membrane systems on the UK market carry only a Class B s3, d0 rating, ARBOSHIELD Pro® BRPS has an industry-leading ‘s1’ certification for risk of smoke in the event of a fire, which means it is more effective at limiting smoke.

Both new additions to the range are designed to seal window and structural openings and provide a high-performance interface sealing membrane. Each has been rigorously tested as a complete system, with both membrane and adhesive designed to work seamlessly together and certified as a cohesive system.

Across the full self-adhesive and pasted range, the membrane systems have been developed to ensure reliable performance and optimal compatibility with various surfaces, delivering a robust barrier against water ingress and air leakage, which supports long-term structural integrity, energy efficiency, fire safety, and compliance.

Mark Halliday, Head of Technical for CARLISLE’s ARBO® brand in the UK explains:

“The addition of the ARBOSHIELD Pro® ARPS and BRPS systems to the range reflects our strategy of responding to market feedback and investing in building on the choice available to specifiers and installers with variety of options to meet the needs of any project, including rainscreens, ventilated façades, high-rise buildings and high-risk buildings (HRBs).

 “The specification of fire-rated façade membranes needs to reflect the level of risk for the building, the available budget, and buildability considerations and our range offers high performance from a trusted façade specialist at a competitive price. Our goal is always to go above and beyond the solutions already available to provide greater choice, backed by the expertise of our team and our high standards of technical support.”

A cost-effective solution that delivers premium performance without a premium price tag, the ARBOSHIELD Pro® ARPS and BRPS systems offer ease of installation alongside excellent value, with a traditional, intuitive ‘paste and apply’ method that reduces the risk of installation errors. This is because the systems have been developed with a high-performance initial bond, which simplifies handling and enables installers to correct and perfect installation for an optimised finish every time. Developed to adhere effectively to a wide range of common building materials, including bricks, concrete, uPVC, and aluminium, they provide a versatile solution for BSR-compliant watertight and airtight façade build-ups, aligned to the risk profile and specification requirements for the building.

 

Mark Halliday adds: “The extension of our ARBOSHIELD Pro® range to include our A2 and B-rated ARBOSHIELD Pro® ARPS and BRPS pasted systems offers a choice of solutions that specifiers can trust for their performance, while installers will love the buildability and versatility benefits. Meanwhile, these systems also go beyond anything else currently available as a pasted system for safety and performance at a competitive price point.

“Our focus is on providing a full ARBOSHIELD Pro® range of fire-rated façade membranes that enable specifiers, façade installers and main contractors to select a solution aligned to the risk factors for their building, the design of their project, and their buildability considerations.”

 

/0 Comments/by

Fusion for the Future, High on Energy, Low on Carbon

,
 Images Tokamak Energy
Plans to build a nuclear fusion power plant on the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire border could bring ‘huge’ benefits, according to leading councillors.

The facility would be built on the site of the former West Burton power station, near Retford.

The plans are being developed by the UK Industrial Fusion Solutions, which is owned by the UK Energy Authority.

The proposals were unveiled at a Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority business and infrastructure meeting on October 1.

The company received £2.5bn over five years to develop its Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) project.

The project aims to prove that fusion has been a commercially viable operation on a global scale.

Construction of the facility is expected to start in 2030 and it’s anticipated to be completed by 2040.

Ben Bradley, head of communications at Step Fusion, said:

“The impact of this will be ground-breaking and it will benefit the whole region.“This project is about creating an industry that will be able to be scaled up and developed around the world.”Nuclear fusion is an effective and efficient energy production process. It’s low in carbon and produces limitless energy.”

He added: “It’s also safe and relatively reliable. It has an important role in developing the country’s energy security and provides huge benefits.

“We want to develop the technology which can then be used around the world.

“We’re trying to build a prototype which proves that it can be viable on a commercial scale.”

 

Coun Sean Matthews (Reform UK), leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said he supports the plans.

He said: “It’s a really exciting project and it’s fantastic that it’s on our doorstep.“It’s really important to look at the industry. The benefits of this are huge. I would like to see a continued move towards getting this facility into operation.”

Source: Lincolnshire World

/0 Comments/by

Modern Efficiency Meets Heritage with Hamworthy Heating

Modern Efficiency Meets Heritage at Corpus Christi College with Hamworthy Heating

 

Hamworthy Heating, a trusted British manufacturer and supplier of commercial heating and hot water products, has supplied its Modumax mk3 modular condensing boilers and Powerstock calorifiers to Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge. Installed within a Grade I Listed building; the new system delivers an efficient heating and hot water solution tailored to the unique challenges of the site.

 

The project involved replacing an ageing plant room in the basement of the college, where access was severely restricted and space limited. These constraints ruled out traditional large-scale plant equipment and required a compact system that could be transported through narrow doorways without structural alterations.

 

The chosen system features four Modumax mk3 floor-standing condensing boilers (196 / 392V) delivering 1,532 kW total across eight modules. These are integrated with two Hamworthy Heating Powerstock PS500 indirect calorifiers to provide domestic hot water for the college.

 

Hamworthy Heating’s Modumax mk3 range is specifically designed with retrofit projects in mind. The modular format allows boilers to be dismantled and manoeuvred into confined spaces before being reassembled in position, providing the flexibility needed for heritage environments where plantroom layout and access present unique challenges. By combining the modular boilers with Powerstock calorifiers, the system delivers both efficient heating and a reliable domestic hot water supply for the college.

 

To ensure precision, the project team used Hamworthy’s 3D digital design tools to plan the plant room layout in detail. This approach enabled much of the pipework to be prefabricated offsite, which streamlined the installation, and ensured that new equipment could be delivered in stages and installed in a single operation.

 

“The 3D models allowed us to coordinate the plant room before we even stepped on site. It saved time and helped everything run efficiently. Careful delivery planning also meant the installation could be completed in one single day,” explains Geoff Bunton of Bunton M&E Services.

 

The completed upgrade now provides Corpus Christi College with a robust, futureproof heating and hot water system that improves efficiency, reduces emissions, and meets the demands of its academic community, all while preserving the integrity of its historic setting.

CLICK HERE BELOW for more information on:

MODULMAX MK3

POWERSTOCK CALORIFIERS

THE HAMWORTHY HEATING WEBSITE

OR CALL 01202 662 552

 

/0 Comments/by

RINNAI UK LAUNCHES APPLIED PRODUCTS DIVISION AT ELEMENTAL SHOW

Rinnai Managing Director – Tony Gittings

Rinnai UK is introducing Rinnai Applied at the Elemental Show, ExCel London November 19 & 20th 2025. Rinnai Applied is dedicated to the design, supply and integration of larger HVAC units and systems that meet the specific heating, cooling, and hot water demands of the bigger commercial and industrial premises.

 

The Rinnai Applied stand will be dedicated to displaying the benefits of design for system congruity and modelling of overall performance from a capital expenditure, operational expenditure, and carbon emissions perspective. Rinnai Applied will be staffed by an expert team to simplify, validate, and educate on real life performance of renewable systems on major projects and sites.

Rinnai Applied will be featuring the company’s innovative approach to offering the consultant, the HVAC design engineer, and major end-users a complete specification process from systems choice and design, products selection, system commissioning and full and comprehensive after sales services – all designed to make consultant and specifier lives simpler.

Applied Products in the HVAC sector are projected to expand in global growth rate by almost 7% in the coming few years, according to a leading market intelligence & research agency. The value of the 2024 global HVAC marketplace stands at approximately $280 Billion, and it is projected to rise significantly to $390 Billion by the end of this decade.

Rinnai Managing Director – Tony Gittings, believes in the need for the entire HVAC industry supply chain to work in unison so that optimum products and systems are delivered to the HVAC commercial & industrial building sector:

“The HVAC manufacturers, such as Rinnai Applied, will need to be a true partner to all those in the design, installation, and commissioning sector. We will need to offer design; full evaluation of each site in terms of practical, economic, and technical considerations; full quantitative data on CAPEX, OPEX services and life cycle costings.

“We have a large range of educational CPDs from SPF in heat pump assessment, Heat Pump design, Integrating solar thermal and Heat Pumps and many more sign up for a free CPD today as places are filling up fast”

 

 

He concludes by adding,

“At Rinnai Applied we offer all these services within our mantra of ‘Creating a Healthier Way of Living”.

 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE RINNAI WEBSITE

or HERE to EMAIL RINNAI

CLICK HERE For more information on the RINNAI product range

/0 Comments/by

RINNAI R290 HEAT PUMP & CYLINDER SYSTEM POWERS MAJOR NAME HOTEL IN BIRMINGHAM

 

Leading Northwest contractors, Winrow Building Services, has recently completed an installation of a new high-performance system for heating and hot water production at a 100-plus bedroom Birmingham City Centre hotel.

The hotel is part of one of the biggest hotel chains in the world and the system has been augmented with SPF calculations and complete system integration for maximum operational efficiencies.

The new system consists of 2 x 27kW R290 heat pumps optimised with a bespoke 800 L prefeed vessel and 2 x 500L electric cylinders with 48kW of immersions. The new system replaces an old electric cylinder system of a 1500L storage and 36kW of immersions.

Sited in the heart of England, this Birmingham hotel is ideally located to explore the attractions of the city and the West Midlands. The bespoke Rinnai R290 system upgrade ensures reliable hot water delivery across the hotel’s 111 bedrooms, restaurant and bar area, along with its five conference rooms that can support up to 200 guests.

“This project was all about delivering energy efficiency and long-term reliability,” says Ben Winrow, Project Manager at Winrow Building Services.

“The Rinnai system was straightforward to install, and the bespoke design made integration seamless. The client now benefits from lower running costs, reduced carbon footprint, and a future-proofed system.”

Winrow Building Ltd is a family-owned and run business of over 30 years’ experience in designing, supplying and installing heating and hot water systems and solutions.

Adds Dave Winrow “Our goal with each and every job is to offer the utmost value to clients by prioritising energy and environmental savings without compromising efficiency and performance. Rinnai support us in achieving this with full system integration, SPF calculations and expert support”

 

Rinnai has R290 heat pumps as part of its array of an extensive list of decarbonising appliances. R290 is a LOW scoring GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerant and allows for several operational benefits:

  • energy efficiency is improved by 10%, thus enabling water temperature of up to 75 degrees Celsius.
  • R290 usage provides compliance alongside the European F-Gas Regulation which focuses on phasing down refrigerant environmental impact.
  • Rinnai’s R290 air source heat pump range is available in 11 different sizes, from 6 kW up to 50 kW. All units arrive with control systems that allow time sensitive programming and customization enabling specific customer requirements to be met.
Rinnai’s has a wide and comprehensive selection of unvented water heaters to add to and complement the existing range of cylinders solutions.

 

Key features of the Rinnai unvented water heaters are:

  • Venturi Technology:The units use patented Venturi technology to minimise expansion, ensuring minimal ongoing maintenance and optimal performance.
  • High Efficiency:Engineered to give maximum energy efficiency.
  • Durability:Built with high-quality Duplex stainless steel, the cylinders are designed to last, giving long-term reliability.
  • Ease of Installation:With a user-friendly design, the installation process is straightforward, saving time and effort.
  • Safety First:Equipped with advanced safety features, including a factory-fitted 7bar/90ºC pressure and temperature relief valve.
  • Eco-Friendly:Featuring CFC/HCFC-free thermal insulation, the cylinders are designed with sustainability in mind.
RINNAI’S H3 DECARBONISATION OFFERS PATHWAYS & CUSTOMER COST REDUCTIONS
FOR COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC AND OFF-GRID HEATING & HOT WATER DELIVERY
www.rinnai-uk.co.uk/about us/H3

Rinnai’s H3 range of decarbonising products include hydrogen / BioLPG ready technology, hybrid systems, and a wide range of LOW GWP heat pumps and solar thermal. Also, within Rinnai’s H3 range is Infinity hydrogen blend ready and BioLPG ready continuous flow water heaters which are stacked with a multitude of features that ensure long life, robust & durable use, customer satisfaction and product efficiency.

Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of heat pump, solar, hydrogen in any configuration, hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H3 range of products offer contractors, consultants and end users a range of efficient, robust and affordable decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic and technically feasible solutions. The range covers all forms of fuels and appliances currently available – electric, gas, hydrogen, BioLPG, DME solar thermal, low GWP heat pumps and electric water heaters.

Rinnai H1 continuous water heaters and boilers offer practical and economic decarbonization delivered through technological innovation in hydrogen and renewable liquid gas ready technology.

Rinnai’s H1 option is centred on hydrogen, as it is anticipated that clean hydrogen fuels will become internationally energy market-relevant in the future; Rinnai water heaters are hydrogen 20% blends ready and include the world’s first 100% hydrogen-ready hot water heating technology.

Rinnai H2 – Decarbonization simplified with renewable gas-ready units, Solar Thermal and Heat Pump Hybrids. Rinnai H2 is designed to introduce a practical and low-cost option which may suit specific sites and enable multiple decarbonisation pathways with the addition of high performance.

Rinnai H3 – Low-GWP heat pump technology made easy – Rinnai heat pumps are available for domestic and commercial usage with an extensive range of 4 – 115kW appliances.

Rinnai’s H3 heat pumps utilise R32 refrigerant and have favourable COP and SCOP.

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

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

Rinnai products 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. Rinnai offer carbon and cost comparison services that will calculate financial and carbon savings made when investing in a Rinnai system. Rinnai also provide a system design service that will suggest an appropriate system for the property in question. Rinnai offer comprehensive training courses and technical support in all aspects of the water heating industry including detailed CPD’s.

 

 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE RINNAI WEBSITE

or HERE to EMAIL RINNAI

CLICK HERE For more information on the RINNAI product range

/0 Comments/by

Yonos – A universal, sustainable lighting system built for the offices of today and tomorrow

   

Lighting specialist TRILUX has launched Yonos, a new universal office lighting system that is modular, connective, and adaptive – designed to evolve alongside the changing needs of workplaces.

Yonos has been developed to eliminate material waste typically associated with CAT A and CAT B installations, offering a system that can be reconfigured and reused rather than discarded during tenant changes. Installed as a trunking matrix at the CAT A stage, it allows plug-and-play luminaires and modules to be easily repositioned or added during CAT B fit-outs. This makes it a flexible, long-term solution for offices where layouts and uses are constantly evolving.

One system, many possibilities

The Yonos platform supports single luminaires, continuous lines, or light structures, all with a consistent design and quality of light. A choice of nine optics enables everything from low-glare workplace lighting to corridor illumination and accent lighting for common areas. Modules are available with integrated sensors, emergency lighting, and smart control options via LiveLink or Casambi.

Sustainable by design

Yonos is engineered to support the circular economy. The system is designed for re-planning, repair and reuse, with components that can be easily disassembled and recycled at end of life. The main elements are made from aluminium with at least 70% recycled content (certified to ISO 14025), reducing the carbon footprint and supporting resource efficiency.

Lighting quality and wellbeing

With CRI 90 as standard and compatibility with Human Centric Lighting (HCL) concepts, Yonos provides high-quality, comfortable illumination that supports productivity and wellbeing in modern office environments.

A new benchmark for office lighting

“Office projects are rarely static. Tenants change, spaces are reconfigured, and sustainability targets are tightening,” says Leighton  James, Product & Marketing Director TRILUX. “Yonos was designed to respond to all of these challenges. It brings flexibility, quality, and sustainability together in one system, making it a true next-generation office solution.”

 

CLICK HERE for more information about Yonos

 

/0 Comments/by

A New Angle on Ceiling Design

 

MATERIAL SOURCE STUDIO – MANCHESTER

A New Angle on Ceiling Design

   

Material Source Studio in Manchester serves as a hub of innovation and inspiration for built environment professionals. Featuring installations from over 50 leading brands, the space offers a dynamic mix of product showcases, seminars, workshops, CPDs, and networking facilities. The studio is designed to foster creativity while providing a comfortable, collaborative environment for designers and architects.

CHALLENGE

When Material Source Studio sought to enhance its meeting room with a ceiling solution that would push the boundaries of traditional ceiling tiles and encourage collaboration across its partners, Zentia in collaboration with MSS partner, Light Forms, stepped in to deliver a tailored solution.

To meet the unique needs of Material Source Studio, Zentia was tasked with incorporating a ceiling solution that would tie in with the room’s soft furnishing and create a cohesive visual appeal. A ceiling solution that could integrate lighting and remain acoustically sound was also required to ensure the installation provided practical benefits, including a comfortable co-working and networking atmosphere.

Material Source Studio wanted to highlight how successful collaboration between different manufacturers could result in a high-quality, bespoke product solution. For Zentia, a grid solution had to be devised that could include bespoke lighting from Light Forms as well as the installation of triangle ceiling tiles.

SOLUTION

Zentia proposed and delivered a bespoke solution featuring the DecoFrame Kit Classic Canopy, Gridline, and triangle tiles in a mixture of white and grey. Zentia’s Solutions Design Manager, Nick Harper, created the design alongside providing the expertise and partnership working that Zentia is known for.

Key features of the solution included bespoke lighting, designed in collaboration with Light Forms, which complemented the overall aesthetic and functionality of the raft system. The raft was tailored to align perfectly with the size and space of the table beneath it, ensuring a balanced and cohesive look.

The meeting room containing the Zentia ceiling solution is positioned next to the kitchen and at the bottom of the main staircase meaning people were often walking past. The room is also primarily used to host presentations and board meetings, so an acoustically sound solution was essential.

Completed in July 2025, the installation by Sound Interiors has transformed the showroom, combining form and function to create a striking focal point. The DecoFrame Kit Classic Canopy, Gridline, and triangle tiles enhance the ambience, inspiring designers and architects while providing a comfortable, inviting atmosphere for collaboration.

 

 

CLICK HERE To find out more about Zentia

 

 

/0 Comments/by

College 2: Where Innovation Meets Education

 

Thorn Lighting proudly unveils College 2, the next-generation luminaire designed to transform educational environments.

 

Building on the legacy of its best-selling predecessor, College 2 is engineered to meet the evolving needs of modern learning spaces, offering exceptional performance, energy efficiency, visual comfort, and flexible installation options.

 

Key Features and Benefits of College 2

 

  • Combines low-glare (UGR <19) diffused light with excellent cylindrical illuminance and 14 % upward light, ensuring optimal lighting for tasks, spaces, and facial visibility
  • Meets IP44 ingress protection standard, suitable for science labs and workshops
  • Easy installation with seven mounting options including surface, wire suspension, continuous-run and BESA box compatibility
  • Designed for fast one-for-one replacement of legacy College fluorescent and early generation LED luminaires
  • DALI-2, Bluetooth, emergency and sensor options for enhanced functionality

 

Ideal Applications

College 2 is purpose-built for educational settings including classrooms, lecture halls, and libraries. Featuring a single LED light engine integrated with a Bi-Lens Primary optic and a Quad Linear prismatic diffuser, the luminaire delivers exceptional lighting quality and a refined illuminated effect. Its versatile design also makes it suitable for offices, meeting rooms, and healthcare environments that demand visual clarity and user comfort.

 

Innovation and Sustainability

Designed and manufactured at Thorn’s Spennymoor facility in north-east England, College 2 reflects Thorn’s commitment to quality and sustainability. The luminaire is engineered for a long service life of 100,000 hours (L80) and features a unique patent-pending hinged gear tray for simplified maintenance. Efficacy up to 145 lm/W ensures energy savings.

 

Lighting the Way Forward

David Williamson, Senior Product Manager for Indoor Luminaires at Thorn Lighting, commented,

“With College 2, Thorn Lighting reaffirms its leadership in delivering innovative, reliable, and sustainable lighting solutions. This next-generation luminaire has been completely reimagined with advanced optics and a market-leading specification – designed and developed entirely in-house. It’s a clear reflection of our commitment to enhancing educational spaces and supporting the future of learning.”

CLICK HERE for more information about specifications,

pricing, or to schedule a demo

 

 

 

 

 

/0 Comments/by