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

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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

 

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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

 

 

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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

 

 

 

 

 

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RINNAI UK LAUNCHES APPLIED PRODUCTS DIVISION

 

Rinnai is launching a new division – Rinnai Applied – which will be dedicated to the design, supply and service of larger HVAC units and systems that will meet the specific heating, ventilation, air conditioning and hot water demands of commercial and industrial premises.

 

Applied Products, or sometimes known as Applied Solutions, consist of wide ranges of advanced air conditioning, ventilation, and heating systems designed for commercial and larger building projects. These systems offer tailored and bespoke solutions for complex HVAC needs, focusing on energy efficiency and integration into specific building designs to meet sustainability goals and comfort requirements.

 

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:

 

“For the building services consultants, designers, larger M&E contractors, and end users it could mean that they will adapt to this changing market by asking more from others in the supply chain. I have spent my career – almost 45 years now – in product manufacturing and I have never seen a greater need for flexibility and versatility from the manufacturers and suppliers.

“Also, I want to give special mention to specialist HVAC Sales Engineers – these are highly skilled and experienced analytical people who help customers understand Applied Products and how they can be efficiently and optimally utilised. These practitioners also select products and prepare proposals for clients which include quantifiable data to support HVAC systems offered.

“The HVAC manufacturer 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.”

 

The industry growth is motivated by the global energy transition and international demand for energy efficient methods of providing acceptable HVAC products and systems. All new HVAC systems and accompanying condiments must be low carbon, best exemplified by refrigerants – hence the proliferation of R290 low GWP refrigerant.

The market is being propelled by all governments instigating immediate initiatives to encourage individuals, bodies, institutions, industries, and all developments to use energy-efficient HVAC systems in all their work areas and homes. The resurgence in HVAC applied products is best highlighted from the 1980/90s era when there was a marked move from centralised to decentralised plant installations. Now centralised systems are considered an ideal solution for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

 

Adds Tony Gittings,

“A change in approach to HVAC products is making the industry take on the challenge of an inevitable reset. Gas-fired appliances such as commercial and residential boilers will be on the descent with an ever-decreasing market share.

“Electricity is well placed as the dominant future globe fuel but hydrogen, synthetic fuels, LNG (Liquified Natural Gas), and BioLPG are all being actively developed for the mass markets. Electricity will be generated from a variety of sources, all of which will be from renewable and sustainable sources such as solar thermal or heat pump appliances.

 

He concludes by adding, “At Rinnai 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

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EJOT UK provides fully tested standing seam fastening solution for Aberdeenshire’s new ‘civic hub’

Two types of our EJOT JT3 fasteners were provided for the installation of the

Kalzip system, one of which is purpose-designed for fixing standing

seams and brackets back to steel and aluminium substructures.

EJOT UK’s technical team has supported Tektum Supplies and roofing and façade contractor Fowler McKenzie to develop a robust fixing specification for the building envelope of a highly sustainable new multi-purpose civic building in Aberdeenshire.

The two-storey £11.4million development in Ellon provides the community with a new family resource centre, library and council offices, representing an important part of the wider masterplan for the area. It has been designed to elevated sustainability standards to reflect its significance, with the aim of achieving ‘net zero’ in operation through the incorporation of renewable energy systems, including photovoltaic (PV) panels, heat pumps and heat recovery ventilation, as well as a highly insulated and airtight envelope to minimise energy use.

WATCH THE VIDEO

One of the challenges associated with the construction of the building envelope for ‘Formartine House’ was identifying how best to ensure the Kalzip standing seam system would be securely fixed to the building’s structure. This is formed of glulam beams and supporting secondary steelwork, with the envelope also featuring a thick layer of insulation to ensure the building will meet its high sustainability targets and design to Passivhaus standards.

To determine the most effective fixing solution for this unconventional envelope design, the project’s appointed roofing and cladding contractor, Fowler McKenzie, consulted with leading Scottish distributor of metal roofing, cladding and façade products Tektum Supplies, with whom EJOT UK has a strong working relationship.

Fowler McKenzie were aware of EJOT’s global capability, and in particular Kalzip’s long standing collaboration with EJOT throughout Europe, for applications of this kind. And, with Tektum’s support, they were keen to extend this to the UK and establish the most effective fixing approach for the Kalzip standing seam system.

This three-way collaboration enabled the project team, which included main contractor Morrison Construction and the client, Aberdeenshire Council, to tap into a wealth of fastening systems knowledge and testing experience to arrive at a definitive fixing recommendation quickly and reliably.

The process started with Tektum utilising their unique prognosis software to generate the calculations necessary and confirm that the fasteners recommended by EJOT would satisfy Kalzip’s own technical criteria.

Tektum’s calculation program has been developed specifically for specifications such as this, proving to be a real game changer. The data yield enabled EJOT’s technical team to conduct a range of detailed tests, recreating applications scenarios within the EJOT Applitec Centre, its state-of-the-art laboratory in Yorkshire.

 

Mike Saini, Managing Director of Tektum Supplies said:

“Collaboration with the fastener manufacturer at an early stage is key to the success of projects like this and, through our work with the EJOT UK team on previous projects over many years, we knew they would have the products, resources and expertise to confirm our own calculations.

“Combining our prognosis data with Applitec’s physical testing capabilities meant we could achieve a fastener specification that everyone in the project could depend on. In going the extra mile to analyse the material characteristics of the building substrates, Fowler McKenzie could move forward with the envelope construction with complete confidence, providing both the main contractor and client with the peace of mind that the roof will perform as specified.”

Pullout tests conducted by EJOT’s technical team confirmed the suitability of the two recommended fasteners, and tensile testing in accordance with EN 6892-1 verified the mechanical characteristics of the steel. The Applitec team were also able to look deeper into the material characteristics of the proposed envelope build-up, starting with an analysis of the steel section using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology, one of several state-of-the-art machines, to achieve this.

Withdrawal testing, as is typical for such applications, was then undertaken in line with international provisions, and prior to this the glulam sections were conditioned in one of Applitec’s dedicated chambers for one week. Finally, installation depth was carefully monitored to further ensure quality control and consistency.

Jon Knaggs, Technical Manager for Industrial Light Weight Construction at EJOT UK added:

“When Tektum approached us for a standing seam fixing solution for this unconventional building design, we immediately recommended two types of our JT3 fastener. One of these, the FM Approved JT3-X2-6.0, is actually purpose-designed for fixing standing seams and brackets back to steel and aluminium substructures, and has been used on projects where Kalzip is specified, as well as other similar systems, for many years.

“The data Tektum gave us from their own calculation software enabled us to assess and analyse the application in great depth. With the extensive resources and testing equipment available within Applitec’s laboratory, we could go further and support our recommendations to the project team with detailed evidence to confirm Tektum’s own calculations and their suitability for the application”.

In addition to the building performance goals designed to minimise energy consumption, the development of Formartine House also considers the ecology of the site. Amongst the measures taken were the preservation of a walnut tree, believed to be 130 years old, a landscaping scheme that includes planting to support pollinating insects and the use of ‘swift bricks’ and ‘bat bricks’ in the building construction which allow for roosting.

CLICK HERE to find out more about EJOT UK and its technical support

for building envelope designers and installers

 

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DULUX UNVEILS THE RHYTHM OF BLUES™ COLLECTION

 

DULUX UNVEILS THE RHYTHM OF BLUES™ COLLECTION

AS ITS COLOURS OF THE YEAR 2026

 

For 2026, Dulux is asking architects, specifiers and designers to dance to the Rhythm of Blues™ with its new trio of shades. For the first time ever, Dulux has selected a colour family of the year. The harmonious collection of signature indigos reflects various moods, making them suitable for any setting.

 

The Dulux Colours of the Year 2026 are three versatile blues: light Mellow Flow™, dark Slow Swing™ and vibrant Free Groove™. They were chosen following the company’s extensive annual trend research and provide architects, specifiers and designers with a selection of shades that reflect the mood of every environment.

 

AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Centre has been translating trends into desirable colours for more than 30 years. Its annual ColourFutures™ trend forecast meeting brings together in-house experts, international architects, designers and journalists to share insights into how people’s reactions to the world impact colour choices. For the first time, three colours were selected which all have common ground, but each bring a unique quality.

 

From the timeless, soothing qualities of Mellow Flow™ to the meditative, calm and grounding nature of Slow Swing™, and the vibrant, exciting and uplighting Free Groove™ there is a shade to suit any brief. Used individually or in combination, the Colours of the Year 2026 offer professionals the flexibility to create multiple expressions of energy, mood and pace across every sector.

 

The Rhythm of Blues™ collection is also complemented by interior and exterior palettes, making it easier than ever for professionals to find the right colours for their project.

Interior colour palettes:

  • A Slow Colour Story: Natural shades of blue and brown, this family of wintery earth tones can help create contemplative spaces that quieten the mind and feel restorative. This palette works particularly well in office or healthcare settings – environments where people need respite from noise and stress. The meditative dark blue is the hero in this palette.
  • A Flow Colour Story: Here, the family of blues, with airy sky blue as the hero, is joined by warm and tactile earth shades of terracotta, brick and clay. These familiar, natural colours can help create spaces that feel comfortable and harmonious. They work well in residential or hospitality settings where people want to come together and feel supported.
  • A Free Colour Story: A combination of multicolours with the balancing blues, this palette feels young, energetic and uplifting. It can help bring momentum to a space and create a fun, ‘anything-goes’, forward-looking feel. It works well in settings where people seek stimulation and fresh ideas – such as education and office spaces. The energising colour in this palette is the cobalt blue.

 

Exterior colour palettes:

  • A Slow Colour Story: Recalling the quiet colours of a wintery landscape, this palette is understated and peaceful. The blues and soft browns work naturally in any environment and can bring a sense of stillness and stability to an exterior scheme. Painted in these tones, even a contemporary building will feel rooted and timeless.
  • A Flow Colour Story: Set against warm, tactile tones of terracotta, brick and clay, the family of blues takes on a cooling and balancing role here. Inspired by the shades of the world around us, this palette can help create an exterior that feels in tune with its surroundings, and a building that feels harmonious.
  • A Free Colour Story: With the hero deep, cobalt blue, this mix of multicolours offers energy and momentum to any exterior scheme. Modern, fresh and uplifting, it can help to bring an experimental, light-hearted and creative feel to any building project, and give it a sense of personality and individuality.

 

Dawn Scott, Dulux Trade Senior Colour Designer at AkzoNobel, said:

“With the Rhythm of Blues™ collection, we have captured the different ways colour shapes people’s daily experiences. From creating moments of quiet reflection to sparking energy and creativity, each of the three colour stories offers architects, specifiers and designers with the inspiration to create spaces that feel in tune with the needs of their users.

“For example, the Free Colour Story lends itself perfectly to education settings. As schools, colleges and universities evolve away from walled in classrooms towards more fluid and collaborative learning settings, the vibrant cobalt and energising accents of yellow and green provide energy and momentum. Applied thoughtfully, these tones can inspire curiosity, engagement and creativity to help students and staff feel part of an environment that is open and connected.”

 

Marianne Shillingford, Dulux Creative Director and Colour Expert at AkzoNobel, explains:

“Blue has been the world’s favourite colour for years – but it’s far from one note. It delivers a sense of fluidity, relief, stillness and freedom, which is exactly what’s needed in today’s fast-paced world.

 

“It’s roots in nature give us something to connect to, as well. When we see light blues like Mellow Flow™, we might think of soothing springs or sunrise skies, for example, or be reminded of the deep ocean’s chilled stillness with a dark blue like Slow Swing™. Whereas Free Groove™ offers a more intense heat, like that of summer pool parties. Some of us are slowing the beat to recharge and find balance, while others are looking to crank up the volume and create spaces that are simply fun.

“Rhythm of Blues gives us the opportunity to do both – it’s a family of colours that can soothe, steady or excite, depending on how you play it. This collection offers colours you can find peace in, and colours you can dance to, centred around three distinct rhythms to offer endless possibilities for changing the pace of your space.”

 

To support architects, specifiers and designers and provide additional guidance on the use of the Rhythm of Blues™ collection, Dulux has created the Dulux Trade Colours of the Year 2026 Specifier Guide. This includes inspiration that can help create the perfect space across any sector.

Professionals can also use the Dulux Trade Colour Schemer for colour inspiration

or to create specifications for projects

For further advice, contact the Dulux Commercial Colour Services team.

 

The Dulux Colours of the Year 2026: Rhythm of Blues™ collection and colours from the accompanying palettes will be available for purchase from September 9, 2025.

CLICK HERE for more information

and FOLLOW DULUX HERE

 

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The Evolution of the UK HOT WATER & HEATING MARKET

   

Rinnai’s Chris Goggin examines the current UK heating and hot water markets with a detailed statistical analysis of each notable sector to reveal the preferred methods of supplying both residential and commercial properties with warmth and DHW. This review will also look at the impact of legislation upon customer options.

 

Technology used for heating and hot water options is both a major contributor and solution for lowering emissions. Gas boilers have long been identified as a cause of rising global temperatures but still the gas boiler maintains a central position in heating and hot water options due to customer convenience, cost, current infrastructure and regulations allowing for their permissibility for the mid to long term.

 In time, if hydrogen gas mixes are made available, UK emissions emanating from natural gas-powered systems can also be reduced. However, despite a large increase in the portfolio of available appliances that deliver domiciles and commercial properties with heating and hot water, there is still widespread UK customer reluctance to purchase alternative forms of technology, such as solar, heat pumps and hybrid DHW systems. If gas boilers and water heaters are readily available and there are plentiful reasons as to why this is the case, ranging from a distress sales situation to a lack of trained installers through to cost and perceived practicalities.

 This is problematic towards the aim of decarbonising 28 million dwellings and a further 2 million commercial premises in the UK. By 2028 the UK is determined or at least has the ambition to install 600,000 heat pumps nationwide. In 2024 the total number of heat pumps that had been installed in households across the UK stands at around 320,000. More than 65,000 have been installed from January 2024 to May 2025. UK heat pump installations throughout 2024 experienced a 40% increase – predominantly due to the government funding afforded to them.

Although, renewable energies and technologies are undoubtedly rising and have never been more attractive to UK customers, the problem is centred on more convenient, familiar and cost-effective energy – natural gas.

Gas boilers remain the dominant form of heating and hot water provision for domestic and commercial properties. Domestic gas boiler fittings are greater than heat pump connections by more than 15 to 1 in 2024. Despite national heat pump targets, only one in eight newly constructed homes were equipped with low carbon alternative technological options. Of the new build homes constructed in the UK throughout 2024 13% were finished with heat pumps as a primary source of heating and hot water. This is set to change with the Future homes standard and future building standard – however the replacement market remains a serious barrier for adoption.

A recent article published in the national UK media revealed that 1.5 million gas boilers were fitted across all sectors in the UK, most of which were replacements. Cost is an important factor once a UK household decides not to accept heat pumps over gas boilers. Costs relating to initial heat pump purchase for domestic properties range in between £5,000 and £18,000 whilst initial purchase costs of gas boilers start at £1,600 and can be up to as much as £6,000 – the figure skyrockets with commercial systems yet the sizeable cost difference between gas fired systems and heat pumps remains. High income households and successful commercial enterprises are more likely to view heat pumps as a viable purchase option.

Domestic and commercial Heat pump utilisation is vital towards UK national decarbonising efforts. If NetZero targets are to be met 450,000 households will have to make the switch to heat pumps every year by 2030. Heat pumps offer clean energy usage that alleviates the atmosphere from toxic pollutants in a way that gas boilers cannot albeit to be truly effective the UK government must continue the greening of the electricity grid.

Other alternative forms of clean energy that have become attractive to UK customers include solar. UK residential solar installations throughout February 2025 have contributed a large percentage of UK national solar capacity – 58MW and account for 73% of newly placed renewable schemes.

Statistics accumulated and released by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) state that in between January 2024 and January 2025, 2000,010 home solar PV installations were implemented. 2024 saw 2.3GW of solar deployment across the UK, 20% of this is attributed to domestic rooftop solar panels with a further 20% deriving from commercial premises.

A rise in solar purchases can be explained by a drop in average cost to installation in UK household. January 2024 witnessed a domestic mean price of £9,238, whilst in December of the same year the average cost dropped to £7,561. The total average for the year rested at £ 8,198.

Policy is contributing towards the way in which homeowners and businesses select heating and hot water options. The UK alongside Ireland and Portugal were the only three European heat pump markets to expand last year, with sales in France and Germany being significantly reduced due to electrical costs, regulatory and political uncertainty as well as a lack of progress in new construction projects.

Heightened public awareness and acceptance of renewables due to policy amendments is also responsible for a huge increase in solar power distribution. Since 2010 there has been a 18,000% increase in total UK solar capacity. Solar options are popular amongst homeowners with an estimated 1.5 million UK domiciles owning solar panels.

Policy updates and NetZero aims continually produce better market conditions, refinement in technologies and increases in personnel capable of delivering decarbonising product installation. In 2024, 9,062 individuals successfully completed heat pumps training qualification courses, equating to a 15% increase from 2023.

Despite the dominance of gas boilers as heating and hot water provision for domestic and commercial properties alternative clean and renewable energy markets continue to grow and gain traction. Additional legislation like the Future Homes Standard 2025 and more stringent conditions towards EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates) will strengthen directives that enforce cleaner energy technologies upon households and commercial dwellings.

Future UK energies aim to be carbon neutral, all current renewable markets are in a healthy position and continue to expand with additional growth expected in the coming years. Work on encouraging lower income households also continues. It is estimated that only 19% of heat pumps are in the poorest third of areas whilst 45% are installed in the richest third of neighbourhoods. Initiatives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme are assisting these ambitions.

Domestic and commercial properties are adapting the way in the which the UK seeks out and distributes cleaner energy, meaning that natural gas usage will be at some point be vastly reduced, then eliminated altogether.

 

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Game-Changing Hot Water How Rinnai Transformed Millom RUFC’s Off-Grid System

 

Millom Rugby Union Football Club situated in the scenic Cumbrian countryside, is a multi-use facility that includes rugby pitches and a popular caravan and camping ground. The club required a reliable, energy-efficient hot water solution to replace its traditional stored hot water supply.

The system was required to meet a high and variable demand from matchday players, onsite staff, and campsite visitors who demand comfort and safety. The variable nature of demand created multiple peaks in supply throughout the day.

The site is off-grid and reliant on LPG, and initial plans to connect to mains gas were abandoned due to the prohibitive cost and limitations of the existing infrastructure – therefore Rinnai LPG to BioLPG hot water system were seen as both an economically and ecological route to lower costs and carbon.

After consultation with Rinnai engineering experts the Club installed four N Series 1600 continuous flow water heaters all supplying instant temperature accurate hot water on demand for all players and caravan site visitors.

Originally a stored water system was proposed but Rinnai’s engineering team provided a full CAPEX, OPEX, and lifecycle cost analysis as standard. This demonstrated that an LPG and BIOLPG ready continuous flow system would outperform a traditional stored hot water system in terms of:

  • Energy efficiency
  • Operational cost savings
  • Carbon footprint reduction
  • System longevity and reliability (up to 12 years warranty)

 

All Rinnai appliances are manufactured under strict guidelines of ISO 9001 quality management and ISO 14001 environmental management. The commercial continuous flow water heaters are designed to provide almost limitless volumes of cost-effective and temperature controlled hot water.

Each Rinnai N Series gas fired water heaters offer a more compact and enhanced combustion design that allows for convenient installation, superior operational performance, and easy accessibility when servicing is required. All additional components are designed and manufactured by Rinnai ensuring proven quality and reliability.

 

The Rinnai N Series is the first ever continuous flow water heater manufactured with stainless steel heat exchangers to be available in the UK – this provides an extended working life at optimum performance to each of the four models in the range.

 

Features include:
  • Flue up to 48+ metres for concentric for flexible mounting
  • Turbo Fan and longevity
  • Built-in controller as standard on both internal and external models for easy set up
  • Cascade Cable assembly allows up to twenty-four water heaters to be connected and function as one total and complete system. Any number of N-series Rinnai water heaters can be manifolded together enabling the largest capacities on the market.
  • Frost Protection – minus 15°C on the internal versions and minus 20 °C on the external versions for flexible installation
  • Temperature setting up to 85 degrees for legionella protection or high temperature projects
  • Maintenance Monitor for engineers for easy system updates, diagnostics or set up.

 

And one small point for history buffs:- across town is the Millom Rugby LEAGUE Football Club – it is the oldest amateur rugby league club in the world, having been founded in 1873.

Rinnai’s H3 range of products include domestic and commercial heat pumps that offer immediate property decarbonisation. Rinnai is determined to provide UK customers with cost effective low carbon solutions towards domestic and commercial hot water and building heating provision.

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

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Helping Scotland towards net zero public buildings standard

 

Fife Council’s new Dunfermline Learning Campus is setting the path for the nation’s Net Zero Public Building Standard, using Passivhaus Classic as a baseline. Gilberts Blackpool has played a pivotal background role in turning the objective into a reality.

 

Core objectives in the building services design has been low carbon consumption, internal comfort and good indoor air quality supplied by mechanical ventilation with heat recovery contributing towards energy consumption of <58kWh/m2/annum.

 

To ensure the correct air quality and levels of air movement- in line with BB101- whilst taking into account idiosyncrasies of the building design, Gilberts’ grilles and diffusers have been used throughout the Campus’ two new schools- Woodmill and St Columba’s.

 

 

Across the learning spaces and breakout zones, Gilberts’ fixed (GD) and adjustable (GSJA) high capacity omni-directional swirl diffusers plus linear bar grilles (LG) maintain the compliant indoor air quality. Their designs mean fresh incoming air is rapidly mixed without excess noise nor draughts and used air extracted in line with each zone’s specific air change and heat loading requirements.

 

The swirls have all been strategically installed into the suspended ceilings of the learning spaces whilst the linear bar grilles are sited in bulkheads to provide air distribution into and out of the space.

 

The gymnasiums are covered by drum louvres. The drum louvres were chosen for their ease of installation into the non-standard ceiling tiles used and their ability to deliver the high capacity and long throw necessary for such large spaces.

 

The Campus has been designed by AHR Architects. Project architect Jamie Gregory observed:
“Following the Scottish Funding Trust’s Energy in Use requirements, the building was designed to a stringent set of criteria to ensure maximum comfort with minimum overall energy consumption. Designing to the Passivhaus standard guaranteed we met the Energy in Use criteria. We were confident that the choice of Gilberts’ air movement units would deliver in terms of achieving and maintaining the indoor comfort levels demanded.”

 

The Dunfermline Learning Campus represents a continuation of Gilberts’ reputation as the leader for air movement, building on a track record that includes Edinburgh’s Learning Estate investment Programme.

 

Founded 60 years ago, and still family-owned, Gilberts is the UK’s leading independent air movement engineer. It offers a comprehensive range of factory- and site-assembled louvres for screening, weather and noise protection: its acoustic louvres are BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association) validated.

 

Gilberts is unique in its ability to design, manufacture and test all products- including bespoke fabrications- in-house, to the extent it even designs and manufactures its own tools at its 140,000 sq ft head office and production facility.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GILBERTS WEBSITE

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