Playful NordicTM design – what is the secret formula?

 

The Finnish playground manufacturer Lappset has made a name for itself by blending familiar Nordic design values – say, minimalism, functionality, and a deep connection to nature – with a touch of joy and sheer playfulness. The end result? – A design language that’s born under the Northern Lights, fabulously balancing form, function and fun.

  

With the latest Lappset playground collection, Prime, primed (had to say it) to conquer the world, it’s a great time to talk with the designers that brought us the latest iteration of Playful NordicTM.

Malla Haapala, Concept Designer, says that – for her – Playful NordicTM design is based on authenticity, honesty and transparency.

“Its core lies in genuine and sustainable, environmentally friendly materials, with natural properties that are allowed to show,” says Haapala who has worked as a concept designer at Lappset for seven years now.

 

The making of a modern classic

Haapala defines the design language as clear, simple and timeless at the same time – while inviting kids of all ages to immerse themselves in play.

“The colour scheme is harmonious, warm and approachable.” The rounded geometric patterns and shapes repeated in Lappset’s new Prime collection create a recognisable look that is both inviting and encouraging to cognitive learning.

Jinkyu Choi, Senior Concept Designer, is thinking along the same lines:

“We seek to contribute a sense of fun to the design; make it whimsical and bold, even,” says the South Korean native who joined Lappset in 2017.

 

Design with character

Having studied architecture under a Japanese professor, Choi found that Japanese and Nordic design aesthetics share many common traits, starting with clean lines and minimalism.

“In the Prime design, we have taken shapes such as triangles and rectangles and combined them with other shapes – mixing it up a bit, while still making the shapes recognisable.”

Malla Haapala perceives that Playful NordicTM shares many same values with traditional Scandinavian design, starting with a clear, simple design language, a definite timeless approach and a genuine appreciation for sustainable and natural materials.

But whereas classic Scandinavian design emphasises the beauty in functionality, Playful NordicTM adds a new layer, with a delightful sense of surprise and quirkiness. The nature of play is free-form and this should be reflected in the playgrounds – get ready for the unexpected!

Let the spirit move you

Haapala and Choi assess that natural materials really keep the product grounded – and give Prime a big part of its spirit and essence.

“We use wood because it is soft and feels warm to the touch. As a material, it is inviting by itself,” says Jinkyu Choi. Wood is also a decidedly environmental choice.

Understanding play and its importance is absolutely central to the design of playgrounds and equipment, the two designers state in unison.

“Through play, children learn and develop various life-essential skills, such as motor, cognitive and social skills. Well-designed playgrounds provide a safe environment that supports a child’s growth and development, feeding creativity and imagination,” Haapala says.

Everything stems from a design language and activity offering that is connected and inclusive.

“This maximises the amount of users and play hours, creating a positive impact on every level,” adds Haapala.

 

Global phenomenon

Playful NordicTM is like Tove Jansson’s Moomins in the sense that they’re both Finnish runaway hits that appeals also to an international audience, charming kids and adults alike. Choi certainly sees the similarities:

“Both the Moomins and Lappset are anchored by a philosophy that is really beautiful. It’s something in the lifestyle, too, that appeals so strongly internationally,” he believes.

As sustainability and nature values are current themes everywhere, it’s easy enough to make the argument that environmentally friendly materials are the future of playground manufacturing.

 

Design dream team

Behind the new Prime collection is a diverse team, with about 20 professionals from different countries. In addition to South Korean Choi, there are people from Sweden and the Netherlands in the design team. Haapala and Choi believe that it is a “great asset” that the design team has people with very different backgrounds, with expertise from products and furniture to interior, architecture, and engineering design.

“We have a really broad range of know-how in the team, which allows us to look at things from many different perspectives. This not only improves the quality of the end result, but also fuels innovation and the courage to try new things,” Haapala says.

“Over the design effort of the last few years, we’ve had some great moments as a team,” Choi comments, adding that he’s learned to interpret his Finnish colleagues along the way:

“Finns express joy with their eyes, and I’m jumping around and laughing,” he grins.

 

Go to the source!

But what do these two designers get out of their work, personally? – Haapala says that she loves seeing how children genuinely enjoy playing, daring to test their limits at the playground.

“When the environment nurtures imagination, inspires the creation of new games and makes children immerse themselves in what they are doing, you just know that the design is a hit.”

Choi says he takes his cues from his 10-year-old son:

“I’ve learned a lot just following him around at the playground. After all, knowing the user is at the core of what we do.”

 

Lappset Group has been dedicated to promoting play and movement for over 55 years. Lappset designs and manufactures innovative, inspiring, and inclusive playground and exercise equipment, theme parks, and park and street furniture. The family business from Rovaniemi, Lapland, employs 400 experts in different fields in seven different countries.

With production in Finland, Estonia and the Netherlands, the company’s distribution network extends to more than 60 countries.

Learn more about Lappset at www.lappset.com

 

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TRAFALGAR WAY BRIEF MET BY CMS DANSKIN ACOUSTICS’ SADDLE SYSTEM

 

CMS Danskin Acoustics’ acoustic pedestal floor system is being installed at 2 Trafalgar Way, London E14.  Working with main contractor Midgard, CMS Danskin Acoustics has developed raised access and non-accessible acoustic floor build ups for spaces with various uses, including residential, gym & yoga studios, retail and offices.

Set to be the largest Passivhaus student accommodation scheme in Europe, 2 Trafalgar Way comprises three towers of 28, 36 and 46 storeys.  Developed by Urbanest UK Ltd and designed by architects Apt, Trafalgar Way will provide 1,672 student beds, 80 residential apartments, ancillary residential and retail facilities and 41,000 sq ft of commercial office space.

“The objective is to meet acoustic performance requirements, while limiting weight, working with shallow floor heights in some areas and meeting budgets,” explains CMS Danskin Acoustics’ Mat Norris.

The resulting raised access floor system has 600mm x 600mm steel panels, that can be lifted to reach services, supported by metal pedestals sitting on isolation pads, a combination that provides the desired acoustic performance.

In areas where access beneath the floor is not needed, in place of the steel access panel the CMS Danskin Acoustics’ system involves A1 non-combustible Smartspan, a gypsum-based panel designed to span across load bearing structures such as joists, pedestal and batten systems.

For the gym and yoga suites, the solution needed a more complex approach to deal with the vibration and impact noise generated using weights, rowing machines, treadmills etc.  For these areas CMS Danskin Acoustics arrived at a floor build up comprised of Smartspan, a timber cradle & baton support bearer, a levelling system, plywood, Regufoam? and an isolation pad.

In some sections floors are as shallow as 100mm.  Installing pedestal systems in such limited space is unusual, but CMS Danskin Acoustics has provided a system to meet that challenge.

CMS Danskin Acoustics is supporting flooring and interiors contractor FJ Corvan with site visits and online meetings to provide installation guidance.

CMS Danskin Acoustics, part of The Performance Technology Group, manufactures and sources acoustic insulation products advising on all matters relating to acoustic and vibration control materials and noise reduction strategies, including floors, ceilings and walls, to combat airborne, impact and reverberation noise.  Notable projects include the W Hotel in Edinburgh, Park Hill residential, Sheffield, and Berkeley Homes scheme West End Gate.

For more information, please visit:

 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT CMS DANSKIN   –   CLICK HERE TO VISIT MIDGARD LIMITED

 

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HYDROGEN BLEND TRIAL SUCCESS AT LINCOLNSHIRE POWER STATION

 

A successful 2% green hydrogen gas mixing trial has been successfully completed at the Briggs power station in North Lincolnshire. This is said to be the first occasion in which a green hydrogen and natural gas blend have been transported through infrastructure to power electrical generation in the UK. The trial was carried out by Centrica and British Gas to demonstrate the feasibility of hydrogen gas blends into existing UK infrastructure.

Across Europe several other separate hydrogen trials involving gas blending are on-going. Countries such as The Netherlands, Germany and Portugal are all in the process of using hydrogen in household appliances, experimenting with hydrogen gas blending in existing infrastructure or adapting existing infrastructure to transport 100% hydrogen in the near future.

Further details on of each trial has been released in a report by the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance in April 2025 titled: “Hydrogen-readiness of gaseous fuels distribution infrastructure and heating technologies in Europe.”

The European Clean Hydrogen Alliance was started in 2020 by the European Commission and is a collective organisation of over 1,700 members – all of whom are involved in the hydrogen market value chain including governments, private and public investors, research institutions and commercial enterprises.

The European Clean Hydrogen Alliance states its aims as to promote financial investment into hydrogen as well as stimulate hydrogen production and use within the scope of climate friendly boundaries. To achieve these goals the organisation has divided itself into three separate groups of focus:

 

  • hydrogen production

  • hydrogen transmission, distribution, and storage

  • hydrogen end-use

 

The first trial refers to “Hydrogen City,” a project that is located in Stad aan ‘t Haringvliet, situated on the island of Goeree-Overflakkee in The Netherlands. The local community has voted to stop using natural gas as a primary fuel and will instead use locally sourced green hydrogen.

In between 2025 and by the latest 2030 all existing gas infrastructure will be repurposed to transport hydrogen into every domestic and commercial property within the municipality.

Portugal’s leading gas operator Floene has begun a 12% green hydrogen natural gas blend project in Seixal, a city near Lisbon. Newly constructed infrastructure will carry green hydrogen to the local transmission network where a blended mix of green hydrogen and natural gas will be fed to 80 residential, commercial and industrial end users.

By 2030 the Portuguese government is aiming to provide a 15% green hydrogen natural gas mix in all domestic supplies.

A German project – H2Direkt is led by energy providers Energie Sudbayern, Energienetze Bayern and utility consultants Thuga. 10 private households and 1 commercial customer have been receiving 100% hydrogen since 2023 in the Bavaria region.

The original test schedule finish date has been recently extended and will go beyond the current year. Initial results of the test indicate that even when exposed to temperatures of -15°C the entire hydrogen infrastructure and the hydrogen heating systems were reliable.

Hydrogen has been identified as a potential gaseous component of the global energy transition. As demonstrated by the four UK and European examples of hydrogen blending and 100% hydrogen usage in this article, progress is being made in highlighting the potential operational value of hydrogen introduction.

Rinnai will continue to update all UK customers with information pertaining to multiple energy platforms that could affect customer energy and appliance options. Rinnai regularly reviews all international news relating to energy policy, investment and technological ingenuity.

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RINNAI – BRUCE TOWERS TOP MARKS ON SCHOOL REFIT DURING HALF TERM

CASE STUDY

Bruce Towers & Sons, based in the heartlands of East Anglia, recently completed a major refit of Rinnai hot water heating units in four separate plant rooms across two big schools over a half term.

Rinnai’s N Series hot water heating units were installed in cascade arrangements so that the schools and their thousands of staff and pupils had unlimited volumes of on demand temperature controlled hot water.

Says Bruce Towers,

“We were able to install all the Rinnai units in the required arrangements in four plant rooms. Plant rooms come in all shapes and sizes, rarely are two even remotely similar. The Rinnai units are easy to work and are, in our long experience, a ‘fit and forget’ unit, apart from planned service and maintenance.

He adds,” We use Rinnai because they do what they say they will – virtually limitless supplies of hot water on demand and in an extremely energy efficient manner. They are space saving, fuel saving and time saving on site. We are a family business and give priority to installing any gas fired appliances in a safe, sustainable way. There is no compromise. We specialise in high quality service and installation. Although we are a regional business we can handle bigger jobs. We are plumbing and heating engineers, not number crunchers.”

The Rinnai N series includes the N1600i and N1600e, and both can deliver almost 1000 litres per hour at 50 degrees. The two 1600s have load profiles of XXL and are also water efficiency class A rated. The N1600i and N1600e models weigh 29kg and can both disperse 37 litres of clean temperature controlled hot water per minute.

All of N series models have an additional flow booster setting which allows even higher volumes once prerequisite conditions are met (dynamic water pressure of over 3 bar and water heater set to 40 or below). Other features benefits include:-

 

 

  • Stainless-Steel Primary Heat Exchanger increasing durability and providing market leading warranties (Up to 12 years)
  • Low-Nox burner technology futureproofing Rinnai continuous flow water heaters through the utilisation of patented advanced burner technologies.
  • 13-1 turndown ratio – the largest available on the market.
  • Extremely quiet operation
  • Powerful fan motor to allow for longer flue runs to be achievable as well as a built-in flue damper. Increasing the flexibility of the appliance when it comes to flueing options.
  • Any number of Rinnai water heaters can be cascaded to supply the biggest of hot water demands.

 

The Rinnai Sensei N Series is designed for small or large commercial applications such as restaurants, hotels, care homes and gyms. Each unit can distribute large volumes of clean and safely delivered hot water that. Rinnai specialise in designing and manufacturing cost-effective domestic and commercial appliances that reliably perform to an optimum standard.

Bruce Towers and Sons are a family run plumbing and heating business established for coming on 35 years, specialising in both domestic and commercial plumbing, heating and gas services. Based in Norfolk the company’s work extends to the north Norfolk coast, Dereham, Norwich, Kings Lynn, Thetford and surrounding areas. The company also covers other counties including Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and London.

“All engineers are fully trained and qualified in the areas they work in, so customers are assured of the highest quality standard”, says Bruce Towers,

“We cover all types of plumbing and heating work including commercial and domestic projects from design to install and maintenance, so if it’s a tower block to a tap waste we can cover it. There’s no project to big or small, so whether it’s an annual service to a full plant room up grade and heating install we can assist you. These projects could include hotels, schools, surgery and leisure centres.”

RINNAI OFFERS CLEAR PATHWAYS TO LOWER CARBON AND DECARBONISATION
PLUS CUSTOMER COST REDUCTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC
AND OFF-GRID HEATING & HOT WATER DELIVERY

click here to learn more about Rinnai

 

  • Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of hot water heating units in gas/BioLPG/DME, hydrogen ready units, electric instantaneous hot water heaters, electric storage cylinders and buffer vessels, a comprehensive range of heat pumps, solar, hydrogen-ready or natural gas in any configuration of hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H1/2/3 range of products and systems offer contractors, consultants, and end users a range of efficient, robust, and affordable low carbon/decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic, and technically feasible solutions.
  • 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 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.
  • The Rinnai 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 More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose” webpage.

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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Expanded EJOT DDS-Z range simplifies installation of deeper soffit liners

All lengths of the DDS-Z soffit liner fastening solution are available with a white powder coated head as standard.

 

New fastener lengths in EJOT’s DDS-Z range, exclusively available in the UK, are enabling much deeper levels of soffit insulation to be installed easily and efficiently thanks to the screw’s ability to anchor effectively into concrete with an embedment of just 25mm.

Existing DDS-Z fasteners in lengths including 275, 300, 325 and 350mm are already proving popular with installers tasked with meeting higher thermal performance and fire resistance objectives in projects such as car parks, undercrofts and other ‘cold’ spaces over which residential or commercial accommodation is built. One of the ways these more stringent standards are being met is by using much thicker soffit insulation, including non-combustible mineral fibre, which – in the case of the DDS-Z – already enables the installation of soffit depths up to 325mm.

The latest expansion of the EJOT DDS-Z range will enable similarly streamlined installation of further increased soffit depths to achieve even higher performance, with a fastener length of 400mm being launched by the end of the first quarter of 2026. This will accommodate an insulation thickness of 375mm.

Despite the extended fastener lengths, however, all versions still only require a 25mm embedment into the concrete. This reduces the potential for impacting on reinforcement within the concrete, which could add time, complexity and cost to the project, and because the screw does not expand, it is more favourable for use with pre-stressed concrete beams.

EJOT UK’s Richard Bowhay, Sales Manager for Construction Fasteners, said:

“The most recent updates to the building regulations and initiatives to meet Net Zero Carbon (NZC) have led to increased scrutiny on how we insulate soffits. Fire safety and thermal performance are undoubtedly topping the priority list at the specification stage, but acoustic performance of the proposed soffit insulation has become critically important too.

“Hence why thicker insulation is becoming a feature of many new build and refurbishment projects in the UK. But these performance drivers have to be balanced with more practical factors such as ease of installation and longevity, as well as aesthetics and – of course – the client’s budget.

“This is where the choice of fixings becomes critically important – they must be easy to use and provide a secure attachment throughout the lifespan of the soffit liner.”

The EJOT DDS-Z combines strength, reliability and ease of use, with the quality guarantee that all EJOT fastening systems offer. And, to achieve the most effective and best value fixing methodology, the EJOT team can support installers and insulation suppliers at the outset to help them achieve the performance goals without making the installation process complex or costly.

CLICK HERE to find out more

 

 

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JAMES HARDIE LAUNCHES CONCEAL SYSTEM FOR HARDIE® PANEL, A NEW CONCEALED FIXING SOLUTION FOR FIBRE CEMENT PANELS

  

James Hardie, the world leader in the manufacture of high-performance fibre cement building solutions, has announced the launch of the Conceal System for Hardie® Panel, a new mechanical concealed fixing system designed to deliver a flawless finish, improved durability and simplified maintenance for fibre cement soffit installations.

 

 

Developed in partnership with KEIL®, the Conceal System for Hardie® Panel has been engineered specifically for use with 11mm Hardie® Panel and Hardie® Architectural Panel, providing a concealed fixing solution that removes the need for visible rivets while maintaining strength, performance and ease of installation. The system utilises a self-undercutting anchor fixed from the rear of the panel, creating a smooth, uninterrupted surface finish.

The system has been developed in response to a growing demand for concealed fixing solutions for soffit installations, where long-term durability, access for maintenance and high-quality aesthetics are critical. Unlike traditional face-fixed systems, panels installed using this system can be removed and reinstalled without drilling new holes, creating easy access and reducing damage to the panels.

 

 

 

Building on the proven performance of Hardie® fibre cement panels, the new concealed fixing system is compatible with industry-recognised framing systems and is supported by a comprehensive installation guide, giving architects, specifiers and contractors confidence in both design and on-site application.

 

 

James Moore, National Panel Manager at James Hardie, said:

“The system represents an important step forward in concealed fixing technology. By working closely with KEIL®, we’ve developed a solution that delivers the clean aesthetics designers want, while also making installation and future maintenance simpler and more efficient for contractors.”

 

Christian Schmidt, CEO at KEIL®, added: 

“Working in partnership with James Hardie has allowed us to apply our expertise in concealed fixing technology to a system specifically engineered for fibre cement panels. The result is a robust, precision-engineered solution that delivers both long-term performance and a high-quality aesthetic finish.”

As with all James Hardie solutions, customers specifying Hardie® Conceal will have access to dedicated technical and project support, including specification guidance, technical advice and access to James Hardie’s network of approved partners.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE JAMES HARDIE WEBSITE

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Hochiki Delivers Comprehensive Life Safety Solution for Admiral Lord Nelson School

   

Hochiki, in partnership with SFA Fire & Security, has delivered a tailored life safety solution for Admiral Lord Nelson School in Portsmouth, providing enhanced protection for students, staff and property across a complex, multi-building site.

 

The project saw SFA Fire & Security appointed to upgrade the school’s existing fire detection system, delivering end-to-end design and installation using Hochiki’s FIREbeam Xtra and ESP open protocol technology. The flexible solution was designed to meet the varied demands of specialist teaching spaces, including science laboratories, food technology rooms, sports facilities and a large glass-fronted atrium.

 

Key challenges included working within a live educational environment and delivering effective detection across open, high-ceilinged areas where traditional point detection was impractical. These were overcome through careful planning, holiday-based installation and the use of Hochiki’s FIREbeam Xtra for reliable long-range smoke detection.

 

The system’s open protocol architecture, combined with an addressable fire control panel, provides easy maintenance, precise device monitoring and rapid identification of incidents, while a strategic mix of heat and multi-sensors reduces false alarms across specialist rooms.

 

Naomi Fell, Project Director at SFA Fire & Security, commented:

“Hochiki’s reliability and open protocol flexibility made it easy to integrate a future-ready system, even within tight deadlines. It’s a solution the school can trust for years to come.”

 

The result is a robust, adaptable life safety system that supports the school’s day-to-day operations while future-proofing its fire protection strategy.

CLICK HERE to read the full case study and learn more about the solution

 

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Setcrete Products Enable Swift Residential Refurbishment

   

MKM Chester tool hire manager Paul Barlow opted for Setcrete subfloor preparation products to prepare and smooth a damp subfloor screed ahead of the installation of LVTs throughout the ground floor of his Cheshire home, including an open-plan kitchen-living area, dining room and hallway.

Moisture tests indicated that the recently installed heated screed was not yet dry enough to proceed directly with the flooring installation without risking excess subfloor moisture attacking adhesives and floorcoverings and potentially causing floor failure.

 

To overcome the problem, builders applied Setcrete Rapid Set DPM to the subfloor, creating a barrier between excess subfloor moisture and the floorcovering. This enables the floorcoverings to be installed without waiting for the subfloor to dry naturally, an advantage in fast-track building programmes. The product is applied in a single coat and cures in as little as three hours.

 

After priming with Setcrete Acrylic Primer, Setcrete 2K Pro floor levelling compound was applied throughout the entire 60m2 area to create a level and smooth surface for the receipt of the floorcoverings.

 

The product is suitable for application at thicknesses between 2-30mm over subfloors including sand/cement screeds, concrete, granolithic, terrazzo, asphalt, steel, epoxy and polyurethane resins, ceramic and quarry tiles prior to the installation of new floorcoverings. It is walk on hard within 90 minutes and ready to receive floorcoverings within 4 hours. It can also be applied directly over old well-bonded adhesive residues, avoiding the need to mechanically remove them, saving further time in these instances.

Commenting on the project, Paul Barlow, MKM Chester tool hire manager, said:

“I’m familiar with Setcrete products from work, so it was a great opportunity to see them in action. I was pleased that that they enabled the downstairs areas of my home to be returned to use as quickly as possible, justifying their reputation for quality and performance.”

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE SETCRETE WEBSITE

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EPC UPGRADES OFFERS UK CONTRACTORS & INSTALLERS DECARBONISING OPPORTUNITY

 

Josh Owen of the Rinnai Technical Design looks at some possibilities coming out of the forthcoming EPC scheme.

  

Plans to ensure that all rented properties across the UK will have a minimum EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of C by 2030 are underway. Presently, just over 2.5 million rented properties maintain a rating in between D and G. This could offer a major business boost to the UK HVAC industry with an unprecedented commercial opportunity that could stimulate both regional and national economies.

An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) evaluates and determines the energy efficiency of a property. The key areas within a property that an EPC analyses are its heating & hot water systems, the different building fabric that makes up the walls, floors & ceiling, the efficiency of its windows, lighting & renewable technology within the building. Once a final rating in between A and G is provided to the property a list of suggestions regarding upgrades will also be presented to the landlord. The current minimum rating for a rented domicile is E. For landlords to be able to continue letting properties a minimum energy performance certificate rating of C must be obtained. Each landlord will potentially have to upgrade rented domiciles with double glazing windows, cavity wall, and loft insulation to improve the buildings fabric ‘U-Values’ and thus make the domicile more efficient. The UK government has calculated that homes that fall below the minimum C rating will have to pay in between £6,100 and £6,800.

Additionally, the new regulations could stipulate that landlords will have the frequency of EPC renewals shortened whilst HMOs (Houses of Multiple Occupancy) will require a valid EPC for the entire property once a single room is rented.

Consultants, specifiers, and installers should be aware that a substantial amount of work is required to enforce new regulations relating to a minimum EPC rating of C on rented properties by 2030.

Based on the support that the then Government set out in the consultation, it is estimated that the proposals cover around 85% of the non-domestic rented stock and will deliver up to 10.3TWh in energy savings by 2030, and 4.1MtCO2e of carbon (non-traded) over Carbon Budget 5 (2028-2032).

A large number of respondents during the consultative period highlighted that, whilst the then Government’s ambition was appropriate, there were significant implementation issues that needed addressing to enable the policy to be successful. This conclusion was supported by the Government’s pilot study, which ran from 2018-2019 and looked at how the enforcement of the PRS (Private Rented Sector) Regulations could be improved.

Rinnai UK is purposely positioned to offer a multitude of decarbonising options including heat pumps, solar hybrid systems, and electric cylinders, all of which provide high performance operation at proven lower costs.

Rinnai systems can accept a wide variety of fuel sources including natural gas, hydrogen, solar and electric. Rinnai also offers several FREE services that are designed specifically to assist customer decision, such as a “Help Me Choose” service option is available at Rinnai’s website.

 

This service enables easier product selection through direct contact with a Rinnai professional. A customer can be contacted either via a home number, mobile or email at a time convenient.

Rinnai further provides an array of cost calculation services that will measure your current system’s output in 5-year CAPEX, OPEX and carbon emission cost comparison. Once all relevant data is collected, a Rinnai team member can suggest an appropriate cost and carbon load reducing heating and hot water system that will accompany the dimensions of your property. Rinnai can guarantee product delivery to any site within 24 hours.

Rinnai’s selection of on-line services enables customer convenience from product viewing, selection and purchase. Rinnai’s inclusive CPD’s, webinars, videos and calculation services ensure customers can access information that improves product knowledge and provides insight into product operational capabilities.

Rinnai aims to inform all UK customers on any legislative amendments that impact energy or product options. Rinnai believe that information sharing improves customer decision making skills when selecting heating and hot water systems.

RINNAI OFFERS CLEAR PATHWAYS TO LOWER CARBON AND DECARBONISATION
PLUS CUSTOMER COST REDUCTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC
AND OFF-GRID HEATING & HOT WATER DELIVERY

click here to learn more about Rinnai

  • Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of hot water heating units in gas/BioLPG/DME, hydrogen ready units, electric instantaneous hot water heaters, electric storage cylinders and buffer vessels, a comprehensive range of heat pumps, solar, hydrogen-ready or natural gas in any configuration of hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H1/2/3 range of products and systems offer contractors, consultants, and end users a range of efficient, robust, and affordable low carbon/decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic, and technically feasible solutions.
  • 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 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.
  • The Rinnai 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 More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose” webpage.

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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Engineering Meets Extreme Conditions

dormakaba to test innovative access systems at world’s northernmost ice hotel

dormakaba has initiated an unprecedented pilot project at the resort Sorrisniva in the Arctic region of Alta, Norway. The destination is home to the world’s northernmost ice hotel, welcoming up to 15,000 visitors each year. dormakaba brings its access solutions to one of Earth’s most severe environments. The initiative aims to gather insights for dormakaba’s innovation pipeline and advance technologies that make buildings worldwide more efficient and convenient.

dormakaba is conducting tests on access systems designed to reduce energy consumption and ensure reliable performance – even in subzero temperatures and severe Arctic weather. The pilot installation spans key areas of the resort: from the restaurant of the Arctic Wilderness Lodge through the building to the door leading to the entrance of the ice hotel.

Innovations in the Arctic
“Testing our solutions in an environment carved from ice and snow pushes our engineering far beyond standard performance limits,” says Till Reuter, CEO dormakaba. “If our technology can function reliably here, we know we are setting a benchmark for efficiency and resilience.”

The pilot brings together several of dormakaba’s latest innovations, led by MotionIQ, which optimizes automatic door operation and can reduce energy and CO₂ emissions by up to 50%. Complementary solutions ensure efficient, accessible visitor flow, while the EntriWorX Planner and Insights tools provide real-time monitoring and streamlined digital planning. With ConnectorOne, all systems can also be effortlessly integrated with third-party building management platforms for centralized control.

The right destination for dormakaba’s pilot
Sorrisniva is a world-renowned year-round resort offering premium accommodation at the new Arctic Wilderness Lodge, unique stays at the world’s northernmost ice hotel, acclaimed Nordic cuisine, and a wide range of wilderness experiences throughout the dramatic Arctic seasons. It is one of Norway’s most iconic destinations, and even the King of Norway is among the guests. In 1999, Sorrisniva built Norway’s first ice hotel, rebuilt each winter by skilled local artisans. The seasonal hotel features hand-carved sculptures, themed suites, an ice bar, and an ice chapel, attracting couples from around the world. For dormakaba, the resort offers exactly the right environment to launch its pilot.

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