Latest innovations and products in the building fabric section of the construction industry.

Quality and sustainability shift puts A4 Stainless Steel Fasteners in pole position

Developer and client demands for building envelopes which offer outstanding build-quality in the long term, and enhance the overall green credentials of the finished building, are driving increased interest in high performance A4 (316 grade) stainless steel fasteners, according to global fastener manufacturer SFS.

The company, which pioneered A2 (304 grade) and A4 (316 grade) stainless steel fasteners for roofing and cladding in the UK more than 30 years ago, has completed orders for A4 stainless steel fasteners for a string of high profile building projects during 2017. These include the stunning new golden-clad Alchemist bar and restaurant which is set to be a new landmark at Salford Quays, the Vita York student complex, the Royal Liverpool Hospital Life Science Accelerator building, the Broughton Airbus Building and several buildings at the Jaguar Land Rover plant.

The key advantage of A4 fasteners versus A2, which have made an enormous contribution to improving standards in roofing and cladding installations in recent years, is that they offer extended resistance to corrosion. This gives OEMs and contractors the scope to offer warranties on the building envelope of up to 40 years (depending on the system and building type/location) – an additional 15 years on what A2 fasteners are capable of.

In delivering a longer lifespan, A4 fasteners are vitally important for clients seeking higher sustainability ratings on their buildings. This is because the building envelope will retain its integrity and visual appeal for a much longer period, without the need for maintenance or premature replacement which is costly, inconvenient for building users and impacts significantly on the carbon footprint of the building.

Andy Stolworthy, Product & Market Development Manager at SFS, says “The use of A4 fasteners has long been widely accepted for areas with corrosive environments, such as densely populated urban and industrial locations, and particularly coastal areas. In recent years there has been an increase in demand for A4 stainless steel fasteners for all applications, driven by specifiers and clients seeking an enhanced quality product for increased building longevity.

“With initiatives including BIM putting the building industry on an upward trajectory in terms of overall quality, value and sustainability, A4 fasteners have a clear appeal. The operational expenditure needed for a building during its service life is already significantly greater than the capital budget required to build it in the first place. So, investing slightly more in the build – i.e. by choosing A4 fasteners for the envelope, rather than coated carbon or A2 – allows the operating costs to be considerably reduced, with guaranteed performance for at least another 15 years longer.”

SFS provides an extensive range of stainless steel fasteners across A2, A4 and A5 materials for all kinds of roofing and cladding applications, and works closely with OEMs to ensure innovative and creative approaches to the building envelope can be reliably and confidently delivered.

Customers can access detailed information about all the fastening solutions available from SFS through downloading its 2017 Roofing and Cladding Catalogue from their new website www.sfsintec.co.uk. Customers can also benefit from UK-wide sales and technical teams, both dedicated to providing market-leading customer service to ensure the best possible result in the finished building envelope.

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Alumasc: LHC’s highest-ranked flat roofing supplier

After a rigorous evaluation and selection process, Alumasc was the highest-placed flat roofing supplier appointed by LHC to the FR2 Framework Agreement. The framework, available for local authorities, social landlords and other public-sector bodies, is used to procure social housing and public building construction, refurbishment and maintenance works, products and services.

Alumasc was the first-ranked, of five, flat roofing suppliers appointed to this framework because of its high scores for product quality, cost-effectiveness and reliability. Alumasc was ranked the top manufacturer for price, quality and value for money for Local Authorities, social landlords and other public sector organisations throughout England and Scotland, and the top supplier for price and value for money for Wales.

LHC Technical Manager Richard Wilby said: “Congratulations to Alumasc on being the top-ranked flat roofing supplier for England, Wales and Scotland following our rigorous framework tender exercise. The weighting of our Flat Roofing Framework (FR2) encompassed a tough ‘Quality’ criteria, including emphasis on ‘Social Standing’ and ‘Price’, to which Alumasc completed a very competitive and well thought out tender return.”

Alumasc also had to provide strong evidence of its social responsibility, sustainability, legislation compliance, quality management, equal opportunities and diversity, health and safety and financial stability, backed by case studies covering all geographic regions.

Why public sector organisations should use the LHC Procurement Framework:

  • Rapid identification of fully-compliant LHC-approved flat roof suppliers
  • Access to annual project rebate facility
  • Competitive market prices
  • Quick and efficient procurement
  • Instant access to project data
  • Delivery period and service level guarantees
  • Advice on design and regulatory compliance
  • High quality standards
  • Quick project starts

Further information about the benefits of the LHC Framework is available from Alumasc Roofing Systems quoting ‘LHC Framework’ on 01744 646 400 or email contact@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk.

To request a free Alumasc Roofing Systems flat roof refurbishment seminar at your premises, visit www.alumascroofing.co.uk or call 03335 771 500.
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Cembrit takes the high road with Slate Mono Ridge Ventilation

Cembrit has expanded its growing portfolio of roofing accessories with the Cembrit Slate Mono Ridge Ventilation, a practical fibre cement product that provides ridge capping for pitched roofs.

Cembrit Slate Mono Ridge Ventilation is specifically designed to provide a high level of ridgeline ventilation. Colour matched for use with Cembrit fibre cement slates, the ridge is suitable for monopitch roofs ranging from 20° to 40°. The range includes start and end caps for a neat finish. Weighing 4kg, the product is lightweight, making it easy to transport and carry up to roof level. At 530mm in length, it is possible to carry two linear metres of ridge at a time.

“Monopitch ridges are regularly requested and we are pleased to offer a ventilated option that allows designers and building owners to comply with roof ventilation standards,” says Ged Ferris, Marketing Manager of Cembrit. “The slate mono ridge ventilation provides a visually appealing and weathertight roof. With its quick and easy installation, we are confident the product will tick all the boxes for our customers.”

Cembrit Slate Mono Ridge Ventilation is a fibre cement product that complements the smooth, flush look of the fibre cement slates. The ridges are lighter in weight than concrete alternatives, making them easier to install for a roofer working at height. The ridges do not require electric power for cutting, or any dust suppression equipment, equalling a much easier and quicker fitting process. They can be dry fixed with readily available colour matched “sela” type screws and installation is not dependent on getting the correct mortar mix, or having to wait for dry weather.

Cembrit Slate Mono Ridge Ventilation has an air capacity of 5,000 mm2 per linear metre. The ridge meets the requirements of British Standard BS5250 ‘Control of Condensation in Buildings’ when fitted to the requirements of BS5534 ‘Code of Practice of Slating and Tiling’.

For further information visit www.cembrit.co.uk, email sales@cembrit.co.uk or tel: +44 (0) 208 320 1184.
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New Marmoleum Solid

Marmoleum Solid is the contemporary new linoleum collection from Forbo Flooring Systems. Authentic in nature, its five individual ranges provide the foundation for creating pure, distinctive and modern spaces.

Created from 97% natural, raw materials (including linseed oil and wood flour), 72% of which are rapidly renewable, and with a 43% recycled content, Marmoleum already has exemplary sustainability credentials. The introduction of the new Marmoleum Cocoa range goes one step further by adding a seventh natural ingredient, upcycled cocoa shells from a Dutch chocolate producer.

An innovation in construction and aesthetics, the result is a rich organic scattering that introduces a completely new tactility for Marmoleum. This has led the range to win the 2017 IF Design Award for product design – adding to the many accolades and Ecolabels Marmoleum already holds, such as Nature Plus, Blue Angel and the Nordic Swan.

Adding an entirely innovative dimension in embossing is the new Marmoleum Slate range. It features a naturally inspired texture that exudes sophistication, offering the timeless aesthetic of stone, with the warmth and purity of linoleum.

Completing the collection are Marmoleum Concrete, now featuring a flash of colour shimmer, and a variety of plain to semi-plain aesthetics that run across the remaining Walton and refreshed Piano ranges.

Julie Dempster, Marketing Manager at Forbo Flooring Systems explains: “Marmoleum Solid is a contemporary collection that sits perfectly with today’s desire for more solid visuals and raw tactility. The concept of which is designed to combine beautifully with other building materials such as wood, glass and metal.

“Marmoleum Solid shows that linoleum flooring has the capacity to move beyond the classic marbled structures, and will encourage designers to consider using it in spaces such as retail, leisure and hospitality and offices, where other finishes are often more predominant.”

The Marmoleum collection is a prime example of Forbo’s ‘Committed to the Health of One’ programme, which strives to create better indoor environments. It is naturally bacteriostatic, does not harbour allergens and holds the Allergy UK Seal of Approval. Marmoleum has extremely low VOCs contributing to positive indoor air quality and has high LRV’s which help create positive environments in which to work, live and play. It is also protected by the unique water-based ‘Topshield 2’ finish, which ensures no hiding place for dirt or bacteria. By including a seventh natural ingredient from another industry into the Marmoleum Cocoa range, Forbo is continuing in its efforts to reduce waste and improve recycling.

For more information please call 0844 822 3928, email info.flooring.uk@forbo.com or visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/marmoleumsolid and www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/CHO
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Behind-the-scenes at Deceuninck

One of the UK’s leading windows and doors systems company, Deceuninck, recently hosted an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of their innovative manufacturing plant and warehouse for Editors of the industry’s trade and commercial media. Buildingspecifier was there (golden ticket in hand!) and we caught up with Managing Director Rob McGlennon shortly after the tour:

What lead Deceuninck to host this event?

“We’ve worked with the industry’s magazines for a long time now, but many of them haven’t visited Deceuninck. We know from experience that it’s one thing to read about people or companies, or come across them at industry events for example, but it’s quite another to visit their premises and meet the people that work there, in all areas of the business. It shows people who you really are. I’m proud to say that visitors to Deceuninck have always said they’ve found us to be a friendly, down to earth, approachable team of people and are impressed by the size and scale of our operation. From the feedback we had from our press day, the Editors of our industry magazines seemed to agree.

What do you think visitors took away with them as a lasting impression?

“We gave our visitors insight into what’s important to Deceuninck, including building long standing relationships and developing new products for the good of the market, as well as giving both sectors of the market an overview of the complete Deceuninck picture. The commercial press we work with for example weren’t aware of the over and above support we offer our trade fabricators, just as the trade media weren’t aware of the comprehensive list of commercial case studies we have worked on with our commercial fabricators, including Hinkley Point, Fairview Homes. Abbey Road and Kennedy Gardens.

“Without giving anything away, we also gave the Editors a sneak preview of some of the new products they can expect to hear about in 2018, in addition to the Heritage Window Collection and more recently Grey Substrate product launches of this year.

Let’s talk a little bit about colour – with an impressive range colourways and such a large warehouse for stock, do you think that Deceuninck can reduce downtime for end contractors by lowering lead times?

“Absolutely. Minimising downtime for specifiers is of the utmost priority for us, as it leads to real time tangible savings for our customers. We achieve this through innovation of our product range and honing the overall delivery process to make it efficient as possible.

“Our visitors were shown our impressive warehouse that allows us to deliver our 26 colourways from stock, for both profile and ancillaries. We performed a fun exercise before we started the tour whereby one of our visitors chose a specific product and a specific colour combination, which we then challenged ourselves to find quickly and easily in our warehouse. Considering our warehouse has been likened to Amazon or T5, you can imagine how much of a challenge this could be without the right systems in place. Thanks to our advanced set-up however, we were able to demonstrate precisely how efficient an operation it is.

“On the topic of colour, we also announced that we have now hit the 50% colour milestone – in fact 51% of our products are now supplied in colour, because we can do it so easily. Two of our largest customers are also now doing 50% colour. The demand is there, as an industry we just need to meet it, which means delivering quality colour products, without extended delivery times.”

Can we come back again?

“Yes! At Deceuninck, we are always keen for people to come and visit us in Calne, customers and prospects alike, but it was nice to take a day out to build further on the relationships we have with the industry’s press, for our benefit and of course the benefit of our customers.”

Contact Deceuninck today for more information on 01249 816 969 or visit www.deceuninck.co.uk
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Magical result as SFS Fasteners deliver for MediaCity UK’s iconic new building

SFS has played a key role in enabling Artez, the main contractor, and leading roofing and cladding contractor Longworth to deliver an iconic new building on Manchester’s vibrant MediaCity waterfront for upmarket bar and restaurant chain The Alchemist.

The company’s powder-coated, high performance A4 (grade 316) stainless steel fasteners were key to creating a stunning gold building envelope for ‘The Bund’, a unique structure located on the land bridge crossing Dock 9 at Salford Quays, between The Lowry and the BBC.

Designed by Reid Architects, The Bund is an iconic new bar and restaurant on the waterfront next to the world famous Lowry Centre for Living Ventures and the company’s 11th Alchemist venue. The design brief provided scope for originality and creativity in meeting the key requirements to deliver a building that would be different and special, and draw together the diverse areas of Salford Quays in a single new building.

The Bund provides a revolutionary hybrid landscape in creating what is a unique and futuristic venue. The new building’s gold roof and walls, and stunning terrace that cantilevers out over the canal, are designed to match the aesthetic and style ambitions of Living Ventures and of the high class cocktail bar’s clientele.

Longworth, who are renowned for their expertise in metal roofing, were commissioned to construct the building envelope and to realise Reid Architects’ golden vision. The company’s Business Development Manager, Ben Parker, says, “We are immensely proud of our work on The Alchemist, an incredibly complex building envelope project that only a handful of companies in the UK could have successfully implemented. To hear that the building has been shortlisted for a Building of the Year Award with Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce this October makes it an especially memorable project for us.

“Colour coordinating the gold zinc panels and the fasteners was critical, which is why we worked with SFS to ensure complete colour consistency on the fastener heads. We can rely on the excellent quality of SFS products, with their range of A4 (grade 316) fasteners enabling us to offer an extended life cycle on the building envelope, a requirement which is now generally specified by all the leading architects.”

Graeme McIlroy, Regional Sales Manager at SFS, adds “Fasteners hold the key to maintaining the visual appeal of the building envelope, with our powder coated A4 stainless steel fasteners best for ensuring a façade retains its integrity over a long service life. We are delighted to have been part of The Bund development working with Longworth and we hope to supply fasteners for more exciting projects as this exciting development rivals London at the heart of the media world.”

To find out more about high performance fasteners for the building envelope visit www.sfsintec.co.uk.
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Altro creates ‘home from home’ look for care home

Willowbrook Care Home in Birmingham provides specialist support for people with dementia and mental health problems who need personal care or nursing care on a long-term basis. The care home recently extended the premises to create more bedrooms and circulation areas for residents. Altro floors were used throughout the 2,000m² new build extension.

Altro Wood™ Safety was installed in circulation areas, dayrooms and bedrooms. Altro Pisces™ was used in all ensuites and assisted bathrooms. Altro Walkway™ 20 was used in the laundry room.

Paul Willis, Willowbrook Care Home’s owner, selected the Altro products after meeting with Altro and C&C Flooring, who provided guidance on specifying for care homes, with particular focus on floors for residents with dementia. Paul said: “We chose Altro Wood Safety, Altro Pisces and Altro Walkway 20 to help provide a homely appearance with excellent sustained slip resistance, durability and ease of maintenance. The end result is superb and we have had many wonderful, positive comments from residents, families and numerous healthcare professionals.”

C&C Flooring installed the Altro floors. Roo Williams, Director, C&C Flooring said: “We have been using Altro Wood Safety, Altro Walkway 20, and Altro Pisces for a good while now, the ranges themselves complement each other and look fantastic.

“We have a strong relationship with Altro, the support we get is unbelievable. It makes our job as a flooring contractor a whole lot easier and the products themselves are second to none.

“The Altro products look a million dollars and are performing extremely well. The best feature of Altro products is the performance, after years of traffic they always look like new. Altro Wood Safety itself lends itself to so many environments such as care homes, schools, office blocks and many more.”

For more information please visit www.altro.co.uk.
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Brookhurst handmade clay roof tiles for Suffolk new build and renovation

Brookhurst handmade clay roof tiles have been specified for a glorious new build project in the Thredling Hundred, mid Suffolk. Close to the village centre of Debenham, this outstanding and spacious home is surrounded by outbuildings, both old and new. A new two-storey car lodge offers accommodation on the first floor and sits beside an original 1914 barn, while the jewel in the crown is the converted tower mill which dates back to 1839. The two acre estate was purchased at auction, subject to planning, and provides far reaching views of the stunning Suffolk landscape, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and birthplace of John Constable.

“There is certainly a lot of history attached to this spot and I recall we were surprised and delighted that local planners allowed us to replace the existing cottage that was on this site,” says Joe Johnson. “The property was very run down and needed considerable work to make it habitable so for us it made total sense to knock it down and start again. In fact the whole site was in need of recovery, high roadside hedges completely obscured the buildings and the mill was so deeply covered in bramble that we couldn’t even see the brick building beneath.”

Joe and Sandra Johnson designed the house themselves together with architect Tim Linstead of Anglia Design LLP, Norwich. The property incorporates the very latest technology including air source heat pump, photovoltaic solar panels and a heat recovery ventilation system, which together has resulted in a highly sustainable building. The open plan kitchen and day room is reached via a generous utility room which is adjacent to the gym. The day lounge is flanked by a contemporary garden room, with natural solid timber features, and offers far reaching rural views across the moated garden. Bricks and beams reclaimed from the original cottage have been used to create a large and welcoming inglenook fireplace which houses a log burning stove in the day lounge.

In the spacious entrance hall, which serves two formal reception rooms, a regal two way oak staircase leads to a minstrels gallery and five double bedroom suites. A large floored-out area in the roof space above provides substantial and valuable storage and can be reached via its own door and staircase off the first floor landing.

“We started the build in autumn 2014 having meticulously planned the build schedule”, continues Joe, “and we moved into the house in November ’16. Work is still ongoing to the mill which is reported to have been one of the finest examples of a tower mill in the country.” The mill was originally five stories at a height of 57ft with four sails. It was tail-winded in July 1918 and suffered significant damage. The mill was repaired using the sails from Preston Mill, near Lavenham in Suffolk, with the help of a £100 Government grant. The mill was set to work again on 21 June 1921, working until 1935. It then stood derelict until December 1962 when it was literally pulled down to a two-storey stump. The truncated mill has been extended to the rear by the Johnson’s and will provide lovely accommodation for visitors to the region.

As a successful carpenter and builder Joe Johnson is familiar with the specification of many leading materials’ and systems and presented Sahtas UK with drawings early in 2015. “It has been a delight to work with Joe and Sandra on this very ambitious build and I know how much hard work and effort has gone into the last three years,” says Iain Webster, director of Sahtas UK Limited. Working with samples of the Brookhurst natural clay roof tiles, the couple chose the Wentworth tile for the main house and the rear extension to the mill. “In fact, this was the first project to specify the Wentworth when it was first launched so we are pleased and proud that it was chosen for such a special build,” comments Iain. “The Wentworth gives the feel of a weathered, reclaimed tile with its dark red base and heavy dark weathering that looks old and established from the very first day.”

Brookhurst tiles are made from the highest quality clay material using traditional hand moulding and coal firing techniques. Whilst these glorious traditions are maintained, Brookhurst tiles meet the highest technical standards and are fully compliant with BS EN 538 and 539 test standards for strength, durability and weather protection. The artisan skills of this production method has also founded a vast inventory of bespoke designs, intricate and unique shapes, and varied components with refined colour matches essential where extensive renovation is undertaken.
Externally, the original barn has been fully restored and the clay pantiles have been replaced with well-matched reclaimed tiles. “It was important to source a good match for the new build car lodge as the two barns sit side by side,” says Joe. “Here Sahtas helped us again and colour matched the tiles in Turkey and shipped samples back to the UK. We were delighted with these and most of our visitors can’t identify the old from the new.”

Sahtas traditional pantiles are manufactured to the same high standards as the rest of the collection and available in the same colourways as the Brookhurst tile range. “We will always help clients who have a very specific requirement, or regional bias, and if we have to make something bespoke we have the capacity to do so,” comments Iain. “We are passionate about producing premium handmade clay products which exceed the expectations of both the industry and our customers. This goal is achieved through stringent in-house quality control at all levels, as well as continuous external independent testing. Bespoke or not, all Sahtas products are backed by our 100% quality guarantee.”

More product information is available at www.sahtas.co.uk. Alternatively please telephone 01908 311411 or email sahtasUK@sahtas.com
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Visit Saint-Gobain Weber on YouTube for guidance on repairing fine cracks in monocouche render

Saint-Gobain Weber takes training in the specification and application of their innovative, market leading materials responsibly. A team of technical advisers are available to support and advise, either over the telephone or on site, on the correct use of a diverse product offering.

“In addition to the Saint-Gobain Technical Academy here in Bedfordshire, one of several across the country,” says Rob Speke, training academy manager, Saint-Gobain Weber, “we now have a wide inventory of How To videos posted on You Tube for specifiers and applicators who are unable to attend a related course at the Academy.”

How To Videos have been created to address the most frequently raised technical enquiries received by Weber’s technicians for tile preparation, flooring products, renders and external wall insulation systems.

A popular and frequently viewed Weber video identifies the benefits and characteristics of weberpral monocouche renders. This is a high performance range of low maintenance, cementitious, through-coloured renders in which small knocks and abrasions are not as noticeable as with traditional painted render. But if a fine crack appears, caused by drying shrinkage, aesthetic repairs can be easily carried out.

“With over 3,000 views this video is designed to help render applicators ensure that perfect aesthetics are easily achieved when dealing with fine cracks in monocouche render,” says Rob Speke. “By following a few simple stages – from opening the crack, to accurately preparing the render repair mix, achieving the correct application technique and the final finishing treatment – a perfect and satisfactory remedial job will be delivered.”

This How To video is one of 30 currently hosted on YouTube with plans for many more over the coming months. For more information, or for technical support, please contact Saint-Gobain Weber on 08703 330 070, or visit www.netweber.co.uk.

A free download of the Weber App for iPhone and iPad users is also available from iTunes and from Google Play for Android smartphones and tablet users. Follow Saint-Gobain Weber on Twitter @SGWeberUK for the latest company news and updates.

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RHS turns over a new leaf with Kingspan TEK

The Kingspan TEK Building System of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) has been erected in just three weeks to form the structure of a new office building at the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) flagship gardens in Wisley.

RHS Wisley is currently undergoing a major renewal programme, including re-landscaping its grounds and the construction of new laboratory and learning spaces. As part of this work, Evelegh Designs collaborated with design and build contractors, Ashley Group, to create a single storey office building for the site’s 72 staff members. Whilst the building has the appearance of a traditional barn, its construction is thoroughly modern with the walls and roof formed from 142 mm and 172 mm Kingspan TEK Building System panels respectively.

Kingspan TEK Building System panels feature an OSB/3 facing bonded to a highly insulated core. The panels were factory cut to the office building’s design, including space for the specified windows and doors. This ensured a straightforward erection programme once on-site and allowed Ashley Group to erect and weathertight the building shell in a matter of weeks.

The excellent thermal performance provided by the Kingspan TEK Building System was another key benefit as Tony Frend, Contracts Manager at Ashley Group explained: “The original tender specified that the walls needed to achieve a U-value of 0.22 W/m2.K. The Kingspan TEK Building System was our preferred specification as, in addition to providing a reliable build programme, the 142 mm wall panels also allowed us achieve an enhanced U-value of 0.19 W/m2.K on the walls. For the roof construction we were able to go one step further, installing the 172 mm Kingspan TEK Building System panels to achieve a U-value of just 0.17 W/m2.K.”

The OSB/3 facing of the Kingspan TEK Building System panels supports a wide range of façade options. To complete the barn’s rustic external aesthetic, black weatherboarding was installed on timber battens fixed to the facing of the panels, whilst clay tiles were used to clad the roof.

Kingspan TEK Building System panels also feature a unique jointing system which, in combination with their OSB/3 facing, can help to create highly airtight buildings. The manufacturing facility where the panels are produced carries both FSC® (FSC®-C109304) and PEFC Chain of Custody certification. As standard, the OSB/3 facing of all Kingspan TEK panels is PEFC certified.

For further information, please call +44 (0) 1544 387 384, email literature@kingspantek.co.uk or visit www.kingspantek.co.uk.

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