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

Derbigum, the UK’s highest-performance bituminous roofing membrane with a 40-year BBA durability statement, now also includes zero falls.

Alumasc’s Derbigum waterproofing membrane is the only high-performance bituminous roofing membrane with a 40-year durability statement that also includes zero falls from the BBA (British Board of Agrément).

Whilst other competitors’ may have durability statements that are typically for 20 or 25 years, Alumasc’s Derbigum stands out for its proven reliability with a 40-year BBA durability statement – giving specifiers and end-users added confidence as to the product’s in-service longevity. This BBA now also includes for use as fully-bonded or partially bonded waterproofing on flat, pitched or zero-pitched roofs with limited access, and is the only bituminous membrane on the market with proven 40-year durability and approval for zero falls installations.

With a proven track record of success, Alumasc’s Derbigum systems have held a BBA certificate since 1980 and offer a variety of environmentally-beneficial, sustainable characteristics including: membranes with high levels of recycled content; innovative CO2 neutralising membranes; energy efficient ‘cool’ roofs; and vegetal, non-bituminous solutions.

Click here to download your copy of the BBA certificate or call +44 (0) 3335 771 500.

Around 8 million people a year are expected to be sheltering under Kalwall at the beautifully-designed new bus station at West Croydon. Designed by Transport for London Architects, this is an unusual example of how translucent Kalwall can offer many different advantages above its normal use for translucent traditional building cladding and rooflighting.

The brief for this project was to create a user-friendly waiting and assembly shelter to service the thousands of passengers using this important and busy transport hub linking the 150 buses an hour with the adjacent tram stop and West Croydon railway station providing routes to Canada Water and east London, and via the tram network to Beckenham and Wimbledon.

The normal choice of construction for a translucent and weatherproof canopy would be to glaze the roof with glass, However in-house architect Martin Eriksson and the project team at TfL realised that Kalwall offered a better solution in this location which would not only solve the brief and contribute to a better design but would offer many other benefits over traditional glazing.

For example, since Kalwall is much lighter than glass it meant that the supporting structure needed to be less strong and far less chunky. In additional, not only would the shelter be less high but the vertical supports would be less obstructive and open up a better view of the environment including the very attractive church nearby which had previously been blocked from the view of waiting passengers.

Unlike conventional glazing, highly insulating Kalwall is far more attractive than glass while eliminating shadows and glare and the stark contrasts of light and shade; improving the experience for passengers below.

Also, due to the way it diffuses natural daylight downwards and at night reduces vertical illumination and reflection upwards, it controls light pollution on the surrounding high rise buildings. Soil and detritus are less obvious on Kalwall than on glass and maintenance and cleaning is much simpler because access scaffolding is not required and maintenance staff can safely walk across its surface.

One of the main attractions of specifying high performance Kalwall for conventional buildings is its unique effect on both the interior and exterior. Internally, rooms are flooded with diffused natural daylight which creates a stimulating and very attractive environment. Although translucent, it also offers the big advantage of privacy while the elevations appear crisp, simple and inviting. When illuminated at night they emit a very attractive ethereal glow.

Apart from being specified for all types of new build, Kalwall is increasingly used for the refurbishment of cladding or rooflights on aged buildings. Case studies and technical information are available from Structura UK Ltd, Tel: 01233 501 504 or visit www.structura-uk.com/kalwall.
Structura UK is the exclusive distributor of the Kalwall translucent daylight building system for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and a leading supplier, fabricator and installer of glass curtain walling, rainscreens, glass atria, windows and other architectural glass building products.

The flexible, easy-to-apply, aesthetic properties of Sika-Trocal ’s watertight single-ply membrane proved the ideal solution for a stylish and unusual roof design – the crowning glory of a new, multimillion pound community church.

The £4.5million C3 Centre in Cambridge was built to host community events as well as serve as a place of worship. The two-tier building’s architecturally-striking feature is its ‘fantail’ roof. Tapering to a point at one end, the roof’s design presented a challenge to Farrans Construction, main contractors of the church building project.

The company required a roofing system which not only offered the optimum watertight performance; it had to complement the structure’s eye-catching design. With Cambridge Flat Roofing specified to carry out its installation, the Sika-Trocal SGK system met the contractor’s brief to perfection.

Suitable for both new build and refurbishment applications, in both warm roof and cold roof construction, Sika-Trocal SGK is the best-cost performance bonded membrane for use on all types of substrates. Offering excellent flexibility and high resistance to ageing and weathering, Sika-Trocal SGK ensures a long-lasting, low maintenance roof covering.

Wayne Farrington, Director at Cambridge Flat Roofing, commented “The roof looks pretty spectacular and certainly offered a challenge in terms of its construction. There’s no doubt the Sika-Trocal SGK system’s specification aided the building process.

“It not only looks as good as it performs, it was simple and quick to install. It made a potentially tricky installation, quite straightforward.”

Work on the church roof started in March 2015. As well as the installation of Sika-Trocal SGK on the 1,500m2 main roof, Cambridge Flat Roofing applied Sika-Trocal’s Type SGmA single-ply membrane as part of a sedum roof build-up on a lower area of the building.

The fully-adhered Type SGK roofing membrane is approved by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) to have a life expectancy in excess of 35 years. Its easy application ensured the church’s stunning roof was completed ahead of the client’s strict eight-week deadline to ensure this gloriously-designed building will remain watertight and functioning as a vital community hub long into the future.

For more information please call 01707 394444, or visit www.sikatrocal.co.uk.

International hotelier Park Regis have opened their first European hotel in Britain’s second city Birmingham. Towering over the skyline at 16 storeys the £50 million pound hotel offers 254 rooms, a gym, various bars, business and conference centres and a 2 storey glazed terrace sky bar delivering high end dining to Birmingham.

Comar

Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems were selected to provide the façade with curtain walling, windows and entrances. The key element of design for the Rofuto Sky Bar was to allow diners to enjoy clear uninterrupted views across the city, a double height Comar 6EFT Curtain wall was selected as it offers strength with a sleek 50mm sight-line. This ground breaking system, leads the way by offering a 50mm stick system with the capability to span further as the mullions and transoms have the highest Ix and Iy values on the market today. The design is also in keeping with the hotels minimalist Japanese Interior which echoes the “Byoba” art of Japanese screens. The curtain wall grid was off-set with symmetrically staggered mullions and transoms which create the typical lattice effect found in Japanese interiors.

The profiles where finished in RAL 7016 Matt Grey which seamlessly blends into the mahogany, cream and gold interior. All structural calculations were carried out by Comar’s Special Projects Team who ensured all Comar bracketry and fixings will withstand any sway, dead or live loads.

The cladding to the façade below the Rofuto Sky Bar was a palette of Ruukki panels, polished stone rain screen, and Kingspan Benchmark, A. Comar’s interface range of adaptors allowed the Comar 5Pi Advanced Windows to seamlessly integrate with the differing cladding elements. The design detailing of all these elements ensured that the façade had no thermal bridging and will maintain it’s air and water-tight solution.

Moving to the base of the building, Comar 6EFT capped curtain walling was used. Comar 6EFT interfaces with the dramatic angled cantilevered entrances. For this element of the face design the detailing and installation had to be precise to ensure that drainage and seals create a future-proof water tight solution.

Integrated into the curtain wall the entrances have to provide both a statement of welcome and ensure uninterrupted access. Often the first experience of a hotel is the entrance, which needs to provide form as well as function. The Comar 7P.i Commercial Door system is one of the most comprehensive on the market today. Sections are robust and offer an ideal solution for high traffic entrances. The doors selected were auto sliding which allow uninterrupted passage into the double storey entrance lobby.

APiC, a Comar Approved Fabricator were involved throughout the specification stage with both Comar and the Architect. APiC also worked closely with the Contractor to ensure that the project programme was met to ensure the time critical opening of March 2016 was achieved. Steve Tycer Managing Director of APiC UK, said. “We enjoy working with Comar as I know we can reassure our clients that site deadlines will be met. Comar’s Market Leading delivery is a key factor when we are up against a tight programme.“

Developer: Colmore Tang Construction
Architect: BDG (Building Design Group) Tamworth
Project Value: £50million

Comar: Designed for Performance, Backed by Delivery

For further information about Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems, please visit www.comar-alu.co.uk call 020 8685 9685 or email projects@parksidegroup.co.uk.

A combination of remedial products and renders by Saint-Gobain Weber has been skilfully used in a private renovation project in Newport, South Wales. Built in 1820, a brick and stone faced granary at Rogerstone had an attractive olde worlde appearance and had been converted to domestic residency many years ago. The property changed hands 18 months ago and a survey of the premises confirmed extensive levels of damp. Further specialist inspection attributed this to the high level of water ingress transferring through the external fabric of the building where pointing had failed over time. This had been compounded further by the previous owner who had removed some surface render.

The new owner’s building advisor invited Saint-Gobain Weber to examine the property and recommend a solution as, by this time, internal plaster was failing and the level of damp was destroying furnishings as well as the comfort and wellbeing of the owners. Weber identified the technical materials required and recommended specialist applicator M P Plastering of Highbridge in Somerset.

Mark Picktall, of M P Plastering, visited the property with the client and confirmed that the stonework would have to be covered to achieve a sealed surface. The owner was initially disappointed to lose this attractive aesthetic but agreed that making the property watertight was critical. Ultimately, with the application of Weber’s high performance materials, and the skills of the M P Plastering team, an equally attractive visual effect has been created for the granary which now has the benefit of a weatherproof outer skin.

The first operation was to clean the building with weber CL150, a water based anti-fungal wash containing carefully selected biocides that are effective against a broad range of bacterial, fungal, algal, yeast and mould species. It is used to remove green, black and other organic growths on masonry materials, prior to the application of renders and decorative finishes. This process was followed by the application of weberend aid which acts as a preparatory key coat for render. weberend aid is a polymer modified cement and sand mix which includes an integral bonding agent. This equalises the suction performance of various materials ensuring successful bond of the render and also enhances the weatherproofing performance of the finished surface.

Once the preparation was complete weberend OCR base coat render was applied to cover the original stone and brick fascia. weberend OCR is a single coat, pre-blended render formulated from Portland cement, lime and sand. The render, which is factory produced to ensure consistent quality to meet the British Standard mix formulations, only requires the addition of clean water and onsite mixing. It resists the penetration of external water and has excellent weather resistance and durability, whilst at the same time allowing the structure to breathe. It also achieves the same final appearance as traditional sand and cement but in significantly less time. weberend OCR, which can be applied up to 25mm deep for external applications, was applied by trowel and ruled level. Approximately 100m² of external surface was treated by this comprehensive and protective render.

On the recommendation of M P Plastering, decorative brick slips were obtained locally and fixed with weberset SPF to create a traditional soldier course around the windows in order to reclaim some elements of the original aesthetics. The final surface coating was achieved with weberpral M monocouche, a through-coloured, decorative render, which was chosen in Earth from an attractive natural colour pallet. weberpral M is a ready-mixed, cementitious and weather resistant render designed for fast application and has been awarded an A+ Green Guide rating in the BRE Guide to Specification. The surface was carefully scraped to give an attractive, low maintenance, textured final finish.

The property now has a fresh yet traditional appearance and, most importantly, a totally weathertight exterior surface. Counting the layers of material applied, an outer skin of at least 30mm now protects the property from everything the Welsh climate can deliver. “High-tech products from Weber enabled a great technical installation to achieve a watertight property. At the same time we were able to bring out attractive features to mirror the original character of the building. The owner was so relieved to have the granary looking beautiful again that she commissioned us to renovate the adjoining outbuilding, in exactly the same way, to create a fine looking home with great weather protection,” says Mark Picktall.

“The finished product is stunning, I have not lost the beautiful integrity of the historical building that is my home,” comments the satisfied homeowner, “but I have gained a fantastic exterior that is both watertight and fits in with the natural landscape around me. I would highly recommend Weber as a supplier due to their professional but not pushy service, easy to understand clear consultation and communication with me and ultimately the final excellent quality product. Thank you.”

For more information about this project, or for technical support, please contact Saint-Gobain Weber on 08703 330 070, or visit www.netweber.co.uk. Customers in Ireland should call 028 9335 2999 or visit www.weber.ie.

A free download of the new weberapp 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.

Kalwall translucent cladding is a key feature in the recently renovated British National Taekwondo Centre in Manchester. The new facility was opened in time to service the needs of British athletes training for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Now for the first time, the entire national taekwondo programme, including 130 athletes, coaches and administrators, can be carried out under the same roof. This state of the art facility was designed by AEW Architects, with Balfour Beatty as the main contractor.

One of the main attractions of specifying high performance Kalwall is its unique influence on both the interior and its external appearance, particularly at night. Internally, rooms are flooded with diffused natural daylight which creates a stimulating and healthy exercising environment which, although translucent, also offers privacy. Unlike conventional glazing, highly insulating Kalwall eliminates shadows and glare and the stark contrasts of light and shade. The system also enhances simplicity by eliminating the need for blinds, curtains or solar control. In addition, the even distribution and deep penetration of light through Kalwall means less artificial lighting is needed thereby reducing energy costs.

Kalwall is a popular choice for sports and leisure environments and is commonly installed around swimming pools and sports halls. It is an ideal solution where an even distribution of light is important so that players can distinguish markings on the floor as well as not being distracted by glare and other interference.

Kalwall is distributed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by Structura UK, a leading supplier, fabricator and installer of glass curtain walling, rainscreens, glass atria, windows and other architectural glass building products.

The company has had all three of its ISO certifications successfully renewed for three years: OHSAS 18001 Health and Safety Management, ISO 14001 Environmental Management certification and ISO 9001 Quality Management certification.

Case studies and technical information are available from Structura UK Ltd, Tel: 01233 501 504 or visit www.structura-uk.com/kalwall.

The latest episode of ‘DIY SOS: The Big Build’ has been supported by Marley Eternit, after the company supplied its JB CitiDeck solution to the project free of charge.

‘DIY SOS: The Big Build’ – a special for the BBC’s charity Children in Need – saw the team work to renovate a Victorian house into a new, much needed, young carers’ facility in the legendary seaside resort of Blackpool.

The Blackpool Carers Centre project is the show’s biggest charitable build to date, and was headed up by renowned interior designer Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen. Over the course of just 10 days, the project involved completely renovating what were two separate homes, while also incorporating the landscaping of the building’s one-acre of wild garden.

The team called upon Marley Eternit to help in the construction of a circular decking area installed in the grounds of the centre. Measuring 25m² and with a circumference of over 15m, JB CitiDeck in a robust oak finish – with its smooth profiled boards, which feature two non-slip inserts – was installed.

Charlotte Hughes, Product Manager at Marley Eternit, explains more about the project and why Marley Eternit was delighted to help out. She says: “Giving back to the community is something which is important to us as a business. So, the chance to be involved in such a huge project for BBC’s Children in Need was a fantastic opportunity.

“After spending some time learning more about the project, and the great work the Blackpool Carers Centre provides to young children and their families, our JB CitiDeck was the perfect choice as it not only exceeds the HSL’s anti-slip testing guidelines, it is also an incredibly durable solution ensuring that the decking area will be enjoyed for many years to come.”

Michelle Smith, CEO of Blackpool Carers Centre, added: “We sincerely thank DIY SOS, BBC Children in Need and everyone else that has been involved. We are astonished by the efforts of the team, businesses who have donated materials and volunteers – the support has been beyond what we could have ever imagined. This renovation will enable us to help improve the lives of more children and young people with caring responsibilities who are in need of our support both now and in the years to come.”

The new build also incorporates a child-friendly kitchen and open plan play spaces, as well as a woodland garden adventure and an allotment, providing a safe a supportive environment for the young carers to enjoy a bit more child-time.

The episode of ‘DIY SOS: The Big Build’ Children in Need special aired on BBC on 17 November 2016.

For further information on our range of products and services just ask ME at www.marleyeternit.co.uk or call ME on 01283 722588. You can also follow ME on Twitter @MarleyEternit.

Architectural practice Alexander Sedgley has specified a pioneering vertical fibre cement slate facade system for a luxury private mews development in London.

The Vertigo slates, from manufacturer Marley Eternit, have been used to create striking projecting bays on the front and rear of the exclusive terraced and semi detached rental properties at William Mews, near Brockley.

Built by Proctor Developments, the distinctive eco-friendly homes use timber frame construction, so the architects needed to specify a lightweight cladding material. They also wanted the bays to create a strong contrast against the yellow-flecked London stock brick required by planning. Although zinc or render were initially considered, Alexander Sedgley architects selected the new Vertigo system for its aesthetic and lightweight properties.

Project architect Stephen Alexander explains: “As we were using a timber frame, getting a lightweight material to clad the projecting structures was very important and when we saw the Vertigo system, we knew it was perfect for this development.

“The site is surrounded by two-storey Victorian houses and we wanted to create a contemporary contrast, without it being too imposing. As well as meeting our weight criteria, the Vertigo system gives a clean, contemporary slate aesthetic that will stand the test of time, but crucially remains sympathetic to the surroundings.

“It was very easy to detail and the other big advantage was that the roofing contractor was able to install it, so we didn’t need a specialist fitter. It was also much more economical than using sheet metal and removed the aesthetic problem of visible seams.”

The first of its kind in the UK, Vertigo consists of small 600mm x 300mm slate like panels which can be quickly fixed onto battens, with the desired amount of insulation in between. The fibre cement slates perfectly adapt to the contours of the building, providing a second protective skin. The Vertigo slate range is very easy to fit and has three different installation methods to give more design flexibility and freedom.

Charlotte Hughes, product manager from Marley Eternit, adds: “Vertigo is still a relatively new product in the UK market but is already proving popular in the luxury private residential sector, particularly with developers and architects who want to create striking properties in urban environments. As a lightweight material, it is ideal for adding aesthetic interest to timber frame buildings like this one at William Mews. In fact, using Vertigo with a block and timber frame can be 15% lighter than a traditional brick and block system.”

Available in eight different colours from Anthracite to Terracotta, Vertigo slates can be used to create beautiful, distinctive and elegant vertical cladding solutions for a full range of building types. Perfect continuity between the roof and facade can be achieved by using Vertigo in combination with Marley Eternit’s Birkdale or Rivendale fibre cement roof slates.

Vertigo also boasts superb sustainability credentials, helping to achieve environmental credits with a ‘very good’ BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing accreditation and its environmental impact is easily reviewed with its own Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). Fibre cement also offers sustainability benefits throughout its whole life cycle, as it can be fully recycled at the end of its use. Waste fibre cement can be ground down and used to replace limestone and shale in clinker production, the essential ingredients for Portland cement.

For more information or design advice, please visit www.marleyeternit.co.uk/vertigo or call Marley Eternit on 01283 722588.

The impact of our purchasing decisions has never been more critical. Our global economy is now bringing to bear the Butterfly effect: when a butterfly flaps it’s wings in one part of the world it can cause a hurricane in another part of the world. Construction by its nature of increasing or improving density is intensely energy demanding, the embodied energy contained in our building stock has derived from the earth’s resources, therefore, as construction professionals we should all carefully consider the ethics of our purchasing decisions. The materials used on a building draw from the Global economy, therefore a decision today could create deforestation in poorer regions of the world or create the impetus for modern slavery.

Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems, as a British privately owned organisation has always held its integrity in business as the cornerstone of its operations. As part of The Parkside Group Limited, Comar has built up excellent, long term relationships with its suppliers, ensuring they are paid on time and if issues arose building partnerships which quickly lead to their resolution. We require as a minimum that they have an ethical business and hold ISO 14001 certification. Good supplier management coupled with ethical business practices is the basis of BRE’s BES 6001 standard for the Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products.

We are pleased to announce that we are certified through BRE’s new BES 6001:3.01 Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products, receiving a “Good” rating. This ensures that our architectural and contractor partners can rest assured, that in contracting with Comar and its Nationwide Network of Approved Subcontractors our aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling systems have been sourced responsibly with a company that holds the ethics of good supplier management at its heart. Not only does BES 6001 audit and accredit supplier management it delves deeper to ensure that all aspects of global citizenship are covered, these are held under three main headings: Organisational Management, Supply Chain Management and Environmental and Social Responsibility Management. This award is even more noteworthy when we consider that this is the new standard and Comar are the first to receive this in the aluminium sector.

Recognising the importance of our Purchasing decisions and the impact they may have on our environment and society, we encourage our Supply Chain to implement a certified Quality, Environmental, and Health and Safety Management System. We also recognise the importance of Environmental Protection and we are committed to operating our business in compliance with all Environmental Regulations, Legislation and initiatives relating to the building industry and the wider Environment.

It is the organisation’s objective to operate with, and to maintain good relations with all regulatory bodies and places Environmental Protection at the core of its operations. The Parkside Group Limited is accredited to the Environmental Standard ISO 14001:2004 and is currently in transition to the new 2015 version.

The Parkside Group is committed to conducting its business in an open and honest manner and as such this our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy reflects the commitment of our employees to minimise the impact of our operations for future generations and ensuring the welfare of its staff and the local area. We pride ourselves with promoting all we do in an ethical and integral way. As part of our commitment to responsibly sourcing we continuously monitor the impact of our working practices and the design of our systems to ensure any environmental impact is minimised.

For our full CSR Statement please visit: www.comar-alu.co.uk/environmental.

Image: (left to right) Gary Fenton, Global Product Certification Director at BSI, Alan Harris, Quality Manager voestalpine Metsec plc, Andy Butterfield, Product Certification, Director of Built Environment at BSI, Ryan Simmonds, SFS Sales Director voestalpine Metsec plc, Mark Basham, Managing Director, EMEA at BSI

The UK’s largest specialist cold roll-forming company, voestalpine Metsec plc, based in Oldbury, West Midlands, has been announced as the first tier two organisation globally to have achieved the new Kitemark PAS 1192-2 from BSI, the business standards company.

The Kitemark relates to BIM (Building Information Modelling), helping construction businesses around the world prove their capabilities in delivering projects at the design and construction phase. It is to act as a seal of approval for companies qualified to deliver projects at the design and construction phase of a project.

Established more than 80 years ago, Metsec provides steel framing, cable management and purlins for construction and manufacturing industries and has supplied its products to prestigious projects including the Queensferry Crossing, Resorts World and the Glasgow Velodrome.

Alan Harris, quality manager at Metsec, said: “Metsec was the first tier 2 designer and manufacturer complying with BIM Level 2 for Design & Construction in the UK and is pleased to cement this focus on BIM by achieving the new Kitemark associated with it. It’s great to see the importance of BIM being recognised, and being formalised by the BSI.

“BIM is an increasingly important part of the global construction market place, with governments around the world starting to make it a condition of contact. Seen as a game-changer for the construction industry, BIM is a collaborative way of working that uses digital technologies to enable more efficient methods of design and construction, ultimately driving out waste and inefficiency.”

The Kitemark has been developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders to ensure that they add value and address the key issues which will help the construction industry with BIM implementation.

Andy Butterfield, Product Certification Director of Built Environment at BSI said: “In a competitive marketplace, companies delivering BIM projects need to find a way to differentiate themselves, regardless of whether they are tendering for public or private sector projects. The BSI Kitemark does just that, helping companies to demonstrate their commitment to best practice.

“BIM helps companies drive out waste and inefficiencies in their projects, reducing costs and environmental impact. Having the Kitemark for BIM will mean that companies are able to build their business in the new era of digital technology and access global markets, giving clients reassurance that they are working with partners at the highest possible standard”.

The BSI Kitemark is one of the most recognizable trust marks in existence today and demonstrates that each Kitemark approved product or service, has gone above and beyond the normal requirements to achieve the highest standards. For over a century, it has safeguarded consumers and helped businesses demonstrate clear commitment to excellence across everyday goods such as locks and windows, gas appliances, motorcycle helmets and smoke detectors.

For more information please visit www.metsec.com.