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

Charcon appoints new Specification Manager

Charcon, the commercial hard landscaping division of Aggregate Industries, has appointed Robert Davenhall to the role of Specification Manager.

Robert has a wealth of experience within the commercial hard landscaping sector, having worked for the past five years at Kilsaran International and previously with Tobermore Concrete.

In his new role, Robert will be responsible for managing existing clients and developing new relationships with architects, specifiers and local authorities in the North-West region and M62 corridor. He’ll also be focused on growing Charcon’s natural stone and permeable paving business with local authorities in the region.

Commenting on his new appointment, Robert says: “I am extremely excited to be joining a growing and ambitious specification team at Charcon and becoming part of the global market leader in the building materials industry.

“There’s a whole new generation of architects and specifiers coming into the sector. They’re incredibly switched on, understand the full capabilities of hard landscaping and are looking for specialist partners to service their needs. The range of products Charcon can offer, in both natural stone and concrete, is one of the most comprehensive in the marketplace and offers a fantastic choice for architects, local authorities and contractors alike.”

Mark Barter, Sales Director at Charcon, comments: “We are thrilled to welcome Robert to the team. Almost a life-long local, he knows the patch inside out, as well as the dynamics of the sectors within it. We’re also looking forward to benefitting from his relationship management experience across all of our target audiences, which he has in abundance.”

Charcon offers the commercial sector a comprehensive range of paving, natural stone and kerbing via its hard landscaping product range. It is also able to offer a full design and support service from project concept to completion, and provides innovative and integrated solutions for architects, civil engineers, landscape professionals, house builders and contractors in almost every aspect of the construction industry.

To find out more, visit www.charcon.com.
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Cembrit’s Brazilian scores on cricket ground

Two cricket teams in Nottingham now have a new home, thanks to Cembrit and its Alpina natural slates, as the aesthetically pleasing material has completed the look on a newly built cricket clubhouse.

Called the Field of Dreams, the new cricket clubhouse is based at the Meadows Recreation Ground in Nottingham’s Victoria Embankment. The project, which received a £150,000 Sport England grant, was the vision of the Trent Bridge Community Trust. With the original pavilion being old and dilapidated, the new clubhouse was built to provide four changing rooms, a kitchen, disability access, rooms for officials, and external viewing area.

Nottingham-based architect, Maber worked with construction giant, Willmott Dixon, while J Wright Roofing, was sub-contracted to provide an economical roofing system. Familiar with the benefits of Cembrit’s roofing products, J Wright Roofing specified and installed approximately 8,500 Alpina grey/green natural slates. Supplied quickly and efficiently via leading distributor of high-quality natural slates, East Midlands Roofing Supplies, the roof was installed within a month.

“This was an exciting project to be involved in, as it attracted the support of many local businesses and benefited from fundraising efforts” explains Jason Wright, Managing Director of J Wright Roofing Ltd. “The aim of the project was to ensure that cricket continues to be played at this site for the next 100 years. Thanks to the durable and high performance features of Cembrit Alpina slates, the roof will last the lifetime of the clubhouse.”

Alpina is a Brazilian natural slate, selected from the finest deposits and produced at some of the best facilities in Papagaios, Brazil. It is available in two colours, graphite and grey/green and in a variety of sizes. With its flat surface and pleasing shade variations, Alpina slate can be relied upon to create an attractive, high-performance roof.

Alpina slate is a tough natural material which has been tested to ensure it meets the current national standard, BS EN 12326-1:2004. Alpina slate has virtually no unstable minerals such as pyrites, graphite, carbon and un-oxidised irons and will withstand the most severe weather conditions: they are unaffected by sunlight, ultraviolet light and even acid rain. Laid correctly Alpina slate will last the lifetime of a building and are ideal for use on any type of project.

For further information visit www.cembrit.co.uk, email sales@cembrit.co.uk, or for a copy of the technical data sheets, tel: +44 (0)20 8301 8900.
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No Compromise with Axim’s New Electric Strike

To meet the ever changing demands of the hardware market and specifiers installation requirements the new Axim ES-2100 Electric Strike series is a remote access control device, suitable for doors fitted with the Axim LK-2100 deadlatch series.

A reduction in installation time and maintenance ensures a reduction in costs for installers.

Suitable for the most demanding commercial environments the new Axim ES-2100 Electric Strike replaces the standard fixed strike plate of the deadlatch.

The Axim ES-2100 electric strike is supplied with a flat faceplate for installation into a frame of a single leaf door or the inactive leaf of a pair of doors. Available in 12vDC & 24vDC Fail Safe or Fail Secure.

  • Axim’s innovative development solutions on the ES-2100 Electric Strike make the ES-2100 series a market leading product which now surpasses other leading brands.
  • Suitable for use on single & double Aluminium Doors
  • Electrical actuation unlocks the strike jaw, therefore releasing the latch bolt without having to operate the latch manually.
  • Compact mechanism fits into an aluminium jamb section as shallow as 44.45mm.
  • Non Handed
  • Powered by Internal Solenoid
For more information/technical details please visit www.axim.co.uk, call 0208 685 2313 or email orders@axim.co.uk.
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Charcon Construction Solutions supplies new Adventure Centre in Derbyshire

Precast concrete products manufacturer, Charcon Construction Solutions, part of the Aggregate Industries group, has successfully supplied and installed structural precast concrete materials for the new, state-of-the-art Mount Cook Adventure Centre in Derbyshire.

Set in five acres of grounds, the centre can accommodate 130 guests and includes wheelchair accessible facilities. The eco-building uses solar power to generate hot water and electricity, rainwater collection to flush toilets and air source heat to warm the rooms.

Charcon Constructions Solutions was awarded the contract by Novus, the appointed main contractor, to help deliver the flooring and stairs for the build; a complex hexagonal central core design with two rectangular wings.

Novus specified Charcon Construction Solutions’ bespoke Block and Beam flooring system, composed of pre-stressed concrete beams with standard concrete infill blocks laid in between, for the complicated central core area on the ground floor.

Charcon’s pre-stressed Hollowcore flooring slabs, which range from 150mm to 400mm and achieve a rapid strength of over 60N, at only 28 days, were then used to floor the building’s rectangular wings. A heavy density Hollowcore sound slab was used on the first floor and roof level to effectively meet sound regulations. Two pre-cast staircases, ground to upper floor levels, manufactured using custom built moulds, were also supplied and installed.

Richard Baldry, General Manager for Charcon Construction Solutions, comments: “Due to the complexity of the building’s design, we needed to value engineer a solution that would fast track construction and allow immediate access to following trades.

“Using our precast Block and Beam and Hollowcore flooring systems meant there was no need to wait for concrete slabs to cure. Once grouted, floors formed a ready-to-work base for follow on trades. Additionally, Hollowcore is very easy to transport and handle during construction, and requires less material to manufacture compared to solid concrete slabs. This thereby reduces carbon emissions. Both solutions provide an immediate solid floor surface able to accommodate service pipes and electrical wiring, as well as suspended ceilings. Providing stairs, manufactured offsite, also ensured a cost and time effective alternative to traditional timber built staircases.”

In addition to supplying quality offsite manufactured precast products, Charcon Construction Solutions offered a fully integrated solution on the project, providing Novus direct access to its design and planning expertise.

Dean Povey, Commercial Manager at Novus Solutions, comments: “Charcon Construction Solutions carried out a difficult project in a difficult location under extreme weather conditions and on budget, a job well done.”

The Mount Cook Adventure Centre opened this summer. The centre is using local facilities to provide a range of adventure activities from rock climbing, kayaking and orienteering and will also offer an educational insight into the local history and mining heritage of the area.

For further information, visit www.charconcs.com.
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Sika waterproof roof membrane caps shopping centre’s seasonal showpiece

Sika-Trocal helped save Christmas by supplying the durable, easy-to-apply waterproof roof system for a spectacular seasonal attraction.

With the festive season fast approaching, KD Decoratives were the supplier to The Mall retail complex in Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, which required a new roof for the fairytale focal point of its alfresco “Winter Wonderland” experience – a sparkling Santa’s castle. The sky blue, portable building replete with a 20ft turret has been installed at the Mall every Christmas for a number of years, but its existing roof had started to display signs of wear and tear.

For retailers, the run-up to Christmas is their most profitable time of the year. It was essential, therefore, the Mall’s Winter Wonderland crowning glory was installed and fully-waterproofed as quickly and safely as possible in order to provide an additional draw for families and children. Flat roofing specialists, Single Ply Services, from Clevedon near Bristol, in conjunction with main contractors, KD Decoratives, specified Sika-Trocal SGK as the solution – a rapid-apply, best-cost performance bonded membrane.

The castle consists of six modules which were re-roofed during an off-site operation which also involved the installation of Sika-Trocal SGK membrane. The modules were then weathered together onsite at the Mall. Suitable for both new build and refurbishment applications, in both warm roof and cold roof construction, the membrane provided the age-resistant, weather-proof covering to the modules’ metal deck. With the roof installed, the castle was transferred to the shopping centre where it was craned into its position then weathered together – the Mall’s outdoor car park.

Single Ply Services had four days off site to install a new warm roof weathered with Sika-Trocal SGK and then just one day on site to fully-seal the roof’s connecting joints to ensure its weather-tightness and readiness for Winter Wonderland’s grand opening.

Robin Hambly, Small Works Manager at Single Ply Services, said: “We chose Sika-Trocal SGK because it is quick and easy to apply. It is also extremely reliable, and as its job is to keep Father Christmas, his helpers and all his young visitors safe and dry during the festive period, the system’s durability was essential to its specification. We didn’t want to ruin anyone’s Christmas.”

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. It’s easy-to-apply properties ensured Winter Wonderland’s star attraction was completed in-line with the client’s strict deadline, whilst providing an aesthetically-pleasing finish to enhance the castle’s magical appeal for young visitors throughout the festive period.

For more information please visit www.gbr.sika-trocal.sika.com.
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UK’s largest brickmaker scoops trio of prestigious awards

Image: Courtyard House Photography Tom Gildon & David Butler

Ibstock, the UK’s largest brickmaker, has further cemented its position as the industry-leader by winning three awards at the 40th annual Brick Developers Association’s (BDA) Awards, which celebrate excellence in design and construction using brick.

This latest success takes Ibstock’s total award wins since 2005 to 77 – more than any other brickmaker. The stunning builds feature bricks from Ibstock’s wide-ranging portfolio of colours, textures, sizes and finishes to achieve a huge variety of aesthetic effects.

Projects using Ibstock bricks picked up the top accolade in three categories, including: Best Individual Housing Development, from Dallas Pierce Quintero for Courtyard House, which showcased a creative application of Staffordshire Blue Umbra Sawtooth and Standard; and Best Large House Builder for Linden Homes by Stride Treglown, which used Audley Red Mixture and Commercial Red to achieve a striking impact.

The distinctive arched pavilion of the Brentwood School Learning Resource Centre in Essex, designed by Cottrell & Vermeulen, won Best Education Building, using brick façades to harmonise with existing buildings using the distinctive Heritage Red Blend.

In addition, Ibstock-Kevington products were also used in Newport Street Gallery, which picked up the Supreme Award. The innovative project used precast lintels and beams, together with CNC cut brickwork, all of which were manufactured by Ibstock-Kevington.

Andrew Halstead-Smith, group marketing manager at Ibstock, commented: “As brick continues to retain its position as the number one construction material of choice, what we are seeing is more innovative and creative applications of brick, which really showcase its tremendous design capabilities.

“Architects, specifiers and contractors are pushing the boundaries when it comes to application to create breath taking designs, which these award-winning projects really demonstrate. We congratulate all those involved.

“The calibre of builds shortlisted at this year’s awards was incredibly high; so to have three projects where Ibstock bricks were used receiving awards, in addition to playing a part in the Supreme Award winning entry, really is testament to the versatility of Ibstock’s wide-range of options.”

A further project which also used Ibstock bricks received the judges’ commendation in the category of Best Education Building, for Merchant Taylors’ School Design Centre designed by Architecture PLB.

For more information visit www.ibstock.com.
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A modular approach

Modular building projects are on the increase, reports Giacomini UK, and most notably in the education sector.

Giacomini UK, one of the UK’s leading underfloor heating providers, has recently noticed an influx of modular projects with its three most notable all being for primary schools or nurseries.

Modular underfloor heating systems consist of pre-built modules, which are installed in transportable sections of various sizes. The sections are created in a controlled factory environment and are then delivered to site and craned into position to simply be connected together.

This innovative system results in projects being completed punctually and quickly as, by using the modules, efficiency and installation speed are maximised with limited disruption on site. However, most importantly for the schools involved, the biggest benefit of using modular underfloor heating is that it is very cost efficient and helps keep the project comfortably within budget and effortlessly within the tight timeframes such as school holidays.

Giacomini was selected by Hull based Servaccomm for the projects which saw the company supplying the underfloor heating materials for the plated modular systems, as well as factory pressure pre-testing the systems and fitting the manifolds on site.

The first project was at Prae Wood primary school in St Albans where the UFH was installed on the ground and first floors as part of the school’s £2 million expansion. This was followed by two further school projects, which saw Giacomini UK and Servaccomm install modular systems within a state-of-the-art nursery and primary school in Milton Keynes.

Matt Lowe, managing director of Giacomini UK, commented: “Underfloor heating is proving to be increasingly popular within schools due to its safety benefits as well as being cost efficient. Further to this, by working with Servaccomm’s modular builds we can ensure minimal disruption is caused to the customer, due to the majority of the construction and installation taking place in the factory with only the final connection taking place on site.”

For more information please visit www.giacomini.co.uk.
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Ibstock showcases award-winning design

Following the Brick Development Association’s (BDA) Awards which took place last month, the latest edition of ‘Design’ (the inspirational magazine from Ibstock) is showcasing a number of cutting-edge projects using Ibstock bricks, which were shortlisted for the prestigious accolades.

The latest issue, which is available now, also offers a multitude of technical advice and recommendations for creating curved brickwork, and features a number of recent building projects where such techniques have been applied to maximum effect.

The latest issue offers an in-depth look at Incurvo, a private house in Oxfordshire, where the use of radial brickwork has been used to create striking aesthetics. In addition, further projects showcased in the latest edition, include: Cottrell & Vermeulen’s The Bean Learning Resource Centre at the independent Brentwood School in Essex, and Domino houses in North London.

Andrew Halstead-Smith, Group Marketing Manager at Ibstock, comments: “This edition of Design highlights that the construction industry is still incredibly forward-thinking, and is continuing to push the boundaries of modern design, embracing changing trends and styles, and that brick, as the number one construction material, is helping it to do so.

“The projects featured are from both private and public sectors and showcase the ways in which buildings can be set apart by eye-catching aesthetics. We are delighted to have been able to play a part in the creation of such inspirational buildings and to have all the projects featured in this latest edition also recognised at the BDA Awards, only serves as further testament to the powerful results achievable with brick.”

To obtain the latest issue of Design or find out more about the range of bricks available, visit www.ibstock.com.
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Saint-Gobain Partners with UK-GBC for Industry Training Programme

Saint-Gobain UK and Ireland has teamed up with UK-GBC for its Learning and Development Programme. The partnership, which began in October, will continue throughout the rest of 2016 and into 2017, equipping the industry with the knowledge and skills to help create a more sustainable built environment.

Saint-Gobain and UK-GBC are working closely as part of the partnership to carefully plan the courses to provide the best information and skills necessary for built environment professionals, sustainability leaders and businesses to grow their understanding of sustainable building.

The partnership aims to achieve this through the delivery of a compelling message on sustainable buildings across 3 learning levels – awareness, understanding, and application.

Shenaaz Chenia, Director of Industry and Community Training for Saint-Gobain UK and Ireland, said: “The programme offers a broad range of skills to widen the industry’s understanding of the impact that creating sustainable buildings can have on the environment and the occupants. Partnering with UK-GBC is a great fit for us, as its goals to encourage and grow thought leadership on sustainability in the built environment, as well as the emphasis on comfort, health and wellbeing, perfectly match our vision for the industry.”

The next course in 2016 is:

Integrated Planning: Creating Sustainable Communities, Wednesday 30th November

Understand ways to engage stakeholders and plan sustainability at a community and citywide scale. Learn how environmental issues, planning policy and sustainability-focused tools can inform decision making at the planning stage. Find out more and register here.

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Titon strengthens security with new Overture FH flag hinge

Titon has introduced the new Overture FH flag hinge to its range of high security hardware products, which meet the requirements of the PAS 24 security standard and complies with Part Q of the Building Regulations.

Designed for PVCu doors, the hinge is available in standard and deep body versions, each with 3D adjustability. Capable of accommodating profiles with a step rebate of 14.5mm-26.5mm, each model is non-handed, as well as suitable for open-in or open-out doors.

Designed and developed at Titon’s in-house AREA 24 hardware research & development facility, the new Overture FH supplements the full range of door furniture available from the company, including Overture stainless steel handles and letter plates, as well as the Asterion 3-star cylinder and Maco range of door locks.

Commenting on the new flag hinge, Tyson Anderson, Sales & Marketing Director at Titon, said: “The Overture FH is an excellent addition to our range of high security door hardware. It boasts a number of fabricator friendly design features, including fabricator-friendly packaging and retained adjustment screws, allowing for quick in-factory and on-site work. There is also a fixing jig available to help speed up assembly on the production line.”

The Overture FH provides excellent levels of security, is easy to use and built to withstand a heavy workload. Available in a wide range of standard finishes, the new flag hinge is also supplied with fixing screws, while there is a spares pack available in the event of pieces being mislaid on the shop floor or on site, all at a competitive price.

The AREA 24 website can be viewed at www.titonarea24.co.uk, while more information about Titon and its range of products can be found at www.titon.co.uk.
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