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

112 Maxiglaze glazed-in aluminium ventilators from Titon have been installed at the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow. The purpose-built £21m facility provides people in Glasgow, East Renfrewshire, Cambuslang and Rutherglen with the best quality of palliative care.

 

Designed by Ryder Architecture and built by main contractor Balfour Beatty, it is the first hospice in the UK to follow the ‘Sengetun’ model of care, which has ‘placemaking’ at the centre of its approach. The glazing contract was awarded to Castlecary-based CMS Window Systems, which delivered an extensive package of aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling.

 

Commenting on the project, Stephen Anderson, Aluminium Director at CMS Window Systems, said: “We chose Titon’s Maxiglaze vents based on our previous experience with the product. They have always performed to a high standard, plus they met the statutory Building Regulations and requirements for background ventilation specified for this project. Indeed, Titon is our preferred supplier of choice when it comes to glazed-in trickle vents in terms of quality, cost, service and their local representative.”

 

The Hospice’s innovative, state-of-the-art Scandinavian design puts patients and families first, providing space for privacy, dignity and compassionate care for all ages. The project utilised 500m2 of curtain walling, while all aluminium profiles, flashings and fixing brackets were finished in RAL 1035 (Pearl Beige).

 

The design of the windows and doors allows for maximum natural daylight and unobstructed views, adhering to the project brief for high performance aluminium fenestration throughout the building.

 

Titon’s Maxiglaze is an energy efficient glazed-in aluminium ventilator that provides an Equivalent Area (EA) of 12,000mm2 per metre of extrusion. This level of optimum performance over length means fewer vents are need to be fitted to achieve the total EA requirement. Vents are available in made to measure sizes or in bar length in a variety of colours.

 

For more information about Titon and its range of window & door hardware and ventilation systems, visit: www.titon.com

 

Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 4)

Kingspan Insulation has launched a free online calculator and app to make it easier than ever to estimate the additional space and value you can add to a commercial property by using Kingspan’s thinner, more thermally efficient wall insulation solutions.

The RVoS calculator can be downloaded from the Google Play and Apple App stores or accessed at: http://realvalueofspace.co.uk/. Users can choose from five common external wall constructions, each comparing Kingspan Kooltherm solutions with lower performing alternatives. By setting a few additional project parameters, including floor area, rental price and yield value, you can receive a clear estimate of the additional floor space that can be recovered by using a Kingspan Kooltherm solution, and the added rental income and capitalised value this can provide.

The calculator has been developed based on independent research from Currie & Brown, commissioned by Kingspan Insulation. The research considered a database of 7,290 buildings of different types from across the country and ten real case study buildings, looking at how the use of different external wall insulation specifications impacted the useable floor space and value of the properties.

 

Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 4)

 

The findings showed that whilst the use of Kingspan Kooltherm wall insulation solutions raised initial material costs, the additional floor space recovered through its use resulted in a positive return on investment (ROI) on this cost for 92% of the database buildings. Furthermore, 40% of the buildings achieved an ROI of between 300% and 1000%, whilst 18% showed an ROI greater than 1000%.

Kingspan are running a series of free regional seminars exploring the research and further issues surrounding energy efficiency in commercial and private domestic developments. To sign up for a seminar or to view the full RVoS research visit: kingspaninsulation.co.uk/realvalueofspace

 

For further information, please contact:

Tel: +44 (0) 1544 387 384

Fax: +44 (0) 1544 387 484

Email: info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk

Website: www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk/realvalueofspace

www.twitter.com/KingspanIns_UK

www.linkedin.com/company/kingspan-insulation-uk

It’s a double celebration for SevenCapital this week as the developer, alongside construction partners Colmore Tang and Creagh Concrete, marks the topping out of its St Martin’s Place development – and announces it is now sold out one year ahead of expected completion.

With 228 new one, two and three- bedroom apartments across four blocks of between six and 17 storeys, the development will feature exclusive private residents’ amenities, including cinema room, WiFi lounge and a gym.

 

Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 4)

 

The building envelope is now complete, with floors laid across the development and windows fitted to all levels. M&E has been integrated into panels off-site.  The build utlised a total of 3000 precast pieces, manufactured by Creagh at their head office facilities in County Antrim (NI), benefitting the project with six months build betterment against traditional construction methods.
Seamus McKeague Chief Executive of Creagh Concrete added: “This is a proud moment for Creagh. In recent years we have moved from being just a concrete and materials supplier to a specialist subcontractor, which has opened up new opportunities. We are seeing strong interest in our Rapidres Fastrack Build System because developers now understand the true value of slashing programme times. Investors not only benefit from revenue gained by the early occupation of units but, also, from the mobility of their capital resource. Quite simply, shorter build times mean developers can complete more projects with the same pot of finance.”

www.creaghconcrete.co.uk

A variety of wall construction membranes, roofing underlays and accessories from Protect Membranes has been used by modular construction specialists Totally Modular as part of an innovative pilot scheme, built offsite on behalf of social housing provider Citizen in partnership with Coventry City Council.

Built in compliance with BOPAS, CML and LA Building Control requirements, the scheme involved the manufacture of a two-bedroom and a three-bedroom two-storey dwelling in light gauge steel frame, built in controlled factory conditions in Totally Modular’s premises in Birmingham. Using this volumetric modular approach, a series of four fully furnished modules were created, delivered to former disused land in Willenhall and craned into place before being connected together onsite.  Taking just twenty weeks from build to delivery, time on site was reduced significantly in comparison to traditional housebuilding construction.  With offsite construction seen as an ideal way to combat the national housing crisis and deliver a quality, precision product, the pilot was deemed to be successful with the potential for roll out across Citizen’s housing stock where suitable land is available.
A number of Protect products were supplied and installed in both dwellings to help ensure the management of moisture within the structures. This ensured condensation control and strict airtightness levels were met to help meet a minimum levels of 4.00m³/h.m.² or lower. This included Protect BarriAir, an internal airtightness and vapour control layer to contribute to energy efficiency and Protect Zytec, a roofing underlay offering strong wind uplift resistance and good vapour permeability.  The roof structure also included Protect RediRoll, a universal dry fixed ventilated ridge and hip system, to deliver 5,000mm2/m of ventilation as well as the Protect Eaves Skirt and dry verge system.

 

Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 4)

 

Mick Pettitt, Director at Totally Modular commented, “Protect’s comprehensive package of solutions was the perfect fit for this project to help us meet the detailed specification, using materials that we know are tried and trusted.  In particular, the use of BarriAir helped to achieve strict airtightness and vapour control, contributing to an outstanding energy efficiency rating for both properties that exceeded Building Regulation requirements. The dwellings achieved a 97 and 98 EPC ‘A’ rating, which compares very well to the average rating of band ‘D’ for properties built in England and Wales.   Protect understood our needs and provided detailed technical support along the way, whilst ensuring our products were delivered on time to meet our busy schedule.”
Richard Whittaker, Director of Development at Citizen, said: “The products supplied by Protect were ideal for the modular homes and helped them achieve a high energy rating. There are so many benefits to modular housing which include reduced disruption at site, high thermal efficiency and quick completion. We’re looking forward to seeing the use of modular homes increase in future.”
Protect’s range of wall, ceiling and floor construction membranes together with its roofing underlays and accessories provides a comprehensive solution to the modular build sector, helping to ensure the whole building envelope and internal structure can be controlled in terms of moisture management, condensation control and thermal resistance.
For details of how Protect products can be incorporated into both residential and commercial builds constructed offsite:

please email info@protectmembranes.com

or call 0161 905 5700, quoting ‘Totally Modular’ or visit

www.protectmembranes.com

Now that the glamour of being photographed beside the latest renewable technology of wind turbines and solar farms has worn off, the principle of Fabric First is being recognised as a more immediate and reliable process of improving energy efficiency in buildings.   

Even without the subsidies and grants awarded for generating energy, the benefits and long term economy of improving the performance of building fabric has at last been recognised as more significant in the equation of balancing our environmental impact.

FABRIC FIRST has become the strapline for sustainable construction.  After all, if you build a decent stable with a well fitted door, the horse (ie. energy) wouldn’t be able to bolt and, given the improved comfort levels in the building, probably wouldn’t want to anyway!
Retaining energy in the building reduces energy demand and the detrimental effect of lost energy on the ice caps.   Reducing energy demand reduces energy costs and environmental impact.   The more passive buildings are in terms of energy needs, the more the environmental impact is reduced – permanently.

 

Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 4)

 

FABRIC FIRST – Insulation is the key ingredient
By improving the performance of building fabric – thermal insulation, air tightness, elimination of cold bridges – energy demand is reduced.   ICF (Insulating Concrete Formwork) building systems do just that, as a complete formwork system to contain the concrete structure they are also a complete insulation system to contain the energy.   ICF (Insulation Comes First) is a primary means of reducing energy demand in buildings, and the Wallform ICF system has been designed and detailed to maximise the efficiency of the building envelope.
The simple logic of ICF construction enhances the overall performance of the building – insulation on the face of the wall where it is most effective, complete insulation with good airtightness and no thermal bridging.   With nothing to rot, corrode or deteriorate over time, a Wallform structure will last significantly longer than other forms of construction.
Although build costs are increasingly competitive as ICF becomes more popular, long life expectancy places Wallform ICF ahead of alternative building methods in terms of both Total Life Costing and carbon footprint.
AND – should the building reach the end of its useful life, the materials can be recycled into a new generation of building materials.

FABRIC FIRST – PRODUCTIVITY NEXT

While ICF construction is a practical route to raising performance standards, UK construction still has to overcome the problem of productivity which has not improved in recent years.   Efforts to upgrade the performance of traditional building methods have complicated the building process and constrained output.
Wallform ICF, on the other hand, actually simplifies the building process, speeding up the rate of build at the same time as producing a strong structure which is fully insulated and airtight in its basic format.   Other than use of a concrete pump to place the concrete, the building process does not require any specialist tools or equipment to achieve high rates of productivity.
Quality of construction is also improved as the materials’ functions overlap – no leakage of concrete through the formwork means no leakage of energy as there are no gaps in the insulation.   Similarly as the structure is built, the concrete seals it with a high level of airtightness.   First fix services are then recessed easily into the insulation substrate, with no effect on airtightness.
The practical building technique means that upskilling the existing workforce is a relatively smooth process of transition.   The introduction of ICF methods causes minimal disruption and is an opportunity for the existing workforce to raise levels of output in the process of adopting a Modern Method of Construction.    Site performance is improved and the processes of procurement and management made easier as a consequence of a simpler building method.

www.becowallform.co.uk

EWI is used to augment the thermal insulation performance of existing external walls by improving their thermal resistance value.

EWI is the preferred method of insulating a solid wall property, refurbishing non-traditional housing or that which requires external repair work, or to improve a building that has severe heating problems. It should only be applied to walls that do not suffer from pre-existing rising damp.

An EWI ‘system’ comprises an insulation layer fixed to the outside of the wall and covered with a protective and decorative render, brick effect or cladding finish.

The insulation layer can be expanded polystyrene (EPS), phenolic foam or polyurethane foam boards; or mineral wool (MW) batts. A render finish is a cement based, mineral or synthetic base coat reinforced with mesh; and over-coated with a primer. A top coat render is then applied and finished to a smooth, textured, painted or pebble-dashed finish. Dry cladding includes timber boards and aluminium panels; whereas brick effect finishes can be stone or clay tiles or brick slips.

Benefits of EWI include ​improved protection of external walls against rain penetration to the inside, reduced heat loss, reduced CO2 emissions and lower heating/energy bills, reduced draughts through walls and around window frames, improved sound resistance and an enhanced appearance (i.e greater “kerb appeal”).

Warmer walls reduce the risk of condensation on internal wall surfaces and help with damp problems; and increase a property’s energy efficiency (EPC) rating.

EWI will change the external appearance of a property. In most cases planning permission or consent from local council planning authority is needed before undertaking any work. EWI must be installed in accordance with the national Building Regulations. The reaction to fire classification of EWI (which is largely determined by the materials selected for use) may restrict its use in terms of location and height.

Prior to installation each property to be treated must be surveyed to establish suitability, as incorrect treatment can be detrimental the building fabric in the longer term. Where appropriate, a condensation risk analysis must be undertaken by a competent specialist. If the ‘dew point’ will occur between the wall and the insulation, or within the insulation itself, a vapour barrier must be included between the wall and the insulation.

The project specific choice of EWI is determined by the existing wall type. For example, solid stone walls may be breathable and allow moisture to penetrate a little and be evaporated away. Using a breathable MW insulation with a breathable non-acrylic external render or other finish will allow the wall to maintain its breathability.

Solid brick walls may be impermeable to moisture penetration and non-breathable. Any rigid foam insulation will suit such a wall.

Window trickle vents and extract fans in high humidity areas need to be installed to meet room space ventilation requirements.

As with all property fabric related work, a high standard of installation is required. Poor detailing e.g. around eaves, allows water to pass behind the insulation where it can become trapped and cause hidden damage to the property in the longer term.

Simon Lloyd is Technical Project Manager working for Kiwa Building Products on construction Product and Systems for 3rd party certification with regard to fitness for purpose.

For more information please visit www.kiwa.com

RCM are delighted to announce that three further products have successfully achieved the prestigious BBA accreditation.

Through extensive testing RCM have secured BBA approval for its Supertech Weatherboard, Multipurpose sheathing board and Renderflex render carrier board.

The BBA – British Board of Agrement was initially set up back in 1966 by the government of the day. Today the BBA is an independent body, which provides extensive and independent testing of products designed for the construction indus

try. BBA accreditation supports today’s government by being an independent voice within the construction sector.

Only products which meet the highest specifications will receive BBA approval as ‘fit for purpose’, bringing great reassurance and ultimately maintaining quality in the construction industry.

RCM offers a wide portfolio of building boards and facades, with its popular A1 non-combustible Y-Wall fibre cement building board having already achieved BBA accreditation a few years ago.

Recently, RCM applied for BBA accreditation for three additional products and after having undergone rigorous testing, an approval was achieved for all three. RCM are highly delighted with this prestigious outcome, confirming the outstanding quality of their sheathing boards, render carrier board and weatherboard façade.

The latest BBA certifications pertain to three of RCM’s popular products:

Firstly, Multipurpose, RCM’s A1 non-combustible, cellulose fibre cement building board. With its excellent strength, weathering and mechanical properties it is the perfect choice for multiple applications, especially for buildings over 18m.

Secondly, Renderflex, RCM’s A2-s1,d0 fire rated cellulose fibre cement render carrier board, offering excellent strength, weathering and stability properties when used in conjunction with polymer renders.

And finally, Supertech Weatherboard, a simple to install, fully ventilated cladding system, which has an appearance similar to that of traditional timber cladding but the durability and strength of cellulose fibre cement.

The importance of an independent certificate demonstrates commitment to quality and is further proof of RCM responsibly operating in line with industry best practice and management systems.

“We are very proud of achieving the acclaimed and trusted BBA certification for our products. This accreditation will further bring great reassurance to our customers and highlight the high-performance and reliability of RCM’s products. It also enables us to give confidence to architects, contractors and designers to specify and install the RCM range of materials, whether the product is being used on its own or forms part of an overall solution, both in internal and external applications.

We believe that the BBA certification will open up new opportunities for RCM and help us to break into new sectors and markets.

We look forward to ongoing business growth and the opportunities which will present themselves.” (Ian Quinton – Managing Director, RCM)

About RCM:

Established in 2004, RCM is a major supplier of complete through wall solutions to the UK construction industry.

Supplying specialist building boards, façades, breather membranes and airtightness solutions, RCM offers a fully integrated approach to the building envelope for all building applications.

RCM are a market leader in providing innovative products and solutions designed and tested to meet the demanding needs of construction. Specified for use in external façades, fire protection, acoustic, airtightness and decorative applications, our extensive portfolio has been installed on many of the UK’s largest projects.

CPD Seminars

For those interested in finding out more, RCM provides informative CPD sessions including a guide to materials, applications and specification considerations for building boards, internal and external linings and rainscreen façades, covering:

  • What a specifier needs to consider
  • Board materials and benefits
  • Board applications
  • Work on site

For more details call 0800 612 4662 or email info@rcmltd.biz.

www.buildingboards.co.uk

New research from quantity surveyors, Rider Levett Bucknall, has shown that the physical properties, specifically the enhanced thermal performance, of Kingspan Kooltherm K110 FM Soffit Board can allow installers to fit an additional 5.25 m2 of insulation every thirty minutes when compared with the closest competitor, rock mineral fibre.

The independent study first compared the physical properties of five common soffit insulation materials. This analysis showed that the thermal conductivity of Kingspan Kooltherm K110 FM Soffit Board (0.018 W/mK) was the lowest on the market, 11% better than the next best material and 89% better than rock mineral fibre. This means that a compliant construction can be achieved with a slimmer thickness of insulation. For example, a 100 mm layer of the insulation material fitted beneath a 150 mm concrete deck can achieve a U-value of 0.17 W/m2K, the recommended best starting point to meet non-domestic Building Regulations in England and Wales. To match this performance with rock mineral fibre, 210 mm would be required. As the rock mineral fibre material assessed within the study is only available in thicknesses of between 130 mm and 160 mm,, two layers of insulation would need to be fitted to a total thickness of 260 mm.

To assess how this might impact an installation, a demonstration was carried out looking at how quickly a 100 mm thickness of Kingspan Kooltherm K110 FM Soffit Board could be installed beneath a 150 mm concrete deck when compared with the thinnest solution of 130 mm thick rock mineral fibre insulant. The results showed that the lightweight, easy to install design of Kingspan Kooltherm K110 FM Soffit Board allowed a 17.28 m2 area to be insulated in 37 minutes compared with just 10.8 m2 with the rock mineral fibre insulation, an improvement of 60%.

The study further showed that Kingspan Kooltherm K110 FM Soffit Board was the only material assessed that could provide details of certification as an ‘excellent’ product under the demanding responsible sourcing standard – BES 6001. The board, produced at Kingspan Insulation’s Pembridge, Herefordshire manufacturing facility, is also FM Approved to FM 4880.

The view the full demonstration of the Speed of Install video and to download the Reduce Your Overheads whitepaper, visit:

www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk/SpeedMatters

 

For further information, please contact:

Tel: +44 (0) 1544 387 384

Fax: +44 (0) 1544 387 484

email: info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk

Website: www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk/SpeedMatters

www.twitter.com/KingspanIns_UK

www.linkedin.com/company/kingspan-insulation-uk

A combination of Proteus Facades’ solid and perforated brass, zinc and aluminium cladding panels have helped to create a striking finish on the redevelopment of 24 King William Street, a new mixed-use office scheme in London.

The £23 million renovation of the 80,730 ft² building, located on the northern approach to London Bridge, was designed by Ben Adams Architects and includes the addition of two new storeys.

 

An elegant reception area comprises of a double height entrance hall leading into a lift lobby, finished with Portland stone floors and feature walls in marble and leather, with brass accents throughout. To reflect the style within, striking perforated Proteus SC TECU Brass panels and bespoke vertical fins and trim flashings, with an Artisan hand applied patinated finish were specified for the ground level, street facing elevations.

The fins at 24 King William Street are designed around a rigid bespoke aluminium extrusion that connects to the curtain wall glazing system. The outer TECU Brass element of the fins are profiled in shape and taper across the length to generate an angled effect – the fins increasingly extend outwards as they ascend – whilst the connection of the material to the extrusion and the window frame remains constant.

The internal aluminium structure of the fins provides the necessary support and structural connection back to the curtain walling. This also created a depth at the rear, hiding the curtain wall system from plain view and giving passers by the perception that the fins float in front of the glazing system.

The combination of thin gauge brass material and internal aluminium support framework ensured that this element of the façade met budgetary requirements. Proteus’s in-house expertise also overcame the difficult folding requirements of the TECU Brass fin profile, which were towards the limits of current bending technology.

The fins are complemented by Proteus SC perforated panels, which are fixed over insulated spandrel panels within the curtain wall system. These panels hide the ventilation elements of the curtain wall and blend the fins and curtain wall system together. The panels were finished with the Artisan patination effect which is created by applying a fine linear /orbital grain brush effect to the face of the material before having the chemical application and sealing. The panels will gradually weather over time and continue to embellish the already highly desirable warm ochre hues of the Artisan hand patinated finish.

The TECU Brass is developed by blending copper and zinc, which creates an extremely tough, robust façade and then applying a patinated finish that adds texture and contrast, giving a richly aged aesthetic. This rich diversity of the copper-alloy material allows unparalleled variety and high-quality aesthetics, complementing the natural stone and brass tones of the lobby.

 

Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 4)

A touch of zinc

The rear elevation of the nine-storey building near Monument station features an equally impressive façade complete with Proteus HR Graphite Grey Rheinzinc rainscreen panels. This zinc material then wraps up and over, forming a curved zinc roofing system which blends vertical and horizontal elevations into one. The material is gaining favour with architects and developers as it provides a long, maintenance-free life and offers adaptability to various design styles ranging from traditional to modern.

Once dominated by rambling plant rooms, the interior of the zinc roof is now home to state of the art offices overlooking the City and the River Thames. A limestone façade featured on the front of the building connects to the roof through Proteus’ perforated flat sheets in a United Anodisers UnAtex bespoke finish.

These United Anodisers UnAtex panels are also integrated within the windows on the top two floors, and then flow up and onto the roof generating the patterned effect, while making is look like the façade and roof become one element.

Together this juxtaposition of materials has helped to bring an outdated and under-utilised 1980’s office building back into use; transforming it into a modern, aesthetically pleasing structure that stands out amongst many others in a prominent and sought-after location within the Capital.

Redeveloped to a Grade A specification, the building includes a tranquil new garden coupled with new retail spaces at ground floor level.

For more information on the range of inspirational cladding materials from Proteus Facades, visit: www.proteusfacades.com or call: 0151 545 5075.

 

Kingspan Kooltherm K110 PLUS Soffit Board and Kingspan Kooltherm K118 Insulated Plasterboard have been installed as part of the conversion and expansion of a former office building, adding luxury accommodation to Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter.

Beaufort House offers 88 one and two bedroomed apartments in the heart of Birmingham city centre. Benchmark Architects have drawn on Urban Luxe and Art Deco influences for their revisions to the Beaufort Housing Development Project. This styling is continued within all of the apartment rooms, which also feature generous open-plan living areas and a range of modern facilities. The construction work, overseen by Shaylor Group Ltd, included the erection of a recessed, two-storey roof extension.

To ensure the new apartments provided a comfortable environment for occupants, the design team looked to address the performance of areas of the existing building fabric – bringing them up to the standard of current Building Regulations. To insulate the ceiling of the basement (containing a residents’ bike store) and an undercroft below the ground floor they specified over 650 m2 of Kingspan Kooltherm K110 PLUS Soffit Board.

The soffit board has a thermal conductivity of just 0.018 W/m·K across all thicknesses, the lowest of any commonly used insulation material. This allowed heat loss through the ground floor of the building to be minimised without significantly reducing headroom within the basement area. Installers mechanically fixed the boards to the basement ceiling and concrete undercroft soffit.

The building’s stylish, glazed roof extension has been designed to provide contrast with the brick façade of the main building. To insulate its external walls, 57.5 mm Kingspan Kooltherm K118 Insulated Plasterboard was installed. The product combines vapour control, 12.5 mm plasterboard and a premium performance insulation core in a single product. This allowed installers to rapidly fit the insulation and begin decorating the apartments. The internal layer of insulation also mean that flats respond more quickly to heating – keeping them comfortable throughout the cooler months.

Kingspan Kooltherm K110 PLUS Soffit Board and Kingspan Kooltherm K118 Insulated Plasterboard produced at Kingspan Insulation’s Pembridge manufacturing facility are certified ‘Excellent’ to the demanding BES 6001 (Framework Standard for the Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products) responsible sourcing standard.

For further information, please contact:

Tel: +44 (0) 1544 387 384

Fax: +44 (0) 1544 387 484

email: info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk

Website: www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk

www.twitter.com/KingspanIns_UK

www.linkedin.com/company/kingspan-insulation-uk