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

Shackerley’s engineered stone façades shape up beautifully at Kew Bridge West

Shackerley has demonstrated the extraordinary design potential and versatility of its Sureclad® ventilated cladding systems by supplying innovative engineered stone façades for a challenging installation at Kew Bridge West, an exclusive development of 336 luxury apartments in North London.

2400m² of fully prefabricated Sureclad® engineered stone cladding in a natural limestone colourway and honed finish has provided a premium quality aesthetic for the lower storeys of the nine apartment buildings in this stunning complex, designed by Stockwool and developed by St James, part of the Berkeley Group.

Two circular towers called for smooth rounded façades and Shackerley’s Sureclad® Hang On system had to be customised to cater for large format curved panels, cut to a radius from solid blocks of engineered stone. Additional challenges included the design of elegantly faceted façades to clad curved elevations of adjacent buildings, designed to reflect the development’s ‘horseshoe’ design.

Shackerley and specialist façade installation contractor Stanmore worked very closely together, developing bespoke solutions at every stage, from the design of the Sureclad® façades to the palletisation of the prefabricated system. Stanmore’s installers also visited Shackerley to receive expert training in the use of the Sureclad® system.

As this was the first time that curved engineered stone panels had been used in conjunction with Sureclad®, the companies arranged for the bespoke facade system to be tested to NHBC criteria at VINCI Technology Centre UK.

Stanmore Commercial Director Peter Baker said: “We were responsible for delivering all the external façades, curtain walling, doors, windows and other external finishes on this project but the engineered stone cladding was by far the most highly valued element of the job. Close collaboration with our supplier was absolutely crucial. By planning and modelling the installation in detail and working hand in hand with Shackerley’s technical team, we achieved superb results for our client. The overall experience was very positive and we’re looking forward to working on other Sureclad® projects in the future.”

Construction Director at St James, Brian Paterson, commented: “It was only when we came to value engineer the Kew Bridge West project that Shackerley’s system was brought to our attention. As a result of switching the engineered stone specification to Sureclad®, we’ve undoubtedly benefitted from a more flexible and lighter façade solution than originally planned and from very substantial cost savings, whilst still achieving our architects’ original design intention. We’re delighted with the results”

For further details on the Sureclad® system please contact Shackerley on 0800 783 0391 or visit www.shackerley.com.

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Industry first for Sapa with A++ window

The tilt before turn (TBT) window from fenestration systems specialists Sapa Building Systems’ Dualframe 75 Si range is the first aluminium window to be given the new A++ Window Energy Rating (WER), the highest available rating in the UK.

Awarded by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC), the rating was originally launched at the start of June, giving manufacturers four months to develop products. However, such is the future proofing strength of Sapa’s Dualframe 75 Si range, the TBT window was already compliant.

The entire suite of windows included in the class leading range all achieve the A+ WER, the only aluminium range to do so. It has continued to push boundaries since its launch in 2010 and Sapa’s commitment to exceeding energy and security targets set out in the Building Regulations and national standards is underlined in the awarding of the A++ rating to the TBT design.

“We are again leading the way with energy ratings for aluminium windows,” said Mark Robinson, Technical Director at Sapa Building System. “This latest award follows on from similar accolades in 2006 when a solution from the Dualframe 75 range was the first aluminium window to be awarded an A rating, which was then followed in 2013 with the Si A+ WER.

“This new addition to the rating system will not only offer fabricators more choice, it will also create significant energy savings, helping to reduce bills. The TBT window will reduce solar gain in the summer while helping to keep buildings warm in the winter. With the next expected revision of Part L of the Building Regulations expected in 2019, we are ideally placed to be able to meet any projected tightening.”

“BFRC is delighted at the take up for the new A++ rating for windows,” comments BFRC Managing Director Chris Mayne. “Since the announcement that BFRC was accepting applications for the new A++ band we received simulation reports from far more companies than we expected. This has resulted in the launch of the first batch of A++ window products and we look forward to seeing how they perform in the market.”

The Dualframe 75 Si TBT window is an ideal solution for high rise or commercial applications, and combines ventilation with easy cleaning and large span openings. The safety locking handle is key operated and the key must be inserted in order to access the turn mode. Once the window is closed, it automatically defaults to the tilt only mode.

For more information please visit www.sapabuildingsystems.co.uk, call 01684 853500 or email info@sapabuildingsystems.co.uk

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EN 16005 compliance is a click away thanks to logbooqr from GEZE UK

There’s no need to worry about lost or damaged log books again thanks to a new innovation from automatic door and window control systems manufacturer GEZE UK.

The company has developed logbooqr, a new online logbook for automatic doors which can be accessed via a QR code using a smartphone or tablet.

Since the introduction of EN 16005 in April 2013, all automatic doors must have a logbook to keep a detailed record of any servicing and maintenance work that has been undertaken. Currently, an asset tag, detailing a unique reference code, is fitted to the door itself and a physical logbook is issued. This is then completed by service and maintenance engineers as soon as any work is carried out. The problem is that logbooks, that need to be kept with the automatic door, are frequently lost or misplaced.

logbooqr allows this information to be recorded on a secure website which is accessed via a QR code printed on the asset tag. This allows an engineer to record the work that has been done, while the end user can check the log and see when the next service is due. In the event of an accident or random spot check, Health and Safety Inspectors can easily access this information to confirm that servicing and maintenance schedules are up to date.

Speaking about the launch of logbooqr , Steve Marshall, service director of GEZE UK said: “Compliance with EN 16005 means that a log book must be kept for every automatic door, but we frequently find these are lost or mislaid or may not even have been passed on to the end-user who is responsible for the door.

“While losing a log book may seem like a small oversight, in the case of an accident, the health and safety investigator may assume that essential maintenance and servicing has not been carried out. As a formal maintenance record a log book may be called upon in a court of law to prove or disprove liability.

“logbooqr has been designed to provide an easy to access and maintain record of an automatic door’s history. An engineer simply scans the QR code and updates the log, creating an accurate record that can be accessed at any time. And because it’s all recorded online, it can never get lost again!”

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers or for servicing enquiries call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk.

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Advanced Panels Protect Flagship Crossrail Station

Travellers passing through the flagship Tottenham Court Road Station on London’s Northern Line and the new £14.8 billion Crossrail network, set to open in 2018, will be protected by intelligent fire systems from Advanced.

The combined Crossrail and London Underground station, which originally opened in 1900 as part of the Central London Railway, also serves the Central Line and the Charing Cross branch of the Northern Line. The entire station has undergone a major reconstruction to integrate with the Crossrail service and it is expected to cater for up to 200,000 passengers every day once the new line opens.

Transport for London (TFL), specified Advanced’s industry-leading MxPro fire panel range for the station due to its quality, reliability and ease of use. Installed by NG Bailey there are currently two MxPro 4 networked panels installed in the station, which will increase to four when two MxPro 5 panels are added to the Crossrail sections which is due to be completed in 2018. The flexibility of MxPro means that these can be integrated seamlessly into the existing system, along with additional components.

Peter Patrick, Senior Project Manager and spokesperson for NG Bailey said: “The MxPro 4 panels are one of the best open protocol panels currently on the market and Advanced is the one of the preferred panel suppliers for London Underground control and indicating equipment. We find installing and configuring Advanced systems easy.”

MxPro offers customers a choice of two panel ranges, four detector protocols and a completely open installer network, backed up by free training and support. MxPro panels can be used in single loop, single panel format or easily configured into high speed, multi-loop panels in 200 node networks covering huge areas. Advanced’s legendary ease of installation and configuration and wide peripheral range make it customisable to almost any application.

Amanda Hope, Advanced’s UK Business and Development Manager, said: “The new Crossrail system has been in the planning for many years and is scheduled to open in 2018. It’s a key part of the London transport infrastructure and will be used by millions of passengers, so a high quality and reliable fire system is absolutely essential. We believe that the MxPro panels tick all the boxes for the combined station at Tottenham Court Road, delivering a future proof solution with the option to expand and enhance the system in future.”

The MxPro 4 system is fully compliant with relevant EN54 Parts 2 and 4, and backed up with Advanced’s renowned customer care and technical support. MxPro 5 its more advanced successor is approved to EN54 parts 2, 4 and 13 and is backwards compatible with MxPro 4.

Advanced is a world leader in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. Its legendary performance, quality and ease-of-use sees its products used in prestigious and challenging locations all over the world, from single panel installations to large multi-site networks. Advanced products include complete fire detection systems, multi-protocol fire panels, extinguishant controls and fire paging systems.

More details can be found on the website at www.advancedco.com.

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Saint-Gobain Weber supports DIY SOS The Big Build Veteran’s Special

Leca® Insufill, the innovative lightweight aggregate and weber.floor 4310 high performance, self-levelling floor screed, has been donated by Saint-Gobain Weber for BBC1’s DIY SOS The Big Build Veterans Special.

This ambitious project saw eight empty and derelict Victorian properties on Canada Street, in the Newton Heath district of Manchester, transformed into liveable homes for ex-service personnel. The properties are being adapted to create three much needed homes for veterans and their families. One of the properties will be converted to a support centre where the ex-soldiers can receive advice, therapy, training and employment opportunities.

“This has been a real challenge for everyone involved,” says Lorraine Blundell, national business development manager, Saint-Gobain Weber, “and we are so pleased that our products have helped to transform these properties to comfortable homes. Our technical teams have enjoyed working with Manchester City Council, BTP Architects, Haig Housing, the veteran’s charity, and main contractors Wates, Kier and ISG, to name but a few.”

Leca® Insufill, a lightweight, expanded clay aggregate, insulation fill material, has been used to fill the empty voids beneath the decayed timber floors of the properties. Some 230m³ of the material has been delivered to Canada Street and pneumatically blown into position from specially adapted vehicles. Leca® Insufill is quick and easy to install saving many hours of manual labour in comparison to traditional hardcore and provides a sound and well insulated substrate for the application of weber.floor 4310. This high performance levelling floor screed creates a strong, smooth and durable floor. It is pump applied for speed of application and its fast drying and curing properties allow light foot traffic after only two hours.

“With such a short build programme, just 15 days, it has been a race against time for Nick Knowles and his team and it was essential to specify materials that can be installed quickly and efficiently, with minimal man power, and still achieve a high quality finish with excellent insulation properties,” continues Ms Blundell.

Ex-service personnel account for a large percentage of the homeless in Britain; one in every 10 rough sleepers are ex-military. Both homeless and military charities have warned that the problem will worsen if urgent action is taken.

“There are over 635,000 empty properties in England alone and we really hope The Big Build will act as a big prompt to other local authorities, communities and businesses to salvage these properties and put them to good use. Our ex-service men and women deserve more than homelessness. We hope by creating this new community in Newton Heath that these heroes can get back into everyday life and get the physical and emotional help they need.”

A major element of this project includes ‘streetscaping’ the entire area and rejuvenating the facades of all 62 homes to improve the environment for the neighbourhood as a whole. Veterans have also been given the opportunity to learn new skills and have taken part in the build.

More information about Leca® Insufill and the Weber floor range, and 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 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.

For more information about Saint-Gobain, visit www.saint-gobain.com and the twitter account @saintgobain.

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Cembrit Hits the Heights with its FC Ridges

Stocking and fitting the correct ridges for fibre cement roofs is simple with Cembrit’s comprehensive range. Available immediately, the ridges are lighter in weight and easy to cut and fix, qualities which make them superior to the commonly used mortar bedded, concrete or clay alternatives. An additional benefit for stockists is the lower weight per linear metre ratio, equaling smaller footprint, which makes Cembrit ridges easier to store and a more cost effective stock item then substitute products.

Cembrit fibre cement ridges are lighter in weight, do not require electric power for cutting and dust suppression and are easy to install. Being dry fixed with easily available “sela” type screws, installation is not dependent on getting the correct mortar mix, nor having to wait for dry weather. This means the roof will comply with the latest editions BS 5534, BS 8000-6 and chapter 7.2 of the NHBC recommendations.

Ged Ferris, Marketing Manager at Cembrit explains: “Accessories should not be an after-thought, they are an integral component of the roof, contributing to its functionality Increasing demands for energy efficiency, through improved levels of insulation, means ventilation at roof level becomes more crucial. Particularly with tight fitting roof coverings like fibre cement slates, it is necessary to remove moisture carrying warm air from voids in the roof space. The most efficient solution will incorporate inlets at the eaves with outlets along the length of the apex.”

Cembrit has developed a continuously ventilated ridge, to cope with typical roof pitches as well as helping the roof design comply with the latest version of BS 5250. For tricky ventilation problems, where there is no clear airpath from eaves to ridge, Cembrit has developed low-profile vents for use on the roof slope. These are unobtrusive and can also be used as terminals.

Cembrit’s emphasis on customer service extends to rapid availability. Accessories, together with slates are available at five locations around the UK. Customers can get advice on the design, installation and fixing of the fibre cement range either on the telephone from one of the depots, or in print from Cembrit’s recently launched 80 page Guide to Double Lap Slating with Fibre Cement Slates.

Manufactured from the same raw materials and pigments as their fibre cement slates, Cembrit ridges are the perfect complement to a Cembrit fibre cement roof. The products match the slate colour, with no unsightly protrusions or changes of angle, contributing to the sleek effect that can be achieved with Cembrit fibre cement slate roofs. Cembrit can also provide a range of unobtrusive In-line slate vents and slate and ridge fixings specifically designed to meet the most demanding aesthetic requirements.

For more information, and to download the fibre cement slate guide, visit www.cembrit.co.uk

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Make Architects specify EQUITONE for Greenwich project

Make Architects have specified EQUITONE [natura] fibre cement facade material to help create a striking aesthetic on part of a new residential and commercial development in Greenwich, London.

EQUITONE [natura] is a low maintenance, durable fibre cement material with a tactile, smooth surface, which made it suitable for the Greenwich Square development enabling the client to achieve a modern, sophisticated exterior. Greenwich Square is a £215m scheme located on a three hectare brownfield regeneration site that features 645 new homes, restaurants, shops and leisure facilities. Each of the development’s four blocks offers a unique exterior, with Block 2 clad in Marley Eternit’s EQUITONE [natura].

Colour Anthracite was selected for this project as the colour was felt to best complement the development’s location on the former Greenwich District Hospital site. The dark colour of the fibre cement panels enabled Make Architects to create a statement contrast between the facade and the natural timber cladding and metal balconies. This approach of mixing facade materials helps to unify the four blocks so they are seen as belonging to one family, while ensuring that each building has its own identity and appearance.

John Man, Architect at Make Architects, said: “EQUITONE [natura] was the perfect facade solution for this project as it provides a robust, solid-looking facade that responds to the development’s sustainability agenda. We became aware of the materials properties and benefits from other architectural projects in similar sectors, and after doing some further research on the product we decided it was right for Greenwich Square.”

For more information visit: www.equitone.co.uk

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Flat Roof Manufacturer Bauder Launches New Website

Bauder, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of flat roof waterproofing solutions, has officially launched its new website. The refreshed site delivers an engaging and interactive user experience with regards to content, structure, navigation and resources available for download. Key features include; design guides, installation videos, CPD seminar overviews and a Technical Centre that offers free CAD drawings, specifications, product and system certifications and maintenance advice.

According to Bauder’s Managing Director Andrew Mackenzie, the new website has been designed to vastly improve user experience and provide real value. “Our aim is to use our new website and social media channels to deliver interesting, relevant and unique content that users will find beneficial to their professional working lives. In order to achieve this we have significantly increased the amount of resources available for download on the site, as well as utilising our extensive industry knowledge and expertise to provide insightful and reliable technical data. Regardless of who is using our website – architects, surveyors, building owners, facility managers, contractors etc., we want them to be able to easily find the information and answers they are looking for to assist them with their projects.”

The easy to navigate site showcases the company’s full range of flat roof, green roof, and photovoltaic solutions in a comprehensive product and system library that includes Bauder’s new combined PV and green roof offering Bauder BioSOLAR. The online library ensures that users always have access to the latest technical data and product information, helping them fully understand Bauder’s complete range of waterproofing systems. Also included on the site is all of the company’s technical literature, CAD detail drawings and design guides that are packed full of valuable information for designing, specifying and installing flat roofs.

To coincide with the website redesign Bauder has also launched a blog and new social media channels on Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ that will enable the company to deliver the latest news, views and industry information. Bauder employees will be regularly contributing insightful articles to the on-site blog on current and upcoming industry topics. Bauder invites you to explore its new website and social media channels today at www.bauder.co.uk.

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Cedral clicks into place in conservation area

Fibre cement Cedral Click has helped a self builder in Northamptonshire achieve an architectural fusion between their property’s impressive angular design and the neighbouring Grade II listed church spire.

The facade’s ability to visually reduce the impact of the building on the landscape is based around a symbiotic relationship with the slate grey Cedral Click and honey coloured stone, which work together to make the most of sunlight, shadow and sightlines in this beautiful Conservation Area of Broughton, Northamptonshire.

This juxtaposition of facade materials was accentuated by the architects following through the angular roof design within the facade. The effect is to further reduce the building’s dominance, whichever elevation it is viewed from, creating a structure that appears less imposing, yet retains a geometry that works with the church spire in the background.

Aside from Cedral Click’s visual possibilities, the flush-fitting boards give a sense of elegance and weightlessness, avoiding the issue on some buildings where a solid facade over dominates the overall design.

Cedral Click, with its lightweight yet strong properties, enabled the designers to create a structure with complex, engaging forms, yet one that still appears deceptively at home in this Conservation Area.

The 300m², three bedroom home was the inspiration of the Manning family and Market Harborough-based Leaf Architecture. Mr Manning said: “The support from Marley Eternit has been phenomenal, our sales contact took the time to meet us and discuss exactly what it was that we wanted. We couldn’t fault their customer service and Cedral Click has far exceeded our expectations and created a striking feature.”

Cedral Click is the UK’s first and only fibre cement tongue and groove cladding system where the planks fit together flush and is offered in a range of seven colours.

With the visual appeal of natural timber and the durability of a fibre cement product, Cedral Click has good resistance to fire (A2-s1,d0 to EN13501-1). Being made from fibre cement means that it won’t warp or shrink over time like timber. The installers used a concealed fixing system to enhance the sheer, smooth facade.

Cedral Click achieves an A+ rating in the BRE (Building Research Establishment) Green Guide to Specification based on generic rating: Cedral Click – autoclaved fibre cement (calcium silicate) cladding – (Element Ref: 806220701, 806220675, 806220676).

Marley Eternit also offers Cedral Lap weatherboard, a more traditional, clapper-board aesthetic where the planks overlap. Both Cedral Click and Cedral Lap are made from fibre cement, which ensures low maintenance and a life expectancy of 50 years.

For further information on Cedral just ask ME at www.cedral.co.uk or call ME on 01283 722588. You can also follow ME on Twitter @MarleyEternit. If it matters to you it matters to us, that’s why with ME it’s all about you.

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Marley Contract Services recognised for quality workmanship in National Awards

Marley Contract Services is celebrating success after winning in the UK Roofing Awards 2015 for its work on a community housing development in Aberdeen.

Marley Contract Services has been awarded in the best Single-Lap Tiling & Slating category in the prestigious awards, which are led by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) to recognise outstanding standards of workmanship and safety across the roofing industry.

The win is for the team’s work with Scotia Homes, which appointed Marley Contract Services to carry out roof works on a series of town houses as part of its innovative community style housing development in the sought after suburb of Bridge of Don in Aberdeen.

The project saw the regional team carry out intricate tiling on the roof areas to create aesthetic appeal to complement the different housing styles on the site and surrounding area. This included the roof valleys being cut near and straight as well as cutting the ridge hips neatly at the mitred junction.

The builder specified a red clay tile on the main roof area to create striking stand out, while small plain tiles were used around the bay windows to provide a contrasting affect. Hips were installed using a dry system on the Main Roof sections with close mitred hips on Bay Windows.

Due to the number of other contractors operating across the site, timescales for the roofing project were extremely tight, which required the expert team from Marley Contract Services to work closely with the other on-site teams to meet strict deadlines. In addition to time constraints, keeping the building watertight throughout the build was of paramount importance, which meant the team had to operate with maximum efficiency, while adhering to stringent health and safety regulations.

The knowledge and expertise of the team, which included a second year apprentice, saw the successful completion of the project, on time, and to the great satisfaction of Scotia Homes.

Commenting on the win, Billy Baird, Managing Director at Marley Contract Services, said: “High quality workmanship is at the heart of Marley Contract Service’s operation, so we’re delighted to be recognised for this within a national award scheme. The Scotia Homes development is a perfect example of the high level of expertise and skills deployed by the team to deliver a project, on time and to the highest of standards, no matter how intricate the design details and I’d like to congratulate everybody involved in this award winning project.”

For more information on Marley Contract Services, call 0141 761 4321 or visit: www.marleycontractservices.co.uk

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