Building News is an information portal for all professional building specifiers. Here you can find all of the latest construction news from around the UK and the rest of the world.

Why MEDITE SMARTPLY offers the best alternatives to plywood

Due to its ongoing support for the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the UK has announced a new package of additional sanctions on Belarus. The announcement made on 8th June 2023, states that any imports of wood, gold, cement, and rubber from the country is prohibited.[1] This is in addition to the £60m package of sanctions the UK already has against Belarus. So what does this mean for the timber industry?

 

With a new package being imposed on top of the current sanctions still in place, importing wood – especially birch plywood – remains a challenge for the UK. This means merchants and manufacturers face supply issues and are looking to import wood from elsewhere. However, this can lead to a risk of illegally importing wood into the UK. Timber Development UK has warned that despite the ban on importing wood products from Russia and Belarus, some of it is still being arriving in the country because they are falsely marketed as being sourced from other countries such as China.[2]

 

However, merchants and suppliers in the UK and Ireland don’t have to look far for wood products. MEDITE SMARTPLY offers the perfect alternative, thanks to our extensive range of versatile, environmentally conscious products.

Why should you choose MEDITE SMARTPLY?

Merchants and suppliers can get great peace of mind in choosing MEDITE SMARTPLY products. Our MDF and OSB ranges are not only locally sourced but are also fully FSC certified. It’s important to remember that the FSC International Board of Directors has agreed to suspend all trading certificates in Russia and Belarus until the invasion ends.[3]

 

SMARTPLY OSB and MEDITE MDF are made from sustainable wood products from our very own Coillte forests in Ireland. Our MEDITE manufacturing site is based in Clonmel, while our SMARTPLY factory is based in Waterford. This means that we can offer a dependable, local supply, which helps to reduce the carbon footprint for timber merchants and suppliers.

 

Our OSB is made from newly grown pine and spruce. Our MDF timber content consists of 40% wood logs and 60% wood chips, a by-product from Irish sawmills. Each range boasts some of the most environmentally efficient building materials on the market, with a product-specific Type 3 Environmental Product Declaration to support this.

 

MDF and OSB applications

Those looking for alternatives to using birch plywood or similar wood types in furniture or interior fit-out applications, will find solutions in the versatile MEDITE MDF range. For example, those working on kitchen or bathroom projects will find MEDITE MR and MEDITE OPTIMA suitable products thanks to its moisture resistance properties. For environmentally sensitive interior applications, such as nurseries and museums where formaldehyde emissions need to be kept to the minimum, there is MEDITE CLEAR, an MDF panel manufactured with no added formaldehyde.

 

Our robust range of OSB products also offer great alternatives to other wood and wood-based products in construction projects. We produce two grades of SMARTPLY: OSB/3 and OSB/4. SMARTPLY MAX is an OSB/3 panel that is suitable for use in, walls, floors and roofing systems. Where increased strength and moisture resistance is needed, there is SMARTPLY ULTIMA – a high strength OSB/4 panel.

For great peace of mind choose MEDITE SMARTPLY CLICK HERE

 

 

 

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RINNAI – Direct delivery to site now available

RINNAI’S H3 HEAT PUMPS HYBRID SYSTEM, TANKS AND ALL ANCILARIES NOW AVAILABLE FOR ONE CONSIGNMENT DELIVERED DIRECT TO SITE

 

New from Rinnai is a comprehensive range of heat pumps plus all ancillary products such as hybrid hot water tanks are now available for direct delivery to site in one complete system consignment. Rinnai Heat Pumps are an integral part of the H3 list of solutions to achieve lower carbon. Rinnai heat pumps are the optimal choice in decarbonising technology that ensures immediate domestic and commercial carbon neutrality.

Rinnai’s range of Monobloc air source heat pumps are available in an assortment of variants, from 4 to 110kW. Rinnai Monobloc air source Low-GWP heat pump technology allows up to seven units to be cascaded together, making the Rinnai heat pump range an ideal choice for any heating or hot water demand. The innovative ability of the system to switch between heating, hot water, and cooling mode ensures that the Rinnai range has flexibility and durability as standard.

The units omit minimum acoustics via an installed ultra-low sound capability making Rinnai heat pumps suitable for any area with prohibitive sound legislation. Rinnai’s range operates within compliance of all stringent sound standards ensuring low-sound functionality.

All Rinnai heat pumps use R32 refrigerant, renowned for reducing electricity consumption by up to 10% and for holding a lower global warming potential (GWP). R32 has a GWP one-third lower than other refrigerants. Rinnai’s HPI heat pump range is ratified with an ERP rating of A +++ and includes an ability to switch between settings of heating, hot water and cooling.

Rinnai’s heat pump range delivers all domestic and commercial requirements whilst negating the release of any harmful toxicants into the atmosphere. Rinnai’s heat pump range maintain a high level of operational performance and can service all domestic and commercial needs.

Rinnai’s H3 LowGWP 55kW Heat Pump/Hybrid Hot Water Tanks with cascaded continuous flow hot water heating units were recently specified at a new development in the heart of the Farringdon district of London. The site is for a luxury hotel plus prestigious office complex and affordable homes.

The site will eventually have a 150+ bedroom luxury hotel, almost 20,000 sq ft of opulent capital city office space and nine new-build affordable residential units. The hotel group already has one other hotel in London with two others planned.

Rinnai products are designed to perform at a high operational level, maintain a robust product lifecycle whilst reducing customer cost and environmental impact across the entire purchase process.

Rinnai’s HPI heat pumps, hybrid formations, electrical formats and hydrogen gas mix powered water heaters are part of the H3 range of products. All new models are designed to reduce decarbonisation, energy efficiency and reduce customer costs by offering practical, affordable and technological solutions to UK customers.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE RINNAI WEBSITE

or HERE to EMAIL RINNAI

CLICK HERE For more information on the RINNAI product range

 

RINNAI’S H3 DECARBONISATION OFFERS PATHWAYS
& CUSTOMER COST REDUCTIONS FOR
COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC AND OFF-GRID HEATING & HOT WATER DELIVERY

                                                   

Rinnai’s H3 range of decarbonising products include hydrogen / BioLPG ready technology, hybrid systems, and a wide range of LOW GWP heat pumps and solar thermal. Also, within Rinnai’s H3 range is Infinity hydrogen blend ready and BioLPG ready continuous flow water heaters which are stacked with a multitude of features that ensure long life, robust & durable use, customer satisfaction and product efficiency.

Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of heat pump, solar, hydrogen in any configuration, hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H3 range of products offer contractors, consultants and end users a range of efficient, robust and affordable decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic and technically feasible solutions. The range covers all forms of fuels and appliances currently available – electric, gas, hydrogen, BioLPG, rDME solar thermal, low GWP heat pumps and electric water heaters.

Rinnai H1 continuous water heaters and boilers offer practical and economic decarbonization delivered through technological innovation in hydrogen and renewable liquid gas ready technology.

Rinnai’s H1 option is centred on hydrogen, as it is anticipated that clean hydrogen fuels will become internationally energy market-relevant in the future; Rinnai water heaters are hydrogen 20% blends ready and include the world’s first 100% hydrogen-ready hot water heating technology.

Rinnai H2 – Decarbonization simplified with renewable gas-ready units, Solar Thermal and Heat Pump Hybrids. Rinnai H2 is designed to introduce a practical and low-cost option which may suit specific sites and enable multiple decarbonisation pathways with the addition of high performance.

Rinnai H3 – Low-GWP heat pump technology made easy – Rinnai heat pumps are available for domestic and commercial usage with an extensive range of 4 – 115kW appliances.

Rinnai’s H3 heat pumps utilise R32 refrigerant and have favourable COP and SCOP.

Rinnai is a world leading manufacturer of hot water heaters and produces over two million units a year, operating on each of the five continents. The brand has gained an established reputation for producing products that offer high performance, cost efficiency and extended working lives.

Rinnai’s commercial and domestic continuous flow water heaters offer a limitless supply of instantaneous temperature controlled hot water and all units are designed to align with present and future energy sources. Rinnai condensing water heaters accept either existing fuel or hydrogen gas blends. Rinnai units are also suited for off-grid customers who require LPG and BioLPG or rDME.

Rinnai products are i2HY20 certified, A-rated water efficiency, accessed through multiple fuel options and are available for purchase 24/7, 365 days a year. Any unit can be delivered to any UK site within 24 hours. Rinnai offer carbon and cost comparison services that will calculate financial and carbon savings made when investing in a Rinnai system. Rinnai also provide a system design service that will suggest an appropriate system for the property in question. Rinnai offer comprehensive training courses and technical support in all aspects of the water heating industry including detailed CPD’s. More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose” webpage.

 

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Triple Glazing Vs Vacuum Glazing – which is best?

by Tom Wright, Managing Director of George Barnsdale

The Future Buildings Standard which is looming over the horizon in 2025 is likely to mean a big increase in the use of triple glazing in order to meet the lower U-values that will be required. However, specifiers are starting to consider vacuum glass as an alternative but which is better? Well, it depends….

 

What does the Future Buildings Standard say about u-values?

The Government has outlined its plans to deliver a “zero carbon ready” building strategy through its Future Buildings Standard. It aims to ensure that no new buildings from 2025 will require further retrofitting, with an uplift in energy efficiency standards, improved ventilation and requirements to mitigate overheating in residential buildings. A start was made on this last year with the changes to building regs and parts F, L and O.

Following public consultation, a Notional Building Specification has been developed which states that window U-values will need to be 0.8 (W/m2.K) down from 1.2 (W/m2.K) currently. Doors will need to be 1.0 (W/m2.K) from 1.2 (W/m2.K) (where more than 60% glazed)

This is likely to lead to triple glazing becoming the norm in most windows for new buildings or retro fits that want to achieve the highest performance.

 

What is triple glazing?

 Very simply, triple glazing is an extra pane of glass added to the two used in double glazing but the benefits can be great. Up to now, many of our clients have opted for triple glazing in areas where they require high acoustic performance, with this comes much better thermal performance, saving money on fuel bills.

 

What are the advantages of triple glazing?

  • Excellent thermal performance that meets the new Future Homes Standard, will save you money on heating
  • Great acoustic performance – ideal for blocking out noisy roads, aircraft noise etc
  • Better security – thicker units are harder to break
  • Can help to reduce condensation

What are the disadvantages of triple glazing?

  • It costs more than double glazing but usually not as much as vacuum glazing.
  • The windows are heavy which means they require chunkier frames and stronger fixings, all of which increase the price further.
  • Aesthetically, some people dislike the look of the triple glazed windows because they aren’t as sleek as single or double glazed ones.
  • Reduces the amount of heat from the sun limiting thermal gain. Harnessing solar energy is something homeowners have done for centuries and this is harder with triple glazed units.

What is vacuum glazing?

Vacuum glazing takes two pieces of glass with a tiny gap (0.1mm in the case of Fineo) and removes the air to create a vacuum.

They used to have unsightly plugs where the air was extracted but the latest technology means this is no longer the case. Ultra thin from as little as 7.7mm compared to 44mm for triple glazing, it’s great for listed historic properties or new builds looking for a sleek slimmer aesthetic.

 

What are the benefits of vacuum glazing?

  • 3-4 times thinner than triple glazing, looks more like single glazing
  • Same thermal performance as triple glazing. Fineo states 0.7 W/(m2K) which is better than the target the Government is aiming for in the Future Homes standard.
  • Lasts longer – because it doesn’t have gas between the panes which can leak over time
  • Better solar gain – allows more sun heat into the room helping reduce energy bills
  • Much lighter than triple glazing
  • 15% more light is allowed into the room compared with triple glazing
  • Environmentally better – much lighter saving on transport and less product used plus last longer so less need to replace
  • Great acoustic performance
  • Better aesthetically especially for historic properties, listed properties and modern contemporary builds that want to avoid heavy frames and fixings
  • Easier to install

What are the disadvantages of vacuum glazing?

  • Typically it is the most expensive option compared with double and triple glazing, this is thought to be due to there being no UK manufacturers making it and the inherent cost of the materials, some use silver for example
  • Low impact resistance – where micro pillars are used it can put high stress on the glass.

How much does vacuum glazing cost?

Vacuum glazing can cost up to 60% more than double glazing and around 35% more than triple glazing*.

*Prices may vary depending on size and spec.

 

So which should builders and architects choose from 2025?

Inevitably, it will end up coming down to price in most cases. We predict that most people will opt for triple glazing unless something drastic happens to the price of vacuum glazing, which may happen as the product becomes more popular and their production efficiencies improve. However, for anyone looking to balance the new regulations with heritage detailing, vacuum glass is the option that makes this possible.

“We are getting more and more enquiries about vacuum glass from architects and specifiers who like it for its performance and great aesthetic qualities, but often value engineering means they have to fall back on triple glazing.”

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE GEORGE BARNSDALE WEBSITE

 

 

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Schlüter-Systems – Installer show preview

Stand H20 Birmingham NEC – 27-29 June 2023

At this year’s Installer Show, Schlüter-Systems will be focusing on their impressive range of underfloor heating solutions which comprise both electric and hydronic (water-fed) systems.  The new DITRA-HEAT-PS is a peel and stick version of the company’s established electric system. The membrane enables simple, clean and quick installation of electric underfloor heating with a thin layer of pre-applied pressure sensitive adhesive on the underside. The membrane is ideally used with timber and tile backerboard substrates. It is a great solution when tiling on P5 or green chipboard; and will work with other substrates provided they are rigid, even, load bearing, clean and dust-free. Samples will also be available to collect from the Schlüter-Systems stand at The Installer Show and will allow installers to see for themselves how well it sticks.

In addition, Schlüter-Systems will demonstrate Schlüter®-BEKOTEC-THERM, the water-fed underfloor heating solution with low construction height. The modular system results in an energy-efficient heated floor system with low water supply temperatures.

The team will be conducting practical demonstrations throughout the show and there will be a competition to see who can install heating cable into the DITRA-HEAT membrane in the fastest time, with a chance to win £1,000 worth of Schlüter products for your next project.

The sales and technical teams will be on the stand to answer queries and there will be lots of samples to see and take away.

 

CLICK HERE TO Download full information on the show

 

For further information CLICK HERE to visit Schlüter-Systems newly relaunched website

YOU CAN REGISTER FOR THE INSTALLER SHOW HERE

 

 

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Sustainable Accoya® saves historic Welsh station

International Timber and Peter Cox Ltd recently joined forces to restore a 155-year-old signal box in Wales, utilising sustainable Accoya® to ensure longevity and maintain the structure’s historic charm.

 

Found in Anglesey, the Valley Station signal box dates back to 1867 and was in desperate need of restoration following decades of decay. Faulty drainage had led to wet rot taking hold of the timber, making it likely that the structure would not have survived if refurbishments had not taken place.

The signal box is a historic landmark in the area and was given Grade II status by the Welsh Government in 1998. It was originally built as one of 15 new huts along the Chester and Holyhead Railway and has stood the test of time for over 155 years. Peter Cox Ltd was commissioned to assess how the structure could be saved and called on the expertise of the local International Timber team.

 

Picking the timber of choice

Keen to utilise a high-performance solution, the surveyors selected Accoya as the timber of choice to replace the historic, internal structural timber frames. The product could be cut to the specific needs of the build, while providing huge sustainability and durability qualities that will benefit the structure for years to come.

The International Timber team took precise measurements to calculate the volume of timber required, replacing individual sections of the damaged wood rather than complete removal. The structure has also maintained its signature look throughout the entire build. Peter Cox Ltd added stainless steel splice plates to the adjoining half-lap joint timber to strengthen and maintain the building’s structure.

The customer benefitted from a dependable supply chain, with all timber supplied to the precise specification and on time, ensuring the project ran to schedule. Additionally, Western Red Cedar was supplied, which was used to pattern cladding in the build. All timber was treated with fungicidal fluid to help prevent the growth of wet rot fungus in the future and so preserve the structure for generations.

 

Completing restorations

With the timber supplied, Peter Cox Ltd got to work, removing and replacing internal structural timber frames in the signal box structure. Work was completed without any disruption to the railways. The signal box is now restored to its former self, with sustainable Accoya ready to face the elements.

Paul Martin from International Timber said:

“It was a pleasure to be involved in such a rewarding project, especially when it is helping to preserve a great piece of Welsh history. This is an excellent example of the potential of our sustainable Accoya timber, which will help this signal box continue to stand the test of time. This collaboration has also seen us supply timber for several other similar projects throughout the North Wales area.”

 

CLICK HERE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL TIMBER WEBSITE

 

 

 

 

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FSi launches new 90-minute Silverliner cavity barrier to expand fire protection range

Fire safety specialist FSi has unveiled a new cavity barrier system that delivers 90 minutes of passive fire protection – backed by fast access to expert technical and installation support.

 

The Silverliner Open State Cavity Barrier 5 (OSCB-5) provides critical protection that can stop a fire, and the heat generated by it, from spreading for 90 minutes (EI), offering a mid-range solution between the existing 30 minute (EI) and 120 minute (EI) solutions.

 

The Silverliner 5 has been officially launched this month following rigorous testing and has been designed to provide robust passive fire protection. It has been developed in response to the high demand for a mid-range open state cavity barrier solution where a higher specification 120 minute (EI) system is not required.

 

As a dry-fit system, the Silverliner range is easy to install, supporting faster project times and is available with short lead times from the UK manufacturer.

 

With increased scrutiny on the correct specification and installation of cavity barrier fire protection, FSi offers fast and comprehensive technical support to contractors in choosing the correct product and installing it properly.

 

Liam Blears, FSi’s Business and Technical Development Manager for Facades, said:

 

“There has been a lot of demand for a mid-range FSi product, and the launch of Silverliner OSCB-5 means we now have even broader product availability for varying project requirements.

“It is essential that the correct size cavity barrier system is used to meet the building specification and adding this option to the Silverliner range enables contractors to access a 90 minute (EI) solution.”

                      

The Silverliner OSCB-5 expands the existing range of specialist cavity barrier protection from FSi. The systems are designed to reinstate the lines of compartmentation within an external façade system, when required, yet allow for the free movement of air to satisfy the ventilation requirements.

 

In the event of a fire the intumescent edge of the barrier swells to close the gap to prevent the spread of fire and smoke from one area to another. The time frame within which this contains a fire is vital to allow anyone inside the building to move to a place of safety.  

 

As a UK leader in manufacturing passive fire protection, all FSi cavity barriers meet UK regulations and are third-party approved.

 

As part of its commitment to quality, FSi provides highly responsive technical support and installation training, including going on site to demonstrate correct fitting and returning to check the installation has been done correctly.

 

Liam added:

 

“Passive fire protection is absolutely vital to the building envelope and getting it right saves lives. That is the bottom line. Our commitment to quality runs from researching a new product all the way through to ensuring it is fitted correctly, as this is so important to the efficient functioning of passive fire protection.

“Whether a contractor has a question over the correct specification of a cavity barrier, or a technical hitch when fitting cavity barriers, our technical team will provide a swift response to make sure all of our products are fitted as intended.”

To find out more about FSi’s Open State Silverliner cavity barriers

CLICK HERE

 

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Strand Hardware Makes its Mark

Strand Hardware has made its mark – completing UKCA compliancy more than a year ahead of the new deadline.

It completed certifications for all its Panic Hardware product ranges – 290 products in total – at the end of last year, in preparation for the original deadline.

The original deadline was intended to be 1 January 2023 but the Government announced an extension as many companies were simply not ready.

The new requirement is compulsory for products which fall within the scope of a ‘harmonised/designated standard’ being made available for sale in the UK. They can continue to be CE marked until 30 June 2025 under a ‘presumption of conformity’.

Strand Hardware Operations Director Jo Walls said that she was delighted that Strand was fully prepared and had made the transition ahead of schedule.

“We completed our requirements towards the end of last year. We are ready! and have everything in place for the new deadline and have begun to mark our products with the required UKCA markings. Our Declaration of Performance (DOPs), fitting instructions, labelling and certification have all been completed and the DoPs are available on our website for download.”

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL STRAND HARDWARE FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

or call: 01922 639111

 

or CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE STRAND HARDWARE WEBSITE

 

 

 

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Stainless steel water heater, a durable and long lasting solution

New Dorchester DR-SG stainless steel water heater from Hamworthy Heating provides a durable and long lasting solution

Hamworthy Heating, a trusted British manufacturer and supplier of commercial heating and hot water products, is pleased to announce the introduction of its new Dorchester DR-SG range of stainless steel condensing water heaters with enhanced durability and large continuous outputs.

The Dorchester DR-SG is available in ten power outputs over three storage capacities and features a durable stainless-steel tank, heat exchanger and coil for enhanced performance, efficiency, and increased service life.

Suitable for both renovation and new build projects, including locations with substantial and continuous hot water demands such as hotels and sports facilities, the Dorchester DR-SG meets all of the latest Building Regulations and offers significantly improved efficiency and performance when replacing a non-condensing water heater.

Featuring a robust design, the Dorchester DR-SG is designed to offer outstanding performance under challenging water conditions and cope with the extremities of soft and hard water.

Incorporating a user-friendly design, Dorchester DR-SG water heaters are operated via the popular Siemens LMS mini controls platform. Featuring an intuitive digital control panel with a clear backlit LCD and a scroll wheel to navigate between different setting screens, LEDs are also incorporated into the user interface to enable quick and easy identification of any potential faults.

Designed to fit through a standard 800mm doorway with a narrow diameter of 80cm (excluding 538 models), the latest range is significantly light for its class, enabling straightforward transportation and installation.

Suitable for retrofit into a vast number of installations due to being approved for multiple flue system types, all Dorchester DR-SG models are convertible to run on LPG.

Building on the success of its popular water heater range, the Dorchester DR-SG is supplied with a five-year warranty on the tank and a two-year warranty on the components. For full details of warranty terms and conditions or to discuss the range of tailored packages available, details are available from Hamworthy Heating on request.

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

or call 01202 662 552

 

 

 

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Natural light and uninterrupted views with latest addition to popular Fortitude range

F.H. Brundle, a long-standing supplier of fencing and railing, alongside an extensive array of other products, has expanded one of its most successful ranges.

The Fortitude railing system has already found success for its stylish looks, flexibility, and user-friendly installation.

Fortitude Contemplation, the latest addition to the range, offers a stylish and contemporary glass balustrade where homeowners don’t want to compromise on scenic views and natural light.

The Contemplation range consists of pre-drilled bolt-down posts and glass clamps, both with a black sand finish and 10mm standard glass panels. Glass panels are available from stock, in 100mm width increments up to 1100mm width and when fitted on a flat surface give an 1100mm high handrail.

The pre-drilled posts are available in sizes of 50 and 70mm and are made of pre-galvanised steel and sprayed with both protective zinc phosphate coating and an Akzo Nobel UV-resistant powder coating.

The broader Fortitude range consists of a series of ready-to-install railing panels, posts and brackets that can produce different design solutions.

Thanks to highly innovative steel raking panels, the railings can be easily fitted to stairs and slopes without the need to pre-fabricate, and the panels conceal the pivot point of each spindle.

While the Fortitude Contemporary glass panel system offers a simple slide technology that is quick and easy to install, with glass available in a clear or grey tint, and for ease and simplicity, all brackets are supplied with suitable fixings for use on steel or wooden posts.

Like all F.H. Brundle products, nationwide delivery on all orders over £150 is absolutely free.

 

For more information call 01708 398048

or visit www.fhbrundle.co.uk

 

 

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EUROFORM’S VERSAPANEL® ‘MAKES THE CUT’ FOR FILM AND TV STUDIOS

Imagery courtesy of Earth Grid

Versapanel®, Euroform’s cement particle board, has been specified for its acoustic properties as a roofing system component for what is set to be one of the UK’s largest film and TV studios, Shinfield Studios, at the Thames Valley Science Park.

 

Shinfield Studios is a state of the art, purpose-built studio facility close to Reading in Berkshire.  Phase 1, comprising four sound stages, workshops and offices is in operation having opened last year.  Phase 2, to add five new sound stages, workshops and offices is opening across the coming months.  When Shinfield Studios is complete it will offer film and television producers over one million square feet of studio space with 18 sound stages and complimentary facilities.

The project is designed by international design practice Scott Brownrigg and being delivered by contractors, including Curo Construction.  Vertec, a leading specialist in facades, roofing and cladding, is constructing the building envelopes for the studios.

Protection against noise is important in modern construction design, but at Shinfield Studios it is crucial to the purpose of the studio buildings.  Versapanel® is used extensively in construction where acoustic control is essential.

Specified by scheme architects Scott Brownrigg, approximately 17,000 square metres of Euroform’s Versapanel® is being incorporated by Vertec as an element, along with acoustic matting and mineral fibre products, to the acoustic roof construction across the studios.

“Versapanel® has advantages over other types of board materials due to its strength, workability, durability and high performance in the presence of moisture, but, in this project where acoustic performance is so important, it is Versapanel’s sound reduction properties that were key to meeting the brief,” said Euroform’s national commercial manager Mark Atkinson.

Versapanel® has a minimum density of 1300kg per M3 providing superior acoustic performance when used in construction of walls, floors, ceilings or roofs.  A single Versapanel® board provides airborne sound reduction of between 30 dB and 36 dB, depending on board thickness which ranges from 8mm up to 28mm.

Versapanel® can be used in single sheet or sandwich construction.  At Shinfield Studios, to achieve the building design’s demanding decibel reduction objectives it has been specified as a multiple layer, contributing to the effectiveness of the acoustic system in the pitched steel roofs at Shinfield Studios.

A versatile building board, Versapanel® is widely used in acoustic roofs, ceilings and floors, but also as sheathing panel for steel frame systems, for external wall insulation and for partition walls.  It can be found in a wide range of commercial, residential and public sector buildings, including offices, schools, hospitals, libraries and hotels.

Euroform has been developing, fabricating and supplying materials for the construction industry since 1995.  Euroform specialises in ensuring fire and thermal compliance across its product range.  Each product is supported by an experienced and knowledgeable technical team to provide advice and guidance.

Based at Warrington, Euroform is part of Performance Technology Group an SIG Trading Ltd group of companies specialising in supporting the construction industry to meet acoustic, fire, thermal and vibration challenges.

www.euroform.co.uk

www.shinfieldstudios.com

www.scottbrownrigg.com

www.curoconstruction.com

www.vertec.org.uk

 

 

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