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

Data centre suspension system launched by Armstrong Ceilings

A suspension system specifically designed to meet the exacting requirements of data centres has been launched by Armstrong Ceiling Solutions.

The new Prelude® 24 Max™ grid provides excellent load carrying capability and adaptability, with an extremely efficient method of suspending cable trays, bus bars and other mechanical elements to avoid air leakage through the ceiling tiles.

In an environment where a constant, carefully calibrated temperature is a non-negotiable factor, the engineered system components provide the optimum conditions to avoid air leakage that could lead to overheating or spiralling cooling costs.

Traditional methods suspend loads via slotted strut locations or drill holes through ceiling tiles where threaded rods are needed and in doing so increase air leakage and the mix of warm and cold air. However, designing out these details means the hot return air is retained in the plenum space and the cool air below the ceiling.

The new suspension system is also capable of carrying single-point loads up to 110kgs and can be easily reconfigured to meet changing requirements.

Using M10 threaded rod connections and integrated hanging clips, the Prelude 24 Max provides flexible support for cable trays and electrical distribution without the need for a separate strut channel system being suspended through the ceiling tiles.

Patented load connector clips attach at any point to the face of the suspension system, eliminating unsightly threaded rod connections through the ceiling plane, improving access and aesthetics as well as minimising air infiltration.

The traditional-faced 24mm profile grid minimises materials costs and labour while still being compatible with numerous Armstrong board ceiling panels including Ultima+, Clean Room FL acoustic tiles as well as standard lighting elements.

The pre-engineered suspension system comes with a 30-year system warranty.

More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.
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Armstrong launches its ultimate ceilings and walls guide

The ultimate guide to ceiling and wall solutions is now available from leading UK manufacturer Armstrong.

The company’s new Main Line Brochure makes it even easier for architects and designers to specify ceiling and wall solutions thanks to a simplified but inspiring layout.

The new catalogue illustrates with stunning architectural photography and technical drawings the interior solutions that help to enhance comfort, save time, improve building efficiency and overall
performance, and create beautiful spaces for office, education, health, retail and transport applications.

Available in 14 languages to reflect the company’s recently launched global website, the brochure guides specifiers through the myriad of design solutions available, from floating ceilings and suspension systems (including perimeter detailing and accessories), through materials such as mineral, metal, mesh and wood, to wall and special solutions for acoustic, healthcare and highly humid applications.

A product selector by performance helps specifiers to select the right systems for acoustics, light reflectance, fire reaction, humidity and recycled content, with Armstrong’s pioneering recycling programmes and best in class Cradle to Cradle credentials featuring in their own section of infographics.

The new comprehensive catalogue also advises on installation and maintenance, including a cleaning matrix, and offers a technical acoustical glossary as well as a route to Armstrong’s BIM files available through the new global website and BIMobject portal.

It is available to download via https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/commercial-ceilings-walls/product-catalogue.html#catViewer.
More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.
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Kingspan KoolDuct achieves lasting results at National Library

Over two decades after it was first installed, The Kingspan KoolDuct System is still delivering excellent thermal comfort, humidity control and ventilation performance at Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru (the National Library of Wales).

Situated on Penglais Hill above the town of Aberystwyth, the library is home to over four million books including a number of rare Welsh and Celtic volumes. Since it was first opened in 1911, the library has been regularly extended to provide more space for its collections. One of the most significant expansions was completed in 1996 with the opening of the Third Library Building, offering office and server space, along with storage facilities for many of the library’s most valuable materials.

The Kingspan KoolDuct System was fitted during the building’s construction in 1995. The HVAC specification took full advantage of the system’s slimline design, concealing it beneath corridor floors. In addition, The Kingspan KoolDuct System was also used within the main ground floor plant room and as part of four risers, traveling from the lower ground floor to the fourth floor. No issues and no relevant maintenance have ever been recorded with the ductwork and a recent inspection showed that the system was in good condition and performing as expected.

In addition to its proven longevity, The Kingspan KoolDuct System can also facilitate fast-track installation programmes. Its pre-insulated design eliminates the need for a separate lagging stage and allows ductwork to be fabricated in lightweight sections up to 2.95 metres in length. This ensures greater ease of handling whilst minimising the need for supports.

Ductwork fabricated from The Kingspan KoolDuct System is also well suited to projects targeting high standards in energy efficiency. The system panels have been assigned a highest possible BRE Green Guide Summary Rating of A+ whilst their jointing system can reduce air–leakage rates

Ductwork fabricated from The Kingspan KoolDuct System is also well suited to projects targeting high standards in energy efficiency. The system panels have been assigned a highest possible BRE Green Guide Summary Rating of A+. In addition, their jointing system can reduce air–leakage rates to a fraction of those typical of rectangular sheet metal ductwork by achieving the best airtightness Class C and D.

Research from Sweett (UK) Limited has revealed that in combination with its low-maintenance design, this can lead to “whole life” HVAC savings of over 25% compared with traditional galvanised sheet metal ductwork which typically lose  much more air than it is supposed to and may not achieve the basic airtightness Class A.

The Kingspan KoolDuct System is UL Listed as a Class 1 Air Duct, to Standard for Safety UL 181 (Underwriters Laboratories: Factory Made Air Ducts & Air Connectors), when fabricated to a specification clearly defined by UL.

For further information, please call 01544 387 384, email info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk or visit www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk.
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Farmhouse of the future constructed with Kingspan TEK

A contemporary farmhouse in rural Kinross-shire, Scotland has achieved the perfect balance of aesthetics and energy efficiency with the help of the Kingspan TEK Building System.

Situated between the natural beauty of Loch Leven and the Lomond Hills, Lomondmuir Farmhouse was designed by architect Scott Strachan and constructed by THCL as a “turn-key” building contract using the Kingspan TEK Building System. Owners, Mr and Mrs Orr, originally planned to build a timber-kit structure. However, after discussing their requirements for an energy efficient home which had the potential to be expanded in the future all within their budget, THCL specified the Kingspan TEK Building System.

Malcolm Thomson, Director of THCL explains: “We suggested that the house was built using the Kingspan TEK Building System for two key reasons. Firstly, it takes less time to build due to the fact the panels are pre-cut to the project’s specification. Additionally, the excellent insulation performance of the System will offer significant future cost savings on energy bills.”

The Kingspan TEK Building System comprises high performance Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). Their OSB/3 facing and unique jointing system also provided an airtightness value of just 2.39 m3/h/m2 @ 50pa, less than half the level of air loss permitted for a naturally ventilated dwelling. This excellent fabric performance has contributed to the building receiving the gold label for sustainability under Technical Handbook Section 7 (sustainability) of the Scottish Building Standards.

The one and a half storey home currently features three bedrooms at ground level and can be expanded in the future to include an 80 m2 first floor. Due to the excellent spanning capabilities of the Kingspan TEK Building System panels, the first floor features vaulted ceilings, creating a unique additional living space.

The manufacturing facility where the Kingspan TEK Cladding Panel and Kingspan TEK Building System panels are produced carries both FSC® (FSC®-C109304) and PEFC Chain of Custody certification.

For further information, please call 01544 387 384, email literature@kingspantek.co.uk or visit www.kingspantek.co.uk.
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Comar 7P.i LS+ It’s a Lift Slide Life for Us

Now it’s time to lift and slide our product range with Comar 7P.i LS+. Innovative lift and slide gearing provides smooth operation for door configurations up to 12 metres wide and 3 metres high, creating true glazed sliding walls. From one system Comar 7P.i LS+ provides delivered solutions, for the summer months maximise the opening space with the three-track slider which creates two thirds clear opening, whilst in the winter the lowest U-values keep out the cold.

Innovation comes from Comar 7P.i LS+ offering unique solutions from one system, which means that with the same profiles you can provide lift slide or straight rolling gear, standard or slim interlock, enhanced performance with the inclusion of thermal foam and double or triple track configurations.

Optional slim interlocks maximise the homeowners view out when the doors are in the closed position keeping the slim sightlines of Comar 7P.i LS+ doors with the reassurance of the lowest U-values, so even in the coldest winter months daylighting is maximised and warmth assured. For a standard CEN size set of doors U-values are down to 1.4 with a 1.0 centre pane and using glass technology and Comar’s Enhanced Thermal Foam U-values of 0.74 are achievable.

The real advantage of this system is it’s smooth and easy lift operation, it’s ease of operation for sliding doors means that there is no alternative; it really is a lift slide life for all members of the family. Another advantage is the ability to lock the door in an open position anywhere along the track which means that the homeowner can open the door for ventilation without the risk of small children and toddlers exiting the doors.

For our fabricator and trade partners, Comar Systems utilises multi-function profiles which means that from a minimum stock all configurations of this feature laden system can be fabricated. Installers with the unique Comar Easyfit components minimise time on site and disruption to the home owner whilst maximising returns.

The Comar 7P.i Lift and Slide was developed to ensure a highly engineered solution that offers market leading performance. Feedback from the UKAS Accredited Test House was “it is the best they’d ever seen”, as it passed BS6375 Parts 1, 2 and 3 with no water leakage at 1050Pa. The hardware, has been tested to over 50,000 open and closing cycles.

As Secured by Design is now being incorporated into some region’s Planning conditions and BREEAM Assessments, Comar 7P.i LS+ passed the new stringent PAS24:2016 and holds a Kitemark for Enhanced Security to enable sub-contractors to provide an SBD Licensed product to discerning customers.

Glazing technology advances every day with new triple glazed units providing ever lower centre pane values, acoustic glasses to meet enhanced performance criteria are widely specified, Comar 7P.i LS+ now provides a future proof solution with a glazing pocket of up to 57mm. With a simple change of gasket and beads the Comar 7P.i LS+ provides this flexible solution for all your glazing needs.

For further information please contact Team Comar on projects@parksidegroup.co.uk, call 020 8685 2318 or visit www.comar-alu.co.uk.
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Jutland Slates complement attractive selfbuild design

Good quality and modern aesthetics are perfectly combined in the fibre cement slate roof of a selfbuild residential property, thanks to the installation of Cembrit Jutland fibre cement slates.

Situated in the suburbs of the beautiful town of Chilton in Durham, the selfbuild property has been constructed to feature a modern style and character that blends into the surrounding environment. Built on a vacant plot, the property comprises five bedrooms and features a multi pitched roof with rooflight windows and a dormer on the roof of the garage. With dark windows and a light brick face, the Jutland fibre cement roof slates needed to be able to complement both shades.

Local builders merchant, James Burrell supplied Durham-based roofing contractor, Wilkinson Roofing with approximately 3,000 600x300mm Cembrit Jutland fibre cement slates. Specified due to the attractive appearance and proven performance, the graphite colour slates were installed on the roof of the house and garage.

“The complex roof layout presented us with a challenge in terms of installation,” says Carl Wilkinson, Roofing Contractor at Wilkinson Roofing. “We specified Cembrit Jutland slates after receiving a recommendation from the builders’ merchant, and we are thrilled that we followed their advice, as the slates have provided a stunning end result.”

Jutland slates feature a smooth surface and are pre-holed, square edged and lightweight. They do not need to be graded and sorted like natural slates. These qualities combine to make them easy to handle and install and an ideal solution for a fast-track construction environment. Jutland slates are available in Graphite, Blue/Black, Russet and Autumn Brown colours.

Jutland slates are manufactured to the highest European standards using Portland cement together with a formulation of superior blended synthetic and cellulose fibres. Cembrit fibre cement slates are finished with a high quality, semi-matt acrylic coloured coating to the face and edges and a tinted, high-performance binder to the back face. The slates are manufactured in accordance with a quality assurance system to ISO 9001 and to the requirements of BS EN 492: 2004 product specification for fibre cement slates and their fittings. Jutland slates have been awarded the BBA Certificate No. 03/4041.

Cembrit A/A+- rated fibre cement slates can contribute to achieving an environmentally outstanding building. The five variations (Jutland, Zeeland, Westerland, Moorland and Diamond) allow designers to achieve the highest ratings for roof specifications and are currently the only fibre cement slate certificated.

For further information visit www.cembrit.co.uk, email sales@cembrit.co.uk or tel: +44 (0) 208 320 1184.
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Armstrong Ceiling Solutions launches a Cradle to Cradle™ CPD

A powerful CPD presentation on the role of Cradle to Cradle™ design in the built environment has been approved by RIBA for Armstrong Ceiling Solutions.

“The circular economy and Cradle to Cradle™ design,” presentation is designed to help architects understand the concept of a circular economy and the industry drivers and business case for adopting circular design principles. It also helps them evaluate the performance characteristics of ceiling systems designed for circularity.

The CPD pulls no punches when it explains how “the making of things is destructive” and how the construction industry has to change from its traditional “take, make, dispose” process to designing buildings for disassembly and re-use.

It explains the definitions, principles and benefits of a circular economy as well as those benefits specific to the built environment.

The Cradle to Cradle™ design concept is built around five principles:

  1.  Circular design which eliminates the concept of “waste”, with intentional nutrient cycles to retain the full value of the nutrient.
  2. Material health in designing products that are safe for humans and the environment, from production to use to re-use.
  3. Design for disassembly and recovery through buildings which are designed intentionally for material recovery, value retention and meaningful next use.
  4. Value chain collaboration which innovates and accelerates circular solutions. This requires early and frequent engagement of all stakeholders, from the supply chain and material manufacturers, through architectural and interior designers, to owners and developers, and banks and financiers.
  5. Quantifying value by creating and retaining value over the life cycle of a product or building. This is enabled by the identification, optimisation, verification and tracking of materials thoughtfully designed and assembled for whole building circularity.

Guidance is also given in the CPD on how design principles can be applied in practice but it points out that although a reasonably high level of understanding of the generic principles of designing for deconstruction exists, there seems little commercial appetite for doing it.

However, the manufacturing sector has responded by adopting the Cradle to Cradle™ standard as product design and innovation leads the process, and currently 185 products from the built environment sector are certified. The in-use phase is under increasing focus as building owners, operators and occupants want to know the impact and benefit of the product when installed and also how value can be retained throughout its lifetime.

Armstrong’s new CPD also explains how Cradle to Cradle™ accreditation has been designed to be flexible, with five different levels of certification (basic to platinum) acknowledging that products are not perfect from a Cradle to Cradle™ perspective but encouraging continuous improvement in the five criteria of material health and re-utilisation, renewable energy and water stewardship, and social fairness.

It also quantifies the benefits of the mineral ceiling tile recycling programme that Armstrong pioneered in the UK in 2003 and advises on tools useful for tracking the value of materials.

The presentation, which gives architects a one-hour CPD credit, covers the new CPD core curriculum subjects of design, construction and technology to a general awareness knowledge level.

But more than just a CPD for architects, it is a CPD for life.

More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.
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SFS listens to rainscreen customers and responds with 3 day lead times on coloured AP rivets

Responding to market feedback, SFS has invested in a new assembly facility in Leeds to provide high quality, colour-matched AP rivets for rainscreen cladding. The full range of AP rivets are now available in 3 days’ lead time in more than 100 standard colours.

Andy Stolworthy, Director of Product and Market Development for SFS comments “The company’s new investment brings key manufacturing processes to Yorkshire that were previously handled in France. The move has been driven by UK customer feedback for shorter lead times on high quality coloured rivets, and illustrates how SFS is equipped to listen to the challenges that its customers face and respond in the most effective way.”

The result for customers is the convenience of being able to source AP rivets in a wide range of RAL colours in considerably reduced lead times. AP rivets are now available in 100+ standard colours that can be powder coated ready for despatch in just three days on orders placed before 12.00 noon, up to a maximum of 5,000 pieces. Additional volumes and bespoke colours can be easily accommodated too, with lead times depending on the specific requirements.

SFS’s AP rivet leads the market for securing rainscreen support systems in face-fixed rainscreen applications. The grade 5 aluminium body delivers ease of installation, durability and long term assurance. Three flange sizes – 11mm, 14mm and 16mm – and a range of rivet lengths provide a solution for securing the most widely specified rainscreen panels to a support frame. SFS’s powder coating processes ensure there is no paint on the mandrel.

Darren Gunga, Head of Operations at SFS says “We’re always listening to our customers and continuously looking at what we can do to make their lives easier and businesses more successful. Our new UK production facility for AP rivets is the tangible result of our approach, adding to our existing world-class painting technology for fastener systems.

“The new plant transforms the supply chain for specifiers and installers working on rainscreen projects. It is the first time that the market has been able to access the highest quality rainscreen fixings, complete with a premium colour finish, in such short lead times. Crucially, it means customers no longer need to compromise to suit tight build schedules.

“Our closeness to the market means we are in touch with the practical demands that customers face, which is why we’ve invested significant resources in Leeds to streamline the process from ordering to delivery on-site.”

Find out more about the range of SFS AP rivets for rainscreen at www.sfsintec.co.uk.
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SFS provides a single secret fix solution for Cembrit rainscreen range

Installing Cembrit fibre cement rainscreen panels as thin as 8mm using mechanical secret fixings just became quicker, easier and safer thanks to the innovative new range of TUF-S rivets by the world’s leading fastening systems manufacturer SFS.

Extensive testing by SFS demonstrated how TUF-S challenges the convention that installers need to use different fasteners for different panel materials and thicknesses. Until now, no other rivet of this kind has provided a reliable secret fix for panels manufactured in both HPL and fibre cement.

The TUF-S range is designed to eliminate the risk of overtightening which can ruin the aesthetics of a façade and result in very costly damage. It consists of nine variants of A4 stainless steel fixings, with a carbon steel mandrel, that can be used to secure a range of panel thicknesses to the rainscreen support clips using the GESIPA Powerbird Pro tool. The rivet’s design provides a wide range of installation benefits to save time and money, and deliver a safer, better quality overall result.

The performance of TUF-S for 8mm Cembrit panels was proven by SFS through a series of load tests conducted in its laboratory in Switzerland. This allowed for a set of technical values to be calculated to enable façade engineers to easily determine the number of fasteners and clips required to accommodate different locations, wind loadings, etc. This provided Cembrit with total assurance according to Ged Ferris, Cembrit UK Marketing Manager.

Ged says: “We are pleased that SFS have developed an innovative mechanical secret fix system for use with the standard 8mm thick rainscreen cladding boards. Designed and tested by SFS for use with fibre cement cladding, the combination of SFS rear rivets and Cembrit boards creates an attractive façade, uninterrupted by visible fixings, that will appeal to rainscreen cladding specifiers throughout the British Isles.

SFS have proven the rivet’s effectiveness in the clearest terms through their extensive testing and this gives us complete confidence in recommending the fastener’s use in any Cembrit rainscreen applications in the UK.”

Installation of TUF-S requires just a standard hole, with no need for complex undercutting – this provides the installer with the flexibility to drill new holes on site if required to accommodate unforeseen issues. The rivet also eliminates the risk of overtorquing, which can damage the rainscreen panels, and it has high pull-out values with no unwinding and uninstallation possible via a hex head.

Andy Stolworthy, Director of Product & Market Development at SFS says: “We’re delighted to have worked closely with Cembrit to provide them with a highly effective secret fix solution that will work across their different rainscreen panels. This development project is an excellent example of how SFS is able to create products with innovative unique features that provide OEMs with the assurances they need and address the most common issues faced by installers.”

Find out more about TUF-S at www.sfsintec.co.uk.
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SFS fasteners chosen for Curtis Moore’s Glasgow Quay refurb projects

Precision engineered stainless steel fasteners by SFS have enabled leading roofing and cladding contractor Curtis Moore to deliver new roofing in two refurbishment projects at Glasgow’s premier leisure and entertainment destination, Springfield Quay.

Bringing a fresh new look and delivering amongst the best quality entertainment facilities of their kind in Scotland, the renewal projects at the Hollywood Bowl and Odeon Cinema have helped the development maintain Springfield Quay’s position at the forefront of the market. In addition to these two key attractions, the Springfield Quay provides a wide range of restaurants, cafés, a gym, casino, hotel and more, located close to Glasgow City Centre.

Chosen to provide a reliable and secure fixing for Kalzip Standing Seam Roofing panels, SFS fasteners were used for both roof replacement projects at the leisure park’s Hollywood Bowl and Odeon cinema buildings.

Acting as the principal contractor on both projects, Curtis Moore was tasked with removing the existing profiled metal roof, insulation and VCL, before installing new insulation and the aluminium Kalzip panels. Both major refurbishment projects were completed whilst the facilities remained open for business, which required careful planning to keep access open and safe, without impacting on day-to-day operations or the overall customer experience.

Working closely with NBDA Architects on both projects, Curtis Moore was initially appointed on the Odeon Cinema scheme. The 5,500m2 roof of this building features curved roof sheets which are 53.5m in length. The sheets had to be site rolled within the active car park – this was undertaken in an area of the car park that would cause least disruption and was clearly cordoned off.

It was a roofing project that presented a number of challenges, not least the need to incorporate additional steelwork to suit the new Kalzip system, which was only apparent once the existing roof was removed. However, such was the success of the solution and service provided by Curtis Moore, that the company was awarded the adjacent project – Hollywood Bowl. This was a similar project, involving the removal of an existing skin, VCL, insulation and supporting grid, and installation of 2,808m2 of Kalzip panels.

Commenting on the project, Curtis Moore’s Ashleigh Thomson, Business Development Director, said: “Springfield Quay is a hugely popular leisure and entertainment destination and we are delighted to have been involved in these latest refurbishment projects which look set to keep it at the top of its game for years to come.

“Market-leading brands like Odeon and Hollywood Bowl set high standards for their customer experience, so our contribution to the building envelope must match these ambitions. That’s why the use of Kalzip systems secured by SFS fasteners was hugely important, providing the assurance of a long service life and giving the buildings excellent and lasting visual appeal.”

Find out more about SFS at www.sfsintec.co.uk.
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