School benefits from prefab heating solution

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Glebe Primary School in Rayleigh, Essex has upgraded the heating systems serving its Infant and Junior School buildings with the installation of two sets of two Quinta Pro 115 condensing boilers on a bespoke-designed Remeha rig system.

Now part of the Rayleigh Schools Trust, Glebe Primary School formerly came under the local authority of Essex County Council. Following a routine condition survey, Essex County Council recommended replacing the existing sectional cast-iron boilers, which had reached the end of their lifecycle, with advanced, high efficiency condensing boilers.

Reliability was a key requirement for the school together with ease and speed of installation as the refurbishment project was scheduled to be completed within a tight, fixed timeframe.

Spyros Sergiou of Triglyph Engineering Service was the M&E consultant on the product, working alongside heating contractor Balm and Davies and principal contractor Mitie.

As a preferred supplier of Essex County Council, Remeha boilers now serve many schools in the county due to their reputation for quality and high performance. Spyros therefore recommended installing four energy-saving Remeha Quinta Pro 115 boilers on two bespoke-designed rig systems to meet the requirements.

“We are familiar with Remeha boilers and have also used Remeha’s bespoke rig service on several projects,” said Spyros. “Installing multiple condensing boilers rather than one larger output unit helped maximise system efficiency and reliability for the school as well as ensuring easier future maintenance. Installing them on Remeha’s bespoke rig system meant that the unique requirements of the project and the site could be factored in from the outset.”

The bespoke design enabled all the space and access restrictions relating to the plant room at Glebe Primary School to be addressed at the design stage. This resulted in a more compact design, enabling faster installation and reduced on-site labour and costs.

“The boilers needed to pass through a double set of doors to enter the plant room,” continued Spyros. “This was accounted for in the design so that when the boilers were delivered into the plant room in the pre-assembled wheeled unit, they fitted in neatly and just needed to be plugged in. It couldn’t have been more straightforward.”

For the school, a further advantage of the detailed forward planning process was that the cost, size and specification were all fixed and in place before the bespoke rig was built. This helped keep the project on time and on budget.

When installing condensing boilers onto old systems, it is important to consider system integration as the quality of the water can affect boiler operation and longevity. This aspect can also be accommodated in the bespoke rig unit, as Spyros explained:

“The heating system at the school is around 20 years old. To achieve hydraulic separation and so ensure good condition water, we integrated a plate heat exchanger and air and dirt separators into the rig design.”

Using a prefabricated heating solution like the bespoke rig system reduces the intensity of skills required on-site. For schools this means added flexibility as the safer conditions, combined with the rapid changeover, enable boiler replacements to be carried out outside the holiday period.

As part of the refurbishment at Glebe Primary School, a new Building Management System has been fitted to enable accurate control and operation of the boilers. The design also uses a variable temperature circuit to maintain low flow and return temperatures, further maximising boiler and system efficiency.

The off-site fabricated bespoke heating solution has achieved an excellent outcome for all.

The school is benefiting from reliable, high-performance heating which is generating a more comfortable learning environment for the school’s children and staff. The more efficient heating will also lower operating costs due to reduced energy use and easier future maintenance, helping stretch the school budget further. At the same time, the cleaner operation and ultra-low NOx emissions will minimise its environmental impact.

For the contractors, Balm and Davies, the prefabricated rig system has enabled them to schedule the project and team more accurately to meet the skills base and so increase site productivity.

And the consultant? Last word to Spyros: “Ultimately, for us as designers, the bespoke nature of the rig and the ability to ‘frontload’ the design means that we can be assured that the specification is met. And at the end of the day, that makes everyone a winner.”

To find out more about Remeha’s bespoke rig service, contact your Expert Area Sales Manager or visit the manufacturer here.

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Fusing the options

Ventilation design and specification for multi-occupancy buildings is now as simple as A,B,C through an innovative approach pioneered by Gilberts.

Britain’s leading air movement specialist is the first to develop a stock, single-unit hybrid solution focussed on natural ventilation with heat recovery- its Mistrale Fusion System (MFS). The company’s pioneering approach has continued, with the evolution of the system that now enables simple addition of extra elements.

Thus, the core MFS is manufactured as a standard product, with ‘add-on’ items to meet the varying specifications of each project. Elements such as heating coils, filters, silencers, duct connection outlets and louvre transformation, plus a range of air volumes for warm up or purge ventilation, to supplement the standard airflow rates, ensure the MFS brings a comprehensive hybrid solution to the extensive, variable building demands for ventilation.

“Using this modular approach makes it as simple as possible for the precise needs of each room to be met, in line with the latest F.O.S and BB101 requirements,” explains Gilberts’ Technical Director Roy Jones. “It means the MFS is retained as a standard, individual module to which bespoke parts are added in compliance with the architectural requirements, simplifying and accelerating the whole building services design, supply and installation process.

Further, because Gilberts undertakes all R&D in-house, it can still efficiently tailor-engineer the MFS to create a bespoke answer to individual project demands. Thus, all involved in the construction supply process benefit from a commercially viable single source strategy.

The approach has been exemplified in delivery of a number of schools- new build and refurbishment. Gilberts’ MFS enabled the precise requirements of each classroom to be accommodated- level of occupation, room orientation, site geography- even in those learning spaces with complex needs such as IT suites, science laboratories and SEN special needs classrooms.

It also meant project-specific design constraints could be overcome- for example one façade included a 6° deviation from the vertical, so Gilberts engineered a bespoke duct transition piece and special louvre system to ensure an airtight fit. In another, there was no suitable external façade, so Gilberts engineered a vertical solution to provide intake and extraction through the roof.

“The flexibility of the product are limited only by the building designer’s imagination!” adds Roy Jones. “The standard permutations cover almost every core requirement; our ability to develop, engineer and test bespoke strategies means that an issue which may normally be a deal-breaker can be addressed and turned into a deal-maker: a true one stop shop solution with the benefits of modular design.”

MFS is just part of Gilberts’ diverse range of ventilation systems, grilles, louvres and diffusers which, coupled with its in-house expertise, have established it as the leading independent supplier of air movement solutions in the UK.Family-owned, Gilberts has a 55 year pedigree in developing and manufacturing innovative air movement solutions. It is unique in its sector in its ability to design, engineer and supply its products with all processes undertaken in-house at its 85,000ft2 head office and manufacturing facility in Blackpool.

For more information please visit www.gilbertsblackpool.com.
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CIF Bids: helping to transform the learning environment

A well designed, comfortable, safe and healthy environment is critical when creating an effective learning space for young students.

With many older school buildings now deteriorating and suffering from a range of condition issues such as leaking roofs, spalling concrete, unsafe glazing, and uninsulated cavity walls, this ideal environment has become more difficult to achieve. Aside from the visible damage to a school’s buildings, the unseen dangers are of equal concern – an inadequate ventilation strategy results in poor indoor air quality and high levels of CO2 which can cause fatigue amongst the students, while the health implications are considerable.

With public budgets tightened and traditional sources of funding now less available, academies and colleges are becoming more reliant on the government’s Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) to support vital refurbishment work and tackle overcrowding by expanding. Competition is fierce – the fund was 4x oversubscribed in the 2017-2018 bidding round with only 1,510 out of 3,800 applications meeting CIF’s stringent criteria.

Projects are scored against three assessment criteria; need (70%), planning (15%) and value for money (15%). Priority is given to projects focused on compliance issues, health and safety failings, and the condition of the building’s fabric, so a bid application must demonstrate the severity of the concerns and the urgency of the need for funding – this can be challenging.

When the team at The Canterbury Academy in Kent were preparing their CIF proposal for a full facade replacement on the main classroom block, the school’s Business Manager and their chosen Consultant approached specialist glazing and cladding contractor Prima Systems to carry out a ‘Facade Condition Report’ to be included in the bid. A detailed cost and deliverability plan for the recommended works and supporting technical drawings were also requested.

Prima Systems has an excellent track record of contributing to successful funding applications for schools in London and the Home Counties. Their facade condition report examines all aspects of a building’s facade, recording all damage, defects and associated compliance failings – all backed up with photographic evidence. Technical data including indoor air quality readings obtained using remote monitoring software and heat loss coefficient calculations help to illustrate the improvements a new facade could offer.

In order to produce the report, a detailed survey of the ‘Crittall’ style steel facade was conducted. It highlighted many concerning issues with the windows, the locks and restrictors, the frames, the lack of ventilation, and the poor state of the facade, that had an adverse effect on the indoor air quality and thermal control.

The bid was announced as successful in April – and the full facade replacement project was underway soon after, transformed with a thermally efficient facade consisting of Rehau 70 PVCu framing, solar control glass, and steel insulated panels. It is expected to extend the lifespan of the building by up to 30 years, and the school will also benefit from reduced maintenance costs and utility bills.

Confirmation of your funding takes you to the next stage of your school improvement project – the construction site stage. Coordinating the school’s activities around a live construction environment can be taxing – preparation and flexibility are key. Summer holidays provide a window of opportunity, but depending on the scope of the project the installation is likely to run into term time – as it did when Prima Systems were undertaking a full facade refurbishment at Norton Knatchbull School in Ashford in 2017.

Noise assessments were performed to determine the effects of work on each elevation – it was determined that the fixing of the cladding brackets was too loud to be carried out during school hours so a weekend schedule was implemented. Attaching the cladding boards was less disruptive so the team would return to that area during the week. Exams were taking place at key points of the installation so teams would switch between the different phases around the site to allow work to continue.

Norton Knatchbull School was awarded the funding based on the poor state of repair of the building’s structure and environmental performance failings. To combat the issues, a high performing, energy efficient combination of cladding and glazing systems were specified to improve the thermal efficiency, ventilation, and temperature control in the building, and visually transform the dilapidated facade of the school.

Owing to the scale and complexity of this project, Prima Systems provided a fully integrated approach with a full design package of detailed drawings and specifications, allowing the interfacing details between the glazing and cladding elements to be resolved before being on site.

Sapa Dualframe aluminium casement windows were selected for their high thermal efficiency, energy performance, and low maintenance requirements, with high level windows fitted with teleflex remote gearing and vents. Jack TD68 thermally broken commercial doors were used throughout with robust, heavy duty hardware to suit the environment, including fire escape hardware and remote automatic door gearing to the main entrance doors. The glass requirements were calculated and specified to provide the best possible U-value whilst also achieving the correct LT and G values that best suited each elevation.

Roof replacement works were also included in the bid so this, coupled with the cladding system specified by Prima Systems, provided a watertight and thermally efficient building envelope.

The Condition Improvement Fund can help to dramatically transform your school if it has fallen into disrepair due to both financial and operational constraints. But securing the funding is just the start of the challenges – you need a team of invested subcontractors involved from the start who will advise and guide you through the process ensuring you achieve the best outcome for your school.

For more information please visit www.primasystems.co.uk.
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Highs and lows of student life

GEZE products are giving students access to the highs and lows of student life in a development which incorporates a 21-storey tower block and three low-rise residences.

Chamberlain Hall – part of University of Birmingham’s Vale Village scheme – saw the replacement of the 50-year-old Eden Town, known as High Hall and its associated wings – with new purpose-built accommodation.

It provides a home-from-home for 725 students in either en-suite study bedrooms in clusters of five or six, which share a kitchen/lounge – or self-contained studios.

GEZE products were used throughout the development. Every bedroom and circulation door, more than 800 in total, is fitted with a TS 3000 EC. This surface mounted door closer has a low opening force, requiring less energy to open it, making it a great choice for an educational building.

It adheres to strictest safety standards, and not only features an adjustable hydraulic latching action, closing force and closing speed, but also incorporates a sleek guide rail rather than an obtrusive arm to make it safer choice for residents.

Kitchen Doors were fitted with the TS 4000 EFS – a pinion toothed door closer with free swing arm function which enables people to go through the door while applying little physical force once the door has been initially opened. It has an electro hold-open function which ensures safe closing of the door in an event of a fire.

TS 5000 E closers were fitted to lobby doors. They are fitted with electro-mechanical hold-open devices which are released in the event of a fire closing the door safely. The TS 5000 E is suitable for doors up to 1400mm in width and has adjustable closing force, size EN 2-6, adjustable closing speed, hydraulic latching action and hydraulic back check.

Fifteen GEZE Slimdrive EMD-F electro-mechanical swing door operators were fitted to entrance doors and rooms for disabled students.

They are almost silent in operation, with the capacity to move large and heavy, single leaf doors with ease. The Slimdrive EMD-F operators are extremely durable which mean that they are the ideal low-maintenance solution for areas of heavy footfall such as student accommodation.

Students living in the tower benefit from lake-side views across the Vale, a Grade 2 historic park and garden, and those on the upper floors enjoy vistas right across the city. The three low rise blocks have been designed to sit at an angle maximising views across the Vale.

Said Andy Howland, GEZE’s director of sales and marketing: “A range of GEZE products has been used throughout this development to provide the ideal solution to a selection of doors that all need to perform different uses, in different areas of the building. The end result provides University of Birmingham students with quality, purpose-built accommodation, which is surrounded by nature whilst being in the heart of the city.”

University of Birmingham project manager, Daniel Holmes, said “It is always important in such a critical University project that we work with suppliers we can rely on. The GEZE products fit the bill and we are pleased with how they have performed.”

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic operators, manual door closers and window technology products call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk.
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Consort Claudgen launches SL single-zone controllers

Consort Claudgen have introduced three new wireless controllers which can be connected to one or multiple SL heaters to form an SL heating system. All controllers have comfort and setback temperatures settings.

The SLPB and SLVT controllers have a control button with status indicators and a 4-stage run-back timer where a heating period remains active until the run-back timer expires. There is a choice of three time periods available: 5, 15 or 30 minutes. When the button is pressed four times, this takes the run-back time period to 20, 60 or 120 minutes.

Additionally, the SLVT has temperature control buttons and a digital display to show the room temperature. The SLTI, however, features a 7-day timer with three heating periods per day and is designed with four large control buttons with an electronic lock to prevent tampering with controls.

For details, visit www.consortepl.com or call Sales at 01646 692172.
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‘Best Practice’ guidelines update accommodate disabled students

New ‘best practice’ guidelines have been published that, for the first time, specifically address disabled student accommodation.

Simultaneously, Britain’s leading provider of disabled toileting solutions, Closomat, is announcing new developments that enable providers to comply, stylishly, with a unique package from specification, through fitting to future service & maintenance.

The options help enable providers to meet the growing number of disabled students, which now represents almost 10% of the student population in the UK!

BS8300:2018 Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment extends the remit of compliance covered under its predecessor BS8300:2009. The latest version is not specific to new build projects, and applies to all building types that require permanent sleeping accommodation for disabled people.

It also, for the first time, incorporates a specific set of criteria for student accommodation bedrooms. Under the new guidelines, up to 4% of bedrooms should be wheelchair accessible, up to 1% of rooms should include a fixed track hoist system, and up to 5% should be easily adaptable for independent wheelchair use. If only one accessible bedroom is provided, it should include an accessible shower room, with the preferred solution being a level access shower with shower seat if required, and include a WC. The adaptable rooms should have the space and design features to allow for addition of grab rails, shower seats, with ceiling height to allow for a track hoist (2.4m).

Closomat offers a range of contemporary ceiling track hoist systems that can be tailored to individual needs, enabling movement and transfer within a room, through to an en-suite, or beyond.

In the bathroom, it can provide a stylish wall track system, that integrates with a range of fixtures such as grab rails, height-adjustable or fixed washbasins, shower seats, enabling quick and easy adaptation to individual occupant needs.

Its range of wash & dry toilets take accessibility into higher realms of inclusion and intimate hygiene, with contemporary styled floor- standing, wall-mounted and height adjustable variants. Wash and dry toilets have the added benefit of satisfying cultural and religious considerations, regardless of the enhanced hygiene they provide against conventional wiping.

“Accessibility is a growing consideration in building design,” explains Robin Tuffley, Closomat marketing manager. “Disabled student numbers have increased by 56% in less than a decade, so it’s a sector that accommodation providers need to consider, and address.

“As the new British Standard points out, because such accommodation is booked or reserved in advance, there is greater scope for it to be adapted correctly, as required, to suit an individual student. It goes so far as to advise that in effect a ‘show flat/ bedroom’ should be provided on build completion so people can asses how their requirement may be met!”

Closomat’s website www.clos-o-mat.com is the ‘go to’ resource to help take the first steps towards efficient accessibility provision, including design guidance, white papers, CAD blocks, NBS specification clauses and case studies.

The information represents the combined wealth of knowledge amassed from over 55 years’ helping disabled people optimise their dignity and independence in the bathroom, at home and away.

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Armstrong Ceilings feature in university’s striking new library

A mix of metal and mineral ceiling and wall systems from Armstrong were specified for a new development at Royal Holloway, University of London, one of the top 30 universities in the UK.

The new BREEAM “Excellent” rated library and student services centre, named the Emily Wilding Davison Building after one of the university’s most famous alumni, is set in a new landscaped events square at the heart of the university’s campus in Egham, Surrey.

The 10,500m2 state-of-the-art building delivers inspirational library and study spaces, together with student facing services under one roof, putting enhanced student experience at the forefront.

Some 1,000m2 of RAL 9010 Armstrong custom Metal B-H 300 ceiling planks, Metal R-H 200 ceiling tiles and custom Metal W-H 1100 wall panels, as well as Armstrong’s Cradle to Cradle certified Perla OP mineral tiles on a Prelude 15 TL grid were specified by Associated Architects for the £57 million new Davison Building at Royal Holloway.

The Metal B-H 300 perforated linear planks with acoustic fleece on a 300mm C-profile were used for the soffit of the triple-height atrium at the core of a series of wings and for three link bridges at first and second floor levels, while the Metal R-H 200 Hook-On tiles and Perla OP mineral tiles (which perform to sound absorption class A and are 85% light reflectant) on a Prelude 15 TL grid feature in offices.

Project architect Joe Belcher said: “We were looking for a product that, in conjunction with the perforated timber veneer panelling, would help provide absorption to soften the acoustic of the atrium. As well as providing a neat and crisp aesthetic, we chose a self-finished material to avoid an unnecessary maintenance burden, especially relevant for tall spaces where maintenance access requires special equipment.

“We were especially pleased with the way the Armstrong product has been coordinated to align with other features such as the large feature rooflights. The 300mm plank module and edge trims enabled us to ensure the crisp junctions envisaged were achieved. For all these reasons, and the fact that Armstrong is a known and trusted name for our clients, it made sense to specify Armstrong.”

Throughout the building, a careful, consistent approach was taken to the internal character. Associated Architects developed a mature and sophisticated interior scheme to fit in with the university’s campus. This included visual concrete columns and soffits, extensive timber finishes and feature lighting.

Extensive areas of exposed visual quality light grey concrete to soffits, columns and stair core walls form part of the passive thermal strategy for the building, allowing generous floor-to-ceiling heights which give a sense of permanence and solidity.

Joe Belcher added: “As a practice we regularly specify Armstrong products. As well as the more common modular suspended ceiling format which regularly appears in education, higher education and commercial office projects, we have used Armstrong products in previous laboratory and library projects.”

The Armstrong ceiling and wall systems were installed by specialist sub-contractor Rosguill Developments for main contractor Osborne. The Davison Building officially opened in October 2017.

For more information please visit www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/
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Building for builders

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Paul Gouland, Marketing Director at Clugston Construction, explores the design and build of Leeds College of Building’s new state-of-the-art campus development, and explains how it was delivered successfully through the YORbuild2 regional framework.

Leeds College of Building has built an exceptional reputation for first-class further education on construction, educating future construction professionals since 1960, and offering over 200 courses across a huge range of disciplines. So, when the college set about ambitious plans for a brand-new £13m campus development in Leeds’s South Bank, they knew only an exemplary build would do.

Using the YORbuild2 Contractors Framework to quickly procure its delivery team, Clugston Construction and architectural practice Fuse Studios were appointed, and immediately set about planning the complex logistics and timetable to deliver the whole project.

With such a challenging build programme, and in order to achieve the high standards that Leeds College of Building required, Clugston knew that a collaborative approach with the College was fundamental to seamlessly deliver a comprehensive scheme within tight timescales. By engaging with the client and design team from the early stages of the scheme, Clugston Construction have built a close relationship with the College and design team to ensure effective communication is maintained throughout the building phase.

Supported by an £11.9m grant through the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) growth deal, the state-of-the-art building, which is located alongside the College’s existing South Bank campus, will consist of a 5,200m2 four-storey building with a range of classrooms, workshops and technical support areas.

At the heart of the new facility sits an imposing full height atrium which splits the facility in two clear areas, with the workshops located on one side of the building and the classroom areas situated on the other. Topped with a pair of polyester powder coated (PPC) aluminium framed glazed roof lights, which flood the facilities with natural light, this creates a stunning central space which houses a café and student meeting areas.

A glazed balcony running around the perimeter overlooking the central area maintains an open airy feel, allowing access to the classrooms, meeting rooms and technical workshops on the upper level. In keeping with the desire to create an open and bright atmosphere throughout the College, the design also incorporates full height windows, highlighted by bright green aluminium surrounds, throughout the building.

Externally, the building combines striking grey anodized profile aluminium curtain walling to give the facility a modern look, and complementary grey and red brickwork to maintain the historic architectural elements of the surrounding city.

High-quality materials have been utilised throughout the build, with the roof over the classroom area made up of a single ply membrane over ridged insulated VCC metal decking and purlins, whilst the workshop roof is constructed using a Kingspan KS1000RW composite system featuring aluminium framed north lights.

Constructed with a lightweight steel frame, the result of team wide collaboration, floors are formed using a composite metal deck with an in-situ cast concrete slab. Meanwhile the two lift towers are formed using precast concrete units, which sit within the steel frame.

A number of innovative features are also included internally to enhance the teaching experience for pupils. Specially constructed building pods are situated within the workshop areas. Used to teach plumbing and mechanical and electrical (M&E), the pods are designed to replicate the construction of a typical timber frame building. A number of bespoke pods, with specially installed extract systems, have also been mounted to teach welding skills in a safe environment for pupils.

As well as tight delivery timescales, to meet the start of the 2019 academic year, practical considerations in terms of the build also had to be taken into account.

Situated on a tight parcel of land just off the centre of Leeds, and surrounded by a network of busy roads, considerable thought had to be given to the delivery of the major components and materials.

The College is situated on made up ground which was formerly occupied by industrial process facilities including part of the famous Tetley Brewery. Consequently, developing stable ground conditions for the foundations was an essential requirement. To achieve this, Clugston introduced a number of innovative techniques, including both Rapid Impact Compaction and Dynamic Ground Stabilisation which quickly prepared the terrain. This mitigated the need for piling – delivering cost and programme value engineering savings during the pre-construction stage.

The construction and refurbishment of educational facilities can pose significant challenges for the schools, colleges, universities, and construction companies alike. However, at Leeds College of Building, Clugston Construction has demonstrated how a collaborative approach can help deliver projects to meet key term dates and budgets.

Following the project delivery, Clugston now offers added value by supporting the College’s students by providing technical presentations on construction subjects from health and safety planning to building services, as well as organising visits to other construction sites.

For more information, visit www.clugston.co.uk
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The perfect window for schools and student accommodation

30 years ago, most windows were timber and maintenance was a major bug-bear. There was almost no requirement for thermal or sound insulation, glass was single glazed, little concern existed for the environment, or security – and the concept of ‘whole life costs’ and thus, ‘best value’, was just a dream in the minds of the more enlightened.

Since then, the introduction of PVC and aluminium windows to reduce maintenance, worked well for a while, but then, these new window materials began to struggle under the inexorable rise in performance requirements under Building Regulations, ecological considerations, global warming, architectural preferences and clients wishing to exceed these performance standards, even further.

Thinking outside the box and using synergy, a ‘smarter’ solution was developed by some industry innovators, exploring better uses of current materials.

Timber, despite its susceptibility to water, has many benefits of sustainability, inherent insulation and acoustic properties, ease of workability, and a desirable appearance – and when engineered into laminated profiles, becomes extremely strong and dimensionally stable (Example: Structural “H” beams).
Aluminium on the other hand, is a very poor insulator, and lacks the appeal of a warm internal finish, but makes an excellent water barrier.

So, combining the two and making an engineered timber window, with all those added benefits, but protecting it from water, by fitting an outer shield of aluminium – and the “Composite” Window was born – which has since become a legendary revolution in the industry, outpacing the growth of all other window types, in recent years. This applies equally to progressive designers of Schools and Student Accommodation, since long life, minimum maintenance, low U values, high acoustic attenuation and competitive pricing are all essential.

One of these leading pioneers, in the mid 1980’s, was the Uniform Group, in Italy, who manufacture exclusively, the uni_one® Composite Window System, which, today, sells all around the World.

Introduced into UK, in 2014, through Uniform Architectural Ltd (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Uniform) the many benefits of the uni_one® system, even over other composite windows, have been welcomed and appreciated by clients, architects and contractors, alike. Many unique features set uni_one® apart, as follows:-

Examples –
A) Structurally bonded glass to improve strength and rigidity allowing much larger sashes to be produced, which architects and clients often prefer.
B) Vulcanised gaskets providing a continuous seal around the glass corners for much better and more durable weather-sealing.
C) Internal timber profiles are veneered in a variety of finishes, to provide significantly longer life, durability, appearance and protection from wear and tear, especially in heavy duty applications.
D) Unusually high acoustic performance, avoiding the need for secondary glazing is available beyond Rw50 and especially suited for traffic noise attenuation.
E) Triple glazing can take U values down to well below 0.8 W/M2K.
F) Sheer quality of manufacture of the finished product, cause many customers to ‘adopt’ us as their preferred window supplier, recommending us to their clients on future schemes.
G) Cost advantages over others on Tilt & Turn windows, due to economies of scale from high volume manufacture across Europe.
H) Cost advantages over aluminium-only windows, whose increasing raw material prices now make them more expensive than our composite windows, very often! Ironically!
I) An enthusiasm and passion by all within this Italian family owned business, to make the best window on the market; to embrace customer’s special requirements and strive to meet their needs.

For more information please visit www.uniform-arch.co.uk, call 01275 217227 or email enquiries@uniform-arch.co.uk.
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A new era for Electric Heating

Some recent regulation and technology developments could signal a new era for Electric Heating. Innovative Electric Heating and Hot Water experts, The Electric Heating Company, explore these developments and how Schools, Offices and Public Buildings could benefit.

The common perception of Electric Heating is that it comprises ageing electric storage heaters which are expensive to run, often difficult to control and provide a poor heating experience. However, a new regulation and technology developments provide further evidence that this perception could not be further from the truth. The Electric Heating Company (“EHC”) have long been advocates of modern electric heating systems and welcome this new regulation and technology developments.

A new energy efficiency standard, ‘LOT 20,’ technology developments relating to demand side response management and improvements in the combination of electric heating and Renewables all show that electric heating should not be discounted as a heating solution for your School or Property.

New ‘LOT 20’ Energy Efficiency Standards

On the 1st January 2018, a new regulation affecting “the ecodesign requirements for local space heaters” became effective. This derives from an EU Commission Regulation transposed into UK Law under the Energy Related Products Regulations (ERP). This new regulation is often referred to as ‘LOT 20’ and requires any new local space heating system installed from this date onwards to be compliant with set energy efficiency standards.

The aim of LOT 20 is to reduce the energy consumption through accurate management and control of electric heating appliances and minimise wasted energy. To meet the objectives of LOT 20, better use of intelligent timers, controls and sensors must be made. Standard on/off heating appliances without such controls will no longer be compliant and manufacturers and distributors will no longer be able to sell these.

Any new local space heating system installed from 1 January 2018 onwards must be compliant with the new LOT 20 performance standards. The legislation is not retrospective, so existing systems in place will not be affected.

To be LOT 20 compliant, heaters will in general now need to include 3 key features:

  • 24/7 time and temperature control, either built in or through wireless/WIFI APP.
  • Electronic thermostatic control for accurate room temperature measurement.
  • Open window/door recognition so the heater can reduce usage if the user leaves a door or window open reducing the room temperature rapidly. Some radiators will have a have a smart start facility included, which allows the heater to choose the time it engages to bring the room up to the required temperature set by the user.

All heaters must also meet a minimum seasonal space heating energy efficiency requirement too.

This new regulation change is welcomed by EHC and will stop basic static storage heaters and electric panel heaters with basic manual controls from being available for sale. All new electric heating systems will be fully controllable 24/7 for time and temperature purposes. Furthermore, advanced technology like open window sensors should reduce consumption when windows or doors are left open.

EHC have been well prepared for this new regulation. The EHC DSR Electric Combination Radiators, an update to the EHC Combination Radiators which have proven very popular in many Schools across the UK, have been LOT 20 compliant since January 2017. This range of LOT 20 compliant radiators continue to offer full controllability, ease of operation and, on the correct electricity tariff, continue to be affordable to run. Through a central programmer School Janitors will still be able to control the time and temperature of the whole heating system to suit the School.
Room thermostats and individual radiator controls also allow Teachers to control individual classroom temperatures.

Demand Side Response Technology

Demand Side Response (“DSR”) is about the use of electricity, rather than how it is generated, and promotes the smart use of energy to shift demand for electricity in real time. DSR technology can reduce peaks in demand when National Grid might struggle to supply and reward for consumption in off peak periods. DSR is now widely accepted as a smart way for Large Businesses to reduce their total energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. Over the past few years, DSR technology has been developing rapidly and is now ready for implementation on a smaller scale.

EHC have been closely monitoring advances in DSR technology and over the past 18 months have developed their own solution; the DSR Electric Combination Radiator. Through a Smart WiFi DSR Control System, a Consumer can control the time and temperature settings of up to 30 radiators anytime and anywhere. The special features of the DSR system also allow the Consumer to limit electricity consumption to avoid exceeding the maximum power available or to limit consumption in peak periods when electricity tariffs are at their most expensive.

EHC are expanding this DSR Control System and are currently trialling the ability of this DSR Control System to respond to external signals for frequency response and time of use tariff purposes. This will allow groups of DSR Electric Combination Radiators, potentially thousands at a time, to have their consumption reduced or turned off for a short period of time by an Aggregator. This may be required if frequency problems are detected on the Grid or if Power Companies introduce time of use tariffs which make it expensive to consume in times of peak demand.

Further, Power Companies may offer Renewable led electricity tariffs which provide Consumers with cheaper electricity if they consume when Renewable generation is prevalent. Being able to respond to these requirements will reduce electricity costs for Consumers as frequency response payments or cheaper time of use tariffs are made available.

The DSR Electric Combination Radiator has an element of in built heat storage as a result of the magmatic tablets at the core of the radiator. This, therefore, should ensure there is no compromise to the heating provided for Consumers when their heating is turned down or off through the DSR Control System.

This DSR Control System provides further evidence that electric heating is a developing technology and becoming an even more affordable form of heating. As Schools often have large heat requirements, the benefits a DSR electric heating system could provide will be even greater.

Solar PV Secondary Heating

In early 2016 EHC were approached by several Consumers who installed Solar PV arrays across a range of properties. These Consumers were mindful of the reduction in Feed in Tariff and wanted to increase their utilisation of the Solar PV generation to achieve greater cost savings. They asked if EHC could provide a cost effective solution which could increase PV self-consumption and provide ‘free’ heating for their Properties. Specifically, some wanted to provide additional ‘free’ heating for Tenants who are elderly or fuel poor.

To assist these Consumers, EHC designed a Solution that utilised Solar PV Ready Radiators working in conjunction with an Intelligent Controller. This ensured that the Property is using all of the Solar PV energy being generated and minimising what generation is sent back to the Grid. The system will operate in a manner that the feed in tariff received for generation is not affected and can still be received by the appropriate party.

The Solar PV Ready Radiators have a ceramic core which benefit from partial storage and can operate from as low as a small trickle of current being fed to them up to the full current required to heat the radiator to its maximum output. The Intelligent Controller ensures the Property’s power demand e.g. for lighting, the kettle, vacuum cleaner, television etc. is met first by the Solar PV generation and only the excess PV generation not otherwise utilised is sent to the Solar PV Ready Radiators. The Intelligent Controller can also operate with a Hot Water Cylinder should the preference be to divert heat to the Property’s Hot Water Cylinder during the summer months.

The intention of these Solar PV Ready Radiators is not to provide a whole heating system for a property but to provide a background heat during the day or provide heat to rooms which are not normally heated e.g. storage cupboards, small classes, meeting rooms or offices.

To prove this Solar PV Secondary Heating system can provide benefits and costs savings, EHC ran comprehensive trials of the system over a 12 month period in 27 properties. EHC chose an independent third party specialist, Delta EE, to monitor and analyse the Trial results.

The final Trial results proved to be significantly better than any prior predictions made by Delta EE. The Trial results achieved were:

  • The Solution increased PV self-consumption on average by 42%
  • Average estimated Annual Bill Savings of £42 for properties with Gas Central Heating and £185 for properties with all Electric Heating
  • Average estimated CO2 Savings of 199kg for properties with Gas Central Heating and 868kg for properties with all Electric Heating
  • Average room temperature increase of 3°C in rooms fitted

The stand out result, however, has been the Consumer feedback received. All Consumers who participated in the Trials found the Solution a benefit and that it ‘makes sense for others to use.’ Specifically, some commented the difference in room temperatures was noticeable and rooms not previously heated were now ‘a pleasant temperature.’ Some also commented that the financial savings ‘will continue to increase if Energy Tariffs continue to rise.’

With these great results and positive Tenant feedback, EHC hope this Solution will be given credence by the UK Government in the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) Regulations.

This Solar PV Secondary Heating System would ensure that Schools and other Buildings with Solar PV arrays installed maximise their PV self-consumption. The Solar PV Ready Radiators would provide additional heat during the day for hard to heat rooms and provide cost and CO2 savings.

If you would like to find out more about LOT 20, DSR technology or this innovative Solar PV Secondary Heating Solution and discuss the Trial results in detail, please do not hesitate to contact EHC on 01698 820 533 or email info@electric-heatingcompany.co.uk. For more information please visit www.electric-heatingcompany.co.uk.
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