Kingspan insulates services on visionary science building

The Kingspan Kooltherm FM Complete Pipe Insulation System and Kingspan Kooltherm FM Duct Insulation have been installed as part of Coventry University’s flagship scientific teaching and research building, contributing towards the building’s BREEAM ’Excellent’ rating and delivering a high level of fire resistance performance through the use of intumescent lined Kingspan Kooltherm FireSleeves.

The £59 million Science and Health Building has been constructed by BAM. The multi-disciplinary complex consolidates existing research facilities within new ‘super-labs’ and provides state-of-the-art healthcare simulation space. Broadway Malyan’s design is comprised of flexible spaces which can be easily adapted over time to meet the University’s changing requirements.

M&E consultants, Buro Happold, collaborated with NG Bailey M&E and Thermal Clad to ensure that the building services achieved outstanding energy performance. Their specification included 14,000 lm of Kingspan Kooltherm FM Pipe Insulation (as part of the Kingspan Kooltherm FM Complete Pipe Insulation System) and 5000 m2 of circular and rectangular Kingspan Kooltherm FM Duct Insulation. The products feature premium performance insulation cores with thermal conductivities as low as 0.025 W/m.K and 0.022 W/m.K respectively.

Kingspan Kooltherm FM Pipe and Duct Insulation also offer excellent reaction to fire performance and are FM Approved to Class 4924 when installed in accordance with the conditions defined by the approval. As part of the Kingspan Kooltherm FM Complete Pipe Insulation System, Kingspan Kooltherm FireSleeves were installed around the pipework at penetrations. When exposed to high levels of heat, the intumescent material within these products swells and forms a hard char. This closes any gaps between the pipework and the penetration edge, maintaining proper compartmentation. They can act as a 2-hour fire stop to BS EN 1366 Part 3 on both steel and copper pipe service penetrations through block wall applications.

As a key element within the Kingspan Kooltherm FM Complete Pipe Insulation System, Kingspan Kooltherm Insulated Pipe Support Inserts were also installed. Thermal analysis has shown that these inserts can limit heat loss through pipe supports by as much as a factor of five when compared with metal pipe clips, further reducing energy demand from the building services. Slotted Kingspan Kooltherm FM Pipe Insulation was also installed at the University to insulate large diameter pipework.

Kingspan Kooltherm FM Pipe and Duct Insulation have been assigned a highest possible 2008 Green Guide Summary Rating of A+ by the BRE. Kingspan Kooltherm FM Pipe Insulation has also and has been awarded a best-in-class Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold certificate, recognising it as outstanding material according to the VOC Indoor Air Quality emissions standards. Kingspan Kooltherm FM Pipe Insulation is the first pipe insulation product to attain BDA Agrement® certification under the scheme.

In addition to its free Pipeline Technical Advisory Service which can be contacted on 0808 168 7363, Kingspan Industrial Insulation has now also launched Premier and Premier Plus Services. These services support purchases of Kooltherm FM Pipe Insulation and the Kooltherm FM Complete Pipe Insulation System (incorporating insulated pipe support inserts and Kooltherm FireSleeves) respectively, delivering clear advice and guidance at every stage in a project, from the initial specification, to site visits and certification.

For more information please visit www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk.
/0 Comments/by

Polyflor LVT and Safety Flooring join forces for school refurbishment

Flooring products from two of Polyflor’s most popular luxury vinyl tile and safety flooring ranges were chosen to help refurbish the school hall, classrooms and corridors at St Wilfrid’s Church of England Academy in Blackburn.

Over 1400m² of Expona Design PUR luxury vinyl tiles and Polysafe Modena PUR safety flooring was installed by local flooring contractors Rishton Floorcraft Ltd at the mixed secondary school and sixth form.

The grey wood effect Silvered Driftwood shade from the Expona Design collection covered 600m² in the school’s busy dining hall. Featuring 28 stunning wood, stone and abstract effects, the heavy commercial Expona Design PUR luxury vinyl tile collection will provide years of performance in education environments where there are high levels of foot traffic.

Polysafe Modena safety flooring in the Galena and Jetstone shades were installed to provide sustainable wet slip resistance in the academy’s classrooms and corridors. 21 rolls (840m²) of flooring was used with light grey Galena as the main floor colour and the darker Jetstone to create contrasting borders.

Manufactured in the UK, Polysafe Modena flooring features a sophisticated micro-granite decoration in a selection of neutral and bright shades and incorporates clear aluminium oxide safety particles through the performance layer of the vinyl which are virtually invisible to the naked eye, ensuring an attractive yet safe floor finish for use in commercial areas such as the education sector.

Like all Polysafe ranges, Modena meets slip resistance requirements, achieving 36+ on the Pendulum Wet Test with full conformance to HSE Guidelines and EN 13845, as well as passing the 50,000 cycles abrasion test demonstrating the sustainability of slip resistant performance. Both Polysafe Modena and Expona Design products are enhanced with Polyflor’s exclusive and robust PUR polyurethane reinforcement which is cross linked and UV cured to provide a fuss-free cleaning and maintenance regime.

Samples of both these ranges can be ordered free of charge on the Polyflor website or by calling the Polyflor Samples Direct Hotline on 0161 767 2551.

The environmental credentials of these flooring products are impressive, achieving a BRE A+ rating for major use areas in the education sector and Indoor Air Comfort Gold, assuring that VOC emissions are below any globally determined levels. Both collections contain recycled materials and are 100% recyclable via the Recofloor vinyl take back scheme.

Polyflor’s education brochure demonstrates how vinyl can be the perfect flooring solution for education environments, from nurseries to universities.

To order your free copy or read online, visit the Polyflor website or email info@polyflor.com. Further details of Polyflor’s extensive range of resilient vinyl flooring are available from Polyflor Ltd, Radcliffe New Road, Whitefield, Manchester, M45 7NR. Tel: 0161 767 1111. Fax: 0161 767 1128.
/0 Comments/by

Rinnai: space heater range, easy to install, trouble free long life warmth – new additions

Rinnai have added to its range of Energysaver gas fired space heaters which are designed specifically for use in schools, community centres, libraries, conservatories, churches and other large indoor spaces. The range has seen many thousands of installations over the past several years – trouble-free, easy to install and cost effective and efficient operation and performance.

The recent additions to the range are the Rinnai Energysaver 559FT and a new streamlined look to the popular Energysaver 309FT.

Sporting very sleek casing, the heaters simply blend into the background in line with the need of modern interior aesthetics while offering exceptionally high efficiencies in operation and subsequently reduced running costs.

Changes to the Energysaver 559T have been made to the operation board which is now an easy to use touch-control pad sited conveniently and discreetly on top of the appliance, (rather than on the front with a flip up cover). The unit is also supplied with a child lock to eliminate any problem of small hands tampering with the controls.

Add to these advantages are the timer function and eco mode combined with the new unit’s ability to heat big spaces very fast.

The 559FT has an input of 6.4kW and output of 5.2kW. The streamlined unit measures 554mm x 750mm x 250mm.

The Rinnai Energysaver 309FT, like the 559FT, sports a similar sleek casing and turns in net efficiencies of 88%.

It has an input of 3.4kW and output of 2.92kW. The unit measures 695mm x 465mm x 257mm. Natural Gas usage has been pegged at 0.31m3 while LPG consumption is 0.26kg/hr.

Also available is the Energysaver 1004T with its impressive input of 11.6kW and outputs 10.23kW. Its measurements are 670mm x 930mm x 315mm and it has energy efficiencies of 96% under the guidance of Part L 2014. This puts it in the top rank of space heaters in its class.

Like the Energy Saver 559FT and 309FT, the 1004T heater is also suitable for central timer control. This feature allows the building manager to run any number of Rinnai space heaters off a central time clock providing heat to the largest of spaces. The Energysaver Multi controller is not limited to single Energysavers as the flexibility of the system guarantees units can be mixed and matched to satisfy even the most unique of buildings.

Rinnai Energysaver units are very easy to install as they do not need expensive and extensive ductwork, nor do they involve the necessity to run domestic heating circuits for radiators or pipework to boilers. This drastically cuts down on cost and time at the point of installation.

Rinnai’s Energysaver range delivers energy-efficient and consistent warm air powered by Natural Gas and LPG options. The units feature fully modulating burners so heat output and energy input is reduced as the space warms up.

The Rinnai Energysaver range comprises fanned convection-powered flue models that exceed seasonal thermal heating guidance under Building Regs Part L.

In a building with high vaulted ceilings, with conventional convector heaters, the heat will immediately rise to the ceiling. With the Energysaver range Rinnai has successfully come up with a solution that heats from the floor up and by modulating gas usage in relation to room temperature, provides unparalleled levels of comfort combined with efficiency.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
/0 Comments/by

Use shutdown periods to treat heating systems, advises Sentinel Commercial

Water treatment specialist, Sentinel Commercial, is urging building maintenance engineers in the education sector to take advantage of planned shutdowns over the holidays to review water quality in boiler plants and implement any necessary chemical treatments, such as system cleaning and inhibitor dosing. These procedures, which can take several days or more to complete depending on the size and complexity of a system, are vital to the health of boilers and heating systems as a whole; those which do not receive adequate water treatment are likely to suffer from excess energy consumption, poor heat transfer, premature repairs and parts replacements, and breakdowns.

“Often, insufficient time is allocated for proper water treatment, and this can leave commercial heating systems vulnerable to a range of very serious and costly problems, including complete boiler failure and unexpected downtime. Shutdown periods represent the ideal opportunity for engineers to undertake programmes of best practice water treatment, thereby ensuring maximum protection and energy efficiency of those heating systems,” explained Chris Shelton, Sales Director of Sentinel Commercial.

Best practice water treatment, which comprises system cleaning, protection and maintenance, is able to deliver lifetime protection to boilers and heating system components through the prevention of corrosion – a phenomena which is otherwise inevitable. Limescale build-up (for systems located in hard water areas) can also be avoided. The benefits of best practice water treatment include optimal energy savings, heat transfer, and system longevity and performance, and meeting boiler warranty terms and conditions. Best practice water treatment is essential for both new and existing heating systems.

“Allocating adequate time for best practice water treatment is especially important when replacing boilers – works which are often planned during summer holidays – as the cleaning process to remove corrosion sludge, debris and other harmful foulants from older commercial heating systems can sometimes take a week or more. If it’s not undertaken correctly and contaminants remain in the circulating water, system performance, efficiency and reliability will remain poor. What’s more, the effectiveness of any subsequently dosed inhibitor will be compromised,” he said.

“On the other hand, the early application of a slower acting cleaner will facilitate a faster boiler replacement programme, ensuring that the existing system is cleaner and thus easier to work with.”

Water treatment shouldn’t just be limited to boiler replacements, however. Mr. Shelton advocates periodic assessment of system water quality using kits such as Sentinel SystemCheck to ensure adequate inhibitor concentration and cleanliness of system water. He says such checks, which are quick to carry out, not only evaluate the health and ongoing protection of a heating system but also help to identify any necessary maintenance and allow it to be undertaken in a convenient, controlled manner.

“Planned preventative maintenance is extremely important in the commercial and education sectors, helping to limit downtime and maintaining normal building operation. By regularly checking system water, engineers can catch potential problems early and take the time to consult water treatment specialists on the best courses of action – which could be carried out during planned shutdowns. Ultimately, this approach helps to achieve lifetime system protection and optimal energy savings,” he concluded.

For more information please visit www.sentinelprotects.com.
/0 Comments/by

Vortice expands its Commercial Fan offering

Burton upon Trent based ventilation specialist, Vortice, has expanded its commercial fan offering in the UK in response to customer demand. The commercial collection includes extract fans incorporating constant pressure control, heat recovery units with counter crossflow plate heat exchangers and thermal wheel.

These additions to the range extend the flexibility that Vortice can offer to projects like offices, schools, care homes and shopping centres.

Sales Manager Paul Gunner said “Vortice has traditionally offered a select range of commercial products to the UK market, although the company has utilised a much broader offering throughout mainland Europe and Latin America. Over the last twelve months we have seen increased demand in the UK for more complex applications and have therefore extended the range we offer here.”

As most commercial applications require a bespoke response, customers are recommended to discuss their project directly with the Vortice technical department who can help and guide them as to the most appropriate solutions.

For more information please visit http://www.vortice.ltd.uk.
/0 Comments/by

Metsec provides load bearing solution for new school

Palmerston School, based in Liverpool, provides education to 11-19 year olds with profound learning difficulties. Palmerston identified a need for a new school building as staff and pupils were hampered by the lack of outdoor space and modern learning facilities. The former Aigburth High secondary school site was selected on which to construct its new £7m facility.

The new T-shaped single storey building includes a sports and dining hall plus a new hydrotherapy and splash pool together with sensory learning spaces. There is also a five-a-side football pitch and four-lane grass running track around the pitch perimeter. The project started in April 2016 and is due for completion summer 2017 when pupils will move from the existing location in Woolton to Minehead Road in the Aigburth area of Liverpool.

Early Stages

Originally planned as a timber frame construction, the main contractor asked voestalpine Metsec plc to review the school design and see whether a load bearing steel frame solution (SFS) could be offered. Taking a consultative approach, Metsec was able to advise the main contractors on the layout, and worked in conjunction with installers, local company Mark One.

As the first tier 2 designer and manufacturer certified to BIM Level 2 for Design and Construction in the UK by the BSI, Metsec used its BIM capabilities within the design stages to provide detailed plans and costings. Metsec was required on-site from the start of the project, completing the steel framing in the summer of 2016.

Designing the SFS solution for Palmerston School using Revit, Metsec attended regular main contractor team meetings with the BIM model, allowing any issues to be resolved in advance of the build. By using BIM, the project benefitted from a reduced timing programme and no waste, both providing subsequent cost savings.

Design Requirements

The blueprint of the school building presented several structural challenges, but were all incorporated into the BIM model from Metsec, including the design aspects of the roof. Studs within the joisted roof were extended out to overhang the external walls in order to create the overhang desired. Another roofing design requirement within the structure was a duo pitched roof. To enable the sloping element, Metsec used longer stud sections of a high gauge to accommodate the longer spans required and the larger load placed on the studs.

The school has invested in a substantial server room, in order to house the complex technologies being implemented into the school, which required a large number of ducts. This needed a substantial amount of openings within the wall which Metsec incorporated into the specification.

Partnership

Metsec’s engagement in the project from the early stages meant it could provide bespoke, flexible solutions integral to enabling the complex design aspects desired by the client.
Steve Williams, director at Mark One, said: “Working alongside the manufacturer from the early stages of the project meant that we could work in conjunction with Metsec in designing and delivering the additional design requirements, and it was a smooth running project all round.

Ryan Simmonds, sales director of framing at Metsec, said “Palmerston School was an interesting project from a design perspective and, in using BIM, all parties benefited from a central model that could be amended and revised throughout the early stages to produce an accurate plan during the delivery stages.”

For more information please visit www.metsec.com.
/0 Comments/by

Leading Eco-Roof company calls for Yorkshire colleges to upskill or risk being left behind

,

Huddersfield-based energy efficiency roofing specialist, Ploughcroft, has issued a stark warning to construction colleges across the region: upskill and evolve, or risk being left behind in the fast-moving roofing industry.

With hundreds of students leaving construction colleges to seek employment this summer, Chris Hopkins, Divisional Director at Ploughcroft, is warning the majority of those leavers will be untrained and unprepared for the energy saving construction techniques that consumers now demand.

An industry first

As a consequence, Ploughcroft has taken the initiative to develop its own pioneering, Eco-Roof apprenticeship scheme – which has already been trailed over the last 12-months. This is believed to be an industry first.

This proactive approach from Ploughcroft is essential to provide apprentices with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the fast-growing energy efficiency industry, and to underpin the cost-effective installation of new roofing schemes.

While under the current college curriculum, the focus quite rightly covers the basic roofing installation essentials, it fails in the view of Chris Hopkins, when it comes to the incorporation of now crucial energy efficient-related skill sets, such as U-Value calculations, condensation risk analysis and heat-loss monthly savings.

This means forward-thinking companies such as Ploughcroft, which lead the way with its unique Eco-Roof product, are unable to find suitably qualified staff, even at entry-level positions, further exacerbating the industry-wide skills shortage. Ploughcroft believes that by ‘future proofing’ the Apprenticeship schemes, this will also have the knock-on effect of attracting the brightest and best to the industry.

Chris Hopkins is now calling for urgent dialogue with course and curriculum planners to collaborate to address this key area. He said “Over the past three years we have seen a rapid growth in our Eco-Roof business, as energy prices continue to rise, and customers become increasingly clued-up when it comes to greener living and the impact it can have on their energy bills.

“However, while consumer demand rises, colleges simply aren’t keeping up. Given there was no existing eco roof apprenticeship scheme in place that covered the type of specialist work we carry out, we’ve been trialing and created our own using my professional teaching and roofing assessor qualifications.

“That said, we can only do so much, and today’s apprentices are the people who will drive the energy efficiency industry forward in years to come. As such it is absolutely essential that colleges – and other construction businesses – continue to evolve, and invest in skills and development.”

One of Ploughcroft’s most successful apprentices is 18-year-old Charlie Oakes, who began his apprenticeship in 2015 when the scheme launched. He says: “Joining the Eco-Roof apprenticeship has been a fantastic experience. Roofing is often seen as industry that lacks innovation, but working at Ploughcroft I’ve found that’s not the case, and I’ve learned a great deal about emerging energy efficiency techniques. This is a huge growth area, and one I’m excited to see developing.”

Ploughcroft’s two-year Eco-Roof apprenticeship offers a mix of on-the-job training and classroom-based learning spanning traditional roofing, as well as a wide range of cutting-edge, energy-efficient construction techniques required to meet the needs of this fast-growing eco-construction sector. It is currently seeking graduates to join its Eco-Roof apprenticeship scheme.

To find out more, visit www.ploughcroft.co.uk.
/0 Comments/by

Altro ideal for £25 million Welsh super school

,

Award-winning Altro XpressLay™ safety flooring has been used throughout a £25 million secondary ‘super school’ in North Wales. At 4,500m2, it is the biggest ever Altro XpressLay installation in the North West.

The new Rhyl High School has been funded by Denbighshire Council and the Welsh Government, and built by Willmott Dixon. It accommodates 1,200 students, and also provides a base for 45 students from a nearby community special school. The whole building was constructed to achieve a rating of “excellent” on the BREEAM scale.

As with most new-build school projects, cost and time were major factors in the construction of Rhyl High. Flooring company Linney Cooper — who were appointed by Willmott Dixon to install the flooring throughout the new school — were well aware of this. But even though Altro flooring had not originally been specified, Linney Cooper recommended switching to Altro XpressLay.

Robert Goring, Senior Project Surveyor at Willmott Dixon, said “We have been working with Linney Cooper for many years. Their expert knowledge of flooring led to a recommendation to change our specification to Altro XpressLay, which is a proven cost and time saving product. In addition, the flooring met the stringent criteria for safety, quality and design.”

James Sullivan, Linney Cooper Contracts Manager, said “For the Rhyl High project, Altro XpressLay and its properties presented themselves as a better alternative flooring solution to the one specified, for many reasons. The substrate floor at the new school was a power-floated concrete that would take a great deal of preparation with diamond grinding and laying a dpm. But, crucially, Altro XpressLay can be laid without a dpm, because it can be put down straight onto a damp subfloor or a new concrete floor at up to 97% relative humidity. This means quick and easy installation without having to wait for the substrate to dry.

“In addition, Altro Xpresslay can be laid without adhesive. There is no waiting for it to ‘cure’, we just lay, weld and walk on it the same day. There are no tacky areas, or having to plan installation in stages because of drying times.

“The flooring can be taken up and re-used elsewhere, and if we need to replace areas of damage or wear in the future, we can do so, very easily, with minimal disruption. There are no adhesive odours, either, which is perfect for sites such as schools.”

James continued: “Altro XpressLay is not a short-term solution, it is a proven, groundbreaking flooring that holds as effectively as an Altro safety flooring installed using adhesive, and there are no rucks, no movement at all.” It offers the same guarantees and lifetime slip resistance of other Altro safety flooring. The floor can be removed easily, reused and is 100% recyclable at the end of its life.

In addition to Altro XpressLay, Altro Whiterock™ White walling and Altro Stronghold™ 30 safety flooring were installed in the school kitchen. These products are often specified together as they deliver a proven combination of safety and hygiene in hard working environments.

Altro Whiterock White is the hygienic alternative to tiles that’s impact resistant, grout-free and easy to clean. Its smooth white surface and classic purity make it a timeless choice for any interior.

Altro Stronghold 30 achieves Altro’s highest rating for slip resistance and is designed to minimise risk in wet and greasy conditions for the lifetime of the flooring. As well as helping to keep staff safe from slips, it also helps reduce their fatigue, thanks to its 3mm thickness which provides noise reduction and comfort underfoot.

Linney Cooper installed the Altro Stronghold 30, while MI Contracts fitted the Altro Whiterock White.

For more information please visit www.altro.co.uk.
/0 Comments/by