Latest innovations and products in the external works section of the construction industry.

Salamander opens doors at prestigious London Apartments

Geofire’s Salamander range of radio-controlled fire door holders have been installed at one of London’s most prestigious apartment complexes, The Whitehouse Apartments SE1, to legally hold open fire doors and improve ventilation in the building’s corridors, while protecting occupants in case of a fire emergency.

The Whitehouse Apartments SE1 is a prestigious development located on the culturally rich South Bank overlooking the River Thames, offering spectacular views of some of central London’s greatest landmarks. Originally constructed by oil company Shell as part of their UK headquarters in 1961, the 1990’s saw Shell dispose of the ‘Downstream Building’ and thus The Whitehouse Apartments were born.

Each Salamander device connects wirelessly to a mains-powered controller unit, which is easily connected to the existing fire alarm system, complying with Category A of BS7273-4 to ensure that fire doors will safely close in the event of a fault or fire. One controller unit can manage up to 99 fire door closers or fire door holders.

Geofire’s Salamander range of radio controlled fire door safety products are all battery-powered and wire-free, thus saving time, installation costs and disruption to a building’s fabric or occupants.

Southbank Management, London says that the company purchased the system to improve the ventilation in the building’s corridors, “which were unbearably hot – particularly in the summer! The product adapted very well with our existing fire alarm system and was readily available. It has worked very well and resulted in us being able to reduce the temperature by 10°C in places and also improve the flow of air in the communal areas”.

Keeping fire doors in the open position has many benefits. It ensures ease of access in line with the disability provisions of the Equality Act 2010, helps prevent wear and tear of expensive fire doors and improves building ventilation. The Salamander swing-free door closer and door holder are suitable for use with Category A installations as defined by BS7273-4. They are approved to EN1155 and CE marked.

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New Dry Lining Centre enables ex-offenders to bounce back into employment

Bounce Back is celebrating the launch of the first Dry Lining Training Centre to open in a London prison in a unique joint initiative with the construction industry.

Supported by Knauf and Encon working with Be Onsite, Land Securities and Lend Lease the centre responds to the urgent need for trained workers in the sector and demonstrates how the industry can support in-prison training in a sponsored model which will see nearly 100 prisoners a year training to enter the workforce.

The facility offers the inmates of HMP Brixton the opportunity to learn dry lining in a state of the art training space. Land Securities, Lend Lease, Knauf and Encon have worked together to make this opportunity a reality, to meet a genuine need within the industry for trained dry liners. Work will be offered to trainees upon release by the partners along with other organisations.

The specific investment of materials by Knauf and the provision of logistics services by Encon have made the centre possible. “It is amazing what can be done when everyone comes together to make something happen,” said Fran Findlater, CEO of Bounce Back. “The need for skills in the construction industry means that the number of potential employees in prison presents a great opportunity.”

The training will be facilitated by Bounce Back who have been successfully running painting and decorating training courses within the prison for over a year. For Bounce Back this is an exciting progression in line with their objective of effectively training offenders with skills that are relevant for employment upon release – either within their own social enterprise or beyond.

The initiative was sparked as labour market information highlighted skills shortages within the construction industry including dry lining. Land Securities and Lend Lease expressed a desire to address this with Land Securities offering opportunities through its Community Employment Programme, supported by Lend Lease. Val Lowman (Lend Lease) put Bounce Back in touch with their dry lining supply chain partners, Encon and Knauf, and the programme evolved.
Debbie Akehurst, head of corporate responsibility in London at Land Securities, said: “Working with partners such as Bounce Back, Lend Lease and Be Onsite means we can really target those furthest from the job market. We have a fantastic opportunity here to train people to meet industry need and help people reach their own potential.”

The programme is targeted to train 70 participants per academic year and offers those referred whilst in custody the opportunity to participate in the CITB C Skills course in dry lining to Diploma Level 2.

Having gained a construction skills qualification whilst in custody, cohorts are well positioned to enter the construction industry workforce immediately upon release. This is a major step in bridging the gap from prison to employment as Bounce Back are further supported by Lend Lease and Land Securities who approach their supply chains to help broker work placements and create sustainable job opportunities.

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Windy conditions are no barrier to safety – thanks to the Oxford ballast tray!

Unique Oxford Plastics product developed to comply with new regulations regarding wind speed.
Innovative UK manufacturer Oxford Plastics has launched a new ballast tray – designed as an anchor system for use with safety barriers at construction sites, roadworks and events – to help its customers and end users meet new health and safety regulations.
Easy to deploy, this unique Oxford Plastics product can be clipped to the barrier and filled with soil, excavated materials, kerb stone or fence feet to ensure stability in adverse weather conditions.
The ballast tray, which weighs 2.2kg, can enable the Oxford Plastics Avalon and Watchman barriers to withstand wind speeds of up to [INSERT], depending on the configuration in which they are used.
The new code of practice and BS 8442:2006 identifies three wind speeds and a calculation for the ballast required to use in these wind speeds. The Oxford Ballast Tray is embossed with the level of material required to meet regulations.
Peter Creighton, Business Development Director for Oxford Plastics Systems, says: “We are delighted to have launched our new ballast tray to comply with the new code of practice. This product is an excellent example of the way we are constantly innovating to help our clients and end users meet the demands of ever more stringent health and safety regulations.

 

“Designed to hold ever increasing weight, the Oxford Ballast Tray allows users to exceed wind speeds in the code of practice. This is an indispensible addition to our range of safety barriers and accessories to ensure the safety of pedestrians, road users and contractors at construction sites, roadworks and events.”
For more information about Oxford Plastics’ range of safety products – including barriers, modular road plates and trench covers, signs and cones, ground protection and heavy bases – visit www.oxfordplastics.com or email sales@oxfordplastics.com.

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Bowater sets the precedent for Cheltenham social housing stock

Bowater Projects, a company of The VEKA UK Group has successfully overseen a significant Cheltenham door and window renovation project, totalling nearly 250 units.

The contract was awarded by Cheltenham Borough Homes, a not-for-profit Arms Length Management Organisation. Bowater installed 225 windows and 24 doors, fabricated using Halo’s renowned System 10 profile, in a series of three low-rise blocks situated near GCHQ.

Cheltenham Borough Homes, which manages and maintains all of Cheltenham Borough Council’s housing stock, plans to roll out a much larger tender later in the year, updating the doors and windows in the remainder of the Council’s housing stock.

“This was the first time we had worked with Cheltenham Borough Homes,” explains Bowater Projects’ Andy Knight, “so we’re thrilled that both the client and residents have been so pleased with the results.”

“In our opinion, our position in The VEKA UK Group definitely had a significant bearing on us winning this tender. With such a wealth of industry-leading products at our disposal, combined with an in-depth knowledge of how and where best to use them, the consultation process becomes so much simpler.”

“In this instance, the team at Cheltenham Borough Homes were not only concerned about specifying windows and doors that fell within their budget but that also offered a series of specific benefits for their residents – thermal efficiency and accessibility being high on their list of priorities.”

“The flats were typical of post-war housing developments and, as such, weren’t designed with today’s knowledge of access. We worked closely with the client and residents to identify innovative ways to ease access and were provided with a level of detail that clearly informed the range of solutions we suggested.”

“Halo’s versatile System 10 was an ideal choice of profile for the project, offering quality and performance that could only have been dreamt of when the development was originally built. Its crisp, unobtrusive, chamfered styling met with approval from residents during group consultations and, having undertaken the work between January and March 2015, we’re sure they were grateful of the WER ‘A’-rating over the cold winter!”

Julian Denslow of Cheltenham Borough Homes commented: “We are very pleased with this contract and, importantly, so are our residents who like their new WER ‘A’ rated windows. Bowater Projects’ RLO provided an excellent liaison service, their fitters were conscientious and the contract was well managed.”

Andy concludes: “We’re pleased to have brought in another notable job for Bowater Projects, on time, in budget, and to the clear satisfaction of both client and residents. It was a pleasure to work closely with the team from Cheltenham Borough Homes and we look forward to our next collaboration with them.”

If you are interested in finding out more about the work of Bowater Projects, please visit the website here: www.bowaterprojects.com

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Mapei unveils its exclusive London showroom – Mapei World, London city

Mapei, the world’s leading manufacturer of adhesive and chemical products for the construction industry is pleased to announce the opening of its UK Showroom based in the architectural design area – Great Sutton Street, Clerkenwell, London.

The impressive Showroom, designed by Marco Manzoni from Mapei SpA, was unveiled to key customers on Thursday 2nd July and was officially opened by Adriana Spazzoli, Operational Marketing & Communications Director and Veronica Squinzi Global Development Director, together with the Mapei UK Joint Managing Director’s Phil Breakspear and Mark Louch. To celebrate the opening the Italian Ambassador Pasquale Terracciano came to show support and Guest Speaker Lord Digby Jones of Birmingham Kt, was invited to provide insight into the future of the British and European Economy.

The showroom is a first for the Mapei Group and demonstrates the relationship between Manufacturer and Architect, from technical expertise and innovation, to providing bespoke project solutions in the UK and internationally.

Each of the 15 product lines is displayed in the Showroom through a series of textured samples and prestigious project references, accompanied by installation videos and supporting literature; offering Architects, contractors and designers alike a comprehensive guide for specifying Mapei products. Mapei’s Specification and Technical Teams are on hand throughout the year together with the training team, to provide practical and theory based guidance on the selection, installation and maintenance of Mapei products – through a calendar of dedicated CPD presentations. The technical CPD presentations cover a range of topics such as; Fast Track Screeds, Avoiding Ceramic Tiling Failures, Sub Floor Preparation and Successful waterproofing and many more.

The Showroom has been fitted out using a range of Mapei products; in particular the floor and walls have been finished with Ultratop Loft – a new highly decorative, unique wall and floor coating, suitable for residential, commercial and industrial applications. The CPD presentation room has been fitted with pre-finished wood flooring adhered with Ultrabond Eco S955 1K.

The Showroom promises to be a centre of excellence for Mapei, providing hands-on, practical and informative support throughout the entire specification process.

For more information on events, training dates and CPD presentations subscribe to Mapei UK’s Newsletter, details can be found on www.mapei.co.uk. For any further queries please email info@mapei.co.uk or tel. +44 (0)121 508 6970.

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More Dates for PICV CPDs

After yet another hugely successful run of courses earlier this year, Marflow Hydronics announces new dates for its CPD training courses on Pressure Independent Control Valves in October.
The free CPD courses are aimed at consultants, designers, specifiers and key influencers who want to learn more about the products, improve their skills and specify, purchase or commission a PICV. The sessions are designed to provide delegates with knowledge on how PICVs work, innovative pipe layouts and how to make systems more economical, including the introduction of electronic balancing.
The half day sessions are free for anyone to attend, but delegates should have a good prior knowledge of water distribution systems to get the most out of the day.
Nick Martin, Technical Manager at Marflow Hydronics, says “We had excellent feedback from those who attended the courses in April and May and we’ve been getting numerous requests from people asking us when our courses are going to be repeated. It’s so great that people are learning so much from these training sessions and that they’re able to take what they’ve learnt and use it in their jobs.”
Places are limited on these popular courses, strictly on a first come first served basis, so immediate registration is recommended. To register or for more information visit www.marflowhydronics.co.uk/events, call 0121 358 2012 or email training@marflow.co.uk.

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Introducing New Genesis GRP Kiosks

New to the Glasdon collection are Genesis GRP portable kiosks, a range of high quality buildings which are available off the shelf for quick delivery (free to mainland UK).

These economical GRP buildings are ideal for a large variety of outdoor applications such as car parks, security gates and toll booths. Perfect for limited budgets!

The Genesis range of glass reinforced plastic buildings, provide a strong, versatile and comfortable accommodation solution for employees.

These stylish GRP kiosks come as standard in four layouts, offering high quality materials at a budget-conscious cost.

Portable and adaptable, the sizes available are as follows: 1.5 x 1.5m GRP kiosk, 2.3 x 1.5m GRP booth, 2.3 x 1.5m GRP building (double sliding window model) and 2.7 x 2.2m GRP cabin.

The largest GRP kiosk in the Genesis range is suitable for retail purposes, as kiosks offer a low cost way of enhancing your brands visibility and presence at venues and events. From goods inward offices and portable offices to gate houses and sentry posts, this size unit would be ideal.

The GRP building with double sliding window allows you to easily communicate with visitors and provide quick customer service, perfect for information kiosks and busy ticket sale areas. Ideal for football and other event programme selling. This model is also suited as a security cabin, as the double window space allows a higher visibility span.

Insulated and weather resistant, the Genesis GRP kiosk range come as standard with fully flame retardant white panels. A wide range of optional extras available to kit out the cabin to your specification, and stickers can be used to personalise and brand the outside.

The practical and multifunctional Genesis GRP units are sturdy and robust, available in a wide range of sizes that are low–maintenance and affordable.

Glasdon also produce a wide range of GRP Modular Buildings, GRP / Steel Housings and Equipment Cabinets.

With an infinite set of uses within the industrial and commercial sectors, GRP and IP-rated units provide a quality, reliable and cost effective solution. The durable constructions deliver an impressive focal point and superior accommodation for a large range of applications.

If you have any questions contact Glasdon today on (01253) 600410, email sales@glasdon-uk.co.uk, or visit www.glasdon.com.

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Safety Conscious Stormking

Safety conscious contractors will welcome StormFix – a new product from prefabricated building products specialists Stormking.

StormFix from Stormking

StormFix fixing kits have been sourced in partnership with RAWLBOLT and the packs are exclusive to Stormking and offer fixing bolts to ensure safe and secure fixing of structural frames to all common types of external wall applications.

Choosing the correct anchoring with such a diversity of wall types can pose problems for contractors – and getting it wrong can have severe consequences.

The new StormFix fixing packs remove all the uncertainty of choosing the correct bolts to ensure risk-free anchoring for the full Stormking range of grp entrance canopies and bay window roofs. When finished with tiling, these can impose considerable demands on the building structure and it is essential that the fixing bolts are able to bear this load.

The StormFix packs are supplied with the Stormking canopies and roofs and are available for both lightweight and structural units and come pre-packed with matching bolt cap covers. They come in two sizes – 80mm and 120mm – and in packs of four or eight, to cover the complete range of Stormking roof and door canopies and are the ideal reassurance for housebuilders’ Health & Safety managers and contractors who carry the responsibility for ensuring safety in their building works.

The Stormking ranges of bay window roofs and entrance canopies offer housebuilders an almost limitless choice of styles and sizes to create a distinctive street scene. Made to the highest quality standards, Stormking prefabricated building products are a highly cost effective alternative to using traditional building materials such as stone, slate, concrete and timber. They also have many advantages, especially saving time and cost by eliminating site fabrication and the inconsistencies which can often result. They are also virtually maintenance free and have proven longevity.

Manufactured to comply with European approvals, StormFix from Stormking offers the one-stop, simple but totally safe and reliable, easy to install structural frame fixing, providing the confidence developers need as they become evermore responsible for safety in the houses they build.

For more information please visit www.stormking.co.uk.

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Interphone launches home automation and entertainment business

A new business has been set up to develop advanced home automation and entertainment systems that will combine familiar technologies to bring added simplicity, convenience and enjoyment to everyday life. Ingeny, launched by security systems and building technology integrator Interphone, will work closely with property developers, architects, interior designers and home owners to create individually-tailored solutions that are designed to meet exact entertainment, communications, comfort and security preferences.

Whether it is a Tower Block, individual home or other large multi dwelling estate Ingeny will handle everything from design and consultation through to installation and ongoing support. These integrated and smart building solutions will give residents, along with property owners and managers, complete control at the tap of a touchscreen, smartphone or tablet from the comfort of the home, onsite or remotely wherever they are. As a result, it will now be possible to monitor and manage virtually any system in the home or building from a single device.

A demonstration suite, located at Interphone’s Harrow headquarters, has been opened to show how all the complementary systems and control solutions come together in a truly seamless way. It combines all aspects of home and smart building automation to provide a live, integrated facility covering energy management, security, home application controls, such as blinds and lighting, ) and audio visual technologies. The suite provides a unique living, concierge and property management environment that showcases the intuitive user experience along with the practical advantages of complete system integration.

 

Julian Synett, Managing Director of Interphone commented: “Our longstanding involvement in the commercial residential sector stretching back over fifty years means that we are uniquely placed to implement the latest integrated technology solutions incorporating all aspects of home and building control, including in-home entertainment systems. The solutions we offer at both enterprise and individual home level are modular and flexible so as to respond to the precise needs of building owners, home owners and property managers. At the heart of all that we do is the desire to deliver seamless integration, simply controlled and efficiently maintained.”

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ROCKFON launches a better grid installation in just one click

ROCKFON launches a better grid installation in just one click

The Chicago Metallic T15 Click 2790 and T24 Click 2890 are two new, easy to install ceiling grids from ROCKFON.

Made from galvanised steel, these 15mm and 24mm grids are very strong and stable. They are accurate to install thanks to a helpful audible ‘click’ which sounds when the components connect into position, enabling faster installation times on site. The universal main runner is versatile, accepting both click and hook cross tees. The longer, joggled-end cross tee provides easy installation from a distance.

They can be demounted and remounted time and time again without the need for special tools, and more importantly, without causing damage to the grid. Both grids can be cut on site, if required. Designed to fit with A, E and X edge ceiling tiles; concealed, semi-concealed or fully exposed ceiling designs can be achieved, which are suitable for every application area.

These innovative grid solutions offer the quality and characteristics you would expect from ROCKFON. The new Chicago Metallic T15 Click 2790 and T24 Click 2890 are attractive, high performance products with the highest classification for Reaction to Fire: A1, and Class B for Corrosion. They are backed with a 15 year guarantee and are fully recyclable. The grid systems are available from all major UK distributors.

ROCKFON acquired grid manufacturer Chicago Metallic Company in 2013; together they offer their customers the complete ceiling and grid solution. The ROCKFON and Chicago Metallic businesses share many characteristics and values including: a focus on high quality manufacturing and innovation, allied to strong technical support, product development and customer service.

ROCKFON is a leading supplier of stone wool acoustic ceiling and wall solutions that are affordable, simple to install, durable and protect people from noise and the spread of fire. The Rockfon commodity product range of affordable ceiling tiles is available in 2-3 days, making it even quicker and easier to create beautiful, comfortable and safe spaces. To watch and hear how easy it is to install the Chicago Metallic T15 Click 2790 and T24 Click 2890 grids, watch the installation video at www.rockfon.co.uk. Or try it for yourself by ordering a sample today, call 0800 389 0314.

Further reading

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