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

The k-briq – 90% reduction in emissions

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Professor Gabriela Medero with the K-Briq

 

A new recycled brick, made using a tenth of the energy of a standard clay brick, has been named STEM Research Project of the Year at the UK’s Times Higher Education awards.

The brainchild of academics at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, the K-Briq was recognised by competition judges as an ‘important contribution…to sustainable construction worldwide’ and ‘a potential game changer’.

Up to 90% of the the K-Briq’s constituents come from building-site waste, with the unfired production process said to take two to three minutes, as opposed to up to 40 hours for traditional fired bricks. The process has also been shown to reduce C02 emissions by 90%.

A spin-off company, Kenoteq, has now established a production process with a goal of manufacturing as many as 3 million K-Briq’s by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, a flagship project has been established for 2021, with the new Serpentine Pavilion in London set to use the new bricks in its construction.

The university project that resulted in the development of the K-Briq was led by Professor Gabriela Medero from the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, and Dr Sam Chapman, managing director of Kenoteq.

Professor Gabriela Medero, said, “We set out to create a building product that could embed sustainability at the heart of the construction industry. Globally, construction accounts for 39% of the world’s total CO2 emissions so tackling this challenge will have a huge impact on the sustainability of the sector as we push towards net zero targets. This award is testament to the tireless work of our interdisciplinary team of civil, structural, chemical and mechanical engineers, architects, chemists and geologists who have collaborated for more than a decade to bring K-Briq to market.”

 

Source: Construction Europe

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Kingspan enhances old textile mill’s fabric

Kingspan Kooltherm K7 and K107 Pitched Roof Board have been installed as part of a major refurbishment project, transforming a former Victorian mill into CAT B office space for Manchester Metropolitan University.

6 Great Marlborough Street forms part of Manchester’s rich industrial heritage and sits within Little Ireland, the earliest area of Irish settlement within the city. The sensitive restoration plans make a feature of the historic building fabric, exposing the original brickwork and beams internally, whilst incorporating more contemporary elements such as building services and modern windows.

The design team prepared the fit-out using the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyor’s SKA Rating environmental assessment method – targeting a Silver rating certificate. As part of this process, they identified an opportunity to upgrade the thermal performance of the poorly insulated pitched roof. To minimise heat loss through the roof, a construction combining Kingspan Kooltherm K7 and K107 Pitched Roof Board was installed.

Kingspan Kooltherm K7 and K107 Pitched Roof Board can achieve thermal conductivities as low as 0.020 W/m·K and 0.018 W/m·K, respectively. In combination with their low emissivity foil facing, this makes them amongst the most thermally efficient pitched roof insulation materials in common use.

As the original roof slates have been retained, the boards were cut to size by hand and fitted between and below the existing roof rafters from inside the building. This premium specification allowed the target U-value to be met with the slimmest possible construction – maximising floor to ceiling heights in the top storey spaces in the 5-floor building.

Kingspan Kooltherm K7 and K107 Pitched Roof Board are produced under an integrated management system which is certified to the highest standards including ISO 9001: 2015 (Quality), ISO 14001: 2015 (Environmental), BS OHSAS 18001: 2007 (Health and Safety) and ISO 50001: 2011 (Energy). Their insulation core is manufactured with a blowing agent that has zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and low Global Warming Potential (GWP).

Image credit: Manchester Metropolitan University ©

For further information, please contact:

Tel: +44 (0) 1544 387 384

Fax: +44 (0) 1544 387 484

Email: info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk

Website: www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk

www.twitter.com/KingspanIns_UK

www.linkedin.com/company/kingspan-insulation-uk

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Redefining public spaces with AG’s Plaza Lineal®

AG, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of innovative concrete products has launched a brand new premium paving product; answering industry demand for a flagstone that is durable, versatile and strong whilst possessing an aesthetically pleasing plank-like appearance.

Plaza Lineal®, a premium water-etched, lightly textured, granite aggregate paving that is 120mm deep comes in a range of rectangular dimensions and six colours that can be ‘mixed and matched’ to create a broad range of patterns that blend seamlessly with any outdoor environment.

The factory-developed paving is durable and hard wearing with a minimum surface layer of 5mm that is made up of 90% natural granite and quartz aggregate – a resilient combination. This robust surface makes Plaza Lineal® especially well-suited to spaces with heavy footfall and the associated abrasive effects.

As part of the production process, state of the art factory-controlled vapour curing significantly reduces efflorescence on the surface of the product; a naturally occurring chemical reaction that leads to unsightly blemishes – a common concern within the market.

Plaza lineal has been designed in a way that optimises bending strength (>3.5Mpa) thereby tackling another issue that can arise with other rectangular paving solutions on the market. The paving has also been designed with slip resistance (USRV >75) making it especially safe and suitable for commercial and residential projects alike.

As with any AG product, clients can rest assured that the highest quality and standards have been employed in the production of Plaza Lineal®; the paving is manufactured in a strict factory environment to comply with BS EN 1338/1339:2003.

Plaza Lineal® clients also have the added benefit of knowing they are using a solution that is environmentally friendly; it is 100% renewable, produced using 90% recycled water and is 100% recyclable. An A BREEAM rating can be achieved when the paving is used in conjunction with a prepared recycling sub-base.

Rodney Davidson, AG’s Commercial Director commented:

“At AG we are constantly monitoring market developments to ensure we are ahead of trends. We are especially proud of Plaza Lineal® which is the result of an in-depth research and development programme that highlighted demand within the urban space, residential and commercial sectors for a rectangular paving solution that mirrored the wider interior / exterior trend favouring plank-like aesthetics.”

“By carefully designing Plaza Lineal® within a strictly controlled factory environment we have successfully developed a product that possesses a widely appealing appearance and is unique to the market in terms of its design versatility, durability and strength.”

Terrakerb®: Plaza Lineal®’s perfect partner

As a reconstituted natural granite kerb, AG’s Terrakerb® is the perfect partner for Plaza Lineal® due to its complimentary dimensions and design options. Together, the two products present an excellent cost-effective value engineering option without compromising on a premium appearance.

To find out more visit: www.ag.uk.com
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Supplier of the year award for AG

One of Northern Ireland’s leading manufacturers of Hard Landscaping and Building Products, AG, has been named ‘Supplier of the Year 2018’ at national awards; beating off stiff competition from large-scale manufacturers across the UK.

Tyrone-based AG was awarded the prestigious NBG Award within the ‘Civils and Landscaping CMT’ category at the independent builders merchant buying group’s gala event in Liverpool.

The awards honour the building industry’s major brands, recognising their contribution to the business success of NBG’s merchant partners.

NBG is a community of independent merchants committed to collective buying power and supporting suppliers in the building, plumbing and civils industries.

Stuart Thomas, Head of Sales at AG commented, “We are delighted to have received this award. Builders merchants play a key role in supporting AG’s business growth, so to be recognised as the top supplier of civils and landscaping products by NBG is fantastic.

“Well done to AG’s production, sales support, sales teams and the wider business for the hard work and determination which helped beat off some stern competition for this award.”

Pictured L-R: Stuart Thomas (AG), Tim Rowbottom (AG), the Chairman of the Category for Civils and Landscaping for NBG, Neil Cauldwell (AG) and Ben Westwood (AG).

For further information please visit www.ag.uk.com
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New Kingspan tapered systems provide a slimmer insulated fall

Kingspan Insulation has introduced Kingspan Thermataper TT44-K and Thermataper TT47-K, its first tapered roofing systems to incorporate Kingspan Kooltherm insulation, delivering excellent drainage and thermal performance with slim, lightweight constructions.

Kingspan Thermataper TT44-K and Thermataper TT47-K are designed for use on new and existing roofs with concrete or timber decks. With a thermal conductivity of just 0.018 W/m.K, the Kingspan Kooltherm packer board helps to minimise the overall system thickness required to achieve a desired U-value. Typical thickness savings of 20 – 40 mm could be achieved, dependent on the individual scheme and build-up, when compared with a full Polyisocyanurate (PIR) system.

Kingspan Thermataper TT44-K and Thermataper TT47-K can provide an effective flat roof drainage solution without the need for a structural fall. Each application is supported by Kingspan’s specialist tapered roofing design service, providing a clear layout for installers which will allow the desired level of rainwater run-off and insulation performance to be achieved. The service also includes a full condensation risk analysis.

Unlike traditional alternatives, such as screed to fall, the systems can be fitted with a dry installation process – reducing project timescales. In retrofit application, they can often be installed above the existing roof surface in conjunction with a waterproof membrane. This can avoid the time-consuming process of stripping down the existing surface. Pre-mitred hip and valley boards are also supplied as part of Kingspan Thermataper systems, helping to reduce both on-site adjustments and waste from offcuts.

For further information, please contact: 01544 387 384, email info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk or visit www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk.
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weberend one coat dash designed for speed of application and onsite efficiency

Saint-Gobain Weber has launched high performance weberend one coat dash, a one coat render that can receive a dry dash finish without the need to apply a base coat or a second pass. Designed to achieve a durable and weather resistant finish weberend one coat dash is especially suitable for the challenging Scottish climate where dash finish is commonplace.

Suitable for brick, blockwork, concrete, natural stone and clay substrates weberend one coat dash can be applied and finished on the same day, avoiding the drying time associated with a traditional two coat system typically of three to seven days. The use of weberend one coat dash allows faster application, reduced programme periods and improved onsite efficiency.

Onsite preparation is quick and easy requiring only the addition of water to the factory-blended, through-coloured render mix. It is suitable for application by hand and by spray render machine which will speed the process further. When applied at 16mm thickness coverage is approximately 1m² per 25kg bag. In many circumstances it is possible to apply the total thickness of weberend one coat dash in a single pass dependent upon criteria such as construction alignment, suction and mechanical key offered by the substrate. weberend one coat dash is factory produced for consistency of proportioning and available in three key colours: white, cream and buff.

“Whatever name you know it by, pebbledash, harling or dry dashing, this is a time-honoured building technique in Scotland which results in a long-lasting weatherproof shield, originally designed to protect stone buildings. This new one coat system offers a quick solution to architects, housebuilders and contractors, allowing their choice of decorative aggregates, to achieve an attractive and durable façade. ” says Tracey Dempster, head of marketing, Saint-Gobain Weber. “This practice is the most common type of finish that has been used throughout Scotland for centuries. Long lasting and practical weberend one coat dash, finished with a blend of decorative aggregate stones, is perfectly suited to the exposed locations of the country offering low maintenance and upkeep as its increased surface area serves to maximise evaporation and protect against driving rain.”

For more information about this product, or for technical support including award winning training courses, please contact Saint-Gobain Weber on 08703 330 070, or visit www.netweber.co.uk.
A free download of the Weber App for iPhone and iPad users is also available from iTunes and from Google Play for Android smartphones and tablet users. Follow Saint-Gobain Weber on Twitter @SGWeberUK for the latest company news and updates.
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Gatic CastSlot surface drainage specified for 24,000 sq.ft. business park

Gatic, the global leader in access covers and civil drainage systems, recently installed Slotdrain CastSlot Treadsafe, its high capacity surface water drainage at Hamilton Business Park in Hedge End, Southampton. The £2m project, which spans 24,000 sq.ft., involved building brand new industrial and warehouse units and is the final phase of a 30-year project that started in 1988. The business park now has a total of 26 units covering 250,000 sq.ft. and 20 acres of space.

BCT Services worked with the developers to complete the project. John Griffin, buyer for BCT Services, has worked in construction for 30 years and is familiar with Gatic’s products. He comments: “Our specification called for CastSlot but I would have recommended using it anyway. It’s a good product, practical and easy to handle. It comes in three, one and a half metre lengths, which are designed with quick and safe installation in mind, and the metal construction means it’s not liable to breakages – which speeds up installation and improves safety, as well as saving cost.”

CastSlot is part of Gatic’s market leading Slotdrain range, available with a 10mm or 30mm opening and a load classification of up to F900, CastSlot is ideal for areas which are subject to heavy loads and slow turning traffic such as warehouse and industrial units. Its unobtrusive profile sits neatly within concrete, asphalt and block surface finishes, and an electro painted ductile iron throat section is securely fixed to the galvanised steel channel body for an exceptionally robust yet discreet drainage system. The Treadsafe option is recommended for areas where regular foot traffic is likely.

For more information on Gatic’s highly specified range of surface water drainage call 01304 203 545. Visit www.gatic.com.
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Cembrit Glendyne natural slate puts a Devonian roof on a jurassic collection!

Cembrit Glendyne natural slate brings the home of fossils to life, by adding distinctive style, character, and impressive performance to The Etches Collection museum roof in Kimmeridge.

The Etches Collection lies in the beautiful village of Kimmeridge, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty along the Dorset coastline. Listed as one of the twelve new museums to visit in 2016, it houses the collection of Steve Etches MBE, who collected and researched over 2,000 late Jurassic Kimmeridgian fossils over 30 years. The museum uses a blend of modern and traditional materials which gives the property a timeless appeal, whilst also complementing the natural beauty of its surroundings.

Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, charitable trusts, and the local community, the building was designed to fulfil a number of sustainable criteria. London-based architect, Kennedy O’Callaghan Architects presented the planners and Kimmeridge Trust with roofing samples to review, which resulted in Cembrit Glendyne slates being specified.

Janie Price from Kennedy O’Callaghan Architects comments “Glendyne slates, together with Haysom Purbeck Stone, have successfully blended the museum into the surrounding traditional cottages. The slates allow the design to fit the traditional vernacular whilst its detailing is contemporary.”

Glendyne is a high-quality slate that combines first-class performance with surprisingly attractive value for money. This is largely a result of the high yields achieved at the quarry. The combination of relatively easy to extract material and one of the most modern slate processing and quality control creates a product that offers high quality with a low production cost. The quarry operates a quality management system based on EN ISO 9001 which is externally audited. This standard is adhered to rigidly, as are all the quality standard procedures required by each regional market the quarry supplies. The result is Glendyne is possibly the most independently accredited natural slate. Available exclusively from Cembrit in the UK, Glendyne is a distinctive blue-grey colour.

Glendyne slates are tested to BS EN European standard, BS EN 12326-1:2014 which requires many of the laboratory tests (‘type testing’) to be performed at least annually and the factory production control (FPC) performed and recorded as a matter of routine by the producer.

For further information visit www.cembrit.co.uk, email sales@cembrit.co.uk or tel: 020 3372 2300
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New specification role for AWMS Skyline & Rainwater

AWMS, the leading manufacturer of rain to drain water management solutions, expands its specification team with the appointment of Michael Barnes.

Michael joins the business as National Account & Specification Manager for Rainwater and Skyline. With 19 years’ experience in building product sales and specifically rainwater management, he brings in-depth knowledge and experience to the business. His role will include liaising with major building contractors and architects, and delivering CPDs for the two brands. He will also be working on expanding AWMS’ approved installer scheme.

Michael comments: “You could say I have rainwater running through my veins! Over the last 14 years I’ve worked for Marshall Tufflex, Polypipe, and Fullflow Siphonic rainwater systems. So my new position at AWMS joins up all the dots of my previous roles and my experience fits like a glove. I’m excited to join the team and look forward to driving new opportunities for the business and leading the growth of its installer scheme.”

Alumasc Rainwater is the No.1 ‘all metal’ rainwater brand for architectural and specification markets. From cutting edge-contemporary to traditional heritage, our Aluminium, Cast Iron and Steel rainwater is BBA accredited and manufactured to the highest standard for strength, long life and durability. Our wide choice of colours and bespoke designs ensure the perfect solution for your next building project.

Skyline high-performance fascia, soffits and copings fit with all styles of architecture and work seamlessly with Alumasc Rainwater. The range is manufactured from in-house BBA certified powder-coated aluminium to any RAL or BSS colour, and comes a with 25 years life expectancy. All our products are 100% recyclable.

For more information on Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS), visit www.alumascwms.co.uk or call 01536 383 810. Follow on twitter @AlumascWMS.
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Gatic adds new car park solution to its Filcoten® range

Gatic Civil Drainage, the global leader in access covers and civil drainage systems expands its growing Filcoten® range with Parkline. Introduced for car park applications, and ideal for renovations of existing parking decks, Parkline comes with the same high performance benefits as other products in the Filcoten range.

Filcoten is an innovative grated channel drainage system manufactured from a breakthrough High Performance Concrete (HPC). It provides market-leading levels of installed strength and stability for significantly longer, trouble-free operational life. It is also 100% recyclable and the only drainage channel to be made with renewable energy.

Filcoten Parkline is suitable for load ratings of up to C250 and is wheelchair friendly with almost no height difference to the surrounding road. It is ideal for replacing existing drainage systems, with an innovative locking system for quick and easy installation, and secure drain covers that can be easily removed for cleaning and access as required. Its cross-section and monolithic construction prevents noise when cars cross over it, and prevents grates from getting clogged. Its intelligent design includes innovative connecting elements made from corrosion resistant stainless steel for efficient water conductivity.

Sales Director Martin Neale comments: “Gatic is committed to ongoing improvement and development of its products so we can supply the best solutions for a wide range of drainage projects. Our Filcoten range includes Pro G, Pro V, Tec, Self, Pave and now Parkline with load classes from A15 for pedestrian areas to F900 for heavy duty applications where a more robust system is required.”

For more information on Filcoten Parkline call 01304 203545. Visit www.gatic.com.
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