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

Kingspan TEK is light on its feet at Safari Park

The Kingspan TEK Building System has been erected at West Midland Safari Park to provide research and educational space, with minimal impact on the site, due to the lightweight system.

The 250-acre landscaped park in Bewdley, Worcestershire has continued to increase its purpose-built space to meet the growing interest in animal conservation and study. It is estimated that the site receives up to 46,000 school children per year from more than 1,000 schools across the UK, who come to learn about wildlife and take part in activities. 500 m2 of the Kingspan TEK Building System in a 142 mm thickness were pre-cut to specification by delivery partners, Glosford SIPS.

Richard Painter, Director of Painter Architects Ltd, explains the specification of the Kingspan TEK Building System for the building envelope: “We needed to provide large teaching spaces within a quick construction period that would leave no footprint on the land if it was returned to grazing land in the future. The Kingspan TEK Building System was an obvious choice as it is low maintenance and lightweight. It also provided a well-insulated structure to help us meet Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) compliance.”

The entire building envelope was manufactured off-site and transported to the park then craned into position above screw pile foundations. Mike Fleming, Director from Glosford SIPS, added:
“With the installation having to be completed during the closed season, there had to be a quick turnaround. We have had lots of experience working with Kingspan though and the system is really quick – the entire envelope was up in two weeks! We also really enjoyed working alongside the Safari Park construction team and the wild animals too.”

Following this, the Kingspan TEK panels were clad with cedar and African art panels on the walls and dark green corrugated tin sheeting on the mono pitched roof, to blend in with the landscape and fit the aesthetic of the park. With the roof panels being light, there was also less structural stress.

By erecting a Kingspan TEK Building System envelope, the project could accomplish excellent levels of thermal performance by achieving U-values of 0.20 W/m2.K or better for the walls and roof. The insulated spline jointing detail, in combination with its OSB/3 facing bonded to a highly insulated core, ensured minimal thermal bridging through the insulation layer and resulted in a very airtight building shell which offered air permeability of less than 1 m3/hr.m2 at 50 Pa. Once the system was sealed with a breather membrane, the entire structure is watertight.

The manufacturing facility where the panels are produced carries both FSC® (FSC®-C109304) and PEFC Chain of Custody certification. As standard, the OSB/3 facing of all Kingspan TEK panels is PEFC certified.

For further information, please call 01544 387 384, email literature@kingspantek.co.uk or visit www.kingspantek.co.uk.
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AWMS new partnership speaks volumes

Water management specialists, Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS) and AquaSpira, have signed a new collaboration agreement that will realise a new generation of adoptable rainwater attenuation solutions focused on optimising performance while minimising installation and maintenance costs.

In bringing together AWMS’ range of Gatic linear drainage systems and AquaSpira’s innovative large diameter Composite Steel Reinforced (CSR) pipe, engineers and contractors will benefit from significant breakthroughs in material technologies and a wealth of design and on-site experience.

“From the establishment of AWMS we have always sought to work with partners who are committed to advancing the way we manage surface water,” says AWMS Managing Director Steve Durdant-Hollamby. “Our partnership with AquaSpira will put us in the best possible position to meet the many design challenges presented by climate change, flood prevention and sustainable development.”

Neil Wallace, Managing Director at AquaSpira sees further innovations emerging from the shared approach: “Working together, we will be able to develop new connective technologies that will allow a fully integrated and optimised approach to water management right across the built environment.”

Offering a 95% weight saving over an equivalent concrete pipe, AquaSpira’s large diameter CSR pipe system significantly reduces installation time and costs. Its HDPE encapsulated structural steel core gives an exceptionally smooth inner surface with a ribbed external profile that binds tightly with the bedding stone. The stability of the installation allows the pipe to be laid in much narrower trenches with reduced backfill. Fully adoptable under Section 104 agreements and approved for use in all UK water company regions, AquaSpira CSR pipe is available in 900mm to 2250mm diameters.

Marrying the benefits of CSR pipe with Gatic’s established range of high capacity slot drainage technologies gives a comprehensive and versatile solution package for surface water attenuation across all applications. “Developers are increasingly focussed on the long term operational and maintenance costs of these below ground assets,” adds Steve Durdant-Hollamby. “Gatic slot drains have proven durability and, like CSR pipe, are easily accessed for cleaning and maintenance.”

For more information on Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS) and its Rain-to-Drain solutions, visit www.alumascwms.co.uk or call 01536 383 810. Follow on twitter @AlumascWMS.
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External Wall Insulation by Saint-Gobain Weber is talk of the town in Stevenage

High performance webertherm XM External Wall Insulation (EWI) by Saint-Gobain Weber has been specified for the showcase Skyline regeneration scheme in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. This landmark building, once occupied by HM Land Registry and known as Brickdale House, has been carefully re-designed and converted by Chase New Homes, of Waltham Abbey, Essex. A variety of 150 contemporary, well-proportioned residential suites and apartments designed to appeal to first time buyers and investors has been created. Skyline is superbly positioned in the town, close to all shopping and leisure facilities, and just two minutes from the main line station to London’s Kings Cross.

Designed by architects Corstorphine & Wright, Stourbridge, for Chase New Homes, the refurbishment work has dramatically transformed the building with major internal and external improvements. Visually, aesthetics have changed for the better with the application of webertherm XM, a lightweight render protected external wall insulation system, which has created a striking and stylish appearance that has modernised the building from a grey and tired-looking mid-1900s commercial block. Weber’s EWI has also improved the thermal performance of the building to a comfortable and sustainable 0.27W/m2K U-value. The application of webertherm XM EWI was carried out by Build-Therm Services of St Albans, Hertfordshire, a company familiar with Weber’s EWI systems.

The application of webertherm XM EWI system provides efficient thermal insulation for this refurbishment with the render coat and surface finish delivering excellent water shedding capacity to protect the building fabric. The system specified 120mm mineral fibre insulation applied to Cement Particle Boards fixed to a MetSec frame construction. This has been protectively covered with a 6mm meshcloth reinforced coat of weberend LAC, a polymer-modified, cement-based mortar. This is applied in two passes before being decoratively finished with webersil TF to achieve a textured render finish in Iced Blue offering a bright and welcome change to the streetscape.

Julia Wathen, of Build-Therm Services Limited, St Albans, Hertfordshire, was operations manager on the Skyline project “We really enjoy working with the Weber EWI systems as the materials are always of very high quality. We had 1000m² to apply and the result is a crisp, bright finish which adds to the modern style of the apartments.”

Since 2005 Chase New Homes, an independent and entrepreneurial company, has successfully developed new homes, building a reputation for excellence. Skyline is another showcase in the company’s varied portfolio which ranges from studio suites to £4m mansions. The company has several projects underway for a further 800 homes in Central London and throughout the Home Counties.

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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New appointments to drive ‘The Difference is Visqueen’ strategy

Visqueen, the market leader in the manufacture and supply of structural waterproofing and gas protection systems has announced a number of new roles for its team as part of its 2018 strategy that will further enhance the company’s range of services to the construction and building sectors. Under its new ‘The Difference is Visqueen’ campaign, the appointments underline and support Visqueen’s strong relationships with customers, contractors and builders’ merchants.

Phil Bull is now General Manager for the Visqueen construction business and will lead the business in its drive to increase sales across both structural waterproofing and gas protection systems.

Laura Guy takes on the role of National Sales Manager, responsible for all Builders Merchants sales. Laura will work with both the Technical and Commercial teams in order to best facilitate strong relationships as Visqueen moves forward.

Additionally, James Walsh becomes Regional Manager for the North including Scotland and Tony Goode is Regional Manager for the South, with both reporting to Nik Ullfors, Visqueen’s National Technical Manager. Lucinda Holmes is also promoted to Marketing Communications Manager and will provide marketing support across Visqueen’s construction business.

‘The Difference is Visqueen’ campaign will highlight Visqueen’s developing range of solutions for the construction industry, providing not just market leading products but also delivering a comprehensive variety of services including the new Visqueen Training Academy, fostering strong relationships with builder’s merchants as part of Specialist Centres and supporting design in construction projects through the Special Projects service.

“With our new business structure, we are ideally positioned to build on our strengths both as a market leader in waterproofing and gas protection and as a company that is focused on delivering for all its stakeholders” said Phil Bull.

“Our new team is ideally positioned to show that when it comes to providing solutions for the construction trade – ‘The Difference Is Visqueen”.

For more information please visit www.visqueen.com.
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Harmer’s new RIBA-approved CPD boosts understanding of rainwater drainage

The latest RIBA-approved CPD from Harmer Drainage offers in-depth insight into modern rainwater drainage systems and their importance in protecting buildings from water damage. The one hour seminar, entitled ‘Internal Rainwater Drainage – Design and Specification’, is aimed at educating architects and engineers about the importance of a well-designed drainage system.

The CPD addresses national and regional rainfall characteristics and how this affects design and product choice, as well as how to meet the British Standard requirements for gravity drainage systems.

Seminar attendees will be able to relate different roof constructions with the detailing of rainwater outlets, identify pipe materials and methods of connection, and understand the importance of robust specification in rainwater systems. Maintenance, inspections and incorporating blue and green roof systems are also covered.

The Harmer seminar forms part of RIBA’s CPD core curriculum. Architects are required to complete 20 hours CPD on these core subjects per year, plus an additional 15 hours on topics of their choice.

Harmer’s National Sales Manager Wayne Willmott who wrote the CPD says: “It’s vital for architects and engineers to dedicate time and consideration to rainwater drainage systems in order to avoid roofing failures. This CPD covers the main points to think about and ensure the right elements are in place to protect buildings from rainfall.”

Harmer Drainage, part of Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS), is the UK’s leading manufacturer of metal drainage products, managing water inside and outside the building.

To book a seminar or find out more, call AWMS Marketing on 01536 383 810 or email info@alumascwms.co.uk.

For more information visit www.harmerdrainage.co.uk. Follow @HarmerDrainage
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Natural Paving fits the bill for Anderson Group

The Talasey Group is delighted to have supplied a range of its Natural Paving products to a housing development in Essex, which is being built on the site of the former Tottenham Hotspur Football Club training ground.

The new development consists of 60 houses and is situated in a leafy area of Chigwell, surrounded by fields and trees and in close proximity to the River Roding. The Talasey Group has supplied approximately 2,990 metres of its Natural Paving’s Promenade Classicstone Sandstone, which has been installed across all of the homes.

The developer, Anderson Group, has built both a school and the homes that surround it. The ambition was to create a typical Essex village plan, using different house styles to create an attractive community. Therefore it was essential that the products used on the properties were versatile and would look good across the different types of dwellings.

Speaking about the project, Mark Thurston, Procurement Manager at Anderson Group commented: “One of the biggest challenges when working on a project of this scope is the need for products that are high quality but also cost-effective. These were the criteria that led us to choosing Natural Paving products, as the stone available was a perfect fit, with remarkable texture, colour and price. We’ve been very impressed with the company’s paving solutions and look set to use them again on another upcoming job.”

Looking for a stone that would complement the green spaces of the properties’ gardens, Anderson Group eventually settled on the Promenade Classic Sandstone, which has a cool colour palette. Whilst mostly grey in hue, the flagstone can weather over time to expose brown and buff tones. It forms part of Natural Paving’s popular Classicstone collection of CE Marked and ethically sourced products that can be used to create a warm and rustic look.

Anderson Group first decided on using the sandstone paving after liaising with local builders merchants, Sliverton Aggregrates Ltd. Anderson had asked the merchants to put forward a range of sandstone choices for the development’s outdoor environment but hadn’t specified any particular colour or style. After viewing a range of choices they settled for Natural Paving goods on grounds of the product’s colour and shade.

Speaking on his role in the project, Mark Buckle, Customer Sales at Silverton Aggregrates Ltd commented “We were approached by Anderson to put forward a sandstone option for this development. Natural Paving was the third company we presented to them and they were very impressed. In fact, Anderson has specified the goods on another development.”

“Over the duration of the project, I experienced no problems working with Natural Paving, part of the Talasey Group. When necessary, the company was helpful and responsive. Late on in the development, Anderson Group changed the specification from single size stones to larger packs. It was a challenging moment and we didn’t have much time to react. Thankfully, Shaun Utting of the Talasey Group was on hand to resolve the issue. “

The aforementioned Shaun Utting, who was in charge of helping Anderson Group deliver the project commented “This is a stand-out project in a notable location and something that we’re really proud to be a part of. As we operate a merchant only sales policy, Anderson Group purchased all their products through one of our merchant partners and it’s exciting to see our customer network having the opportunity to supply such a prestigious project.”

For more information about The Talasey Group or Natural Paving Products, please visit www.talasey.co.uk and www.naturalpaving.co.uk. 
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New weberend protect provides hydrophobic coating for buildings

weberend protect by Saint-Gobain Weber is the perfect solution for invisibly protecting external renders and other building substrates from water and liquid ingress. This hydrophobic coating prevents absorption of most types of surface contamination including water, oil and graffiti and reduces the risk of algae, moss, lichen and mould.

Easily applied by roller, brush or spray, this protective coating keeps the building exterior clean and dry, providing permanent protection against the elements while allowing the substrate to breathe, ensuring the façade looks better for longer. Water beads simply run off the treated surface removing contaminants at the same time.

“weberend protect ensures dirt, stains and other atmospheric contaminants do not adhere to the surface,” says Tracey Dempster, head of marketing, Saint-Gobain Weber, “so preventing deterioration of surfaces. By doing so it increases the substrate lifespan and reduces maintenance costs. It is also ideal for areas of high weather exposure where substrates might be damp, such as coastal areas.” weberend protect is UV resistant, non-flammable and non-toxic.

The colourless protective coating does not stain, and can be used on external renders, decorative finishes, masonry and concrete substrates, in newbuild, refurbishment and retrofit projects, and on historic buildings. weberend protect is also suitable for ground and horizontal surfaces that receive high levels of foot traffic and prevents chewing gum from adhering to the surface.

weberend protect is sustainably manufactured in the UK, pre-packaged and ready for immediate on-site use.

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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Weber’s technical mortars ensure residents of Northwood enjoy the good life

High performance technical mortars by Saint-Gobain Weber have been specified for the repair of concrete balconies with metal railings to apartment buildings in Northwood, Middlesex in the London borough of Hillingdon.

Metal railings to attractive balconies on the first and second storey apartments had rusted at the base over time and this in turn lead to spalling of the surrounding concrete. “This was both visually unattractive and a potential safety risk for the residents,” says Karl Roberts, contracts manager of main contractor Alfred Bagnall & Sons Limited, facades coating specialists, who have branches throughout the UK.

With technical advice from Weber’s specialist Barry Ephgrave, the team from Alfred Bagnall cut away the spalled concrete and repaired the metal barrier before reinstating the concrete. Saint-Gobain Weber’s webercem concrete repair system was specified, a multi-component system compliant with BS EN 1504 for concrete patch repairs.

The system contains webercem HB40 for high-build repair and levelling, the associated bonding slurry webercem bondcoat and finally a high performance finishing coat of webercote smooth.

webercem bondcoat, a cementitious bonding aid, provides high initial grab to improve the build of the repair mortar and promote the bond to the concrete. It contains fibres for improved thixotropy, is solvent-free and simply requires mixing with clean water onsite.

“There were also areas where concrete had spalled due to corroded reinforcement,” states Karl, “and again we treated and repaired these areas with lightweight, polymer modified, high-build webercem HB40 structural repair mortar. The complete system has a proven track record demonstrating its quality and performance and allows speedier completion of work. We use it regularly on projects similar to this.”

Once repaired the balconies were coated with webercote smooth which provides excellent anti-carbonation protection. It has a minimum 15 years life expectancy and is protective, durable and decorative. webercote smooth can be applied by brush, roller and spray and is resistant to chloride ingress.

“With a life expectancy in excess of 15 years residents can be sure these buildings will continue to look as neat and tidy as they do now, not to mention safe and secure,” comments Karl. “It was in Northwood in the 1970s that comedy series the Good Life was filmed so we are confident the Leadbetter’s would approve of this smart remedial programme of work which we hope has exceeded everyone’s expectations.”

For more information about this project, 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 launches new precision engineered access covers

Gatic Civil Drainage, a global leader in engineered surface water drainage, adds to its range of high performance access covers with the launch of LFA assist lift for rapid access, and Composite solid and vented covers with ThruBeam® technology.

The LFA assist lift achieves a load rating of F900 and is designed for heavy duty environments with slow moving traffic, such as aircraft pavements, taxiways of civil airports and dockyards. They are manufactured from Ductile Iron, M-Struts® for a maintenance free alternative to conventional gas struts, and stainless steel grade 304.

A key benefit of Gatic’s new LFA covers is that they can be lifted and closed by a single operation for easy and quick access to underground services. Other technologically advanced benefits include automatically engaging anti-accidental closure mechanism, a slam latch, a locking feature that requires a single Allen key for opening and an integrated lifting handle. All these features allow for easy access, without comprising user safety or the security of the access cover.

Gatic’s Composite is a comprehensive system of single duct and multi-span access covers and frames suitable for a load category of up to B125. The innovative design is ideal for pedestrian areas where an anti-slip, lockable and aesthetic solution is required. The covers have undergone independent testing for anti-slip properties in both wet and dry conditions. They are extremely strong, yet lightweight, which reduces the risk associated with lifting for installers and inspectors.

Gatic Composite covers are available in a range of colours so they fit in seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Colours include black, grey, blue, green and red with others available on request. The frame work is galvanised steel.

All Gatic covers are lockable and cannot be removed without the correct lifting key so unauthorised lifting is virtually impossible.

Sales Director Martin Neale comments “Gatic’s outstanding reputation and longstanding experience and expertise in the design and manufacture of high performance engineered access covers are unmatched. We are continually innovating and adding to our range so that we can provide the most robust and durable solutions for all applications and load classes, from the Olympic Stadium in the UK and Heathrow Airport to Abu Dhabi Airport UAE and Sydney Airport.”

For more information on Gatic’s new range of engineered access covers, call 01304 203545 or visit www.gatic.com.
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Filcoten installed at McDonald’s Tonbridge

Filcoten, Gatic’s market leading lightweight channel drainage system, has been installed at the new McDonald’s restaurant in Tonbridge. Filcoten Pro G NW100 c/w F900 Grate was supplied through civil drainage merchant MPS and installed by contractor Galamast, who handle most of McDonald’s construction projects. Galamast chose Filcoten because of its leading strength, installed performance and environmental benefits.

Filcoten® is manufactured from a breakthrough High Performance Concrete (HPC) that is setting new standards in flexural and compressive strength, and in the long-term performance of channel drainage. In comparison with resin and fibre reinforced concretes, Filcoten is 70% lighter and its bond to an identical concrete surround is five times stronger, significantly improving the installed channel’s resilience to traffic loading, ground movement and thermal cycling.

Its flexural strength is approximately double that of conventional HPC, which means fewer breakages in transit, in stock, and installation, and a considerably longer, trouble-free operational life. And due to Filcoten’s composition and close control of the curing process it achieves a compressive strength 50% higher than conventional HPC without having to revert to the use of chemical stabilisers, additives or releasing agents.

Filcoten is 100% recyclable and is the only drainage channel to be made with renewable energy. It is non-flammable and UV resistant unlike resin or polymer based products. Filcoten’s unique combination of high strength, high durability and geometric stability provides engineers and contractors with a market leading channel drainage solution.

For more information on Gatic’s market-leading range of slotdrain products and technical support, call 01304 203545 or visit www.gatic.com.
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