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

The Log Pod Ltd Chooses Metrotile

At Metrotile, we our proud of how our industry-leading Lightweight Steel Roofing Systems are suitable for the full spectrum of pitched roofing applications, from the largest sprawling educational campus to the smallest conservatory or outbuilding. As an innovative roofing material, Metrotile is often paired with innovative buildings and projects, such as the camping pods built by the Carmarthenshire-based company The Log Pod Ltd.

Originally conceived in 2011 to “to design and build a camping hut that had several key features”, the original Log Pod is a portable timber-frame construction that was initially aimed at the leisure industry, such as using the temporary buildings to boost campsite usage within the colder months. The pod’s are easy to move around site and install – they arrive flat-packed and can be moved around via wheels at their base. The use of natural materials ensure their aesthetic blends in perfectly with the surrounding scenic countryside. As customers became more aware of the benefits offered by Log Pods, the customer base expanded beyond the leisure industry to customers wanting to own them for their own camping trips, or for other home applications such as garden offices.

As the customer base expanded, so did the range and finish options. The Log Pod Ltd’s Director, Trevor Richardson, found that he required a rooftop solution that was robust, had the aesthetics of a ‘traditional’ roofing material, yet was also at a weight that would not compromise the transportability of the pods. Mr Richardson found that the solution was to utilise Metrotile Lightweight Roofing – specifically, the Metrotile Shingle profile:

“We chose Metrotile Shingle as the rapid installation time and absence of exterior fittings was a huge plus over other options. During the past four years, we’ve built up a strong relationship with Metrotile and I see us continuing to use their products for years to come.”

The Log Pod is a truly innovative design that Metrotile is very proud to be involved with. Like all Metrotile roofs, any Log Pod fitted with Metrotile Shingle is covered by our Forty Year Weatherproof Guarantee.

If you would like to find out more about The Log Pod Ltd’s products, you can visit their website via www.thelogpod.co.uk or contact them by phone via 01269 850005.

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For more information about Metrotile Lightweight Roofing, visit www.metrotile.co.uk or follow us on Twitter via @metrotileuk
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Gatic’s CastSlot installed at prestigious new retail development

Gatic’s CastSlot drainage system has been installed at Queens Retail Park, a new 16 acre retail development in Preston. The new shopping centre currently comprises 80,000 sq ft. of open retail space and parking capacity for over 800 visitors. Designed by architects Cassidy and Ashton, the project is known as ‘Gateway to Preston’ as it develops into a highly visible entrance to the city.

Aldi supermarket is one of the main stores that anchor the site at an impressive 18,500 sq ft. The area required major works of the external soft and hard landscaping and Gatic’s CastSlot with a Treadsafe option was specified as the slot drain for the landscaped areas.

Working with Castle House Construction and supplied through specialist civil merchant JDP, CastSlot was a perfect fit for the prestigious new development. Ideal for car parks, the innovative slot drainage system is designed with an unobtrusive profile that sits discreetly within concrete, asphalt or block paving. Its Treadsafe option reduces the slot opening from 30mm wide to 2 x 9mm wide slots making the channel safe to cross for pedestrians. The reduction in slot opening has no impact on the intake capacity of the system.

Andy Lyon, Project Manager, Castle House Construction comments: “The retail park has been carefully landscaped to make an attractive and pleasant shopping destination. We were impressed by Gatic’s CastSlot Treadsafe system – it’s an easy to install, reliable and cost effective drainage solution. Gatic’s technical support was impressive too. The team were on hand to help with any technical issues and worked closely with us. The finished site looks great and the scheme obtained a BREEAM ‘very good’ rating.”

For more information on Gatic’s innovative range of Slotdrain products, which include CastSlot, UltraSlot, PaveSlot and FacadeSlot, call 01304 203545 or visit www.gatic.com.
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New Pocket Commercial Landscaping Directory from Charcon

Charcon, the commercial hard landscaping division of Aggregate Industries, has published its 2017 trade directory in a new, handy 49-page pocket-sized, spiral-bound format for complete ease of use.

The pocket guide is filled with all the technical information that customers would need to know about the Charcon range and serves as a valuable reference tool for architects, specifiers, contractors, sub-contractors and merchants alike.

It covers the complete breadth of Charcon’s commercial landscaping range and includes sections on natural stone, flag paving, block paving, kerbs and water surface solutions. Whilst each section is marked with a coloured divider, allowing the user to flip easily to the product category required, each page accommodates a sliding scale of product data, offering a quick reference to alternative products where required.

Easily recognisable symbols accompany each page to clearly highlight key product features, indicating for example whether a product is BIM-enabled, durable, sustainable, ethically traded, BES 6001 accredited, etc.

The directory is designed to work in conjunction with Charcon’s more in-depth 123-page A4 landscape commercial landscaping portfolio, cross-referencing to relevant pages which feature case studies and a wider selection of imagery which together showcase the products in application.

Mike Davies, Sector Manager for Charcon, comments “The Charcon product range provides all the necessary materials to furnish a hard landscaping scheme, from large public realm projects to educational and health facilities. It is therefore vital that we provide our customers and stockists with clear and concise product literature.

“We trust that our new pocket directory will guide customers to the best products for the application in question, as well as any complementary products, such as stepped units or bespoke items, that will enhance the project.”

To request a copy of the 2017 Charcon commercial landscaping directory or portfolio, please contact 01335 372 222 or email landscaping@aggregate.com. To browse the Charcon range of products online, visit www.charcon.com.
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Abet shelters the rescuers

Abet Laminati’s MEG exterior grade laminate has been used to clad the exterior of the new offices and crew rooms of the RNLI Station in Brighton Marina.

Designed and supplied by Aliva UK, MEG 414 was chosen to match the ceramic facades of the surrounding buildings and was face fixed with colour coded rivets. The cladding envelopes the Station, keeping staff and crew warm and dry in the harshest of weathers.

This scheme is a perfect example of high performance MEG in action where the need for incredibly high performance and durability is married up with low life-cycle costs and aesthetic design.

Carrying a BBA Agrément Certificate, MEG is a self-supporting high pressure laminate (HPL) for cladding the exterior of buildings, balconies and other applications. It features high resistance to temperature, climate shock, weathering, UV light and impact. Furthermore, its chemical resistant nature and closed structure do not allow paint in spray cans, various inks, emulsion paints, lipstick or pastel paints to penetrate into the decorative layer negating the need for any anti-graffiti treatment and making the surface easy to clean.

The range is available in over 91 colours in a mix of traditional plain colours, wood finishes, simulated concrete colours and metal. MEG is also able to incorporate Abet’s digital printing technology. This means that almost any design, photograph or pattern can be reproduced in stunning detail to give architects and designers unparalleled freedom to create unusual and dramatic building facades.

Samples and technical literature are available from Abet Ltd’s sample line on tel: 020 7473 6915 or visit uk.abetlaminati.com.
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Titon extends ventilation systems offering with new Trimbox Filter®

Titon has introduced the new Trimbox Filter® to its MVHR portfolio. Suitable for new build or refurbishment projects, the ultra-compact Trimbox Filtersup>® is available as lined and un-lined versions, each offering extra protection against external pollutants.

Compatible with Titon’s range of MVHR units, the new Trimbox Filter® features a compact design and can be installed in both intake air and supply ducting. In addition, each product is fitted with a G4 synthetic filter as standard or an optional F7 filter. The G4 filter reduces 100% of PM10 (particulate matter such as dust, pollen and mould) and 35% of PM2.5 (including combustion particles, organic compounds and metals), while the F7 filter removes up to 95% of PM2.5.

Units can be installed vertically and horizontally, while the fully lined version reduces both duct bound noise and condensation. Weighing 4kg each, the products are made from a zintec sheet steel housing, which is powder coated white.

Commenting on the new units, Paul Cowell, Technical Director at Titon, said: “By adding a Trimbox Filtersup>® to a property’s ventilation system, it helps to protect occupants from contaminants caused by external pollution. As a result, this product is ideal for new build or refurbishment projects, creating a safer environment inside any dwelling.”

The new units conform to the European standard for air filters (EN779:2012) and should be installed in accordance with Good Practice, such as the Domestic Ventilation Compliance Guide (England & Wales) and Residential Ventilation Association recommendations.

For more information about Titon, please visit: www.titon.co.uk.
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Weber Monocouche render with ashlar detail adds elegance to St. George’s Park Retirement Village

High performance monocouche render by Saint-Gobain Weber has been specified for recent new-build properties at St. George’s Park Retirement Village in Burgess Hill, West Sussex. The new buildings will provide extended accommodation for the retirement community established and run by Augustinian Care which is set in 250 acres of glorious parkland and gardens.

The buildings are finished with weberpral M, a one-coat, through-coloured external decorative render. An elegant ashlar architectural detail has been used to underscore the traditional aesthetics required to blend perfectly with buildings already established in this community. The project was designed by award-winning PRP Architects, with practices in London, Manchester and Surrey, who undertook the original brief for the St. George’s Park Retirement Village. PRP Architects specialise in designing high quality buildings that enrich the lives of users and their communities.

The main contractor, Galliford Try Building, is very impressed with the weberpral M decorative render noting that it is a high quality material and that the application work carried out by Complete Rendering Systems was first class and has given the very best possible finish for St George’s Park.

weberpral M, a one-coat, cementitious, through-coloured render, is suitable for application to most brick and block work substrates. It is factory produced from carefully selected raw materials for consistency and supplied ready-mixed requiring only the addition of clean water on site. It is formulated for pump application which makes for quick and efficient installation, contributing to shorter programme periods, reducing associated scaffolding and site costs and permitting the completion of ground works at an earlier stage.

weberpral M has excellent weather resistance and durability whilst allowing the structure to breathe. The through-coloured render requires no decoration, is truly low maintenance and offers a variety of ways to achieve distinct architectural features. On the St George’s properties ashlar patterns have been applied. weberpral M is applied in a two pass operation to a thickness of 20-28mm and then scraped when green giving a minimum render thickness of 15 to 25mm. When set but not fully hard, the ashlar detail is cut into the render ensuring that a minimum of 15mm is left at the base of any cut. The through-colour characteristic of weberpral M ensures that the overall colour aesthetic is maintained even in the deepest recess.

The properties at St. George’s Park Retirement Village have been finished in Ivory, just one of 24 colours in the weberpral M range. Specialist applicator Complete Rendering Systems of Lewes, East Sussex, were awarded the contract and director Bradley Halls supervised the project. “Our extensive experience of applying Weber render products gave us complete confidence that we would meet the client’s expectations. Overall there was 1000m² of weberpral M applied and the ashlar work covered approximately 600m² with the remaining surface carrying a plain scraped finish. We worked at St. George’s Park Retirement Village over a six month period as the buildings were readied and the colour consistency is perfect.”

Saint-Gobain Weber is the first manufacturer of monocouche renders to be awarded an A+ rating as defined in the BRE Global 2008 Green Guide to Specification. This audited material helps specifiers to make selections that will collectively reduce the environmental impact of their buildings while achieving a higher number of BREEAM material specification credits.

St. George’s Park Retirement Village is located on the site of the original Retreat that was the first home established by the Sisters of St. Augustine when it was re-formed in 1866, principally to care for the mentally and physically ill. The Sisters have continued to care for those that need it ever since in several care facilities in Sussex.

For more information about this project, or for technical support, please contact Saint-Gobain Weber on 08703 330 070, or visit www.netweber.co.uk. Customers in Ireland should call 028 9335 2999 or visit www.weber.ie.
A free download of the new 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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The Natural Stone Show returns!

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Image: St James’s Market, London Portland limestone: Fancy Beach Whitbed; Grove Whitbed; and Jordan Whitbed from Albion Stone (Stand E6)

Returning for its 12th edition, the Natural Stone Show remains the only UK exhibition and conference dedicated to natural stone. Thousands of architects, designers, developers, stonemasons, wholesalers and retailers will flock to London’s ExCeL this April to see exhibitors from across the globe and enjoy 3 days of seminars; each seeking inspiration and advice for their next stone project.

If your marketplace is stone slabs, tiling or block; CNC machinery; diamond tooling; the latest fixing systems; sealants, adhesives, cleaning materials or another related product or service, then the Natural Stone Show is for you.

Natural Stone Show

Image: The Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge – England using Crosland Hill Hard Yorkstone paving from Johnsons Wellfield (Stand E25)

Natural Stone Show

Image: Private project, London   Silver travertine crafted by Ateliers Romeo (stand P16)

Register here for free tickets.
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OPTIM-R installed at Aberdeen medical centre

GP practice staff in Aberdeen city are enjoying a new and improved environment at their purpose-built facility, with the help of the Kingspan OPTIM-R Balcony & Terrace System.

Woodside Fountain Health Centre is a bespoke build replacing the Woodside Medical Group’s premises on Western Road. The triple primary care facility offers a collaboration of services within the fully accessible building. The new health centre is comprised of 12 consulting rooms, a minor procedures room, treatment rooms, an NHS dental practice, and a team of community nurses. The project was overseen by contractors Miller Construction, which was acquired by Galliford Try in 2014.

The centre features a spacious roof terrace. To insulate this, whilst also maintaining an even transition from the internal area, 30 mm thickness of the Kingspan OPTIM-R Balcony & Terrace System was specified. Unlike conventional insulation, Kingspan OPTIM-R panels feature a microporous core which is evacuated, encased and sealed in a gas-tight envelope. This design allows the panels to achieve outstanding insulation performance with an aged thermal conductivity of 0.007 W/m.K, enabling the target U-value of 0.15 W/m2.K to be achieved with the slimmest possible construction. A further layer of Kingspan Styrozone was installed above the System, followed by a waterproof membrane and the final balcony surface.

The Kingspan OPTIM-R Balcony & Terrace System also includes OPTIM-R flex infill strips which can be cut to size, ensuring the System can meet all design requirements. When installed to Kingspan Insulation’s guidelines, the Kingspan OPTIM-R Balcony & Terrace System can provide outstanding long term thermal performance over the lifetime of a building.

Kingspan OPTIM-R has a BDA Agrément® certification for thicknesses of 20-40 mm. BDA Agrément® is recognised by professional bodies such as the NHBC and LABC, which can fast-track approvals and offers an assurance that the products are safe and effective.

For more information, please email info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk or visit www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk/optim-r.
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Gatic rewards team success

Gatic Civil Drainage, a global leader in engineered surface water drainage and access covers, has rewarded two members of staff with role promotions to recognise their continuing success with the company.

James Haddon has been promoted from ‘Technical Assistant’ to ‘Regional Sales Engineer’, while Ian Leadbeter moves from the role of ‘Regional Engineer’ to ‘National Account Manager’.

James has been with Gatic for over four years. Over this time his focus was on project drawings, technical layout and calculating channel sizes using dedicated software. His new role puts James on the road visiting consultants, architects and customers in the South and South East. He is also involved in CPD presentations to increase specifications. James says: “I’m very excited with this new opportunity, and the chance to develop my career within the business. My technical background and knowledge is a big advantage when visiting key contacts and building relationships with customers. I’m thoroughly enjoying it.”

Ian joined Gatic 2½ years ago. His previous role involved visiting specifiers, carrying out CPD seminars and co-ordinating the Regional Sales Managers. Ian’s promotion to ‘National Account Manager’ involves working more closely with specifiers and end clients in Gatic’s key target sector of ports and airports. This includes major airports, Associated British Ports and the Ministry of Defence. Ian comments: “Starting a new role can be a bit daunting, but I’m working with a great team of people and it’s a privilege to be part of a successful and growing business.”

Gatic Civil Drainage is part of Alumasc Water Management Solutions, a leading brand in integrated water management, from rain to drain.

For more information, visit please www.gatic.com.
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Studor develops unique solution for unique building

It was local council concerns of the perceived risks from SARS and other airborne viruses that resulted in an innovative, new drainage solution at the iconic O2 arena. Once Greenwich Council dismissed the option to use open stacks within the tented area of this iconic London landmark, it was down to the UK’s best plumbing engineers to resolve the issue.

Studor, with their deep knowledge of drainage ventilation systems, worked together with ME Engineers and a team at Heriot-Watt University. The Studor System solution incorporated Studor Air Admittance Valves (AAVs) coupled with P.A.P.A. (Positive Air Pressure Attenuator) units. The P.A.P.A. acts like a shock absorber, dissipating pressure waves and stopping them bouncing around the plumbing system, thereby eliminating the need for roof penetrations at the O2.

“The O2 was a difficult project because it was breaking new ground and no typical model existed,” explained Studor expert Steve White. “The data we produced included flow calculations, flow rates and pipe sizing to deal with air and transient pressures.”

The university team which worked alongside Studor, determined that any gas build-up would follow the water flow. By placing all urinals on a twelve-hour flush cycle they greatly alleviated the potential of any gas build-up problem.

“This resulted in the world’s first sealed drainage system, totally without the need for any open vents,” said White from Studor. “It not only maintained the clean lines of the iconic roof but also minimised the environmental impact and kept costs down by reducing materials and labour.”

The O2 has an overall diameter of 365m, a circumference of 1km and is 50m high at its central point. When at full capacity, the building can hold 60,000 people and has 548 toilets.

While inside the O2 the full drainage and ventilation system is sealed, the outside pump stations are on pillars with open vents that are spaced 300 metres apart to dispense any odours are generated within the complex.

For more information please visit www.studor.net.
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