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

Powdertech (Corby) Ltd selected to undertake powder coating as part of Eurostar’s refurbishment programme

Image above: New e320 train on the left and refurbished e300 train on the right.

Alongside introducing its new Siemens e320 trains, the first of which began operating in commercial service on November 20th 2015, Eurostar is carrying out a complete re-modelling of its original trains. The Class 373s which are being rebranded as e300s have been in service for over21 years since the launch of Eurostar in 1994.The complete and complex refurbishment of the interior and exterior of the trains is being carried out in SNCF’s Hellemmes Technicentre in Lille. It covers all mechanical components as well as the design of the train which is being changed to mirror the look and feel of the new e320 trains. created for Eurostar by Italian design house Pininfarina.

The role of Powdertech Corby Ltd

As part of the refurbishment, the interiors were shipped to Powdertech Corby Ltd, in Northamptonshire for stripping and powder coating.

The various components were divided into sets for six different paint colours. Powdertech (Corby) Ltd spent six months dealing with an enormous train set, or parts of one at least. Once coated, the pieces were repackaged and sent back to Lille where the carriages were reassembled. Tagging and labelling of the parts was absolutely critical as there are slight variations between carriages and trains. The engineering company overseeing the reconstruction used a system of unique identification involving a grid of dots, similar to a QR code, imprinted on to the metal. This coding system would ensure that every part went back to the right place in the right carriage on the right train.

Eurostar required a powder coater that could deal with the high demands of the refurbishment programme, not only in terms of high quality powders and coating proficiency but also the operational logistics of dealing with the numerous parts and correct customised powder colours. Following a visit to Powdertech’s factory in Corby, Eurostar deemed the company capable of meeting the exacting requirements.

“Cleaning the metal was a challenge,” said Powdertech Sales Director, Richard Besant “Together with the old paint, twenty one year’s of grease and grime needed removing, not to mention carpet and carpet glue from many of the sections. Powdertech looked into a variety of paint stripping and surface cleaning methods and used, amongst others, blasting with glass beading, orbital sanding and metal polishing.”

The six powder colours were custom made for Eurostar by Axalta, for whom Powdertech is an approved applicator. The first refurbished e300 train set, capable of carrying 750 passengers, set forth from London to Brussels in September 2015. Rail travel expert Mark Smith of seat61.com train travellers’ website (named after his favourite Eurostar seat) was on board and tweeted “Internally it’s unrecognisable – most passengers will think it’s a brand new train. Superb job”.

“That says it all for us,” said Richard Besant. “We are delighted that Powdertech Corby was chosen to make such a big contribution to this exciting makeover project.”

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

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Storage solution firm wins Queen’s Award

Specialist metal storage manufacturer Trimetals has been recognised in this year’s Queen’s Awards for its impressive export achievements.

Sales of Trimetals’ sheds and storage units for new-build and renovation projects have been growing across the world helping the company win this prestigious Queen’s Award for International Trade.

Popularity of the PVC-clad steel units has been steadily growing among home-builders, architects and facilities managers looking for secure and durable storage solutions.

Unlike wooden or plastic alternatives, Trimetals’ stores are fire-resistant (a certificate is supplied with each product) and they will not warp, become weak and brittle, crack or discolour over time.

The maintenance-free units are guaranteed for 25 years and are available in many sizes to accommodate everything from garden tools and outdoor furniture to lawnmowers and motorbikes. Smaller units are equally as accessible as larger sheds with each featuring a unique and easy to use spring assisted opening action. This allows complete “walk in” access and means heavy or awkward lifting is virtually eliminated as stored items are within easy reach.

Speaking about the accolade, Trimetals Managing Director Garry Smith said: “Our products have been gaining popularity among discerning specifiers in the UK market for some time and it’s clear that security, functionality and reliability are appreciated. It’s great to see that word of these benefits is spreading internationally with our stores now being specified as far afield as Australia and Japan.”

More information on the complete range of Trimetals products can be found at www.trimetals.co.uk.
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New standard paves the way for Alkali-activated cements in the construction industry

Lucideon, the international materials technology company, has been developing and applying their proprietary MIDAR technology based on alkali-activated cements for several years. Though technically authenticated to meet the requirements for many applications, the lack of acceptance by building standards has proved to be a major hurdle when planning a route to the European market. BSI has recently published a new standard, ‘Construction Materials – Alkali-Activated Cementitious Material and Concrete – Specification’, which will remove this obstacle.

The new standard defines raw material and product performance specifications; this gives manufacturers of construction materials the opportunity to develop products based on alkali-activated cement technologies, safe in the knowledge that they comply with a European standard of approval. The standard refers to, and benchmarks against a number of well used cement standards, thus ensuring consumer confidence in the new technology.

Rebecca Law, Development Scientist, Lucideon, said “This new standard is an exciting opportunity for not only the construction sector but many other industries who can explore alternative raw materials in their products without fear of market rejection.”

“With the help of our materials experts, manufacturers can develop products using alkali-activated cement technology. This could potentially improve the performance and reduce the raw material costs and carbon footprints of products. At Lucideon, we not only have the experience to develop a new formulation to meet client application requirements, but also the backing of our state-of-the-art laboratories to ensure that new products meet the EU standard.”

Lucideon develops materials technologies to meet the needs of a wide range of industries, including construction, healthcare and nuclear. MIDAR technology has the potential to be used in a variety of application areas, such as flooring, roof tiles and cladding. The MIDAR production process is not energy intensive and utilizes readily available, cost effective materials which make it a promising prospect for the construction sector.

For more information about Lucideon’s MIDAR technology, contact Kambiz Kalantari, Operations Manager, Materials, on +44 (0)1782 764343 or kambiz.kalantari@lucideon.com. Alternatively, visit www.lucideon.com/midar-products.
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Charcon Materials used in London’s best new place to live

Charcon, the commercial hard landscaping division of Aggregate Industries, has collaborated on a top London residential project, Trafalgar Place in Elephant & Castle, which is being hailed by The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson MP for design innovation and longevity.

The project, part of a wider £1.5 billion, 28 acre regeneration scheme to upgrade and reconnect Elephant & Castle with the mostly derelict Heygate Estate, saw an office block converted into a development of 235 homes.

With a brief to create a quality urban residential space, Charcon was consulted to recommend approximately 3,500m2 of hard landscaping options that would establish a strong relationship between the green spaces of both the private communal and public areas, to the adjacent buildings and edges.

1,840m2 of Charcon’s Andover Textured flag and block paving in Midnight Grey, Silver Grey and Light Grey was supplied, offering a premium quality block paving product at an affordable price. Pairing the unique three colour blend with five different block sizes specified Andover Textured offers an eye-catching design solution that runs throughout all of the main tree-lined avenues of the scheme.

1,050m2 of premium Appalachian flag paving in Leemoor Ground was used for an upper private courtyard podium. Incorporating up to 60% recycled and reclaimed materials, the uniquely formulated granite aggregates offer exceptional performance and durability.

Charcon’s technical specialists also created a bespoke product for the project, producing 250m2 of ‘Special’ Appalachian Leemoor. Using a double process prior to sandblasting to expose a greater amount of aggregate, the end product was a unique polished and sandblasted finish which, when laid alongside the Leemoor Ground, created a distinctive contrast of textures within the private courtyard.

In addition, 100 linear metres of hard wearing Natural Granite kerbs and radii in Silver Grey were incorporated to create features throughout the scheme, and 240m2 of Europa block paving in Brindle was the ideal solution for the heavy-use pedestrianised areas.

Together with the buildings, planting and communal space, Trafalgar Place has been praised within the industry as an example of exemplary design, scooping prestigious awards such as The Mayor’s Award for Planning Excellence and Best New Place to Live, both at the London Planning Awards 2016.

Architects dRMM worked with landscape architect Grant Associates to create the regeneration masterplan. The project was managed by developer Lend Lease and leading landscape architecture company Randle Siddeley was invited to complete the detailed landscape design.

Sharon Chan, Project Landscape Architect at Randle Siddeley, comments: “Peter Brown from Charcon was very professional and extremely efficient in providing us with technical information we needed during both the design stage and construction stage. Andover and Leemoor are cost effective products that meet the planning requirements but do not compromise the aesthetics of the landscape scheme.”

Mike Davies, Specification and Major Projects Manager at Charcon, said: “This has been a fascinating project to watch evolve and we’re very proud to have played a role in what has become a flagship for urban regeneration in London. Our goal is to provide innovative solutions using the highest quality and most sustainable materials across every aspect of the construction industry, and these credentials married perfectly with Randle Siddeley’s vision for the development.”

More information is available on www.charcon.com.

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BLT Direct builds on commercial inventory with metal halide flood lights

British facilities managers are introduced to a new level of illumination this month, with BLT Direct introducing a refreshed range of metal halide flood lights. Powerful and functional, metal halides are still ideal for use in a variety of applications against there LED counterparts, for applications including courtyards, car parks churches, athletic facilities, building facades, industrial warehouses and general outside areas.

As High Intensity Discharge lamps (HID) halides emit the majority of their light from an electric arc located within a small discharge tube. With high quality white light and impressive efficiency, metal halides are an established popular choice for use in urban, industrial and facilities oriented spaces. BLT Direct stocks a wide range of metal halide flood lights to suit all needs. Prices are tiered from a competitive £31.99 to £63.99, and include 70, 150, 250 and 400 watts. Lumens increase with wattage, ranging from 5500 to 34,000.

Metal halides are favoured for their pure white light frequency that’s close to daylight. This creates a bright, unimposing glow that’s ideal for outdoor areas. The brilliant lumen output makes them great for use in indoor areas with high ceilings, as well as industrial bay applications. All come with an IP 65 rating, meaning they are 100% protected against dust ingress, as well as pressure water jets from any direction. These hard wearing credentials make them well suited to both outdoor applications and indoor industrial environments.

“When it comes to functionality, we’re always on the search for good value top performers. In commercial and facilities applications it’s essential to install solutions that are safe, reliable and durable. That’s why we have introduced this range of metal halide flood lights range direct from Red Arrow, a repitable manufacturer in commercial lighting,” says Steven Ellwood, Managing Director of BLT Direct.

With the ever increasing use of LED there is still a place for Metal Halide fittings as a cost effective solution offering the user great energy efficiency and long lamp life.

 

To find out more about BLT Direct and browse the new range of metal halide flood lights available to purchase online, visit: www.bltdirect.com.

 

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IKO Polymeric & FK Group finish 48,000m2 roof in four months

IKO Polymeric and contactor FK Group have completed a roofing project for one of the biggest online grocery centres in the world – in under four months. This incredibly tight deadline was met with minimal material waste, thanks to a number of innovations developed specifically for the project by both companies.

The new fulfilment centre for premium British online supermarket, Ocado, is based in Erith, Kent, and will be operational in 2017. It will handle 200,000 orders a week and represents £185 million local investment.

The project started in September 2015 and was completed in December, a very short construction programme for a large – 48,000m2 – and challenging roofing project.

IKO Polymeric, the UK’s only single ply manufacturer, delivered several innovative solutions to complete the job with minimal waste.

Steve Hall, Managing Director of FK Group, comments: “IKO Polymeric demonstrated its usual proactive approach with innovations such as bespoke roll lengths and specific membrane overlap positioning allowing significant efficiencies to be achieved on site.”

Standard length membrane is typically 20 linear metres which then has to be cut or extended (by fixing additional sections on) to fit the required dimensions. IKO Polymeric manufactured its Amourplan PVC single ply membrane in bespoke rolls of 22.35, 19.20 and 8.00 linear metres to reduce waste and installation time for this project.

Another first was manufacturing half the rolls with the membrane overlap positioned on the opposite side to the other rolls. This 50/50 split meant the contractor could use two teams working simultaneously on either side of the ridge, rolling the membrane out in the same direction. Usually one team works on one side at a time.

FK Group developed a new technique for the project, welding eight rolls together to create a large (320m2) membrane ‘blanket’, rolling half back and then applying the adhesive to the area, rather than doing one roll at a time. This was possible because IKO’s Polymeric’s PU adhesive can be exposed for up to 25 minutes.

These innovative manufacturing and fitting methods saved time, resources and waste on a very large project, with 5,500m2 typically installed each week.

Steve Hall adds: “Working alongside FK Group, IKO made a significant contribution to the success of this job. As a key part of our supply chain, they helped us to develop and deliver a bespoke solution to our client in impressive time. ”

For more information on IKO Polymeric please visit www.ikogroup.co.uk/polymeric call 01257 488000. Follow @ikopolymeric on twitter.

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Balconette launches unique Frameless Juliet Balconies

Now there is nothing to obscure the view with a new Frameless Glass Juliet balcony from Balconette. Using literally just one sheet of glass, the balustrading specialist’s new range of Frameless Glass Juliet Balconies is a highly-aesthetic, straightforward-to-install and minimalist balcony guarding solution.

Designed to enhance the external appearance of any building, Balconette’s Frameless Juliet balcony uses 21.5mm laminated and toughened glass panels. The system allows for a Frameless Juliet of up to 3.15 metres in width using a single pane of glass that makes the perfect partner for French, or any doors installed on the first floor or above.

Balconette stocks seven standard sizes of its Frameless Glass Juliet balconies, ranging from 1280mm to 2840mm, which are available within five working days. Custom sizes can also be supplied on request.

Installation is straightforward using attractive support profiles secured to the walls either side of the aperture. These profiles allow tolerances for installation where previously very accurate drilling was required for glass with pre-drilled holes.

“We listened to what our customers wanted and have designed what we believe is one of the most stylish and simple-to-install Frameless systems on the market,” said Managing Director Effi Wolff.

“This style of Juliet balcony is growing increasingly popular and we we’re getting frequent requests from architects, designers, builders and private individuals for a Frameless system that could meet their design objectives.

“We are delighted to offer this new product, which not only delivers a stunning and eye-catching result, but is also surprisingly affordable.”

Two exclusive detached properties, built by privately-owned developer Rectory Homes, are among the first to showcase the new Frameless Juliet balconies, supplied and installed by Balconette.

The Frameless system’s minimalist appearance perfectly complements the contemporary style of the £2 million-plus homes in Harberton Mead, close to Oxford city centre.

According to Procurement Manager at Rectory Homes Tony Wrench, glass balustrading was specifically requested for the project ‘and Balconette fitted the bill’.

He added: “The ‘Frameless Juliet balconies have been well-received and look fantastic; we are very pleased with the end result. If a Frameless system or glass balustrading is required on a future project, we would use the company again.”

In addition to its Frameless Juliet systems, Balconette offers a comprehensive range of straight and curved glass and aluminium balustrades, plus Juliet balconies, with a choice of handrail styles and finishes to suit all budgets. Curved sliding patio doors and curved glass enclosures can also be supplied, along with a high-quality range of wood-free decking products.

For more details, check here www.balconette.co.uk/frameless-juliet-balcony.aspx or contact Balconette on 01342 410411, email enquiries@balconette.co.uk.

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Charcon launches enhanced Safeticurb linear drainage system

Charcon, the commercial hard landscaping product range from Aggregate Industries, has relaunched its linear drainage system, Safeticurb, with an enhanced design for improved performance. The updated product is now available as a single piece unit for ease of installation and benefits from a smoother bore for improved hydraulic flow.

The long established system substantially reduces the need for expensive underground pipework. Suitable for all hard landscaped surfaces, and also for heavier duty options such as industrial sites, Safeticurb features a subtle cross-fall to direct surface water towards the drainage entrances for hard landscaped areas and roadways.

It is suited to car parks, pedestrianised areas, public highways, heavy duty industrial sites and airport taxiways, and is designed for use with block paving and British Standard kerb. Both slot and grid options are available.

Safeticurb is tested in accordance with European Standard BS EN 1433 and loading standard conforms up to Class F, dependent upon type selected.

Mike Davies, specifications and major projects manager for Aggregate Industries, comments “Safeticurb is a well proven linear drainage system that offers substantial cost savings in comparison to alternative traditional pipe and gulley systems.

“The aim is to ensure prompt and cost-effective removal of surface water during and immediately after rainfall. Optimum balance of cost efficiency and performance is achieved by parallel drainage runs at 30-35mm intervals across the drainage area.

“The improvements we’ve made to the design of Safeticurb will reduce installation time and costs, and improve the rate at which water can drain away.”
With correct design and installation, ongoing maintenance needs should be minimal.

For further information, including technical data sheets, visit www.aggregate.com/safeticurb. For technical support, please call 01335 372222.

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A sustainable approach puts Charcon top of the class at Manchester Metropolitan University

Charcon, the commercial hard landscaping product range of Aggregate Industries, has successfully completed delivery of over 2,000 tonnes of landscaping materials to Manchester Metropolitan University’s new £140 million sustainable campus in Hulme.

Materials including 7,501m² of EcoPave, 4,521lm of Eco Countryside Kerb, 896lm of wide top Eco Countryside Kerb units and 398 EcoPave step units have been supplied alongside 1,051m² of Charcon premium Andover Textured flag and block paving. The products, which were specified due to their sustainable qualities and unique range of shading, provided optimum design flexibility and strong visual appeal.

The use of Charcon’s Eco range helped Manchester Met to meet the project’s sustainability targets. With the new student accommodation being amongst the most sustainable buildings in the UK, Aggregate Industries’ Eco Countryside Kerb and EcoPave block paving were the perfect choice for the University.

EcoPave Textured contains up to 50 per cent recycled and reclaimed materials, while Eco Countryside Kerb is made with up to 82 per cent recycled and reclaimed material. Developed to maximise resource productivity, the products provide optimum use of finite resources by minimising waste and incorporating high proportions of non-primary materials.

The paving has been utilised to complement the external design of the teaching facilities and student accommodation, and blend in with campus surroundings.

In addition to providing materials, Aggregate Industries helped develop bespoke kerb angles and Eco units, providing on-site landscaping solutions. Contrasting Charcon step inserts were incorporated into the design to reduce the risk of slips and increase visibility.

Mike Davies, Specifications Manager at Aggregate Industries, said “The Birley Campus project has been an exciting one to work on and we are delighted our Charcon product range and expert advisory role on-site have been able to contribute to such a prestigious educational facility.

“The Eco range of paving and kerbing is highly sustainable and durable, meaning the University is environmentally friendly without having to compromise on quality or functionality.”
Manchester Met’s vision was to create “the most sustainable campus in the UK”. The new Birley Campus represents an exciting chapter in the ongoing regeneration of Hulme, and is breathing new life into a site earmarked for development since clearance in the 1990s.

The new campus opens up new paths of higher education to local people and is at the heart of the community for residents to benefit from the facilities, training and knowledge at hand. A brand new centre for teacher training and health facilities will educate up to 6,000 professionals for the region’s schools, hospitals, health and social services. Over 300 new jobs will be created and the local economy in Hulme and Moss Side will be boosted by £29 million.

To find out more about the Charcon range of products, visit www.aggregate.com.

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Lugano Paving from Brett Landscaping completes clubhouse at prestigious royal southern yacht club

The cool, contemporary lines of the Lugano flag paving from Brett Landscaping have helped to create an impressive yet welcoming exterior to the prestigious Royal Southern Yacht Club in Hamble, Southampton.

Established in 1837 and with a long line of royal patrons, the yacht club moved to the Hamble in 1934 and has since created a contemporary, yet sympathetically designed club house. The large area surrounding the club is multifunctional, being used as an entrance to the club house itself, an outdoor seating area, and a walk way to the pontoons – and being the first feature visitors see on arrival at the yacht club it was imperative that it mirrored the high quality of the rest of the development.

Alan Feltham, General Manager/Club Secretary at the Royal Southern Yacht Club, explains: “Our aim was to create a clean, comfortable area in which our members and visitors could relax, whilst still maintaining an impressive club house entrance and a practical pathway to the pontoons.”

It was these factors which led chartered landscape architects, Influence Environment Ltd, based in Fareham, Hampshire, to Brett Landscaping after extensive research. Landscape architect, Suzie Leiber, explains, “Our brief was to improve the external space for the Clubhouse with creating an elegant terrace area which would be suitable for future events at the yacht club. After consultations with yacht club members on the different design options from fluid to more formal, it was decided to go with the final scheme resulting the simple, contemporary terrace which addresses the relationships with the Hamble Conservation Area.

“After researching various suppliers, we decided to work with Brett. They have been extremely easy to work with and their product knowledge is second to none. The location required sustainable materials, robust enough for the coastal environment whilst providing aesthetic value. Brett also provided us with product samples, allowing us to see how the different style of paving would work in situ. We decided to use the newly launched Lugano due to its simple elegance, naturalistic feel, and choice of colours, which allowed us to distinguish between the terrace and the walkways.”

The Lugano flag paving range helped to create the required modern, elegant, and clean space around the yacht club. With a high level of slip resistance, helping to keep visitors safe, as well as exceptional durability, Lugano also met the functional requirements in an area with a high level of pedestrian traffic.

Over the 600m² area a combination of both Silver Grey and Graphite Grey Lugano paving has been used. The light Silver Grey is the predominant colour covering the majority of the area producing a light and spacious feel, whilst the darker Graphite Grey has been used to denote walkways as well as creating a striking contrast to the rest of the terrace.

The installation was completed by Hampshire-based Raymond Brown Construction, who confirmed: “The paving solution provided by Brett Landscaping was the best choice for this project, both for its appealing aesthetics but also for its robustness and anti-slip properties which are both imperative in an environment such as this.”

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

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