Latest innovations and products in the interiors section of the construction industry.

Altro brings all things bright and beautiful to Children’s Hospice

The brightest and boldest Altro floor and wall products have been used to refurbish Haven House Children’s Hospice, in Woodford Green, Essex, with rainbow staircases and cleverly colour zoned areas making the facility strikingly beautiful inside and out.

Haven House Children’s Hospice provides the highest level of respite and palliative care to families and young people from birth to 19 years old who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

In the hospice children benefit from a range of play activities, as well as day and overnight stays. They also have access to music therapy, aquatic physiotherapy, physiotherapy and therapeutic yoga. In the grounds there is a specialist play area and tranquil sensory garden surrounded by many acres of beautiful woodland.

Haven House Family and Community Support Manager Judi Porter says: “For the children at Haven House, colours, shapes, textures, light and other sensory stimuli make a very positive impact, and are so important for overall well-being. Our aim is to give babies, children and young people the best possible life and we knew that by bringing more colour to Haven House we could significantly improve their quality of life.

“Above all, Haven House interiors need to be hardwearing and functional, because a lot of areas are clinical spaces. Altro was recommended to us by Great Ormond Street Hospital, as they have the most wonderful colourful Altro floors and walls.”

A visit to Altro’s offices at Letchworth proved to be inspiration for the design scheme at Haven House, as Judi explains: “The moment we walked through the door there was an instant ‘wow’ factor. We were blown away by the incredible colour everywhere and the innovative and creative way they showcase their products.

“The most impressive part of the tour was Altro’s rainbow staircase, made out of different types of flooring, which is a stunning and beautiful thing. We were so uplifted and inspired by it that we knew we had to have something similar at Haven House.

“Altro helped us to see that we could use colour everywhere, in both a practical and aesthetic way, create a bright and beautiful interior and still fulfil our functional brief.

“We worked very closely with Altro to select the products that would help us achieve what we wanted. Many products are designed for clinical use, so we had huge flexibility with different shades, textures and finishes throughout the building. We actually have two rainbow staircases at Haven House, they really are our pride and joy, and you can’t walk up or down them without smiling!”

The Haven House rainbow staircase has been created from different colours of Altro SupremaTM and Altro WalkwayTM 20 safety flooring.

“Our aim was to create colour zoning in specific spaces, and Altro products played a significant role in this,” adds Judi. “Walking through the corridors at Altro’s HQ we were struck by how the floors and walls flow together beautifully, and we wanted to achieve that effect.

“Of course, we couldn’t use bright colour everywhere, because some of our children are sensitive to powerful shades, so we had to strike a good balance.

“We decided to focus on the five brand colours within our logo; orange, green, yellow, purple and blue, using matching shades of flooring and walling in key areas within the building to provide pockets of colour. It’s very effective and really pops!”

The entrance at Haven House has a green theme, provided by new Altro OrchestraTM smooth flooring in the shade Jungle, and Altro Whiterock ChameleonTM walling in Hawaiian Palm. Altro Orchestra has also been fitted in the shade Trumpet in the Family Room at Haven House, which transforms into a Sensory Room via a removable partition; and in the Activity Room in the shade Jungle. This ties in with the principles of biophilia – bringing the outside in and harnessing the healing powers of nature.

Continuing this theme, Altro WoodTM Safety flooring in Bleached Oak has been fitted throughout Haven House, in meeting rooms, cafe area, all corridors and bedrooms, creating a homely, non-clinical feel. On the entire first floor, the product has been fitted with Altro acoustic underlay to reduce sound levels.

“There is a real warmth about this wood-effect flooring, it looks lovely — something you would want in your own home and it’s not clinical at all,” says Judi. “The acoustic underlay on the first floor has really helped to bring the noise levels down, and this significantly improves the wellbeing of both staff and children.”

The orange-themed Changing Room at Haven House has been fitted with Altro Whiterock SatinsTM hygienic wall sheet in the shade Bergamot, with Altro SupremaTM safety flooring in Tangerine. “This is such a striking room, the colours are superb and the juicy orange combination of flooring and walling is beautiful,” says Judi.

To create the yellow theme in Haven House’s Waiting Area, the design team chose Altro Whiterock Chameleon in the shade Bee, and Altro Suprema flooring in the shade Taxi Cab. “The installers fitted a very clever overlap between the walling and flooring too minimise the joint and make it flush,” says Judi. “This is also great for infection prevention and control, because the dirt has nowhere to hide.”

The disabled toiletat Haven House has a purple theme, with Altro Whiterock Satins on the walls in the shade Viola, and Altro Walkway 20 safety flooring in the shade Silk. The blue areas have Altro Whiterock Chameleon wall sheet in Ocean Blue and Altro Walkway 20 safety flooring in Lupin.

“Visual stimulation is very important for the children at Haven House, and we used Altro Whiterock DigicladTM walling to create some wonderful water-themed artwork in both the Hydrotherapy Bathroom and teenagers’ en-suite” says Judi.

“The aim was to make these rooms look colourful and less clinical, but the artwork also needed to be permanent, hygienic and hard wearing. Altro Whiterock Digiclad is perfect because it’s so simple, yet very effective. You can create any design you want, it’s wipe-clean, hygienic and it won’t peel off.

“We created an underwater theme in the Hydrotherapy Bathroom using Altro Digiclad — with exotic fish and coral — and various water and beach designs for each of the teenagers’ en-suites. We are thrilled with these images; the quality is superb, sharp and clean, and the children love them too.

Both these areas were also fitted with Altro PiscesTM safety flooring in the shade Jellyfish. “Safety underfoot in wet areas is vital, for both staff and children, and Altro Pisces has been specifically created for this need,” Judi says. “We can have total confidence that everyone is secure, whether they are wearing shoes or have bare feet, and the flooring looks great too.”

A few months after the refurbishment, the feedback from children, staff and visitors to their new colourful environment at Haven House has been overwhelming. Haven House Director of Care, Eileen White, says: “The new bright and colourful interior has had such a profound effect in so many ways, which is thrilling for us all because it’s exactly what we wanted to achieve.

“We have had very positive feedback from staff, children and visitors; the mother of one teenager cried when she saw the teenage wet room with the Altro Digiclad image.

“The wonderful colours have helped us to create an uplifting environment for staff and young people alike. The colour zones have enabled us to make positive experiences and happy memories, and the calming, bleached wood effect flooring reminds me of driftwood. Coupled with the Altro Digiclad tropical underwater wildlife and beach scenes, the imagination takes you to a warm, relaxing shoreline.”

Eileen continues: “So many people have exclaimed when they’ve seen the rainbow staircases for the first time. We’ve had comments such as: “They look amazing and entice you to go up and down – wow”. This was from someone who was visiting for the first time, something which a family, or individual, might not be looking forward to, but it’s so wonderful to start their experience with an invigorating rainbow of colours.

“On a more practical note, the floors and walls look as fresh and vibrant as when they were first fitted and are very easy to clean and take care of. We are using a steam cleaning system which is keeping the floors looking bright and fresh.”

The products used:

Altro Orchestra 2.85mm flooring has been designed for areas where comfort and sound reduction are important. Low residual indentation enables the flexible use of equipment and furniture. At the same time, the integrated impact sound insulation system cuts impact sound by up to 15dB.

It offers superb comfort underfoot, making life easier on the feet, and with a palette of 40 colours and designs varying from calming neutrals reflecting tones of nature, to vibrant shades, Altro Orchestra allows you to create the right atmosphere every time.

Altro Whiterock Chameleon is ideal for making a bold statement. The glossy, vibrant and vividly colourful hygienic wall sheet is available in 16 high impact, high-design shades to add a little bit of affordable luxury to a range of environments. It has all the benefits of Altro WhiterockTM, offering a very durable, smooth, watertight, wipe-clean surface.

Altro Wood Safety is an attractive, general purpose 2mm wood-look flooring available in a range of designs with different plank sizes and shades, including a bamboo-look fine-line design and wide plank classic and rustic designs, helping to create the right look for areas where people live and work. The flooring is designed to cope with medium to heavy traffic and has sustained slip resistance for the lifetime of the floor.

Altro Whiterock Satins is ideal for creating a subtle mood using colour. This versatile and sophisticated wall sheet is available in a range of solid, decorative, satin shades – from soothing and healing through to bright and energetic. The product provides the impact resistance and hygiene you would expect from Altro Whiterock, with a stain-resistant, wipe-clean surface.

Altro Suprema is a stunning, non-sparkle flooring that gives complete design freedom. With 12 new colours including three ‘flake’ designs, one of its 40 shades will match the mood you want.

Altro Walkway 20 is a hugely popular, hard-wearing flooring with a range 42 colours. It gives sustained slip resistance throughout the lifetime of the product, and also includes abrasion resistance, PUR cleanability, and superior chemical and stain resistance.

Altro Whiterock Digiclad is created by reproducing a photographic image or vector art onto Altro Whiterock wall sheet, with consistent, photographic quality. It makes it easy to create a bespoke design on your wall. From a calming coastal landscape in a hospital ward, to a bold company logo in a reception area, the only limit is the imagination. Hard-coat technology provides scratch-resistant properties for added surface protection, making Altro Whiterock Digiclad ideal for areas where durability is important.

Altro Pisces provides superb performance whether wet or dry, in shoes or barefoot in wet environments where the likelihood of a slip is very high. With 16 soft-look shades, the result is the consistent, stylish appearance of domestic interiors, with the lifetime sustained slip resistance you expect from Altro.

For further information, please visit www.altro.co.uk
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Weber floor screed keeps everyone on their toes at Everyone Active Leisure Centre

In the first phase of improvements to Watford Woodside Leisure Centre in Hertfordshire, one of two state-of-the-art facilities in the town managed by Everyone Active, high performance weberfloor 4310 fibre flow by Saint-Gobain Weber has been specified by main contractor Bosun Design & Construction Limited (BDC), Chandlers Ford, Hampshire.

Everyone Active is the trading name for Sports & Leisure Management Limited (SLM), the UK’s longest-established leisure contractor. It manages more than 170 leisure and cultural facilities around the country in partnership with 49 different local authorities and trusts, and is currently carrying out a £1.8million improvement project across its Watford Woodside and Watford Central leisure centres.

“Working alongside Watford Borough Council, we are supporting local people of all ages and abilities to improve their health by offering them access to top-class leisure services and facilities,” said Gary Foley, Everyone Active’s contract manger in Watford. “This project to update both locations will make a huge difference to our members, providing them with a new fitness studio to cater for the growing demand in group exercise, refurbished changing facilities and a significantly improved fitness suite that will offer the latest state-of-the-art equipment.”

“We undertake contracts for Everyone Active at numerous sites in the south east,” comments James May, director at BDC, which is carrying out the work in Watford. “Multiple contracts are on-going at any one time. The process of selection is via tender direct to Everyone Active, which then works with the local authority. It is at this stage a preferred contractor is proposed.”

Included in the current phase of the works is the creation of a new mezzanine floor. It has been installed in the space above a former dance studio and adjacent squash court, and has enabled a brand new fitness studio to be created. The current studio has also been extended. The second phase of development is due to begin at both Watford sites shortly, for completion in early 2019. BDC is actively involved in both projects.

Subcontractor C E C Plastering, of Southampton, undertook the application of weberfloor 4310 fibre flow screed. Director Chris Crosby says: “Together with Bosun Design & Construction we specified this fibre reinforced self-smoothing compound which we pump-applied at various thicknesses from 35-50mm. It was quick and easy to install, very versatile, and has produced an excellent finish. We’re fans of this product and have used it before but, even so, we benefited from Weber’s technical support.” weberfloor 4310 fibre flow screed was applied to a steel framed block and beam floor construction which overcame the concerns around loading issues that might have arisen with the application of a traditional concrete screed.

The new floor was initially primed with weberfloor 4716, a water-based primer designed for use with all cementitious and hemi-hydrate floor screeds. It regulates the porosity of the substrate, improves the adhesion of flooring products while reducing the formation of pinholes in the levelling layer. It should be diluted with clean water and can be spray applied on large areas.

weberfloor 4310 fibre flow screed is designed for application at thicknesses between 5 – 50mm and formulated from special cements, aggregates, supplementary binders and chemical admixtures. It is supplied as a blended dry powder and designed specifically for renovation of existing floors and floating floor construction in domestic and commercial applications.

weberfloor 4310 fibre flow can receive foot traffic after just 2 – 4 hours and can be tiled after 12 – 24 hours, dependent on ambient temperature following installation. The fibre reinforcement aids durability and allows it to be used in conjunction with under floor heating systems and floating floors. weberfloor 4310 fibre flow has excellent spreading and smoothing characteristics. It has low alkalinity and low emissions during drying and is casein free.

Almost 500 bags of weberfloor 4310 fibre flow were required to finish the 190m² mezzanine floor in preparation for a final wood sprung floor suitable for dance and other physical education where shock absorption is essential to enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury.

weberfloor 4310 fibre flow is featured in Weber’s one hour long RIBA-Assessed ‘Introduction into Flowing Floor Screeds’ CPD which can be presented by Weber’s Specification Team at your premises or at a Saint-Gobain facility or Training Academy anywhere in the UK. It is free of charge and available on request. This comprehensive CPD presentation covers many subjects from why and where to use floor systems; the attributes of commercial floors; design considerations; the demands of the finished floor that will have an influence on specification, through to renovation, fast-track construction and drying times.

The CPD includes an application video showing the attributes of weberfloor 4310 fibre flow smoothing compound which is of specific interest to both designers and applicators.

Weber’s floor screeds and tile fixing products are manufactured in sustainable, modern manufacturing facilities in Bedfordshire, Shropshire and Ireland, ensuring product quality, conformity and availability, with reduced transportation costs and CO₂ emissions.

Weber has a team of experienced technical advisors who are available to provide advice both at the specification stage and during application. Detailed specifications can be provided for specific projects while site visits and on-site support can be arranged.

For more information about the Flooring CPD, to make a booking, or for technical support including award winning training courses, please contact Saint-Gobain Weber on 08703 330 070, or visit www.uk.weber . CPD bookings can be made by email: mail@netweber.co.uk.
A free download of the Weber App for iPhone and iPad users is also available from the App Store 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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Rinnai delivers hot water to award winning Lakeland Holiday Park refurb

Rinnai’s continuous flow gas fired water heating units have been installed at the award winning Hillcroft Park which is set in the beautiful Ullswater Valley and offers year-round holiday accommodation to suit every taste and pocket. Hillcroft Park sits at the head of Ullswater above the pretty lakeside village of Pooley Bridge and offers traditional camping, camping pods, luxury lodges and holiday homes.

Recently the site, owned operated by the Heath family, added a new visitor pavilion and shower block to add to the existing facilities. Five Rinnai 1200i continuous flow units were installed as a cascade design so that any peak demand can be easily met – the 1200i delivers up to 35 litres of useable hot water per minute. The whole system is powered by LPG. All Rinnai units used in sites which are ‘off grid’ of the mains gas supply are supplied to site LPG ready enabled.

The hot water delivery system at Hillcroft Park incorporates a secondary return utilising Rinnai pure controls and common flue headers on the units to streamline the flue configuration. The site is based on sustainability and energy savings so electronic sequencing is employed on the system. These smart sequencing controls will optimise system performance by only firing additional units when more outlets are opened meaning the site only uses energy when it is needed.

Hillcroft Park has won many awards – notably the David Bellamy Conservation Award – several years running. This honour is awarded to those sites which met and exceed a variety of criteria – Managing their land as a haven for wildlife; Reduce their use of energy, water and other resources; Reduce, reuse and recycle the waste they produce and support their local communities.

The site is also no strange to celebrities – earlier this year the much-loved comedian, Johnny Vegas returned to Hillcroft Park to open the impressive, new facilities block.   Hillcroft Park became Johnny’s Lakeland ‘Home from Home’ for six weeks in 2017 during filming for the BBC series ‘Home from Home’ which appeared on BBC1.

Johnny opened the brand-new facilities building including a shower block that must be one of the most impressive in the UK when it comes to camping bathing facilities. Many of the fixtures and fittings would not be amiss in a luxury bathroom. Not content with high quality showers, basins, taps and tiles – campers also enjoy panoramic Lakeland scenes thoughtfully installed within the facilities themselves as well as a custom-made Lakeland soundscape of dawn chorus, sheep and, of course, water.

At Hillcroft Park, life takes on a slower pace – a throwback to those carefree, childhood holidays. While you can connect to the world wide web while you’re with us, we’d encourage you to ditch the digital, disconnect and discover simpler pleasures like a walk up the fell, a dip in the lake followed by a family feast or a quiet pint and a breath-taking sunset to the sound of birdsong.

The Rinnai HDC 1200i water heater unit uses heat exchanger technology to allow high capacity from mains pressure, thereby guaranteeing all the hot water needed, when it is needed on demand. As well as high capacities, the Rinnai unit has lower greenhouse emissions because of the new reduced NOx burner technology.

Available in both internal and external versions, HDC1200i gives end users 7% net efficiency* because the condensing process delivers up to 97% thermal efficiency, translating to significant energy savings when compared to standard tankless water heaters.

All of which makes the HDC1200i continuous flow hot water system by far the best option for all types of sites.

“The only time you are using energy is when there is a demand, in other words it is only burning gas when a tap or shower is being run and, design improvements by Rinnai have increased heat efficiency of its hot-water appliances from 80% to 95%, while decreasing gas consumption by around 14%,” says Gerard Gulliver for Rinnai.

The HDC1200i is also renewables-ready (suitable for use as a temperature booster for solar thermal and heat-pump) and can be easily configured in a manifold arrangement, ensuring they will never run out of hot water whatever the demand. As long as electricity, water, and gas supplies are connected, hot water is available when the hot water taps are open.

A DIP switch enables pin-point temperature setting and for safety, the over-temperature protection will switch off the heater should the water temperature exceed by 3°C above its set-point.

In real terms, swapping from a hot water storage system to a continuous flow hot water system can save a site several kW a day which equates to a lot of money a year at current prices.

* Tested and certificated by Technigas to EN 26.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com
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Saint-Gobain Weber introduces intelligent weberjoint premium tile grout – developed by you, for you

A new premium tile fixing grout by Weber joins a comprehensive range of tile prep-fix-set and joint products that are designed for specifiers and professional tile applicators. New weberjoint premium tile grout offers market leading benefits and features that will achieve a high quality finish, beautiful aesthetics and long lasting performance.

weberjoint premium is a scratch-resistant, extra-flexible tile grout designed for interior and exterior tiling onto walls and floors and where some movement or vibration is expected. Suitable for all types of tiles – ceramic, porcelain, mosaic, quarry, natural stone, terrazzo and terracotta – weberjoint premium can be used for wooden floors and is recommended for floors with underfloor heating or undertile warming.

“This excellent, professional-standard grout is water repellent and has the additional advantage of Weber’s new PURE CLEAN anti-stain technology. This unique feature reduces the appearance of patchiness and greatly improves resistance to staining and discolouration,” says Tracey Dempster, head of marketing, Saint-Gobain Weber. “weberjoint premium also benefits from the addition of Mould Stop Technology which offers lasting protection from mould growth making it ideal for use in wet or damp environments.

“But we haven’t introduced this product for the sake of it, rather because our customers said ‘they want it’. weberjoint premium is the result of working with key customers who have completed surveys, interviews, tests and trials and ultimately told us what they really want. And now, with their help, we have a superior grout that our customers will love.”

A cement-based grout, weberjoint premium has rapid-setting qualities of just two hours following application, is easy to apply and suitable for joint widths of 1 – 20mm. It achieves a smooth, durable and efflorescence-resistant finish that stays looking great for longer. Available in an extended range of 18 colours with matching silicones, together they achieve a consistent finish and smart aesthetic. The performance and qualities of weberjoint premium are likely to appeal to the specification and building design sector.

weberjoint premium is supplied in 5kg sacks that each carry 200 Weber Rewards points as part of the popular Weber Rewards loyalty scheme where unique codes can be registered at www.loveweber.co.uk.

Weber’s tile fixing products are sustainably manufactured in modern manufacturing facilities in Bedfordshire, Shropshire and Ireland, ensuring product quality, conformity and availability with reduced transportation costs and CO₂ emissions. Weber provides a 10 year materials guarantee on all tile adhesives and grouts which are manufactured under the requirements of BS EN 12004:2007 and BS EN 13888:2009.

Another valuable service available to architects, specifiers and professional applicators in the use of Weber’s tiling products is the introduction of WeberSpec, an easy to use online tool that allows the creation of technically accurate tiling specifications at www.weberspec.co.uk. Here a full M40 specification to NBS standards is automatically generated, including all necessary components and ancillaries.

Weber has a team of experienced technical advisors who are available to provide advice both at the specification stage and during application. Detailed specifications can be provided for specific projects while site visits and on-site support can be arranged.

For more information about this product and for technical support, including award winning training courses, please contact Saint-Gobain Weber on 08703 330 070,or visit www.loveweber.co.uk. RIBA assessed tile fixing CPD bookings can be made by email: mail@netweber.co.uk.
A free download of the Weber Rewards ‘Redeem on the Go’ App for iPhone and iPad users is also available from iTunes and from Google Play for Android smartphones and tablet users. Follow Love Weber on Twitter @LoveWeber for the latest company news and updates.
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Rinnai hot water flows with freedom at Maidstone fitness centre

Rinnai gas fired continuous flow hot water and heating systems have been specified for use at a leading fitness centre in Maidstone, Kent, replacing an old thermal store configuration. The site houses gyms, class studios, swimming pool, bar and café plus changing and showering facilities.

The site, one of the busiest gym and sports complex in the South East, had been served by an old stored hot water heating system housed in a plant room accessible only via a gantry.

Rinnai proposed 3 x 1500e continuous flow hot water heating units cascaded to cope with the high demands. But the most important point for the site was that the Rinnai units could be installed externally to the space starved plant room, resulting in a freeing up of space and heavily reducing additional expenditure for the additional remedial works that would have been required if the site chose to replace ‘like for like’. This would have required the hiring of cranes and demolition work.

The installation was characterised as being ‘straightforward’ and in a matter of days fully operational. The three Rinnai 1500e units deliver almost 3,000 litres of hot water per hour – that is about 40% more than the previous system and, uses around 42% less fuel – mains gas in this case. Because the Rinnai configuration modulates to demand, the site needed about 2,700 litres per hour at the three peak times during the working day – which it did with room to spare.

The Rinnai offering to the site included a proven electrolytic limescale inhibitor – this maximises system efficiency in hard water areas. Limescale is said to decrease the efficiency of a hot water heating system over a very short period if left untreated. *

Rinnai offers a uniquely-powered electrolytic scale inhibitor kit for commercial hot water systems. This is independently tested, and it is a low-maintenance way of protecting a property against the damaging and expensive impact of limescale.

It gives long lasting protection against the formation of hard limescale and ensures that bacteria have fewer places to hide because of cleaner surfaces. This means that there is protection to the capital investment. It is WRAS Approved and used and specified in all market sectors such as manufacturing, hotels, retail and supermarkets, healthcare and education as well as public authorities.

Contractors to the site Scott Combustion chose the Rinnai 1500e units for a whole variety of reasons – reliable & continuous flow of useable hot water, safe temperature water distribution at all tap and shower points, overall energy efficiency and ease of installation plus minimal ongoing maintenance costs. Hot water is vital to the wellbeing of all gym customers.

Scott Combustion is a premium commercial and industrial building services maintenance and installation company. Operating throughout the world, it is equipped with specialist divisions for gas and oil boiler servicing, general gas works, air conditioning/refrigeration and electrical installation and testing

Since its establishment in 1980, Scott Combustion has been providing expert services and has expanded to operate all over the world, having completed contracts in China, Nigeria, Georgia, Armenia, Japan, Latvia, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Senegal, Azerbaijan, Venezuela and many other countries.

Says Darren Morse for the company, “We aims to alleviate the stresses and strains generated by building service concerns and to ensure our clients can operate their companies or organisations without additional complication.

“We offer a full range of building services – from the servicing of a gas/oil boiler, the chlorination of a water system to air conditioning and refrigeration services. We provide our clients with an exclusive service to manage every potential issue in the building operations sphere.”

On this and all sites Rinnai 1500e units have the water temperature pre-set through easy-to-use, built in digital controls, eliminating the risk of scalding and potentially eradicating the need for thermostatic mixing valves. Water can be used simultaneously at several points of delivery with no loss of heat.

The Rinnai units are designed for use directly off the mains, with no need for large, ungainly and energy inefficient storage vessels – and they deliver up to 37 litres per minute on demand.

An important feature that demonstrates efficiencies is the fact that Rinnai, manufacturer of the industry’s widest range of continuous flow gas fired water heaters, has ‘A’ rated Eco-labels on all of its units.

Eco-labelling of products offers transparency to specifiers and end users in a clear and simple guide when sourcing the most energy efficient hot water heating units. Rinnai products also meet and exceed the requirements of the Building Regulations Part L (fuel and power) and with these bespoke system arrangements they can offer G3 and ACOP L8 best practice. The possibility of Legionella breeding is minimised as Rinnai units have no storage and therefore limit the environment for bacteria production.

Energy is only used on a Rinnai unit when there is demand – simple as that. There is a big potential of annualised fuel saving costs with a HDC1500ei low NoX unit – these costs can be minimised next to any comparable type of storage water heater, such as gas direct fired storage water heater or indirect cylinder system connected to the heating boiler.

Rinnai Infinity HDC1500i Low NOx can boast the modulation 14:1, 56.6kW to 4.0kW, on both Natural gas and LPG gas and operate at a flow rate of as low as 1.5l/min. Thanks to this high modulation range, the Rinnai units ensure that the optimum amount of energy is used to heat the water, minimising waste and maximising system efficiencies.

The HDC1500e low NoX is extremely lightweight and easy to handle at just 31 kg.

By developing this holistic condensing technology initiative, Rinnai offers a simple, viable, cost effective, and energy efficient solution to consumer on-demand needs for hot water.

*The UK Carbon Trust considers that for each 1mm of limescale on the heat transfer surface there will be a 7% increase in energy input to the boiler to meet the same heat demand. (Low temperature hot water boilers – CTV051, Carbon Trust 2012).

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com
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Rinnai: The 1200i continuous flow hot water heating unit – for every commercial site

RINNAI HOT WATER – INSTANT, CONTINUOUS, LIMITLESS AND SENSIBLY ECONOMIC FOR EVERY TYPE OF COMMERCIAL SITE

Now available from Rinnai UK, manufacturers of the world’s leading continuous flow gas-fired hot water heater units and systems, is the HDC 1200i continuous model for use on all high demand commercial sites. It is capable of delivering in excess of 1560 litres per hour. It guarantees unparalleled levels of efficiency and hot water delivery for the end user whilst streamlining installations and guaranteeing future regulatory compliance.

This precision engineered water heating unit can also be combined as multiple units into one single, easy to handle module incorporating cascade frames and common flue. Both the HDC 1200 internal and external models turn in a market leading energy performance of 107% net efficiency and offer superlative ranges of modulation as the systems internal analytical system can modulate the burner modulation range from 54kw to 2.4kw. The Rinnai HDC 1200i is engineered for minimal energy wastage and maximum energy performance.

It is worth remembering that Part L of the Building Regulations 2013 has set minimum thermal efficiency levels of 90% for natural and 92% for LPG, consequently outlawing non-condensing gas fired water heaters for use in new build projects.

Rinnai is the only manufacturer that can supply a complete range of internal and external ultra-high efficiency condensing continuous flow water heaters, aligned not only to comply but surpass changes on the regulatory horizon.

Rinnai units and systems are now the number one choice for large buildings and businesses with a heavy demand for constant hot water or where high peaks of demand occur at certain times. Any number of modules can be manifolded, so the water handling capacity is truly infinite and there is no risk of the ‘cascade’ of hot water ever running out.

The manifolded 1200i units can be delivered direct to site in one complete, easy to manage package and at a very competitive price. For the end user this guarantees considerable cost savings over other forms of hot water generation. The relatively compact footprint of all Rinnai units and systems means it can optimise plant room space and safeguard accessibility for maintenance and servicing.

There is huge potential for on-demand style water heaters such as the Rinnai HDC 1200i units to play their part in new build and in refurbishments projects alike, where in the latter there are still many old systems that need replacing. By replacing this older technology with new condensing appliances will help support the UK drive towards greener industry.

The Rinnai Infinity HDC 1200i water heater uses heat exchanger technology to allow the largest capacity flow rates, thereby guaranteeing all the hot water needed, when it is needed. As well as increasing capacity, the Rinnai Infinity water heater has lower greenhouse emissions because of the new reduced NoX burner technology and as there is no storage, this scores well with BREEAM.

Available in both internal and external versions, HDC 1200i gives end users 105.5% net efficiency as the condensing process delivers up to 95% thermal efficiency, translating into significant energy savings when compared to standard tankless water heaters.

With a continuous flow water heating unit, it will deliver limitless amounts of useable hot water, whatever the site – school, hospital, hotel, office blocks, leisure club etc with no fluctuations in water delivery temperature.

The only time the site uses energy to heat water is when there is a demand, in other words, it is only burning gas when a tap or shower is being run.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com
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Market survey shows Rinnai tops for quality product in continuous flow water heating

RINNAI HOT WATER – INSTANT, CONTINUOUS, LIMITLESS AND SENSIBLY ECONOMIC FOR EVERY TYPE OF COMMERCIAL SITE…

Plumbing and heating engineers have reviewed and rated Rinnai continuous flow units and systems as a leader in a recent survey into hot water heating delivery systems and products, identifying the company as having ‘superior quality’ to competitor products.

The survey showed respondents – all Gas Safe registered engineers – answered questions regarding overall satisfaction, brand awareness and product quality. Rinnai came top on product quality – and technical service, in particular.

Over 70% of those surveyed stated they were regular customers and identified ‘strongly’ that ‘quality of products’ and no ‘call backs to site’ as being the main reasons for their views.

Over 65% of respondents said that the quality of Rinnai’s product offering is ‘superior’ to the claimed market leaders with a further 85% indicating that the brand, including all elements of product range, reliability, innovation and customer service, is a genuine market leader.

Rinnai units and systems are now the number one choice for large buildings and businesses with a heavy demand for constant hot water or where high peaks of demand occur at certain times. The water handling capacity is infinite as units can be installed to ‘cascade’.

The benefits for the end user are big savings on fuel over other forms of water heating solutions, with the added advantage that there is no need to give up valuable space to install a cylinder. And there are no standing losses to account for as occur with traditional stored hot water systems.

The Rinnai system produces useable hot water on demand, at the turn of a tap or the push of a shower button. The relatively compact footprint of the units also means they can be housed in tight spaces and still be easily accessible for maintenance and servicing.

According to Rinnai’s Chris Goggin: “We believe our range represents the best value-for-money commercial hot water solution on the market today, and it can be delivered direct to site in one complete, easy to manage package. Its impressive energy performance ratings also make it a highly desirable development at a time when everybody is looking at decreasing energy bills and maximising energy efficiency.”

The condensing process delivers 95% thermal efficiency, which translates to significant energy savings when compared to standard on-demand water heaters. Rinnai’s high efficiency condensing range of continuous flow water heaters, including the HDC1500 with its 96-97% gross efficiency, covers a vast number of requirements.

Rinnai condensing continuous flow water heaters are low NoX, less than 50mg with gross efficiencies of 96-97% and recovery of 740 litres per hour at 50° Delta. All units are A rated on ErP.

For more details on RINNAI products visit www.rinnaiuk.com
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Altro Takes A Fresh Look With Bauhaus-Inspired Solutions

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Commercial interior surfaces specialist Altro has introduced stunning new high-design ranges to its floors, doors and walls package. Delivering premium aesthetics with outstanding durability, all backed by Altro’s sector-leading support and expertise, Altro Ensemble™ modular flooring system and Altro Whiterock™ wall designs wall sheet are ideal for office, retail and hospitality environments.

New Altro Ensemble modular flooring system is the next generation of luxury vinyl tiles. From colour blocking to geometric patterns, with a range of plank and tile sizes and textures, Altro Ensemble gives design freedom to create luxurious floors for commercial interior spaces. With 57 options to mix and match, the modular flooring system has natural wood and stone designs and bloc colours too. Altro Ensemble is 2.6mm thick with a 0.55mm wear layer, 15dB sound reduction qualities and added comfort underfoot, with minimal residual indentation and excellent durability. A truly exceptional material, it combines these features with unique flexibility and is lightweight, making it easy to transport, cut and handle for installation.

In developing the new Altro Ensemble collection, the design team has taken inspiration from the Bauhaus design school’s philosophy of bridging the gap between form and function to engineer products that meet the customers’ biggest challenges, such as the need for cleanability, sustainability and flexibility. The result is a premium modular flooring system that offers variety and design freedom to create sophisticated, contemporary and striking designs. It also has the benefits of local sustainably sourced raw materials made to Altro’s exacting manufacturing standards, which ensure high quality, excellent durability and high-performance characteristics.

Altro Ensemble is the perfect partner to Altro Whiterock wall designs – a new vision in wall decoration with natural wood, stone and linen options plus stunning metallic designs to give elegance to interior walls.

Renowned for high quality solutions backed by market-leading customer service and technical support, Altro has been at the forefront of innovation for almost 100 years. As a family-founded business, Altro has a strong sense of its values and a way of thinking that puts people’s needs at the heart of its work. It’s a human-centred approach to designing for the demands of 21st century life.

The new ranges are the natural progression of tried and tested products, each harnessing decades of research and expertise in the UK and in Germany, with extensive customer feedback integrated into the development process.

Although new to the UK, Altro Ensemble modular flooring system is the latest generation of a product which has been designed and manufactured in Germany, where it has enjoyed success for many years and is an excellent example of German engineering at its best. A tried and tested product, it has undergone an extensive redesign process which has benefited from the combination of existing technology and new expertise from several sources including the team in Germany, as well as the contribution of award-winning colour consultant Knut Völzke.

Altro Whiterock wall designs are the latest development from Altro’s UK design and development team, building upon decades of experience in wall sheets. The new range makes a show-stopping design statement and is perfect for general circulation areas, receptions and foyers, as well as wet environments such as bathrooms and spas, creating a design focal point. Matching sealants and co-ordinating and contrasting trims are available.

Discover Altro’s full building solution at www.altro.co.uk
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The new clean air strategy is a breath of fresh air for Vortice

Vortice Limited has always been committed to educating its customers about the importance of ventilation and is now thrilled to get behind DEFRA’s new clean air strategy consultation. This new draft outlines very simply that ‘Air pollution is the top environmental risk to human health in the UK, and the fourth greatest threat to public health after cancer’. The draft clearly shows the connection between suitable, correct ventilation and good indoor air quality which maintains the health and wellbeing of the occupants.

Vortice knows only too well the importance of this and has made it its mission over the years to be a voice within the industry ensuring customers get a correct and compliant ventilation system by offering a complete design, aftersales and training service.

The DEFRA consultation also discusses how occupant behaviour can affect the ventilation requirements of a home. Vortice has listened to housebuilders and specifiers and works hard to provide a range of ventilation solutions for many different applications to improve indoor air quality in airtight dwellings.

For new build properties, Vortice offers a range of whole house solutions such as the compact Vort HR 200 BP heat recovery unit which has a 100% fully filtered bypass meaning no outdoor pollutants can enter the home. The unit also has a smart controller which indicates when the filters require cleaning and changing. For existing households there is a wide range of stylish bathroom, utility and kitchen fans, complete with many sensor options such as the attractively designed Punto Evo Flexo axial fan.

Marketing Manager Jennifer Quinn said ‘Vortice welcomes this new Government strategy as this will underscore what we have been talking about for years. It is important for us as a ventilation manufacturer always to offer a compliant solution suitable for the end application and to provide education to the installer and end user. We find lack of education is the key issue here so it is great to see this consultation highlighting the risks of bad ventilation and what damage this can have on the occupant’s health.”

Vortice will be promoting good practice during Green Great Britain Week, which begins on 15 October 2018 and is designed to engage the public in the debate on air quality alongside climate change and highlight the economic opportunities it offers for the UK.

For more details about Vortice products visit www.vortice.ltd.uk.
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Armstrong Ceilings set to debut virtual reality education experience

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The debut will take place at two near-future education exhibitions.

Armstrong Ceilings is following up the launch of a new education brochure by exhibiting at a brace of education shows this term.

The leading UK manufacturer will debut a virtual reality ceiling installation in a classroom at the Education Estates exhibition at Manchester Central from October 16th to 17th (stand G11) and at the Education Buildings exhibition at Edinburgh International Conference Centre from November 21st to 22nd (stand B9).

On the Armstrong stand, users of the new VR experience will find themselves transported to a typical classroom setting which has not been acoustically treated. Amidst the students, they will hear for themselves how typical classroom noise and clatter effects intelligibility and acoustic comfort.

Finally, the user will personally experience the acoustical transformation of the learning environment through the installation of a typical classroom ceiling system solution, using Ultima+ acoustic tiles (the first mineral ceiling tile range in Europe to win Cradle to Cradle™ certification), Blind Boxes, Axiom transitions, and Prelude 24 TLS suspension system .

It makes it easy to see why 65% of teachers in a London South Bank University survey reported voice problems during their career – a point the VR experience also makes as well as the fact that up to 30% of what is said in classrooms is missed due to extraneous noise. The presentation also shows that a high light-reflecting ceiling can also help with eye strain and fatigue.

Designed for specifiers to experience for themselves how to create a better and more sustainable learning environment, whether it is new-build or refurbishment, the VR experience will be joined on stand by the new education brochure and demonstrations of Armstrong’s online selector tool. This advises specifiers on the well-being requirements for a variety of school rooms including auditoriums, classrooms, gyms, cafes, lobbies and corridors.

Case studies on the use of Armstrong solutions at UK schools including Ystalyfera Welsh Medium Comprehensive School in South Wales, Royal Holloway University of London and Parsons Tower at Newcastle College, will also be featured.

More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.
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