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

RAVATHERM UK expands floorboard product range

In response to customer demand, RAVATHERM UK, the POLYFOAM™ XPS insulation manufacturer, has launched three new floorboard products offering specifiers and contractors a greater choice of thicknesses.

Adding to the company’s Floorboard Extra range, the new XPS insulation products are available in a thickness of 60, 125 and 150mm.

Speaking about the launch, Stuart Bell, managing director at RAVATHERM UK said: “We work closely with our customers to understand their needs to ensure we can continue to offer the right product mix.

“We recognised that there was a growing demand for different insulation thicknesses for new floor construction, so have responded by developing three new products aligned to specific customer requests.

“POLYFOAM Floorboard Extra in 125mm and 150mm are now the thickest products in the range and will prevent installers from having to double layer the insulation boards to achieve certain U-values. This will help to reduce costs and labour time.”

The new products mean that POLYFOAM Floorboard Extra is available in nine different thicknesses ranging from 25 – 150mm.

Suitable for almost any floor construction in domestic or industrial properties, POLYFOAM Floorboard Extra is highly resistant to compression and water absorption and offers thermal conductivity of 0.033 W/mK.

All products in the range achieve a BRE Certified Green Guide rating of A+, have product-specific Type III Environmental Product Declarations and are 100% recyclable.
RAVATHERM UK carries out U-value calculations free of charge for building designers involved in the construction of ground floors.

For more information about RAVATHERM UK, visit www.ravatherm.co.uk.
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Rinnai hot water delivery – Pay As You Go heating

Jennifer Williams looks at how continuous flow hot water delivery systems are fast overtaking the old technology of heating and storing water ready use.

Reports from the market on hot water heating system delivery in the commercial sector are showing a transition away from older technologies, which commonly use large volumes of cylinder stored and reheated hot water, are reaching a ‘tipping point’ with continuous flow units vastly out-perform them in terms of capital costing, economy of fuel, plant room space and lifetime efficiency.

Each family is said to use 80 litres of hot water daily and the older technologies employed by traditional means of stored hot water heating systems are increasingly unable to economically and sustainably meet these market demands. Stored types of systems feature an insulated cylinder or container that keeps large quantities of water heated by either a boiler or immersion heater, and reheated when temperatures drop below a useable temperature. Thus, when there is demand, stored water is released and used, and then the cylinder refilled and reheated to
remain at optimum temperatures (above 60°C) until next use.

The market today requires and expects instant access to hot water, and in most domestic and light commercial applications there is no need for an inefficient system that can have a significant lag in recovery time to fully reheated water reserves. The major claimed benefits of storage systems lie in large commercial applications, such as a gyms or hotels, which need very large volumes of water at peak times – however, this can be easily accommodated by using a cascade system of continuous flow units.

According to an AECOM independent study (AECOM is the largest building services consultancy in the world) the life cycle costings of continuous flow systems in comparison to equivalent storage systems, on average a ‘continuous flow water’ heating system can be up to 7% more economical’. At 89% efficiency on average, a storage system will encounter heat loss and wasted energy – reheating at times when there is no demand, for example. A continuous fl ow unit will maintain an efficiency level of 96%, increasing the returns on investment; or in other words, major savings on ongoing costs.

Continuous flow hot water delivery is disrupting the old ways with new ways of doing it better, faster and more economically.

The continuous flow units and systems offer heating effi ciency, reliability, space saving, Legionella prevention and environmentally conscious Low NoX outputs – plus a Limescale Check system which ensures optimum performance throughout the life of the unit by constant monitoring and alerts for any buildup of lime-scale residue. Limescale can build exponentially if left and ignored, where a 1.6mm depth of limescale on a heat exchanger means a drop in efficiency of at least 12% – and a cut in the efficiency of any system means higher running costs. “The payback investment over the 10 years-plus life of a single Rinnai unit can be measured and shown to out-perform cheaper and much less efficient water heaters in a matter of months”, adds Chris Goggin, Operations Director.

For more details on RINNAI products visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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Titon teams up with Kenrick to form new distribution partnership

Titon has joined forces with West Bromwich-based window hardware and accessories manufacturer Kenrick, to become a distributor for the company’s window and door multi-point locking range. The addition of the Kenrick products complements Titon’s existing window and door hardware offering, and creates a broad and comprehensive selection for Titon’s customers in the UK fabricator market.

The Kenrick multi-point lock portfolio includes standard espagnolettes, security espagnolettes, shootbolts and door locks, with all products available in a number of variants, including easy-fit options, according to customer requirements. They are suitable for use on aluminium, timber or PVCu, and an extensive range of profile-specific keeps are available, while new keeps can also be designed to suit new profiles.

The new distribution partnership follows a successful trial period in which Essex-based Titon sold a limited range of Kenrick items to a small number of its existing customers who specified the use of the products.

Kenrick was founded by Archibald Kenrick as an iron foundry in 1791, and the company still manufactures from the same West Bromwich premises today. With the exception of standard espagnolettes, its entire range is SBD (Secured by Design) accredited, so has passed the PAS24 security testing, allowing it to work effectively in tandem with Titon’s own SBD-approved products, such as the Asterion Three Star door cylinder, friction hinges and handles.

“Kenrick has been successfully producing multi-point door locks and window hardware for many years to build up a sizeable customer base,” said Titon Sales and Marketing Director, Tyson Anderson. “As an established brand ourselves, we are delighted to have gone into partnership with such a well-respected business boasting a long heritage.”

He added: “We are confident that Titon’s considerable expertise in this field, combined with our constantly expanding sales network, will assist in growing Kenrick’s customer base even further.”

For more information about Titon’s Ventilation Systems Division, please visit: www.titon.co.uk.
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Stainless steel … the natural choice for contemporary interiors

Stainless steel from GEC Anderson provides the ultimate in functionality and style for contemporary interiors. Its versatility as a material enables outstanding kitchen design, ensuring finished results as enduring as they are intrinsically beautiful.

From the specialists in design and production of superb stainless steel fittings, the GEC Anderson range includes made-to-measure worktops and sinks, cabinets, shelving, and sanitary appliances. All items are manufactured to the same exacting standard to ensure products of the highest quality and reliability in use.

Stainless steel delivers real advantages over any other material. It combines a stunning, clean appearance with robust, ultra-hygienic performance. Over the last 40 years GEC Anderson has worked with many of the world’s leading architects and designers, planning and creating installations that meet the most demanding specifications.

Bespoke solutions

GEC Anderson stainless steel worktops and sinks offer unmatched design freedom. Worktops of virtually any shape or size can be produced as a single unit. This includes long sections (up to 7 metres) as well as L-shaped and even U-shaped configurations.

In addition, sinks, splashbacks and upstands can be seamlessly integrated within the worktop. This provides a sleek, ultra-efficient work surface with no vulnerable joints or junctions between the various elements.

Sink bowls can be specified in almost any shape or size – circular, square or rectangular – and in any combination, with or without drainer recess. Sinks, outlets, and cut-outs for appliances (e.g. hobs) can be positioned exactly where required.

Supremely functional

This unequalled combination of versatility and practicality makes stainless steel the ideal material for worktops. It will tolerate hot pans without damage, so the entire worktop provides a usable and useful work surface – there is no need for special ‘hot zones’.

The work surface will retain its unique, eye-catching appearance over time, and will withstand constant heavy use – and even abuse. The surface is easy to maintain and keep clean, and is totally hygienic.

A wide choice of edge profiles, in depths to suit each specific project, ensures a solution that not only meets the design requirements of the kitchen, but is also supremely functional. A water-safe, lipped perimeter edge minimises spillage from the worktop onto the cabinets, appliances and floor below.

A choice of finish

GEC Anderson worktops and sinks are available in brushed satin or textured finish. The raised pattern of textured stainless steel facilitates drainage, resists damage, hides smudges and scratches, and is as easy to clean as the standard satin finish.

A material with integrity

GEC Anderson high quality stainless steel worktops can also be combined with traditional materials in the kitchen, such as wood and stone, to stunning effect. In addition to functional excellence, the bright stainless steel finish will add light and spaciousness to the overall design.

Equally, GEC Anderson sinks and drainers can be provided separately for installation within worktops of other materials.

Practical, flexible and affordable solutions

For the ultimate in modern kitchen design, GEC Anderson also offers cabinets
and shelving in high quality stainless steel. These units provide sleek, durable and hygienic solutions for all storage requirements. They are available in a range of standard sizes or made-to-measure to satisfy the needs of the specific location and context. Base cabinets may be wall-mounted or floor-standing on a plinth, with adjustable feet or stylish braked castors.

The GEC Anderson stainless steel shelving system employs uprights which enable simple, unique ‘stepless’ (unslotted) linear adjustment. Shelves and doors are available in steel or glass and allow a range of handle options.

Beyond the kitchen

GEC Anderson also offers solutions for other domestic interiors beyond the kitchen. Polished stainless steel sanitary appliances provide a dramatic and striking alternative to porcelain and are the perfect complement to futuristic interior styling for cloakroom or ‘en-suite’ bathroom. The stainless steel units also work well with timber to provide a warmer, yet no less distinctive design statement.

The full range of GEC Anderson products is detailed in our new brochure. To receive a copy, or for further details regarding GEC Anderson products, call 01442 826 999, email info@gecanderson.co.uk or visit www.gecanderson.co.uk.
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Now available from Rinnai – the HD55i

 

Now available from Rinnai is the HD55i, a heavy duty high efficiency gas fired continuous flow water heating unit with optimal fuel consumption, and in like-for-like comparisons with moretraditional methods, is more cost effective over a lifetime. Rinnai is an acknowledged global leader in the manufacture of tankless hot water heating units with group sales approaching £2 Billion.

The Rinnai HD55i Internal water heater is a wall hung, gas fired, continuous flow water heater capable of producing hot water at 820 litres per hour at a 50°C rise. The HD55i has a 125mm concentric flue which can be extended up to 15m, less 1m per 45° bend. As with the whole of the Rinnai range the HD55i is ErP A-rated and is super low- NoX ready for the next phase of eco-design.

The unit is compact, reliable and combines industry standards with innovation and quality. The HD55i operates between 1-10 bar pressure, which is suitable for mains cold water supply and systems with booster pumps and reaches water temperatures of up to 85°C, making the HD55i suitable for secondary return systems.

Rinnai Heavy Duty continuous flow gas fired water heaters feature outputs up to 58kW and water can be delivered at very precise, high volume temperature control. The smart digital controller regulates to within +/- 1ºC without any variation of temperature even with additional outlets. All models have full electronic ignition with no pilot light and operate on demand only, consuming no gas when not in use.

The Rinnai HD55i is a fully modulating 52.6kW unit that can also be installed in a manifold arrangement. This ensures that the system can and will meet any hot water demand at all peak times, no matter what the demand.

Typical applications include major restaurant chains, industry offices, hotels, sports centres, schools, sports clubs, shower blocks in holiday parks – anywhere with a need for extremely reliable supplies of hot water delivered economically and at energy efficiency levels surpassing all building regulations and European standards.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com
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Easing construction with multi-service offering

Installing both heat interface units (HIUs) and underfloor heating (UFH) within communal heating schemes is a great way to improve the efficiency of both the primary and secondary systems. Furthermore, this winning combination is now deemed best practice for heat networks, as recommended in industry codes such as CIBSE CP1.

One Bristol based HVAC company, Giacomini UK, has set about making it as easy as possible for construction managers to meet these guidelines. Its team of UK engineers, including CIBSE Certified Heat Networks Consultants, are well-versed in supplying tailored UFH, HIU and flow control packages to communal heating schemes, with the demand for their joint packages accelerating.

Heat interface units are driven by consumer demand, only extracting what they need from the primary system to accurately provide the consumer with the correct amount of domestic hot water or heating. Whilst on the secondary side, the lower flow and return temperatures of underfloor heating enable the boilers to operate at a higher efficiency.

This combination along with flow control provisions, such as differential pressure control valves, will improve the efficiency of the central boiler plant and help to bring the building design is in accordance with current industry guidelines.

One recent project, which combined all three of the above fields of Giacomini’s expertise, was a large residential and work space development in London, which saw over 2,000 square meters of underfloor heating pipework being installed, alongside 31 twin plate heat interface units and several pairs of differential pressure control valves and static balancing valves.

Discussing the increasing demand for combined services projects, Matt Lowe, managing director of Giacomini UK, commented: “In the past, customers largely came to us needing one service but increasingly we are finding that people are recognising the benefits of having all services provided by one manufacturer. Not only does it boost the efficiency of the system as the components are designed to work together, but it also eases installation as all enquiries go through one point of contact who ensures the same high level of quality throughout.”

Further afield, Giacomini has designed joint packages for a variety of communal heating projects including a 60 bed extra care scheme, 34 amenity flats and 85 luxury apartments.

For each project, Giacomini’s team of technical engineers provided guidance on the design of the heat network to make sure it is done in accordance to CIBSE Heat Network Code of Practice CP1. The team is also equipped to advise on diversity, flow rates, velocities, pressure losses and assist with calculating peak demand.

For further information about Giacomini’s heat network packages please call 01454 809100, or visit uk.giacomini.com.
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Giacomini extends its dirt separator valve credentials

Giacomini, a leading manufacturer of HVAC components, has released an update to its R146M dirt separator valve. This development follows the business’s successful launch of its patented adjustable magnetic dirt separator (R146C) last year.

The new valve has an extended range, and can tolerate temperatures up to 130 degrees Celsius, meaning that the valve is now suitable for medium-temperature hot water (MTHW) systems.

A key market for MTHW systems are large sites, such as hospitals, where process applications require higher temperatures than low-temperature hot water (LTHW) systems can deliver. Due to the functionality of the new R146M valve Giacomini can now fulfil the needs of these markets.

A dirt separator protects the system, and its essential parts, from both magnetic and non-magnetic dirt and debris that can build up over time and circulate through the system. This can cause blockages and hinder the system’s efficiency.

The R146M dirt separator valve further extends Giacomini’s successful flow control range, which also includes DPCVs, Static and Dynamic Balancing Valves, Boiler Safety Manifolds and Hydraulic Separators.

Further information about Giacomini visit uk.giacomini.com.
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Kestrel Mechanical on site for care home with Rinnai new hot water delivery systems

Kestrel Mechanical Services of Sevenoaks, Kent, has recently completed a complete refit of hot water heating systems at a well-known care home in the South East of England.

Kestrel has installed two Rinnai HDC 1500i on Natural Gas and included the unique scale inhibitor protection system. Previously the hot water systems delivery was provided by a whole set of satellite domestic boilers dotted all over the site.

The building is a stunning villa which is a converted private residence that’s been modernised to the highest standards of comfort and practicality. It offers a delightful 50-room residential and nursing home set in three-and-a-half acres of beautiful gardens near the north Kent coast.

The home is made up of two separate buildings that provide very specialist care. Both have the benefit of access to the glorious landscaped gardens – complete with conservatory and patio area.

The care home aims to provide as comprehensive a range of care as possible, so can offer 24-hour convalescent, respite, palliative and frail elderly nursing care.

Regular and stimulating activities are the key for social interaction and general well-being, and that’s why there is a packed schedule of fun activities to do.

A reliable hot water heating delivery system was needed to replace the tangle of boiler units spread over the site.

For Kestrel Julian Ringrose said, “Our brief was to make the hot water delivery system work at an optimal level of efficiency. We chose the Rinnai 1500i 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 residents, so we needed to get it right with the right product and Rinnai was the right choice.”

Water temperature is 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 HDC 1500i range is designed for use directly off the mains, with no need for large, ungainly and energy inefficient storage vessels -and is capable of delivering in excess of 780 litres per hour at 65 degrees Celsius, therefore ensuring water temperatures ideal for preventing legionella proliferation.

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. And so, the fact that Rinnai maintains ‘A’ rated Eco-labels on all its units speaks volumes for the company’s manufacturing process and stance on supplying only the highest efficiency units to the UK market. 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 too.

Any possibility of Legionella breeding is minimised as Rinnai units have no storage and can be cited close to the outlet and therefore limiting the environment for bacteria production. The Rinnai Infinity series HDC1500i/e Low NOx is capable of delivering in excess of 2000 litres per hour. It has efficiencies of up to 107% and can realistically claim to be one of the most efficient hot water heating units of its kind available in UK. The HDC1500i/e Low NOx is an on-demand style hot water heating unit – suitable for natural gas or LPG – and it has NO storage cylinder. This means that there is no needless waste of energy from constantly reheating a stored body of water for when there is demand. 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 HDC1500i 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. Contact Rinnai for professional CPDS and studies on this topic.

Rinnai Infinity HDC1500i Low NOx can boost a modulation range of 59.5kW to 2.8kW, 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 HDC1500i 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 any consumer needs for hot water.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com
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Ariston brings comfort to housing development in the Cotswolds

A range of Ariston boilers and thermostatic controls have been installed throughout six new build properties in Gloucestershire. Located in Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds, ‘The Suffolks’ development comprises five four-bedroom and one five-bedroom detached houses, each benefitting from the latest in energy efficient heating technology. The properties were designed and built by Sherborne Homes, which has already had Ariston boilers installed in over 40 of its previous sites in and around Cheltenham and the Cotswolds.

Harry Sherborne, Director of Sherborne Homes, said “We’ve been using Ariston boilers for the last four to five years; they are fantastic in terms of quality and performance, while the customer service we have received from the company has been second-to-none. It’s also reassuring to have the same point of contact at Ariston, who is always prepared to go the extra mile should we have any additional requirements or queries.”

“We use a local gas engineer to fit the boilers – and he is always happy to install Ariston, having never had any issues with them. We usually fit 15 to 20 boilers per development, so it’s important to know they are a brand we can trust. While we had previously used a different manufacturer, Ariston proved to be not only more competitive in terms of price, but also incredibly reliable and supportive across all areas of the business.”

Ariston’s range of highly efficient gas-fired boilers boasts user-friendly interfaces, high quality electrical connections and advanced control options. Plus, all units use a proven stainless steel heat exchanger alongside an ‘AUTO’ function, which monitors the ideal temperature for the heating system – reducing peaks in flow temperature and optimising efficiency.

The latest Ariston boilers are also fully compatible with the Ariston Net smart heating control, while BusBridgeNet® technology allows communication with other Ariston products. This simplifies integration with a range of devices and heat sources, optimising energy consumption. The remote diagnostic capabilities of Ariston Net also ensure any faults are identified immediately, followed by precise remedial advice.

Each property in ‘The Suffolks’ has a variety of character features, including solid wood kitchens, flagstone floors and solid oak doors. Each house also has its own log burner, while underfloor heating systems are used throughout.

Ariston Thermo UK, which is part of the Ariston Thermo Group, is a manufacturer of domestic heating, hot water and renewable products. With over 20 years of experience in the UK, Ariston Thermo is a worldwide leading company in the heating and water heating industry.

For more details about Ariston and its range of boilers, controls, water heaters and other products, visit: www.ariston.co.uk. Follow @AristonUK on Twitter.
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Vortice fans provide excellent indoor air quality for Avery Healthcare retirement village

Indoor air quality is such an important feature in any home and for Avery Healthcare, it was important that their newest 78 bed retirement village had the very best ventilation installed. They appointed Harniss Ltd to install a selection of ventilation fans by Burton upon Trent-based Vortice, whose expertise in the area is second to none.

Vortice Specification Manager Tony Green-Hurst said “We were delighted to be able to work with Harniss to provide their client with precisely the right ventilation. The CBZ and Hexamotion products we used for the project were selected as a bespoke solution. Our technical team carefully considered all the requirements before coming up with recommendations.”

The Hawthorns is an Avery Healthcare 78 bed residential retirement village with communal rooms such as dining rooms, a cinema, hairdresser’s, bowling alley, wellbeing area, laundry, clinic as well as offices, kitchens, staff facilities and assisted bathrooms and WCs.

For more information about Vortice and its products, visit www.vortice.ltd.uk

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