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

Mapei launch Dursilite Gloss – a semi-gloss enamel paint

(Caption: Mapei’s Dursilite Gloss paint)

Mapei introduce Dursilite Gloss to the popular range of Dursilite water based paints for interiors.

Dursilite Gloss is an internal enamel wall paint based on special acrylic and polyurethane resins and has a smooth, semi-gloss finish that enhances the brightness of colours. Dursilite Gloss allows you to create a high-end finish, is durable and resistant to yellowing and thanks to its polyurethane resin content, is highly resistant to staining and can cope with the most rigorous cleaning regimes and comes with a Class 1 wet scrub resistance, that conforms to EN ISO 11998. Dursilite Gloss bonds perfectly to all types of wall, plaster, skim coats and old paintwork that are sound and well-bonded; it also has good hiding power and is easy to apply.

An elegant, high quality finish is achieved when using Dursilite Gloss in residential or commercial environments. Due to its hard wearing protection, excellent cleanability and low dirt pick up, Dursilite Gloss is recommended for use in areas that are used by the general public that are particularly exposed to high wear and dirt.

Dursilite Gloss, along with all products within the Dursilite product family, can be tinted using the ColorMap automatic tinting machine. Other products within the Dursilite Gloss family include Dursilite Plus, Dursilite Matt.

For more information please email info@mapei.co.uk or tel. +44 (0)121 508 6970 or visit www.mapei.co.uk to view the full product range.
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Flying light

Kalwall® translucent cladding has transformed the newly completed 4,200 square metre extension at Indiana’s South Bend Regional Airport.

Designed by architects Ken Herceg and Associates, the new terminal comprises five gates, restaurants, gift shops and break-out areas all housed under an architecturally exposed, steel-framed barrel vault structure that simulates the structure of an aircraft wing. This is covered with a curved Kalwall Skyroof® 10 metres wide and 180 metres long.

As passengers exit the dark and windowless TSA screening area, they are bathed in welcoming and natural daylight with unimpeded views across the runways. Kalwall eliminates shadows and glare and the stark contrasts of light and shade. The system also enhances simplicity by doing away with the need for blinds, curtains or solar control. Even on cloudy days, the interior is flooded with natural daylight, which means less artificial lighting and, because Kalwall is highly insulating, energy costs are reduced. The standard Kalwall 70mm thick panel offers insulation up to 0.28W/m2K – equivalent to a cavity filled brick wall, whilst still allowing for up to 15% visible light transmittance.

The architects made good use of Kalwall’s free daylight modelling service on this project. Daylight Modelling is the way to calculate the most effective daylighting for any type of building. It is calculated using five years’ worth of real world weather files at the exact location of the building together with information on day, time, position and weather patterns. This generates an in-depth report on interior lux levels, a glare pattern analysis and radiance Illuminance – a snapshot of the ambient lux level (light) at any given time on daylight penetration at any time of the day or on any day in the year.

Kalwall is frequently specified for this type of prestige project where high-end performance and quality need to be coupled with aesthetics, practicality and a long life cycle. Not only does Kalwall provide a neat and cost-effective solution but it also offers complete line-of-sight protection and is highly vandal and impact resistant. It is also ideal for areas considered as a high value target not only because is it FM (Factory Mutual) approved but also because its unique fabrication means that any blast is mitigated. Unlike glass, splintering and serious injury are greatly reduced in the event of an explosion as Kalwall is shatterproof.

Case studies and technical information are available from Structura UK Ltd on tel: 01233 501 504 or by visiting www.structura-uk.com/kalwall.
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Altro creates a relaxing environment for playful dachshunds

Pigglefairy Puppies, based near Kings Lynn, is a council-licenced breeder of Kennel Club registered miniature Dachshunds. The kennel where the dogs slept was five years old, and was starting to look tired. It needed a refit, and owner Debbie Casemore wanted a solution that would not stress the dogs. She also needed a quick turnaround to make sure the dogs were able to return to the kennel quickly.

Debbie said: “I wanted the best for the dogs, and hygiene is so important for their welfare. I wanted an easy to clean floor and wall solution that would have no edges or crevices for the dogs to chew on. It also had to be quick to fit so the dogs could go back to their routine.”

Altro Cantata™ was chosen to provide an easy to clean floor that would be quick to install. Altro Cantata is installed without adhesive, which is a benefit when adhesive smells can cause stress. Altro Whiterock™ Satins in ‘Fawn’ was chosen as an easy to maintain and hygienic solution that looked good.

Debbie continued: “The colours of Altro Cantata and Altro Whiterock Satins are nice and neutral, and look really professional and clean.”

Altro Cantata and Altro Whiterock Satins were installed by Simon Johnson at Simply Interiors. Simon said: “Since Altro adhesive-free floors were launched, it now makes up approximately 80% of our safety flooring jobs. The speed for clients and us has proved invaluable! Altro Cantata is a great addition to the range.”

Altro Cantata is a decorative, adhesive-free floor that creates maximum impact with minimum downtime. Using Altro’s award-winning adhesive-free installation method, it can be welded and walked on the same day, and at the end of its life can be removed easily, allowing it to be reused or recycled. It is ideal for busy public spaces where disruption needs to be minimal, plus there are no associated adhesive odours. Altro Cantata’s 16 soft-look shades, which range from subtle naturals to beautifully vivid, enable you to set the desired tone yet it also has the durability needed for medium to high traffic areas.

Altro Whiterock Satins provides a stain-resistant, wipeclean surface. Available in a range of solid, satin-finish shades – from subtle pastels through to vivid brights – Altro Whiterock Satins can be used where aesthetics are important.

For more information please visit www.altro.co.uk.
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Creating a lasting impression with Osmo UK’s ESCO collection

For the past three years, Osmo UK and bespoke European oak flooring specialists, ESCO, have enjoyed a successful partnership, creating a collection of nine solid oak flooring styles pre-finished with Osmo’s renowned wood finishing product, Polyx®-Oil. Ready to install from purchase, Osmo’s ESCO collection is favoured by specifiers.

Osmo UK specialise in producing wood protection and finishes using natural ingredients to complement the wood’s internal properties. The products contain no biocides or preservatives, abolishing the need for traditional chemically enhanced products. The ESCO collection offers a robust yet aesthetically pleasing wooden floor and is pre-finished with Osmo’s Polyx®-Oil.

Polyx-Oil from Osmo UK is a premium wood finish guaranteed to keep wooden surfaces in the best possible condition. Ideal for solid engineered or laminate wood floors, it is a high quality, water-repellent and tread-resistant wood finish. Unlike ordinary oil finish products which often form a film on the surface of the wood, Polyx-Oil’s natural components penetrate deeply into the wood to create a micro-porous finish. This allows the wood to breathe, moisture to evaporate and ensures a flawless finish both upon application and for many years to come.

The ESCO collection offers a choice of nine solid oak flooring options, including Harfa, Bohemia and Chateau, and each with its own unique charms and appealing appearance.

Focus on: Harfa Flooring

The Harfa flooring surface has been designed with a rough-sawn treatment and has been enhanced with cross-wise cuts that are grooved in the surface. Harfa can be combined with many different styles and colours, providing endless possibilities. It is hugely versatile, available in eight colours, including natural, natural white, double smoked black, smoked tobacco, smoked natural, washy grey, smoked white and stone grey. There is also the option to choose between 2 or 3 layer parquet and your desired wood style – elegance, superb, classic or original.

Focus on: Chateau Flooring

Another of the leading styles in the Osmo ESCO range is Chateau, a smooth oak flooring design that effortlessly showcases the wood’s classic natural beauty in a stylish and contemporary manner. Elegantly embracing the wood’s artistic knots and grains, the style complements current decorative trends and interiors. As standard, Chateau is available in eight different colours, including black, tobacco, stone grey and natural. Before being oiled, boards can also be smoked. This process adds rich, deep variations of colour to the palette, providing another 6 colour options.

Offering further personalisation, Chateau flooring is supplied in three grades; character grade, character/prime grade and prime grade. Character grade is ideal for interiors that want to retain the natural look. Complete with hand-filled, sanded knots, the flooring brings the true rustic nature of the wood to life. A slight variation of the Character grade is the Character/Prime Grade. With smaller knots, this grade offers the rustic charm in a more uniform look. Finally, Prime Grade provides a sleek, contemporary look keeping any knots to a minimum.

Focus on: Bohemia Flooring

Those looking for a smooth and alive rustic floor need to look no further than the Bohemian range. The combination of ESCO’s special rustic wood style and Osmo’s smooth finish makes it one of the most popular flooring choices in the range. Available in eight colour options, including Cognac, Natural white to Stone Grey, this stylish flooring will suit any interior scheme.
The Bohemia option offers a strong rustic wooden style that features open filled knots for a genuine oak style. In addition to this, the floorings surface lines and irregular surface smoothness give Bohemia a unique look and feel compared to other designs. Planed, filled, sanded and finished with Osmo Polyx®-Oil, Bohemian flooring requires no additional coatings and can be ready to walk on in hours, not days, after installation.

For a more specific look, customers can create their own Bohemian flooring exact to their requirements. After selecting a colour, customers can choose the type, width, thickness and length of the flooring. This includes a choice from solid wood flooring, two-layer parquet or three-layer parquet. For a more personalised touch, the wood can be finished with a range of signature features including an Osmo silver shine, extra old finish, fire-rating or handscrapped bevel.

Osmo’s ESCO range is available from Osmo UK direct or from its nationwide network of stockists.

For more information contact Osmo UK on 01296 481220, email info@osmouk.com, or alternatively visit www.osmouk.com.
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Aiding hygiene control with the new Matrix M basin

A new height adjustable wash basin with enhanced features that assist hygiene control has been launched by Pressalit Care.

Known as the Matrix M, Pressalit Care has developed new integrated power buttons for raising and lowering the basin, and to aid all important hygiene control has incorporated all plumbing into a discreet, concealed unit. The Matrix M also features Pressalit Care’s highly regarded grab handles at the front of the basin.

Andrew Lowndes, UK sales manager for Pressalit Care says, “As well as popular features from our existing Matrix range, we’ve introduced new, stand-out elements into this basin. These will benefit both users and carers, whilst maintaining the commitment to quality, practicality and design that Pressalit Care has always made its priority.

“Where a bathroom is to be used by multiple or single users the Matrix M will be a valuable element in providing flexible facilities, maintaining self-esteem and a sense of equality with others.”

He continues, “The new concealed plumbing not only adds to the aesthetics of the design, but also aids hygiene control, as the pipework elements are not exposed to collect dust, dirt or bacteria.

“The new integrated operating panel on the front of the basin is simple and intuitive – with the red buttons on white easy to see and use, allowing most users to be able to adjust the height themselves.”

Hygiene is a top priority with the Matrix M basin. The concealed plumbing aids hygiene control; the smooth curved lines of the bowl make cleaning easy; and integrated handrails, as well as providing valuable support, have smooth lines and no hard to reach corners.

The wide, white Matrix M basin has profiled raised edges to prevent spillages over the side. The flat surface around the bowl aids leaning and support, or indeed the storage of personal toiletries. All surfaces incline towards to the plug to ensure efficient drainage.

The inward curve of the basin’s front edge allows the user to lean into the tap and reach it easily,
whilst the shallow bowl gives plenty of space for wheelchair maneuverability.

The Matrix M basin has a rise/fall of 200mm. The slim lifter unit allows wheelchairs to manoeuvre close to the wall. Securing the unit above the skirting provides much better access for wheelchair footplates and allows for slip-resistant flooring material to curve up the wall.

To help integrate into different bathroom designs and to fit with individual needs, a manual operating version with crank handle is available, together with or without integrated overflow.

Andrew Lowndes continues, “When creating a bathroom in a care home, hospital or school, or indeed a private home, the bathroom needs to provide facilities that are accessible to all users, a height adjustable basin is a must have. The flexibility that height adjustable elements bring to a bathroom play a major part in creating a usable space for everyone.

“Our new Matrix M basin is easy to use, designed with hygiene in mind, and will certainly be a valuable asset to an accessible bathroom or Changing Places facility, where it’s important that users with mobility problems are able to participate on equal terms with others.”

For more information please visit www.pressalit.com.
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Removing old floor coatings

The Preparation Group specialises in environmentally friendly solutions for preparing, cleaning and finishing surfaces. Its contracting division PPC, was recently employed to remove 1-2mm of epoxy resin from the 840m2 concrete subfloor of a Howden’s warehouse, ready for the application of a single pack coating.

The company used its 250 Planer fitted with a milling drum, removing the flexible resin material which varied in thickness and cutting into it with minimum damage to the background surface. After planing, the floor was ground with the heavy duty Terrco® 2000 Grinding and Polishing machine to create a perfectly smooth, flat ‘profile’ suitable for the application of the final thin coating system.

Planing

When selecting a Planer, it is important to look for machines that are simple to use and that offer precision cutting. The 250 Planer benefits from both lever and wheel drum lowering devices and no complicated switches. You simply turn on/off and lower the drum.

In planing, there are four main types of quick change drums fitted with different flails for a variety of applications:

Milling Drums:-
For removal of thermoplastic line markings, bitumous and rubber deposits, epoxy coatings and cementitious screeds in excess of 2mm.

TCT Drums:-
For traffic markings removal, stone surface cleaning, concrete grooving, heaving milling of concrete, scabbling, cleaning and roughening concrete and asphalt.

Beam Drums:-
For cleaning off paint without damage to concrete, de-scaling steel and removing oil and grease deposits.

Star Drums:-
For cleaning concrete laitance, de-rusting, general cleaning, paint & mill scale removal.

Grinding

The Terrco® 2000 multi-head machine is one of a range of grinders and polishers, the brand having evolved over 85 years. It is ideal for removing self levellers, screeds, coatings and adhesives from concrete, asphalt and stone surfaces. It also produces a high gloss finish on terrazzo, resin systems, concrete and asphalt.

On the Terrco®, different grades of diamond accessories are fitted to the rotating arms of the grinder, smoothing & removing as the machine moves forward, with the debris collected by a dust extraction unit.

When selecting diamond accessories for grinding, it is important to note that the materials used in the construction of floors varies considerably. The geographic location of the project provides an insight into regional materials used and must always be considered when selecting diamond accessories to prepare surfaces.

A simple equation is to examine the type of surface being treated. A hard composition surface will require a soft bond segment and a soft composition surface will require a hard bond segment.

In each instance the selection of the correct accessory will optimise the life of the diamond and provide cost effective solutions for the designated project.
In the event that the incorrect grade of diamond is selected it will simply glaze over the surface not creating the correct cutting actions, or “wear out” extremely quickly and often in the initial stages of the operation which proves to be costly and unsuccessful.

The Preparation Group’s technical support team is available to advise and recommend on the correct combination of equipment and accessories for your specific project.

For more information please visit www.thepreparationgroup.com or call 01522 561460.
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Titon MVHR Systems add high efficiency to London’s latest high rise

A combination of highly efficient HRV Q Plus units and ducting from Titon has been installed throughout 514 newly-built one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, penthouses and townhouses in The Residence, Ponton Road, London. Located within the Vauxhall Nine Elms Opportunity Area, The Residence comprises nine multistorey buildings. The ventilation products fitted include a range of HRV1.25, HRV1.35, HRV2 and HRV2.85 Q Plus Eco HMB MVHR units, as well as Titon’s straight and flared ducting covers.

The development is situated on what was a patch of industrial land on Ponton Road, which sits next to a railway viaduct, and once contained a train station. Construction began in 2015, with The Residence split into two distinct phases, with 190 residential units built during the first period. The second phase – known as the ‘Eastern Parcel’ – is currently well underway, with the remaining 324 aparments scheduled for completion by the end of 2018. The consultants for the project are Kent-based White Associates, while the property developer is Bellway Homes Thames Gateway – the latter of which has a longstanding relationship with Titon.

Commenting on the MVHR products, Neal Gardiner, Director at White Associates, said “We have specified Titon’s ventilation systems many times over the last three to four years, so we are well aware of their qualities. The company has been second-to-none in providing technical advice and support, which included full calculations to illustrate compliance with Approved Document F of the Building Regulations. All the units also benefit from low specific fan power (SFP) and this, combined with up to 92% heat recovery, ensures there is an MHVR units within the range suitable for most residential units.”

Titon’s high capacity Q Plus range of continuously running MVHR units are among the quietest on the market and are independently tested by the BRE to BS EN 13141 – the only standard specific to the residential sector.

Combining extremely low power consumption and a highly efficient heat exchanger, these ultra-compact units also enhance SAP performance via Appendix Q, while remaining versatile enough in size to be installed in either larger apartments or small to medium-sized dwellings.

The Eco versions of these units benefit from Summer Bypass, which diverts 100% of the airflow, and is recognised and listed in the UK Product Characteristics Database. Eco HMB models, such as those used in The Residence development, are also compatible with Titon’s auralite® status indicator and have quick access filter doors as standard.

Furthermore, the HRV Q Plus Ducting Covers can be used for all models of Titon HRV units. Adjustable in height from 300mm to 400mm, they are designed to cover the ductwork running from the unit to the ceiling. The covers are tapered, increasing in area from the top of the unit to ensure the ceiling is large enough to accommodate round to rectangular elbows in the ceiling void. There are three different ducting covers available, depending on the unit used.

For more information about Titon and its comprehensive range of whole house ventilation products and window & door hardware, please visit: www.titon.co.uk
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Waterfall proves hit with consumers

Pegler Yorkshire, the leading UK manufacturer of fittings, valves and brassware is experiencing a continued strong sales rate of its latest tap the ‘Waterfall’.

Sindar Singh, Pegler Yorkshire’s Market Manager for Washrooms, for commented “Since its launch 12 months ago the Waterfall range of taps has certainly struck a chord with consumers. We are continuing to experience a strong sales rate which doesn’t show any signs of diminishing.”

The design led Waterfall Tap range offers an undeniable elegance and panache to any bathroom. Its wider than average spout allows a lavish flow of water to cascade into the bath or basin, offering a sense of splendour. Inspired by deluges often experience in the rain forest this tap provides a controlled and comfortable flow of water to any bathroom.

The five-piece range comprises a basin mixer, mini basin mixer, 3-hole bath filler, H pattern bath filler and H pattern bath and shower mixer. They each benefit from being suitable for both high and low water pressure systems, min 0.1 bar (0.4 bar for 3-hole bath filler), ceramic disc technology and flow restrictors.

Sindar concluded: “Consumers are looking for style, comfort and functionality and this IS obviously what they have found with the Waterfall range. In addition, the inclusion of flow restrictors also offers a more eco-friendly option should they desire.”

Further information about Pegler Yorkshire can be found by visiting www.pegleryorkshire.co.uk.
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Rinnai to headline sponsor CIBSE Tech Symposium in London

Rinnai – the UK leader in gas-fired high efficiency continuous flow water heating units and systems – is to be the headline sponsor of the forthcoming Chartered Institute of Building Services Technical Symposium being held this year 12-13th April 2018 at London South Bank University.

The CIBSE Technical Symposium 2018 – themed as ‘Stretching the envelope’ will encompass techniques, applications and technologies for healthy and productive environments.

“The uncertainties of climate, resources, environment, and security will mean that there is an increasing need for those with a responsibility to deliver healthy and productive environments to stretch beyond ‘business as usual’, says CIBSE.

The 2018 symposium theme is aiming to provide the industry with a technical insight into the methods, technologies and techniques that are available, or just over the horizon, that will drive the development of increasingly sustainable future environments. This will include presentations and discussions on both the established and proven, as well as the developmental and cutting edge.

Topics presented may include the following: Assessing, assuring and improving occupant health, comfort and wellbeing; Developing and applying leading edge products and systems for a sustainable building future; Moving towards net zero energy and net zero water built environments; Delivering human friendly ecosystems beyond the ‘built’ environment; Fusing passive and active building systems; Designing and operating to meet future climates; Creative technologies and systems for an aging population; Intelligent systems and knowledge based tool; Metering, intelligent monitoring and control techniques to predict and manage energy use; BIM (and other information tools) for improved building development and operation; Case studies and measured performance of buildings in use

Rinnai Managing Director, Tony Gittings said “we are an industry-leading manufacturer of water heating technologies, products and systems for commercial sites and we have been a main sponsor of the CIBSE Technical Symposium, held in the Spring, for the past several years now. We believe it is the best event of its kind.

“We get to speak in a relaxed and informative manner about continuous flow hot water technology with members from all types of consultancies, building services and academia backgrounds. The fact that it moves around the regions makes it even more attractive to Rinnai – yes the South East has the biggest concentration of population but there is a lot more outside of the M25 area!!

“The event is well organised and, more importantly, it is well attended by CIBSE members all looking for new product and practices to improve the industry’s offering to end-users. Rinnai looks forward to continuing our sponsorship of the event well into the future.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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Altro Aquarius helps transform dining room to wet-room for disabled teenager

Altro Aquarius™ has been used in a life-changing home adaptation to create a wet-room for Devon-based teenager Mya Bolt.

Despite enduring years of tests, Mya’s parents are no closer to a diagnosis. “If asked, we call her ‘a unique’ and she certainly is, in every way. She’s a very happy, giggly girl, who loves music, make-up and wearing pretty clothes,” says her mother, Claire. “But she also needs total support with self-care, is non-verbal and has severe learning disabilities and poor mobility.

“We have accepted we may never have a specific name for her condition, she is just a very special girl, but it does makes it hard to plan for her future, as we have no idea what to expect,” explains Claire.

It was with her future in mind that Claire and her father Bert decided to convert their dining room into a level-access wet-room. “The older and bigger Mya got, the harder it was to get her upstairs to the bathroom,” says Claire. And, with no ground floor toilet, Mya had no choice but to use a commode in the living room.

Bathing was also becoming increasingly stressful with Claire often getting wetter than Mya and the physical task of lifting her in and out was becoming progressively harder. “It was clear she needed a way to achieve more independence. So when our Occupational Therapist suggested a shower-toilet, I knew it was the perfect solution,” says Claire.

Turning a dining room into a wet-room wasn’t an easy task. Located on the opposite side of the house to the soil pipe and sewage system, Bert had to hire a digger and excavate a whole new sewage network around three sides of the property. A new wall was installed to create a hallway past the bathroom, connecting it to what will eventually become Mya’s downstairs bedroom, and the rest of the family home.

Not knowing how Mya’s condition would develop, the Bolts decided to design the new wet-room with their worst-case scenario in mind – total wheelchair dependence. In addition to sanitaryware that accommodates Mya’s needs, for superior grip, Claire selected Altro’s Aquarius safety flooring. “I did consider regular tiles but we stayed in a hotel with Altro and the grip is just incomparable, plus it comes in lovely colours,” explains Claire. It runs straight into the shower space, and up the walls, effectively tanking the entire room.

Altro Aquarius was ideal as it is a specialist safety flooring developed for lasting performance in shoes or barefoot. Achieving Class B to DIN 51097 for barefoot use, plus PTV ≥50 (Slider 96), it provides optimum lifetime sustained slip resistance in wet and dry environments. The range features plain and tonal chip options to help you achieve high contrast and design flexibility. It has been extensively tested with a variety of shoes and contaminants to ensure top performance in high-risk environments. It’s also easy to clean, making it ideal for home adaptations.

While every element was planned to ensure Mya never outgrows her new bathroom, Claire is delighted to report that her dream of giving her daughter dignity and independence has come true. “This whole project really has been life changing for Mya, and our whole family.”

For more information please visit www.altro.ie.
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