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

Armstrong Ceilings feature in University’s striking new library

A mix of metal and mineral ceiling and wall systems from Armstrong were specified for a new development at Royal Holloway, University of London, one of the top 30 universities in the UK .

The new BREEAM “Excellent” rated library and student services centre, named the Emily Wilding Davison Building after one of the university’s most famous alumni, is set in a new landscaped events square at the heart of the university’s campus in Egham, Surrey.

The 10,500m2 state-of-the-art building delivers inspirational library and study spaces, together with student facing services under one roof, putting enhanced student experience at the forefront.

Some 1,000m2 of RAL 9010 Armstrong custom Metal B-H 300 ceiling planks, Metal R-H 200 ceiling tiles and custom Metal W-H 1100 wall panels, as well as Armstrong’s Cradle to Cradle® certified Perla OP mineral tiles on a Prelude 15 TL grid were specified by Associated Architects for the £57 million new Davison Building at Royal Holloway.

The Metal B-H 300 perforated linear planks with acoustic fleece on a 300mm C-profile were used for the soffit of the triple-height atrium at the core of a series of wings and for three link bridges at first and second floor levels, while the Metal R-H 200 Hook-On tiles and Perla OP mineral tiles (which perform to sound absorption class A and are 85% light reflectant) on a Prelude 15 TL grid feature in offices.

Project architect Joe Belcher said “We were looking for a product that, in conjunction with the perforated timber veneer panelling, would help provide absorption to soften the acoustic of the atrium. As well as providing a neat and crisp aesthetic, we chose a self-finished material to avoid an unnecessary maintenance burden, especially relevant for tall spaces where maintenance access requires special equipment.

“We were especially pleased with the way the Armstrong product has been coordinated to align with other features such as the large feature rooflights. The 300mm plank module and edge trims enabled us to ensure the crisp junctions envisaged were achieved. For all these reasons, and the fact that Armstrong is a known and trusted name for our clients, it made sense to specify Armstrong.”

Throughout the building, a careful, consistent approach was taken to the internal character. Associated Architects developed a mature and sophisticated interior scheme to fit in with the university’s campus. This included visual concrete columns and soffits, extensive timber finishes and feature lighting.

Extensive areas of exposed visual quality light grey concrete to soffits, columns and stair core walls form part of the passive thermal strategy for the building, allowing generous floor-to-ceiling heights which give a sense of permanence and solidity.

Joe Belcher added “As a practice we regularly specify Armstrong products. As well as the more common modular suspended ceiling format which regularly appears in education, higher education and commercial office projects, we have used Armstrong products in previous laboratory and library projects.”

The Armstrong ceiling and wall systems were installed by specialist sub-contractor Rosguill Developments for main contractor Osborne. The Davison Building officially opened in October 2017.

More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/ or the manufacturer’s app which is available from both the Apple store as well as the Google Play store, or by clicking on one of the links below with your mobile device www.armstrong.com/CeilingDownloads-Apple or www.armstrong.com/CeilingDownloads-Android.
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100% CIBSE pass rate for Giacomini!

Over the past year, Giacomini UK has been making vast steps to ensure its technical sales team is fully up-to-speed with the very latest in the industry and to ensure that its employees are experts in the sector.

As part of this, the technical sales team has been undertaking courses from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and Giacomini is delighted to announce that all of its UK technical sales engineers are now fully registered CIBSE Heat Network Consultants.

Technical support manager, Helen Gibbons was the first to receive the accreditation in June 2016, followed by Giacomini’s UK and Ireland sales manager, Alistair Moore, and technical sales engineer, Warren Smyth, in May 2017. Hot on their heels was Oliver Gledhill, also a technical sales engineer, who was the most recent member of the team to pass the exam, ensuring that the entire technical sales team are now CIBSE registered consultants.

This reiterates Giacomini’s position of expertise in the sector as well as being a leading supplier of heat interface units and a specialist in providing unique complete underfloor heating packages. It also demonstrates Giacomini’s knowledge of HIUs and the intricacies of communal heating and district heating networks.

Matt Lowe, managing director of Giacomini UK, commented: “Having our entire technical sales team become CIBSE recognised consultants is a huge achievement and something of which we are very proud of. This gives our team wider expertise within the building services sector. Engineering technologies are rapidly evolving; at Giacomini, we strive to retain our positions as leaders of this so having our team receive the CIBSE accreditation for being Heat Network Consultants is a great feather in our cap!”

For more information about Giacomini UK visit www.giacomini.co.uk.
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Impressive Results for Evinox ModuSat® Under BESA HIU Testing

Evinox are very proud to announce that the ModuSat® XR Heat Interface Unit has been tested to the BESA (British Engineering Services Association) UK Standard for HIUs, achieving impressive results all round.

Launched in late 2016, the BESA UK Standard for Heat Interface Units was introduced to help designers and specifiers evaluate the performance of a particular HIU on their network. This new standard aims to provide HIU benchmarking, similar in many ways to the well-known SEDBUK scheme for domestic boilers.

Currently, only a handful of manufacturers have published results for the HIU test regime, with Evinox being one of the first to undertake the testing process.

With an overall VWART of just 33.4℃, impressively low domestic hot water return temperatures and the ability to deliver flexible Keep Warm operation, the BESA test results provide a clear, independently verified confirmation that the Evinox ModuSat® XR range delivers outstanding heating and hot water performance for modern heat networks.

Mike Shaw, Commercial Director at Evinox Energy commented “We believe independent testing is a vital step forward for the Communal & District heating industry, and as one of the UKs most established HIU manufacturers, we were determined to be involved from the early stages. Our latest ModuSat® XR and XR-ECO models have been developed very much with the new standard in mind and we’re confident that this regime from BESA will lead to more efficient heat networks being designed and delivered”.

The BESA standard is currently optional for HIU manufacturers, however, Evinox believes this will be a mandatory requirement in the near future, and asks designers and specifiers to start insisting on the use of BESA tested units for their heat network projects going forward.

The full report and test results can be found by visiting www.evinoxenergy.co.uk, or contact Evinox to book a CIBSE accredited CPD Seminar on 01372 722277.
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A strategic partnership based on trust

When energy industry guru Mike McDonald recognised that the commercial underfloor heating sector was becoming “commoditised”, with installers choosing a pick ‘n’ mix policy of bringing together the various components on a lowest cost basis, he took a decision to base his young business on a manufacturer’s brand.

With a life-time in the energy industry, including as Divisional Board Director at BSS and Managing Director of two BAXI Commercial Heating businesses, Mike approached Giacomini UK, a company whose products and expertise he knew well, and formed a strategic partnership with his Cardiff based Ecofit Energy Systems business.

“Five years later Giacomini accounts for more than 80% of our UFH products and we would not have enjoyed our great rate of growth without the support of Giacomini. We are a true partnership, playing to each other’s’ strengths. We identify and win the business, and they design the systems and provide the components, with full technical support,” says Mike.

Ecofit Energy Systems offers a complete design, installation, testing and monitoring service for environmentally friendly energy systems throughout Wales, the South West and along the M4 corridor into central London.

“When you are working with major commercial undertakings, local education authorities and universities, you need the confidence of the guarantees, product supply and technical support that only a major manufacturer, such as Giacomini, can offer,” he adds.

His is a real family business with his daughter Lauren as managing director and her partner Kieran technical director.

The business partnership goes from strength to strength and has recently won a contract to provide underfloor heating at five primary schools in Powys and its largest order yet, a 174 apartment development in Bristol. Mike often works with Giacomini’s approved sub-contractors as part of the package.

“It is rather like a marriage relationship. We have been together now for five years and are looking forward to even greater benefits from our partnership. Pooling our separate skills into one symbiotic relationship enables us to target bigger and more complex installations with confidence,” says Mike.

For more information about Giacomini UK visit https://uk.giacomini.com/
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Staircraft make Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 League

Staircraft are delighted to have achieved number 51 in the 2017 Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 league, an index which ranks Britain’s fastest growing private companies.

Managing Director, Andy Hamilton, founded the Nuneaton-based company in 1985 using innovation through design and manufacturing to reach today’s position of Europe’s largest staircase manufacturer, supplying 1000+ new-build homes every week.

The proposition has grown significantly, now offering ‘fully integrated solutions’ in the design and manufacture of staircase, i-joists, floor-kits, MDF painted profiles/mouldings, with door-kits on the horizon. The extended range also positions Staircraft as Europe’s only i-joist and floor-kit manufacturer.

In 2017 Staircraft added 5 manufacturing facilities, ending the year with 8 facilities with more planned in 2018. 3 units were opened in Hinckley supporting the main stair factories and providing capacity for future product areas. 2 further units were opened as follows:

  • an industry-leading MDF paint line, producing various profiles with an end-to-end process, achieving a superior coating on all 4 sides
  • already one of the UK’s largest cut floor kit providers Staircraft announced they are now manufacturing i-Joists under a new brand

The new i-Joists are available in depths from 220 to 300mm, featuring a bespoke OSB web with quality softwood flanges and a unique, strength-enhancing finger joint profile. The new high technology production line will also allow for further innovation and built-in enhanced performance to a standard joist.

Andy Hamilton, Staircraft Founder & Managing Director commented “Nothing much has changed since i-Joists were invented 48 years ago, until now! Our investment in a high technology, bespoke production line, enables us to take i-joist performance to a new level. Our new capability will enable us to significantly increase performance by eliminating web joints, the weakest area, greatly improving the web/flange connection strength. These innovations will future proof our offering to the market.”

Andy continued “Of course our success would not have been possible without the support of our customers and suppliers who we recognise as our extended team, helping us achieve greater market share. Lastly, and most importantly, I want to place on record my sincere gratitude to each and every member of the 300-strong Staircraft team. Their hard-work, flexibility and dedication through a significant period of improvement and change has been truly admirable. Here’s to 2018!”

For more information please visit www.staircraft-ltd.co.uk.
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Kingspan OPTIM-R provides slim solution for Scottish renovation

A derelict Grade B listed hotel in Kinross, Scotland, has been transformed into an impressive modern family home, with help from the ultra-slim Kingspan OPTIM-R Flooring System.

Delivered by M&S Character Homes, the renovation plans combine the former Royal Hotel’s main two storey building with the L-shaped additional building to create a single dwelling home. Built in the early nineteenth century, the property boasts striking period features such as oak beams and low ceilings. However, both the owners and architect’s dedication to retaining as many of these features as possible and the listed status of the building, meant there were some inherent design issues that needed to be considered in order to comply with the Scottish Building Standards.

Architect Scott Strachan commented: “the much-altered historical building fabric, current dilapidated state of repair & new owners’ enthusiasm for the property provided a unique opportunity at this stage in the life of the building to both conserve the existing historic building fabric and create a new 21st century chapter in the history of the building.”

Ceiling height in the ground floor hallway where a new staircase needed to be installed was particularly low. To meet the Building Standards for both the head height for the staircase and thermal performance, the Kingspan OPTIM-R Flooring System was specified in a 30 mm thickness. Homeowner and Director of M&S Character Homes, Murray Mitchell, explains:

“As the property is Grade B listed, there are certain limitations to how far it can be altered. The Kingspan OPTIM-R Flooring System was used as it met our thermal requirements at a third of the depth of a normal insulation board. Additionally, the head height in the other part of the hallway is very limited as there is an oak main beam. If Kingspan OPTIM-R hadn’t been used, the floor-to-ceiling height would have been 60 mm less.”

Kingspan OPTIM-R vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) feature a microporous core which is evacuated, encased and sealed in a thin, gas-tight envelope. This design allows them to achieve optimum levels of insulation performance with a declared value thermal conductivity of 0.007 W/m.K despite their minimal thickness.

As with every installation of a Kingspan OPTIM-R System, Kingspan’s specialist technical team provided detailed System layouts and instructions for the project to help streamline the installation whilst keeping the construction thickness to a minimum.

20 – 40 mm thick Kingspan OPTIM-R panels are the only vacuum insulation panels in the world to be certified under the independent BDA Agrément scheme. This confirms that the products will perform as expected when installed to Kingspan Insulation’s recommendations. The certification is also recognised by bodies such as the NHBC and LABC.

For more information, please call 01544 387384, email info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk or visit www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk/optim-r.
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Brio runs forward with soft finish

New additions to Brio’s Zero Clearance and Single Run systems bring useful 100kg weight bearing capabilities to the ranges as well as a soft close option and a clip stop. Both these features are also available on Single Run 80 and Zero Clearance 80.

Zero Clearance and Single Run work with various panel types and provide numerous guide options and cope with panel weights from 80kg to 350kg.

The new Zero Clearance 100 and Single Run 100 hangers work with Brio’s existing hardware including the 80CS clip stop and 100SCT soft close for 100kg applications. Brio’s clip stop holds panels in their parked position while the soft close device fits discreetly inside the track and controls the panel’s momentum when closing against the jamb, protecting little fingers from slamming doors.

Brio’s new weight capacity is ideal for commercial or residential living spaces and the fittings are easy to install and operate with the use of precision bearings and the option of stainless steel hardware for exterior applications.

Single Run is available in a number of weight capacities – 60, 80, 100, 120, 180 and 350KG per panel while Zero Clearance may be obtained in 80, 100,120 180 and 350kg per panel for timber panels and 80KG, 100, 120 and 180 Kg for frameless Glass panels.

“We will have other new features to add to our straight sliding range during 2017 and 2018 – so watch this space,” concludes Brio UK’s David Newton, adding that Brio offers an unbeatable 10-year warranty on its hardware.

For more information please visit www.briouk.com.
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weberfloor – the only flooring products for Weber HQ refurbishment

Major refurbishment is underway at the Saint-Gobain Weber HQ in Flitwick, Bedfordshire where weberfloor products are being used extensively. The work involves renovation of 240m² of industrial and commercial floor space.

The Flitwick warehouse project involves the demolition of the old training workshop to make way for a new product storage area. Here the floor area has been pre-treated and primed with weberfloor 4716 primer which is designed for use on all substrates prior to application of weberfloor products to achieve a thin but tight membrane. It regulates the porosity of the substrate and improves adhesion while reducing the formation of pinholes in the levelling layer. weberfloor 4716 primer should be diluted with clean water and can be spray-applied for use on large areas.

weberfloor 4160 industry top industrial floor screed was then applied to a thickness of 10mm. Compliant with BS8204 it is a pumpable, rapid hardening and self-smoothing floor screed for use as a surface layer on industrial flooring with a compressive strength of C35 and flexural strength F10. It is especially suitable where renovation time is limited and is ready for foot traffic 2 – 4 hours after application. weberfloor 4610 industry top is designed for intensively trafficked industrial floors with medium or heavy rolling loading where exceptional flatness is required such as factories, production areas or warehouses. weberfloor 4610 industry top does not require any finish but may be coated with a suitable resin and is ideal for use on both new floors and renovation projects.

In a separate area of the building work is ongoing in the creation of a new open plan office area. During the preparation stage a slip membrane was installed to create a floating floor and to effectively de-bond from the existing substrate. This has been reinforced with alkaline-resistant weberfloor 4945 glass fibre mesh. Mesh is normally used on weak substrates or in case the screed is laid un-bonded.

Fibre-reinforced for added durability, weberfloor 4310 fibre flow has been applied to the mesh at 25mm thickness but can be applied up to 50mm. This high performance, pumpable, levelling floor screed is ideal for solid and floating floors, in both commercial and residential applications. It has excellent spreading and smoothing characteristics, is suitable for heated or wooden floors and, importantly on this project, can receive foot traffic after only 2 – 4 hours.

“Ease and speed of application has been critical to allow early access by following trades,” says Tracey Dempster, head of marketing, Saint-Gobain Weber. “These facilities are used regularly by staff and overseas visitors so downtime essentially had to be kept to a minimum.”

“The transformation of this space is really impressive,” continues Dempster, “and no one understands more than Weber that time is money and floors must be laid in the shortest possible time.” Weber’s comprehensive floor screeds, which are manufactured in the UK, have been developed for optimum speed, durability, strength and smoothness and are the most technically advanced products on the market.

For more information about this project, or for technical support including award winning training courses, please contact Saint-Gobain Weber on 08703 330 070, or visit www.netweber.co.uk.
A free download of the Weber App for iPhone and iPad users is also available from iTunes and from Google Play for Android smartphones and tablet users. Follow Saint-Gobain Weber on Twitter @SGWeberUK for the latest company news and updates.
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Ariston unveils the One Series: a new range of high performance boilers

Ariston has launched its brand new ONE Series range of high performance condensing gas boilers and controls. Comprising three A-rated boiler models – the E-Combi ONE, Clas ONE and Clas Net ONE – the new range combines modern, Italian design with the latest materials and a user-friendly interface. Intelligent, robust and efficient, these are also the quietest units Ariston has ever produced.

The technologically advanced ONE Series boilers boast a patented stainless steel, continuous coil XtraTechTM heat exchanger. With 142% wider waterways than previous models, it allows water to pass through quicker and more effectively – ensuring less risk of blockages from debris. The component is exceptionally robust and operates well in a wide range of pH values, providing resistance to corrosion and prolonging the lifespan of the boiler.

Every XtraTechTM heat exchanger also benefits from an improved condensing surface and increased hydraulic performance, which combine to provide a better transfer of heat. Plus, it has been independently certified for safety, quality and usability by renowned European technical testing organisation TÜV Rheinland, offering reassurance to installers and end users alike.

Ease of installation

Lightweight and straightforward to install, with easy frontal access to all components and more room inside the casing, the new boilers have been designed to aid with commissioning, servicing and repair. The chassis is strong and durable, with no sharp edges, while installation is further aided by simple-fit connections, wiring and flue. Plus, not only are the new units fully compatible with the current range of accessories, they also have all connections in the same places – enabling an easy retrofit in place of an existing Ariston boiler.

Fitting controls is made even more straightforward, thanks to a unique colour coding system, which matches parts to a corresponding slot. All major components are also Ariston branded to highlight their authenticity and provide complete confidence in quality.

Enhanced controllabity

ONE Series boilers are 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.

A brand new suite of controls has also been introduced to allow quick and easy access to Ariston NET. Both the Cube S NET Wi-Fi thermostat and Cube room sensor boast many advanced functions, including energy management, internet weather monitoring and a weekly scheduler programme, as well as holiday and override modes. Thanks to wired and wireless zone management kits, it is also possible to manage up to six heating zones with these controls,

In addition to these controls, all ONE Series boilers include a built-in ‘AUTO’ function, which monitors the ideal temperature for the heating system. This reduces peaks and fluctuations in flow temperature, ensuring the boiler consumes less gas and electricity, while avoiding on/off cycles.

Ariston’s ONE Series range of boilers and accompanying suite of controls will be available from UK merchants and stockists nationwide from 1st November 2017. E-Combi One boilers will have a 2-year warranty, Clas ONE models an 8-year warranty and the Clas Net ONE will benefit from a 12-year warranty.

Installers keen to learn more about the features and benefits of the new products can discover more at www.ariston.co.uk.
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Rinnai Solo has multiple advantages

The Infinity Solo condensing and low NOX condensing water heater is the first Rinnai product for the UK to bring together the advanced technology of its wall mounted continuous flow water heaters with a stainless steel storage cylinder in one compact footprint.

Originally envisaged as a single installation product for light commercial operations such as B&Bs, small hotels and schools, Infinity Solo is now being manifolded by installers for larger projects including a recent major primary school installation.

There is no restriction on the number of units that can be linked together as the installer can simply work out the volume of hot water required to determine the number of units required.

This versatile newcomer has also very quickly carved itself a niche in new build and refurbishment housing projects where it is being installed in larger three – and four-bed houses where specifiers have identified it as a cost effective hot water provider for a family bathroom, ensuite and a downstairs cloak room/shower.

Several of the 24kW-59.5kW Infinity Solo range are renewables compatible and supplied pre-fitted with a coil, ensuring the primary energy source will always be from renewable gains and the complementary Rinnai water heater will only apply the precise amount of gas to boost the difference in temperature.

The Solo cylinder is stainless steel, greatly reducing the weight compared to glass lined models, which makes transportation and installation a whole lot easier. The cylinders also boast extremely low heat loss (as low as 1.41kW/h day), which means the customer pays less to maintain the heat within the tank.

Rinnai’s new Solo range incorporates 35kW and 54kW appliances, ensuring that even sites with a smaller gas meter can utilise its advanced technologies.

The larger Infinity Solo model will also act as a high-efficiency alternative to other current forms of gas fired storage appliance. The cylinders also have extremely low heat loss figures (achieving 1.41kW/h day), which means the customer pays less to maintain heat within the tank.

Integral controls on the units ensure optimum performance and efficiencies whether locally or when integrated into a building management system. And there is also Legionella protection available too. Rinnai has invented technology for secondary return DHW systems in the form of additional controls which allow for safe running of water at 42°C core temperature during the day and 60°C at a time when the building is closed. By the time the building reopens, core temperature is 42°C for safe use.

The Rinnai Infinity brand carries the widest range of condensing water heaters on the market today with the most impressive efficiencies in operation, leading the field in technological innovation.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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