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

Armstrong Ceilings showcases European projects in ‘A Book for 2017’

A coffee-table visual delight is published by Armstrong Ceilings.

Proof that ceilings are no longer an afterthought in the design and build process is contained within the glossy new A Book for 2017 from Armstrong.

While they hide unsightly soffits, reflect light, help to control the air quality, acoustics and temperature of a building space, and resist bacteria, ceilings are now all this and so much more – stunning designs guaranteed to inspire no matter the environment.

And those stunning designs, dozens of them, are showcased within the 82-page coffee table-style brochure that snapshots new-build and refurbishments projects from the retail and leisure, education, office, healthcare and transport sectors throughout Europe.

UK projects include metal tiles and baffles at the National Biologics Manufacturing Centre in Darlington, Axiom Knife edge canopies with integrated lighting at CFC Underwriting’s offices in London, wood tiles on a black bandraster grid at Global Mining and Resource Company’s offices in London, and a bespoke orange metal ceiling and wall at The Contact Company’s call centre in The Wirral.

Other European projects include metal baffles and open-cell metal ceilings at Ernst & Young in Poland, Optima canopies at Pitney Bowes in Italy, metal baffles at H&M’s central European main store in Hungary and mesh metal ceilings for multi-media centre Mediathèque de Caen in France.

Armstrong’s office in Prague also features in the book, with, understandably, the complete portfolio – mineral canopies and baffles, metal canopies, wood tiles and the first ceiling system comprising mineral tiles and grid to be awarded Cradle to Cradle certification.

The manufacturer’s 150-year-old pedigree means all this comes with unparalleled expertise so the design process is simplified in a “Less is more” fashion.

A two-minute video presentation of the A Book is available to view via http://www.armstrong.com/commclgeu/eu1/uk/gb/video-library.html?channelId=5227721150001&mediaId=5275657551001.

The A Book for 2017 is available to download from www.armstrong-ceilings.co.uk and also features on the Armstrong Ceiling Systems app 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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Kemmlit Primo Kn prescribed for UCL Pharmacy School

The School of Pharmacy, part of University College London is one of the most highly rated pharmacy schools in the UK.

Dating back to 1842 the school is dedicated to teaching and research in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences.

As part of a refurbishment project, architects Potter Raper Partnership specified Kemmlit’s recently launched Primo Kn cubicles for the male and female student toilet facilities.

With smooth-surfaced doors in lemon green and contrasting quartz grey walls made of 42 mm thick composite elements with internal aluminium frames, the Primo Kn cubicle system was installed by Kemmlit’s own specialist contractors.

Additional scope of works supplied by Kemmlit included; bench seating, vanity units, and duct panelling.

A special protective layer on all surfaces increases PRIMO Kn’s scratch and abrasion resistance capability and, in order to withstand intense wear, the system includes a substantial three-roller edge hinge with a stainless steel axis.

As you would expect from Kemmlit, PRIMO Kn is available in a number of design options including a suspended version or a floor to ceiling system for increased privacy.

Offered in a range of colours including the option of customised digital print, PRIMO Kn is supported with a range of accessories including: LED door handles, headrails, hinges, support feet and sanitary equipment.

For more information please visit www.kemmlituk.com.
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Rinnai continuous flow for domestic/light commercial sites

Rinnai’s Infinity range of A-rated continuous flow gas fired water heaters include domestic/light commercial units that are design engineered to guarantee the highest efficiencies, lowest running costs and least maintenance.

Continuous flow – sometimes called ‘Tankless’ – water heating units are ideal for domestic properties, cafes, pub, restaurants, offices, shops, hairdressers, small commercial units, caravan parks and leisure facilities.

Continuous flow water heaters are proven to be more cost efficient than traditional systems.

Small businesses and domestic properties require high volumes of water at intermittent times of the day – delivered at accurate temperatures for optimum user comfort and safety.

Sudden changes in water temperature, causing cold showers or scalding hot baths are a thing of the past with Rinnai’s Infinity 16i water heaters. Unlike other systems available, the water temperature set is the one that is delivered. So, if a user is showering at, say 42°C, and someone turns on a tap elsewhere in the property, the temperature will not vary.

With the Rinnai Infinity units running out of hot water is a thing of the past, as the water is drawn straight from the mains, as and when needed. As the units are IPx4 rated they can be mounted in zone 2 within bathrooms.

The Rinnai Infinity 16i measures 675 x 370 x 103mm and weighs in at 18kg. The room sealed unit has a temperature range of 35°C to 60°C with direct electronic ignition. Gas consumption ranges between 4.7kW-34.9kW for Natural Gas and 4.9kW-36.8kW when using propane. Hot water delivery flow is an impressive 16ltr max flow. Nominal operation pressure is 1-7 bar and it uses a 230V AC 50Hz 1ph power supply with an electrical consumption of 68W.

The Infinity 11i is 29mm deeper, weighing 2kg less at 16kg and consumes 6.10kW-21.60kW of Natural Gas (it is not compatible with propane gas) and has an 11 litres per minute maximum flow.
Meanwhile the Rinnai Infinity 17e unit has the added advantage in that it is externally mounted. This feature gives greater flexibility at the design stage and can offer an alternative solution where flue runs are problematic or internal space is not available.

The 17e has full frost protection. A range of external ancillary items including pipe cover box and security cage are available where necessary.

Capable of flow rates of up to 510 litres per hour at a 50°C rise, the 17e is suitable for multiple applications and can be specified for use with Natural Gas or propane.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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Altro XpressLay brings fast turnaround and cost savings at 27 new build schools

The proven cost and time saving credentials of award-winning Altro LooselayTM technology has lead to Altro XpressLayTM safety flooring being selected for installation in 27 new schools being built in the North East of England.

Galliford Try is building the new schools as part of the Priority School Building Programme (PSBP). Galliford Try has a longstanding Supply Chain Agreement with Altro, so when it came to specifying flooring for the PSBP schools, both companies worked closely together to select a high quality, cost-effective flooring that was also quick to install.

Roy Perry, Galliford Try Contracts Manager, said: “We chose to work with Altro on the PSBP scheme due to the strength of our supply chain relationship and their array of appropriate products for the schools.

“We selected Altro XpressLay because it’s a cost-competitive option that would also save us installation time on all the priority school schemes in this region. In many instances we require a quick turnaround, as Galliford Try is under pressure to deliver the schools within set timescales.

“We have been pleased with the service we have received from Altro and the flooring contractors, which has enabled us to complete the work to the customers’ satisfaction.”
Altro XpressLay is the world’s first ever adhesive-free safety flooring, and features Altro Looselay technology. Altro Looselay technology allows any subfloor moisture to escape. It has been designed to lie flat, without the need to be adhered. Altro Looselay doubled-sided, moisture-tolerant tape is used to secure the flooring in place while you weld. As there is no adhesive you get same-day welding and can walk on the floor straight away. Altro XpressLay can be easily removed post-installation, re-used elsewhere and then recycled at the end of its life.

The range boasts 42 colours, featuring bright and subtle, sparkle-free designs and decorative chipped options to choose from. The Altro XpressLay palette matches with Altro WalkwayTM 20 safety flooring, enabling both ranges to be combined to suit the application.

Altro XpressLay also features Altro Easyclean technology with superior chemical and stain resistance, to ensure it stays looking good for longer.

The flagship school for the PSBP scheme, and one of the first to be built, is the £18.6 million Hessle High School and Sixth Form College in East Yorkshire. Previously Hessle High was split over two sites, with 1,450 students, including 200 students in the sixth form.

The new build, designed by DLA Architecture Ltd in Leeds, has created a combined, fit-for-purpose school that operates from just one site, with new science labs, ICT and teaching areas and sports facilities for up to 1,550 pupils, including 230 students in the sixth form.

Phoenix Flooring Division installed 5,500m2 of Altro XpressLay throughout Hessle High School in four different shades; Waterfall on stairs and corridors; Blizzard in laboratories; Fog in wet areas; and Roof Garden in the stores.

The easy-to-fit capabilities of Altro XpressLay meant big savings in time and a trouble-free installation, as Phoenix Flooring MD Matt Brown explained.

“With Altro XpressLay there is no need to lay a dpm, and it can be fitted without adhesives,” said Matt. “This makes it very cost and time effective, and fitter friendly too. We know that every time we use this flooring we save a lot of time on a project, so for us it’s a great choice all round.

“Prior to fitting at the school, we prepared the substrate with a smoothing compound to create a true, flat surface. We then fitted Altro Looselay double-sided moisture tolerant adhesive tape to all perimeters and areas where the flooring would have joints. This helps the flooring to stay in place.

“Then it was simply a case of cutting the sheets of Altro XpressLay to fit, laying them into position, removing the backing from the adhesive tape, and rolling the flooring back into place. Joints were finally hot welded to finish off.

“We were on site for three months, with eight fitters working at the busiest period. We had excellent support from Altro throughout the entire project, but they always deliver a very high level of back-up.”

Mark Owen, Facilities Manager at Hessle High School is happy that Altro XpressLay is ticking all the right boxes. “We had a mixture of lino and tiles in the old school, which looked very old fashioned and was neither safe underfoot nor easy to maintain. This new flooring looks superb, colourful and modern, and it’s a proven safety flooring that can stand up to the rigours of busy school life.

“There has been no rucking or movement at all. It’s as firm and reliable as any flooring fitted with adhesive. So for a school it’s a great product, because we have the flexibility to repair or reuse the flooring in the future if required.

“Maintaining the flooring is proving easy as well, and it cleans up very nicely. We mop as and when required, and for areas which get the most traffic and dirt we use a walk-behind scrubber regularly. During school holidays we give everything a much more thorough going over with a circular scrubber, which brings the floors back to their very best.”

For more information please visit www.altro.co.uk.
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Titon expands its SF Xtra ventilator range

Titon has improved its popular SF Xtra range of high performance aluminium trickle ventilators, with the introduction of additional clip fix canopies. These new canopies have been introduced with optimum Equivalent Area (EA) performance when used with the SF Xtra products, providing higher rates of air flow at shorter ventilator lengths. This results in more instances where this type of product can be fitted, while (in some circumstances) leading to fewer ventilators being required throughout a dwelling when meeting the levels of total background ventilation stipulated in the Building Regulations.

These clip fix canopies can be quickly and easily fitted on site, without the need for screws. In turn, this reduces the risk of them being damaged while windows are in transit. Plus, Titon has further enhanced the range by also making a shorter, traditional screw fix canopy available for use with the SF Xtra 2500 ventilator.

These additions coincide with the optimisation of the SF Xtra range, which provides sizing assistance for compliance with the recently revised ventilation section of the Scottish Technical Standards. These have been altered to adopt the more widely recognised EA unit (based on the rate of air flow through a ventilation device) as opposed to the traditional Free Area unit (the geometric area of a ventilation device) but without requiring higher total ventilation levels than those in England & Wales.

The recently launched SF Xtra Sound Attenuator ventilator is also part of the SF Xtra range – and is already being widely specified throughout the UK. Using the SF Xtra ventilator and canopy as its base products, the SF Xtra Sound Attenuator, as its name suggests, offers much-improved levels of sound attenuation. The product is tested by an independent UK acoustic test house for accuracy, with full details available from Titon upon request. It is also important to note that a ventilator-canopy combination cannot usually provide the same level of ventilation once it has been fitted with additional sound deadening device; again, Titon can provide advice on this often misunderstood subject and help prevent incorrect specification.

Commenting on the expansion of the range, Tyson Anderson, Sales & Marketing Director at Titon, said: “The SF Xtra is an extremely versatile product and, with its impressive weather-tightness and the numerous variants available, it is fast becoming the aluminium ventilator of choice.”

The SF Xtra is a high performance, surface mounted aluminium slot ventilator. It is the shortest vent available to provide 5,000mm2 EA and is equally suitable for domestic or non-domestic applications. There are two width variants, one for use over a 13mm slot, the other for a 16mm slot. The SF Xtra is also available in made-to-measure sizes or bar length for self-assembly. All versions can be used with either a plastic or aluminium canopy.

For more information about Titon and its range of trickle ventilators, please visit: www.titon.co.uk. 
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Senior provides recipe for success at new kitchen showroom

Combining superior thermal performance with minimal sight lines, Senior Architectural System’s SF52 aluminium curtain walling is helping to attract customers to a new flagship showroom for kitchen manufacturer Magnet.

Fabricated and installed by Aire Valley Architectural Aluminium Ltd for main contractor Castlehouse Construction, the SF52 curtain wall was specified as a toggle structural glazing system which thanks to its slim 52mm profile, provided the perfect solution to achieving a façade that features uninterrupted large expanses of glazing and an attractive flush finish.

The thermal performance of the SF52 system has also been enhanced through the use of double-glazed low emissivity glass, helping to contribute to the overall energy-efficiency of the building and the creation of a comfortable internal environment.

Senior’s curtain walling has been further complemented by the use of its thermally broken SPW500 commercial doors and SPW600 windows which together help to provide a light and welcoming space for customers.

Located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, the new flagship showroom for Magnet has been designed by LoRoc Architects and also features a new trade counter, office and warehouse facility.

With a wealth of experience in delivering high-quality solutions for commercial and retail applications, Senior curtain walling and glazing systems have been designed to help specifers working in this market meet the required environmental requirements by creating high-visibility shop frontages that minimise solar gain to create a comfortable consumer experience.

For more information about Senior, visit www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk.
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Titon Trickle Vents meet recently revised Scottish regulations

Titon has updated its range of trickle ventilators to include additional versions which comply with the recently revised Scottish Technical Standards – the equivalent of the England & Wales Building Regulations.

The Scottish Technical Standards were amended in 2016 to alter the method of measuring background ventilation from the traditional ‘Free Area’ unit (the geometric area of a ventilation device) to the more widely recognised ‘Equivalent Area’ (EA) unit (based on the rate of air flow through the ventilation device). As a result, all background ventilators in the UK now use the same EA unit, as determined using BS EN 13141-1, ensuring a simpler system can be employed throughout the supply chain.

However, the Scottish Technical Standards stipulate more background ventilation is needed per dwelling; this means a higher number of ventilators are required in Scotland than in England & Wales. This has led to Titon redesigning its trickle ventilator sizes where possible, ensuring the ranges have denominations of sizes which comply with the average EA totals stipulated in the revised Technical Standards. These changes have been made throughout the company’s mainline plastic and aluminium ventilator ranges – including its newest and high performing SF Xtra model. This surface-mounted slot ventilator is now available in a version which supplies 5,500mm2 EA (or 6,000mm2 depending which canopy is used), meaning the average 11,000-12,000mm2 EA required for new build projects in Scotland can be achieved with just two vents in a room, as opposed to three.

In order to reflect and explain the implications of the revised Standards, Titon has also updated its Scottish Ventilation Regulations CPD (Continuing Professional Development) presentation accordingly. Specifiers seeking to understand the new Standards as they take effect can now arrange for Titon to visit their offices and present this CPD seminar free upon request.

Titon is very active in Scotland, which remains an important market for background ventilators. The company has an established presence, with local representation and a network of distributors in place to assist customers.

For more information please visit www.titon.co.uk.
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Forbo brightens up new Urgent Care Centre at Chorley Hospital

The patients and staff of Chorley Hospital’s Urgent Care Centre can view the colourful life of the ocean’s coral beds, thanks to Forbo Flooring Systems’ digitally printed vinyls that allow designers and specifiers to create completely bespoke floor coverings without compromising on quality.

David Simmons, Interior Designer at Frank Whittle Partnership said: “We wanted to create a stimulating and vibrant environment for the patients and staff of the hospital, and one that they would be proud of. A range of Forbo’s floor coverings was specified for the project including Eternal and digitally printed vinyl, as the vibrant colours and the ability to create bespoke designs fitted the brief perfectly.”

For the children’s waiting area, an underwater scene of colourful tropical fish was digitally printed onto vinyl flooring to create a playful environment for the young patients to enjoy, and to distract them at what could be a traumatic or upsetting time.

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Throughout the corridors, reception and main waiting areas of the centre, David chose to use Eternal in Silver Chestnut, because of its heavy wear resistance and superior appearance retention – key requirements for a busy hospital environment. The natural wooden aesthetic of the floor covering acted as a backdrop for the contrasting bright and vibrant Eternal colourways installed in the wards and consulting rooms of the centre and at the reception desks. Shades such as Petrol Sparkle, an eye-catching blue, and Honey Sparkle, a mustard-like tone, were installed to brighten up the wards and create a very individual environment.

David continued: “We also interspersed blocks of bright Eternal colours throughout the waiting areas. These blocks matched colours used in rooms on the wards as well as the reception desks and other furniture.

“We are very pleased with the overall design of the hospital and we were very fortunate to have a forward-thinking client that was brave enough to embrace the colourful design scheme.”

Forbo’s Eternal range is coated with a PUR Pearl finish which makes floors easy to clean and ensures low lifecycle costs – ideal for hospitals where budgets are tight and where staff and patients require a hygienic environment in which to work and be treated.

For more information please call 0844 822 3928, email info.flooring.uk@forbo.com or visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/healthcare.
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A top deck finish for Worksop Bus Station from Encasement

‘Circa’ and ‘Quadra’ pre-formed decorative column casings from Encasement are helping provide a practical aesthetic and comfortable environment for passengers and staff using Worksop’s £3.2 million bus station.

Handling around 1 million passengers each year, the bus station is has rapidly become a landmark in the town centre since it was opened and the main building boasts a range of facilities including a café, a staffed information and ticket area, as well as free Wi-fi and CCTV monitoring for security and passenger safety. Sustainable design features, such as Solar PV cells and rainwater harvesting are also incorporated to help reduce energy consumption.

As the bus station is predominantly a glazed structure to create an open and environment and provide plenty of natural light, the designers wanted to ensure that the structural steel supports were concealed to improve the finish and attractiveness of the interior. As a result, 15 separate, circular, rectangular and square column casings from Encasement were used to meet the design brief.

All of the Encasement column casings are manufactured from pre-formed plywood, which are finished with a decorative and hard-wearing Formica F6305 ‘Limed Strand’ laminated surface. This not only makes the casings highly durable and resistant to scuffing, essential in a busy environment, but also integrates with the bus station’s interior colour scheme.

In addition to three 350mm diameter ‘Circa’ column casings, Encasement also supplied and installed two 400mm square ‘Quadra’ casings and 10 rectangular ‘Quadra’ casings measuring 250mm x 480mm.

Located around the perimeter of the bus station’s interior, the casings stand 5150mm high and were cut and fitted precisely to accommodate low level bulkheads, as well as structural beams and M&E services in the building.

Encasement’s Managing director, Martin Taylor, commented: “Circa and Quadra casings are perfectly suited to projects of this type, where the need to improve the interior aesthetics and provide a practical casing solution can be address with a single product. The versatility of our pre-formed plywood casings coupled with their cost effectiveness and durable laminated finish have been put to great use at Worksop bus station.”

For more information please visit www.encasement.co.uk.
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Vortice fans selected for award winning regeneration project

Voted the UK’s best regeneration project in the National Housebuilder Awards, Branston Leas by St Modwen Homes, has selected Vortice system 1 centrifugal Quadro fans for its two, three, four and five bedroom properties in Burton upon Trent. Branston Leas was named the best regeneration project in the UK thanks to the many measurable economic, environmental and educational improvements that the development has brought to the local area.

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Technical Marketing Manager Jennifer Quinn said “We are delighted to be working alongside local electrical contractor PCE Installations of Burton Upon Trent in supplying our range of Quadro fans to this prestigious local project. These energy efficient ventilation fans are stylishly designed and fit beautifully into the interior decor at Branston Leas. ”

The Vort Quadro is an elegant centrifugal fan which comes in inbuilt or surface mounted versions.

Full BIM models and specification details can be found on the Vortice website www.vortice.ltd.uk.
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