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

Armstrong Ceilings’ TechZone™ system has been enhanced

Armstrong Ceilings has further simplified its ground-breaking TechZone™ system, which was the industry’s first easy-to-specify-and-install ceiling solution with integrated technical services, to be offered as a standard solution.

TechZone™, which was pioneering when it was launched in 2009, is now available as four standard layouts which easily organise lighting, air diffusers and returns into 100mm and 150mm wide technical zones.

A range of compatible fixtures from Armstrong’s partner companies for the building services elements (Trox for air diffusers and XAL and Zumtobel for lighting) have also been prequalified for fit and finish to give a clean, monolithic look using standard ceiling panels and suspension systems.

All specifiers have to do is design the layout from either Armstrong’s CAD/Revit library or their own imagination, then choose the field panels, technical panels, suspension systems and perimeter treatments.

Field panels are Armstrong’s Ultima+ and Ultima+ OP, Perla and Perla OP 0.95 and Optima mineral tiles and planks with Microlook 90 or SL2 edge profiles. These tiles and planks deliver environmentally and acoustically as Perla OP 0.95 was the first mineral tile in the world to be Cradle to Cradle certified, the Ultima+ range was the first mineral ceiling tile range in the world to be Cradle to Cradle certified, and the suspension system – the Prelude 15 XL2 grid – is now also Cradle to Cradle certified, making the complete system (tiles and grid) the ultimate green ceiling system. In addition, Perla OP 0.95, Ultima+ OP and Optima all deliver to sound absorption Class A.

The improved TechZone™ system has enabled Armstrong to meet the growing trend for linear lighting.

At the same time, Armstrong has teamed up with XAL Lighting to launch the On Centre linear lighting solution. It makes it even easier for architects and specifiers to create inspiring ceiling designs with higher ceiling heights, zero plenum interference and on-centre continuous or non-continuous layouts.

The unique solution is designed to be installed as a full new system but it can also be retrofitted to existing 600mm by 600mm ceiling modules to bring an even cleaner monolithic visual to open and closed-plan spaces in buildings such as offices, schools, hospitals and retail outlets.

The integrated system allows the high-performance XAL Leno Grid Led luminaire to be installed from below to eliminate the requirement for ceiling re-work when it is specified with factory-finished Armstrong ceilings panels (Ultima+, Ultima+ OP and Perla OP 0.95) and the Prelude 15 XL2 suspension system. It also integrates with Axiom pre-engineered perimeter systems and transitions and can be incorporated into canopies.

Architects and designers simply follow the TechZone™ specification phases of choosing a standard layout or creating their own, then choosing their panels, suspension systems, perimeter treatment and accessories. Armstrong’s 600mm by 600mm mineral tiles are typically used throughout, with the 600mm by 550mm brought in when there is a linear light to fit. Lighting strips can be as long as 2,400mm.

The new premium system gives an ultra-contemporary visual with the narrow 100mm linear lighting centred on the grid using standard ceilings and suspension systems to create custom looks. The lighting goes between and parallel to the grid main runners so only requires an additional hanger for installation, making it as quick and easy to install as standard systems.

TechZone™ incorporating linear lighting has its own dedicated CAD drawings available from Armstrong’s Architectural Specialities office and is covered by Armstrong’s 30-year system warranty*.

*For the Armstrong components, not XAL’s.

For more information please visit www.armstrongceilings.co.uk.
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Noise-free housing for happy living

Good acoustics, like high quality thermal insulation, is one of the most important considerations for house builders and architects. This is because of high density living and, in particular, the popularity of sold floors. For example, one of the latest trends are polished concrete floors in variety of different colours. The problem is further exacerbated by the desire for large areas of glass and the absence of soft furnishings, such as curtains and carpets. The result of all this is that absorption of sound is difficult and reverberated sound can create an unpleasant environment.

One increasingly popular solution is to line the ceilings with cost effective and high performance Troldtekt acoustic panels. Widely used throughout Europe, the panels instantly create an attractive surface, pleasant acoustics and a feeling of well-being throughout the house.

Apart from a calm and cohesive surface, the ceiling offers a flexible choice of design, including different colours, surface structures, edge profiles and suspension systems. In addition it is possible to integrate surface mounted or concealed light fittings as well as sound speakers. The Troldtekt speaker is an acoustic panel with a specially developed flat unit, built in and concealed on the back of the panel. The sound waves pass through the panel and are distributed evenly throughout the room, covering a larger area than a traditional speaker.

Danish manufactured Troldtekt acoustic panels are specified throughout the UK. Made with 100% natural wood fibres, their benefits are high sound absorption, high durability, natural breathability, low cost life cycle performance and sustainability documented by Cradle to Cradle certification at silver level.

Apart from housing, they are used to improve acoustics in many different projects, such as schools, leisure centres, pools, commercial and public buildings. Available in various sizes and in three grades from ultrafine to coarse, they can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour.

For samples and comprehensive technical information tel 01978 664255 or visit www@troldtekt.co.uk.
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Redring delivers digital waste pump connection solution

Redring has updated a number of models within Selectronic Premier care shower range, introducing a new digital waste pump connection utility that enables the new units to be connected with all leading digital waste pump brands.

The updated Selectronic Premier WP models allow specifiers, housing associations, building contractors, installers and householders to install these care shower models in bathrooms with a digital waste pump when required, whether they are 2 wire or 3 wire connection systems.

Alongside the new digital connection capability, the updated models retain the ability to directly link to leading analogue waste pumps as before, meaning almost any retro-fit Selectronic Premier WP installation will allow installers to keep the existing digital or analogue pump in place.

The Selectronic Premier WP models, available as a 8.5KW or 9.5KW variant, still deliver all the performance of the UK’s number one care shower, which achieved the highest A class energy efficiency rating in line with the Energy-related Products Directive. This includes a five-year warranty on new purchases, announced earlier this year, providing guaranteed performance and peace of mind to specifiers and end-users.

Steve Noble from Redring commented: “At Redring we understand that flexibility is everything for specifiers, housing associations and installers alike. The new Redring Selectronic Premier WP models guarantee this, allowing almost all digital and analogue pumps to connect when the WP is installed within a level access shower.”

The thermostatic shower has been a popular choice in the care sector for over 25 years, due to its ability to deliver water at a constant and safe temperature. Large one-touch buttons offer easy control, and audio feedback allows all changes to be clearly communicated to the user.

The inclusion of smart data logger technology means that showering patterns can be tracked at all times to save energy and monitor usage, and a unique fault-finder system allows problems to be easily diagnosed and solved.

For further information on the Selectronic Premier range, please visit www.redring.co.uk.
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Encasement keeps on running with Dame Kelly Holmes Sports Centre

An extension to the Dame Kelly Holmes Sports Centre at Farnborough Sixth Form College, to provide additional facilities for students, is using Quadra pre-formed plywood column casings, which were supplied and installed by Encasement, to conceal structural steelwork and improve interior aesthetics.

Originally opened in 2007 in honour of the British double Olympic gold medallist, this latest expansion of the college’s wide-ranging sports and P.E. facilities is designed to link the Dame Kelly Holmes Centre with a separate sports hall, while also providing much needed additional recreation and social space for students.

The new annexe, which also incorporates a large foyer area, uses extensive glazed curtain walling that extends for more than 50 metres from the new entrance along the full length of the building and is supported by 16 structural columns, which are concealed by the rectangular Quadra casings.

Manufactured from strong 8mm thick pre-formed plywood, 15 of the casings measure 368mm x 200mm, while the final one is 368mm x 350mm to accommodate a double structural support. Each casing is finished in durable Formica ‘Dusty Jade’ matt green laminate. The casings also incorporate matching infill strips to give an integrated finish to the vertical joints and feature 100mm high brushed aluminium collars at ceiling and floor level.

While most of the Quadra casings stand 3.0 metres high, during installation Encasement needed to trim and tailor some casings to allow for two changes in the level of the floor, which increases along the building’s length of the extension by approximately 300mm.

Encasement’s Managing Director, Martin Taylor, explained: “This is an ideal application for Quadra casings, as they’re not only strong and durable, for use in high traffic public areas, but can be finished in virtually any colour to integrate or contrast with a building interior.”

He added: “Our Quadra and Circa pre-formed plywood column casings are just part of our extensive range, which also includes Forma metal casings and Vecta wall lining solutions, all of which are widely throughout the education sector in public areas, classrooms and lecture theatres, as well as for main entrances and foyers.”

For more information please visit www.encasement.co.uk.

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Christian Dior‘s Flagship Store selects Kemmlit

Christian Dior’s largest and most prestigious UK store recently opened in New Bond Street, London to critical acclaim.

The store designed by New York designer Peter Marino, features Dior’s luxury products over four floors including an exclusive Home Furnishings Collection.

In keeping with the high specification of building’s interior fittings, Kemmlit’s stylish, yet durable Type S locker system was specified by project architects Blair Associates for the staff changing areas.

Type S lockers are manufactured by Kemmlit from sheet steel with a scratch and abrasion resistant stove enamelled finish A 13mm solid grade laminate version is also available.

For the Christian Dior project, 60 extra narrow lockers were specified, each featuring an innovative secure ‘no key’ electronic combination locking system.

Type S Kemmlit lockers are available in a choice of colours and are part of a wide range of high performance cubicle and locker systems available from Kemmlit UK.

For more information please visit www.kemmlituk.com.
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Fermacell partitioning is “positively” perfect for research complex

Dry-lining panels by Fermacell feature throughout the new IGMM complex building in Edinburgh.

Gypsum fibreboard partitioning by specialist building panel manufacturer Fermacell was specified for a redeveloped research facility for a quadruplet of reasons at least, its fire and acoustic properties, robustness and weight bearing capabilities to name just a few.

Some 5,000m2 of 12mm square-edged fermacell was used throughout the University of Edinburgh’s £11 million development of the Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine (IGMM) at the city’s Western General Hospital.

It was specified by the city’s Oberlanders Architects LLP for the five-storey building which links three existing buildings in the complex – the Medical Research Council’s Human Genetics Unit, the Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, and the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre – to form a world-class research facility.

Frequent Fermacell specifiers, Oberlanders’ brief was to repurpose existing laboratories to enable expansion of IGMM research programmes. The project included dry-lab computational research space linked by a spiral stair within a dramatic south-facing, double-height space, dedicated lecture facilities (including a 180-person lecture theatre) and a social hub and café.

The Western General Hospital campus in which the IGMM complex is located is an amalgamation of medical buildings built in the hospital grounds over the past 140 years, beginning with St Cuthbert’s Poorhouse which opened in 1868 and subsequently renamed a “hospital”.

In contemporary contrast, the new IGMM building uses a steel frame allowing large clear spans internally. The main façade is essentially single aspect and has glass curtain walling to maximise natural daylight and create an appealing working environment. Brick is used extensively to provide solid book ends to the curtain walling. A spacious roof terrace with overhanging canopy is provided at top floor level, affording stunning views of the Edinburgh skyline.

There were many landmark stages for the build in a live research/hospital environment with complex existing services to contend with.

Oberlanders senior architect Rob Bunworth said: “Certainly the ability of the contractor to get the build wind- and water-tight against the sometimes harsh Scottish climate was a milestone, allowing the fermacell internal walling systems to progress apace.”

The fermacell panels were installed by specialist sub-contractors ORR Fire Protection and Alexander Gatey for phase one main contractor BAM Construction and construction, refurbishment and maintenance contractor Clark Contracts.

Rob Bunworth added: “The building has been an unqualified success. Key to this is delivering connectivity to the previously separate institutes as well as delivering on the client’s aspirations for bright, well-lit and appealing working environments. The building also delivers on the client briefing requirements by offering many informal study and breakout environments to help foster interdisciplinary crossover and synergy.

“Our previous positive experience with fermacell on several education projects in the UK led us to use the range of partition products again due to its robustness and fire/acoustic properties. An additional benefit is fermacell’s weight bearing capacity without the requirement for additional lining or support, thus providing flexibility in locating shelving, fixtures and equipment internally during the fit-out phase of the project.

“The project uses fermacell partition and independent wall lining systems extensively – all internal walls are fermacell. The large spans of fermacell partition systems are particularly visible to the large 17m-high central atrium linking the reception and foyer to the upper circulation areas.

“The fermacell systems as utilised in the build allowed Oberlanders the flexibility to specify many different variations on partition types dealing with myriad fire and acoustic issues. Its robustness and severe duty rating, in addition to its loadbearing capacity, allowed for flexibility in our design response across the project.”

He emphasised: “The internal wall components have stood up well alongside the other finishes on the project. Fermacell was able to achieve the height, performance criteria (fire and acoustic), surface finish and robustness characteristics to several demanding environments within the project.

“10mm deflection joints required for movement within the fermacell partition system have been specifically set out to provide a coordinated and ultimately pleasing grid pattern within the highly-visible four-storey atrium space located at the heart of the building.”

For more information please visit www.fermacell.co.uk.
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Rinnai wall heaters are a blessing for St Mary’s

Rinnai, manufacturer of the Energysaver super energy efficient range of gas fired wall heaters, is keeping the congregation of St Mary’s Church in Saltcoats, Ayrshire, nice and warm.

Ayr-based installer O’Neil Gas Services was asked to specify and install a new heating system to replace St Mary’s old ducted warm air set up.

O’Neil Gas Services is a family-run company founded by John O’Neil and now presided over by his son, Brian. The company, which offers domestic and commercial services, covers the whole of Ayrshire, East Kilbride and South Glasgow and has four separate divisions – installation, service & repair, care and retail. O’Neil operates a fireplace and bathroom showroom at its office designing and planning bathrooms from start to finish.

Amongst its other commercial work, O’Neils recently won the Irvine Housing gas maintenance contract for an initial 5 years and a 5 year Gas maintenance contract for Cunninghame Housing Association.

Ross McWhirter of O’Neil’s explains that like most churches St Mary’s sees the bulk of use is at weekends with maybe a few mornings in the week, so the important factor was to design a system that would give instant heat when required, quickly and efficiently and not wasting fuel when not in use.

Ross McWhirter comments, “We used six Rinnai 1004T units siting them in the best location for effectiveness and for the convenience of the customer. The biggest part of the job was lifting the floors and running the gas and electricity supply to the units.

“Everyone I have spoken too at the church since we completed the installation has said that it has never been as warm as it is now. St Mary’s should also see a big difference in gas usage as the Rinnai units are more economical to run than the old system.

“This was the first time we have used the Rinnai heaters and I was very impressed with the outcome of the job. They are very quiet while running and get the church up to temperature very quickly,” says Ross.

Energysaver 1004T units run on Natural Gas or LPG and as the units are fully modulating, heat output is reduced as the space temperature rises. The heaters also come with a tiny 80mm flue for a neater finish and the heaters themselves sport safer low temperature casing so there is no danger of burns. Warm air is delivered at floor level for greater comfort and coverage even in large spaces like churches and the units can be time controlled for added economy. The Rinnai 1400T is also suitable for central time control.

Chris Goggin, Associate Director, Rinnai UK comments: “A major problem in heating a church or other large public space is the pattern of usage, the age of the building and the building envelope materials.

“For example a church may be heated for a Sunday service, or possibly a mid-week meeting. Then there are occasions when heat is required at fairly short notice. The buildings often have high ceilings, and the size and distribution of the occupants can vary from time to time.

“Rinnai provides an innovative solution to these issues by heating from the floor up and by modulating gas usage in relation to room temperature, enabling Rinnai to provide unparalleled levels of comfort and efficiency.

“They provide safe, controllable heat with maximum energy efficiency, combined with flexibility of location and they can do this very quickly indeed.”

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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The complete stress-free package

When undertaking a building project, construction managers can often be faced with multiple decisions about which supplier to choose. However, one company is making this process easier.

Giacomini UK has recently seen an increase in requests for a combination of its services to be used on sites. The company is already firmly established as a leading UK supplier of heat interface units, as well as a specialist in providing a unique complete underfloor heating package, taking projects from manufacture (with three production plants, all based in Italy), through to design and installation via its UK wide network of approved UFH installers. Recent new projects and enquiries have seen an increase in calls for the two services to be combined and sees Giacomini leading the way in the industry in offering a joint package.

Giacomini UK’s managing director, Matt Lowe, explains: “Aside from our brass valves and components range, there are two main strands to our business – underfloor heating and heat interface units. Historically, customers would be looking for just one of these services but we are increasingly being involved in projects that would like a joint UFH and HIU package”.

Some of the key benefits of selecting a single point of contact for both HIU and underfloor heating systems are; improved communication, by having a dedicated project engineer overseeing the orders; eases time constraints to help meet deadlines; and finally, ongoing support and maintenance is easier and more efficient.

Matt continued: “Using Giacomini for the underfloor heating and heat interface units makes complete sense. We can handle all enquiries and ensure everything runs smoothly, so that our customers do not have the stress of having to deal with multiple companies. It also ensures the same consistent high level of quality throughout the entire process.”

Recent development sites where Giacomini’s joint package has been called upon are all extra-care developments. This includes the Harmby Road site in Leyburn, North Yorkshire where over 4,500 m2 of underfloor heating and 26 twin 49kw HIUs have been installed. Other projects include Langley Court in Cambridgeshire where 55 of Giacomini’s hot water only heat interface units were installed alongside underfloor heating in the lounge and dining areas of the apartments. Another project was Butlers Green in Haywards Heath, Sussex where Giacomini’s underfloor heating was supplied throughout a 64 bedroom care home, as well as in ten additional retirement cottages, as well as 58 HIUs being installed.

For more information about Giacomini UK’s HIU and UFH offering, call 01454 809100 or visit www.giacomini.co.uk.
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Rinnai cascades with continuous flow into high on-demand water heating market

Rinnai’s Infinity Plus Cascade is a major move into bigger sites and applications which have a high demand for hot water and energy efficiency, the design parameters of the cascade systems mean that upgrading the traditional water heater to a technologically advanced continuous flow system is simple.

Rinnai, leading innovators in the manufacture of continuous flow water heaters, can now offer commercial hot water provision which is virtually limitless in this custom-made solution with a choice of either two unit or three unit modules of its award-winning condensing continuous flow water heaters.

Infinity Plus Cascade has been developed by Rinnai to guarantee high volumes of temperature accurate hot water. The design parameters of the cascade systems offer ease of integration into new and existing buildings even when retrofitting from traditional storage systems. The modules incorporate Rinnai’s proven energy-saving 1500 or 1200 condensing continuous flow water heaters with its newly developed common header flue system technology.

Infinity Plus Cascade is designed to deliver high efficiencies for the building operator whilst also streamlining the installation in one “turnkey package.” As any number of modules can be manifolded together, it is an ideal solution for large sites and for those applications – where there is a heavy demand for constant hot water.

Installers will find fitting the modules easy and straightforward as Infinity Plus Cascade comes with its own made to measure rack making installation simple and quick, and with no need for excessive rejigging of pipework. The compact footprint of Infinity Plus Cascade means it can be housed in a small space and still be easily accessible for maintenance and servicing.

Not only does the choice of Infinity Plus Cascade give highly significant cost savings over other forms of water heaters, but there also the added remedial work savings, for instance there is no need to knock through walls to cater for the movement of large cumbersome water heating equipment, valuable internal space can be created or saved.

Hot water downtime is also virtually eliminated as the modular nature of the system means that when service and maintenance is performed, elements of the system are still operational saving on service interruptions.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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Creating homes from disused offices

Giacomini UK is on a mission to create homes out of underused office spaces around the country!

In recent months Giacomini has been involved in many projects that transform commercial office units into residential areas. The latest project is on a site in Crawley, called Babcock House, where 185 apartments are being created in a disused eight storey office block.

The Babcock House site will create 185 units comprising of studio accommodation as well as one and two bedroom flats – all designed to a very high specification, along with having excellent communal facilities.

The work will involve re-roofing the building, renovating the external façade and installing 185 of Giacomini’s twin plated heat interface units to allow each apartment independently controlled, efficient heating and hot water in the multi-dwelling building.

Since regulations surrounding planning permission were altered, meaning that Class B1 offices could be converted to Class C3 residential dwellings without the need for specific planning and development permission, there has been a noticeable growth in projects of this nature.

Matt Lowe, Giacomini UK’s managing director, commented “The planning permission policy change for projects like this aims to support an increase in housing supply, bring empty properties into productive use and encourage regeneration of office space. The Crawley development is the latest project we have been involved in where we are utilising disused space to bring revenue and housing to the local economy whilst complementing the buildings’ existing features.”

The project, estimated to cost £16.5 million, is due to be completed by September 2016.

For more information on Giacomini, and its heat interface units, please visit www.giacomini.co.uk.
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