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

New Date for PICV CPD

Marflow Hydronics has scheduled in a new date for its CPD training course on Pressure Independent Control Valves.

The CPD course is being held in Birmingham on 4th May and is free for anyone to attend. The half day session provides delegates with knowledge on how PICVs work, innovative pipe layouts and how to make systems more economical, including the introduction of electronic balancing. It’s aimed at consultants, designers, specifiers and key influencers who want to learn more about the products, improve their skills and specify, purchase or commission a PICV.

Nick Martin, Technical Manager at Marflow Hydronics says “PICVs are growing so much in popularity due to their numerous benefits, but to really get the best out of them then a user needs to fully understand them. Our course is set up to provide delegates with the knowledge they need to truly optimise the many advantages of the product.”

Places are limited, strictly on a first come first served basis, so immediate registration is recommended. To register or for more information visit www.marflowhydronics.co.uk/events, call 0121 358 2012 or email training@marflow.co.uk.

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A cool solution from SE Controls for Sydney’s Netball Central

Netball Central, Sydney Olympic Park’s state of the art netball complex, is using a natural ventilation solution from SE Controls’ Australian systems partner, Unique Window Services (UWS), to deliver precise, energy efficient control over indoor air quality and temperature at the centre.

The natural ventilation system uses four compact SE Controls NVLogiQ zone controllers, which constantly monitor a range of indoor air quality parameters, including carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature and humidity to maintain a comfortable environment for teams and spectators.

Air quality in each of four zones in the centre’s upper and lower levels are monitored by the NVLogiQ units and if it exceeds any of the pre-defined environment set-point limits the controllers trigger the automatic opening of high and low level louvres to provide ventilation or cooling.

In normal operation, the principle of thermal stacking is used with warm stale air being vented through the high level vents, which has the effect of drawing cooler and fresher replacement air into the building via the low level louvres.

In addition to the NVLogiQ controllers, 10 dedicated SE Controls PSUs were also installed as part of the system, which ensure each louvre responds precisely to the signals received from the controller and provides the correct level of ventilation.

The system is also configured to provide night purge cooling at the end of each day, which not only helps reduce the internal temperature, but by fully opening the vents it also ensures that stratified air is removed along with any airborne pollutants that have built up during the day.

Shane Grice, UWS Managing Director, explained: “As an SE Controls technology partner, we have access to their advanced monitoring and control systems, which allow us to design and install highly effective and efficient ventilation solutions, which have proven to be of significant benefit on this an a number of other key projects.”

He added: “The demand for highly energy efficient building is an essential part of managing the global environment, and for prestige buildings, such as Netball Central, it’s important that they set the standard for low energy cooling and building management solutions.”

Further information on SE Controls’ products, solutions and projects can be obtained by visiting www.secontrols.com or calling +44 (0) 1543 443060.

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NEW – Stannah Stairiser CR: The slimmest platform lift on the market – updated!

The already ground breaking Stairiser range has some exciting new updates! The lift is designed to carry one person safely up a straight or curved stairway – seated in a wheelchair, or on the fold down seat provided – for when a passenger lift simply isn’t an option.

The Stairiser CR, or ‘curved rail’ model, now boasts the same compact drive motor as its sister ‘straight rail’, or SR, range. This means the lift fits in tight squeeze public places, improving access for wheelchair users, whilst keeping the stairway free for regular use.

Stairiser CR is now not only easier to use and maintain but it is also more energy efficient. The updated unit uses a single-phase power supply rather than the previous three-phase and a new state of the art digital diagnostic display helps you identify any problems and shows running times. This means a skilled Stannah engineer can now identify a fault over the phone and arrive ready with anything you might need to get your lift back in perfect working order. With a new improved speed of up to 0.15m/s, the Stairiser CR is now offering reduced journey time whilst maintaining rider comfort.

Previously a charged extra, radio controlled hall calls are now as standard – they can be portable or wall mounted, so no messy wiring or disruptive builders work will slow your installation down. For added reassurance, battery backup is supplied as standard.

Our Stairiser inclined platform lifts are ideal access solutions, if your building cannot accommodate a vertical lift, helping you offer an even bigger welcome to wheelchair users.
For internal or external use, both models are fully automatic and easy to operate by the wheelchair user and /or a companion, carrying one person seated in a wheelchair or on the seat provided.

The Stairiser SR and CR are available with different mounting configurations for maximum flexibility, for load requirement and building type and comes in a wide range of platform sizes and finishes. All statutory guidance is met, including the Equality Act 2010.

For full information on the new features of the Stairiser CR, visit the Stannah website: www.stannahlifts.co.uk/platform-lifts/inclined/

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The easy answer for FSC® compliant pipe boxing and boiler casing

With sustainable sourcing and procurement policies now a vital part of the building products supply chain for both social housing and private residential developments, it’s good to know that Encasement is the UK’s only FSC® certified manufacturer of pre-formed plywood pipe boxing and boiler casings.

When you need to box in pipe work quickly and easily while ensuring that you’re caring for the environment and complying with your company’s sustainable procurement policy, Encasement is the clear choice.

All our FSC® boxing products carry a full ‘Chain of Custody’ certification from the Forest Stewardship Council to verify that the timber used is from sustainable and managed sources, so you don’t have to worry about compliance.

It’s quick and easy to fit on-site too. As our pipe boxing an boiler casings are pre-formed and pre-finished in durable melamine, they can be fitted in less than half the time of site made alternatives and there’s no need for painting, which saves time and money.

For FSC® compliant pipe boxing or boiler casing – Encasement has it covered.

For more information on our boiler pipe casings, please visit
www.encasement.co.uk/boiler-pipe-work-casing.html
www.encasement.co.uk/gallery_boiler-pipe-casing.aspx
www.encasement.co.uk/riva-pipe-boxing.html

View our FSC® certificate here.

Learn more about our sustainable products here.

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Altro Total Solution helps transform Newcastle landmark

An extensive package of Altro flooring and wall cladding products has been used top to bottom in the £18 million refurbishment of one of Newcastle’s most striking landmarks — the 11-storey Parsons Tower, which is part of Newcastle College.

The 1960s tower block is one of the first buildings to be seen when approaching Newcastle by road or rail. The recent refurbishment has given the building a striking contemporary gold and blue facade, as well as a new lease of life internally. The former sixth form block has been transformed into a multi-faceted, state-of-the-art teaching facility that incorporates exciting and stimulating learning environments to reflect 21st century needs.

These include real-life working experiences for the expanding curriculum of Health and Enterprise, with training environments such as hospital wards, childcare, domiciliary care and specialist care environments such as a sensory room, where the students can practice and develop their knowledge. The ground level and entrance area have been reconfigured to ensure the maximum use of space, and include a café, real working environments including two functioning ‘pop-up’ shops, and student services with an expansive learning resource center and refectory space on level one.

The refurbishment project was the brainchild of Redbox Design Group in Gateshead. Associate Sean Gallagher explains how specifying the right flooring and walling products for the new-look Parsons Tower was a vital part of the project.

“Parsons Tower is a physical beacon for Newcastle and the college, and therefore it had to satisfy a broad range of strict criteria both internally and externally,” Sean says. “We chose Altro flooring and wall cladding for the building for a number of reasons; we know Altro products very well, they are reliable, durable, superb quality and very cost effective against their competitors.

“More specifically, Altro has products that tick all the boxes in terms of health and safety, hygiene and colour choice. In addition, their infrastructure is excellent, which means they offer a complete package of guidance and support throughout the duration of the project.”

Sean continues: “Our aim was to select Altro flooring and wall cladding that would complement the internal colour scheme and design, while also meeting health and hygiene needs.

“For example, probably the most striking area of the tower is behind the refectory servery, where we specified vivid green Altro Whiterock ChameleonTM hygienic wall cladding. This was intended to be an eye-catching statement colour, but also a very practical, easy-to-clean solution for a food preparation area.”

Altro Whiterock Chameleon makes a bold statement. Glossy, vibrant and vividly colourful, the hygienic wall cladding is available in 16 high impact, high-design shades to add affordable luxury to a range of environments. Offering all the benefits of Altro WhiterockTM, Altro Whiterock Chameleon is very durable, with a smooth, watertight, wipeclean surface.

“We also chose Altro Wood SafetyTM flooring as an inlay into Altro WalkwayTM 20 safety flooring for the refectory,” adds Sean. “This created a wayfinding effect that was key to the ‘circulation’ theme we integrated into the entire building.”

Perfect for creating a comforting and familiar look, but without compromising on safety, Altro Wood Safety offers 16 wood-look designs, including classic, contemporary and on-trend — to vary moods from cool and classy to warm and nurturing. The flooring features Altro Easyclean Maxis PUR Technology for long term cleanability and easier maintenance.

Sean adds: “The colours we chose for floors and walls were mostly subtle, such as muted greys, but the crèche was the one area where we created a blue colour scheme. Here we specified Altro Walkway 20, Altro SupremaTM and Altro UnityTM 25 safety flooring, in colours to match the theme.”

Elsewhere, Sean specified Altro Suprema for the retail area, corridors, stairs, toilets and hospital ward; Altro Wood Safety in the breakout area on the top floor; Altro DesignerTM 25 safety flooring for the refectory back of house; Altro Unity 25 for the laboratories; Altro StrongholdTM 30 safety flooring and Altro Whiterock hygienic wall cladding for the kitchen; Altro Walkway 20 for the refectory storage area; and a Altro Walkway SD – a product laid with anti-static adhesive — for the IT suite.

Design-led Altro Suprema has been developed in consultation with colour consultants, architects and end users to reflect design requirements and interior trends. This non-sparkle safety flooring gives complete design freedom, with 40 shades to match any mood.

Altro Designer 25 is engineered with quartz, silicon carbide and aluminium trioxide for long-term durability and slip resistance, making it great for heavy duty environments with moveable or wheeled furniture. Available in practical, dirt-hiding colours featuring decorative coloured quartz, the product incorporates Altro Easyclean Original Technology for a lasting attractive appearance and savings in time and cleaning costs.

Altro Walkway 20 is a hugely popular, hard-wearing, 2mm safety flooring which provides lifelong slip and abrasion resistance. It also includes PUR cleanability, superior chemical and stain resistance.

Altro Unity 25 can be specified where long-lasting slip resistance and stain resistance are essential in heavy traffic areas. It contains aluminium trioxide and coloured quartz, and includes Altro Easyclean Maxis PUR technology for easier cleaning and maintenance.

Ideal for commercial kitchens, canteens, and food service and preparation areas, Altro Stronghold 30 achieves Altro’s highest rating for slip resistance and is designed to minimise risk in wet and greasy conditions for the lifetime of the flooring. As well as helping to keep staff safe from slips, it also helps reduce their fatigue, thanks to its 3mm thickness, which provides noise reduction and comfort underfoot.

Altro safety flooring products offer sustained slip resistance for the lifetime of the product, keeping your risk of a slip or fall to just one in a million.

Altro Whiterock White is the hygienic alternative to tiles that’s impact resistant, grout-free and easy to clean. Its smooth white surface and classical purity make it a timeless choice for any interior. Made from a high-quality, food-safe PVCu polymer, Altro Whiterock can handle temperatures up to 60°C. It meets all current European Union (EU) Directives on health and hygiene.

Altro Whiterock Premier Installer, Commercial Coverings, installed the wall cladding in Parsons Tower. Commercial Manager Kirk Hooker says: “Altro Whiterock is very easy to work with and it can be moulded to any shape. We cut the sheets to fit on site and thermoformed them around internal and external angles. Where the sheets meet, we used the hot welding method to create a nice finish.

“We have been working with Altro Whiterock for 20 years, and we have standardised on this product because we believe it’s the best on the market.”

Northern Floorcraft installed the Altro flooring within Parsons Tower. The company has been working with Altro for 45 years, installing their flooring in a wide variety of applications such as education, healthcare and retail.

Director Warren Pearson says: “This project was a significant size, and with 11 storeys to finish we had to work in very close co-operation with a number of other trades and the site manager to ensure we stuck to the schedule and produced a perfect result. Good communication skills are essential on projects of this size. We were on site for five months, with a team of between two and six fitters.

“The stairs in Parsons Tower are old and irregular, with complicated details, profiles and curves — no nice rectangles like modern stairs — and each set of stairs was different for each storey. So this part of the project involved a lot of time consuming and intricate cutting, and very precise fitting skills. For this reason were very glad we were fitting Altro Suprema on the stairs. This product is very pliable and great to work with, which made the whole task a great deal easier and quicker.

“Fitting the Altro Wood Safety and Altro Walkway inlay within the refectory was also a challenge, as we had to lay the flooring in three phases rather than all in one go — again because of working with other trades on site. This meant we had to take extra care to ensure that the ‘planks’ within the Altro Wood Safety design lined up exactly each time we fitted a new section. The project ran very smoothly, and this was helped a great deal by Altro, who gave us very hands-on support.”

The main contractor for Parsons Tower was BAM Construction. Senior Site Manager, Nathan Lynn, comments: “Both installers did a brilliant job on the flooring and walling for the refurbishment. They were very professional, co-operative and completed to schedule. The Altro Whiterock Chameleon in the refectory servery, in particular, looks very impressive and makes a real statement. A very successful project all round.”

Steve Johnson, General Estates Manager at Newcastle College’s parent company NCG comments: “We were very impressed with every aspect of the Altro flooring and wall cladding range. The wide variety of colours, designs and finishes gave the architect the flexibility to create an overall design theme within Parsons Tower, but with subtle variations that gave a different look and feel to each individual area.

“For example, the design of the wayfinding floor in the refectory space, using the wood effect and other safety flooring, works very well. The contrast between the two products creates a striking effect.

“But probably the most stunning Altro feature in Parsons Tower is the acid green walling behind the refectory servery. People comment on it all the time — it looks amazing and the colour has a real wow factor.”

Steve continues: “In terms of cleaning and maintenance, we have had nothing but positive feedback from our team about the Altro products throughout the building, so in terms of practicality it’s proving to be the right choice.

“Since it opened a few months ago, the students have told us that they love the look and feel of Parsons Tower, so it has been a total success.”

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

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Armstrong Ceilings keeps its customers in suspension

A comprehensive guide to its peerless portfolio of suspension systems has been launched by Armstrong Ceilings.

The 54-page A4 product selector catalogue provides specifiers, installers and supply chain partners with a huge range of standard and designer solutions for all types of spaces in the widest choice of designs, colours and materials to fulfill the requirements of modern building concepts.

Designed to not only coordinate with the complete portfolio of Armstrong ceiling products, whether mineral, metal, wood or custom solutions, they also integrate with all types of building service elements such as lighting and HVAC.

There are systems for metal ceilings, floating ceilings, corridors, the suspension of plasterboard ceilings (Armstrong’s fast-track precision-engineered Drywall Grid System – DGS), perimeter detailing via the AXIOM range of Blind Boxes, angles, channels, trims and bulkheads, and a wide range of accessories.

The portfolio also includes an extensive range of performance grids offering specific solutions for more demanding applications such as Clean Rooms and seismic installations.

CE Marked, resistant to fire, recyclable and available with warranties up to 30 years when installed with Armstrong ceilings, the systems are supported by CAD and BIM files, the latter via the National BIM Library.

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

Guidance on loading capacities is also included within the new suspension systems catalogue which is available to download from www.armstrong.co.uk/assets/global/commclgeu/files/Literature/3515.PDF or from the Armstrong Ceiling Systems free App. This 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 here for iPhone or here for Android.

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GE to deliver 50% energy savings with Santander infrastructure upgrade

GE is to deliver energy savings of more than 50% and cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 7,000 tonnes annually with Santander lighting infrastructure upgrade.

Demonstrating that corporations no longer have to choose between ‘profit and planet’, GE has delivered a cash-positive lighting infrastructure upgrade for the UK business of global banking institution Santander.

As the UK’s biggest ever fully-funded LED lighting retrofit, the project will see 90,000 new lights installed across the bank’s UK estate of 800 branches and 13 office buildings – slashing energy use in half and reducing carbon emissions by more than 7,000 tonnes each year.

Providing a full scope solution, GE will deliver lighting services throughout the 10-year contract, which includes optimised system design, installation, maintenance and management.

Importantly, the project is to be delivered using a cash-positive financing model, in a move that is set to reinvent the way companies think about investment in energy efficient lighting upgrades. The model includes a substantial investment of £17.5 million by the UK Green Investment Bank plc and Sustainable Development Capital Limited, making it the biggest LED-financing package the UK has ever seen.

This unconventional approach, in which the financing partners enable the lighting to be procured as a service rather than a product purchase, allows Santander to benefit from the reduced operating costs and improved energy efficiency of the LED lighting but without the capital investment and impact on the balance sheet – a flexible solution that could pave the way for many other organisations to follow suit.

Dan Vinton, CFO of GE Lighting EMEA, commented: “The lighting industry has changed dramatically in the last few years, moving away from supplying product as a simple disposable commodity, to providing high value solutions to customers while becoming a true energy efficiency partner. The old models of the lighting industry are no longer fit for purpose in this new market and this project represents a glimpse into the new world.”

“More than anything, this project has been about listening to our customer’s needs and working with them to develop a tailored package of lighting and finance solutions that perfectly meet their requirements. The strength, credibility and expertise represented by the GE brand helped make the project bankable which was a key element of success. We’re privileged to have been able to walk this learning journey together with our partners and proud of what we have accomplished here. We are now focused on scaling this offering more broadly and allowing more customers in our target markets and verticals to benefit from this type of smart value creation.”

Nick Roberts, Property Director, at Santander, said: “We launched our 20-20-15 energy efficiency strategy three years ago, in which we committed to reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions by 20 per cent by 2015. LED lighting has become an integral part of our Energy Efficiency Plan and plays a key role in achieving these overall sustainability goals. Through this lighting upgrade we have taken a huge step forward in executing our long-term efficiency objectives, with GE providing the support, scale and suitable products that we needed.”

For more information please visit www.ge.com.

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COMPAC: the ice effect

Ice Concrete is part of the New York Collection of quartz worksurfaces from COMPAC, a stunning range inspired by this American city’s famous loft culture.

COMPAC’s designers have been able to create a fusion between architecture, design and functionality to offer a quartz worksurface range that explores an industrial and urban aesthetic which will revolutionise how we think about worksurfaces, either in the home or in a commercial environment.

Silky, soft and sensuous to the touch, Ice Concrete has a unique matt concrete finish which provides the opportunity to create a contemporary kitchen environment reflecting the style and excitement of loft living in the ‘Big Apple’.

The New York Collection is available in seven innovative colours with an exclusive matt concrete or glacé finish, all of which combine texture, depth of colour and definition of grain –all hardwearing, hygienic, easy to clean and maintain.

The New York Collection from COMPAC – transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones.

For more information please visit www.compac.es.

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Sika provides eye-catching and hard wearing flooring system

When The Royal College of Ophthalmologists decided to upgrade the existing floor of a lecture room, the new flooring system had to be hard wearing, easy to maintain and offer superior acoustics – Sika ComfortFloor was up for the challenge.

Located near Euston Station in London, The Royal College of Ophthalmologists was refurbishing and upgrading a lecture room and required a replacement floor that was noise absorbent, easy to clean and would offer long term durability. To meet these requirements, the specification of ComfortFloor Pro, a seamless, liquid applied flooring system from Sika fitted the bill perfectly.

Sika ComfortFloor has recently become the first resin flooring system to achieve a BRE Green Guide Rating – attaining an A+ the highest rating available. This will help design teams achieve the highest BREEAM score possible for all project types, minimising the environmental impact of any building.

The successful application of 250m2 of Sika ComfortFloor Pro in a dusty grey colour by Sika approved contractor Surtech was completed throughout the lecture room and an adjacent corridor in the college. The team’s surface preparation consisted of diamond grinding the uneven sub floor which was followed by the application of the fast-setting Sikafloor Level 30 mortar at various depths to provide a flat surface to install the ComfortFloor System.

This was following by a layer of Sikafloor 161 primer before the application of the Sikafloor 330 by pin rake. To complete and seal the system, Surtech applied a topcoat of Sikafloor 305W by roller to create a joint free and seamless floor.

Available in a range of colours to meet numerous aesthetic requirements, Sika ComfortFloor Pro offers longevity, minimal maintenance and is perfect for applications where exceptional hygiene standards are vital. It can provide a seamless solution for food preparation areas, commercial kitchens, hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Combining innovation in product development, the highest standards of manufacturing and technical expertise, Sika’s comprehensive range of flooring solutions for domestic, commercial and industrial applications will meet and exceed client expectations, industry best practices, and building regulations and legislation.

The careful and considered choice of products at the Royal College of Ophthalmologists perfectly demonstrates how the Sika ComfortFloor system can meet the needs of the client with an efficient installation process suitable for the most challenging and innovative new build residential and refurbishment projects.

For further information on Sika’s range of flooring products visit www.sika.com/sika-flooring or for general inquiries including technical, on or off site support, please call 0800 1123863.

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Forbo maps out the floor at Manchester Science Partnerships

Taking full advantage of Forbo Flooring Systems’ high quality, digital printing capabilities, The Sheila Bird Group has helped Manchester Science Partnerships (MSP) to create the wow factor in the main social space of their client’s Greenheys building. Their custom-designed A to Z map of Manchester, digitally printed onto Forbo’s durable vinyl floor covering, has created an eye-catching and engaging focal point.

As one of the UK’s leading science park operators, MSP wanted an events and community space on the park that would encourage its group of scientists, innovators, investors and entrepreneurs to connect with one another.

Chris Naughton at The Sheila Bird Group commented: “The interior of MSP’s Greenheys building has a lot of exposed brick and so we wanted to retain the industrial feel of the building within the space, but also install a completely unique floor covering to inject a stand-out feature in the area. Therefore, we created a custom A to Z map, pinpointing the various MSP buildings dotted around Manchester in different colours, enabling visitors to immerse themselves into the map and orientate themselves in the city by just looking at the floor covering.”

There are no limits to the aesthetic designs that can digitally printed onto Forbo’s Eternal vinyl which retains the full performance specification of the Eternal core collection; durable, high quality and easy to clean and maintain.

Chris commented: “We have used Forbo on many projects as they are able to offer good quality products at a competitive price and have the ability to deliver custom floor coverings – something we definitely desired and attained for this project. Indeed, the interior of the building could not have looked this great without Forbo. This project has been very successful and it has led to us developing a great relationship with MSP.”

For more information please call Forbo on 0844 822 3928 or visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/eternal.

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