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

Solid floor refurbishment research released

Kingspan Insulation has published a new white paper assessing how different floor insulation specifications can impact cost and floor-to-ceiling height in home refurbishments. The report is based on research from leading consultants — Currie & Brown. It shows that Kingspan Kooltherm K103 Floorboard can provide a cost-effective option for insulating solid floors without reducing headroom.

Ground floors in many UK homes are uninsulated. By retrofitting insulation in these areas, it is possible to reduce annual energy bills by as much as £65. When choosing insulation for these refurbishment applications, it is important to look at their thermal conductivity. Insulation materials with lower thermal conductivities are more efficient and can allow a compliant U-value to be achieved with a slimmer thickness of insulation. Currie & Brown carried out a cost analysis to see how this can affect solid floor applications.

The research looked at Kingspan Kooltherm K103 Floorboard, which has the lowest thermal conductivity of any commonly used insulation (0.018 W/m·K), and expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation with a thermal conductivity of 0.038 W/m·K. The insulation materials were compared in two refurbishment scenarios for an existing solid concrete floor with a sand and cement screed:

  1. The sand and cement screed was removed and replaced with insulation and either a 35 mm liquid screed or 65 mm sand and cement screed;
  2. The existing floor was excavated and replaced with a 100 mm concrete slab, insulation and the sand and cement or liquid screed

All constructions were designed to achieve a maximum U-value of 0.25 W/m².K – complying with the refurbishment requirements outlined within Approved Document L1B in England & Wales.

The research shows that it was considerably more cost effective to remove and replace the screed layer rather than excavating the entire slab. When adopting this approach, the Kingspan Kooltherm K103 Floorboard with liquid screed was the only construction which allowed existing headroom to be retained. This also avoids potential remedial costs relating to altering floor heights, such as raising fixtures and pipework, which were not considered within the analysis.

You can download and read the full white paper at: https://www.kingspan.com/gb/en-gb/products/insulation/kingspan-insight/maintaining-floor-to-ceiling-height-in-residential

For further information, please contact:
Tel: +44 (0) 1544 387 384
Fax: +44 (0) 1544 387 484
Email: info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk
Website: www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk
www.twitter.com/KingspanIns_UK
www.linkedin.com/company/kingspan-insulation-uk
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York Hospital again chooses Rinnai hot water heating units for upgrade

Clifton Park Hospital in York, advised by A J Gastech – has chosen Rinnai to upgrade its hot water heating system to meet the increasing demand whilst staying economically and environmentally efficient.

Clifton Park Hospital opened in 2006 has first-class medical facilities including 24 beds, two theatres, a day case unit, a large outpatient department with X-ray facilities and on-site physiotherapy, including a small gym area. In 2018, the hospital opened a new outpatient department with 11 consulting rooms, two treatment rooms and x-ray facilities.

Clifton Park prides itself on offering exceptional care and service to all its patients and currently has a 5 star rating on NHS Choices, 4 star rating on Google and 4.7 rating on Facebook reviews. In the most recent survey – NHS Family & Friend’s Test, 100% of inpatients and 98% of outpatients recommend the hospital.

The new water heating system features 3 Rinnai HDC 1200i plus a 500 litre cylinder. A Rinnai HD50i looked after the hot water demand for 10 years, without missing a beat, but due to expansion at the hospital a new bespoke system was required.

The decision was taken to upgrade to more energy efficient condensing hot water heaters and incorporate the 500 litre storage vessel to give the hospital a means of dealing with peak hour demands.

The heating engineer contractors, A J Gastech, were given just a 14 hour window in which to remove the existing system and replace it with the new one. This was achieved with a bit of time to spare, such is the expertise and professionalism of A J Gastech.

A J Gastec Ltd provide plumbing and mechanical contracting and maintenance for private customers, construction organisations in domestic, commercial and industrial sectors. The company offers services from installation to maintenance contracts with the variety of works involving sites throughout the UK for both public and private sector works.

Says Adam Stante for A J Gastech, “We are based in Bradford, the heart of Yorkshire, and we have a dedicated team of specialists that work throughout the UK, delivering high spec projects on time and on budget. Our standards are of the highest quality, cost effectiveness and to our client’s approval.”

The Rinnai HDC 1200i continuous model is for use on all high demand sites as it is easily capable of delivering 2000 litres per hour. It guarantees unparalleled levels of efficiency and hot water delivery for the end user whilst streamlining installations and guaranteeing future regulatory compliance.

This is a precision engineered water heating unit can also be combined as multiple units into one single, easy to handle module. Both HDC1200 internal and external models turn in a market leading energy performance of 107% net efficiency and offer superlative ranges of modulation as the system’s internal analytical system can modulate the burner range from 54kw to 2.4kw. The Rinnai HDC 1200i is engineered for minimal energy wastage and maximum energy performance.

It is worth remembering that Part L of the Building Regulations 2013 set minimum thermal efficiency levels of 90% for natural and 92% for LPG, consequently outlawing non-condensing gas fired water heaters for use in new build projects.

Rinnai units and systems are now the number one choice for large buildings and businesses with a heavy demand for constant hot water or where high peaks of demand occur at certain times. Any number of modules can be manifolded, so the water handling capacity is truly infinite and there is no risk of the ‘cascade’ of hot water ever running out.

The manifolded 1200i units can be delivered direct to site in one complete, easy to manage package and at a very competitive price. For the end user this guarantees considerable cost savings over other forms of hot water generation. The relatively compact footprint of all Rinnai units and systems means it can optimise plant room space and safeguard accessibility for maintenance and servicing.

There is huge potential for on-demand style water heaters such as the Rinnai HDC 1200i units to play their part in new build and in refurbishments where there are still many old systems that need replacing as well as old-style gravity fed water systems that use stored hot water.

The Rinnai Infinity HDC 1200i has lower greenhouse emissions because of the new reduced NOx burner technology.

As Clifton Park Hospital has a secondary flow and return system, complete range modulation is experienced ensuring that the system is running at optimum performance at all times.

For more information visit www.rinnaiuk.com
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Armstrong Ceilings were an architect’s trusted choice for a banking icon

Black metal ceilings are a key feature of HSBC UK’s new headquarters.

Armstrong Ceiling Solutions were specified for key features in a next-generation UK headquarters building because they are the architect’s trusted brand capable of supplying a complete system.

Armstrong’s B-L302 jet black custom-mesh metal planks were complemented by the manufacturer’s Bandraster grid and Axiom blind box on levels 1 and 2 of the “university” reception, marketplace (canteen) and break-out areas for HSBC UK’s new headquarters at 1 Centenary Square at Arena Central in central Birmingham.

They were selected by regular Armstrong users TP Bennett architects who, while referring to the client’s design guidelines, wanted at the same time to innovate to create a new kind of headquarters for HSBC UK to focus on retail banking and training for 2,500 people.

Armstrong

Located on nine acres of a key regeneration area for the city and the former home of Carlton TV, the 11-storey, 210,000ft2 building with three basement levels is constructed of steel frame with rainscreen cladding and houses offices, the HSBC university, a staff gym, restaurant and café, and an executive suite with catering.

Extensive landscaping and external public realm works help to create a new “urban meadow” and public square at what is now known as Bank Court for developers ACDL – a joint venture between Miller Developments and Pro Vinci Asset Management.

The Armstrong systems form the main feature ceiling in the university reception area and the key break-out and collaboration areas and comprise 283m2 of 1210mm x 687mm metal planks with 71% open mesh area along with 193 metres of 100mm Bandraster unslotted exposed suspension grid and 272 metres of 100mm Axiom Blind Box transitions, both also in jet black (RAL 9005).

TP Bennett associate director and interior designer Francesco Tidona said: “We specified the Armstrong systems because they are a trustworthy company who are able to provide a full system which is convenient as it includes the mesh tiles and the supporting structure as well the proprietary Blind Boxes which we integrated with linear luminaires.”

They were installed for main contractor GallifordTry over two months by a team of 10 from specialist sub-contractor Taylor Hart, a member of Armstrong’s national network of approved Omega installers.

Managing director Phil Lewis said: “The Armstrong products were excellent, incorporating a Blind Box to allow M&E to install lights into the system in place of the Bandraster grid in various areas. The system was easily built and the colour march was of a high quality for each of the components.”

More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.

Photos: Jack Hobhouse

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Armstrong Ceiling Solutions help landmark offices celebrate their curves

Refurb of Radio House is set to send potential tenants Ga Ga.

Ceiling systems from Armstrong were specified for the £7 million high-spec refurbishment of a landmark Cambridge building for their cost effectiveness and functionality.

The striking wall-to-wall ceiling solutions featuring in the makeover of Radio House, which is renowned for its wave-form barrel-vaulted roof, allow for flawless transitions between varying ceiling materials, including Armstrong’s demountable metal MicroLook 8 1200mm x 300mm rectangular panels and plasterboard margins, to provide a streamlined visual which is versatile and exceptionally functional.

On the ground floor and part of the first floor, Armstrong’s Drywall Grid System (DGS) was pre-configured to the required shape to form a sloping bulkhead around the perimeter which allowed for safer installation and a reduced working height in these offices.

The sloped bulkhead was joined to the metal area with Axiom transitions, creating a seamless finish. The recyclable white metal lay-in planks were extra micro-perforated and backed with a black acoustic fleece to perform acoustically to sound absorption performance 0.70 aw and sound attenuation performance 31db and were installed using a Prelude 15mm XL2 grid.

Using Armstrong’s DGS system to lay out the openings for lighting, air grilles and plasterboard margins allowed for faster and accurate boarding and meant no cutting out was needed post-installation.

The ceiling systems were specified by Aukett Swanke architects whose brief was to refurbish the building internally and externally to bring the internal layout and services up to modern standards, to celebrate and enhance the positive aspects of the building envelope, and to improve the areas of the existing envelope which were no longer fit for purpose.

Radio House now offers approximately 7,452ft2 to 43,382ft2 of BREEAM “Excellent” Grade A office space in a self-contained building situated in the Chesterton Conservation Area between the city centre and the northern fringe business parks. It was vacated by the critical communications company Sepura who moved their headquarters elsewhere in the city.

The distinctive building underwent an 18-month comprehensive refurbishment to provide a new main entrance and central core with double-height reception, full access raised floor, and Armstrong’s suspended ceilings on the ground floor with a floor to ceiling height of 2.7m. The feature ‘wavy’ roof on first floor has a floor to ceiling height of between 2.95m and 4.75m.

Aukett Swanke studio principal Daniel Winters said: “We carried out a careful design process that balanced the constraints of the existing building and budget to deliver a transformation that retained and augmented the special qualities of the existing building and its landmark wave form roof. The Armstrong products helped us deliver that by being cost effective and functional.”

The CE Marked and Cradle to Cradle™ certified DGS and metal tiles were installed by specialist sub-contractor Lorus Projects who were joined on site by Armstrong Drywall Grid specialists to go through the build and ensure the fixing teams were fully educated on the process.

The building’s external appearance was rejuvenated with careful integration of terracotta cladding systems, with brick slips appropriate within the Cambridge and Chesterton area which will bolster the building’s heritage qualities.

Will Heigham from agents Bidwells said: “Finding Grade A office space in Cambridge is a huge challenge because office supply levels have fallen to the lowest level for 15 years and availability rates are down to just 8.5%. What this means is that there is very little space available, let alone units of over 10,000ft2.

“Radio House’s completion therefore represents a real opportunity for existing Cambridge occupiers looking for new open-plan expansion space or new entrants considering establishing themselves in Cambridge.

“A huge amount of money has been invested in upgrading Radio House and it will provide efficient and substantial open plan floors, with flexible floorplates, that will appeal to a wide variety of occupiers from professional services to the technology sector.”

Cambridge is home to a range of well-known R&D, technology and life sciences companies including AstraZeneca, Samsung, Hewlett Packard, Toshiba, Microsoft, Huawei and Apple.

More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.

Photos: Claire Lize Photography

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Rinnai hot water Infinity 1600 low–NOx units & systems making economic sense for commercial & domestic sites

Rinnai, the UK’s leading manufacturer of the ErP A-rated Infinity range of continuous flow condensing gas fired water heaters, delivers the most energy efficient range of low-NOx hot water heating units currently available to the UK end user.

The company’s low-NOx Infinity HDC 1600e external wall mounted unit (together with the interior HDC 1600i version) utilises Rinnai’s patented pre-mix burner technology with a 14-1 turn down ratio – the largest on the market – of 58.4kw-4.05kw and is extremely quiet in operation.

Integral controls on the units enable the water heater to achieve high efficiencies whether locally or integrated into a building management system. In reducing Legionella proliferation, Rinnai has developed additional ‘SMART’ controls for secondary return DHW systems in the form of an advanced temperature control system which allows for safe running of water at 42°C core temperature during the day and 60°C when a building is closed. By the time the building reopens, core temperature is 42°C for safe use.

Another Rinnai innovation addresses an age-old industry problem with hot water delivery – lime scale build-up. The company’s integrated scale control system is an innovative solution and comes in the form of an LC (lime check) code on the display of the controller.

The system helps to ensure the performance and efficiency of Rinnai’s 1600, and, all of its continuous flow water heaters installed in hard water areas. Almost all water-fed appliances, including plate heat exchangers, boilers and water heaters will, over time accumulate scale deposits in hard water areas.

Ultimately, ongoing use with hard water may shorten the lifespan of conventional water heating appliances and systems. To safeguard against this Rinnai units continually self-monitor for lime scale deposits around the heat exchanger. If a lime scale build-up is identified, a message is sent to the built-in interface panel on the front of the appliance. The message is displayed as ‘LC’, which alerts the end user to contact a Rinnai service agent to perform a lime scale flush to clear the potentially harmful deposits. This avoids and eliminates the adverse effects associated with lime scale build up, including lower energy efficiencies and potential product de-generation.

The industry uptake on Rinnai’s series of low-NOx high efficiency products is that continuous flow heater systems are proven to be more energy efficient than conventional storage systems and are increasingly the experts’ preferred method of hot water provision. Rinnai units easily cater for any size projects that need high volumes of water at intermittent times of day.

The Rinnai Infinity 1600e/i offers condensing technology with up to 107% gross efficiency, ultra-low-NOx of less than 20 ppm, a widely expansive modulation range of 54kW-4kW and high flow rates of 37/ltr/min. Add to these benefits are the peace of mind of an extended warranty, a top A-rating exceeding the demands of eco-labelling legislation, the flexibility of external wall mounting and delivery to site with all relevant accessories and the knowledge that the HDC1600 is future-proofed against future regulatory and legislative changes.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com
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Armstrong’s new, ultra-green tile is right at home in the new home of a renewables firm

Dune eVo, and a bespoke metal tile, feature for Community Windpower.

A mineral tile that is ultra-green, even by Armstrong Ceilings’ standards, and a bespoke version of a metal tile feature on the £1 million conversion of a former farm building into the headquarters of a wind farm developer.

Community Windpower’s new head office in the old market town of Frodsham, Cheshire, uses 300m2 of the new Dune eVo MicroLook tile in the back offices and canteen, and 250m2 of acoustic mineral tile Perla 0.95 dB (which performs to Sound Absorption Class A) in closed cell offices, both on the ground floor. In addition, 900m2 of metal MicroLook 1800mm x 300mm metal lay-in planks have been used in open-plan areas and corridors on the first floor.

The new fully-recyclable Dune eVo tile and grid, the first ceiling system in the industry to gain Cradle to Cradle accreditation, provides Class C sound absorption as well as a brighter white aesthetic and excellent durability due to a reinforced fully-painted edge.

The metal tiles at Community Windpower were specially over-perforated so their ultra-micro perforations continue around the edges of the plank to give an even greater aesthetic and acoustic performance.

The highly light-reflecting Armstrong systems were specified for the 20,000ft2 steel-frame building by Community Windpower managing director Rod Wood on the recommendation of specialist lighting manufacturer XAL who provided lighting throughout the new office.

The precision of the Dune eVo and Perla tiles was particularly needed to maximise the indirect illumination from XAL’s scheme, notably the suspended Mino linear system upstairs and XAL’s ultra-slim Task office system in the downstairs boardrooms.

He was looking for ceiling systems that were “modern, artistic and bespoke” to complement the lighting systems.

“They are one of the key features interfacing with modern lighting designs,” he said. “The linear panel works well with the rectangle structure of the building and their clean and bright features also help with this. They have accommodated pitch issues well as well as light wells, air-conditioning and lighting.

“Armstrong had products that suited our building and the contractors wereconfident they could be installed. I’m very happy with the result.”

Armstrong Ceilings

The Armstrong systems were installed over two weeks, on the upper floor to sloped internal eaves, by a team of up to eight from Heatons Ceilings who are a member of Armstrong’s Omega national network of approved specialist sub-contractors.

Chris Heaton said: “The metal ceiling is at high levels/atria in the building which made it challenging to install but it really does look amazing from the ground floor. There are not many jobs with this specification in such long planks, especially as they were sloped to both sides. Instead of having a 10mm border the edges were perforated edges for aesthetics as well as acoustics. It is a little special and kind of a one-off. The Armstrong products worked and performed well to give a fantastic end result.”

Community Windpower is at the forefront of wind energy development in the UK with over 800MW built, under construction and in development. As proven renewable energy specialists, the business is experienced in the identification, design, development, construction and operation of onshore wind farms and currently has six operational wind farms in Scotland, with a further three approved for development.

More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.
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Thinking big: Titon launches its most powerful MVHR unit

Titon has added the energy efficient HRV20 Q Plus to its range of MVHR products. The new model has been designed to offer increased airflows of up to 194 l/s (700m3/h), making it the most powerful MVHR unit Titon has ever produced.

The HRV20 Q Plus has been specifically designed to enhance SAP performance via Appendix Q, by combining extremely low power consumption and a heat exchanger capable of achieving efficiencies of 89%. As a result, units can easily be fitted as part of a ventilation system inside larger apartments or dwellings.

The HRV20 Q Plus is available in two models – the Eco HMB and the Eco B – each boasting a 100% airflow diverting Summer Bypass, as recognised in the UK Product Characteristics Database. Intelligent humidity options are also available. The Eco HMB is fitted with the new aura-tTM touch screen controller, which is integrated as part of the unit itself as standard. The Eco B Model is compatible with the Eco aura range of controls (auralite® status indicator, aura-tTM, auramode® and aurastat® controllers), or has the option of having an aura-tTM unit.

Other benefits of the new unit include an extremely low specific fan power (SFP) of 0.43 W/l/s, plus features such as a fully adjustable boost overrun timer, which can be used with a non-latching (momentary) switch to prevent the unit from accidentally being left in ‘boost’ mode. This is complemented by intelligent frost protection and independent fan adjustment. All models are volt free, with live switching control also on B models. The filters are ISO Coarse 65% (G4) supplied as standard, with the option of upgrading to the ISO Coarse 65% (F7) type.

Commenting on the new product, Lee Caulfield, Sales Director, Titon Vent Systems Division, said: “The new HRV20 Q Plus unit offers higher airflow rates than previously available, as requested by our customers’ requirements. Not only is this the highest capacity unit in our entire range, it also benefits from an array of control options, without compromising on energy efficiency, making it ideal for architects, contractors and mechanical engineers alike. The new HRV20 Q Plus reflects Titon’s commitment to development and understanding market needs, while showcasing our engineering expertise and capabilities.”

Available in the UK and Europe, the new HRV20 Q Plus is effective at reducing pollutants in the home and improving indoor air quality (IAQ), helping to combat the risk of Toxic Home Syndrome. All models accept 200mm diameter ducting and are supplied complete with a 3-year guarantee as standard.

For further information about Titon and its range of ventilation systems, please visit: www.titon.co.uk.
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Armstrong Ceilings top a ground-breaking laboratory facility

Systems, including a custom one, toe the visual line for collaborative teaching.

A myriad of metal wall-to-wall systems by Armstrong Ceilings were specified for a next-generation laboratory facility for their cost-effectiveness and versatility.

A total of 2,500m2 of them feature on the University of Birmingham’s Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (CTL) building which aims to replace traditional, discipline-specific laboratories with a range of innovative teaching methods beyond the classical bench-style laboratory model.

Armstrong’s DGS (Drywall Grid) system for plasterboard interfaces features as bulkheads alongside metal S-Clip F planks in laboratories, classrooms and meeting rooms while the metal clip-in F-L601 system has been used in corridors.

But arguably the most striking system is the custom C-Profile linear modular metal system used on the ceiling and the walls of the three-storey atrium as well as in corridors and break-out areas.

Rated BREEAM “Excellent”, the 72,120ft2 CTL building takes the shape of a robust brick structure with variation in materials and form to represent the three different internal laboratory environments. Large angled brise soleil made from gold anodised aluminium, which project over the main entrance, are reflected internally for continuity.

The purpose-built CTL building comprises wet, dry and e-laboratories, and along with a recent new laboratory in the School of Engineering building, represents a £40 million investment in Science, Technology and Mathematics (STEM) subjects at the university.

They enable the university to re-think the way STEM subjects are taught by making more effective use of staff time and resources through the efficient use of practical teaching space, innovations in teaching delivery and the reinvention of practical classes. This allows both undergraduate and postgraduate students to benefit from transformational teaching in a space designed to encourage and facilitate collaborative and interdisciplinary working.

In addition, the CTL on the university’s Edgbaston campus provides a visually stimulating and interactive environment in which to showcase STEM subjects to a wider audience, providing a flexible space for outreach and business engagement activities, open days, events and CPD.

The recyclable ceiling systems were designed in conjunction with architects Sheppard Robson to reflect this focus on aesthetics but without loss of acoustic performance.

Armstrong Ceiling Solutions

Timothy Clement, design manager (construction) for main contractor Morgan Sindall, added: “The Armstrong systems were specified as a more cost-effective option to a system that was originally proposed while maintaining a similar aesthetic and quality for the client.”

Armstrong’s DGS is typically faster and easier to install than traditional drywall framing and at the CTL building the metal S-Clip F planks and metal clip-in F-L601 tiles were perforated for even greater acoustic performance. Despite its slender frames the C-Profile linear system incorporates services such as lighting and sprinklers.

The highly light-reflecting white Armstrong Ceiling Solutions were installed over six months by a team of up to 30 operatives from specialist sub-contractor Grimes Finishings, a member of Armstrong’s approved national network of Omega installers.

Grimes’ head of commercial operations Rob Harriman said: “In 25 years of working with suspended ceilings I believe this was the most technically challenging ceiling project I’ve ever been involved with or am aware of by some margin.

“But the Armstrong systems performed excellently and integrated into the build seamlessly and the project support from the Armstrong team was second to none.”

More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.
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“Trusted” Armstrong Ceilings deliver a contemporary aesthetic

Bespoke mesh metal ceilings bring form and function to an office refurbishment.

When architects TP Bennett needed a trusted supplier to deliver their vision for a central London office refurbishment they knew immediately where to look.

And it was Armstrong Ceiling Solutions, specifically 150m2 of the manufacturer’s configurable mesh metal K-H 400 MT tile and grid system featuring versatile hook-on planks, that they specified for areas of the ground floor of 65 Gresham Street.

Project director Pragna Shah said: “The product needed to suit an adaptive, flexible and creative design for our work with a client that is an industry disruptor and has a brand message of ‘out of the ordinary’.”

And that proved the case from the moment go as the Armstrong systems were originally specified for a dining hall and informal lounge with adjacent booths on one side but by the time it came to installation the dining hall had become open-plan office space.

Nevertheless, the jet black (RAL 9005 with 5% gloss) mesh metal tiles from Armstrong, customised with a larger-than-usual 70% open area mesh and installed using a standard crossing box and c-profile suspension system with 75mm trim strips and custom metal bulkheads around the complete perimeter of the space, deliver the industrial aesthetic the architect was looking for, complete with functionality as the exposed services above the ceiling needed to be accessible.

Pragna Shah said: “The Armstrong system suited the design intent. The mesh ceiling was complicated in that it needed to meet lots of criteria, such as access and fixed sizes, and we needed a trusted supplier to help us deliver our vision.

“It helps to create a more contemporary and industrial aesthetic with the addition of up lighting creating an inviting atmosphere. The client is an exciting organisation and our partnership has delivered a workspace that enables new ways of working and captures the vitality and essence of their brand.”

The Armstrong systems were installed over two months by a team of up to 10 from specialist sub-contractor OCP Contracts for fit-out and refurbishment specialists BW: Workplace Experts who required the installation to be defect free at completion. OCP are a member of Armstrong’s Omega network of approved ceiling installers.

OCP’s contracts manager Charles Corbyn said: “Due to the complex nature of the bespoke mesh metal ceiling, OCP liaised with Armstrong’s technical department and together ensured we could achieve procurement for the project.

‘With OCP’s team of specialist fixers, it allowed for a straightforward and perfect installation which is versatile and met what the client had specified. OCP were privileged to have been given the opportunity to install the bespoke ceiling system and are excited by the changes within the industry towards more specialist ceiling systems and unique designs.”

More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.

Photos: Tom Green

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Rinnai delivers hot water on demand at Ty Coryton site for Orbis Education & Care in South Wales

Rinnai continuous flow water heaters have been installed on site at the Ty Coryton site of Orbis Education & Care, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist care for children, young people and adults.

Orbis offers specialist schools, community homes, respite care and community-based work-skills services. This application of the Rinnai continuous flow hot water heating products and systems was at an accommodation/care home facility containing 27 rooms with an extra-ordinary demand of hot water, primarily due to the frequency, timing and longevity of the use of showers, baths and basins.

As such Rinnai provided five HDC 1500i continuous flow water heaters, powered by Natural Gas, which at peak can provide in excess of 5,000 l/hr. The installed system included concentric flues and a secondary return complete with expansion vessels and valves to ensure G3 compliance.

The system has now been operational for almost 9 months and the feedback has stated that the system is ‘exceptional’.

Tŷ Coryton is set in extensive parkland on the outskirts of Cardiff just off junction 32 of the M4. It is just a few miles from Cardiff City centre in the friendly village of Whitchurch with its cafes, restaurants, parks and travel connections.

Tŷ Coryton offers a broad range of on and off-site activities, encouraging the students to contribute to and enjoy a sense of community. Whilst the school offers an engaging and flexible curriculum tailored to the learning needs of the individual, the residential building is divided into separate communal flats, each with separate bedrooms, and with kitchen and lounge areas.

Each resident is encouraged to take an active role in personalising their own bedrooms as well as their collective communal spaces. With education, care and in-house therapy teams linking closely together, Tŷ Coryton offers a 24-hour waking curriculum of learning, life skills and leisure.

The highly qualified and experienced team supports children and young people with autism and complex needs to develop key life skills in line with their individual Behavioural Support Plan.

Orbis is an award-winning organisation providing a blend of education and care with therapies available including: speech and language; occupational therapy; clinical psychology; positive behavioural support; music therapy; psychiatry; dietetics and complementary therapies.

Rinnai’s Infinity 1500i, which has been installed at Ty Coryton offers greater benefits when compared to an older style water heating system.There is a focus on energy conservation at Orbis and the 1500i delivers with its 105% net efficiency and market leading range of modulation (58kW – 2.4kW). This increase in energy efficiency also translates into economic savings, helping Orbis manage the energy costs, especially in water and electricity, two essential components needed for a water heating system to operate.

The peak need for useable hot water at Ty Coryton means that it needs a system that can meet and provide continuous hot water, effortlessly, whilst controlling overall costs.

The Rinnai Infinity HDC1500 range is smaller, more compact in its design, and can be fitted either internally, or externally. If the Infinity 1500e is fitted externally, it comes with appropriate weather proofing which provides the required protection to ensure consistent, long life working efficiency.

For more details on RINNAI products visit www.rinnaiuk.com
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