Titon expands its SF Xtra ventilator range

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information about Titon and its range of trickle ventilators, please visit: www.titon.co.uk. 
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Metsec announced as first tier two supplier to achieve new BSI Kitemark for BIM

Image: (left to right) Gary Fenton, Global Product Certification Director at BSI, Alan Harris, Quality Manager voestalpine Metsec plc, Andy Butterfield, Product Certification, Director of Built Environment at BSI, Ryan Simmonds, SFS Sales Director voestalpine Metsec plc, Mark Basham, Managing Director, EMEA at BSI

The UK’s largest specialist cold roll-forming company, voestalpine Metsec plc, based in Oldbury, West Midlands, has been announced as the first tier two organisation globally to have achieved the new Kitemark PAS 1192-2 from BSI, the business standards company.

The Kitemark relates to BIM (Building Information Modelling), helping construction businesses around the world prove their capabilities in delivering projects at the design and construction phase. It is to act as a seal of approval for companies qualified to deliver projects at the design and construction phase of a project.

Established more than 80 years ago, Metsec provides steel framing, cable management and purlins for construction and manufacturing industries and has supplied its products to prestigious projects including the Queensferry Crossing, Resorts World and the Glasgow Velodrome.

Alan Harris, quality manager at Metsec, said: “Metsec was the first tier 2 designer and manufacturer complying with BIM Level 2 for Design & Construction in the UK and is pleased to cement this focus on BIM by achieving the new Kitemark associated with it. It’s great to see the importance of BIM being recognised, and being formalised by the BSI.

“BIM is an increasingly important part of the global construction market place, with governments around the world starting to make it a condition of contact. Seen as a game-changer for the construction industry, BIM is a collaborative way of working that uses digital technologies to enable more efficient methods of design and construction, ultimately driving out waste and inefficiency.”

The Kitemark has been developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders to ensure that they add value and address the key issues which will help the construction industry with BIM implementation.

Andy Butterfield, Product Certification Director of Built Environment at BSI said: “In a competitive marketplace, companies delivering BIM projects need to find a way to differentiate themselves, regardless of whether they are tendering for public or private sector projects. The BSI Kitemark does just that, helping companies to demonstrate their commitment to best practice.

“BIM helps companies drive out waste and inefficiencies in their projects, reducing costs and environmental impact. Having the Kitemark for BIM will mean that companies are able to build their business in the new era of digital technology and access global markets, giving clients reassurance that they are working with partners at the highest possible standard”.

The BSI Kitemark is one of the most recognizable trust marks in existence today and demonstrates that each Kitemark approved product or service, has gone above and beyond the normal requirements to achieve the highest standards. For over a century, it has safeguarded consumers and helped businesses demonstrate clear commitment to excellence across everyday goods such as locks and windows, gas appliances, motorcycle helmets and smoke detectors.

For more information please visit www.metsec.com.
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Charcon appoints new Specification Manager

Charcon, the commercial hard landscaping division of Aggregate Industries, has appointed Robert Davenhall to the role of Specification Manager.

Robert has a wealth of experience within the commercial hard landscaping sector, having worked for the past five years at Kilsaran International and previously with Tobermore Concrete.

In his new role, Robert will be responsible for managing existing clients and developing new relationships with architects, specifiers and local authorities in the North-West region and M62 corridor. He’ll also be focused on growing Charcon’s natural stone and permeable paving business with local authorities in the region.

Commenting on his new appointment, Robert says: “I am extremely excited to be joining a growing and ambitious specification team at Charcon and becoming part of the global market leader in the building materials industry.

“There’s a whole new generation of architects and specifiers coming into the sector. They’re incredibly switched on, understand the full capabilities of hard landscaping and are looking for specialist partners to service their needs. The range of products Charcon can offer, in both natural stone and concrete, is one of the most comprehensive in the marketplace and offers a fantastic choice for architects, local authorities and contractors alike.”

Mark Barter, Sales Director at Charcon, comments: “We are thrilled to welcome Robert to the team. Almost a life-long local, he knows the patch inside out, as well as the dynamics of the sectors within it. We’re also looking forward to benefitting from his relationship management experience across all of our target audiences, which he has in abundance.”

Charcon offers the commercial sector a comprehensive range of paving, natural stone and kerbing via its hard landscaping product range. It is also able to offer a full design and support service from project concept to completion, and provides innovative and integrated solutions for architects, civil engineers, landscape professionals, house builders and contractors in almost every aspect of the construction industry.

To find out more, visit www.charcon.com.
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Cembrit’s Brazilian scores on cricket ground

Two cricket teams in Nottingham now have a new home, thanks to Cembrit and its Alpina natural slates, as the aesthetically pleasing material has completed the look on a newly built cricket clubhouse.

Called the Field of Dreams, the new cricket clubhouse is based at the Meadows Recreation Ground in Nottingham’s Victoria Embankment. The project, which received a £150,000 Sport England grant, was the vision of the Trent Bridge Community Trust. With the original pavilion being old and dilapidated, the new clubhouse was built to provide four changing rooms, a kitchen, disability access, rooms for officials, and external viewing area.

Nottingham-based architect, Maber worked with construction giant, Willmott Dixon, while J Wright Roofing, was sub-contracted to provide an economical roofing system. Familiar with the benefits of Cembrit’s roofing products, J Wright Roofing specified and installed approximately 8,500 Alpina grey/green natural slates. Supplied quickly and efficiently via leading distributor of high-quality natural slates, East Midlands Roofing Supplies, the roof was installed within a month.

“This was an exciting project to be involved in, as it attracted the support of many local businesses and benefited from fundraising efforts” explains Jason Wright, Managing Director of J Wright Roofing Ltd. “The aim of the project was to ensure that cricket continues to be played at this site for the next 100 years. Thanks to the durable and high performance features of Cembrit Alpina slates, the roof will last the lifetime of the clubhouse.”

Alpina is a Brazilian natural slate, selected from the finest deposits and produced at some of the best facilities in Papagaios, Brazil. It is available in two colours, graphite and grey/green and in a variety of sizes. With its flat surface and pleasing shade variations, Alpina slate can be relied upon to create an attractive, high-performance roof.

Alpina slate is a tough natural material which has been tested to ensure it meets the current national standard, BS EN 12326-1:2004. Alpina slate has virtually no unstable minerals such as pyrites, graphite, carbon and un-oxidised irons and will withstand the most severe weather conditions: they are unaffected by sunlight, ultraviolet light and even acid rain. Laid correctly Alpina slate will last the lifetime of a building and are ideal for use on any type of project.

For further information visit www.cembrit.co.uk, email sales@cembrit.co.uk, or for a copy of the technical data sheets, tel: +44 (0)20 8301 8900.
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No Compromise with Axim’s New Electric Strike

To meet the ever changing demands of the hardware market and specifiers installation requirements the new Axim ES-2100 Electric Strike series is a remote access control device, suitable for doors fitted with the Axim LK-2100 deadlatch series.

A reduction in installation time and maintenance ensures a reduction in costs for installers.

Suitable for the most demanding commercial environments the new Axim ES-2100 Electric Strike replaces the standard fixed strike plate of the deadlatch.

The Axim ES-2100 electric strike is supplied with a flat faceplate for installation into a frame of a single leaf door or the inactive leaf of a pair of doors. Available in 12vDC & 24vDC Fail Safe or Fail Secure.

  • Axim’s innovative development solutions on the ES-2100 Electric Strike make the ES-2100 series a market leading product which now surpasses other leading brands.
  • Suitable for use on single & double Aluminium Doors
  • Electrical actuation unlocks the strike jaw, therefore releasing the latch bolt without having to operate the latch manually.
  • Compact mechanism fits into an aluminium jamb section as shallow as 44.45mm.
  • Non Handed
  • Powered by Internal Solenoid
For more information/technical details please visit www.axim.co.uk, call 0208 685 2313 or email orders@axim.co.uk.
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Updated Gardens & Drives brochure gives landscapers a new secret weapon

Updated and refreshed from top to bottom, Brett Landscaping, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of high quality aggregate and paving products, have launched their Garden & Drives 2017 aimed at supporting merchants and contractors selling into the homeowner audience. The brochure provides comprehensive guide to the stylish and innovative products and services available from Brett next year.

Gardens & Drives 2017 has been designed to be of maximum benefit to consumers facing difficult decisions over their landscaping requirements. The brochure provides clear and concise information as well as high quality imagery to show the Brett product range with new clarity.

To help landscapers to decide on their preference of style for their projects, each product group in Gardens & Drives 2017 has been split into three colour-coded categories:

  • Contemporary paving: Made up of products that offer crisp clean lines and stylish surfaces to create a truly modern aesthetic for your home.
  • Traditional paving: Comprised of products that offer softer aged lines and riven surfaces designed to help recreate a more rustic appearance.
  • Value paving: Requiring great paving on a stricter budget? This paving range performs every bit as well as the rest of our products, with slightly less accessories available.

Gardens & Drives 2017 also contains “A day in the life of a Brett Approved Installer” section, which illustrates just what a great resource these approved installers can be for your next landscaping project if you don’t already have a contractor in mind.

As well as providing 5-Year Installation and 10-Year Product guarantees, “A day in the life of a Brett Approved Installer” uses high quality imagery and case studies to demonstrate the flexibility and excellent workmanship possible with from approved installers across the country.

The brochure, along with the Brett Trade Guide, will be available over the counter from builder’s merchants from the week commencing December 12th 2016, as well as on request online on http://www.brettpaving.co.uk/brochure/brochure-request/.

Brett Landscaping takes pride in the fact that it provides customers with a high quality service offering worthy of the products available from the brand, and with the new Gardens & Drives 2017 brochure, this will continue next year.

For more information please visit www.brettpaving.co.uk.
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Charcon Construction Solutions supplies new Adventure Centre in Derbyshire

Precast concrete products manufacturer, Charcon Construction Solutions, part of the Aggregate Industries group, has successfully supplied and installed structural precast concrete materials for the new, state-of-the-art Mount Cook Adventure Centre in Derbyshire.

Set in five acres of grounds, the centre can accommodate 130 guests and includes wheelchair accessible facilities. The eco-building uses solar power to generate hot water and electricity, rainwater collection to flush toilets and air source heat to warm the rooms.

Charcon Constructions Solutions was awarded the contract by Novus, the appointed main contractor, to help deliver the flooring and stairs for the build; a complex hexagonal central core design with two rectangular wings.

Novus specified Charcon Construction Solutions’ bespoke Block and Beam flooring system, composed of pre-stressed concrete beams with standard concrete infill blocks laid in between, for the complicated central core area on the ground floor.

Charcon’s pre-stressed Hollowcore flooring slabs, which range from 150mm to 400mm and achieve a rapid strength of over 60N, at only 28 days, were then used to floor the building’s rectangular wings. A heavy density Hollowcore sound slab was used on the first floor and roof level to effectively meet sound regulations. Two pre-cast staircases, ground to upper floor levels, manufactured using custom built moulds, were also supplied and installed.

Richard Baldry, General Manager for Charcon Construction Solutions, comments: “Due to the complexity of the building’s design, we needed to value engineer a solution that would fast track construction and allow immediate access to following trades.

“Using our precast Block and Beam and Hollowcore flooring systems meant there was no need to wait for concrete slabs to cure. Once grouted, floors formed a ready-to-work base for follow on trades. Additionally, Hollowcore is very easy to transport and handle during construction, and requires less material to manufacture compared to solid concrete slabs. This thereby reduces carbon emissions. Both solutions provide an immediate solid floor surface able to accommodate service pipes and electrical wiring, as well as suspended ceilings. Providing stairs, manufactured offsite, also ensured a cost and time effective alternative to traditional timber built staircases.”

In addition to supplying quality offsite manufactured precast products, Charcon Construction Solutions offered a fully integrated solution on the project, providing Novus direct access to its design and planning expertise.

Dean Povey, Commercial Manager at Novus Solutions, comments: “Charcon Construction Solutions carried out a difficult project in a difficult location under extreme weather conditions and on budget, a job well done.”

The Mount Cook Adventure Centre opened this summer. The centre is using local facilities to provide a range of adventure activities from rock climbing, kayaking and orienteering and will also offer an educational insight into the local history and mining heritage of the area.

For further information, visit www.charconcs.com.
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Sika waterproof roof membrane caps shopping centre’s seasonal showpiece

Sika-Trocal helped save Christmas by supplying the durable, easy-to-apply waterproof roof system for a spectacular seasonal attraction.

With the festive season fast approaching, KD Decoratives were the supplier to The Mall retail complex in Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, which required a new roof for the fairytale focal point of its alfresco “Winter Wonderland” experience – a sparkling Santa’s castle. The sky blue, portable building replete with a 20ft turret has been installed at the Mall every Christmas for a number of years, but its existing roof had started to display signs of wear and tear.

For retailers, the run-up to Christmas is their most profitable time of the year. It was essential, therefore, the Mall’s Winter Wonderland crowning glory was installed and fully-waterproofed as quickly and safely as possible in order to provide an additional draw for families and children. Flat roofing specialists, Single Ply Services, from Clevedon near Bristol, in conjunction with main contractors, KD Decoratives, specified Sika-Trocal SGK as the solution – a rapid-apply, best-cost performance bonded membrane.

The castle consists of six modules which were re-roofed during an off-site operation which also involved the installation of Sika-Trocal SGK membrane. The modules were then weathered together onsite at the Mall. Suitable for both new build and refurbishment applications, in both warm roof and cold roof construction, the membrane provided the age-resistant, weather-proof covering to the modules’ metal deck. With the roof installed, the castle was transferred to the shopping centre where it was craned into its position then weathered together – the Mall’s outdoor car park.

Single Ply Services had four days off site to install a new warm roof weathered with Sika-Trocal SGK and then just one day on site to fully-seal the roof’s connecting joints to ensure its weather-tightness and readiness for Winter Wonderland’s grand opening.

Robin Hambly, Small Works Manager at Single Ply Services, said: “We chose Sika-Trocal SGK because it is quick and easy to apply. It is also extremely reliable, and as its job is to keep Father Christmas, his helpers and all his young visitors safe and dry during the festive period, the system’s durability was essential to its specification. We didn’t want to ruin anyone’s Christmas.”

The fully-adhered Type SGK roofing membrane is approved by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) to have a life expectancy in excess of 35 years. It’s easy-to-apply properties ensured Winter Wonderland’s star attraction was completed in-line with the client’s strict deadline, whilst providing an aesthetically-pleasing finish to enhance the castle’s magical appeal for young visitors throughout the festive period.

For more information please visit www.gbr.sika-trocal.sika.com.
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Senior provides recipe for success at new kitchen showroom

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information about Senior, visit www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk.
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Martindale sponsors SkillElectric

As part of its commitment to supporting the next generation of electricians and inspiring others to take up electrical apprenticeships, Martindale Electric was delighted to sponsor this year’s SkillElectric 2016, the electrical industry’s premier skills competition.

The challenge was set over a two day period and saw eight top apprentices from around the UK carry out a series of practical tests and tasks at the NEC, in a bid to secure a place at the World Skills Event in Kazan, Russia in 2019. The event was organised by the two charities, NET Services, specialists in accreditation of electrical skills, and Worldskills UK.

Using top of the range safe isolation kits, which were donated by Martindale Electric, apprentices were faced with a selection of workplace scenarios, typically faced by electrical installers.

Safe isolation is a crucial element of electrical work and a key skill for any electrician, so Martindale Electric was delighted to be involved in this prestigious event. “We were very pleased to support good practice in electrical safety and equip tomorrow’s electricians with the tools they will need to enjoy a safe and successful career” comments Steve Dunning, Managing Director at Martindale Electric.

Over the two day competition where all entrants demonstrated an exceptional level of workmanship, Stuart Graham secured Gold, Patrick Carr (Silver) and Steven Harper (Bronze). They will go on to compete against the 2017 UK finalists to determine who will represent the UK in the world’s largest professional skills competition in 2019.

Held every two years, the World Skills Event, brings together competitors from around the world, aged between 18 and 23, to demonstrate their excellence in a wide range of skills, including electrical safety. WorldSkills International is a non-profit association aimed at raising the value and standards of professional training and skills worldwide.

NET is an independent charity that develops and administers Assessments of Occupational Competence (AOC) on behalf of the electrotechnical and electrical engineering industries in the UK

Leading the way in safe isolation, Martindale Electric provides simple and reliable solutions to ensure that circuits have been de-energised and properly isolated prior to maintenance and modifications.

To learn more about Martindale Electric and its range of electrical test and safety equipment, visit www.martindale-electric.co.uk.
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