Vortice supplies energy efficient ventilation to former convent

Built on the site of the Poor Clares Convent, is a new development of 16 luxury homes. In the sought-after village of Baddesley Clinton in Warwickshire, landscape plans are now becoming a reality. The convent itself has been converted and six new dwellings built on the site which closed as an active convent in 2011 after 160 years.

Vortice has installed the energy efficient Vort Leto into the apartments. The Vort Leto MEV is a continuously running ventilation unit which continually extracts from the wet rooms. The fan runs on a constant trickle and then boosts up via switches located in the wet rooms. Vortice Specification Manager, Ken Johnson said “I worked closely with SANDS Plumbing and Heating Services London to ensure that the ventilation specified was suited to the type of building. Due to having only one break out of the building façade, the Vort Leto was an ideal choice in order to maintain the finish of the fabric of the building. It was important to both SANDS Plumbing and Heating Services and to Vortice to maintain the historic aspects of the building.”

For further information on the Vort Leto MEV visit www.vortice.ltd.uk or email technical@vortice.ltd.uk.
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Rinnai continuous flow for domestic/light commercial sites

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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Marley Eternit answers call of DIY SOS: The Big Build

The latest episode of ‘DIY SOS: The Big Build’ has been supported by Marley Eternit, after the company supplied its JB CitiDeck solution to the project free of charge.

‘DIY SOS: The Big Build’ – a special for the BBC’s charity Children in Need – saw the team work to renovate a Victorian house into a new, much needed, young carers’ facility in the legendary seaside resort of Blackpool.

The Blackpool Carers Centre project is the show’s biggest charitable build to date, and was headed up by renowned interior designer Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen. Over the course of just 10 days, the project involved completely renovating what were two separate homes, while also incorporating the landscaping of the building’s one-acre of wild garden.

The team called upon Marley Eternit to help in the construction of a circular decking area installed in the grounds of the centre. Measuring 25m² and with a circumference of over 15m, JB CitiDeck in a robust oak finish – with its smooth profiled boards, which feature two non-slip inserts – was installed.

Charlotte Hughes, Product Manager at Marley Eternit, explains more about the project and why Marley Eternit was delighted to help out. She says: “Giving back to the community is something which is important to us as a business. So, the chance to be involved in such a huge project for BBC’s Children in Need was a fantastic opportunity.

“After spending some time learning more about the project, and the great work the Blackpool Carers Centre provides to young children and their families, our JB CitiDeck was the perfect choice as it not only exceeds the HSL’s anti-slip testing guidelines, it is also an incredibly durable solution ensuring that the decking area will be enjoyed for many years to come.”

Michelle Smith, CEO of Blackpool Carers Centre, added: “We sincerely thank DIY SOS, BBC Children in Need and everyone else that has been involved. We are astonished by the efforts of the team, businesses who have donated materials and volunteers – the support has been beyond what we could have ever imagined. This renovation will enable us to help improve the lives of more children and young people with caring responsibilities who are in need of our support both now and in the years to come.”

The new build also incorporates a child-friendly kitchen and open plan play spaces, as well as a woodland garden adventure and an allotment, providing a safe a supportive environment for the young carers to enjoy a bit more child-time.

The episode of ‘DIY SOS: The Big Build’ Children in Need special aired on BBC on 17 November 2016.

For further information on our range of products and services just ask ME at www.marleyeternit.co.uk or call ME on 01283 722588. You can also follow ME on Twitter @MarleyEternit.
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Best year yet for Hurst composite fire door

Hurst Plastics has toasted to its best year ever for composite fire doors. The Kingston-upon-Hull based firm has ramped up production of composite fire doors by 41% and significantly increased its share of the commercial sector.

Howard Wilson, Hurst Plastics’ Composite Manager, explains: “2016 was a tremendous year for our composite fire door, particularly the first half of the year when we secured some very sizeable commercial contracts. During the year, we made a number of investments into new plant and machinery. This helped us to boost our production capabilities so that we could satisfy the increased demand for fire doors.

“We’re proud of this performance which is underlined by our commitment to best practice. We work closely with specifiers to guide them through their specification and help them to choose the most appropriate products for individual applications.”

The range of Hurst composite fire doors includes FD30, FD30S and FDSBD. Each door has been audited and certified by Warrington Exova BM Trada – an independent third party which assures the quality, performance and traceability of every component of the fire door.

The fire door range has been fire and smoke tested for up to 30 minutes by Warrington Exova and each door conforms to BS476: Part 22: 1987. An FD60 door is also available for more demanding applications.

The doors guarantee the highest levels of security and satisfy the requirements of the Q-Mark enhanced security scheme. The doors also comply with PAS023/PAS024 security accreditation and the requirements of Secured by Design.

The 44mm thick Hurst composite fire door leaf consists of a robust, high performance core, which incorporates fire retardant phenolic foam and a high-density hardwood perimeter to provide a full half hour fire rating. The core is faced in a GRP colour finished skin, which is outwardly indistinguishable from Hurst’s standard composite doors.

All Hurst fire doors are supplied with controlled door closers to meet BS EN 1154.

To sustain further growth in 2017, Hurst has invested in additional new machinery to increase production rates of all doors. This includes an automated door wrapping machine, which will reduce packing time of composite doors by 60%.

For more information please visit www.hurst-plastics.co.uk.
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Altro XpressLay brings fast turnaround and cost savings at 27 new build schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information please visit www.altro.co.uk.
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Lightweight Vertigo cladding selected for eco-friendly penthouses

Architectural practice Alexander Sedgley has specified a pioneering vertical fibre cement slate facade system for a luxury private mews development in London.

The Vertigo slates, from manufacturer Marley Eternit, have been used to create striking projecting bays on the front and rear of the exclusive terraced and semi detached rental properties at William Mews, near Brockley.

Built by Proctor Developments, the distinctive eco-friendly homes use timber frame construction, so the architects needed to specify a lightweight cladding material. They also wanted the bays to create a strong contrast against the yellow-flecked London stock brick required by planning. Although zinc or render were initially considered, Alexander Sedgley architects selected the new Vertigo system for its aesthetic and lightweight properties.

Project architect Stephen Alexander explains: “As we were using a timber frame, getting a lightweight material to clad the projecting structures was very important and when we saw the Vertigo system, we knew it was perfect for this development.

“The site is surrounded by two-storey Victorian houses and we wanted to create a contemporary contrast, without it being too imposing. As well as meeting our weight criteria, the Vertigo system gives a clean, contemporary slate aesthetic that will stand the test of time, but crucially remains sympathetic to the surroundings.

“It was very easy to detail and the other big advantage was that the roofing contractor was able to install it, so we didn’t need a specialist fitter. It was also much more economical than using sheet metal and removed the aesthetic problem of visible seams.”

The first of its kind in the UK, Vertigo consists of small 600mm x 300mm slate like panels which can be quickly fixed onto battens, with the desired amount of insulation in between. The fibre cement slates perfectly adapt to the contours of the building, providing a second protective skin. The Vertigo slate range is very easy to fit and has three different installation methods to give more design flexibility and freedom.

Charlotte Hughes, product manager from Marley Eternit, adds: “Vertigo is still a relatively new product in the UK market but is already proving popular in the luxury private residential sector, particularly with developers and architects who want to create striking properties in urban environments. As a lightweight material, it is ideal for adding aesthetic interest to timber frame buildings like this one at William Mews. In fact, using Vertigo with a block and timber frame can be 15% lighter than a traditional brick and block system.”

Available in eight different colours from Anthracite to Terracotta, Vertigo slates can be used to create beautiful, distinctive and elegant vertical cladding solutions for a full range of building types. Perfect continuity between the roof and facade can be achieved by using Vertigo in combination with Marley Eternit’s Birkdale or Rivendale fibre cement roof slates.

Vertigo also boasts superb sustainability credentials, helping to achieve environmental credits with a ‘very good’ BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing accreditation and its environmental impact is easily reviewed with its own Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). Fibre cement also offers sustainability benefits throughout its whole life cycle, as it can be fully recycled at the end of its use. Waste fibre cement can be ground down and used to replace limestone and shale in clinker production, the essential ingredients for Portland cement.

For more information or design advice, please visit www.marleyeternit.co.uk/vertigo or call Marley Eternit on 01283 722588.
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BES 6001: 3.1 Certification Awarded

The impact of our purchasing decisions has never been more critical. Our global economy is now bringing to bear the Butterfly effect: when a butterfly flaps it’s wings in one part of the world it can cause a hurricane in another part of the world. Construction by its nature of increasing or improving density is intensely energy demanding, the embodied energy contained in our building stock has derived from the earth’s resources, therefore, as construction professionals we should all carefully consider the ethics of our purchasing decisions. The materials used on a building draw from the Global economy, therefore a decision today could create deforestation in poorer regions of the world or create the impetus for modern slavery.

Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems, as a British privately owned organisation has always held its integrity in business as the cornerstone of its operations. As part of The Parkside Group Limited, Comar has built up excellent, long term relationships with its suppliers, ensuring they are paid on time and if issues arose building partnerships which quickly lead to their resolution. We require as a minimum that they have an ethical business and hold ISO 14001 certification. Good supplier management coupled with ethical business practices is the basis of BRE’s BES 6001 standard for the Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products.

We are pleased to announce that we are certified through BRE’s new BES 6001:3.01 Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products, receiving a “Good” rating. This ensures that our architectural and contractor partners can rest assured, that in contracting with Comar and its Nationwide Network of Approved Subcontractors our aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling systems have been sourced responsibly with a company that holds the ethics of good supplier management at its heart. Not only does BES 6001 audit and accredit supplier management it delves deeper to ensure that all aspects of global citizenship are covered, these are held under three main headings: Organisational Management, Supply Chain Management and Environmental and Social Responsibility Management. This award is even more noteworthy when we consider that this is the new standard and Comar are the first to receive this in the aluminium sector.

Recognising the importance of our Purchasing decisions and the impact they may have on our environment and society, we encourage our Supply Chain to implement a certified Quality, Environmental, and Health and Safety Management System. We also recognise the importance of Environmental Protection and we are committed to operating our business in compliance with all Environmental Regulations, Legislation and initiatives relating to the building industry and the wider Environment.

It is the organisation’s objective to operate with, and to maintain good relations with all regulatory bodies and places Environmental Protection at the core of its operations. The Parkside Group Limited is accredited to the Environmental Standard ISO 14001:2004 and is currently in transition to the new 2015 version.

The Parkside Group is committed to conducting its business in an open and honest manner and as such this our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy reflects the commitment of our employees to minimise the impact of our operations for future generations and ensuring the welfare of its staff and the local area. We pride ourselves with promoting all we do in an ethical and integral way. As part of our commitment to responsibly sourcing we continuously monitor the impact of our working practices and the design of our systems to ensure any environmental impact is minimised.

For our full CSR Statement please visit: www.comar-alu.co.uk/environmental.
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Titon expands its SF Xtra ventilator range

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information about Titon and its range of trickle ventilators, please visit: www.titon.co.uk. 
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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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