Arts hub takes centre stage in £10m Portobello project

Plans for a £10m investment in the world-famous Portobello area, including a new arts centre, were unveiled today.

Film screenings, live music and theatre will be among the events be staged at the 1,000 capacity arts hub, which will also play an important role in the preparations for Notting Hill Carnival.
A new indoor market hall, new shops for independent retailers and studio spaces for small businesses and community groups form part of the scheme to breathe new life into the area under the Westway flyover where it meets Portobello Road.

Westway Trust, the charity which owns and manages the land, has pledged to give preference to local independent traders above chain stores to complement the vibrancy and character of the Portobello Market which is nearby and will be unaffected.

The new facilities will boost the local economy, creating 150 new jobs as well as apprenticeships and increasing market trading hours.

Redevelopment by the Trust will focus on the neighbourhood linking Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park.

Planners hope more people will head further north up Portobello Road drawn by the new facilities and more live events.

More than 1,000 people, including residents, community groups and business responded to the 18-month consultation.

Architecture practice Stiff + Trevillion, which is based in Westbourne Grove and has experience of similar projects in North Kensington, worked with the Trust to produce the plans made public today.

Details of the scheme are as follows:

  • The Trust proposes to create multi-use arts and culture centre on Acklam Road. It will be fully sound-proofed and have a year-round, all-day programme of events including film screenings, live music, theatre, arts workshops and exhibitions. It could also be used as a “backstage” space for preparations for Notting Hill Carnival as well as celebrating the carnival. Acklam Road will keep its “raw” urban character and will benefit from new amenities: toilets, storage for traders and improved public areas.
  • Also under the Westway, the existing gloomy shopping arcade on Thorpe Close will be redesigned to create a spacious, light and modern indoor market hall with studio and office units above. An arts and entertainments area will be suitable for hosting events such as the Portobello Film Festival. The new design will give retailers more prominence at street level and boost trade.
  • Portobello Green will be improved with a new stage and grassed performance area and children’s play area. Walls and railings will be removed to make the park more permeable, encouraging visitors to spend longer in the neighbourhood.
  • The distinctive white canopy that hosts the vintage clothing market next to Portobello Green has been preserved by local demand.
  • Portobello’s profile will be raised with a heritage sign of ‘Portobello Green’ visible by drivers on the Westway flyover.
  • Some 13 affordable one to three-bedroom flats will be built on the Acklam car park to meet local housing demand. Independent retailers will occupy the ground level and a green courtyard will be created for new residents and those at adjacent Norfolk Mews.

Proceeds from housing will help the Trust meet the overall scheme’s costs, which will also be funded by cash and borrowings.

Westway Trust Chief Executive, Angela McConville said “Portobello has a unique appeal as local people and the millions of visitors every year appreciate. It is this character and distinctiveness that we want to preserve and celebrate in our new proposals. We have listened to local people and their views are reflected in our plans to provide improved spaces to enhance the area’s cultural life and benefit the community as well as providing much needed affordable housing.”

Brendan O’Keefe, Managing Director, of Epic ELM C.I.C., a local youth service organisation, said “In this scheme I see a variety of different opportunities for young people to get their careers going and I hope we can get involved in supporting that work.”

Chris Garland, Vice Chair of Swinbrook Residents Association, said “With the re-visualization/re-packaging of the Portobello Green/Westway development plan, The Westway Trust are to be congratulated I am delighted to say, in having created something excellent and inspiring.

For not only have they created something that captures the sense and spirit of the area, but (and perhaps most importantly) they have brought it into the 21st Century! For this is a plan that acknowledges, but does not dwell on or live in the past! It recognizes change, and the need for it, and where the area is going.

It moves with the times, by creating something that re-invents, enhances and embraces the ‘Now’ in a way that will upgrade the area and its culture, in a manner that is long overdue. Of course there will be those who are against change, any change, but those who generally love, understand and live in this area, and look to the future, will recognize the style and visionary aspects of this wonderful new plan and the great benefit it will be bring to the people and business of this area.”

Micky P, from local arts festival Portobello Live!, said: “Portobello Live! is happy to be working with the Westway Trust, and having seen their plans for the redevelopment of Westway Estate around Portobello Rd, it’s clear they have listened to the community and will enhance the heritage of our much loved area. The future looks very exciting and will undoubtedly encourage a lot more people to visit!”

Jo Royce, Executive Director of Gate Theatre, said “West London is a real hub for arts and culture, so the development of a new and vibrant space for creative talent, right in the heart of Portobello, feels very exciting.”

A public exhibition of the Portobello proposals will be held 15th November –18th November and Sunday 20th November under the Westway at 1 Thorpe Close and is likely to be followed by a planning application at the end of the year. More information can be found on the Westway Trust website westway.org/Portobello.
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The Key Safe Company launches new improved website

Market leaders in key safes, The Key Safe Company has launched its new www.keysafe.co.uk website with a brand new look, additional features and improved user navigation.

The updated website provides comprehensive information on the company’s products including the leading Supra C500 Keysafe™ and the brand new One Touch Personal Alarm monitoring system.

The new website is easier to navigate thanks to a sector-based structure, which provides the relevant information to customers in community care, residential, business, rental or automotive markets. It also features an informative FAQ and technical support section, allowing customers to access advice and tips on all of its products.

The responsive new design makes the website easy to use on all devices including laptops, tablets and smartphones, and is optimised for the visually impaired for improved accessibility.

David Ogden, Managing Director of The Key Safe Company, commented: “We are thrilled to launch our updated website. We understand the importance of having advice and support materials readily available for our customers and end-users in all markets.

“Our products are support systems to not only care professionals, but often older and vulnerable householders, providing peace of mind to allow people to continue to live independently. Therefore having a website which is easy to navigate and use was really important to the business.”

Trusted by over 2 million UK householders, their products are ideal for anyone who needs to grant immediate, authorised access to a property. The Supra C500 key safe is supplied to the majority of local authorities and is the UK’s only police approved mechanical key safe tested to the same security standard as an external door.

The new One Touch monitoring system uses GPS technology to allow the user to travel far outside their home and provides an alert to selected contacts, in the event of an emergency.

David added: “With the launch of our vibrant new website and the revolutionary One Touch, we are set to have another strong year in 2017.”

For more information, advice or support on any of the products available from The Key Safe Company, please visit: www.keysafe.co.uk.
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Metsec provides framing solution for new unite development

When the industry leading, and FTSE 250, student accommodation provider Unite announced plans for its latest development in Coventry, the curved, complex shape of the building – as well as the restrictions of a confined location, meant that the project would require a bespoke solution. As such, light gauge structural steel specialist voestalpine Metsec plc was chosen – delivering its Metframe system to meet the building’s design and performance requirements. Furthermore, with panels manufactured off-site – this was crucial in helping to streamline the build process and reduce activity on the busy, restricted site.

Unite operates over 125 sites across 25 key university cities and towns in the UK. The latest development on Far Gosford Street, known as Gosford Gate, will be home to 286 students and is a key part of a long-term regeneration programme in the Coventry area. The site combines studio living spaces with communal study, social and utility areas and will help satisfy the growing demand for student accommodation – with over 20,000 students now enrolled at Coventry University.

Led by main contractor Bowmer & Kirkland, the process of constructing a facility to host a large number of students within a restricted urban area required the full design and engineering capabilities of Metsec. In addition to the logistical issues of working in a congested location, the complex design required a number of bespoke elements, to ensure that the framing solution accommodated the number of curves on the building. These challenges were met using Metsec’s innovative framing solution, which combines precision engineering with a concise delivery and installation process.

The Metsec team produced essential engineered designs for its Metframe system to construct the upper levels of the building. Metframe is a lightweight panelised solution, ideal for medium-rise buildings. The panels are manufactured off site and faceted around the curves on the building. This precision engineering helped to avoid waste on site, limit the cost to the customer as well as help to reduce the project’s overall environmental impact. The Metframe system also provided a practical solution for the complex and confined development by reducing the amount of work required on site – with framing delivered in the correct erection sequence for a streamlined installation process.

Delivering the project within these challenges required clear collaboration from the supply chain. Angela Mansell, Operations Director at Mansell Finishes commented: “As one of Metsec’s preferred installers, we have benefitted from a close partnership for many years and this was particularly crucial to the success of this installation.

“This project represented many design and installation challenges. We worked closely with Metsec to ensure that we met the specific requirements of the project – particularly the difficult curved wall and corners of the building. Maintaining clear communication meant that we could ensure a high quality solution was manufactured, delivered and installed efficiently and effectively.”

Ryan Simmonds at Metsec commented further on the challenges of the Gosford Gate project: “When designing the framework, we had to consider both pitched and flat areas of the roof. Areas of the framework also needed to be faceted to accommodate the building’s curved corners. The use of BIM was crucial to ensure we could visualise the interfaces and ensure our teams would not face any issues on site when it came to installation. From the design and planning phase, we worked collaboratively with the architect, integrating our BIM model into theirs, allowing them to co-ordinate their own model and other following trades.”

“The use of our off-site capabilities was also a significant advantage for the project as our Metframe panels were built with complete accuracy and delivered to site in the correct erection sequence – with no further modification required.”

For more information on the Metsec product range visit www.metsec.com. Alternatively, connect with Metsec via @MetsecUK or facebook.com/MetsecUK.
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Rinnai continuous flow hot water units replace old stored units at Malvern Hills caravan site

Rinnai, the UK’s leading manufacturer of continuous flow water heating systems, has transformed the hot water delivery arrangements at a busy Caravan Club site in the Malvern Hills.

Malvern Hills Caravan Club site offers its visitors not only the beautiful Malvern Hills to explore but also the Elgar Trail taking in composer’s birthplace at Broadheath to his final abode in Worcester. Malvern adds to its charms with a Festival and Fringe in May as well as laying claim to having the finest parish church in England, all within easy reach of the caravan park. And it is, of course, renowned for its spring water.

The site is especially busy from Easter all the way through to October so there is a continuous need for hot water. Providing plentiful hot water for visitors staying in caravans on up to 210 pitches, with demand for showers before breakfast and dinner is no easy task and it recently became clear that the site’s old, traditional system simply couldn’t cope.

Contractor Booth and Bomford of Evesham advised on the task of supplying the needs of a toilet/shower block with a new state-of-the- art hot water system. It was important that the new system should be able to produce hot water any time of the day or night and never run cold, even at the busiest times.

The decision was taken to install four Rinnai HDC1500i gas fired continuous flow heaters to provide a never-ending supply of temperature-safe hot water for even the busiest of times.

Graham Cox, for Booth and Bomford, explains: “The job involved the removal of the two storage type water heaters and installation of four new Rinnai water heaters. We also needed to re-configure the hot, cold, LPG gas and return pipework to suit the requirements of the new heaters and insulate all new pipework, put in new vertical flues through the roof and a new water conditioning unit to protect the water heaters, followed by test and commission.”

According to Cox, the popular Caravan Club site now benefits from energy and cost savings due to the fact that the new heaters are more efficient providing instantaneous hot water as required rather than having large amounts of stored hot water that is continually re-heated and is not required during out of peak times.

The Caravan Club obviously agrees as Booth and Bomford have won the contract to get to work on another two sites – Moorhampton in Hereford with two Rinnai HDC1500i heaters and Moreton-in-the-Marsh where four HDC1500i heaters are going in.

Booth and Bomford is an established M&E contractor providing plumbing, heating and electrical services working on both commercial and domestic contracts and maintenance services.

Clients include the Caravan Club, care homes, County & District Councils, colleges, schools, building companies and architects, private commercial and residential clients.

Rinnai offers the most energy efficient and cost effective range of LPG-compatible A-rated energy labelled appliances.

For off-grid installation the Rinnai Infinity range offers world beating efficiencies and the most advanced technologies on the market today for anywhere an energy efficient LPG instantaneous water heater is needed.

Chris Goggin, Associate Director, Rinnai UK comments: “Installers and end users can rest assured that A-rated Infinity HDC units, including the HDC1500, offer high-end performance with unrivalled reliability – with this type of application we have seen an energy reduction as high as 30%.”

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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Marley Eternit adds underlays to create unparalleled roof systems offer

Manufacturer Marley Eternit has launched its own easy-to-install Vapour Permeable and Non Breathable underlays, further enhancing its position as the leading roof systems provider in the UK.

Following the acquisition of John Brash, the latest announcement means Marley Eternit now offers the most comprehensive roof system in the market, including roof coverings, fittings and accessories, roofing battens and underlays. This allows specifiers, merchants and contractors to benefit from buying a whole roof system from a single source.

The new Universal lightweight underlays incorporate a range of useful features to ensure installation is compliant with the latest requirements of BS 5534. As well as being designed for use in all five UK wind zones, the underlays are marked with guide lines for straight laying and to correspond with the different overlap lengths set out by the British Standard, making it easier for contractors to comply.

To meet the British Standard, securing underlay can either involve wastage by requiring larger laps to coincide with a naturally occurring batten course or introduce a health and safety risk with the use of a dangerous fly batten. To overcome these challenges, Marley Eternit’s Vapour Permeable and Non Breathable underlays come with integrated tape to seal and secure the laps. This provides an effective and easy-to-install solution capable of resisting problems associated with wind uplift, whilst meeting the British Standard.

Gavin White, product manager from Marley Eternit, explains: “Following our integration with John Brash, the launch of our own range of underlays is the final piece of the jigsaw, meaning we are now the only UK manufacturer to offer as many elements of the roof within one system package. This is particularly important given many specifiers are now looking for a total roof solution and it gives advantages in terms of a single point of accountability and technical support, all underpinned by the peace of mind that comes with our system warranty.”

The high performance Universal underlays have been manufactured using the latest materials and processes. They have been designed either to integrate as part of a complete Marley Eternit roof system, or for use in conjunction with a range of roof coverings – regardless of manufacturer.

Gavin White adds: “Most breathable underlays have a significant role to play when used as part of an integrated ventilation system. Our new Vapour Permeable underlay is a complementary means of ventilation when used in conjunction with traditional low and high level ventilation products. We feel this is the most effective way of meeting the requirements of BS 5250 and is a tried and tested approach which avoids placing the heavy burden of roof ventilation on one single element. We are also launching a Non Breathable underlay for use when traditional ventilation methods are preferred. Both underlays provide an ultra strong, durable and easy-to-install under-tile layer suitable for warm or cold roof applications.

“Choosing a full roof system from Marley Eternit gives peace of mind that all elements meet the highest level of quality and sustainability and have been designed and tested to meet stringent standards, with ease of fitting in mind.”

For more information about Marley Eternit’s new Universal underlays, visit www.marleyeternit.co.uk/underlays.
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Forbo ‘brings the outside in’ at The Kelpies Visitor Centre

Architects at Nicoll Russell Studios have worked closely with Forbo Flooring Systems to create an attractive and welcoming interior environment at The Kelpies Visitor Centre at Helix Park in Falkirk.

The centre provides an all-weather, all-year-round facility from which visitors can admire the magnificent 30m high Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures. It also incorporates a cafe, exhibition space and a retail area.

Euan McCallum, Senior Associate at Nicoll Russell Studios, said: “When it came to specifying flooring for the centre, we initially contemplated having an exposed concrete finish, which would reflect the industrial heritage of The Kelpies. However, our client was concerned that the concrete may feel too hard beneath visitors’ feet and potentially be unwelcoming. So, we contacted Forbo for help as we were aware of the Allura Stone luxury vinyl tile range, which offers an appearance similar to polished concrete but without the associated costs and drawbacks.”

The main public areas of the centre have been fitted with Allura Stone LVT in three colourways – Grigio Concrete, Charcoal Concrete and Natural Concrete. The natural aesthetics and 50 x 50cm format were chosen to blend effectively with the granite paving of the plaza outside. The installation pattern not only reflects the exterior paving layout but also echoes the patterns of the stainless steel cladding panels on the Kelpies themselves.

Other Forbo products installed as part of the floor scheme include Nuway Grid entrance matting with Coral Anthracite inserts to complement the Allura Stone floor coverings, and Surestep safety flooring to help prevent slips and trips in back of house areas such as kitchens and staff rooms.

Euan concluded: “Throughout the entire project, Forbo were very helpful providing advice and all the samples we wanted. They not only assisted with the product selection, they also provided us with technical assistance and gave us a fully detailed specification for laying the materials on the substrate. Overall, we are all very pleased with the finished project and the help we received from the company.”

The innovative use of the floor coverings at The Kelpies Visitor Centre helped the project to win the 2016 Fly Forbo competition.

For more information please call 0844 822 3928, email info.flooring.uk@forbo.com or visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/allura.
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Powdertech sponsors Facade Engineering Excellence

Powdertech (Corby) Ltd is pleased to be sponsoring the Society of Facade Engineering Competition 2016. The competition invites designers, architects and engineers to submit imaginative and innovative building facades. These will be judged by some of the world’s leading exponents of facade engineering.

“As a niche supplier of specialist metal finishing to the architectural sector we are highly appreciative of the technical competence and design skills displayed in facade form and function,” said Richard Besant, Sales and Marketing Director, Powdertech (Corby) Ltd. “We have seen excellence and creativity in facade design grow year upon year, and supporting the Society of Facade Engineers is a natural fit with our business. We look forward to seeing the final winning entries.”

The winners will be announced at the SFE’s Glass Supper held on December 1st in the splendid Gibson Hall in the City of London.

For more information please visit www.powdertechcorby.co.uk/applications/building-envelope.
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Titon launches its new auramode®

Titon’s new auramode® is a simple and sophisticated LCD display for programming, commissioning and occupancy control for Titon’s high quality range of Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery units (MVHR).

The auramode® functions include straightforward speed control at the click of a button with three or four-speed options, alongside an auto-timed speed mode. The fourth speed (high flow) has been added to assist with purge flow ventilation requirements. Seven-day programming is also available, with a total of eight different settings per day, while an adjustable indicator notifies users when MVHR filters require changing.

Furthermore, the auramode® provides internal MVHR humidity set point adjustment, while a ‘boost inhibit’ function linked to time speeds helps avoid night-time boosting – either via switch inputs or humidity. Once the auramode® has been successfully programmed, end users can leave their MVHR systems running without the need for any additional controller adjustments.

Commenting on the control, Paul Cowell, Senior Technical Manager at Titon, said: “The auramode® provides end users with exceptional levels of control over their Titon MVHR units. The new control has a user-friendly interface, while its functionality ensures a ventilation system is operating efficiently, maintaining high levels of indoor air quality and comfort.”

The auramode® programmer is 86mm wide x 86mm high x 16mm deep and is supplied with a 14m connection cable and a one-year guarantee. The low voltage LCD display is back lit, with adjustable light and contrast settings. Plus, it is a multi-language controller, allowing it to be set in a choice of 12 languages, including German, Spanish and Russian.

For more information about Titon and its range of ventilation systems, please visit www.titon.co.uk.
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Reynaers brings simplicity and strength to Paris’ horizontal skyscraper, the Macdonald Warehouse

(Photo by: Eric Sempé – SPIKSTUDIO)

The redevelopment of Paris’ Macdonald Warehouse has transformed an urban logistics building into a vibrant and contemporary neighbourhood, using bespoke glazing systems from Reynaers.

This project integrates into The Grand Urban Renewal Project; Paris’ wider efforts to provide more homes and inject life into neglected areas that are cut off by industrial facilities and infrastructural networks. An industrial barrier in itself, the ‘Macdo’ was designed in 1970 by Marcel Forest. The impressive structure spans over 600m in length, earning it the nickname ‘une tour couchée’, or ‘the horizontal skyscraper’.

Pleated facades

Key factors in specifying a range of Reynaers products for lots N5 and S6 of the design were performance, costs and technical evaluation. The CF 77 system combines high insulation and comfort with visual appeal. It is a highly versatile product, with a range of available opening types and threshold solutions. The folding elements with hidden gaskets create a particularly clean appearance, proving to be both efficient and aesthetically pleasing for ceiling-high, foldable doors.

The clean, sharp design of Reynaers windows integrates perfectly with the rhythmically extruded façades. This pleated façade was designed by FAA and XDGA, which wraps around the entire ground floor, the bridge building across the tramline as well as the exterior spaces and two blocks of assisted rental housing.

Architect Milena Wysoczynska, Project Manager at Paris-based XDGA-FAA, said: “Seeking a simple yet strong solution, we developed a single pattern for both blocks, with three-dimensional panelling that reflected the sky and added depth to the façade.”

Desénclavement

A key concept in the renewal project is desénclavement, or ‘opening up,’ making the area less isolated and more accessible.

Once considered ‘ugly and difficult,’ the Macdo was developed and built upon by fifteen French and international teams. Co-ordinator Floris Alkemade, the Netherlands’ Chief Government Architect, explained that their aims are to respect the building’s heritage and enhance it with contemporary elements.

Alkemade, along with Belgian architect Xaveer de Geyter, established design guidelines to strike balance between coherence and creative freedom amongst the different plots. The result is a tidy North façade which overlooks the boulevard, juxtaposed against the more colourful and spontaneous South façade which overlooks a new train station and gardens.

With the residential aspect divided neatly into private and social housing, aesthetic standards ensure that no visible distinction can be made. As one of the biggest “live, work, play, shop” venues in France, the Macdonald Warehouse will offer more than 1,000 homes, expansive space for offices, shops and communal activities as well as two schools, a gymnasium and a bank across an incredible 210,000m2 of floor space.

Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, a public sector financial institution, funded the €240 million development. Camille Picard, Managing Director of Paris Nord EST at the Caisse des Dépôts, said: “The scheme has a direct influence on the entire area; it enables everything that is happening in the neighbourhood. Without it, the construction of a new development zone across the street wouldn’t have started as they would struggle to sell flats and offices looking out on a warehouse.”

Lead architect: OMA, Paris
Local architects and project coordinators: XDGA + FAA (lots N5 and S6), Brussels
Contractor: Sicra, Chevilly-Larue
Investor: Caisse des Dépôts, Paris
Fabricator: Alu Concept, Chilly Mazarin
Reynaers system: CF 77

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Stunning Shingle Lodge for luxury Scottish hotel

Architect John Murray has specified Marley Eternit’s JB Shingles to create a stunning cottage annex for a luxury Victorian boutique hotel in Dumfries and Galloway. The aptly named Shingle Lodge, built by 3b Construction, has been wrapped entirely in the western red cedar shingles to blend in with its natural surroundings.

The owners of Knockinaam Lodge hotel wanted to create a separate cottage annex to cater for guests who require easy accessibility and self-contained accommodation. Situated in 30 acres of landscaped grounds, with its own private beach, the architect needed to ensure that all exterior materials for the hotel annex were robust enough to withstand the severely exposed conditions without deteriorating.

Marley Eternit’s JB Shingles were specified for both the roof and cladding of the annex, creating a stunning cottage that sits beautifully within its surroundings as a breath-taking piece of architecture. When viewed at a distance, Shingle Lodge has achieved what the architect intended by retaining its aesthetic integrity and blending into the coastal environment.

Architect John Murray, comments: “I could see that using shingles would maintain the character of the hotel, retain the unique sense of place of the cove and fit well with the abundant backdrop of vegetation behind the cottage. The real beauty of shingles is that they age gracefully. In just a few years, the aptly named Shingle Lodge will blend into the local area as if it has always been part of the natural landscape.”

Sarah Jackson, marketing product manager from Marley Eternit, adds: “The use of our JB shingles on this cottage annexe provides the perfect aesthetic for this location. Using the product for both the roof and cladding creates a striking contemporary, yet natural, aesthetic, which is ideal for its rural and coastal setting.”

With one of the lowest carbon footprints of any widely used building product, shingles are perfect for projects which are driven by sustainability objectives. Marley Eternit’s JB western red cedar shingles also offer the highest-quality ‘Blue-label’ grade and are accredited by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), which ensures that the biodiversity and ecosystems of the forest are preserved.

JB Shingles are available with a clear preservative treatment called MicroPro® to retain the natural look of cedar, with a guaranteed minimum lifespan of 40 years. Many preservative treatments are alkaline and react with the natural tannins in the cedar, often leaving black or dark stains, or are prone to leaching (washing) out. However, MicroPro’s® unique formulation uses a suspended micronised copper-based preservative that leaves the shingle looking completely natural.

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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