Flexible Billing for Residents at The Ladbroke Grove

The Ladbroke Grove development from Taylor Wimpey Central London, is part of the regeneration of Grand Union Centre, and includes both luxury apartments and homes for first-time buyers, close to Kensington and Chelsea. This mixed use scheme combines living and working, with office accommodation and retail units available alongside a high-quality development of apartments set around a private courtyard in W10.

Evinox Energy are delighted to be working with P R Morson on this outstanding development, supplying heat interface units and metering & billing services.

Design and sustainability

To reduce the environmental impact of the development, the apartments are all connected to a communal heating system, which supplies residents with thermal energy for heating and production of domestic hot water. System water is heated in a central plant room, distributed via pipework around the building and energy is transferred to residents via a ModuSat HIU.

The ModuSat HIU’s at The Ladbroke Grove include both an energy meter for heating and hot water, and an electricity meter, meaning residents will be billed for both utilities by Evinox Energy.

In Built Pre-Payment Facility

Evinox ModuSat HIU’s are supplied pre-payment or credit account ready, meaning there is no requirement for additional controls, sensors or hardware providing flexible metering options.

With most modern housing schemes being mixed use, the ability to operate a part credit billing and part pre-payment system on the same scheme is extremely desirable, and providing a future proof solution is a key advantage of the Evinox system, as it can be adapted to different tenant occupations. The ability to make changes remotely provides the ultimate in simplicity and flexibility at The Ladbroke Grove.

By combining smart HIU’s with excellent after-sales, end user support and flexible metering and billing services, the building owner has a hassle-free, sustainable development and residents enjoy a fantastic place to live.

Visit the Evinox Energy website today for more info, or contact on 01372 722277 / info@evinoxenergy.co.uk.
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Armstrong Ceilings’ TechZone™ system has been enhanced

Armstrong Ceilings has further simplified its ground-breaking TechZone™ system, which was the industry’s first easy-to-specify-and-install ceiling solution with integrated technical services, to be offered as a standard solution.

TechZone™, which was pioneering when it was launched in 2009, is now available as four standard layouts which easily organise lighting, air diffusers and returns into 100mm and 150mm wide technical zones.

A range of compatible fixtures from Armstrong’s partner companies for the building services elements (Trox for air diffusers and XAL and Zumtobel for lighting) have also been prequalified for fit and finish to give a clean, monolithic look using standard ceiling panels and suspension systems.

All specifiers have to do is design the layout from either Armstrong’s CAD/Revit library or their own imagination, then choose the field panels, technical panels, suspension systems and perimeter treatments.

Field panels are Armstrong’s Ultima+ and Ultima+ OP, Perla and Perla OP 0.95 and Optima mineral tiles and planks with Microlook 90 or SL2 edge profiles. These tiles and planks deliver environmentally and acoustically as Perla OP 0.95 was the first mineral tile in the world to be Cradle to Cradle certified, the Ultima+ range was the first mineral ceiling tile range in the world to be Cradle to Cradle certified, and the suspension system – the Prelude 15 XL2 grid – is now also Cradle to Cradle certified, making the complete system (tiles and grid) the ultimate green ceiling system. In addition, Perla OP 0.95, Ultima+ OP and Optima all deliver to sound absorption Class A.

The improved TechZone™ system has enabled Armstrong to meet the growing trend for linear lighting.

At the same time, Armstrong has teamed up with XAL Lighting to launch the On Centre linear lighting solution. It makes it even easier for architects and specifiers to create inspiring ceiling designs with higher ceiling heights, zero plenum interference and on-centre continuous or non-continuous layouts.

The unique solution is designed to be installed as a full new system but it can also be retrofitted to existing 600mm by 600mm ceiling modules to bring an even cleaner monolithic visual to open and closed-plan spaces in buildings such as offices, schools, hospitals and retail outlets.

The integrated system allows the high-performance XAL Leno Grid Led luminaire to be installed from below to eliminate the requirement for ceiling re-work when it is specified with factory-finished Armstrong ceilings panels (Ultima+, Ultima+ OP and Perla OP 0.95) and the Prelude 15 XL2 suspension system. It also integrates with Axiom pre-engineered perimeter systems and transitions and can be incorporated into canopies.

Architects and designers simply follow the TechZone™ specification phases of choosing a standard layout or creating their own, then choosing their panels, suspension systems, perimeter treatment and accessories. Armstrong’s 600mm by 600mm mineral tiles are typically used throughout, with the 600mm by 550mm brought in when there is a linear light to fit. Lighting strips can be as long as 2,400mm.

The new premium system gives an ultra-contemporary visual with the narrow 100mm linear lighting centred on the grid using standard ceilings and suspension systems to create custom looks. The lighting goes between and parallel to the grid main runners so only requires an additional hanger for installation, making it as quick and easy to install as standard systems.

TechZone™ incorporating linear lighting has its own dedicated CAD drawings available from Armstrong’s Architectural Specialities office and is covered by Armstrong’s 30-year system warranty*.

*For the Armstrong components, not XAL’s.

For more information please visit www.armstrongceilings.co.uk.
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Building to Passive House standards with PU insulation

A house built using polyurethane materials consumes 85% less energy than a home built from conventional materials. They can provide very high levels of insulation with minimal thickness which in turn allows architects and designers to maximise the use of interior spaces. It is perhaps no surprise then that when it came to the construction of a passive house in Belgium, polyurethane insulation materials were used to create a highly insulating building fabric. Three years on, has the Polyurethanes Passive House in Brussels and its very well insulated and sealed envelope provided a comfortable and healthy environment throughout the year?

The end-of-terrace four-storey family house developed by ISOPA, the European trade body for diisocyanate and polyol producers, was completed in Evere near Brussels in 2013. It is now occupied and working as a low energy test bed, its running costs and energy use closely measured to show the savings possible for homeowners.

While there are over 12,000 new build Passive House certified buildings across Europe, the ISOPA house is unusual in using a high proportion of PU to achieve its highly insulating fabric first design which reduces the need for heating and saves around 80% of the energy used by a normal house. PU insulation has been used wherever possible from wall cavities to the floor, and windows to the roof.

The house has been designed so that all of the construction elements work together in an integrated way, from the solar panels on the roof to the geothermal heat pump and MVHR system which ensures that warm fresh air circulates internally despite the high air tightness levels. The University of Leuven has been evaluating the home’s overall performance, energy use and indoor comfort levels which would verify whether the PU products as installed were really achieving the calculated performance levels.

The analysis of the data yielded an estimated heat loss coefficient of 60.0 W/K, with a standard deviation of 3.0 W/K. This indicates that the thermal performance of the building fabric meets the very high standards expected, which was instrumental to the project reaching the performance levels required for Passive House certification.

Known for the comfort they provide, polyurethanes are ideal for Passive House construction because they provide very high levels of insulation thanks to low thermal conductivity, meaning they provide reduced thickness increasing their affordability and reducing the impact on building footprints. As well as requiring fewer adjustments to be made to the design of buildings and less aesthetic compromises such as with deep window reveals, further cost savings on depth of eaves, joists, rafters or studs, lengths of fixings can be achieved. In short, the extremely low U-values required for Passive House projects can be much more easily achieved with PU than with other materials as far fewer changes to design detailing are required.

Rigid PIR insulation boards are also light but strong, moisture-resistant and easy to install, and they, as well as spray foam PUR insulation, retain their insulating properties for the life of the building. Last but not least, PU materials contribute to preservation of natural resources by reducing the need for energy which assists their sustainability credentials in Passive House projects.

With a daunting 80% reduction in carbon emissions on 1990 levels called for globally by 2050, such efforts to create practical ‘near zero energy’ houses are essential. With houses accounting for 40% of energy consumed across Europe, achieving the means of constructing new Passive Houses affordably using PU which can deliver the results while saving homeowners money is the realistic way forward, as demonstrated at the Polyurethanes Passive House.

by Marleen Baes, BRUFMA Technical Committee Member

For more information about BRUFMA visit www.brufma.co.uk.
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Hot new products at HVAC 2016

Organisers of HVAC 2016 are pleased to announce that the show in October will host a number of new product launches from leading exhibitors including some industry firsts, as well as a raft of exciting competitions.

In a world first, humidification and evaporative cooling specialists Condair will be previewing the first ever condensing, gas-fired steam humidifier at its stand. The new Condair GS recovers heat from exhaust gases to pre-heat its incoming water supply, saving energy and making it the most efficient gas-fired humidifier available.

For those looking for the latest innovations in the smart controls market then Cotherm UK’s stand will be well worth a visit. The company will be launching its new range of smart water heating controls as well as its smart electric radiator controls. Leading ventilation solutions manufacturer Airflow Developments Ltd will also be exhibiting its brand new Ardoit Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) range of units. The Passive House certified units are equipped with the latest smart technology that allows airflow settings to be controlled within the home or remotely by PC, tablet or smartphone.

Organisers are also pleased to announce that HVAC 2016 will host the official European launch of pioneering air treatment company Bio-Oxygen. The company will be showcasing its air sterilisation system, which guarantees odour free results along with 99 per cent elimination of viruses and bacteria. Also with new products specifically for for the UK market, air conditioning specialist Hitachi will be bringing its all-in-one Tutaki-SCombi air source heat pump as well as other examples from its newly expanded range.

Nathan Garnett, Event Director for HVAC 2016, commented: “For anyone wanting to learn what’s new in the HVAC sector, HVAC 2016 is not to be missed. The number of product launches and even world firsts is staggering for this year’s event and I’m really excited to see what’s been described to us in the flesh. When these launches are combined with the informative seminar content I’m convinced that the show will be well worth the day out for any HVAC professional.”

Steve Bartholomew, Sales Director at Cotherm UK, added: “We have chosen to exhibit at HVAC 2016, as part of UK Construction Week, to launch our range of smart water and space heating controls because of the presence of local authority decision makers and also decision makers from OEM’s and industry representatives. They are key markets for the new energy saving devices which will offer great value to the identified markets and in turn the user and householders.”

Other exciting stands visitors should make sure to visit include Darwin Clayton, which will be offering it’s new and improved insurance scheme for the HVAC sector and Calor, which will have representatives from its new dedicated rural housing developer team to answer any questions and offer advice. In addition, the latest innovations from Knauf Insulation, Trimble and Kingspan Insulation will also be on display.

Taking place at the Birmingham NEC from 18 – 20 October, HVAC 2016 sits alongside Timber Expo, the Build Show, Civils Expo, the Surface and Materials Show, Energy 2016, Plant & Machinery Live, Smart Buildings 2016 and Grand Designs Live as part of UK Construction Week.

For more information or to register for your FREE ticket to attend, please visit www.hvaclive.co.uk or follow @hvacshow on Twitter.
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Smoke ventilation maintenance – the hot issue for HAs and LAs

Ongoing budgetary pressures and a lack of familiarity by local authorities and housing associations about the strict regulations that govern the maintenance of smoke ventilation systems, has given rise to a worrying trend that will leave them exposed to prosecution for non-compliance unless it is addressed.

In an effort to integrate fire systems maintenance and save money in the process, many HAs and LAs are ‘bundling’ smoke ventilation maintenance into a multi-disciplined ‘fire service’ contract, where the contractor is responsible for all fire and smoke system maintenance, often across several locations and building types.

However, under the scope of various British Standards, including BS9991, BS9999 and BS7346 Part 8, together with Building Regulations ADB; the European EN12101 standard and best practice guidance documents from the Smoke Control Association, there are specific maintenance requirements and procedures that must be followed.

The real ‘teeth’ behind this complex and vital legislative framework is the Regulatory Reform Order (RRO). This gives fire service officers an extensive range of enforcement powers in situations where smoke control systems have been inadequately maintained under the demands of the various pieces of legislation.

The penalties for non-compliance can be significant, including the prosecution of companies, building owners, landlords and individuals responsible for building maintenance, resulting in punitive fines as well as custodial sentences.

At SE Controls, we have already been directly involved in a significant number of projects to correct problems caused where general fire contractors have found themselves out of their depth and unable to maintain the smoke control system within the demands of the regulations.

In one instance the maintenance company had failed to notice a smoke vent that had been ‘nailed shut’ rendering it in operable and dangerous, while another recent case or poor maintenance from an inexperienced contractor resulted in an automatic smoke vent falling out of the building. A major internal review followed, together with the involvement of the HSE and prosecutions are now being considered.

On a number of other remedial projects, fire officers or building control have already imposed close notices on the buildings, resulting in disruption, the removal of tenants and large unbudgeted costs for the housing association. Clearly, these could have been avoided if the specialised smoke ventilation maintenance contract was kept separate and handled by a specialist company, such as SE Controls.

By Simon North – Service and Maintenance Division Manager with SE Controls 

Simon North-Media-300dpi

For more information please visit www.secontrols.com.
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Weberpral M monocouche render by Saint-Gobain Weber just got better

The market leading, high performance weberpral M monocouche render by Saint-Gobain Weber has an improved formulation to combat the war against algae.

Algae growth on external surfaces is not a new phenomenon but its increase is due to warmer winter climates and prolonged damp weather conditions which are being experienced across large areas of Europe. In conditions that do not fall below zero temperatures algae spores continue to grow and can affect many exposed surfaces.

“Environmental factors cause algae growth to occur on almost all external surfaces including stone, glass, metal, plastic, fencing and brickwork and whilst algae doesn’t affect the performance of our BBA approved monocouche render it can sometimes become unsightly,” says Tracey Dempster, head of marketing, Saint-Gobain Weber.

“We’ve worked closely with French microbiologists to understand the effect of the composition of the render and also the effect that external factors have to play – such as dew point, surface condensation, temperature and rain fall. In achieving the lowest capillary absorption rate performance of W2, as classified in EN998-1 for weberpral M, we have gone a long way in combatting unattractive algae growth on vulnerable properties by effectively repelling water from the surface of the render, ensuring that Britain’s homes and buildings remain looking better for longer.”

Factory produced to ensure product consistency weberpral M is a cementitious, through-coloured render suitable for one-coat application to suitable brick or block work substrates. Produced from carefully selected raw materials, weberpral M monocouche render is formulated for pump application which allows quick and efficient installation. This contributes significantly to shorter programme periods, reducing associated scaffolding and site costs and permitting the completion of ground works at an earlier state. It is supplied ready-mixed with only the requirement of clean water to be added on site and is applied in a two pass operation to a thickness of 20-28mm; it is then scraped when green giving a minimum render thickness of 15-25mm.

Saint-Gobain Weber is the first manufacturer of monocouche renders to be awarded an A+ rating as defined in the BRE Global 2008 Green Guide to Specification. This audited material helps specifiers to make selections that will collectively reduce the environmental impact of their buildings while achieving a higher number of BREEAM material specification credits. weberpral M has excellent weather resistance and durability whilst allowing the structure to breathe. Its through-coloured characteristic requires no decoration, is truly low maintenance and offers a variety of ways to achieve architectural features. It is available in a palette of 24 attractive colours.

For more information, or for technical support, please contact Saint-Gobain Weber on 08703 330 070, or visit www.netweber.co.uk (Customers in Ireland should call 028 9335 2999 or visit www.weber.ie).
A free download of the new weber.app for iPhone and iPad users is also available from iTunes and from Google Play for Android smartphones and tablet users. Follow Saint-Gobain Weber on Twitter @SGWeberUK for the latest company news and updates.
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Expertise and plant capability secured contract for Powdertech

Powdertech (Corby) Ltd has demonstrated its expertise in metal finishing on both steel and aluminium in the exciting Dickens Yard development, Ealing, West London. As specialists in architectural metal finishing, Powdertech coated all of the steel balconies and balustrade on the site, and many sections of aluminium facade.

Dickens Yard has been developed on the site of a former council car park in the centre of Ealing. It is termed a ‘high density, mixed use’ development, with shops, cafes, restaurants, health and leisure facilities at street level. Sitting directly above these are over six hundred residential apartments with landscaped courtyards, terraces and balconies.

Powdertech powder coated over 70 galvanised steel balcony bases and 500 metres of aluminium glass channel in Axalta RAL7039 matt grey polyester powder, providing corrosion protection and colour for twenty five years. “The large balcony bases up to 6m by 1.5m, and weighing in excess of 800kg took some handling,” said Richard Besant, Powdertech Sales Director, “Our plant has the capacity to accommodate the size, the weight and the quantity of these units.” In addition, posts for over 500 metres steel balustrade were coated in Valspar RAL7012 matt grey.

Ealing is identified as one of London’s major metropolitan centres in the London Plan and Dickens Yard reflects that vision. “This is a prestigious development with a requirement to look smart over many years,” said Richard Besant. “The powder coated finish on the prominent metal work will help to achieve that with minimal maintenance.”

For more information please visit www.powdertechcorby.co.uk.
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Newydd Housing Association makes Smart choice with keyless entry

Newydd Housing Association tenants in Shakespeare Gardens, Rhydyfelin, near Pontypridd, will be among the first in Wales to use their fingerprints to enter their new homes.

The apartments at Shakespeare Gardens are being fully refurbished by Weston Contractors for Newydd, creating a housing co-operative for local people. The Connective Touch SmartPro system is being installed, giving tenants complete control over who can access their home.

By swapping their keys for biometric technology, new tenants of the 18 one-bedroom apartments will benefit from improved security, easier access, reduced maintenance costs and help them feel even safer in their new, close-knit community.

Connective Touch Founder Devi Sohanta explains: “I believe that this technology, using fingerprints to unlock doors, can change lives. It’s safe, fast, easy and secure, providing tenants with complete peace of mind. There’s no possibility that the security of the home is compromised simply because a key has been lost or stolen.”

Elise Coalter, New Business Manager at Newydd added: “Using this new technology appealed to us not only due to its innovation, convenience and improved security but also due to the advantage of having a product that will last long term, aiding the sustainability of the co-operative.

“Shakespeare Gardens is already an active community and tenant members are looking forward to the advantages of having biometrics technology. After installation of the SmartPro system and future discussions with members we will be in a position to consider how we could then roll out this innovative new technology to more properties if successful.”

A housing co-operative is a group of people who live in and take an active role in managing their own homes. This could involve day to day repairs, communal cleaning, window cleaning, decoration and gardening. Newydd, as landlord, will continue to be responsible for all major maintenance tasks and will continue to carry out gas and boiler safety checks. The refurbishment of the apartments at Shakespeare Gardens is due to be completed in September 2016.

For more information please visit www.connectivetouch.com.
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Noise-free housing for happy living

Good acoustics, like high quality thermal insulation, is one of the most important considerations for house builders and architects. This is because of high density living and, in particular, the popularity of sold floors. For example, one of the latest trends are polished concrete floors in variety of different colours. The problem is further exacerbated by the desire for large areas of glass and the absence of soft furnishings, such as curtains and carpets. The result of all this is that absorption of sound is difficult and reverberated sound can create an unpleasant environment.

One increasingly popular solution is to line the ceilings with cost effective and high performance Troldtekt acoustic panels. Widely used throughout Europe, the panels instantly create an attractive surface, pleasant acoustics and a feeling of well-being throughout the house.

Apart from a calm and cohesive surface, the ceiling offers a flexible choice of design, including different colours, surface structures, edge profiles and suspension systems. In addition it is possible to integrate surface mounted or concealed light fittings as well as sound speakers. The Troldtekt speaker is an acoustic panel with a specially developed flat unit, built in and concealed on the back of the panel. The sound waves pass through the panel and are distributed evenly throughout the room, covering a larger area than a traditional speaker.

Danish manufactured Troldtekt acoustic panels are specified throughout the UK. Made with 100% natural wood fibres, their benefits are high sound absorption, high durability, natural breathability, low cost life cycle performance and sustainability documented by Cradle to Cradle certification at silver level.

Apart from housing, they are used to improve acoustics in many different projects, such as schools, leisure centres, pools, commercial and public buildings. Available in various sizes and in three grades from ultrafine to coarse, they can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour.

For samples and comprehensive technical information tel 01978 664255 or visit www@troldtekt.co.uk.
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Redring delivers digital waste pump connection solution

Redring has updated a number of models within Selectronic Premier care shower range, introducing a new digital waste pump connection utility that enables the new units to be connected with all leading digital waste pump brands.

The updated Selectronic Premier WP models allow specifiers, housing associations, building contractors, installers and householders to install these care shower models in bathrooms with a digital waste pump when required, whether they are 2 wire or 3 wire connection systems.

Alongside the new digital connection capability, the updated models retain the ability to directly link to leading analogue waste pumps as before, meaning almost any retro-fit Selectronic Premier WP installation will allow installers to keep the existing digital or analogue pump in place.

The Selectronic Premier WP models, available as a 8.5KW or 9.5KW variant, still deliver all the performance of the UK’s number one care shower, which achieved the highest A class energy efficiency rating in line with the Energy-related Products Directive. This includes a five-year warranty on new purchases, announced earlier this year, providing guaranteed performance and peace of mind to specifiers and end-users.

Steve Noble from Redring commented: “At Redring we understand that flexibility is everything for specifiers, housing associations and installers alike. The new Redring Selectronic Premier WP models guarantee this, allowing almost all digital and analogue pumps to connect when the WP is installed within a level access shower.”

The thermostatic shower has been a popular choice in the care sector for over 25 years, due to its ability to deliver water at a constant and safe temperature. Large one-touch buttons offer easy control, and audio feedback allows all changes to be clearly communicated to the user.

The inclusion of smart data logger technology means that showering patterns can be tracked at all times to save energy and monitor usage, and a unique fault-finder system allows problems to be easily diagnosed and solved.

For further information on the Selectronic Premier range, please visit www.redring.co.uk.
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