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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New robust detail E-WM-30 for aircrete blocks announced

Knauf Insulation has welcomed a new Robust Detail for aircrete blocks, which has been included within the latest edition of the Robust Detail handbook, released on the 21st September.

The new detail E-WM-30, developed by Knauf Insulation in close co-operation with Robust Details, comprises two leaves of 100mm aircrete blocks, with a 100mm cavity that has been fully filled with the blown mineral wool insulation Supafil® Party Wall. It is the first Robust Detail for aircrete blocks, with a blown retrofit solution that negates the need for a wet parge coat; only a plasterboard lining is required, saving time and money on site. The detail will also achieve three points in the Health and Wellbeing section of Code for Sustainable Homes assessments.

Stephen Wise, Glass Product Manager at Knauf Insulation, said: “We are always striving to develop cost effective solutions for our customers to make their life easier, and this new Robust Detail is no different. We have developed this detail without a parge coat to deliver greater process efficiencies, and it offers high levels of acoustic and thermal performance, which can satisfy the requirements of the building regulations for a zero U-value party wall.”

John Tebbit, Managing Director at Robust Detail, commented: “We very much welcome this new detail, which will provide housebuilders with even more choice when it comes to designing and building properties. Like all new details, it has undergone rigorous in-situ testing and will comply with Part E1 of the Building Regulations in England and Wales.”

Aircrete is a lightweight aerated concrete material that provides good thermal performance and is primarily used for the inner skin of external walls. Cliff Fudge, Technical Committee Chairman at Aircrete Products Association (APA), said: “The new Robust Detail will provide our customers with more options for using aircrete blocks in separating party walls – delivering them the acoustic and thermal performance they need.”

This detail is the latest in an on-going programme of development of Robust Details that Knauf Insulation are working on, to deliver the widest range of party wall solutions for housebuilders.

For more information regarding the Robust Detail please visit www.robustdetails.com/the-handbook/selecting-your-robust-details/masonry-walls/e-wm-30
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Enjoyable shopping experience delivered for everyone

“An even better experience for our customers” is extending through to the toilets in North Swindon.

The town’s Orbital Shopping Park has benefitted from a £multi-million investment to improve accessibility for all visitors- able and disabled. The ease with which visitors can now get to, and about, the shopping park has been delivered by better pedestrian flow, a new customer service centre, plus more, and new toilets- including a state-of-the-art Changing Places suite.

The Changing Places, supplied and installed by Clos-o-Mat- Britain’s leading provider of ‘away from home’ disabled toilet solutions- enables anyone who needs assistance when toileting to do so with dignity and optimum hygiene. Bigger than conventional wheelchair-accessible toilets, the Changing Places at Orbital also has more equipment, specifically a height-adjustable washbasin, ceiling track X/Y hoist and wall-mounted, height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench.

“When planning the refurbishment, we asked the local community what facilities they would like, and a Changing Places was suggested,” explained Jamie Turner, Centre Manager for Broadgate Estates, which manages the Orbital Shopping Park owned by British Land. “We aim to provide a safe, accessible and enjoyable shopping experience, and accessibility is top of our agenda.”

“People who use facilties such as Changing Places tell us that without them, they simply can’t do things most of us take for granted, like a trip to the shops. The options, without a Changing Places or similar, are to lie a loved one on the floor of a public convenience to change them- with all the associated safety, sanitary considerations that go with that, go home, or not go out at all” added Kelvin Grimes, away from home toileting project manager for Clos-o-Mat.

Clos-o-Mat is Britain’s leading provider of disabled toilet solutions in and out of home, including Changing Places toilets, enabling tens of thousands of people with special needs and disabilities to undertake their personal care with dignity, independence and optimum hygiene.

It is unique in offering, in-house, design advice, supply, installation, commissioning and after-sales service & maintenance, reinforced by a raft of technical support available on its website www.clos-o-mat.com.

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