Vertigo gives distinct aesthetic to London extension project

A roof extension project in London has used an innovative fibre cement slate, specifically designed for vertical application, to create a distinctive, contemporary dormer conversion, which had to meet stringent local planning requirements. The project is one of the first in the UK to use the new Vertigo slates, which were developed by roofing and facades manufacturer Marley Eternit.

The home owner specified the Vertigo fibre cement slates to create a clean cut, precisely engineered, slate panel aesthetic for his dormer loft conversion and roof extension, forming a contrast against the riven tiles used on the existing roof and differentiating it from other roof extensions in the area.

The first of its kind in the UK, Vertigo consists of small 600mm by 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.

He explains: “There are hundreds of similar roof extensions in Chiswick, all determined by the same stringent local planning requirements. We appointed PRS Builders to carry out a flat roof dormer conversion for us but we wanted something different, we didn’t want a ‘me-too’ extension. The idea was to create as modern an aesthetic as possible, using an innovative material, not the same type of vertically hung tiles used on other conversions in the area, but still working within the planning constraints.

“We originally chose zinc but it proved to be too expensive and not eco-friendly enough. When we heard about Vertigo, we changed the specification as it offered the stand out aesthetic we were looking for but was a more cost effective and sustainable option.”

The Vertigo slate range is very easy to fix by any builder or roofing contractor and has three different installation methods to give more design flexibility and freedom. On this project, PRS Builders fitted the Vertigo fibre cement slates using a panel installation, so that the regular bond panels give geometric precision. However, it can also be fitted using a traditional method of installation, which gives a natural slate appearance with slate hooks or another option is broken bond, where panels are staggered to give a close boarded effect.

The homeowner adds: “We’re really pleased with the finished effect, the extension blends in with surrounding roofscapes but at the same time, the Vertigo finish offers something a little bit different – a distinctive, yet under-stated, aesthetic that sets ours apart from all of the other similar dormer conversions in the area.”

Charlotte Hughes, marketing product manager from Marley Eternit, comments: “As architects, specifiers and self builders look to create stand out residential designs in urban areas, fibre cement is becoming an increasingly popular material, not only for the roof but also for vertical slating. We developed Vertigo to give more flexibility to specifiers and designers who want to use fibre cement slates across the whole building envelope. This innovative method of vertical slating uses invisible fixings to provide clean lines and a modern aesthetic and is perfectly suited to new build or refurbishment work.”

Lightweight, weather and temperature resistant and available in eight different colours from blue/black 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 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 further information on our range of products and services just ask ME at www.marleyeternit.co.uk/vertigo or call ME on 01283 722588. You can also follow ME on Twitter @MarleyEternit. If it matters to you it matters to us, that’s why with ME it’s all about you.
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Former Chocolate Factory Transformed

The former Terry’s chocolate factory in York is been transformed into an exclusive housing development called “The Residence”, offering luxury living in a historic setting. This prominent 5 storey Grade II listed building is being carefully converted into over 170 stunning and spacious apartments and penthouses.

Evinox Energy worked closely with The PJ Livesey Group to provide a comprehensive district heating solution to suit this unique development. This includes the primary network design, prefabricated plant room skid, heat interface units, and ongoing service and maintenance of the plant room and HIU’s. In addition, Evinox will also provide a billing and full revenue management service, including fully itemised energy bills for residents and a billing app to manage their account online.

District Heating System

The district heat network that has been installed at the chocolate factory re-development, supplies the residents with thermal energy for heating and production of domestic hot water. The use of this type of system ensures that the listed façade of the building is maintained with no requirement for individual boilers and flues or a gas network around the building.

A district network offers considerable energy savings when compared to individual gas fired boilers, and greatly reduced carbon emissions for the scheme as a whole, which was very attractive to the developer The P J Livesey Group.

Evinox Energy specialise in Communal and District heating solutions. Contact us today on 01372 722277 or visit www.evinoxenergy.co.uk for further information.
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New Altro Showroom London created by Ab Rogers Design

Leading flooring and walling solutions company Altro has worked with internationally renowned Ab Rogers Design to create an inspiring, interactive new showroom that showcases a multitude of colourful and creative possibilities, and challenges perceptions of flooring and walling products.

The innovative space was created by Ab Rogers Design in collaboration with Altro to celebrate the colour and creative flexibility of Altro’s products. “The showroom immerses you in the essence of Altro, exploring its ethos as a manufacturer of inspirational products,” explains Ab Rogers. “It was exciting to have this huge palette of products from which to create a gallery of Altro and to work with a client who understands our fascination with colour and the powerful effect it can have on an environment.”

The Altro Showroom London has been created as an interactive space, with Altro’s many and varied products available to see, touch and take away, and a range of digital tools to help bring ideas to life. Resources include Altro’s digital kiosk where you can scan product samples, find out more about ranges and colour options and then email the information to your own account – perfect if you don’t want to carry samples around with you.

Altro’s new Space visualiser tool allows you to select Altro flooring and wall cladding solutions and place them into different 3D environments, including a bathroom and commercial kitchen. The Altro Space visualiser allows you to see how Altro products and shades look like in-situ and from all angles, meaning you can choose the right options for your installation with even more confidence.

As you would expect from a company renowned for the quality of its customer care, there are also friendly, knowledgeable Altro staff on hand to discuss everything from design trends to technical product details whenever you visit the Altro Showroom London. You can also book the showroom for meetings.

Altro’s CEO Richard Kahn is delighted to see the long-planned concept brought to life. He said: “We chose to work with Ab Rogers Design as they create spaces that enhance physical and emotional wellbeing, that transform people’s environments – completely aligned with Altro’s ethos. They have used Altro products for years and we knew they understood all that Altro has to offer. Their design is a celebration of the possibilities that can be achieved with our products and solutions.”

Visitors to Clerkenwell Design Week in May were the first to experience all that the Altro Showroom London has to offer. Architects, designers, existing and new customers had plenty to say about the new resource, describing it as “playful and inventive”, “exciting and creative”, “fun and inviting”, “captivating and inspirational.” They said that “focusing on the visual and tactile experience is a great shortcut to developing a specification”, and that “it’s a comfortable space I could spend time in to experiment with Altro products.”

The Altro Showroom London is at 15 Clerkenwell Green. It is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.00pm, and at other times by appointment. Drop in to see us, or call 020 7490 8237. Visit www.altro.co.uk for more information.
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Berwickshire HA installs cutting edge products from Aico to keep tenants “safe in their homes”

Berwickshire Housing Association (BHA) has announced its decision to install sophisticated Aico Smoke and Heat Alarm system solutions to reduce call outs, provide tenants with more control, enable alarm data extraction and connect with external telecare systems.

BHA has 1800 homes in Berwickshire and Berwick-upon-Tweed, from single’s flats and family homes to bungalows adapted for disabled people and sheltered housing for older people. Aico’s new mains powered Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm, Ei2110e, will be installed throughout all of these properties over the coming years.

David Gray, Assistant Technical Services Manager at BHA, explains the organisation’s decision to fit the new Aico Multi-Sensors throughout these properties: “BHA have decided to install Multi Sensor alarms as part of our ongoing works and specification. Due to the dual sensors communicating with each other, BHA foresees a reduction in call outs to electricians for alarms sounding when no fire is present.”

The Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm contains two sensor types, optical and heat, to constantly monitor smoke and heat levels, sending and receiving information via its intelligent detection software. This sensor information alters the alarm’s sensitivity and trigger points, automatically providing the best response to all fire types and reduces potential false alarms.

This alarm comes with a host of sophisticated features, including data extraction technology AudioLINK. AudioLINK is an award winningtechnology that enables real time data to be extracted from each alarm using its sounder directly to a smartphone or tablet via an App to create an Alarm Status Report. The Report displays useful information about the alarm, such as battery life, alarm sensors status, number of times tested and removed; and any alarm activation, with details of when it occurred – all in a simple format. AudioLINK is installed in all Ei2110e models as standard.

In addition, Ei2110e alarms also have RadioLINK+ capability. RadioLINK+ goes a step further, enabling whole system data to be extracted, such as the number and location of alarms and Radio Frequency (RF) signal strength between alarms, which can be accessed securely from within or even outside a property if access is an issue. This alarm system technology can also help with maintenance of asset management records as details are recorded for each individual alarm system. RadioLINK+ is also used to interconnect alarms on the system without the need to hard wire them together. It comes as a plug in module, which has the added benefit of negating the need for a separate RadioLINK base.

BHA is keen to make the most of this cutting edge technology, as David states: “BHA intends using the AudioLINK App as well as developing the use of the RadioLINK+ functionality to eventually integrate with our systems here. This will also ensure our staff utilise all our electronic mobile working solutions.”

In addition to the Multi-Sensors, BHA will be installing Ei450 Alarm Controllers to allow tenants to test and silence alarms on the system, plus locate the trigger alarm, all from a safe, accessible location.

Aico’s Fire/CO Alarm Interface, Ei414, will also be installed. “Our intention is to link these systems to any Telecare or adaptation equipment within the property as well as the Fire Detection systems” states David. “We are currently working with Aico on our Sheltered Housing complexes to install these systems.”

The installation work has already begun, starting in BHA’s empty properties, with the aim of bringing them up to the more stringent LD2 category of fire protection. To meet this, Multi-Sensors will be installed in the main living area and will be replacing Optical and Ionisation alarms on exit routes. This will be rolled out to all BHA’s housing stock over time.

“BHA look to future proof our fire detection equipment and liaise closely with Aico on new products available,” comments David. “The service from Aico has been first class and gives BHA the confidence going forward that our properties have market leading products installed. This ensures our customers are safe in their homes.”

A wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics, Aico are market leaders in residential fire and CO protection in the UK. All alarms are designed and built in Ireland specifically to meet the UK standards and regulations.

With more mains powered domestic smoke alarms installed in the UK’s social housing than any other manufacturer, Aico is tried, tested and trusted.

For more information please go to www.aico.co.uk or contact Aico on 01691 664100 or enquiries@aico.co.uk.
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Rinnai PHEX solo success showcase of continuous flow water heating for domestic and commercial installations

Rinnai scored a big success at PHEX 2016 with its Solo recirculator water heating range, an industry-leading A class commercial and domestic hot water heating unit suited to all domestic and commercial sites and installations.

The Rinnai Infinity Solo condensing and low NOX water heater is the first of its kind to combine the advanced technology of wall mounted continuous flow water heaters with a stainless steel storage cylinder, all in one compact footprint.

“Rinnai innovation and advanced technology is now a known alternative to traditional technologies. The show established that the Rinnai brand is now synonymous with the values of quality and cost effectiveness, it was incredibly satisfying to speak to so many installers and users who have become brand fans” says Rinnai’s Chris Goggin.

The design parameters of the Solo empowers specifiers, designers, installers and engineers to benefit from unique Rinnai technology in applications where it was not previously possible. For example, the Infinity Solo with both 35kW and 54kW sized appliances, ensures sites with a smaller gas meter can readily use this technology. The larger Infinity Solo model will also act as a high-efficiency alternative to gas fired storage appliances that exist in today’s market.

The cylinder is stainless steel and this reduces the weight compared to glass lined models, and makes transportation and installation a lot easier. As well as the difference in weight, the cylinders also have extremely low heat loss figures (as low as 1.41kW/h day), so the user pays less to maintain the heat within the tank.

One other benefit of the Infinity Solo using a stainless steel cylinder is that the life expectancy of the material is far greater than that of a glass-lined equivalent as glass suffers from thermal shock causing it to crack after a period of time.

The Infinity Solo range is also renewables compatible and supplied pre-fitted with a coil, meaning that the primary energy source will always be from renewable gains and the complementary Rinnai water heater will only apply the precise amount of gas to boost the difference in temperature.

Rinnai manufactures the energy efficient Infinity range of gas fired continuous flow water heaters and space heaters. The Infinity brand carries the widest range of condensing water heaters on the market today with the most impressive efficiencies in operation, leading the field in technological innovation.

The company’s technically advanced condensing hot water heating units are precision engineered to provide simple, effective solutions for all types of commercial applications from caravan parks, restaurants and laundries to factories and office buildings as well as social and domestic housing projects. The units are renewable-ready (suitable for use as a temperature booster for solar thermal and heat-pump).

Rinnai also offers a complete design and selection survey to assist with any domestic or commercial project.

Rinnai personnel reported that throughout PHEX 2016 the Infinity Solo had the most enquiries of all products on the stand.

For more details on RINNAI products visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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Redring introduces five-year guarantee on Selectronic Premier range

Redring’s Selectronic Premier care shower range is now available with a class-leading conditional five-year warranty.

The UK’s number one care shower, which achieved the highest A class energy efficiency rating in line with the Energy-related Products Directive, will be supplied with the warranty on new purchases, providing guaranteed performance and peace of mind to specifiers and end-users.

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.

The introduction of the five-year guarantee coincides with the launch of a new Selectronic product brochure, complete with full details of the range and an information leaflet to explain the benefits of Selectronic to carers and end-users.

The new guarantee provides two additional years, above the existing three-year warranty and is conditional on the purchase being registered with Redring within 30 days, via the warranty card supplied in pack.

For further information on the Selectronic Premier range or to download the new brochure, please visit www.redring.co.uk.
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Exova BM TRADA offers free training on the importance of fire protection measures

Exova BM TRADA offers free training on the importance of fire protection measures.

Expert industry training provider, Exova BM TRADA, will be holding its next free ‘Fire Protection Measures – understanding your responsibilities’ training on 12 July at Sheffield Hallam University.

This popular event includes a number of short seminars over a half day which will provide participants with critical guidance on how to fulfil their obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO).

Under the legislation, the ‘Responsible Person’, which can include the building’s owner, the employer where they have control over the building or if not the employer, the person who has control of the premises, have a legal requirement to comply with RRFSO. This course covers why the RRFSO matters and what it means in practice for the responsible person. It also covers the importance of the risk assessment and of having a competent fire risk assessor, the role of third party certification and of the enforcing officer; and the legal obligations of the fire risk assessor.

The course will run on 12 July at Sheffield Hallam University, with breakfast provided.

The panel of experts providing the training are from senior roles across the fire safety profession, all with first-hand knowledge and experience of fire protection measures:

  • Simon Bailey is a senior fire protection consultant with extensive experience in assessment, testing and site surveys
  • Niall Rowan is the Association for Specialist Fire Protection’s technical officer and has over 30 years’ experience
  • Steve Skarratt heads the Fire Service College’s protection and prevention training
  • Carl May-Smith is a barrister with in-depth legal experience on the RRFSO, having advised fire authorities and other public bodies on the order
  • The Chief Fire Officers Association will also have one of its enforcement team leaders present, completing the panel of experts.

Exova BM TRADA runs additional courses throughout the year which can be offered in-house or within a client’s premises. Exova BM TRADA also provides management systems courses and general management training.

For more information on these and other courses, or to book a place, go to: http://www.exovabmtrada.com/en-gb/training or contact 01494 569 750 or courses@exova.com

Download the full Fire Protection Measures programme here: http://www.exovabmtrada.com/Uploads/MediaLibrary/BMTrada/Training-Brochures/Fire_Protection_Measures_2016.pdf

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Cembrit B5 the alternative to old asbestos roofs

Gorsgoch village hall benefits from Cembrit B5, the versatile and aesthetically pleasing, modern fibre cement corrugated sheets. The material has been used to transform a 60 year old village hall and improve the roof’s performance through its superior water shedding capacity when compared with the old 3″ profile.

A village near Lampeter in the county of Ceredigion, Wales is developing at a high rate and is currently seeing increase in planning applications and new housing developments. Located at the heart of the Gorsgoch, the village hall is the main community building in the area and provides the local community with a common meeting place. After being closed for a number of years, the village hall required a refurbishment. In particular, the narrow asbestos cement corrugated sheet needed to be replaced with a durable and attractive looking roof. Local contractor, Jeff Thomas worked on this project, and Huw Davies from Pensaer HD Architect specified Cembrit’s B5 corrugated sheet.

“The durable and low maintenance credentials of Cembrit’s B5 corrugated sheet made it ideal for use on this project,” comments Huw Davies from Pensaer HD Architect. “Cembrit’s robust onsite service options and the technical support representatives were of great use on this project. The team were extremely helpful, assisting me with all of my enquiries. This has helped to make the project a success.”

Natural grey coated B5 corrugated sheets have provided a spectacular finish that blends in well with the countryside setting. The contractor installed a Plain Wing Angle Ridge to provide sufficient ventilation.

The rust and rot free B5 Corrugated Sheet is the perfect solution for someone looking to clad or repair single-story buildings such as stables and garages. B5 is available in fourteen different lengths ranging from 4′ to 10′ 6″ the sheets are approximately 40% wider than traditional 3″ profile which allows for much better coverage per sheet. They also offer superior water shedding capacity due to the profile of its corrugations.

B5 offers numerous advantages that are helpful for the installer. B5 sheets have a small overlap, and as sheets are approximately 40% wider than comparative products, so it offers a much better coverage per sheet. This has the advantage of decreasing the weight of the roof covering. There is less side lap and overhang, and increased maximum end lap. B5 can be laid to a 5° pitch for small roof areas if the end laps are extended to 300mm and are double sealed with mastic strips. A number of accessories come with the B5. A one-piece close fitting Cranked Crown ridge that can fit into roof pitches, two-piece lose fitting ridge which is adjustable to roof pitches and the Plain Wing Angle ridge that can create high level ventilation. Also there is the Cemsix Barge Board which is used to close verges at gable ends and the one-piece and two-piece Roll Top Finial which forms an integral part of closing a verge apex.

For further information, please visit www.cembrit.co.uk. Follow us on Twitter at @CembritUK and Facebook at Cembrit UK.
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Service Mark Accreditation recognises world class customer service from Marley Eternit

A commitment to deliver “world class customer service” has resulted in Marley Eternit being awarded the coveted ServiceMark accreditation from the Institute of Customer Service (ICS).

The accreditation from the ICS, the independent, professional membership body for customer service, means that Marley Eternit not only delivers a “world class service” but is committed to upholding those standards for its customers. This means continually striving to increase efficiency, using feedback to enhance and improve service and helping customers to have queries answered quickly and effectively saving them time and money.

During the assessment, Marley Eternit was commended for its innovations such as an on-line portal which makes it quicker and easier for customers to get in touch, its strong focus on and culture of continuous improvement, which uses feedback to put new initiatives into action, and placing customers at the heart of everything it does.

Marley Eternit joins household names such as Anglian Water, EDF Energy, Holland and Barrett and Which? that have been awarded the ServiceMark accreditation. The company became a member of the organisation in 2014 and since then has been striving to achieve the ICS’ top award, the ServiceMark accreditation.

Nicola Downes, supply chain director at Marley Eternit, says: “The ServiceMark accreditation is a result of all the hard work and care that the team put in to ensure excellent service for our customers. Our continual improvement of speed of service and delivery is designed to provide the best experience for our customers, so it is great to receive recognition for this.

“Achieving the ServiceMark standard lets our customers know we are committed to constantly improving our services, and finding new ways to increase speed of service and efficiency for them.”

As part of the three-stage accreditation process, the ICS carried out surveys with employers and employees for two consecutive years to understand better what customers want and how to get it. The final stage involved an independent assessor interviewing team members, conducting observations and checking written documentation to verify the company was meeting the benchmarks set and implementing action plans to develop areas for improvement.

The assessment highlighted the extensive training and coaching, compliance audits and competency checks that allow employees to better empower and support customers. The accreditation recognised that enquiries, information and complaints are all given a high priority and positive outcomes are generated quickly.

Jed O’Mara, management consultant at ICS and lead on the assessment, noted: “Our assessment showed us that Marley Eternit has sought to differentiate itself by seeking to achieve a world class customer service through working with the ICS. All employees questioned on this area had a sincere belief that this ambition is achievable and they are continually making good progress, which we have recognised through this accreditation.”

For more information, visit www.marleyeternit.co.uk or call 01283 722588.
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Factory installed fire protection

MMC Magazine examines the potential of a proven fire-stopping product range to help offsite manufacturers protect their systems against the spread of flame and other products of combustion.

Prefabrication is viewed by many in the industry as the best means of ensuring new properties match up to their target performance standards in terms of insulation and airtightness, but the controlled conditions of a factory environment also offer the opportunity to optimize the fire engineering of structures. And this is an area where Manchester based Tenmat UK can offer its considerable experience and expertise.

The company whose Firefly range of Ventilated Fire Barriers, Fire Sleeves and other intumescent products are widely used on sites around the country, is also specified by some of the UK’s largest offsite specialists. Furthermore, the company has the development facilities and the resources to take a new concept from a client and develop it into a fully tested product solution.

Mark Davies is Product Manager for Tenmat and recounts: “We provide viable, installer friendly fire protection products to clients right across the building industry, including the trade contractors such as bricklayers and electricians who want products which are quick and easy to fit. Our range enables areas such as cavities and service penetrations to be protected while we are also used to catering for the differences in building regulations.

“In terms of the offsite sector, we are seeing our products used extensively in projects such as the construction of high-rise student accommodation blocks in locations throughout the UK. On some contracts the products will be employed both during the factory fabrication process and also when installing the mechanical and electrical services on site.”

The options employed include Ventilated Fire Barriers which can provide compartmentalisation in the external wall for up to 2 hours. Other products include Penetration Seals for Pipes & Ducting, as well as fire protection for Downlights and Electrical Services.

Tenmat also supplies bespoke intumescent barriers to the manufacturers of electrical consumer units and offers a solution to not only protect the area where switches have been recessed into a wall, but also prevent them being a path for air leakage.

Mark Davies continued: “Our wide range of products are accredited to all the latest British and European standards and are independently tested by BM TRADA to ensure they will perform in practice. Fire protection products should meet the most stringent standards and be made under strictly controlled production processes. This is achieved by Tenmat through rigorous internal and external auditing; which is why we are regularly invited to take part in fire safety committees and stakeholder groups.”

For further information please visit www.tenmat.com.
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