Classic on show at Tate Modern extension

The Tate Modern extension, designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron, is being hailed as the most important new cultural building in the UK since the British Library in 1998.

The ten story building’s twisting, pyramid-like shape features the world’s first gallery spaces dedicated to live art, film and installations – its height responding to the chimney of the existing Tate Modern building which was originally designed as a power station.

For the buildings washroom facilities, Kemmlit’s floor to ceiling Classic Cell cubicle system in a black finish was specified.

Classic Cell with its straight profiled lines, is a timeless design classic and features 42mm thick smooth surfaced welted doors with special inlays which guarantee a high degree of privacy and noise reduction.

The doors are designed with narrow gaps between the ceiling and the floor.

Concealed edges and recessed leg supports produce an elegant yet functional design, Its robust construction makes it the ideal choice for all types of washroom applications.

Classic Cell which is available in a range of colours including a new solid black crystal coat varnish finish, is part of an extensive range of high performance cubicle and locker systems from Kemmlit UK.

For more information please visit www.kemmlituk.com.
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Cannock Chase Council maximises tenant safety with Aico CO alarms

Long standing Aico customer Cannock Chase District Council in Staffordshire is in the process of replacing existing Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms across its 5500 properties as they reach their end of life. For speed and efficiency the Council is using Aico’s AudioLINK™ mains powered, battery back-up CO alarm (Ei261ENRC) and the standalone lithium battery powered CO alarm (Ei208), enabling both electricians and gas service engineers to fit the alarms during their planned visits.

Steve Taylor, Electrical Manager at Cannock Chase District Council, comments on this use of mixed powered alarms: “We have used Aico mains powered CO alarms for many years and we will continue to fit these as standard in our properties every time we do an electrical upgrade. However, properties that are not due for an electrical upgrade will not be ignored as our gas service engineers will fit the Ei208 battery alarms where appropriate when they service equipment. The Ei208 is ideal in this instance as it doesn’t require an electrician to fit it, making it a quick fix, plus with a ten year life we know our tenants are well protected.”

Aico’s AudioLINK CO alarms are being used in properties containing gas and solid fuel appliances and open fireplaces.

In bungalows, which are home to older and vulnerable people, the CO alarms are being interconnected with the existing Aico smoke and Multi-Sensor alarms and a wall-mounted Alarm Control Switch, the Ei1529RC. Interconnecting the alarms means that if one alarm on the system is triggered, all other alarms in the same property sound. This ensures the alarm is heard throughout the property, providing the earliest warning – particularly important for older and less mobile occupants.

Interconnection is achieved through Aico’s award winning RadioLINK technology, which allows alarms on the system to communicate with each other using RF signals rather than hard wiring. “RadioLINK is a great, easy fix” states Steve. “We used to experience friction with tenants as they understandably didn’t want us lifting up their carpets and floorboards and disrupting them in order to lay interconnecting cables. With RadioLINK we don’t need to do any of that. It’s also convenient for contractors; they are in and out of a property much quicker.”

The Alarm Control Switch plays an important role here as it allows residents to quickly locate the exact alarm which has detected the fire or CO leak and take appropriate action. The wall mounted Switch is also used to test and silence all the alarms on the system from one safe, convenient location. As Steve Taylor remarks: “We don’t want an 80 year old resident standing on a chair to test their alarm! Being able to access the key features of alarms from a safe height is very important.”

All Aico CO alarms now come with a 10 year life and are fitted with a highly sophisticated electrochemical CO sensor. Each alarm is tested multiple times during manufacture, which includes a test in real CO gas to ensure accuracy. They also come with Aico’s award winning AudioLINK technology. AudioLINK allows for invaluable real time data to be extracted via the alarm’s sounder – all you need is an AudioLINK enabled CO alarm, a tablet or smartphone and the free AudioLINK App. This data is converted into a simple to review and store Alarm Status Report, providing useful information such as any alarm activations – with details of when it occurred, if any background CO has been detected, battery life, alarm sensors status, number of times tested and removed.

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 are tried, tested and trusted.

For more information please visit www.aico.co.uk.
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New catalogue and state-of-the-art processing plant for Wykamol

Wykamol, market leader in the development and supply of remedial treatment products for damp, insect infestation, and dry rot has launched a brand new corporate catalogue, featuring new innovations as well as time-honoured standards.

Aimed at builders, contractors, specifiers and local authority purchasing departments, the compact 100-page booklet features every product in the current Wykamol portfolio, alongside technical drawings, product guides, explanatory diagrams, and illustrations of products in application and in situ.

Wykamol was founded in 1934 when Stanley Richardson was called to tackle a deathwatch beetle infestation at Winchester Cathedral. Recognising a niche for a company that could develop and manufacture remedial treatments for insect blight and similar complaints, Wykamol was born.

Insecticides, fungicides and all manner of timber and surface treatments remain a major part of Wykamol’s business, and its comprehensive range is presented in its entirety in the new catalogue. It is, however, basement conversion, damp proofing and structural waterproofing with which the Wykamol name is now broadly tied.

“There’s no ‘one size fits all’ solution to water ingress in buildings”, explains Andrew Latimer, Sales Director for the Wykamol Group. “The varying nature of different constructions, in itself presents challenges in selecting the correct damp proofing method for the job. At Wykamol, no matter whether it’s a ‘two-up two-down’ with a mouldy basement, or a new-build multi-storey car park, constructed on a flood plain; we’re confident in offering the product you require and can advise you in making the right decision.”

Wykamol has invested £850k in 2016, extending its Burnley HQ to house a new powder processing and bagging plant. “We’re always looking for ways to improve our offering to customers and increase the efficiency of our operations”, Andrew continues. “The new plant is our latest forward-thinking venture – others including our state-of-the-art, in-house product development lab. We’re now able to prepare bespoke powder formulations to customer’s exact specifications, such as cement waterproofing powders, thermal renders, specialist structural grouts and more.”

The catalogue’s eye-catching design takes a light-hearted look at the restoration and waterproofing trade: “Above all, a catalogue is a functional document, but there’s no reason practicality can’t be entertaining!”, Andrew adds. “We’ve covered our design with bootprints, mortar splashes and coffee cup stains, for a look that many contractors will instantly feel at home with!”

To find out more about Wykamol, visit www.wykamol.com and, to order your free copy of the new Wykamol catalogue, email salesdepartment@wykamol.com or call 0845 400 6666.
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Fall protection takes off at Virgin Atlantic with Safesite

Safesite, a supplier of fall protection solutions, has provided Virgin Atlantic with a collective roof edge protection system that ensures optimum roof top safety for maintenance and inspection teams and complies with all relevant health and safety regulations.

Located in Crawley, ‘The Base’ is one of two Virgin Atlantic buildings that house its global Headquarters. Situated in close proximity to Gatwick Airport and Crawley’s city centre, the building provides training and technical facility for cabin crews, pilots and engineers. Built in the 70s, the building includes an extensive flat PVC roof which is split over several levels.

The building previously featured partially installed guardrails and failed demarcation systems which were deemed not fit-for-purpose. It therefore became necessary for the building to have a roof top safety upgrade comprising a complete roof protection system that enables safe access to the entire roof.

Work began in December 2015 to provide a continuous, co-ordinated roof safety system to the roof perimeter of the building and surrounding the roof lights enabling safer roof access. Norland-based commercial property adviser, CBRE Group managed this project and contracted Safesite to specify and install a full guardrail scheme. After removing all existing guardrails, demarcation bases and chain, Safesite installed 900 Lm raked and standard KeeGuard® systems.

“Once we became aware that the previous systems wasn’t performing correctly, we wanted to ensure that the new system was compliant with regulations, provided a full safety solution and wasn’t obtrusive to the design of the building” says Stephen Earl, Project Manager, CBRE (Norland). “Safesite is the expert in this area, and as they can offer the full service, from site surveys to installation, it was clear that they were the right choice for this project. The system that they have installed ticks all the boxes for us, and provides the client with the assurance that anyone accessing the roof will be safe.”

The KeeGuard® range includes standard vertical, raked, radiused and folding systems. The modular design features Kee Klamp® open-style fittings, which facilitate quick and easy installation of the horizontal rails and 100% recycled PVC counterweights. No welding, threading or bolting is required on site, which further speeds up and simplifies the installation process.

Suitable for installation on any flat roof up to a 10° slope, and compatible with concrete, asphalt, PVC membrane and felt roof surfaces, KeeGuard® can be used where a restraining wall is in place or where the rooftop is completely open around the perimeter. The flexible guardrail system can be used for retrofitting to older buildings as well as for new constructions.

The range is fully tested and either meets or exceeds current rooftop safety requirements, including EN13374 Class A, EN ISO 14122 Part 3 and BS 6399: Part 2 1995 Wind Codes.

For further information, please visit www.safesite.co.uk/
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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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