Aico data extraction technologies demo at ‘Homes 2016’ stand H141

Following on from its success at both CIH Housing 2016 and FIREX exhibitions this year, Aico will be exhibiting at Homes 2016, Stand H141, 16-17th November at London’s Olympia. There visitors can see Aico’s market leading smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms, along with working demonstrations of their latest data extraction technologies.

Homes 2016 is the only large-scale housing event in London to bring together local authority, housing association and housebuilder professionals, across residential development, asset management and procurement.

Highly regarded in the social housing sector, Aico specialise in smoke and CO alarms that are built under exceptionally stringent quality controls, for maximum reliability and safety. Aico is also an innovator in the field, having launched a number of unique new technologies of benefit to housing providers including, most recently, data extraction and alarm monitoring. Visitors to Homes 2016 will be able to witness Aico’s data extraction technologies – multi award winning AudioLINK and RadioLINK+ first hand through on stand live demonstrations.

Alarms on display will include the Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm, Ei2110e with dual sensors and intelligent software, the new Ei160e Series of smoke alarms and the range of AudioLINK enabled CO alarms.

AudioLINK technology provides individual alarm data in real time which is easily extracted via the Alarm’s sounder – all you need is an AudioLINK enabled Alarm, a tablet/smartphone and the free AudioLINK App. This data is converted into an Alarm Status Report, colour coded to identify the urgency of any issue, enabling contractors on site to take appropriate action. AudioLINK, has been incorporated in to all of Aico’s CO alarms and the new Ei2110e Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm.

Whilst AudioLINK works with individual alarms, RadioLINK+ is a wireless interconnection technology which also enables quick and simple whole system data to be extracted. Data such as the number and location of alarms, details of any alarm activations, notification of alarm removal and information on how long the alarms have been powered is readily available and can be accessed securely from inside or outside a property if access is an issue. RadioLINK+ technology can help with maintenance of asset management records as details are recorded for each individual alarm system.

In addition to alarms, a range of Aico’s best selling alarm accessories will be displayed at Homes 2016, including the Ei450 Alarm Controller and the innovative Ei414 Fire/CO Alarm Interface that provides a dedicated connection between Aico alarms with third party systems and devices such as sprinkler systems, warden call, panel systems and community alarms.

Aico works in partnership with hundreds of local authorities, housing associations, developers, specifiers, contractors and wholesalers, bringing its unrivalled products, experience and expertise to help customers ensure they get the very best fire and CO detection possible. Visit Aico at Homes 2016, Stand H141 to find out more about creating a bespoke alarm system, individual project support and training for installation teams.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics, all Aico alarms are designed and built in Europe, specifically to meet UK standards and regulations, under the strictest of quality controls.

For more information please visit Aico at the show or go to www.aico.co.uk.
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“Get the Tempest look”

From Stormking Plastics, the UK’s largest GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) manufacturer, comes the new Tempest range of GRP door canopies. Developed to cater to the needs of the social housing, local authority and housing association market for refurbishment and new build developments. The canopies can totally transform the front elevation of a building, allowing for architectural self-expression and provide increased curb appeal.

The sought after products come in a variety of styles and finishes from GRP flat top, apex or mono pitch reproduction tiled effect, and contemporary design polycarbonate Tempest Clearlight canopies. Each is supplied with complete fixing instructions for a quick and easy installation and is virtually maintenance free.

The Clearlight canopy is manufactured in six standard sizes, in two styles and consists of a robust external quality steel frame in powder coated silver. To give you the complete contemporary look, it is supplied with a high quality clear UV stable protected 8mm polycarbonate roof.

The mono pitched reproduction tiled effect canopy is a lean-to style GRP door canopy with GRP reproduction plain tile roof including GRP lead effect flashing/ fixing upstand and GRP white moulded side cheeks, fascia and soffit. Available in 3 tile colours – terracotta, natural brown and slate grey, the canopy is supplied with a pair of recplas gallows brackets and fixing kits to suit.

Also available in a range of colours are the apex reproduction tiled effect door canopies which can be either spoked or open.

If you’re looking for something a little understated but with huge appeal, then the flat canopy maybe the ideal alternative. Tempest provide a flat top internal fix contemporary style GRP door canopy, a flat top door canopy with decorative kneelers or the flat top door surround and pilasters. All are equipped with GRP reproduction lead roof including lead effect flashing/fixing upstand, all internal framework, internal mild steel fixing brackets, white GRP moulded fascia and soffit.

Made in the UK, all products are certified by the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems and ISO 9001 Management Systems.

Visit the website at www.tempestgrp.co.uk to view our range of canopies for all your requirements including new build and refurbishment projects. Alternatively, email sales@tempestgrp.co.uk or call 01827 311 100 to request a brochure.
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Encasement keeps on running with Dame Kelly Holmes Sports Centre

An extension to the Dame Kelly Holmes Sports Centre at Farnborough Sixth Form College, to provide additional facilities for students, is using Quadra pre-formed plywood column casings, which were supplied and installed by Encasement, to conceal structural steelwork and improve interior aesthetics.

Originally opened in 2007 in honour of the British double Olympic gold medallist, this latest expansion of the college’s wide-ranging sports and P.E. facilities is designed to link the Dame Kelly Holmes Centre with a separate sports hall, while also providing much needed additional recreation and social space for students.

The new annexe, which also incorporates a large foyer area, uses extensive glazed curtain walling that extends for more than 50 metres from the new entrance along the full length of the building and is supported by 16 structural columns, which are concealed by the rectangular Quadra casings.

Manufactured from strong 8mm thick pre-formed plywood, 15 of the casings measure 368mm x 200mm, while the final one is 368mm x 350mm to accommodate a double structural support. Each casing is finished in durable Formica ‘Dusty Jade’ matt green laminate. The casings also incorporate matching infill strips to give an integrated finish to the vertical joints and feature 100mm high brushed aluminium collars at ceiling and floor level.

While most of the Quadra casings stand 3.0 metres high, during installation Encasement needed to trim and tailor some casings to allow for two changes in the level of the floor, which increases along the building’s length of the extension by approximately 300mm.

Encasement’s Managing Director, Martin Taylor, explained: “This is an ideal application for Quadra casings, as they’re not only strong and durable, for use in high traffic public areas, but can be finished in virtually any colour to integrate or contrast with a building interior.”

He added: “Our Quadra and Circa pre-formed plywood column casings are just part of our extensive range, which also includes Forma metal casings and Vecta wall lining solutions, all of which are widely throughout the education sector in public areas, classrooms and lecture theatres, as well as for main entrances and foyers.”

For more information please visit www.encasement.co.uk.

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Christian Dior‘s Flagship Store selects Kemmlit

Christian Dior’s largest and most prestigious UK store recently opened in New Bond Street, London to critical acclaim.

The store designed by New York designer Peter Marino, features Dior’s luxury products over four floors including an exclusive Home Furnishings Collection.

In keeping with the high specification of building’s interior fittings, Kemmlit’s stylish, yet durable Type S locker system was specified by project architects Blair Associates for the staff changing areas.

Type S lockers are manufactured by Kemmlit from sheet steel with a scratch and abrasion resistant stove enamelled finish A 13mm solid grade laminate version is also available.

For the Christian Dior project, 60 extra narrow lockers were specified, each featuring an innovative secure ‘no key’ electronic combination locking system.

Type S Kemmlit lockers are available in a choice of colours and are part of a wide range of high performance cubicle and locker systems available from Kemmlit UK.

For more information please visit www.kemmlituk.com.
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Fermacell partitioning is “positively” perfect for research complex

Dry-lining panels by Fermacell feature throughout the new IGMM complex building in Edinburgh.

Gypsum fibreboard partitioning by specialist building panel manufacturer Fermacell was specified for a redeveloped research facility for a quadruplet of reasons at least, its fire and acoustic properties, robustness and weight bearing capabilities to name just a few.

Some 5,000m2 of 12mm square-edged fermacell was used throughout the University of Edinburgh’s £11 million development of the Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine (IGMM) at the city’s Western General Hospital.

It was specified by the city’s Oberlanders Architects LLP for the five-storey building which links three existing buildings in the complex – the Medical Research Council’s Human Genetics Unit, the Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, and the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre – to form a world-class research facility.

Frequent Fermacell specifiers, Oberlanders’ brief was to repurpose existing laboratories to enable expansion of IGMM research programmes. The project included dry-lab computational research space linked by a spiral stair within a dramatic south-facing, double-height space, dedicated lecture facilities (including a 180-person lecture theatre) and a social hub and café.

The Western General Hospital campus in which the IGMM complex is located is an amalgamation of medical buildings built in the hospital grounds over the past 140 years, beginning with St Cuthbert’s Poorhouse which opened in 1868 and subsequently renamed a “hospital”.

In contemporary contrast, the new IGMM building uses a steel frame allowing large clear spans internally. The main façade is essentially single aspect and has glass curtain walling to maximise natural daylight and create an appealing working environment. Brick is used extensively to provide solid book ends to the curtain walling. A spacious roof terrace with overhanging canopy is provided at top floor level, affording stunning views of the Edinburgh skyline.

There were many landmark stages for the build in a live research/hospital environment with complex existing services to contend with.

Oberlanders senior architect Rob Bunworth said: “Certainly the ability of the contractor to get the build wind- and water-tight against the sometimes harsh Scottish climate was a milestone, allowing the fermacell internal walling systems to progress apace.”

The fermacell panels were installed by specialist sub-contractors ORR Fire Protection and Alexander Gatey for phase one main contractor BAM Construction and construction, refurbishment and maintenance contractor Clark Contracts.

Rob Bunworth added: “The building has been an unqualified success. Key to this is delivering connectivity to the previously separate institutes as well as delivering on the client’s aspirations for bright, well-lit and appealing working environments. The building also delivers on the client briefing requirements by offering many informal study and breakout environments to help foster interdisciplinary crossover and synergy.

“Our previous positive experience with fermacell on several education projects in the UK led us to use the range of partition products again due to its robustness and fire/acoustic properties. An additional benefit is fermacell’s weight bearing capacity without the requirement for additional lining or support, thus providing flexibility in locating shelving, fixtures and equipment internally during the fit-out phase of the project.

“The project uses fermacell partition and independent wall lining systems extensively – all internal walls are fermacell. The large spans of fermacell partition systems are particularly visible to the large 17m-high central atrium linking the reception and foyer to the upper circulation areas.

“The fermacell systems as utilised in the build allowed Oberlanders the flexibility to specify many different variations on partition types dealing with myriad fire and acoustic issues. Its robustness and severe duty rating, in addition to its loadbearing capacity, allowed for flexibility in our design response across the project.”

He emphasised: “The internal wall components have stood up well alongside the other finishes on the project. Fermacell was able to achieve the height, performance criteria (fire and acoustic), surface finish and robustness characteristics to several demanding environments within the project.

“10mm deflection joints required for movement within the fermacell partition system have been specifically set out to provide a coordinated and ultimately pleasing grid pattern within the highly-visible four-storey atrium space located at the heart of the building.”

For more information please visit www.fermacell.co.uk.
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Rinnai wall heaters are a blessing for St Mary’s

Rinnai, manufacturer of the Energysaver super energy efficient range of gas fired wall heaters, is keeping the congregation of St Mary’s Church in Saltcoats, Ayrshire, nice and warm.

Ayr-based installer O’Neil Gas Services was asked to specify and install a new heating system to replace St Mary’s old ducted warm air set up.

O’Neil Gas Services is a family-run company founded by John O’Neil and now presided over by his son, Brian. The company, which offers domestic and commercial services, covers the whole of Ayrshire, East Kilbride and South Glasgow and has four separate divisions – installation, service & repair, care and retail. O’Neil operates a fireplace and bathroom showroom at its office designing and planning bathrooms from start to finish.

Amongst its other commercial work, O’Neils recently won the Irvine Housing gas maintenance contract for an initial 5 years and a 5 year Gas maintenance contract for Cunninghame Housing Association.

Ross McWhirter of O’Neil’s explains that like most churches St Mary’s sees the bulk of use is at weekends with maybe a few mornings in the week, so the important factor was to design a system that would give instant heat when required, quickly and efficiently and not wasting fuel when not in use.

Ross McWhirter comments, “We used six Rinnai 1004T units siting them in the best location for effectiveness and for the convenience of the customer. The biggest part of the job was lifting the floors and running the gas and electricity supply to the units.

“Everyone I have spoken too at the church since we completed the installation has said that it has never been as warm as it is now. St Mary’s should also see a big difference in gas usage as the Rinnai units are more economical to run than the old system.

“This was the first time we have used the Rinnai heaters and I was very impressed with the outcome of the job. They are very quiet while running and get the church up to temperature very quickly,” says Ross.

Energysaver 1004T units run on Natural Gas or LPG and as the units are fully modulating, heat output is reduced as the space temperature rises. The heaters also come with a tiny 80mm flue for a neater finish and the heaters themselves sport safer low temperature casing so there is no danger of burns. Warm air is delivered at floor level for greater comfort and coverage even in large spaces like churches and the units can be time controlled for added economy. The Rinnai 1400T is also suitable for central time control.

Chris Goggin, Associate Director, Rinnai UK comments: “A major problem in heating a church or other large public space is the pattern of usage, the age of the building and the building envelope materials.

“For example a church may be heated for a Sunday service, or possibly a mid-week meeting. Then there are occasions when heat is required at fairly short notice. The buildings often have high ceilings, and the size and distribution of the occupants can vary from time to time.

“Rinnai provides an innovative solution to these issues by heating from the floor up and by modulating gas usage in relation to room temperature, enabling Rinnai to provide unparalleled levels of comfort and efficiency.

“They provide safe, controllable heat with maximum energy efficiency, combined with flexibility of location and they can do this very quickly indeed.”

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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The complete stress-free package

When undertaking a building project, construction managers can often be faced with multiple decisions about which supplier to choose. However, one company is making this process easier.

Giacomini UK has recently seen an increase in requests for a combination of its services to be used on sites. The company is already firmly established as a leading UK supplier of heat interface units, as well as a specialist in providing a unique complete underfloor heating package, taking projects from manufacture (with three production plants, all based in Italy), through to design and installation via its UK wide network of approved UFH installers. Recent new projects and enquiries have seen an increase in calls for the two services to be combined and sees Giacomini leading the way in the industry in offering a joint package.

Giacomini UK’s managing director, Matt Lowe, explains: “Aside from our brass valves and components range, there are two main strands to our business – underfloor heating and heat interface units. Historically, customers would be looking for just one of these services but we are increasingly being involved in projects that would like a joint UFH and HIU package”.

Some of the key benefits of selecting a single point of contact for both HIU and underfloor heating systems are; improved communication, by having a dedicated project engineer overseeing the orders; eases time constraints to help meet deadlines; and finally, ongoing support and maintenance is easier and more efficient.

Matt continued: “Using Giacomini for the underfloor heating and heat interface units makes complete sense. We can handle all enquiries and ensure everything runs smoothly, so that our customers do not have the stress of having to deal with multiple companies. It also ensures the same consistent high level of quality throughout the entire process.”

Recent development sites where Giacomini’s joint package has been called upon are all extra-care developments. This includes the Harmby Road site in Leyburn, North Yorkshire where over 4,500 m2 of underfloor heating and 26 twin 49kw HIUs have been installed. Other projects include Langley Court in Cambridgeshire where 55 of Giacomini’s hot water only heat interface units were installed alongside underfloor heating in the lounge and dining areas of the apartments. Another project was Butlers Green in Haywards Heath, Sussex where Giacomini’s underfloor heating was supplied throughout a 64 bedroom care home, as well as in ten additional retirement cottages, as well as 58 HIUs being installed.

For more information about Giacomini UK’s HIU and UFH offering, call 01454 809100 or visit www.giacomini.co.uk.
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Fermacell set to help inspire art and music in Aberdeen

Fermacell boards are being installed on the Aberdeen Art Gallery redevelopment project.

Some 14,000m2 of gypsum fibreboard from Fermacell is currently being installed on the £30 million redevelopment of Aberdeen Art Gallery.

The square-edged boards are being used throughout to dry-line the “Inspiring art and music” project – a major redevelopment by Hoskins Architects of the Grade A listed gallery, Cowdray Hall and Memorial Hall complex into a 21st Century venue for art and music.

The 6,000m2 redevelopment will see the transformation of the three buildings through significant investment in their fabric, new exhibition and display galleries, and improved facilities for visitors.

Being installed by specialist sub-contractor DBM Building Contractors for main contractor McLaughlin & Harvey, the fermacell boards will help bring the gallery into the 21st Century as large paintings and objects up to 50kg per cavity fixing and 30kg per screw can be hung from them without recourse to pattressing. This process is time consuming and more expensive in terms of materials and labour. The fermacell boards are also manufactured from recycled materials and are wholly recyclable in themselves, helping towards BREEAM ratings.
The project involves new educational facilities to create opportunities for all to learn more about the arts and the planned sensitive upgrading of Cowdray Hall to create a new performance space. The Memorial Hall will also be carefully treated to reflect both its role as a space for quiet contemplation and as a civic space to honour the sacrifices made on behalf of the community.
Interior plans include the creation of 21 gallery spaces in place of the existing 11,500m2 space in which to showcase international-quality exhibitions and a community gallery in a new wing at the rear of the building. Exterior plans involve removing the pitched roofs and skylights behind the parapets of the main building and adding a new storey of accommodation for temporary galleries and a learning zone.

Hoskins Architects won the national competition to redevelopment and expand the complex which has a significant presence within the city and houses an exceptional collection, particularly of Scottish colourists and contemporary artists. Their proposals include the new copper-clad rooftop extension which acts as a symbol for the gallery’s rejuvenation and creates a striking presence for the gallery within the city.

Designed as a new sculptural element in response to the proportions of the existing frontage, the extension achieves the city council’s ambitions to create a world-class venue for art and music. The extension makes use of the outdoor rooftop terraces by offering spectacular views across Aberdeen.

The space contains a suite of new environmentally-controlled temporary galleries as well as much-needed learning and event spaces, providing bold new interiors that will engage and inspire visitors. These new spaces provide the gallery with the ability to accommodate large international touring exhibitions with their associated education and corporate events.

Aberdeen City Council’s deputy leader Cllr Marie Boulton said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to achieve something really special for Aberdeen and by rejuvenating and improving these much-loved buildings we will create a world-class cultural centre which will celebrate art and music for all.”

The buildings will reopen in 2017.

For more information please visit www.fermacell.co.uk.
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Focus on sustainability, energy and the future of housing at the Build Show

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The Build Show, part of the UK’s largest construction trade event UK Construction Week, has released the details of its seminar programme taking place in The Home Building Theatre.

Day one focuses on challenges and opportunities for house builders covering funding, exciting new and innovative approaches such as 3D printing and offsite construction with insight from the likes of John O’Brien, Associate Director – Construction Innovation at BRE.

The spotlight in the afternoon will be on energy and sustainability. THE BUILDING ENERGY PERFORMANCE GAP will look at closing the gap between design and built performance with confirmed speakers to include Anthony Briden, Senior Energy Consultant at PRP Architects; Alasdair Donn, Principal Energy Solutions Engineer at Willmott Dixon; Andrew Dainty, Professor of Construction Sociology at Loughborough University; Douglas Drewniak, BEPIT Research Engineer at Bioregional, Steve Hornblow, Project Director for NW Bicester, A2Dominion Housing Group and many more.

Day two kicks off with a seminar about OPPORTUNITIES IN THE CUSTOM AND SELF-BUILD MARKET which will showcase a session by Philip Singleton, MD of Graven Hill Village Development Company, about Graven Hill Village – the UK’s largest self-build scheme.

Looking ahead the afternoon will ask important questions about FUTURE-PROOF HOUSING DESIGN AND MATERIALS with experts from the industry exploring the changing role of architects in housing design and creating liveable homes and communities for the long term. Does good housing design have to cost more? How can we plan for spaces that people want to live in? And what will the house of the future look like? Speakers include Nicolas Khalili RIBA ARB PM, Managing Director at HWO Architects and Gwyn Roberts, New Homes and Communities Lead at BRE.

The final day of seminars will take a closer look at the topic of FUTURE-PROOFING HOUSE BUILDING. Feeding into this session, the CONSTRUCTION METHODS TO SAFEGUARD THE FUTURE OF THE UK HOUSING MARKET segment will explore the goals and aspirations for the future of house building with its differing construction methods and their impact on the housing requirements. BIM4 Housing Chairman, Patrick Wilson explains the benefits of structured data and how this can determine build methods and outcomes. Wienerberger will lead discussions on HOW THE HOUSE BUILDER BENEFITS FROM STRUCTURED DATA in the build process, including internal processes, asset management and developed metrics. Nick Tune, CEO of coBuilder UK will also comment on WHAT IS DIGITAL DATA, WHY WE NEED IT, HOW TO COLLECT AND DISTRIBUTE IT TO OUR ADVANTAGE.

Nathan Garnett, Event Director for the Build Show, commented: “Central to this year’s show, the seminar schedule has been a real focus of our organisation – ensuring we cover the most pressing topics to offer the most value to our visitors. We really believe that the show offers a powerful opportunity for the industry to propel itself forwards into a stronger, more united and prosperous future. Indeed, as the first major event following the decision to leave the EU, the Build Show will play a significant role in shaping strategy and settling nerves within the sector.”

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

For more information or to get your free ticket to attend the Build Show, please visit www.buildshow.co.uk or follow @BuildShow on Twitter.
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Industry expert appointed as a Non-executive Director

Titon Holdings Plc, a leading manufacturer and supplier of ventilation systems and window and door hardware, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Sargeant as a Non-executive Director with effect from 1 September 2016.

Kevin is a well-known and respected figure in the ventilation industry. He joined Vent-Axia, a subsidiary of Smith Industries PLC, in 1990 and was instrumental in its growth and development until 2002 when Volution Holdings plc – including Vent-Axia – was created.

In the same year, Kevin led the buyout of Volution Holdings and became CEO of the newly formed and named Volution Group plc until its sale to Towerbrook Private Equity and management in 2012.

Since then, he has held many senior strategic development roles with major players in the ventilation sector and was Non-executive Chairman of Nuaire Ltd from November 2013 until its sale to Polypipe PLC in August 2015. Kevin qualified as a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants in 1980.

Keith Ritchie, Executive Chairman of Titon Holdings, said: “I am truly delighted to welcome Kevin to Titon. He is widely recognised as an expert in the ventilation sector and I believe that his valuable experience and insight will help us in enacting our strategy for growth and market penetration. He knows where we sell, at home and around the World, and he knows the industry participants – and this will benefit us greatly too.”

For more information, please visit www.titon.co.uk.
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