Archive for category: Building News

CPD presentation by Graf UK delivers the ultimate in wastewater wisdom

A CPD that explains the issues around wastewater treatment and advises on the options available for specifiers has been launched by Graf UK.

The 50-minute presentation delivers a multitude of “Wastewater wisdom”, ranging from the fundamentals (what is wastewater treatment and why is it required) to the latest regulations and issues, via a user-friendly mix of “live” presentation and videos.

Graf UK’s new CPD explains the differences between cesspools, septic tanks and wastewater treatment plants, then goes on to detail, and demo, advanced wastewater systems for optimum treatment, such as SBR (Sequence Batch Reactor) systems which are capable of cleaning wastewater to 98% in just six hours.

It also explains the pollution strength of sewage and how Graf systems are capable of reducing the average levels of BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand – the amount of oxygen that microorganisms/bacteria require to break down organic matter) from 300-400mg/l to just seven, suspended solids from 200-300mg/l to 14mg/l, and ammonia (nitrogen compound) from 60-80mg/l to 0.5mg/l.

CLICK HERE to watch the full CPD

As well as providing guidance for calculating sewage treatment system sizes depending on the population and type of building, the CPD also explains processes including de-nitrification, disinfection, phosphate removal and carbon dosing. This latter process helps housing developments deal efficiently with sewage underload as their population increases.

Graf UK’s new CPD features a video explaining the new General Binding Rules under which anyone with a septic tank discharging into a watercourse must have plans in place to replace it or upgrade the foul water solution within a reasonable timescale, typically 12 months, or sooner if the property is sold before this date.

It also explains how the impact of nutrient neutrality is making its way north from the south-west of England, where Natural England is clamping down on developments in the Solent area until such time as they can prove they are nutrient neutral.

Build-up of nitrates and phosphates produced from housing developments increases the production of algae and subsequently reduces oxygen levels in rivers and lakes.

The CPD explains that while manufacturers can help specifiers design a solution to redress the balance of nature, only those with European expertise are best placed to do so as the UK does not have the historical data that mainland Europe does in this instance.

Graf UK’s new CPD concludes with the case study of a family attraction in a SPA (Special Protection Area) in Scotland that required a new sewage treatment solution that SEPA (the Scottish Environment Protection Agency) required to deliver phosphate levels of 2mg/l, and 0.2mg/l.

Sika UK is pleased to announce the completion of a large-scale redevelopment of their Wishaw plant near Glasgow, acquired in 2019, and one of four sites within the UK which is dedicated to manufacturing a range of mortar and render product lines.

As a result of this redevelopment, the Wishaw site is projected to allow the production of up to 35,000 tonnes of mortars and 12,000 tonnes of Sika’s market leading single coat render, Monorex per year – bringing the combined total for all Sika UK sites to over 100,000 tonnes of both mortars and façade products annually.

Previously dedicated to the manufacture of Enewall products, the site will now focus on the production of SikaWall; a range of renders and systems from the trusted Sika brand. Incorporating Sika’s renowned high levels of customer service with a quality product, the newly rebranded SikaWall range is one which customers and applicators can have confidence in.

The redevelopment of the Wishaw site further strengthens Sika’s capability to manufacture market leading products within the UK and consequently improves our ability to mitigate supply chain issues which have affected the building industry over the last two years.

Commissioning of the Wishaw site was carried out at the beginning of April with production scheduled to commence later in the month.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE SIKA WEBSITE

_{LANOS is available with a diameter of 320, 400 or 500 mm, so it can be perfectly matched to the space and architecture of the installation site.}

_{This is made even easier by the fact that it can be fitted as a pendant, ceiling or wall-mounted luminaire as desired.}

Clean lines, subtle elegance, and impressive versatility are the hallmarks of the new LANOS circular luminaire from Zumtobel. The outer edge and the circular interior of the LED panel form a visually seamless whole but can be controlled and dimmed separately. The LANOS range is highly versatile, thanks to the many colours, sizes, and installation methods to choose from.

LANOS means “beautiful flower” – the perfect name for the new decorative circular luminaire from Zumtobel. The clean, geometrical lines; the patented halo effect; the optics that can be adjusted as required; the time-saving installation process, and the numerous design options are all characteristics that make LANOS so timelessly elegant and eye-catching.

LANOS designed by Stefan Ambrozus, STUDIO AMBROZUS with Zumtobel, provides both functional wide-area light and a light ring to create evocative scenarios. The outer edge and the circular interior of the LED panel form a visually seamless whole which can be controlled and dimmed separately. The outer ring of light illuminates’ ceilings and walls, appearing as if it is suspended. Thanks to this halo effect, LANOS blends into a wide range of lighting concepts – from hospitals and care homes or hotels and guesthouses to the hallways and stairwells of office buildings, schools, and universities.

In corridor mode, the narrow, individually controllable light ring functions as a nightlight. When the interior LED panel is switched off, the outer edge generates light at only 20 per cent power – enough light for people to orientate themselves in a room or find their way.

High energy efficiency thanks to demand-based lighting

In corridor mode, the narrow, individually controllable light ring functions as a nightlight. When the interior LED panel is switched off, the outer ring of LEDs generates light at only 20 per cent power – enough light for people to orientate themselves in a room or find their way.

When a user passes the luminaire, a microwave sensor detects the motion and activates the interior of the luminaire. A light output of 100 per cent then ensures perfect visibility. The sensor detects when the user has left the area and dims the interior LED panel or turns it off completely. This prevents the luminaire from remaining unnecessarily switched on all night. Instead, LANOS is used intelligently and with maximum energy efficiency – only when it is really needed.

Numerous variants of a single luminaire

With LANOS, Zumtobel has focused on customisability as well as energy efficiency. The luminaire housing is available in colours from sophisticated black to elegant white and will complement any design scheme. With its high-quality textured paint coating and high degree of protection against water and dust (IP54), it is sure to impress – and it is also impact-resistant (IK08).

The circular luminaire is available with a diameter of 320, 400 or 500 mm, so it can be perfectly matched to the space and architecture of the installation site. This is made even easier by the fact that it can be fitted as a pendant, ceiling or wall-mounted luminaire as desired.

Depending on the application, LANOS is available with two different optics. The opal variant provides diffuse light and soft shadows, creating a cosy atmosphere with an inviting ambience. This works particularly well in stairwells, hallways, and corridors, which can often have a sterile feel. When the luminaire is used in spaces such as meeting rooms and offices, the LRO optic ensures low glare and a comfortable working lit environment.

Balanced LED light spectrum

The interaction of natural daylight and the human eye is unique. That’s why Zumtobel uses SPECTRUM technology for LANOS. This harmonises the light spectrum, reduces the intensity of the blue wavelengths and can imitate natural light, leading to improved visual comfort and significantly relaxed vision. What’s more, LANOS also features high colour fidelity (CRI 90) and excellent glare control (UGR < 19). The light colour and intensity can be harmoniously combined using the innovative controls and tunableWhite technology. Users can adjust the lighting to their individual requirements with colour temperatures from warm white (2700 K) to daylight white (6500 K).

LANOS can be controlled via DALI, with either the on/off or dimming function. Alternatively, it can be controlled via Bluetooth.

The clean, geometrical lines; the patented halo effect; the optics that can be adjusted as required; the time-saving installation process and the numerous design options are all the characteristics that make the LANOS so timelessly elegant and eye-catching.

The corridor mode prevents the luminaire from remaining switched on unnecessarily. Instead, LANOS is used intelligently and with maximum energy efficiency – only when it is really needed.

Clever minimalism makes installation easy

LANOS is also sure to impress when it comes to installation: it is simply separated into two pieces before mounting. First the device holder is mounted, then the luminaire is inserted and tightened. This ensures that installation is easy – even for a single electrician – saving time, effort and money and making maintenance much simpler. During tricky installation work, such as the drilling of holes in the wall or ceiling, the delicate luminaire can be put to one side and protected.  With its versatile options for design, application and installation, the new LANOS is the perfect luminaire to provide an elegant, functional, and energy-efficient focal point in hallways, stairwells or corridors.

Balanced LED light spectrum

The interaction of natural daylight and the human eye is unique. That’s why Zumtobel uses SPECTRUM technology for LANOS. This harmonises the light spectrum, reduces the intensity of the blue wavelengths and can imitate natural light, leading to improved visual comfort and significantly relaxed vision. What’s more, LANOS also features high colour fidelity (CRI 90) and excellent glare control (UGR < 19). The light colour and intensity can be harmoniously combined using the innovative controls and tunableWhite technology. Users can adjust the lighting to their individual requirements with colour temperatures from warm white (2700 K) to daylight white (6500 K).

LANOS can be controlled via DALI, with either the on/off or dimming function. Alternatively, it can be controlled via Bluetooth.

CLICK HERE to visit the Zumtobel website

MARSHALLS BRICKS & MASONRY DELIVERS SUSTAINABLE

ALTERNATIVE FOR THE MERLIN RISE DEVELOPMENT

Marshalls Bricks & Masonry’s Mayfair Vintage facing bricks have been used by housebuilder Backhouse on its Merlin Rise development to achieve a high-quality, reclaimed brick aesthetic that also aligns with the sustainability goals of the business.

Designed by award-winning local architects Clifton Emery Design, Merlin Rise is a development of 21 homes on the outskirts of Calne in Wiltshire. The properties have been designed as distinctive, stylish and comfortable homes that meet the needs of modern families.

In line with the company’s sustainability aims, Backhouse chose to use concrete facing bricks rather than a conventional clay alternative. Unlike clay bricks, concrete products do not require firing and as a result, only a small amount of additional energy is used in the manufacturing process. Concrete bricks are net absorbers of CO₂ due to their continuous carbonation over their lifetime. Therefore, across the total lifetime of the product, concrete’s carbon footprint is as little as 49% that of traditional bricks.

By selecting the Mayfair Vintage brick as an alternative to a traditional clay brick, Backhouse has saved 93 tonnes of carbon.

Charles Phillpott, Senior Buyer at Backhouse said: “We are focused on creating places that are sympathetic to their location, respect the existing environment and we are serious about how we work with existing communities. Placemaking is at the very core of our developments and we constantly strive to use sensitive methods of construction and materials. Marshalls’ range of facing bricks not only allows us to choose from a range of colours and finishes, it also means we are incorporating an element of sustainability into the homes we build by the very materials we select. This makes our sustainability goals easier to achieve and is at the heart of what we want to do as a business”.

Kevin Cafferty, Commercial Director at Marshalls Bricks & Masonry said: “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the products we are so passionate about actually in-situ and forming part of someone’s home. The Merlin Rise development is testament to Clifton Emery Design and Backhouse; they have designed stunning and sustainable homes. We hope to see more of this sympathetic approach to design from other house builders and architects”.

The Merlin Rise development was Highly Commended in the Development of the Year category (20-100 units) at the British Homes Awards 2021 and was shortlisted for the 2021 AJ Architecture Awards, Housebuilder Awards and Building Awards.

PLEASE CLICK HERE

To find out more about the Marshalls Bricks & Masonry

by Andrew Cooper – Managing Director – Smartlouvre

It may be hard to believe that the ‘sustainability’ concept as it’s known today is less than 30 years old: it appeared for the first time in 1987.

Climate change (or global warming) conversely was first recognised as an issue more than 100 years ago. We can berate ourselves for the irresponsible damage we caused in the first 70 years, or we can focus on what we can do now.

The impact human activity has on the environment is now a big part of our children’s’ education, our day-to-day lives and is a global concern. In an overpopulated world where resources are exploited, the planet has no time to regenerate so we are finally changing our ways.

The construction industry was identified as one of the worst culprits many years ago, and the spotlight has been upon it ever since; house builders seem to be getting squeezed the most. Despite more than 2.2 million new residential buildings being built in England since 2010, we’re not yet achieving the 300,000 per year target, and some argue that we would actually need to build 340,000 each year to catch up with the current level of demand. Our overpopulation needs addressing fast with more new homes. The problem is that we’re constantly being bombarded with new building regulations, new rules and new guidance that we very quickly need to adopt in order to keep moving forward towards the (moving) targets.

The latest update to building regs, specifically focused on the residential sector is Approved Document O: Overheating. The goals of this new regulation are to stop us from cooking in our homes, to stop us simply cranking up the air-con as the planet heats up, and to stop us burning up energy with fans and air conditioning which draw us further away from net zero.

So, what does AD O say? Fundamentally, it restricts the areas of glass you’re allowed to have unless important criteria are met. Do we really have to live in the dark to be cool and kinder to the planet? Will we be facing the prospect of living in the dark like they did when the window tax was introduced in 1696? No, it’s not all doom and gloom (literally).

Shutters, external blinds, overhangs, awnings and of course, solar control glass are the suggested solutions, but they are in the most, designed to block natural, unfiltered daylight and in some cases, our vision out.

Under Document O shading also has to be ‘Fixed’ and ‘Passive’, so no moving or so-called dynamic systems are allowed. This is a no-brainer in terms of sustainability since dynamic systems need energy to or human intervention to operate and are therefore under a limited life cycle before maintenance or replacement is required. Furthermore, when they’re down they block your vision out and if it’s even vaguely windy they have to retract.

So, these fixed, passive shading options won’t damage the environment once in place, but we should still, as responsible constructors, consider the ‘cost’ of manufacturing them? What is the number one solution when it comes to keeping buildings cool, whilst limiting the impact on the environment? What we are comparing in terms of Approved Document O compliant shading products simply comes down to the materials they’re constructed from: metal, plastic, acrylic, vinyl or glass.

Metal is the stand-out winner, and of the metals, copper is the most sustainable and environmentally friendly. It’s also handily thermally conductive, so if we’re using it to protect us from the sun’s heat, it’s doing half the job for us.

CLICK HERE

for more information on  ‘copper solar shading’

+44 (0)239 245 6333

info@smartlouvre.com