New Product Downloads

Marflow Hydronics has further developed its website to now allow customers to download relevant technical information, including BIM Models, via a brand new Product Downloads section.

With BIM Level 2 being a new requirement from April 2016 and the move towards complete BIM compliance getting closer every day, Marflow Hydronics has introduced a brand new Product Downloads area on its website that allows people to download BIM Models as well as other technical documentation. Marflow Hydronics is dedicated to providing customers with the information that they require, and this is just another part of the company’s added value service. In addition, all product pages can now be captured in PDF format at the press of a button and can be used as a data sheet, another way the company is trying to make life easier for product users.

Chris Forbes, Managing Director, says “We are continually seeking to add value for our customers and we are constantly looking at ways to develop our website further to provide people with access to the information they need. The Product Downloads area is very new and we will be working hard over the coming weeks to make sure all relevant documentation and BIM Models are included. We encourage our customers to let us know if there’s something they need that they can’t find.”

The new Product Downloads area can be accessed via the relevant button at the top of all product pages or in the Knowledgebase. Also on all product pages, there’s a new PDF Download button that will export the product information into a PDF at the click of a button.

Access to the new area is found on the Marflow Hydronics website: www.marflowhydronics.co.uk.

/by

Cembrit B5 upgrades Penlan holiday homes

Cembrit B5 corrugated sheets have been installed on eight Swiss-style lodges at a holiday village in Swansea. The refurbishment of the roofs has updated the building, and provided a finish that exudes that holiday retreat feel.

Located in the heart of the beautiful Teifi Valley, Penlan Holiday Village is a small family run holiday park that is set amongst beautiful woodland and parkland. The development includes two and three bedroom detached lodges, a heated open-air swimming pool, picnic area, playing field and parking. The holiday village attracts many visitors throughout the year, as it provides quick access to the beautiful Teifi Valley and the West Wales Coastline.

Graham and Alistair Greenshield, the owners of Penlan Holiday Village wanted to replace the thirty year old roofs, as they were looking tired, and not performing very well. Graham chose to take on the job himself, and after looking at the options, decided to purchase Cembrit B5 corrugated sheets. Approximately 150 black coated B5 corrugated sheets have been installed on five lodges also utilising close-fitting one piece Cranked Crown Ridge to fit perfectly into the roof pitches.

“The exceptional quality of Cembrit’s B5 corrugated sheet helped us to enhance the exterior design of the lodges,” comments Graham Greenshield, part-owner of Penlan Holiday Village. “Time has been of the essence, considering the size of the project, and the fact that we didn’t want to close the business for too long. Cembrit’s B5 corrugated sheets have saved us a great deal of time, as it is quick and easy to install. In addition, its cost-effectiveness and design features ticked all the right boxes for us. I am not only pleased with the end result, but I enjoyed installing the product.”

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.

/by

Breathe Easy?

An overwhelming body of recent research has stated in no uncertain terms the negative impact that poor indoor air quality is having on the nation’s health. Respiratory illness is on the rise and over a third of home are at risk of pollution. Jenny Smith, Marketing Manager at British fan manufacturer Vent-Axia, talks us through the latest research and what can be done to alleviate the problem.

The Royal College of Physicians have just published the report “Every breath we take: the lifelong impact of air pollution” which starkly sets out the dangerous impact air pollution is currently having on our health. It states that around 40,000 people are dying in the UK every year due to air pollution, costing more than £20 billion a year. Exposure to indoor air pollutants such as radon and second-hand smoke further add to these figures. The report looks at how factors such as kitchen products, faulty boilers, open fires, fly sprays and air fresheners all impact on indoor air quality. And with health problems such as cancer, asthma, stroke and heart disease, diabetes, obesity and dementia all linked to poor air quality, it is clear that this needs to be urgently addressed in every household.

This new report has brought indoor air quality (IAQ) to the fore once again and backs up the findings of other recent research. The new BEAMA survey “My Health My Home” has revealed that over one third of UK homes are at an elevated or severe risk of having polluted indoor air and follows on from IAQ research by a leading academic at The University of Reading. Professor Hazim Awbi’s report, “The Future of Indoor Air Quality in UK Homes and its Impact on Health”, states the health risks associated with poorly ventilated homes in no uncertain terms.

One of the revelations in this report is that, as new and refurbished homes become ever more air tight to meet the Government’s carbon emission targets for 2050, the number of people suffering with asthma could increase by 80% from current levels. It also states that current building regulations could increase indoor pollutant levels equivalent to the upper end of (and in some cases well above) World Health Organisation recommended limits.

The report suggests that there should be a legal requirement for new homes, and guidance for retrofitted homes, to have an air exchange rate of at least 0.5/hour, to help protect human health. It states that the most cost-effective solution for achieving this exchange rate, whilst still satisfying energy efficiency requirements, is the standardised fitting of effective continuous mechanical ventilation, preferably with heat recovery (MVHR).

Designed to work with the natural air infiltration, continuous ventilation systems control the air path through the home. As a result, they prevent the migration of damaging humidity and pollutants, providing near silent energy efficient ventilation. For new build homes there are continuous whole house Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) solutions which combine supply and extract ventilation in one unit. For refurbishments, there are continuous Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation (dMEV) systems which extract stale air from the home, improving the air quality and preventing the migration of damaging humidity and pollutants. These energy efficient systems are also available with heat recovery. In addition, there are also dMEV single room heat recovery units available. Ideal for existing dwellings, they are low energy and low cost.

/by

Whatever the exposure – EJOT has the anchor

Buildingspecifier offers an insight into the service and fixings solutions offered by EJOT UK Ltd., the Leeds based specialist.

The Met office may be regretting deciding to individually name every new weather front that approaches the UK – at the current rate Storm Zebra should be with us before Easter – though it does underline the frequency with which high winds and driving rain affect the country. Which is why specifiers require the technical support and general savvy of a company like EJOT UK.

Those attending the recent RCI show at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena will have witnessed the diversity of fixing solutions for flat roofing, rainscreen systems and other construction challenges offered under this global brand; but the products are really only part of a holistic, service based technical offering.

We are all familiar with the map detailing the different exposure conditions to which structures are subjected, but it requires real expertise to translate wind speeds into the right fixing patterns and types. Crucially the EJOT range encompasses different options for mechanical and chemical anchors to suit all the common exterior substrates: including plywood, metal sheeting, brick or blockwork masonry and cracked or uncracked concrete.

By engaging with EJOT, contractors and consultants can access the company’s testing capabilities which will confirm the suitability of certain solutions to the location, the height or configuration of the building and the material which a rainscreen system or built –up roofing system is being secured into.

Brian Mack Technical Business Development Manager for EJOT UK Ltd  said “Globally EJOT is expanding its product offering relating to concrete, brick and block substrates: by consolidating our existing brands, through research & development, and from consultation with OEM’s and engineers. We have the products within the range to meet all installation issues into the different substrates, to tackle a wide variety of applications and performance criteria.”

A further example of the latter would be the Trio ‘general application’ anchor for insulation materials, which is aimed at sub-contractors tasked, say, with securing insulation as part of a rainscreen installation. Described by Brian Mack as versatile and reliable as well as being very cost effective, Trio comprises two types of fixing pin, both of which combine with the same high quality sleeve.

Meanwhile, the three Trio components can be used to fix into concrete or clay bricks including perforated types and aircrete blockwork. The 10mm diameter sleeve itself is manufactured from high density polyethylene to create a variable anchor zone, from 30 to 60 mm depth. The glass-reinforced nylon pin is intended to be used for securing lighter weight insulation such as expanded polystyrene back into brickwork or concrete. Then the metal pin will normally be used for heavier insulation types, though still being suitable for lighter EPS material. EJOT Trio then presents a generic, non-system specific product solution.

Also prominent amongst the products showcased on EJOT’s stand at RCI the company was introducing its new HTK-75-2G 75 mm diameter tube-washer, for part-adhered flat roofing installations.

Importantly it meets SPRA guidelines for bonded/mechanical hybrid installations and is suitable for securing insulation back into either ply or profiled steel decks.

EJOT’s technical sales engineers will advise on the correct fixing centres in relation to wind-load calculations, while the tube-washer and threaded fastener not only address cold-bridging concerns, but the telescopic design provides resistance to imposed loads. With the insulation and membrane permanently secured using EJOT’s hybrid solution, the job is completed by folding and heat welding the laps.

With such a comprehensive collection of fixing products to choose from, and technical resources including site testing available to back them up, potential customers need to investigate the EJOT offering fully.

For more information email info@ejot.co.uk or call 01977 687040.

/by

Quality visitors with money to spend

ACR Show hailed a success by exhibitors.

The ACR Show, the UK’s only dedicated event for the refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation, heating and heat pump sectors took place at the NEC, Birmingham from 16th – 18th February. There was a notable increase in the quality of visitors, with exhibitors reporting multiple leads and orders.

The decision to include h&v companies was a hit with visitors – nearly 30% expressed an interest in ventilation equipment and over a quarter, heating. Heat Pumps accounted for half the visitor number. The demand for air conditioning & refrigeration equipment was as strong as ever. 70% of visitors highlighted air conditioning equipment as an area of product interest. 55% were interested in refrigeration equipment; 41% refrigerants and a quarter, refrigerated display equipment. And they had money to spend too; nearly 40% of visitors had a budget of £200,000 or more.

Global air conditioning giant Gree is currently challenging the status quo in the UK HVACR market with the launch of Gree UK Limited, so there was naturally a lot of interest in what the company had to say at the event. Commenting at the end of a successful first day, sales director Tim Mitchell said: “Today has certainly been productive for us; it appears that decision makers are at the show and are specifically seeking us out.”

Commenting on behalf of Fujitsu, sales & marketing director, Ian Carroll, said: “We were very pleased with how The ACR Show went. This year, we welcomed a record number of visitors to the Fujitsu stand. Our new product ranges were well received and the show presented a good opportunity for customers to meet the team.”

Stanley Handling’s extensive range of powered stair climbers won rave reviews from exhibitors and visitors alike. Designed to safely move items like hot water tanks, boilers, furnaces, gas cylinders, major appliances, plumbing and heating supplies more, the event generated over 100 enquiries. Managing director, Graham Sharp said: “The ACR Show has opened up so many doors for us; we didn’t have a single time waster. It’s just a shame the event is only every two years. We’ll definitely be back.”

In addition to the 100+ companies exhibiting at the show, visitors enjoyed an extensive seminar programme on range of topics that affect their working day. Leading experts shared knowledge and advice in three seminar theatres: the Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Theatre sponsored by GREE; the Refrigeration & Cooling Theatre, sponsored by Opteon Refrigerants from Chemours and the Training & Careers Theatre, sponsored by Toshiba Carrier. Sessions included: Major issues of interest in BIM; Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery for commercial applications; New developments in Refrigerants and more.

Training & Careers was a key theme at this year’s show with the introduction of a dedicated theatre and national skills competition taking place at the event. The new CPD accredited Training & Careers Theatre, sponsored by Toshiba Carrier, covered a range of topics pertinent to the industry including TM44 inspections – reasons and benefits; the new Building Controls Professional Assessment and how it is helping to raise standards in the controls sector; the Index SEI that is destined to replace COP (Coefficient of Performance); the heat pump market and the effects of the government ditching green incentives; the PURR report; major issues of interest in BIM; energy efficiency from an engineer’s perspective and much more besides.

Silvia Romano, a member of the European partnership for Energy and the Environment secretariat addressed delegates in the Training & Careers theatre on the second day of the show. The EPEE represents the European heating, cooling, refrigeration and heat pump industry is very much committed to supporting the implementation of the EU F-Gas Regulation and its ambitious phase-down objectives. That is why EPEE is developing a new tool, the so-called “Gapometer”, aiming at defining a route towards a successful phase down of HFCs in Europe and will identify the biggest risks of gaps between required and actual progress. Silvia said: “We very much appreciated the opportunity to speak at such a key event on the calendar, particularly for UK stakeholders.”

The ACR Show also hosted the national SkillFRIDGE competition for the first time. The competition provides a potential launch pad for apprentices in the sector to compete internationally at vocational skills competition, WorldSkills. In August 2015 Team UK had great success with Chris Baillie (BA Refrigeration Ltd, and South East Regional College, Belfast) gaining silver medal and runner up at the WorldSkills competition in Sao Paulo Brazil.

“The national skillFRIDGE competition allows apprentices studying level 3 RAC to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and emotional intelligence in a pressurised environment,” said national SkillFRIDGE competition manager and lead assessor, Mark Forsyth.

The competition final required the six competitors demonstrate recognised industry skills and deliver on three main objectives. As such competitors had to demonstrate a core ability to follow instructions and solve problems in order to produce a ‘cold space’ at specified temperature and at the same time ensure an energy efficient refrigeration system.
The winner was Ashley Wilson, an RAC level 3 student at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) Northern Ireland and an apprentice for A1 refrigeration Ltd.

Ashley won over tough competition from Chris Hoy (South Eastern Regional College NI), Kaine Finlay (Eastleigh College), Scott Thomson (Glasgow Kelvin College), Adam Hussain (College North West London) and James Hughes (The Manchester College).

Ashley said “I am very proud to have won SkillFRIDGE, and honoured to have been given the opportunity to experience a great event like this, it really helps you think more about the workplace”.

The ACR Show was backed by all of the leading trade associations, including the Institute of Refrigeration (IOR), which also held its annual conference at the show; the Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA); Refcom; the Building and Engineering Services Association (BESA), British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF), Association of European Component Manufacturers (ASERCOM) and the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA).

For more information visit www.acrshow.com.

/by

Explore Offsite in the Housing Sector

23 & 24 March 2016 –NEC, Birmingham

The nation’s media has been reporting on a UK housing crisis for many months, but is there now a climate for change in the industry?

For those in the construction sector with fresh ideas and innovative technologies, this nationwide crisis has the potential to change the norm which governs the ways new homes are built. Experts have hailed offsite construction as the only way to respond to the demand for new housing. Moving the construction of houses into factories enables the build to take place both efficiently and economically, making the national shortage of labour less of a concern.

In order to rectify the current shortfalls, modern and innovative methods of construction must be adopted to provide sustainable, energy-efficient homes at a rapid rate. As a responsible housing provider there are many commitments to fulfil – environmentally, socially and financially. Achieving set objectives using traditional construction methods is a challenge – it is clear we have to build better homes at a faster pace. Social landlords have an obligation to their tenants to build sustainable, energy efficient homes.

Explore Offsite in the Housing Sector is your opportunity to involve yourself in the industry’s new ideas and technologies. Taking place 23 & 24 March 2016, at the NEC, Birmingham, the event will be a platform for construction clients, architects, engineers and contractors to come together and pave a way forward for the industry and the housing sector.

With an outstanding line-up of industry figures confirmed to share their expertise over the two days, this combined conference and exhibition is an essential event for any professional looking to delve a little deeper into the liveliest and most promising topic in UK construction.

Speakers include:

  • Video Address: Brandon Lewis MP – Minister of State for Housing and Planning
  • Tom Bloxham MBE – Chairman, Urban Splash
  • Rory Bergin – Partner: Sustainable Futures, HTA Design LLP
  • Oliver Novakovic – Technical and Innovation Director, Barratt Developments
  • Alex Goodfellow – Managing Director, Stewart Milne Timber Systems
  • Andy von Bradsky – Chair, Housing Forum & PRP Architects
  • Aidan Wilkie – Deputy Director: Housing Division, Department for Communities and Local Government
  • Tony Woods – Offsite Specialist, LHC
  • Stephen Wightman – Managing Director, Caledonian Modular
  • Calum Murray – Director, CCG (Scotland)
  • Jerry Harkness – Regional Development Director, Circle Housing
  • Jeremy Kape – Director of Property Investment, Affinity Sutton
  • Jeff Maxted – Director of Technical Consultancy, BLP Insurance
  • Peter Andrew – Deputy Chairman, HBF
  • Tom Ground – CEO, Legal & General Homes
  • James Pickard – Director, Cartwright Pickard
  • Ian Heptonstall – Director, Offsite Management School
  • Rob Charlton – CEO, Space Group
  • Stuart Carr -Director, Chapman Taylor Architects
  • Andrew Orgorzalek – Partner, PCKO Architects
  • Richard Jones – Partner, Arcadis LLP & Deputy Chair, Housing Forum
  • Simon Tanner – Y:Cube Development Consultant – YMCA
  • Greg Cooper – Pre Construction Manager, B & K Structures
  • Andrew Waugh – Director, Waugh Thistleton
  • Jay Shaw MBE – Head of Business Development, Snoozebox
  • Steve Reid – Chief Technical Officer, Enviga Geothermal

To book your ticket, or inquire about exhibitor opportunities, please visit our website at www.exploreoffsite.co.uk or call 01743 290001.

/by

New Date for PICV CPD

Marflow Hydronics has scheduled in a new date for its CPD training course on Pressure Independent Control Valves.

The CPD course is being held in Birmingham on 4th May and is free for anyone to attend. The half day session provides delegates with knowledge on how PICVs work, innovative pipe layouts and how to make systems more economical, including the introduction of electronic balancing. It’s aimed at consultants, designers, specifiers and key influencers who want to learn more about the products, improve their skills and specify, purchase or commission a PICV.

Nick Martin, Technical Manager at Marflow Hydronics says “PICVs are growing so much in popularity due to their numerous benefits, but to really get the best out of them then a user needs to fully understand them. Our course is set up to provide delegates with the knowledge they need to truly optimise the many advantages of the product.”

Places are limited, strictly on a first come first served basis, so immediate registration is recommended. To register or for more information visit www.marflowhydronics.co.uk/events, call 0121 358 2012 or email training@marflow.co.uk.

/by

GEZE UK is ‘The Automatic Choice’

GEZE UK has published a new technical guide to provide contractors, fabricators and architects with the information they need to specify the most appropriate and effective automatic operator.

Easy-to-use, ‘The Automatic Choice’ brochure encompasses GEZE’s extensive range of sliding, swing, revolving and folding doors including the latest Powerturn swing door drive and the Slimdrive range. This is supported by information and advice about how to specify the right products when taking in to account accessibility requirements, sustainability and industry regulations.

Available to download from the company’s website or in hard copy, the guide features double page spreads dedicated to each product with technical drawings and photography showcasing the products in situ across a range of different buildings. The detailed product data pages make comparisons between products quick and easy.

As well as GEZE’s complete range of automatic operators, it includes information about supporting products such as activation devices and safety systems, as well as advice about supply and installation, and repair and maintenance contracts.

Andy Howland, sales director of GEZE UK said: “We have worked hard to ensure that ‘The Automatic Choice’ technical guide is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to specify an automatic operator. It provides a comprehensive overview of all our automatic door systems allowing comparison between the benefits and functionality of different products to be carried out with ease.”

“This technical guide provides contactors, fabricators and architects with a good introduction to our range of products so they can make informed choices and select the best product for the job.”

‘The Automatic Choice’ brochure is available to download from GEZE’s website. Alternatively call 01543 443015 or email info.uk@geze.com for a printed brochure.

For more information www.geze.co.uk.

/by

GEZE UK supports BD Architect of the Year Awards

Leading door and window control system manufacturer, GEZE UK has reinforced its commitment to architects and specifiers by sponsoring an award at the BD Architect of the Year Awards.

The Office Architect of the Year Award is open to architects working on the design of offices whether new built or refurbishments of existing structures. Eight leading architects have been shortlisted, and the winner will be announced at the London Excel Platinum Suite on Wednesday 9th March. Hosted by Stephen Fry the prestigious event will be celebrating the 12th edition of the awards and will be held on the evening of Ecobuild’s Architecture day.

Speaking about the awards, Kaz Spiewakowski, managing director of GEZE said: “We work closely with architects on a daily basis to help make their vision become a reality and are delighted to be sponsoring the Office Architect of the Year Award.

“The quality of all the practices shortlisted demonstrates just how much talent there is in the UK and reinforces the country’s position as a centre of innovative architectural design.”

Founded in Germany in 1863, GEZE is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of door and window control systems. Investing millions in research, development and manufacture of innovative solutions, GEZE sets the global standard for advanced door and window technology.

For more information about GEZE’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk.

/by

Armstrong Ceilings set to debut at Resource 2016

Armstrong Ceilings’ sustainability guru also set to present recycling and Cradle to Cradle case studies.

Leading UK manufacturer Armstrong Ceilings is debuting at Resource 2016 AND delivering a presentation in the exhibition’s #buildcircular learning hub seminar.

The company’s sustainability manager Jeremy Sumeray will talk on the Wednesday (March 9th, 2-3pm) about how architects and specifiers can take lifecycle into account in specification via the use of appropriate materials and resource-efficient product design.

He will also discuss how these factors drive innovation, what the motives are and what the payback is for owners, using case studies that show how Armstrong has recycled old ceilings and installed Cradle to Cradle-certified products to provide safe, healthy and endlessly reusable materials as lifecycle thinking in practice.

Armstrong’s stand (R8030) at the event, which co-locates with Ecobuild (March 8-10) at ExCel, will reinforce the company’s position as the world’s first mineral ceiling tile manufacturer to win Cradle to Cradle certification for a single tile, and then a complete range, as well as its pioneering of ceiling recycling schemes in the UK.

Visitors to the stand will be entered into a prize draw to win a Cradle to Cradle certified Herman Miller Setu chair.

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

/by