ExGo suppression control panels from Advanced have been installed in a £20m, state-of-the-art data and high performance computing centre at the University of Cambridge that is working on some of the globe’s greatest challenges.

Situated on the West Cambridge site of the University of Cambridge, the building is the new home for high performance computing, centralised data storage and also business operations, teaching, learning and research. The High Performance Computing Centre is working on data from two of mankind’s greatest and data heavy science projects, the Large Hadron Collider and BRIDGE Genome Project.

ExGo, Advanced’s ultra-dependable extinguishant release system, was configured and installed by Advanced customer Advanced Fire Solutions Ltd. The suppression control system installed in the building comprises four ExGo panels with mode select key switch assemblies.

Jonathan Bacon, Managing Director of Advanced Fire Solutions Ltd, said: “We selected ExGo because the installation required a suppression system that could deliver reassurance and long-term reliability for this crucial building. We have an established partnership with Advanced and we knew that the equipment would be of the highest quality. The system also offers the flexibility and expandability to meet all future requirements.”

ExGo has been developed specifically for sensitive and strategic assets such as server rooms, historic and cultural attractions and control rooms. It has been installed in high-profile buildings across the globe, including the Magna Carta vault at Lincoln Castle, Romanian National Library and strategic oil pipelines in Sudan.

Ian Tasker, Manager of the West Cambridge Data Centre, added “The West Cambridge Data Centre reflects the University’s commitment to excellence in the provision of information services to research, students and staff”

ExGo is suitable for almost all single-flooding area applications and includes a range of control options and devices. It is approved to EN54 parts 2, 4 and 13 and EN12094-1 and is among the first systems to combine these with EN12094 Part 3 in a single solution. EN12094-3 relates to the integrated manual release on the front of the panel. ExGo can be integrated into Advanced’s Axis and MxPro fire panels, or any third party fire system.

Robin Kemp, Advanced sales manager for the South East region, commented: “The West Cambridge Data Centre is a strategically vital part of the University of Cambridge’s infrastructure and essential to its operations and those of its many international stakeholders. We are delighted to be part of it.”

Advanced is a world leader in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. The legendary performance, quality and ease-of-use of its products sees Advanced specified in locations all over the world, from single panel installations to large multi-site networks. Advanced’s products include complete fire detection systems, multi-protocol fire panels, extinguishing control, fire paging and false alarm management systems. More details can be found on the website at www.advancedco.com.

Wireless communications for Commercial Installations with ‘self-healing’ functions delivering unparalleled communications reliability.

Swindon, Wiltshire 1st February 2016: STANLEY Security today announced the launch of the next generation of wireless security designed to reduce false alarms in residential and commercial environments. The new wireless technology, RicochetR Mesh, delivers more performance than any other wireless security system.

Quick and easy to install STANLEY’s wireless intruder system is an economical and reliable option ideal for homes and businesses. Each RicochetR enabled device provides signalling routes to and from STANLEY Control Panels. Should the wireless connection between two devices weaken, the network will ‘self-heal’ and automatically re-route communications via alternative Ricochet enabled devices delivering unparalleled communications reliability.

STANLEY’s wireless intruder detection products enabled with RicochetR are truly scalable, with multiple wireless networks running side-by-side capturing hundreds of wireless devices.

“We are very excited to introduce this innovative intruder detection system with its breakthrough capabilities with RicochetR Mesh Technology ideally suited for today’s security environments” said Rodney Foot, Product Manager of STANLEY Security. “54% of UK business’ premises are not adequately protected from breaches in security. For the price of a coffee a day you can have round the clock peace of mind including monitoring from our Alarm Response Centre.

“This introduction of our wireless intruder detection portfolio strengthens our position as the leading provider of intruder solutions by providing customers with a truly unique portfolio of high-performance indoor motion detectors that satisfy the demands of virtually any installation, from the most basic residential to the most complex commercial application. All sensors have a sleek, modern look to meet evolving needs and styles, and contain selectable features that let installers use the same models in a variety of different applications – reducing the need to stock multiple units. Another positive, for those premises that require a greater level of security, this platform also supports Grade 3 wired detection.”

STANLEY’s latest generation of motion sensors using RicochetR Mesh Technology provides reliable protection. The user interface is reassuringly simple, the operation intuitive. Communications are secure, responsive and data security maintained.

The wireless range completes STANLEY Security’s intruder detection family. For further information on the Ricochet detection range please visit www.stanleysecurity.co.uk/solutions/intruder-detection/intruder-alarms.

A dynamic guide for flexible, acoustic canopies and baffles has been published by Armstrong.

Expert advice on the almost endless range of dramatic design and acoustic possibilities that can be achieved with canopies and baffles, including Optima Baffles Curves, the first curved mineral baffles in the industry, is contained within a new floating ceilings brochure from Armstrong.

Floating ceilings inspire great spaces by introducing new shapes and add depth, scale and rhythm to internal areas, creating a contemporary aesthetic for modern building designers in the transport, education, commercial and retail sectors.

But the 56-page A4 guide also explains that canopies and baffles can help create a more sustainable interior, contributing to improved indoor air quality and acoustics, and supporting high-mass, low-energy construction.

All this in a peerless variety of colours, effects including wood, and materials including mineral and metal, as well as shapes including square, rectangular, circular, concave, convex and curved. Floating ceilings are also ideal for the easy integration of building services such as lighting and cooling and heating elements.

Floating ceilings are capable of providing greater acoustic sound absorption than continuous ones because all their faces and edges are exposed, and because they are easily relocatable are as suitable for retrofit and refurbishment as they are for new-build.

In addition, specially-engineered surfaces reflect up to 87% of light to improve illumination, making spaces brighter and more comfortable and cutting energy bills. They are additionally sustainable in that they are manufactured from a high degree of recycled material and are also recyclable.

The brochure also explains how product variety is backed by service support including consultations with specifiers or main contractors, supply of BIM and production of CAD drawings bespoke to the project which are then used to engineer a production schedule and logistics plan, and on-site guidance and post-installation review if required.

Armstrong’s new floating ceilings brochure is available to download here and via the Armstrong Ceiling Systems App available from both the Apple store as well as the Google Play store.

An extensive package of Altro flooring and wall cladding products has been used top to bottom in the £18 million refurbishment of one of Newcastle’s most striking landmarks — the 11-storey Parsons Tower, which is part of Newcastle College.

The 1960s tower block is one of the first buildings to be seen when approaching Newcastle by road or rail. The recent refurbishment has given the building a striking contemporary gold and blue facade, as well as a new lease of life internally. The former sixth form block has been transformed into a multi-faceted, state-of-the-art teaching facility that incorporates exciting and stimulating learning environments to reflect 21st century needs.

These include real-life working experiences for the expanding curriculum of Health and Enterprise, with training environments such as hospital wards, childcare, domiciliary care and specialist care environments such as a sensory room, where the students can practice and develop their knowledge. The ground level and entrance area have been reconfigured to ensure the maximum use of space, and include a café, real working environments including two functioning ‘pop-up’ shops, and student services with an expansive learning resource center and refectory space on level one.

The refurbishment project was the brainchild of Redbox Design Group in Gateshead. Associate Sean Gallagher explains how specifying the right flooring and walling products for the new-look Parsons Tower was a vital part of the project.

“Parsons Tower is a physical beacon for Newcastle and the college, and therefore it had to satisfy a broad range of strict criteria both internally and externally,” Sean says. “We chose Altro flooring and wall cladding for the building for a number of reasons; we know Altro products very well, they are reliable, durable, superb quality and very cost effective against their competitors.

“More specifically, Altro has products that tick all the boxes in terms of health and safety, hygiene and colour choice. In addition, their infrastructure is excellent, which means they offer a complete package of guidance and support throughout the duration of the project.”

Sean continues: “Our aim was to select Altro flooring and wall cladding that would complement the internal colour scheme and design, while also meeting health and hygiene needs.

“For example, probably the most striking area of the tower is behind the refectory servery, where we specified vivid green Altro Whiterock ChameleonTM hygienic wall cladding. This was intended to be an eye-catching statement colour, but also a very practical, easy-to-clean solution for a food preparation area.”

Altro Whiterock Chameleon makes a bold statement. Glossy, vibrant and vividly colourful, the hygienic wall cladding is available in 16 high impact, high-design shades to add affordable luxury to a range of environments. Offering all the benefits of Altro WhiterockTM, Altro Whiterock Chameleon is very durable, with a smooth, watertight, wipeclean surface.

“We also chose Altro Wood SafetyTM flooring as an inlay into Altro WalkwayTM 20 safety flooring for the refectory,” adds Sean. “This created a wayfinding effect that was key to the ‘circulation’ theme we integrated into the entire building.”

Perfect for creating a comforting and familiar look, but without compromising on safety, Altro Wood Safety offers 16 wood-look designs, including classic, contemporary and on-trend — to vary moods from cool and classy to warm and nurturing. The flooring features Altro Easyclean Maxis PUR Technology for long term cleanability and easier maintenance.

Sean adds: “The colours we chose for floors and walls were mostly subtle, such as muted greys, but the crèche was the one area where we created a blue colour scheme. Here we specified Altro Walkway 20, Altro SupremaTM and Altro UnityTM 25 safety flooring, in colours to match the theme.”

Elsewhere, Sean specified Altro Suprema for the retail area, corridors, stairs, toilets and hospital ward; Altro Wood Safety in the breakout area on the top floor; Altro DesignerTM 25 safety flooring for the refectory back of house; Altro Unity 25 for the laboratories; Altro StrongholdTM 30 safety flooring and Altro Whiterock hygienic wall cladding for the kitchen; Altro Walkway 20 for the refectory storage area; and a Altro Walkway SD – a product laid with anti-static adhesive — for the IT suite.

Design-led Altro Suprema has been developed in consultation with colour consultants, architects and end users to reflect design requirements and interior trends. This non-sparkle safety flooring gives complete design freedom, with 40 shades to match any mood.

Altro Designer 25 is engineered with quartz, silicon carbide and aluminium trioxide for long-term durability and slip resistance, making it great for heavy duty environments with moveable or wheeled furniture. Available in practical, dirt-hiding colours featuring decorative coloured quartz, the product incorporates Altro Easyclean Original Technology for a lasting attractive appearance and savings in time and cleaning costs.

Altro Walkway 20 is a hugely popular, hard-wearing, 2mm safety flooring which provides lifelong slip and abrasion resistance. It also includes PUR cleanability, superior chemical and stain resistance.

Altro Unity 25 can be specified where long-lasting slip resistance and stain resistance are essential in heavy traffic areas. It contains aluminium trioxide and coloured quartz, and includes Altro Easyclean Maxis PUR technology for easier cleaning and maintenance.

Ideal for commercial kitchens, canteens, and food service and preparation areas, Altro Stronghold 30 achieves Altro’s highest rating for slip resistance and is designed to minimise risk in wet and greasy conditions for the lifetime of the flooring. As well as helping to keep staff safe from slips, it also helps reduce their fatigue, thanks to its 3mm thickness, which provides noise reduction and comfort underfoot.

Altro safety flooring products offer sustained slip resistance for the lifetime of the product, keeping your risk of a slip or fall to just one in a million.

Altro Whiterock White is the hygienic alternative to tiles that’s impact resistant, grout-free and easy to clean. Its smooth white surface and classical purity make it a timeless choice for any interior. Made from a high-quality, food-safe PVCu polymer, Altro Whiterock can handle temperatures up to 60°C. It meets all current European Union (EU) Directives on health and hygiene.

Altro Whiterock Premier Installer, Commercial Coverings, installed the wall cladding in Parsons Tower. Commercial Manager Kirk Hooker says: “Altro Whiterock is very easy to work with and it can be moulded to any shape. We cut the sheets to fit on site and thermoformed them around internal and external angles. Where the sheets meet, we used the hot welding method to create a nice finish.

“We have been working with Altro Whiterock for 20 years, and we have standardised on this product because we believe it’s the best on the market.”

Northern Floorcraft installed the Altro flooring within Parsons Tower. The company has been working with Altro for 45 years, installing their flooring in a wide variety of applications such as education, healthcare and retail.

Director Warren Pearson says: “This project was a significant size, and with 11 storeys to finish we had to work in very close co-operation with a number of other trades and the site manager to ensure we stuck to the schedule and produced a perfect result. Good communication skills are essential on projects of this size. We were on site for five months, with a team of between two and six fitters.

“The stairs in Parsons Tower are old and irregular, with complicated details, profiles and curves — no nice rectangles like modern stairs — and each set of stairs was different for each storey. So this part of the project involved a lot of time consuming and intricate cutting, and very precise fitting skills. For this reason were very glad we were fitting Altro Suprema on the stairs. This product is very pliable and great to work with, which made the whole task a great deal easier and quicker.

“Fitting the Altro Wood Safety and Altro Walkway inlay within the refectory was also a challenge, as we had to lay the flooring in three phases rather than all in one go — again because of working with other trades on site. This meant we had to take extra care to ensure that the ‘planks’ within the Altro Wood Safety design lined up exactly each time we fitted a new section. The project ran very smoothly, and this was helped a great deal by Altro, who gave us very hands-on support.”

The main contractor for Parsons Tower was BAM Construction. Senior Site Manager, Nathan Lynn, comments: “Both installers did a brilliant job on the flooring and walling for the refurbishment. They were very professional, co-operative and completed to schedule. The Altro Whiterock Chameleon in the refectory servery, in particular, looks very impressive and makes a real statement. A very successful project all round.”

Steve Johnson, General Estates Manager at Newcastle College’s parent company NCG comments: “We were very impressed with every aspect of the Altro flooring and wall cladding range. The wide variety of colours, designs and finishes gave the architect the flexibility to create an overall design theme within Parsons Tower, but with subtle variations that gave a different look and feel to each individual area.

“For example, the design of the wayfinding floor in the refectory space, using the wood effect and other safety flooring, works very well. The contrast between the two products creates a striking effect.

“But probably the most stunning Altro feature in Parsons Tower is the acid green walling behind the refectory servery. People comment on it all the time — it looks amazing and the colour has a real wow factor.”

Steve continues: “In terms of cleaning and maintenance, we have had nothing but positive feedback from our team about the Altro products throughout the building, so in terms of practicality it’s proving to be the right choice.

“Since it opened a few months ago, the students have told us that they love the look and feel of Parsons Tower, so it has been a total success.”

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

To provide optimal safety to those working at height, Kee Safety, a global supplier of fall protection equipment, has launched KeeGuard® Ladder Kit, a permanently fixed guardrail system that is used in conjunction with safety ladders and self-closing gates.

KeeGuard® Ladder Kit has been designed to provide a working at height safety solution that complies with EN 14122-4. This standard recommends that ‘to prevent falling through the access opening at arrival areas, the opening shall be provided with a gate.’ It also states that at drop edges of arrival areas, ‘a guardrail should be provided at least 1.5m either side of the ladder.’

To ensure it complies with the standard, KeeGuard® Ladder Kit is a ‘retro-fit’ guardrail solution that fits to existing fixed ladder or cat ladders, providing 1.5m guardrailing on both sides of the ladder. Quick and easy to install, it simply clamps on to the existing fixed ladder, forming a continual link from the guardrail to the stringer. The kit’s unique fitting can clamp around a flat or tubular stringer up to 75mm in width/diameter and does not need to be mechanically fixed to the roofing membrane or building’s structure.

“Awareness of the dangers of working at height has increased in the past few years, with legislations such as the Work at Height Regulations of 2005 coming into play” explains John Ingram, Group Product Manager – Fall Protection at Kee Safety. “Great steps have been made to ensure the safety of workers undertaking work at height, and we believe that the introduction of this new product is another step in the right direction.”

Available in a galvanised steel finish, KeeGuard® Ladder Kit has been independently tested and complies with EN 14122-4.

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

A comprehensive guide to its peerless portfolio of suspension systems has been launched by Armstrong Ceilings.

The 54-page A4 product selector catalogue provides specifiers, installers and supply chain partners with a huge range of standard and designer solutions for all types of spaces in the widest choice of designs, colours and materials to fulfill the requirements of modern building concepts.

Designed to not only coordinate with the complete portfolio of Armstrong ceiling products, whether mineral, metal, wood or custom solutions, they also integrate with all types of building service elements such as lighting and HVAC.

There are systems for metal ceilings, floating ceilings, corridors, the suspension of plasterboard ceilings (Armstrong’s fast-track precision-engineered Drywall Grid System – DGS), perimeter detailing via the AXIOM range of Blind Boxes, angles, channels, trims and bulkheads, and a wide range of accessories.

The portfolio also includes an extensive range of performance grids offering specific solutions for more demanding applications such as Clean Rooms and seismic installations.

CE Marked, resistant to fire, recyclable and available with warranties up to 30 years when installed with Armstrong ceilings, the systems are supported by CAD and BIM files, the latter via the National BIM Library.

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

Guidance on loading capacities is also included within the new suspension systems catalogue which is available to download from www.armstrong.co.uk/assets/global/commclgeu/files/Literature/3515.PDF or from the Armstrong Ceiling Systems free App. This is available from both the Apple store as well as the Google Play store, or by clicking on one of the links below with your mobile device here for iPhone or here for Android.

Now there is nothing to obscure the view with a new Frameless Glass Juliet balcony from Balconette. Using literally just one sheet of glass, the balustrading specialist’s new range of Frameless Glass Juliet Balconies is a highly-aesthetic, straightforward-to-install and minimalist balcony guarding solution.

Designed to enhance the external appearance of any building, Balconette’s Frameless Juliet balcony uses 21.5mm laminated and toughened glass panels. The system allows for a Frameless Juliet of up to 3.15 metres in width using a single pane of glass that makes the perfect partner for French, or any doors installed on the first floor or above.

Balconette stocks seven standard sizes of its Frameless Glass Juliet balconies, ranging from 1280mm to 2840mm, which are available within five working days. Custom sizes can also be supplied on request.

Installation is straightforward using attractive support profiles secured to the walls either side of the aperture. These profiles allow tolerances for installation where previously very accurate drilling was required for glass with pre-drilled holes.

“We listened to what our customers wanted and have designed what we believe is one of the most stylish and simple-to-install Frameless systems on the market,” said Managing Director Effi Wolff.

“This style of Juliet balcony is growing increasingly popular and we we’re getting frequent requests from architects, designers, builders and private individuals for a Frameless system that could meet their design objectives.

“We are delighted to offer this new product, which not only delivers a stunning and eye-catching result, but is also surprisingly affordable.”

Two exclusive detached properties, built by privately-owned developer Rectory Homes, are among the first to showcase the new Frameless Juliet balconies, supplied and installed by Balconette.

The Frameless system’s minimalist appearance perfectly complements the contemporary style of the £2 million-plus homes in Harberton Mead, close to Oxford city centre.

According to Procurement Manager at Rectory Homes Tony Wrench, glass balustrading was specifically requested for the project ‘and Balconette fitted the bill’.

He added: “The ‘Frameless Juliet balconies have been well-received and look fantastic; we are very pleased with the end result. If a Frameless system or glass balustrading is required on a future project, we would use the company again.”

In addition to its Frameless Juliet systems, Balconette offers a comprehensive range of straight and curved glass and aluminium balustrades, plus Juliet balconies, with a choice of handrail styles and finishes to suit all budgets. Curved sliding patio doors and curved glass enclosures can also be supplied, along with a high-quality range of wood-free decking products.

For more details, check here www.balconette.co.uk/frameless-juliet-balcony.aspx or contact Balconette on 01342 410411, email enquiries@balconette.co.uk.

A striking suburban home by Bosske Architects, which is wrapped entirely in Marley Eternit Acme Red Smooth clay roof tiles, has received a prestigious Australian Think Brick design award.

Now in its ninth year, the Think Brick Awards celebrates design excellence in the use of clay brick, concrete masonry and roof tiles by Australia’s best architects and designers. This year’s awards attracted 315 entries with Camino House, a suburban extension project in Western Australia, winning the Roof Tile Excellence award for its innovative use of clay plain tiles as a singular material across the whole building envelope.

Camino House was designed in the manner of an ‘oast’ or hop kiln, with the new part of the building mimicking the chimney forms of the surrounding housing, reflecting the suburb’s history, yet at the same time creating a striking aesthetic. UK-manufactured Acme Red Smooth single camber clay plain tiles were chosen by the project’s architects, Bosske, as a natural product that could be used on the facade, as well as the roof, to create a unifying sense to the form.

Each year the trade association Think Brick Australia runs the awards, in partnership with the Concrete Masonry Association of Australia and the Roofing Tile Association of Australia, to encourage architects, designers and builders to rethink brick, concrete masonry and roof tiles as contemporary and sustainable design materials. The Roof Tile Excellence Award, with a prize of AUD$10,000, is sponsored by the Roofing Tile Association of Australia.

Ms Elizabeth McIntyre, CEO of the Roofing Tile Association of Australia and Think Brick Australia, was one of the judges on the panel.

“The judges chose Camino House as one of the winners this year because it opened their eyes to the incredible design opportunities available through use of roof tiles. The roof structure on Camino House, clad in the beautiful smooth red roof tiles from Marley Eternit, is a striking design that showcases how roof tiles can move from traditional to contemporary application not only on the roof but also on the façade,” said Ms McIntyre.

The project involved the roofing contractors, Carter Roofing & Slating Pty Ltd, working closely with the architect and builder in order to achieve the numerous tile junctions on the continuous clay surface.

Sarah Jackson, marketing product manager from roof tiles’ manufacturer Marley Eternit, comments: “We are delighted that Camino House has been recognised by the Think Brick awards’ judges. The selection of our Acme Red Smooth clay plain tiles as a singular material has created a building which has a sense of permanence and robustness in this raw suburban context and perfectly showcases the versatility of clay plain roof tiles in today’s architecture.”

Marley Eternit’s Acme single camber clay plain tiles are available in a range of eight colours to help match local vernacular and meet planning requirements. The tiles also offer excellent design flexibility, with the ability to be used at pitches as low as 30°, as well as for vertical tiling applications.

The Acme clay plain tile range also boasts impressive environmental credentials, including the ability to achieve an A+ rating in the BRE Green Guide to Specification, BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing accreditation and certified carbon footprint data at product level.

A range of fittings, accessories and ventilation products is also available to complement the tiles. To request a sample or literature please contact 01283 722588 or visit www.marleyeternit.co.uk/clay.

Charcon, the commercial hard landscaping product range from Aggregate Industries, has relaunched its linear drainage system, Safeticurb, with an enhanced design for improved performance. The updated product is now available as a single piece unit for ease of installation and benefits from a smoother bore for improved hydraulic flow.

The long established system substantially reduces the need for expensive underground pipework. Suitable for all hard landscaped surfaces, and also for heavier duty options such as industrial sites, Safeticurb features a subtle cross-fall to direct surface water towards the drainage entrances for hard landscaped areas and roadways.

It is suited to car parks, pedestrianised areas, public highways, heavy duty industrial sites and airport taxiways, and is designed for use with block paving and British Standard kerb. Both slot and grid options are available.

Safeticurb is tested in accordance with European Standard BS EN 1433 and loading standard conforms up to Class F, dependent upon type selected.

Mike Davies, specifications and major projects manager for Aggregate Industries, comments “Safeticurb is a well proven linear drainage system that offers substantial cost savings in comparison to alternative traditional pipe and gulley systems.

“The aim is to ensure prompt and cost-effective removal of surface water during and immediately after rainfall. Optimum balance of cost efficiency and performance is achieved by parallel drainage runs at 30-35mm intervals across the drainage area.

“The improvements we’ve made to the design of Safeticurb will reduce installation time and costs, and improve the rate at which water can drain away.”
With correct design and installation, ongoing maintenance needs should be minimal.

For further information, including technical data sheets, visit www.aggregate.com/safeticurb. For technical support, please call 01335 372222.

New, innovative, window types and a wider range of timber finishes are all on display, on Uniform Architectural’s stand E3200. A wealth of truly original ideas and benefits to meet Architect’s and client’s requirements are the central theme of our stand for 2016.

Slender profiles, invisible corner joints, face drainage, trickle vents, hinges, handles, etc, make the uni_one® Timber/Aluminium Composite Window, one of the best designed – and thus, increasingly popular in London and beyond.

Every imaginable opening type and the smoothest of Patio gliders are all awaiting your inspection!

Copies of the 2016 uni_one brochures and further information is available from Uniform Architectural Ltd on 01275 217227 email: enquiries@uniform-arch.co.uk or by visiting the company’s website at www.uniform-arch.co.uk.