Raising the bar with composite windows at EcoBuild

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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.

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Zedfactory to unveil groundbreaking solution to homes shortage at Ecobuild

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Industry renowned architects and pioneers of the zero carbon agenda, Zedfactory, are set to unveil a groundbreaking solution to the housing shortage at Ecobuild. The solution claims to require no land whilst offering zero energy bills and the ability to relocate the property in the future, providing next generation future proofing.

The Government has pledged to build 400,000 homes over the life of this Parliament and there is currently little sign of that being delivered. In addition, as towns and cities expand, buildings are being demolished as a result of them no longer being suited to requirements. There needs to be an alternative visionary on how this will happen and Zedfactory believe they have found a solution.

Founded by Bill Dunster, OBE, Zedfactory are well-renowned as leaders in the field of zero-carbon design and development. Offering the full range of architectural services, from master-planning and design of large-scale ‘eco villages’ to one-off individual building commissions, the company has a unique track record of pioneering Zero (fossil) Energy Development (ZED) buildings in the UK.

ZEDfactory collaborates with the best global industrial partners to deliver replicable new construction industry solutions to assist timeless problems ranging from zero carbon urban design, architecture and product design in many climatic zones at a wide range of densities.

By looking at the way in which towns and cities grow and how the needs of their occupants change, coupled with unrivalled expertise in the creation of low energy buildings, Zedfactory have created a solution that could change the way the UK builds new homes.

ZEDliving – which will be exclusively unveiled at Ecobuild – is an affordable urban lifestyle solution that creates homes that require requiring no land, have no energy bills, no carbon footprint and help to reduce air pollution.

“If an affordable and low risk future powered by renewable energy is now possible, it is irresponsible not to provide it given accelerating climatic change,” commented Bill Dunster. “ZEDliving offers this. We are refining the zero carbon agenda and making it economically viable today by our homes being capable of having net zero annual energy bills. This offers a tangible benefit to everyone affected by rising fuel prices.”

“We are thrilled that Zedfactory have chosen Ecobuild to unveil ZEDliving, a unique solution to the delivery of future homes,” commented Martin Hurn Ecobuild Event Director. “Zedfactory has a reputation for delivering architecture that challenges and inspires. Their new solution looks set to continue this trend.”

Zedfactory will be exhibiting on stand number E4220. For further information about Ecobuild 2016 which takes place from 8th to 10th March at London’s ExCeL, please visit www.ecobuild.co.uk.

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Future FIT Show dates and venue announced

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Window, Door and Conservatory Trade event moves to NEC in 2017

FIT Events Ltd, organisers of The Fabricator Installer Trade (FIT) Show, has announced the dates and venue of events to take place after 2016.

From 2017 The FIT Show moves to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Birmingham, the UK’s premier exhibition venue, taking place in Halls 6 and 7. May 23rd, 24th and 25th have been chosen for 2017, with the following FIT Show to take place two years later at the same venue on 21st, 22nd and 23rd May 2019.

The decision to move to the NEC comes after extensive research to find another venue as the event had outgrown its original Telford location. A spokesman for the organisers said: “A move was inevitable to handle the continuing demand for exhibition space and to allow the development of the event generally, including visitor numbers. For now however our focus and priority in every respect remains the April 2016 FIT Show which takes place at The International Centre Telford on 12th, 13th and 14th April.”

The Fabricator Installer Trade (FIT) Show takes place at The International Centre Telford on 12th, 13th 14th April 2016. General information on The FIT Show can be found at: www.fitshow.co.uk.

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Sell more windows, sell your business, pay less tax

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Only the FIT for Business Seminar programme features these key issues and many more…

The FIT for Business seminar programme has been announced and once again sessions have been included that strike right at the heart of the key issues facing Britain’s window and door fabricators, installers, specifiers and other professionals.

For glass and glazing business owners such issues as ‘Exit Planning’ are covered, a subject facing hundreds of business owners looking to sell or hand on their businesses; and of course, another session looks at the resultant issues regarding taxation.

Broader topics relating to legislation are also covered by The FIT for Business seminars which look closely at important factors in the planning and specification fields, with presentations covering Glazing in Conservation Areas for example; and BIM – Building Information Modelling – a key subject for any companies involved in public works. And an issue that simply cannot be ignored are MTCs…every installer should understand how MTCs are affected by the Building Regulations.

A FIT Show regular is sales guru Paul Clifton, who breaks from his UK tour with his Window Installer Sales Lab to tell delegates ‘How to transform your business from Average to Fortune’. Sales Superstar Paul’s previous presentations have filled the theatre and demand is bound to be high for his next daily show. Another highlight is the UK debut of SageGlass, the amazing glass that tints on demand. A live demonstration will be possible following a full installation of the product in the exhibition hall itself.

Divided into four groups of presentations: Industry; Public Sector & industry; Business; and Specification & Design the 2016 FIT for Business Seminars are up-to-the-minute and topical, presenting 22 sessions over three days on key subjects delivered by the foremost experts in their fields. Many presentations are followed by Advice Clinics in which one-to-one sessions with the presenters will be possible, on a first-come, first served basis.

Attendance to all sessions is free of charge to FIT Show visitors. The full programme can be seen at www.fitshow.co.uk/seminars where visitors may also register online to receive regular updates about The FIT Show and for when they visit, smooth their way into the halls and seminars.

 

The Fabricator Installer Trade (FIT) Show takes place at The International Centre Telford on 12th, 13th 14th April 2016. Visitors can reserve their free tickets now by visiting: http://www.fitshow.co.uk/reserve-your-tickets. General information on The FIT Show can be found at: www.fitshow.co.uk.

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Ecobuild joins forces with the Job Show to help meet construction industry skills gap

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In response to an industry-wide skills shortage, Ecobuild, the UK’s largest show dedicated to construction and energy, has launched a partnership with The Job Show™, the nationwide quality recruitment and careers event, to create a construction-focused job show which will run alongside Ecobuild on the last day of the show, 10th March at ExCeL London.

The Construction Job Show™ in partnership with Ecobuild has been designed to bring together employers of all sizes and disciplines with the very best would-be employees, and is built on The Job Show’s proven track record of uniting talented individuals with fantastic career opportunities, creating connections that benefit both parties.

For construction industry companies, the show gives them the opportunity to recruit their next generation of workers, ensuring they have the manpower – in terms of both capacity and competency – to meet growing, post-recession workloads and address any emerging skills shortages.

Jobseekers will be able to take in a wide variety of potential employment options and take their first steps to a career in fields as diverse as engineering and architecture, surveying to project management.

Martin Hurn, Ecobuild Event Director, said “With The Construction Job Show™ we have responded to industry demand to provide a dedicated space that will go some way to addressing the current skills shortage affecting the construction industry. With the recent news from Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) predicting an additional 232,000 job roles being created over the next five years, we believe this skills gap will be a core topic being discussed on day three of Ecobuild, which has a conference programme dedicated to Next Generation.

“The industry is changing at a pace never experienced before and as such there’s never been a wider range of opportunities available for those looking to embark on a career in construction across a wide range of disciplines.”

Victoria Clarke, Co-founder and Director of The Job Show™ said “We are delighted to launch The Construction Job Show™. As a dedicated ‘sector’ driven recruitment event we believe we can offer an excellent forum to showcase industry job roles as well as Apprenticeship and training opportunities for our generation of the future.

“With the increasing demand for new recruits across the construction industry, the timing of The Construction Job Show™ is excellent, being staged on the last day of Ecobuild, an event that already gathers the leading construction companies together.”

The Construction Job Show™ will be held in the South Gallery Rooms on the last day of Ecobuild 2016 on Thursday 10th March. For more information about the event or to book a stand space please click here or telephone Victoria on (01733) 555717 or mobile 07804 735856.

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 Ecobuild to provide food for thought with provocative next generation conference

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A programme on next generation thinking delivered by some of the most influential and innovative figures in the construction industry has been announced by Ecobuild. The conference takes an inventive look at the materials, practices and thinking which could shape our future living, from creating a swimmable commuter route on the capital’s canal, to smart buildings which operate without human intervention.

As well as providing an intriguing and highly provoking glance at the future construction of buildings and surrounding infrastructure, the programme, which is being hosted on day three of Ecobuild, offers a host of imaginative solutions on the question of how best to nurture talent within construction.

Among speakers giving their forthright, expert – and at times – provocative views include David Hancock, Head of Construction at the UK Cabinet Office; Andrew McNaughton, Director of Engineering at Tidal Lagoon Power; and Sam Martin, Director at Exterior Architecture.

One of the conference’s many stimulating presentations features a talk on the Thames Deckway by Anna Hill, founder of Space Synapse. Proposed as a first step in reinvigorating the River Thames’ role as a major movement corridor, this £600 million scheme could provide a floating cycle path from Battersea to Canary Wharf. The Deckway is seen by some as a delightfully unconventional solution to London’s deep-seated traffic and pollution problem.

With the capital in mind, the LidoLine is another real next generation idea being floated during the programme. It examines a proposal to transform London’s Regent’s Canal into a swimmable commuter route. This environmentally-friendly and healthy alternative to the bus would take the form of a clean basin being inserted into the canal, allowing swimmers to journey safely to work alongside boats.

The day’s conference programme will be rounded off with the final of The Big Innovation Pitch. Delivered in partnership with Marks & Spencer, The Big Innovation Pitch is an opportunity for companies to pitch innovative building products and solutions in the hope of becoming a potential supplier to the retailer. The finalists will give their final pitch to a panel of judges under the careful watch of host Rachel Riley from the Gadget Show and Countdown.

This lively session might just generate a revolutionary idea or concept to change the UK building industry. For further information about Ecobuild 2016 please visit www.ecobuild.co.uk.

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SFE FAÇADES 2015 COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED:

The winners of FAÇADES2015 the second competition of the Society of Façade Engineering, have been announced with the quality of entries overall as well as the winners said by the judges to have ‘significantly advanced the discipline of façades engineering and design.’

With the Awards presented during the recent ‘Glass Supper’, the prestigious International gathering of façades-focused architects and engineers, RIBA President Jane Duncan, presented prizes for three categories. Winner of the Façade of the Year 2015-New Build category was Flynn Group for the Ryerson Student Learning Centre in Toronto; Façade of the Year 2015–Refurbishment was awarded to Arup Façade Engineering for the Guys Hospital Tower; and Outstanding Façade Innovation 2015 was awarded jointly to Arup and Bellapart for the Bombay Sapphire Distillery.

Announcing the winners, Chris Macey FSFE, Chairman of Wintech Group and Chairman of the Judges, commented: “Based upon the simple premise of the competition ‘to recognise excellence in façade design and engineering as a specialist discipline’ then this year the competition has at least fulfilled those objectives with exciting entries from around the world being received. The judges believe that the winners have significantly raised the bar in terms of imagination, execution and vision with some exciting projects that are World Class by any standards.”

Commenting on each of the projects Macey added:

Ryerson Student Learning Centre in Toronto – the overall winner: The Ryerson Centre employed a number of unique and new technologies in the completion of a complex geometry building envelope and its application to complex structures. Essentially, laser scans of the structure were taken and these were combined with a BIM model that finally allowed the automation of all of the other design information needed for manufacture. The photographs of the building envelope are a clear demonstration of how technology in the future might simplify the whole delivery process of major buildings eradicating the risk of out of tolerance structure. The other overriding benefit is that the normal consideration of building tolerances in the design of building envelopes can now change, whereby the façade design can be adjusted automatically to accommodate as built structure just a few days before the components are required on site. The Ryerson Centre is a true example of a building completed using entirely new technologies.

Guys Hospital Tower: The original hospital tower building has been transformed from a derided, tired old building into an architectural triumph on the City of London skyline. Not only has a vast improvement been made to the building’s architecture and the environment of its occupants, but also the work was completed whilst the hospital was completed operational. The building uses a number of cladding techniques but all of these were constrained to some extent by the need to maintain certain aspects of the original façade design whilst accommodating inherent inefficiencies of these forms of construction. The project was widely regarded by the judges as being a superb example of what can be achieved with existing buildings. This is exemplary of a world class refurbishment project.

Bombay Sapphire Distillery: This project was put forward by two separate competition entries. As the judges were unable to differentiate between the two a joint award was made. The project is a unique example of how engineering ingenuity when combined with excellence in manufacture and delivery can be combined to create something that is totally unique. It is also testimony to the determination of the construction team and the client’s dedication in delivering a spectacular architectural masterpiece. Hopefully the distillery building will become a point of reference demonstrating what is achievable with the right team and modern technologies for future buildings.

Summarising the importance of the competition Chris Macey said: “With the façade being one of the most expensive parts of a building construction and the primary environmental modifier it is only right that the scientific and engineering expertise needed to deliver this fundamentally important element of the construction of modern buildings is properly appreciated.

“The SFE competition provides the only real opportunity for those behind great examples of façades excellence to gain proper recognition by their peers and in the wider architectural community.”

For the headline sponsors of the competition Reynaers Aluminium, the company’s managing director Martine Reynaers commented: “I have been very impressed to see that these awards have generated such diverse entries relating to projects all around the world. The standard of the winning entries has been exceptional, showcasing some architecturally very exciting projects. I am delighted that Reynaers has been involved as main sponsor.”

For more information please visit www.sfecompetition.org.

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Rinnai new stylish space heater design and impressive energy savings performance

Rinnai Energysaver fanned convection powered flue gas fired space heaters are designed specifically for use in schools, community centres, libraries, conservatories and churches and other large spaces where they offer fastest heat up at lowest running cost.

The Rinnai Energysaver 309FT has had a stylish makeover to offer contemporary cabinet styling that matches its superior energy saving performance. The new, sleek good looks of this popular model bring it in line with modern minimalist tastes in interior aesthetics. It is eminently suited for architects, specifiers and installers tasked with projects demanding both top end styling and performance.

Sporting a modern, sleek casing, the heater simply blends into the background while still offering exceptionally high efficiencies in operation and subsequently reduced running costs.
Rinnai has also provided the appliance with a no-quibble 15-year guarantee on the heat exchanger, positive proof of its confidence in the periority of its quality Japanese engineering.

Rinnai Energysaver 309FT, with its low surface temperature (LST) casing to avoid any risk of burns, offers easy on/off operation and intelligent features such as self-diagnostics and a self-learning pre-heat time to maximise heat up time and energy consumption.

The Rinnai Energysaver 309FT delivers warm air at floor level for greater comfort and coverage of even greater spaces and turns in efficiencies of 85.9%. Because the heater heats from the floor up and modulates gas usage in relation to room temperature, the unit provides unparalleled levels of comfort combined with efficiency for large spaces, such as churches with vaulted ceilings.

It has an input of 3.4kW and output of 2.92kW. The streamlined unit measures 695mm x 465mm x 257mm. Natural Gas usage has been pegged at 0.31m3 while LPG consumption is 0.26kg/hr.

Rinnai Energysaver units are very easy to install as they do not need expensive (and extensive) ductwork, nor do they involve the necessity to run domestic heating circuits for radiators or pipework to boilers. This cuts down dramatically on cost and time at the point of installation.

Standard flue is 240mm-400mm with alternative flues to fit walls ranging from 5mm-1000mm. Flue hole diameter is 80mm and maximum flue length is 7 metres.

Rinnai Energysaver 309FT delivers energy-efficient and consistent warm air powered by Natural Gas and LPG options and is built with fully modulating burners so heat output and energy input is reduced as the space warms up – a valuable cost saving benefit.

The heaters are also suitable for central BMS control. This feature allows the building manager to run any number of Rinnai space heaters off a central time clock providing heat to the large of spaces. The Energysaver Multicontroller is not limited to single Energysavers as the flexibility of the system guarantees units can be mixed and matched to satisfy even the most unique of buildings.

The Rinnai Energysaver range more than exceed seasonal thermal heating guidance under Building Regs Part L.

“Rinnai Energysaver 309FT space heater really does deliver a cost saving on installation, low operational costs and maintenance, lower life cycle costs, lower replacement costs, high energy efficiencies. It is infinitely suitable for refurbishment projects and comes with a 15-year warranty on the heat exchanger, which is testament to the superior engineering quality of the appliance,” explains Chris Goggin, Associate Director of Rinnai UK.
For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.

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Top marks for Mumford & Wood Conservation™ timber windows and doors

High performance timber windows and doors from the Mumford & Wood Conservation™ range have been specified in an historical property refurbishment in the beautiful village of Clifton, Bristol. In Tudor-Gothic style this stunning collection of seven luxury-living properties offers outstanding accommodation enhanced with space and light.

The sympathetically converted Grade II listed school building has been revived by Kersfield Developments, Bath, together with contractor Construction Total Solutions, Bath, to form a walled boutique development that encloses five houses and two mews properties. The building is recognised locally for its iconic diaper patterned roof.

Double glazed casement windows from the coordinated Conservation™ range have been specified by architects Nash Partnership, also of Bath, and designed to work in harmony with the traditional stone surrounds and other architectural features typical of the region. Solid planked entrance doors with decorative overhead fanlights provide like-for-like replacement and Conservation™ bi-folding doors are featured in several of the properties adding yet more drama to the internal space. These doors have an open-out configuration and are available up to 5.9m wide and 3m high to achieve maximum impact. Both entrance and bi-folding doors are Secured by Design accredited within the Conservation Secure™ collection and meet Approved Document Q – Security of Building Regulations, which applies to the new build housing sector.

The architectural preservation of this much-loved building has been sensitively considered throughout the design process. Purpose built in 1850 the original Church of England School building was saved from demolition in the 1960s and remained in use as a school until 1979 in response to public outcry. Bristol City Council became the new owner using it as a district office with much of the original architecture hidden from view. In stripping back the building to its original timber trusses and classrooms, the building’s classic origins of spacious dimensions have been recreated.

“This building has had new life breathed into it,” says Frank Buckley, managing director, Mumford & Wood Limited, “and we are proud that our award-winning windows and doors have helped to recreate its historic charm. Our products have worked beautifully with the sweeping, open spaces of the building which offers generous open plan living so popular in today’s family living style.”

Double glazed Conservation™ windows and doors are made to the exacting standards of the British Woodworking Federation’s Wood Window Alliance (WWA) scheme and are BRE A+ rated offering outstanding levels of thermal and acoustic performance. They are manufactured from premium grade Siberian Larch which is engineered for maximum strength and stability to help ensure long lasting aesthetics and performance, while achieving a perfect factory-finished, paint-ready surface typical of fine joinery. Independent research carried out by the WWA on behalf of its members identifies that timber as a frame material offers the most sustainable and cost effective material with a life cycle of up to 65 years and more.

More information about Conservation™ and Conservation Secure™ products is available from the sales team on 01621 818155, email: sales@mumfordwood.com or visit the website: www.mumfordwood.com. Follow us on Twitter @mumfordwood and facebook.com/mumfordwood.

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GE to deliver 50% energy savings with Santander infrastructure upgrade

GE is to deliver energy savings of more than 50% and cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 7,000 tonnes annually with Santander lighting infrastructure upgrade.

Demonstrating that corporations no longer have to choose between ‘profit and planet’, GE has delivered a cash-positive lighting infrastructure upgrade for the UK business of global banking institution Santander.

As the UK’s biggest ever fully-funded LED lighting retrofit, the project will see 90,000 new lights installed across the bank’s UK estate of 800 branches and 13 office buildings – slashing energy use in half and reducing carbon emissions by more than 7,000 tonnes each year.

Providing a full scope solution, GE will deliver lighting services throughout the 10-year contract, which includes optimised system design, installation, maintenance and management.

Importantly, the project is to be delivered using a cash-positive financing model, in a move that is set to reinvent the way companies think about investment in energy efficient lighting upgrades. The model includes a substantial investment of £17.5 million by the UK Green Investment Bank plc and Sustainable Development Capital Limited, making it the biggest LED-financing package the UK has ever seen.

This unconventional approach, in which the financing partners enable the lighting to be procured as a service rather than a product purchase, allows Santander to benefit from the reduced operating costs and improved energy efficiency of the LED lighting but without the capital investment and impact on the balance sheet – a flexible solution that could pave the way for many other organisations to follow suit.

Dan Vinton, CFO of GE Lighting EMEA, commented: “The lighting industry has changed dramatically in the last few years, moving away from supplying product as a simple disposable commodity, to providing high value solutions to customers while becoming a true energy efficiency partner. The old models of the lighting industry are no longer fit for purpose in this new market and this project represents a glimpse into the new world.”

“More than anything, this project has been about listening to our customer’s needs and working with them to develop a tailored package of lighting and finance solutions that perfectly meet their requirements. The strength, credibility and expertise represented by the GE brand helped make the project bankable which was a key element of success. We’re privileged to have been able to walk this learning journey together with our partners and proud of what we have accomplished here. We are now focused on scaling this offering more broadly and allowing more customers in our target markets and verticals to benefit from this type of smart value creation.”

Nick Roberts, Property Director, at Santander, said: “We launched our 20-20-15 energy efficiency strategy three years ago, in which we committed to reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions by 20 per cent by 2015. LED lighting has become an integral part of our Energy Efficiency Plan and plays a key role in achieving these overall sustainability goals. Through this lighting upgrade we have taken a huge step forward in executing our long-term efficiency objectives, with GE providing the support, scale and suitable products that we needed.”

For more information please visit www.ge.com.

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