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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Evinox Energy to Exhibit at Ecobuild in the District Energy Pavilion

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Evinox Energy will be exhibiting in the District Energy Pavilion at Ecobuild, taking place from the 8th to the 10th March at the ExCeL London. Ecobuild is the leading exhibition and conference for the UK construction and energy market, attracting over 40,000 industry professionals from across the entire supply chain. This year’s event is set to be bigger and better than ever, focusing on market priorities such as housing, infrastructure, technology and innovation.

The District Energy Pavilion will provide visitors with the opportunity to meet with a selection of suppliers and industry experts all in one area, and includes a comprehensive, informative seminar programme, featuring the latest information about efficient heat networks.

We specialise in communal & district heating systems, and manufacture our own range of modern heat interface units (HIU’s), designed with efficiency and end user comfort in mind. We will also be presenting a seminar in the District Energy Pavilion at the exhibition, where we will be discussing efficient heat network design and management.

Visit us on stand E4280 to find out more about our metering & billing solutions for communal & district systems, and smart control technology. Our systems combine effective HIU control with excellent after-sales end-user support and flexible metering and billing services, ensuring the building owner has a hassle-free, efficient development and residents enjoy a comfortable and relaxed place to live.

We look forward to welcoming you at the event. You can register now to attend the exhibition for free by visiting www.ecobuild.co.uk.

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Senior’s class act

Leading fenestration manufacturer and designer Senior Architectural Systems has helped deliver a dramatic new design scheme for a new performing arts centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

The new state of the art centre, which is part of Newcastle-under-Lyme College, features various glazing solutions from Senior that have been installed by Aire Valley Architectural Ltd for main contractor Bardsley Construction. The slim sightlines and aesthetic flexibility of Senior’s SMR800 curtain walling made it the ideal choice to create the modern entrance to the building and the system has been used throughout to maximise the flow of natural light into the dance studios and communal areas. The centre’s bright and spacious design has been further complemented by Senior’s SPW600e windows and the use of Senior’s SD automatic doors.

Designed by Ellis Williams Architects, the glazing elements of the new performing arts centre provide an attractive contrast to the building’s striking façade which comprises a mix of render, aluminium and terracotta rainscreen cladding. The exceptional thermal efficiency of Senior’s SMR800 curtain walling and SPW600/E windows also met with the scheme’s stringent sustainability targets which has led to the centre achieving a BREEAM rating of ‘excellent’.

The new £5.5m performing arts centre includes teaching rooms, dance studios, performing arts spaces, a 200 seat auditorium, music studios and a student café.

For more information about Senior, visit www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk.

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Hybrid hot water solution tops the green bill

Rinnai’s Chris Goggin explains why hybrid technology is an attractive option for reliable and cost effective hot water provision as it becomes abundantly clear that renewables, on their own, just aren’t delivering.

Energy efficient continuous flow condensing gas fired water heaters clearly have their part to play as we head into ‘greener’ country. This ‘tankless’ form of hot water delivery is growing in popularity and offers huge ongoing financial benefits to building owners and tenants even before the advanced energy saving technologies of the units themselves are taken into account.

This makes the argument for their inclusion as a component in a hybrid renewables/gas boosted hot water system even more compelling. It is becoming abundantly clear that there is not one single method to achieve energy efficiencies as renewables on their own just aren’t delivering. There is no point in waiting for the perfect renewable solution to come along we can utilise a very effective mix of existing renewables and traditional technologies.

In effect we need to find ways of using current renewables technology, be it solar thermal, solar PV or heat pump technology, in a practical manner maximised by traditional fuel sources – in this instance, gas, whether Natural or LPG.

Modern renewables-ready heavy-duty condensing water heater units guarantee the highest efficiencies and therefore the lowest running costs of any commercial water heater. In short, a HE unit used as a gas booster for solar or ASHP systems maximises solar gain, as it only consumes energy when more hot water than the panels can cope with is needed. The rest of the time the unit is inactive.

The use of evacuated tube or flat plate solar collectors can make a big difference when paired with condensing continuous flow water heaters as a boost. Doesn’t it make sense to store the free energy collected by an array of solar panels within in a solar thermal store which can be heated to the required temperature on demand by a gas fired water heater or the water to the outlet can be easily boosted, taking advantage of the expansive range of modulation associated with Rinnai technology.

A gas fired continuous flow water heater is also the only booster that ensures never-ending hot water – no matter how fierce the demand. Fossil fuel is only used when the renewable store is below its set-point, thus reducing the dependency on fossil fuel and reducing CO2 emissions.

Easily ‘retro-fitable’ with current renewable technology, these units are a better environmental option than an electric booster. By using gas, a direct energy source, you can significantly reduce greenhouse gases.

Renewables ready Rinnai Infinity condensing HDC1200 internal and external models show an impressive energy performance of 107 per cent net efficiency while the larger Rinnai HDC1500 models turn in 105 per cent net efficiency*.

For large commercial, operations Rinnai has just launched the Infinity HDC1600i, its premium condensing water heater which has been tested to below 20 ppm NOx, producing the lowest emissions on the market, with 107 per cent gross efficiencies*.

Infinity HDC 1600 renewables-ready, retro-fitable low NOx series is the first heater of its kind to utilise pre-mix burner technology. The newly developed down-firing burner allows increased efficiency and reduces NOx gases. The patented burner also reduces the possibility of flame lift, which has previously been a problem with premix down firing burners. It has a 13-1 turn down ratio – the largest on the market – of 58.4kw-4.5kw and is ultra quiet in operation – so quiet that you wouldn’t know it was on unless you glance at the number on the display.

The Infinity 1600i low NOx series is available with an output of 58.4 kW producing 16.2 litres of temperature controlled hot water per minute (or 9.73 per hour) raised at 50°C. That is .2 litres a minute more than the existing Rinnai Infinity 1500 HDC.

*Tested and certificated by Technigas to EN 26.

For more details on RINNAI products visit www.rinnaiuk.com.

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Prestigious golf club project brings Masterframe sashes to the FORE!

Halo fabricator Masterframe was delighted to provide the replacement windows for a challenging refurbishment contract at The Royal Troon Golf Club on the Ayrshire coast.

The Club has a rich history, having been founded in 1878, and will be proudly hosting the Open Championship again in 2016. In order to welcome the world’s top golfers for the event, refurbishment was needed to bring the building back to its best. Club members had been experiencing problems with heating and noisy air-conditioning and it was felt that new windows would make the Club more thermally efficient.

MD of Masterframe Windows Alan Burgess explains: “The decision was made to replace the majority of the windows throughout the building; a number were not even operational. New window systems were required in the restaurant, the club bar, smoking room, gentlemen’s changing rooms, and three impressive windows in the Captain’s locker room.

“It was somewhat of a tricky project as the windows were fitted behind the original stone mullions.

“One of the Club’s members actually recommended us to the architect and the contractor, thanks to our reputation as the UK’s leading provider of sash windows.

“As a company, sash windows is all we do and we are proud to produce the most authentic, true-to-original timber alternative sash windows in the UK. The Royal Troon Golf Club’s ethos mirrors our traditional values and dedication to excellence, so we were very pleased to work with the Club.

“From a personal perspective, being a passionate golfer, I was determined to ensure that this project was a massive success by providing windows worthy of this prestigious establishment. Our aim was to recommend the very best solution to match the architecture of the club building, with the most up-to-date features that we could manufacture.

“The architect initially specified the windows using information from the our website. We were able to develop the project further by working together to create the ideal, bespoke solution, incorporating parts of the original specification and some of our own recommendations such as butt jointing and dual foils.

“A high quality PVC-U window, created using Halo profile, was chosen to match the existing windows. These alternatives to timber offered the traditional aesthetics the Club wanted to maintain, along with a host of modern benefits. They were fitted behind rebates, without changing the visible sightlines, just like the originals.

“The final specification was a Vintage Traditional window with fully butt jointed frames and sashes, complete with laminated Glass.

“The windows would be complemented by Antique Brass claw cam catches and bar handles. Dual foiling was used in different combinations to suit the character of the various rooms, with white woodgrain externally. Interiors featured bright White Woodgrain, Irish Oak and rich Rosewood foils from The VEKA UK Group’s Variations collection.

“Upstairs, there are two unusual London style sash windows that are square on the inside with a full arch on the outside, which gave us the opportunity to demonstrate our technical skill.

“The new, high quality PVC-U windows are more serviceable than the original timber windows, improving ventilation – especially in the changing rooms – and not requiring annual maintenance, despite being within 200 yards of the sea.”

Chris Moran, House Governor of the club commented “The windows are universally acknowledged as being first class and a number of advocates of wood have stated they were wrong and have indicated that the quality of the windows and the fitting has been an outstanding success.”

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

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COMPAC: the ice effect

Ice Concrete is part of the New York Collection of quartz worksurfaces from COMPAC, a stunning range inspired by this American city’s famous loft culture.

COMPAC’s designers have been able to create a fusion between architecture, design and functionality to offer a quartz worksurface range that explores an industrial and urban aesthetic which will revolutionise how we think about worksurfaces, either in the home or in a commercial environment.

Silky, soft and sensuous to the touch, Ice Concrete has a unique matt concrete finish which provides the opportunity to create a contemporary kitchen environment reflecting the style and excitement of loft living in the ‘Big Apple’.

The New York Collection is available in seven innovative colours with an exclusive matt concrete or glacé finish, all of which combine texture, depth of colour and definition of grain –all hardwearing, hygienic, easy to clean and maintain.

The New York Collection from COMPAC – transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones.

For more information please visit www.compac.es.

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BIM objects for roof slates and ridges from Cembrit

Following on from a successful launch for natural slates, Cembrit has added BIM objects for its fibre cement slates and fibre cement ridges to its growing portfolio. The new objects have been designed with the same attention to detail as the first group which were recently nominated in the Developers’ Choice BIM Object Awards 2015. This initiative is part of an ongoing process that will see the whole Cembrit product portfolio available as BIM objects.

Cembrit’s BIM objects contain detailed dimensions, product specifications and other key details, along with high quality 3D images to add into virtual model and simulated building designs. “We’ve been delighted with the reception our BIM objects have received from the specification community so far,” says Ged Ferris, Marketing Manager of Cembrit. “This latest release adds our versatile and well regarded fibre cement slates and key accessories, and so broadens the scope of our BIM object offering to encompass many more roofing design scenarios.”

The Cembrit range of fibre cement slates includes Westerland, Moorland, Zeeland, Jutland and Diamond, all offering their own unique appearance. The slates are ideal for use on conventional pitched timber roofs with a rafter pitch of 20° and over, or hung vertically as cladding on external walls. The slates are complemented by matching fibre cement ridges, ventilation solutions and fixings.

Cembrit holds five BBA Certificates for its fibre cement slate range, ensuring that whichever system is chosen, architects can be confident in the specified product. To achieve this status, Cembrit fibre cement slates completed a comprehensive testing process and successfully met all the requirements set out by the BBA. Compatible with both, Revit and IFC software versions, Cembrit’s Building Information Modelling (BIM) objects for fibre cement slates are hosted on the NBS National BIM Library and are available to be downloaded and integrated into any BIM software programme.

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

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A sustainable approach puts Charcon top of the class at Manchester Metropolitan University

Charcon, the commercial hard landscaping product range of Aggregate Industries, has successfully completed delivery of over 2,000 tonnes of landscaping materials to Manchester Metropolitan University’s new £140 million sustainable campus in Hulme.

Materials including 7,501m² of EcoPave, 4,521lm of Eco Countryside Kerb, 896lm of wide top Eco Countryside Kerb units and 398 EcoPave step units have been supplied alongside 1,051m² of Charcon premium Andover Textured flag and block paving. The products, which were specified due to their sustainable qualities and unique range of shading, provided optimum design flexibility and strong visual appeal.

The use of Charcon’s Eco range helped Manchester Met to meet the project’s sustainability targets. With the new student accommodation being amongst the most sustainable buildings in the UK, Aggregate Industries’ Eco Countryside Kerb and EcoPave block paving were the perfect choice for the University.

EcoPave Textured contains up to 50 per cent recycled and reclaimed materials, while Eco Countryside Kerb is made with up to 82 per cent recycled and reclaimed material. Developed to maximise resource productivity, the products provide optimum use of finite resources by minimising waste and incorporating high proportions of non-primary materials.

The paving has been utilised to complement the external design of the teaching facilities and student accommodation, and blend in with campus surroundings.

In addition to providing materials, Aggregate Industries helped develop bespoke kerb angles and Eco units, providing on-site landscaping solutions. Contrasting Charcon step inserts were incorporated into the design to reduce the risk of slips and increase visibility.

Mike Davies, Specifications Manager at Aggregate Industries, said “The Birley Campus project has been an exciting one to work on and we are delighted our Charcon product range and expert advisory role on-site have been able to contribute to such a prestigious educational facility.

“The Eco range of paving and kerbing is highly sustainable and durable, meaning the University is environmentally friendly without having to compromise on quality or functionality.”
Manchester Met’s vision was to create “the most sustainable campus in the UK”. The new Birley Campus represents an exciting chapter in the ongoing regeneration of Hulme, and is breathing new life into a site earmarked for development since clearance in the 1990s.

The new campus opens up new paths of higher education to local people and is at the heart of the community for residents to benefit from the facilities, training and knowledge at hand. A brand new centre for teacher training and health facilities will educate up to 6,000 professionals for the region’s schools, hospitals, health and social services. Over 300 new jobs will be created and the local economy in Hulme and Moss Side will be boosted by £29 million.

To find out more about the Charcon range of products, visit www.aggregate.com.

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