Prestige Johannesburg office development stays cool with SE Controls

A new prestige office development in Sandton, Johannesburg is using a combined smoke and natural ventilation system, involving automatic window vents in the building’s elliptical glazed central tower, which is actuated and controlled by an integrated solution from SE Controls Africa.

Located in the Sandton business area, which is regarded as one of South Africa’s prime commercial locations, the R208 million (£10.7 million) Capital Hill development combines seven floors of office space with residential apartments, as well as covered parking for almost 400 vehicles.

Designed by MWLF Architects, the building not only provides high quality business facilities and residential accommodation, but is also highly energy efficient and is constructed to achieve a ‘Four Green Star’ rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa.

As part of this process, the building’s 12 storey elliptical central tower features a fully glazed external facade within an aluminium lattice structure, which incorporates an automatic window and vent opening system to provide natural ventilation and overnight cooling, as well as smoke ventilation in the event of a fire.

To achieve the necessary level of versatility and control required for the automated vent system, SE Controls supplied 49 SECO N 24 25 twin chain actuators with a 350mm stroke length together with 7 SHEVTEC® control panels and manual control points (MCP), which were networked using the company’s OSLink network cards. An external weather station was also installed to provide an information feed on ambient conditions into the system.

In normal operation, the windows open and close automatically, to provide cooling and a supply of fresh air, but in the event of a fire this is over-ridden and vents are opened to allow smoke to be vented, enabling escape routes to be kept smoke free.

Russel Cramb, General Manager with SE Controls Africa, explained: “Capital Hill is an iconic building and has already attracted a lot of attention for its eye-catching design, green credentials and the quality of facilities it provides. We have an immense amount of experience in combined natural and smoke ventilation solutions, which we used when working with the architect to create a solution that wouldn’t compromise the smooth architectural lines of the external glazed facade.”

Further information on SE Controls’ products, solutions and projects can be obtained by visiting www.secontrols.com or calling +44 (0) 1543 443060.

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New Ronald McDonald house roof in good health thanks to Sika-Trocal

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation for the families of young patients being treated in hospital. For the charity’s new-build facility at South Glasgow Hospital Campus, Sika-Trocal has supplied 600m2 of its single ply membranes as part of a high performance waterproofing system that includes a living roof and a series of projecting window pods.

Designed by architectural practice Keppie on behalf of RMHC, the new building on the South Glasgow Hospitals Campus replaces the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Yorkhill. Expected to be completed by summer 2015, the new building comprises three white brick traditional forms with slate pitched roofs, with each connected to the other by glazed openings as part of a bright and welcoming aesthetic.

Working with main contractor CCG, McConnell Roofing was appointed to complete the single ply elements of a roofing contract that included an expansive green roof and outwardly projecting window pods. For the main roof area, McConnell Roofing applied 500m2 of Sika-Trocal SGmA as part of a complete green roof system comprising vapour control layer, PIR insulation, Sika-Trocal SGmA waterproof covering, Sika-Trocal SBv protection and separation layer, drainage layer and vegetation.

Quick, lightweight and economical to install, the mechanically fixed SGmA system ensured McConnell completed this crucial project element on time and with minimal impact on other trades on site. Mechanical fastening also allowed McConnell to secure both the membrane and the insulation in one go, reducing costs and time with a strong and safe fixing method.

As part of the overall application, McConnell also installed 100m2 of Type S single ply membrane over a series of window pods. Offering exceptional waterproofing and durability, the cold-applied Type S roofing membrane is also approved by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) to have a life expectancy of up to 35 years.

“We have been installing Sika-Trocal single ply membranes on successful projects for many, many years,” said Ken Wales, General Manager at McConnell Roofing. “With the tight site and a series of intricate detailing works presenting a number of challenges, Sika-Trocal’s single ply membranes once again proved the perfect solution at Ronald McDonald House.”

Completed within a two-month period by a project team of four, the innovative application of both the SGmA and Type S solutions by McConnell Roofing ensured the project remained on track for its summer 2015 completion. With its high quality and reliable roofing solutions, Sika-Trocal will once again help to keep an important building watertight for years to come.

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Rinnai welcomes advent of ‘transparent’ energy labelling directive

Rinnai, designer and manufacturer of the Infinity range of continuous flow gas fired water heaters, welcomes the implementation of the Energy Labelling Directive on 26 September as it scores ‘A’ ratings on all its water heaters.

“Energy labelling of product offers transparency to specifiers and end users who will now have a clear guide for choosing the most efficient units available,” said Chris Goggin, Associate Director of Rinnai UK.

“Rinnai brings to market the most extensive range of ‘A’ rated appliances with load profiles ranging from small domestic models to XXL sized industrial units,” said Goggin.

“The ‘A’ rating applies to when a unit is in use – i.e. when fuel is being used, and as an ‘A’ rated Rinnai unit only uses fuel when water is being drawn the energy label crystallises our reputation for efficiency, as continuous flow water heaters suffer no standing losses with storage counterparts”.

When Rinnai water heaters are paired with solar thermal and the latest intelligent controls are used for ultimate heat recovery, even higher efficiencies can be achieved, he added.

Rinnai is also set up to offer installers expert help with system labelling. Installers will be responsible for creating the labels for those installations that combine a water heater with renewables, for example.

On 26 September 2015 The Energy Related Products (ERP) Directive, incorporating Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Directives for water heaters (Lot 2) come into force, meaning that water-heating products sold in the UK will need to meet minimum energy performance criteria in order to be legally placed on the market, and will require an energy label.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com

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Waterproofing Simplified with Remmers Multi Tight 2K

Multi-Tight 2K is a new, flexible, mineral based waterproofing product which has all the performance properties of older technology polymer-modified thick bitumen emulsions, whilst being “bitumen free”.

Using unique rubber granulate filler technology Multi-Tight 2K has a crack-bridging capacity which is five times more effective than standard flexible mineral-based waterproofing systems.

The versatility of the product allows it to be used to waterproof below ground externally and internally offering excellent resistance to ground or water pressure as well as frost and salts.

It is very quick and easy to apply by trowel or spray application, has fantastic levels of adhesion to most substrates including old bitumen and dries very quickly in less than 18 hours.

Multi Tight 2K is UV stable but can also be over-coated with Remmers Concrete Acrylic in any colour allowing Clients to aesthetically blend in areas of waterproofing on building facades.

Waterproofing your building has now been truly simplified by Multi Tight 2K.

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

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Redring selectronic premier achieves a rating for energy efficiency

Redring Selectronic Premier, the UK’s number one care shower, has achieved the highest A class energy efficiency rating, in line with the new Energy-related Products Directive.

Trusted by care professionals for over 25 years, the Selectronic Premier range of thermostatic showers features advanced temperature control technology, intuitive user controls and rapid one-button commissioning for an intelligent and safe showering solution that is easy to use and install.

Selectronic Premier uses highly accurate thermostatic technology to maintain constant water temperatures within just +/-0.5°C, while adjustable temperature locking allows maximum water temperatures to be set.

Large one-touch start/stop and temperature control buttons together with a large LED display and audio feedback allow easy shower operation. Plus, smart data logger technology tracks showering patterns to save energy and monitor usage, and a unique fault-finder system allows problems to be diagnosed and solved, with no need for an engineer.

For further information, visit www.redring.co.uk.

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Think security, think Document Q with Mumford & Wood

Mumford & Wood Conservation™ sliding sash windows are now SBD certificated to meet Approved Document Q – Security. Recognised as Britain’s leading manufacturer of high performance, tried and tested timber windows and doors, Conservation™ sash windows now carry additional security features that meet the requirements of Document Q Building Regulations, for the new build housing sector, which comes into effect 1 October 2015.
“To the untrained eye the Conservation Secure™ sash window looks no different to its predecessor, so much so that even burglars won’t see this until they have struggled with the security features and, of course, timber offers better strength to weight ratios than any other frame material,” says Frank Buckley, managing director, Mumford & Wood. “High levels of thermal, acoustic and air tightness come as standard and our products surpass the requirements of Part L Building Regulations.”
The technicians at Mumford & Wood have innovated improvements to the existing and coordinated products in the Conservation™ range enabling a new higher level of security without any visible difference. These windows and doors join a certificated line up in the Conservation Secure™ collection which includes SBD certificated casement windows, French doorsets, bi-folding and entrance doors.
The security standard demanded by Building Regulations, to which products are tested, is known as PAS24 but prior to this all products must be tested and rated for weather and air tightness to meet BS6375 (Parts 1 & 2). “It is pointless having safe and secure windows and doors if you cannot keep the weather at bay,” continues Buckley.
“While the requirement to meet Part Q will apply for new buildings only, existing home owners will want these security benefits applied to replacement products for the upkeep and maintenance of their properties as well as for major refurbishments and extensions.”
Independent research carried out on behalf of the British Woodworking Federation’s Wood Window Alliance (WWA) scheme, of which Mumford & Wood is a leading member, has proven that timber windows and doors made in accordance with their standards will last for 60 years or more and that, over time, will be carbon negative. Conservation™ products are manufactured from engineered Siberian Larch wood components that provide ultimate levels of strength and stability. With the benefits of double glazing, and optional glass specification, these products offer ultimate levels of thermal and acoustic performance with peace-of-mind security.
Further information about products in the Conservation Secure collection is available on 01621 818155, or please visit the website www.mumfordwood.com.
Follow us on Twitter @mumfordwood or facebook.com/mumfordwood for the latest company news and updates. Visitors are welcome at the company’s showroom in Tiptree, Essex and at The Building Centre, Store, Street, London.

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The Slate Effect: Edgemere becomes a top choice for housing associations

Arcon Housing Association has specified Riven Edgemere tiles from Marley Eternit for its new housing development in Manchester. The slate effect concrete interlocking tiles are currently in high demand from housing associations looking for a natural slate aesthetic on a budget.

The tiles have been used on Arcon’s new development of ten properties on the site of the former St George’s Church in Gorton, in the south east of Manchester. The new two and three-bedroom homes, located on Abbey Hey Lane, Abbey Close and Union Street, are part of the Housing Association’s rapidly expanding new build programme

Arcon Housing Association had previously used slate effect clay interlocking tiles but decided to switch to Riven Edgemere in Smooth Grey for this development because they were more cost effective.

David Hutchinson, senior building surveyor at Arcon Housing Association, comments “We wanted to achieve a slate aesthetic to give a contemporary feel to the new homes but there was certainly no room in the budget for natural slate. The riven surface and thin leading edge of the Edgemere tiles offered us a cost effective close appearance to slate. They look very impressive on the finished houses and blend well with surrounding properties.”

Charlotte Hughes, product manager from Marley Eternit, adds “We have seen a significant increase in the number of housing associations using our Edgemere tiles because they want to achieve a slate look but are faced with growing budgetary pressures. We have also seen some movement away from slate effect clay interlocking tiles towards products like Edgemere, which still offer a high aesthetic but are often more cost effective. The Riven version is particularly popular because it has a textured slate like surface but is the same price as the rest of the Edgemere range and is a good option when planners require a closer match to the look of natural slate.”

Arcon Housing Association’s new build properties must meet high sustainability and Lifetime Homes standards. Charlotte Hughes adds “The environmental credentials of Edgemere interlocking tiles are another reason why they are in such high demand for social housing projects, with independent carbon certification, the ability to achieve an A+ rating in the BRE’s Green Guide to Specification and certification to the BES 6001 standard for Responsible Sourcing.”

Marley Eternit’s Edgemere’s large format concrete interlocking tiles come with a thin leading edge for a slate like appearance at a more attractive price. With only 9.7 tiles per square metre, Edgemere is a single lap solution that is quicker and easier to install than natural slate and 40% thinner than standard concrete interlocking tiles. With the ability to perform at pitches as low as 17.5°, Edgemere has the versatility to be used on a wide range of roof types and is now available in three variants, standard, riven and duo.

For more information or literature, please visit www.marleyeternit.co.uk/edgemere.

For further information on our range of products and services just ask ME at www.marleyeternit.co.uk or call ME on 01283 722588. You can also follow ME on Twitter @MarleyEternit. If it matters to you it matters to us, that’s why with ME it’s all about you.

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UKCW’s roll call of recognisable names

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With just weeks to go before the industry heads to Birmingham for UK Construction Week, planning a visit around the comprehensive seminar schedule is vital. Delivering high-level insights into the key issues facing the construction industry from a raft of recognisable names, the Main Stage seminar programme is integral to the event.

Each seminar will consist of an hour-long panel discussion, covering a key topic. Visitors will not fail to recognise the TV personalities – themselves international broadcasters, journalists and authors – heading up the seminar programme.

John Humphrys will facilitate day one of proceedings on the main stage. The programme will commence with a welcome and keynote presentation from the government’s chief construction advisor, Dr Peter Hansford. He will set out the priorities and plans for construction industrial policy over the next electoral cycle. The day will proceed with discussions on product and process innovation, tackling how the industry can break away from traditional construction and engineering processes.

A series of speakers, including RICS’ Jeremy Blackburn, CPA’s Dr Noble Francis and CIAT’s Gary Mees will next discuss the economic environment and its impacts on the industry, considering how we can protect construction from potential economic weaknesses. The image of the industry as a whole will also be under the spotlight, with contributions from Brian Berry of the FMB, Christina Jackson from Amey and Tim Carey from Willmott Dixon. Among others they will consider how the industry has an image problem – governments do not value the construction industry as a key driver within the UK economy and it is not perceived by the public as a modern employer.

Rounding off day one, Dennis Seal of DLS Strategic Ltd and John Stewart of the HBF will explore whether capitalism can fix the housing crisis. Their discussion will look at market-orientated solutions, which might bridge the affordability gap plaguing the country’s housing market.

Presiding over the second day of seminars, Steph McGovern will chair a series of talks that look at skills in the industry. Marie-Claude Hemming from CECA, together with Kim Wortz of RICS, John Patch from Roger Bullivant and the CITB’s Sarah Fenton will begin the day considering how to find and retain talent in the industry.

The skills shortage is the issue for Rupert Scott from TRADA, with Rob Pannell from the Zero Carbon Hub and Pauline Traetto from the BRE Academy. They are joined by Alex Birks from the CITB, Tom Storey of K10 and Bridget Bartlett of the CIoB.

The Birmingham Development Forum is next and outlining a vision of how the Birmingham of the future could and should look, the panel will touch on regeneration and getting the balance of mixed use right. Contributors include Make Architects’ Ken Shuttleworth, Dan Smyth from BDP and Liz Peace from Curzon Regeneration Company, together with Sir Albert Bore from Birmingham City Council. Infrastructure is the order of the day too, with insights into current and upcoming ambitious infrastructure projects in the UK, such as the Silvertown road tunnel, Crossrail 2 and the Bakerloo line extension.

Concluding proceedings on the middle day is a debate on the productivity of the sector. Just why can’t the UK build a skyscraper in 14 days? Attempting to address what is holding the industry back is a panel of six speakers, including Crossrail’s John Pelton and Kamran Moazami from WSP/ Parsons Brinckerhoff.

Seminars on the final day of the trade event, facilitated by Krishnan Guru-Murthy, will open with a presentation from Dr David Hancock on how to drive more collaboration between government and the construction industry, what progress is being made towards the government’s Construction Strategy and the Construction 2025 vision as well as how to improve project capability.

Paul Bogle of the National Federation of Builders will join Liz Welton from Coventry City Council next, to look at procurement improvements and opportunities in construction. Working smarter is the topic on the table for a panel of five including Simon Murray from ICE and Kevin Blunden from CABE.

This impressive schedule concludes with a panel discussion – joined by David Philp, Head of BIM Implementation, UK BIM Task Group, Department for Business, Innovation & Skills and AECOM – on the outlook for BIM in UK construction and building, with an update on BIM adoption and the next steps, how to enable SMEs to make the most of BIM and how it is currently working for contractors and house builders.

Richard Morey, Group Events Director at Media 10, responsible for UK Construction Week, said: “An overview of the seminar schedule and events on the main stage Seminar Theatre is vital for anyone planning to visit the show. We set out to create an informative programme of content that will complement and enrich the exhibition as a whole. The seminar programme is a key attraction for both visitors and exhibitors. I think the impressive roll call of speakers and the line up of topics will not fail to satisfy anyone attending over the three day event.”

Bringing together nine shows under one roof, UK Construction Week will be the biggest construction trade event the UK has seen in years. Taking place at the Birmingham NEC from 6 – 11 October (with the trade only days from 6 – 8 October) the event will unite 1,000 exhibitors with an expected audience of 55,000 visitors.

Visitors will be able to attend the Build Show, Timber Expo, the Surface and Materials Show, Energy 2015, Kitchens & Bathrooms Live, Plant & Machinery Live, HVAC 2015, Smart Buildings 2015 and Grand Designs Live.

For more information please visit www.ukconstructionweek.com or follow @UK_CW on Twitter.

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REHAU stages free fenestration surgery

REHAU will be staging its first ever Windows, Doors and Curtain Walling Surgery on Thursday 15th October at the newly opened REHAU Hub in The Building Centre, London.

Construction professionals who want to discuss the fenestration requirements on any of their planned projects can book an individual 45 minute slot with REHAU’s commercial manager Kevin O’Neill and get free tailored solutions and expert advice.

Kevin says: “In many of my meetings with architects and specifiers, they tell me how challenging it is to keep up to date with the ever changing standards and regulations governing this sector and to stay in touch with the latest developments in things like coloured PVC-U and Passivhaus solutions.

“This new initiative means that they can book a dedicated slot with me at The REHAU Hub and I will address all of the regulatory or technical issues which apply on any projects they’re working on and give them technical and design advice.

“I expect to be covering everything from wind loading and U-Values to fire ratings, acoustics and Passivhaus specifications. The aim is to share best practice and give practical, personalised help for individual builds and developments.”

The new REHAU Hub is a dedicated exhibition and presentation space housed on the ground floor of The Building Centre in Store Street, London, WC1E 7BT.

Surgery slots are available from 9am to 6pm on 15th October. For further information view our Video on YouTube or if you would like to book a place, click here.

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Polypipe Ventilation provides residents with improved home environment control

Polypipe Ventilation, manufacturer of market leading energy saving domestic ventilation systems, is pleased to announce the launch of an innovative new Silavent air management controller, AMIE and a new range of Domus duct sound attenuators – designed to provide residents with greater control and comfort over their indoor environment.

The stylish Silavent AMIE (Air Management for Indoor Environments) controller provides enhanced control of Polypipe’s award winning Silavent Green Line HRX and HRX2 Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems. A compact, wall mounted unit, AMIE enables the resident to directly manage the humidity and ambient air temperature of their dwelling through two main MVHR functions: extract fan boost speed operation, to help remove humid, unhealthy air and heat exchanger (summer) bypass to stop the unit from supplying pre-warmed air into the home; making AMIE ideal for summer and night time cooling.

There are often times within a domestic property when increased ventilation (boost rate) is required to remove excess humidity and temperature. Silavent AMIE provides the resident with the ability to boost the air flow through the MVHR system either automatically by humidity level sensing or manually using an external switch or push button. In the case of the latter, the MVHR unit will return to background speed after 15 minutes.

The MVHR unit’s summer bypass facility, which helps prevent homes from overheating during the warmer months – a popular option on the HRX MVHR models, can be more effectively controlled automatically using Silavent AMIE by room temperature sensing or programmed time settings. As households perceive what is a comfortable indoor air environment differently, AMIE very flexibly offers nine, easy to use pre set programmes to select from and a further four user defined bespoke programmes available with clear on screen instructions to follow.

In addition, Silavent AMIE has the option to proactively provide an MVHR filter cleaning reminder every 3,000 hours (approximately four months) and replacement reminder every 9,000 hours, helping to ensure healthy and clean indoor air quality is maintained

The second most recent key product launch for Polypipe Ventilation is the Domus duct sound attenuators, often referred to as Silencers, which offer improved sound attenuation and thermal insulation.

Domus rigid duct sound attenuators provide a simple, cost-effective solution to reduce nuisance noise from whole house mechanical ventilation systems which connect to a centralised appliance ducted to a number of different room outlets (such as an MVHR system). They effectively absorb sound over a range of audible frequencies, including traffic noise, noise from the ventilation fan and room to room cross talk. Building on the success of the previous sound attenuators, the new range provides greater sound attenuation than ever before, reducing noise levels by as much as 50dB; most importantly at the audible levels that are most commonly heard about the home.

Incorporating rigid duct sound attenuators into a whole house system is not only beneficial for home occupants but also helps installers and developers meet Building Regulation recommendations, which advise the system should not produce excessive noise as this may lead to the user adjusting the system detrimentally.

Third party verified by the Sound Research Laboratories (SRL), the new Domus rigid duct sound attenuators, which are designed for use with Polypipe’s most popular rectangular 204x60mm and 220x90mm duct systems are also now available for use with Domus Thermal duct insulation. Domus Thermal is a patented insulation system which will not only improve the thermal performance of the system, but also complies with Building Regulation requirements.

Keeping the homeowner’s indoor environment in mind, Polypipe have also manufactured the new Domus duct sound attenuators with Microban® protected foam to protect against microbial growth for a clean and fresh ventilation system.

Polypipe Ventilation has a well deserved reputation for quality, supported by excellent technical support, from a market leading manufacturer and designer. Polypipe Ventilation are well placed to offer immediate, practical solutions to Building Regulations Parts F & L. The company continues to provide differentiated solutions in the private and social housing sectors, transforming the way developers, specifiers, installers, home owners and distributors meet emerging environmental standards.

For more information, please go to www.polypipe.com/ventilation or contact Polypipe Ventilation on 08443 715523.

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