ECOBUILD ANNOUNCES UK-GBC AS EXCLUSIVE LEAD PARTNER

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The UK’s construction meeting place Ecobuild is putting sustainability at the core of the event by confirming the leading campaigning body for green construction issues the UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC) as its exclusive lead partner for 2016.

The partnership reflects the two leading organisations’ closely aligned commitment to inspire best practice and push boundaries to demonstrate the value of sustainability throughout the industry. Ecobuild and UK-GBC have worked collaboratively to advocate a focus on long-term sustainability policy to Government, as well as continuing to make a strong case for sustainability across the industry. Ecobuild is also a partner of the World Green Building Council of which the UK-GBC, itself representing over 400 member organisations, is a member.

Ecobuild UK-GBC is collaborating with Ecobuild on the development of compelling content for visitors to Ecobuild 2016, and will be hosting thought-provoking Leaders’ Debates on each of the three conference days which focus on Homes, Architecture and Next Generation respectively. In each debate Chief Executive of UK-GBC Julie Hirigoyen will pose five future challenges for the construction industry to a panel of Industry Leaders and Future Leaders, including major housebuilders, consultants, architects, main contractors and developers who will respond with practical ideas on delivery. UK-GBC will also be providing more bite-sized content in several fringe conference sessions around the main arena.

Thanks to the exclusive partnering agreement Ecobuild and UK-GBC will be able to harness their combined strengths further with a closer working relationship at the 2016 event, which will enable UK-GBC to bring its messages to an audience of over 40,000 visitors. In addition, with many of the organisation’s members exhibiting at Ecobuild, the event provides an important opportunity for UK-GBC to reconnect and communicate directly with them.

Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive of UK-GBC commented: “It has never been more important for the industry to lead on demonstrating the business case for implementing higher sustainability standards and to share that across the different segments of the industry. Ecobuild is the biggest platform for getting our message across and we will be using this important opportunity as lead partner at Ecobuild 2016 to disseminate key messages including the need to decouple growth from adverse environmental impact.”

Alison Jackson, Group Director, Exhibitions, UBM EMEA Built Environment commented: “We share core values with UK-GBC and having them as lead partner will enable us to promote sustainable construction even more actively in 2016. This close collaboration is one way we are ensuring that sustainability remains at the heart of Ecobuild.”

For further information about Ecobuild 2016 please visit www.ecobuild.co.uk.

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FIT show a systemfest as most big name profile companies take part

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More than a dozen PVC-U and aluminium systems producers are showing at The FIT Show when it opens on April 12th, 13th and 14th next year, the biggest gathering of such companies for a decade.

With many of the industry’s established stalwarts exhibiting there are also one or two newer names joining the throng and all are claiming something new on offer, including brand new systems. However, all are keeping their big items under wraps for the time being.

FIT Show managing director Paul Godwin worked on Glassex for more than a decade and says this is the most impressive gathering of such companies for probably 10 years: “There has been a significant rationalisation of the systems companies since the heady days of the ‘80s and ‘90s but the dozen plus systems companies exhibiting at next year’s FIT Show is the best turnout for a decade, and includes most of the big names.

Companies exhibiting so far include: Deceuninck, Duraflex, Eclectic, Eurocell, Ikon, Liniar, Profile 22, Rehau, Selecta, Spectus, Swish, Synseal and VEKA.

“This is great news for the window industry,” Paul continued. “That these companies are investing millions of pounds in design, development, new machinery and tooling at this time is great news for all of us. It shows great faith in the future of the industry.

“As many of these companies are revealing brand new, ground-up systems, it presents an excellent opportunity for fabricators and installers that may be looking at additional or alternative systems, who can use the opportunity to compare most of the major brands, all under the same roof at the same time.”

Paul suggests that it shows an extraordinary commitment to The FIT Show: “That The FIT Show has become a key part of the window, door and conservatory industry’s calendar is confirmed by these and other exhibitors coordinating their product development cycle with the Show. We see that as a big responsibility and will be pulling out all the stops to make sure the 2016 FIT Show is the best so far. It is already the biggest in terms of the number and variety of exhibitors and should be in everyone’s diary: 12th, 13th 14th April 2016 at the International Centre Telford!”

More information on The FIT Show can be found at: www.fitshow.co.uk.

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Redring exhibits UK’s number one care shower at the Occupational Therapy Show

Shower manufacturer Redring will join Contour Showers on stand G82 at this month’s Occupational Therapy Show, showcasing its market-leading Selectronic Premier range of thermostatic care showers.

A rated for energy efficiency and trusted by care professionals for over 25 years, Selectronic Premier is BEAB Care and RNIB approved.

The showers use advanced thermostatic technology to maintain constant water temperatures for a comfortable and safe showering experience, while large, easy-to-press one-touch buttons, an LED display and audible feedback allow for easy shower operation.

Selectronic Premier features unique data logger technology which tracks showering patterns, usage and a unique fault-finder system for problem solving,

Included in the range are models with extended riser rails and hoses for seated showering, and remote controls, which allow the shower to be operated at a distance by carers.

Discover more at the NEC on stand G82 at this month’s Occupational Therapy Show from 25th to 26th November or visit www.redring.co.uk.

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Cedral clicks into place in conservation area

Fibre cement Cedral Click has helped a self builder in Northamptonshire achieve an architectural fusion between their property’s impressive angular design and the neighbouring Grade II listed church spire.

The facade’s ability to visually reduce the impact of the building on the landscape is based around a symbiotic relationship with the slate grey Cedral Click and honey coloured stone, which work together to make the most of sunlight, shadow and sightlines in this beautiful Conservation Area of Broughton, Northamptonshire.

This juxtaposition of facade materials was accentuated by the architects following through the angular roof design within the facade. The effect is to further reduce the building’s dominance, whichever elevation it is viewed from, creating a structure that appears less imposing, yet retains a geometry that works with the church spire in the background.

Aside from Cedral Click’s visual possibilities, the flush-fitting boards give a sense of elegance and weightlessness, avoiding the issue on some buildings where a solid facade over dominates the overall design.

Cedral Click, with its lightweight yet strong properties, enabled the designers to create a structure with complex, engaging forms, yet one that still appears deceptively at home in this Conservation Area.

The 300m², three bedroom home was the inspiration of the Manning family and Market Harborough-based Leaf Architecture. Mr Manning said: “The support from Marley Eternit has been phenomenal, our sales contact took the time to meet us and discuss exactly what it was that we wanted. We couldn’t fault their customer service and Cedral Click has far exceeded our expectations and created a striking feature.”

Cedral Click is the UK’s first and only fibre cement tongue and groove cladding system where the planks fit together flush and is offered in a range of seven colours.

With the visual appeal of natural timber and the durability of a fibre cement product, Cedral Click has good resistance to fire (A2-s1,d0 to EN13501-1). Being made from fibre cement means that it won’t warp or shrink over time like timber. The installers used a concealed fixing system to enhance the sheer, smooth facade.

Cedral Click achieves an A+ rating in the BRE (Building Research Establishment) Green Guide to Specification based on generic rating: Cedral Click – autoclaved fibre cement (calcium silicate) cladding – (Element Ref: 806220701, 806220675, 806220676).

Marley Eternit also offers Cedral Lap weatherboard, a more traditional, clapper-board aesthetic where the planks overlap. Both Cedral Click and Cedral Lap are made from fibre cement, which ensures low maintenance and a life expectancy of 50 years.

For further information on Cedral just ask ME at www.cedral.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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Marley Contract Services recognised for quality workmanship in National Awards

Marley Contract Services is celebrating success after winning in the UK Roofing Awards 2015 for its work on a community housing development in Aberdeen.

Marley Contract Services has been awarded in the best Single-Lap Tiling & Slating category in the prestigious awards, which are led by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) to recognise outstanding standards of workmanship and safety across the roofing industry.

The win is for the team’s work with Scotia Homes, which appointed Marley Contract Services to carry out roof works on a series of town houses as part of its innovative community style housing development in the sought after suburb of Bridge of Don in Aberdeen.

The project saw the regional team carry out intricate tiling on the roof areas to create aesthetic appeal to complement the different housing styles on the site and surrounding area. This included the roof valleys being cut near and straight as well as cutting the ridge hips neatly at the mitred junction.

The builder specified a red clay tile on the main roof area to create striking stand out, while small plain tiles were used around the bay windows to provide a contrasting affect. Hips were installed using a dry system on the Main Roof sections with close mitred hips on Bay Windows.

Due to the number of other contractors operating across the site, timescales for the roofing project were extremely tight, which required the expert team from Marley Contract Services to work closely with the other on-site teams to meet strict deadlines. In addition to time constraints, keeping the building watertight throughout the build was of paramount importance, which meant the team had to operate with maximum efficiency, while adhering to stringent health and safety regulations.

The knowledge and expertise of the team, which included a second year apprentice, saw the successful completion of the project, on time, and to the great satisfaction of Scotia Homes.

Commenting on the win, Billy Baird, Managing Director at Marley Contract Services, said: “High quality workmanship is at the heart of Marley Contract Service’s operation, so we’re delighted to be recognised for this within a national award scheme. The Scotia Homes development is a perfect example of the high level of expertise and skills deployed by the team to deliver a project, on time and to the highest of standards, no matter how intricate the design details and I’d like to congratulate everybody involved in this award winning project.”

For more information on Marley Contract Services, call 0141 761 4321 or visit: www.marleycontractservices.co.uk

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Versatile Hydro-Brake® Agile Expands Options for SuDS on New Developments

Hydro International is launching the Hydro-Brake® Agile flow control, marking a significant new opportunity for highly-efficient surface water attenuation with the lowest-possible flood storage volumes to meet stringent planning and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) requirements.

Simple, cost-effective and easy-to-install, the float-activated Hydro-Brake® Agile extends the Hydro-Brake® Flow Control Series, a versatile toolbox of precision-engineered flow controls for every project and budget.

The Hydro-Brake® Agile meets stringent stipulations for surface water discharge rates and can be engineered to achieve the lowest-possible flood storage. It can therefore help developers meet strict planning requirements and ensure acceptance by adopting authorities, while reducing land take and construction costs.

“The Hydro-Brake® Agile achieves a constant rate of discharge and therefore the lowest possible upstream storage volumes,” says Phil Collins, Stormwater Sales and Marketing Manager UK and Ireland. “It is ideal for new developments, watercourse flood alleviation or highways projects with stringent discharge requirements, where the space available for flood storage is very limited.”

“Minimising flood storage above ground avoids the use of valuable building land and minimising flood storage below ground helps solve space limitations in underground tanks or pipework. It also keeps contracting and equipment costs as low as possible.”

“As the cost of a flow control is a small proportion of total project costs, an investment in a precision-engineered device can result in considerable savings, especially where space is at a premium.”

The unit’s automatic operation and predictable, repeatable performance ensure that maintenance costs are minimal. The Hydro-Brake® Agile reduces the long-term management burden by providing a predictable schedule for site management companies or adopting authorities.

Designing an effective system using Hydro-Brake® Agile is easy using Hydro International’s free technical and design support service. Professional engineers are available to provide advice on sizing, flow and storage calculations, as well as assisting with dimensioned installation drawings.

Hydro-Brake® Agile

The Hydro-Brake® Agile comprises an orifice plate with a variable open area regulated by a float-arm operated gate to deliver a constant discharge rate over a wide range of heads. The discharge rate is adjustable to match the discharge requirements for the site.

Discharge through the open gate at low flows is unimpeded. During a storm, the float arm closes the gate until the maximum water level and discharge rate is reached for a designated event, so that the gate is prevented from closing further, despite any increases in head.

The maximum discharge rate is maintained while upstream storage is drained down rapidly, ensuring the unit is ready for subsequent storm events, until the float returns to the resting position with the gate fully open. The Hydro-Brake® Agile is easily adjustable to accommodate changes in operating conditions.

Manufactured from high-grade stainless steel, the Hydro-Brake® Agile Flow Control can be matched to a range of outlet pipe sizes. The unit can be supplied prefitted in a cast concrete chamber for easy on-site installation. To suit the location and invert required, the chamber depth can be easily varied with concrete rings.

The Hydro-Brake® Flow Control Series

The Hydro-Brake® Flow Control Series is a versatile toolbox of precision-engineered devices for surface water control: Hydro-Brake® Agile; Hydro-Brake® Flood Alleviation; Hydro-Brake® Optimum; Hydro-Brake® Orifice.

For more information about the Hydro-Brake® Flow Control Series and other stormwater and waste water management products please call 01275 337937, email enquiries@hydro-int.com or visit www.hydro-int.com.

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Introducing Airflow’s new generation of MVHR commercial units

During UK Construction Week 2015, Airflow Developments launched the new Duplexvent ROTARY range. Representing a significant advancement in the compact construction of a high performance of Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery system, the range utilises a rotary thermal wheel principle to allow for up to 85% heat recovery and the delivery of air volumes from 8000 to 16,000m³/hr. Furthermore, all units comply with the latest ErP Regulations.

The Duplexvent ROTARY Wheel Ventilation with Heat Recovery system is the latest addition to Airflow’s popular Duplexvent range. Each unit houses a thermal wheel, which rotates. Heat is picked up from the exhaust air stream in the top half of the rotation and given up to the fresh air stream in the bottom half of the rotation. This creates a higher flow of air through the unit, despite a more concise space.

Available in a rooftop or indoor version and suitable for commercial or industrial applications, the units are delivered in three parts. The units can be customised with a choice of duct orientations where supply and extract ports can be rotated by up to 90 degrees to allow connections to be installed within the demands of the building’s size and layout.

Quiet in operation, with low Specific Fan Power (from 0.45W/m³H, dependent on flow), Airflow’s Duplexvent ROTARY units provide significant energy savings through its EC fans. The units consist of double skin construction, with high performance 45mm mineral wool with thermal bridging to class T2 and a heat bridge factor of TB2 – contributing towards heat transfer characteristics of 0.037W/mk. In addition, the units are fitted with anti-cross contamination technology, which includes a crossbar across the rotary component, to guard against air contaminants entering the new, fresh air supply.

The equipment is fully specified with a range of optional components and full BMS and Internet connectivity, while optional additions include mixing dampers, integrated heating or cooling coils and purge chambers.

“Our new Duplexvent ROTARY Wheel Ventilation with Heat Recovery system represents a significant evolution in capability,” explained Toni Wong, Product Marketing Executive at Airflow Developments. “The range provides anyone responsible for ventilation within a commercial or industrial environment with a range of easy to install units that offer powerful performance and outstanding energy efficiency.”

For further information, please follow @AirflowD on Twitter, search Airflow Developments Limited on Facebook, or visit www.airflow.com

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EQUITONE inspires modern design at Ashton Sixth Form College

Photography: Infinite 3D

Ashton Sixth Form College in Greater Manchester is inspiring the next generation of students with a new entrance structure that’s clad in EQUITONE [tectiva] fibre cement facade material.

The new entrance building utilises the translation of the college’s ‘graphic’ logo in a simple extraction of geometry.

EQUITONE [tectiva] was used externally and internally for the new reception building, and executes a striking aesthetic through a series of dramatic fins. The entry axis from the main road brings one into a transitional zone between ‘old’ and ‘new’ architecture, expressing the contrasting textures of the fibre cement material against the existing brick and stone work.

EQUITONE [tectiva] is a through coloured fibre cement facade material that is available in a range of elegant shades of natural colour. Its fine sanded lines and naturally occurring hues within the material enhance its aesthetic appeal, which constantly changes with the effect of light and shade.

It was the crisp, clean and lightweight properties of the fibre cement facade that initially attracted project architects GA Studio. “We specified EQUITONE [tectiva] because of its unique aesthetic properties and its ability to help us create a simple yet, striking, geometric form that would reflect the forward thinking nature of the college and provide a new corporate face,” said Martin James Gibson, managing director of GA Studio.

He added: “By combining a mix of new build and refurbished space we were able to provide a naturally lit, dramatic space that looks impressive during the day and acts as a beacon at night.”

For further information on EQUITONE [tectiva] please visit: www.equitone.co.uk

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Reading College uses Tanktronic to Ensure Safe Healthy Water at all times for Students

UTC Reading is a University Technical College that offers computer science and engineering courses to up to 600 students, aged 14-19 years. The college is located in a new building (opened in 2013) which is situated a short distance from the University campus.

In common with most large commercial buildings, the college is provided with cold water from the rising main via a ground-floor tank which guarantees an uninterrupted supply of drinking quality water whatever the demands placed on it by its many occupants.

During term time, demand is at its highest so the challenge is to ensure a constant supply throughout the building at all times. That demand obviously drops during the holidays which means the focus shifts to ensuring the water in the tank remains healthy. Even during terms, occupancy levels fluctuate particularly at weekends, meaning demand is rarely constant.

The water tank at UTC Reading is divided into two chambers to allow easy maintenance and cleaning while still ensuring an uninterrupted supply of water to the building. However, a divided tank has to be carefully managed; both sides of the tank need to fill with water at the same rate from the rising main to ensure neither side becomes ‘static’ as this could lead to bacterial growth and stagnant water.

At UTC Reading, the water within a divided tank was controlled by two independent equilibrium valves which were not working simultaneously, thus one side of the tank filled and emptied faster than the other side – the latter was in danger of becoming static.

M&E contractors LJJ Ltd turned to Keraflo for a solution that would not only guarantee the safety of the water, but would also deliver a highly flexible supply within the building. The decision was made to install Tanktronic (TT43 and TT15) as the preferred option for both managing water quality and to act as valves, controlling the water influx into both sides of the tank.

Tanktronic is an electronic tank management system which provides a complete solution to managing and controlling tank filling, as well as monitoring/reporting water levels and temperature.

Where required, it can be integrated into a building management system to alert the management team to any changes in the stored water. It also has a very useful calendar (holiday) setting so that the building management team can vary tank capacity to match demand.

Its smart functionality includes a Repeater Panel, which enables control from up to 100 metres away (meaning tanks housed in basements or roofs can be controlled from the comfort of the management office) and the Battery Module, which provides up to two days of normal operation in the event of a power failure. Having been launched three years ago, Tanktronic is already installed in many prominent buildings including The O2 Arena in London.

Philip Eykel, Operations Director of LLJ Ltd says: “We were very pleased with the service provided by the Keraflo team. Their technical support was fantastic, installation was easy and the team was onsite to ensure everything went smoothly. As far as I’m aware, the system is working perfectly providing both a high level of control and ensuring that water in the tank is regularly turned over to keep supplies healthy.”

For more information call 0118 921 9920, email info@keraflo.co.uk or visit www.keraflo.co.uk.

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Cembrit to invest in natural slate

Cembrit is pleased to announce the creation of a dedicated natural slates division to offer the UK’s specifiers and slaters greater choice of top end material for prestigious roofing contracts. The philosophy will be to enhance the existing range with additional high quality slates. The new brands will offer reliable, long term availability. This will be supported by dedicated personnel and focused marketing. As a start of the investment and long term commitment to Natural Slate, the group has decided to dedicate a specific person to this product group, Sales Director, Rob Wallace.

Cembrit’s ancestry in the UK begins with Alan Blunn Ltd, one of the UK’s original natural slate agents, set up in 1924, offering customer service and technical expertise to all involved in pitched roofing. Acquired by Cembrit in 2000, the reputation and sales of the combined company has continued to grow, to the extent that Cembrit’s natural slates activities became an attractive proposition for others seeking to enhance their position in the UK market.

Encouraged by this, Cembrit has realized that there is a responsibility as well as huge potential to provide durable, verifiable, high quality natural slates to the British market. The new division will be headed by Rob Wallace, who has 18 years of experience in growing Cembrit’s business from its Welsh depot in Llandow. Cembrit’s growth has been achieved through unbeatable customer service.

“We have seen continued growth in the demand for natural slate, particularly with proven origin and consistent supply,” comments Rob Wallace, Sales Director, Cembrit. “Our stance will be one of honesty and transparency as this is important to clients but not always available in our complex market”.

Marketing Manager Ged Ferris adds “This marks the beginning of a new phase in Cembrit’s commitment to natural slate. Cembrit will be making substantial investments in this environmentally attractive material. Look out for more news as the division takes shape”.

For more information, and to download the fibre cement slate guide, visit www.cembrit.co.uk

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