Iconic Butlins’ chalets come to life with contemporary new look… thanks to Cedral weatherboard!

Its speed and ease of installation, low maintenance benefits, fresh and modern aesthetic and varied colour options, have seen Marley Eternit’s Cedral Lap weatherboard specified to play a central role in the contemporary re-creation of the iconic Butlins’ chalets at a new £16 million development in Minehead.

West Lakes Village at Butlins’ Minehead resort has been created ahead of the company’s 80th birthday, with the construction of 117 colourful brand new holiday homes inspired by the original chalets created by Billy Butlin in the 1930s.

Architects Allison Pike were actively involved in the project since inception, helping Butlins to evolve the chalet concept to meet the needs of 21st century families. Multi award winning Principal Contractors McGoff & Byrne were appointed for the construction phase of the development.

McGoff & Byrne specified Marley Eternit’s Cedral Lap weatherboard to create the colourful timber aesthetic synonymous with the facades of the original Butlins chalets, but with the longevity and simple installation offered by the fibre cement cladding.

Harry Galloway, Construction Director from McGoff & Byrne, explains: “The original West Lakes Village design utilised timber for the chalets’ cladding. We amended the specification to Cedral as it provided us with a wide colour palette to choose from and would ensure the striking looks of the chalets’ exteriors lasted with minimal maintenance.

“The seaside location of the development means the chalets have to withstand exposure to salt, so we needed a cladding material that could stand-up to this challenge without requiring significant maintenance to keep the look fresh.

“The different pastel colours of the chalets are a key feature and help recreate the original Butlins 1930s’ feel. By using Cedral, we were able to obtain all of the colours we needed from the factory without having to paint on site, including a special made to order colour manufactured specifically for the project.

“The fibre cement cladding helped us to achieve Butlins’ sustainability aspirations with its A+ rating and responsible sourcing accreditation*. Everyone is delighted with the end result; the redesign is very impressive, contemporary with just the right hint of nostalgia.”

Marley Eternit’s Cedral Lap weatherboard has been used as external cladding on all of the one and two storey lakeside, lake view and park view chalets clustered in landscaped parkland around two newly created lakes.

Jayne Arkell, national sales manager – Cedral at Marley Eternit, comments: “We are delighted to be able to help the iconic 1930s’ Butlins’ chalets make a fun and fresh comeback, with high specifications for 21st century families. By using fibre cement weatherboard, rather than timber, the chalets will still be looking this good for many years to come while still paying homage to the original Butlins aesthetic, with the pastel shades and timber effect detailing.”

Fibre cement Cedral weatherboard is a low maintenance, rot free alternative to traditional timber weatherboarding with a life expectancy of 50 years and can be supplied in a standard range of 21 factory applied solid colours and two woodstain finishes. Cedral Lap is specially designed so the planks are overlapped when installed creating a traditional, clapper-board aesthetic. Or to create a more unusual aesthetic, Cedral Click planks are fitted together flush, creating a striking modern and contemporary facade.

The new West Lakes Village development was completed on time and in budget, with the chalets welcoming their first guests in April 2015.

For more information about Cedral, please visit www.cedral.co.uk

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Is Offsite Construction the Perfectly Timed Solution for the Construction Industry?

The call for a quick and sustainable solution to the current housing shortage has created an opportunity for offsite construction to become a key building method to meet the demand in the housing industry. Kingspan Timber Solutions’ Business Unit Director, Ian Loughnane, offers his perspective on the offsite construction in the housing industry:

“Back in February 2013 the Offsite Housing Review was published by the Construction Industry Council – the most striking aspect of the investigation was the broad level of agreement amongst experts that the solution to the shortfall in housing stock would require the extensive use of prefabricated building techniques. The timber frame industry can certainly answer that call when it comes, which surely it must. The impetus required will undoubtedly be government led but it’s not just about the numbers. As a nation we need affordable, well designed and energy efficient homes that address the significant issues of fuel poverty and climate change. This combination of requirements plays to the strengths of timber frame and structural insulated panels (SIPS), which deliver the sustainable solution.

Energy efficiency doesn’t mean an explosion of high tech, expensive and ultimately obsolete eco-bling. The industry has invested heavily in getting fabric solutions that deliver high performance without the future maintenance costs that non-fabric solutions entail. This approach, synonymous with offsite construction, focuses on the delivery of an airtight building envelope to achieve sustainable and energy efficient new homes, reducing CO2 emissions, energy consumption and associated costs.

In the two years since the publication of this report we have come a long way. Offsite construction technology delivers a predictable performance level, with fewer construction defects or wasted materials. We are able to provide a marked decrease in the build time with a marked increase in the standard of build. This combination of requirements plays to the strengths of timber technology which offers a low-energy design as standard.

The compounded problem of lack of delivery of housing stock during the recession is now reversing to a large pipeline of activity where the pressure is building and the tap is about to be opened. Research finds that there are no regulatory barriers to the increased use of offsite methods and it is predicted by industry professionals that at some point there will be a transition that will see offsite components increasingly being used in place of conventional site-based construction methods.
Housebuilders have concerns over the declining levels of traditional skills, however as a timber frame manufacturer and supplier, I recognise that new skills are required for offsite construction and gaining the right skills will offer employment opportunities for many.

Many purchasers have no clue that their new home may be five years out of date as far as energy performance is concerned. The need to bring these matters to the fore is why the BRE developed the customer facing Housing Quality Mark scheme, which includes energy performance. The sooner the house buying public begins to look at home energy running costs in the same way as car buyers look at MPG, the better.

The market is definitely showing higher levels of optimism amongst the timber offsite solution suppliers, with more positive signs of investment and an increase in activity levels. The transition to a low-carbon economy presents our industry with great opportunities for growth. Environmental considerations will transform how our buildings are constructed, what materials are used and the methods employed. I believe that we are now on the cusp of the predicted ‘sea-change’ and that the time is right for the construction industry to embrace innovative timber technology and offsite techniques to develop better buildings at a rapid rate to enhance lives, minimise the environmental impact and reduce energy costs for occupants for many years to come.”

To find out more about Kingspan Timber Solutions visit: www.kingspantimbersolutions.co.uk

To book a CPD session: call: 01767 676400 or email: info@kingspantimbersolutions.com

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HadleyFRAME™ – offsite residential and commercial construction solution

HadleyFRAME™ provides a pre-panelised, stand alone steel frame structure which is a lighter and easier to erect alternative to steel or concrete primary frames and offers distinct advantages over timber frame construction within the residential property and commercial construction markets.

Properties up to four storeys can be quickly and cost effectively produced. Spans of up to 6m offer the potential to eliminate internal loadbearing walls and thereby provide more options for internal space planning.

As an off-site solution HadleyFRAME™ is manufactured using our cold rolled forming expertise ensuring an accurate, lightweight, fast-track structure with the flexibility to accommodate joisted or concrete floors and support most external cladding systems such as brick and render. It saves on-site time and costs and delivers a superior structure which is future proof, BIM compliant.

As a light gauge piled solution HadleyFRAME™ is especially effective on brownfield sites where, instead of having to remove tons of contaminated soil from site the HadleyFRAME™ solution enables capping of the pile through the contamination, saving significantly on site remediation costs and time. Construction speed is therefore up to 50% faster than traditional construction techniques, providing the earliest possible weathered envelope to a property and no short or long term frame settlement issues. Adverse weather is not an obstacle to construction.

HadleyFRAME™ also provides excellent acoustic and thermal performance, is fully compliant with the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Foundation requirements can also be reduced as lightweight HadleyFRAME™ can be utilised on poor ground conditions. Fewer deliveries to site minimise disruption to established neighbourhoods and reduce on site waste.

Any waste is also recycled during the manufacturing process. A typical two storey home can be constructed from as few as 12 wall panels and the panels for up to four houses can be delivered on one lorry. The resulting robust structure HadleyFRAME™ creates affords early commencement of initial dry lining, just two weeks after floor installation. First fix M or E and roof coverings are also more rapidly achieved.

Hadley Steel Framing can also provide expert structural engineering advice throughout the project lifecycle, working with architects, specifiers and installers to optimise the variety of house styles used and plan a rapid build schedule.

For more information please call 0121 555 1385 or visit http://www.hadleygroup.com/hadley-steel-framing.aspx

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Commercial building projects offered free support package to build to latest sustainable standard

Developers interested in building a small commercial project to cutting-edge sustainable design levels can benefit from a substantial support package from Saint-Gobain.

The company has developed the Multi-Comfort standard, based on Passive House standards, which has a holistic approach to occupier comfort, factoring in thermal, audio, visual and indoor air comfort, plus overall economic comfort, in terms of affordability and lifetime costs.

Now Saint-Gobain is looking to support a small number of exemplar projects to capture data and prove the concept.

The first Multi-Comfort project in the UK is already under construction, with a new sports and drama hall at a leading private school and the company is also supporting exemplar projects in the health building and self-build sectors.

The support package includes design and specification assistance, Passive House modelling, independent testing and certification and two free places on the Passive House Tradesperson Course, accredited by the Passivhaus Institut.

Stacey Temprell, Residential Sector Director at Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland, commented “Building to Multi-Comfort standards will mean minimal changes to designs, no additional cost of construction and no more time on site. The completed Multi-Comfort building will also be more appealing to the occupant.

“We are committed to offering a comprehensive support package throughout the design and build phase. In return, we will carry out testing and evaluation to prove the concept and provide mutual learning and development.

“In addition, participating in an exemplar project will demonstrate a real commitment to delivering innovative sustainable buildings.”

To apply to become an exemplar project, visit www.multicomfort.co.uk/exemplar-projects

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Contour unveils new low cost, ‘no fuss’ LST radiator range

A new value-engineered low surface temperature (LST) radiator has been launched by Contour, the leading designer and manufacturer of LST heating systems.

Primarily designed for general healthcare, educational and commercial environments, the Covora range is ideal for building services contractors and heating and plumbing installers who are working to price-sensitive budgets but require simple, high quality safety compliant radiators.

Leigh Simpson, Managing Director at Contour said: “We have developed this new range after listening carefully to the needs of our customers. For the past 12 years, we have gained a reputation as one of the sector’s most innovative companies, designing exceptional products that meet the highest demands for safety and hygiene in very sensitive environments such as hospital wards and mental health units.

“However, many contractors have told us that they want to use our radiators and guards in more general environments that may not have to meet such stringent hygiene standards.

“With this in mind, we have created the Covora range, specifically for projects where no performance specification or brand has been demanded by the client. It means contractors can continue to use our products secure in the knowledge that they are high quality and meet safety needs. Essentially they can ‘fit and forget’ with confidence.”

No corners have been cut to create the Contour Covora LST radiator, which is made in the UK. It is available in a range of colours, including Oyster White (RAL 1013), Tele Grey (RAL 7047) and Jet Black (RAL 9005), making it ideal for areas such as hotel lobbies, leisure centres and retail spaces, where appearance as well as functionality is important.

It is also available in more than 150 sizes to suit single convector (Type 11), double panel plus (Type 12) and double convector (Type 22) radiator models. The radiator cover is manufactured from 1.2mm mild steel as standard.

Bullnose corners and half bullnose edges increase product strength and reduce the risk of injury in the event of a fall against the cover.

The Covora radiator guard is supplied as a one-piece unit, complete with pre-fabricated cut-outs for valves, skirting boards, and pipework, for ease and speed of installation.

Crucially, the radiator cover is punched with 5.5mm wide radius grilles, which makes it easy to clean, while the narrow grille width prevents most small items, including fingers, being inserted.

And for added peace of mind, Covora radiator emitters and guards are covered by Contour’s ten- year and five-year product warranties respectively.

Powder-coated to an average thickness of 60 microns internally and externally, with white RAL 9003 paint as the standard finish, the Covora range also comes with optional silver-based anti-microbial BioCote® coating, which will help to reduce the risk of infection transmission in environments where the maintenance of hygiene is of significant importance.

“We anticipate our new range to be very popular in environments such as GP surgeries, day care and nursing homes, schools and colleges and general commercial venues, where safety needs to balance with cost-effectiveness,” said Leigh.

Covora is available to order directly from Contour, with short production lead times available from 10 days.

To download Covora size options and heat output information visit: www.contourcasings.co.uk/products/safe-surface-temperature/lst-radiators/covora-lst-radiators/

Contact:
Tel – 01952 290 498
Email – sales@contourcasings.co.uk

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British Spirals & Castings hops in for the Old Brewhouse

A 16th Century building in Suffolk has been given a contemporary twist thanks to a stunning cast aluminium spiral staircase created by British Spirals & Castings.
The Grade II listed property had already seen a good deal of change in its lifespan, originally being used as a dairy range and a brewhouse, before work began to convert the building into a dwelling. After the project stalled under the previous owners, Peter and Christine Rodgers took on the oak-framed wattle and daub farm service building and transformed it into the home it is today.

Peter Rodgers commented, “To give ourselves a little more room, we wanted to build a new two storey extension, however, the layout of the old building made it difficult to create access to the new first storey bedroom from the adjoining rooms. We therefore decided to install a spiral staircase from the new living room directly below. This saved a lot of space compared with a straight option and also provides a dramatic design feature.”

“We initially visited a number of specialist showrooms which showed examples of mainly Italian made staircases but we were unhappy with the design and quality of the models. We then started to look for UK suppliers, and that’s when we came across British Spirals & Castings. Having noticed that all their staircases are designed and manufactured here in the UK, we visited their showroom for a consultation and from there our staircase was born!”

British Spirals & Castings Managing Director, Richard Harding said ‘We were more than happy to take the Rogers around our showroom and workshop in Chapel-en-le-Frith to help them to get a feel of the type of staircase they wanted, and to also discuss design preferences so we could create a staircase truly tailored to them. As the bedroom has a sloping roof, we also carefully designed the staircase to ensure there was sufficient headroom to comply with the Building Regulations.”

The couple opted for a white coloured cast aluminium spiral staircase from the modern art deco range, providing a simple yet stylish finish which beautifully compliments its surroundings. Typically these staircases will have plain round or square balusters, but other balusters options can also be used.

British Spirals & Castings have been designing and manufacturing bespoke spiral stairs, straight staircases and balconies since 1980; all hand crafted here in the UK to each customers requirements.

For further information please contact:

Tel: +44 (0) 1663 750 716
email: sales@britishsc.co.uk
Website: www.britishsc.co.uk

https://twitter.com/BritishSpirals
https://www.facebook.com/britishspiralscastings

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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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