With its expansive range of added value services, Marflow Hydronics is able to provide customers with far more than just a complete product portfolio.
The company’s highly skilled team of engineers has combined experience in a multitude of areas, including design, installation and commissioning, and Marflow Hydronics’ added value service promise means that customers are able to utilise this experience to help them throughout their projects.
Whether the customer is facing challenging water distribution problems, needs advice about various pipe layouts and configurations, requires technical support or help with design input, Marflow Hydronics’ range of products and services have been put together so that the company can offer the ideal solution for any HVAC application.
Chris Forbes, Managing Director, says, ‘Anyone can just sell a product, what makes us stand apart is the dedicated service that we offer to all customers. We want their projects to be as good as they can be, and we will happily support our customers in whatever way they need us to. There isn’t a member of the team at Marflow Hydronics that doesn’t believe in the added value we offer.’
To find out more about Marflow Hydronics go to www.marflowhydronics.co.uk/didyouknow and be in with a chance of winning a major games console.
Are your structural waterproofing designs based on a waterproofing risk assessment that has been produced by a suitably qualified specialist? Have you appointed a waterproofing specialist at an early stage of the system design to ensure it is suitably integrated with the overall design of the building? Is your waterproofing expert qualified to CSSW structural waterproofing surveyor standard? If the answer is no to any of these questions then a building insurance company is unlikely to issue you with a warranty.
The increase in the provision of residential basements, the development of new types of waterproofing system and the growing number of claims being made following the failure of structural waterproofing systems were all key drivers for recent changes in industry and insurance company standards – and the reluctance of insurance companies to issue warranties if these new recommendations are not followed.
BS 8102: 2009 (Code of practice for protection of below ground structures against water from the ground) and NHBC waterproofing standards both now include recommendations that any waterproofing system designs are based upon a risk assessment that is appropriate for the property and its intended use, and that the risk assessment is produced by someone who is suitably qualified.
INK Technical Services was established to help housebuilders, architects and other specifiers meet the standards’ requirements so insurance companies are satisfied that a robust waterproofing system is in place. The INK team represents nearly 100 years of structural waterproofing experience and includes CSSW qualified structural waterproofing surveyors. In addition to the production of waterproofing risk assessments, INK Technical Services offers a waterproofing design service; site inspections; reports on failed systems and proposals for remedial measures and approved contractor referrals.
For further information visit www.inktechnicalservices.com
Randolph Hotel, Oxford
SPV have recently undertaken the reactive works to reopen the 5* Randolph hotel in Oxford following the recent fire which broke out at the property.
The fire at the 150-year-old building in Beaumont Street was sparked by a flambéed beef stroganoff in its kitchen, ripping through three floors.
At the height of the fire on 17 April, 14 fire engines were on the scene as crews battled the blaze while thick black smoke spread across the city.
More than 80 people were evacuated, though there were no reported injuries.
Thanks to the hard work of the fire brigade and SPV reactive works, the Gothic building reopened its doors to hotel guests and customers within only 5 weeks.
Jonathan Dawson, regional management director for Macdonald Hotels, said he was “delighted”.
SPV are now continuing work on site carrying out the fire reinstatement project to both internal and external areas of the Hotel.
Cathedral Court, Birmingham
Working on behalf of our Client Bluu, SPV are currently undertaking the scaffolding, roofing, stone repair cleaning and glazing works at Cathedral Court, Birmingham. The scaffold is a full design scaffold with each lift being fully boarded complete with bird netting. On completion of the scaffolding, SPV then commenced stone cleaning and stone repairs to the building, roof repairs and window repair works. The stone repairs are being undertaken by means of a Torik stone cleaning system and the results are exceptional.
Ivor Good site Hoarding Competition
SPV are delighted to report that our fantastic artwork has been chosen as an Ivor Goodsite Hoarding Competition Runner-up for 2015!
Once completed, the hoarding was sited at our ongoing project at Albany House, Birmingham. Even Ivor himself lent a helping hand, much to the delight of the children!
The Office building which is owned and operated by RVB Investments is currently being refurbished by SPV Group with a new external facade system and new glazing to all elevations.
Owen Jones, one of the children who took part from St Michaels Church of England Primary School commented; ‘I have had a brilliant time decorating the hoarding and I really enjoyed visiting a real building site to learn more about the construction trade. When I am older I want to work for SPV Group!’
The new SPV Group website is now online
SPV Group are delighted to announce that our new website is now online. The new site has a brand new look and feel as well as having a range of new features.
Take a look at www.spv-uk.co.uk
As students across the country get stuck into the new academic year, UK Construction Week is celebrating education and training of all kinds – highlighting that there is more than one way to build a successful and rewarding career in construction.
Key to this is the UK Construction Week Career Centre, a dedicated area within the Build Show where house builders, construction firms and other industry experts will be on hand to offer construction specific careers advice to visitors. Covering apprenticeships, on-going training and professional development, the centre will cater for all levels – from seasoned professionals scoping out their next move, to new starters looking for their first break into the construction sector.
Supported by a host of industry bodies, the Career Centre will give visitors a useful insight into a variety of career paths in building, civil engineering, integrated technology installation and other crucial construction trades. Key partners include the Home Builders Federation, the Institute of Civil Engineering and the Women’s Engineering Society, as well as construction skills and apprentices network K10 and major UK house builder Cala Homes.
Visitors will also be able to gain inspiration by hearing the stories of other people who have built a career for themselves in the industry. For example, Heidi Perry, a generator engineer at building machinery supplier Finning, will be sharing her experiences as a female apprenticeship in a male-dominated industry.
Heidi, who took up an apprenticeship after sixth form college, commented: “Finding an apprenticeship wasn’t easy so I applied to Finning to work in the parts department. It wasn’t my ideal job but it was a foot in the door. Luckily, at my interview they asked if I’d prefer to work on the machines and I landed an apprenticeship working on diesel standby generators.
“Now I travel across the country fault-finding, servicing, working on the electrical control systems or fixing broken parts. Apprenticeships are a great way to learn. If you’re thinking of making the move into construction, do it. It’s brilliant fun and you won’t regret it.”
Nathan Garnett, show director commented: “Employing more than 2.2 million people, the construction industry has been the major force behind the UK’s economic recovery – and with £125 billion of public sector and infrastructure projects in the pipeline, the demand for skilled workforce is set to create even more employment opportunities in the years to come. The Career Centre at UK Construction Week will be a really useful source of information for visitors looking to take advantage of this booming work market.”
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 (incorporating Civils Expo), 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.
New self adhesive rubber flooring reduces downtime and saves costs
Fast, efficient and cost effective: nora systems has launched a pioneering and innovative installation technology called nora nTx. This new system halves installation time and considerably reduces costs. It works on all conventional subsurfaces, even on existing floorings and the flooring can be walked on and cleaned immediately after it is installed. This helps to minimise downtime, especially for renovation work during ongoing operations. The system is also completely moisture tolerable.
Fast and uncomplicated: A one-stop shop for all components
Planning and hence the coordination of installation times with other building or renovation work becomes significantly easier and can be organised with greater flexibility. The back of noraplan floorings is lined with a rubber based adhesive under a protective film that is simply peeled off prior to installation. The range also includes special nora nTx installation materials like filler and primer for preparing the subsurface; all components are perfectly matched to each other. “For our customers, this system solution from one source is a major advantage in all respects,” claims Andreas Mueller, Managing Director of nora systems. Unlike conventional wet adhesive for bonding, the nora nTx technology eliminates a number of steps in the operation process, for example; applying the adhesive and, as there is no drying or airing out time, flaws are minimised. The ability to apply nora nTx onto surfaces with high residual moisture also saves additional waiting time.
Ideal for renovations during ongoing operations
“The installation on fitted floor coverings does not pose any problems provided that they still offer adequate adhesion. nora nTx is therefore ideal for renovation measures,” stresses Uwe Bauer, Head of Application Engineering at nora systems. The old floorings need only be slightly roughened and, if necessary, primed, so there is very little dust and dirt during the installation – a huge advantage for renovation during ongoing operations, for instance in hospitals or day units. Directly after installation, the rooms or corridors can be walked on, cleaned, arranged with furniture, and used. At the same time, hazards to the health of patients and staff are minimised. One further advantage is the reliability for the responsible planners: nora nTx helps them to comply reliably with their new building or renovation schedules.
nora nTx is available for the products noraplan sentica, signa, stone, unita, and eco.
For perfect preparation of the substrate, nora offers a variety of nora nTx installation materials. These have been developed specifically for the installation of nora nTx flooring. The perfect match between installation materials and flooring ensures functional safety and guarantees the highest standard of quality. In addition, all nora nTx installation materials can also be used at higher residual moisture levels in the substrate.
In the USA, this innovative system solution has already won an award. The renowned magazine Architectural Record voted this flooring, among over 500 candidates, the best product in the category “Finishes and Surfacing”.
For full details please visit ntx.nora.com
With the housing market continuing to grow, architects and specifiers are increasingly looking for ways to create stand-out design and enhance the kerb appeal of their builds. As a result, the UK’s largest brickmaker, Ibstock, is seeing a rise in demand across its innovative glazed brick range.
Ibstock’s portfolio features real ceramic glazes in a huge variety of colours, sizes and finishes – such as frosted, gloss and satin. By using glazed brick, specifiers are able to use depth and colour to create impressive façades and add innovative and striking design elements to any build.
Suitable for most masonry applications and elevations, Ibstock’s glazed range has already been applied to a host of striking commercial and residential builds across the UK.
Creating colourful spaces
One building project to realise the design potential of glazed bricks is Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge. Used to create an exciting and colourful design, whilst seamlessly integrating new and existing buildings, the architect specified the innovative glazed slip for the creation of a series of ‘lecture pods’ – a number of modern and welcoming areas for students to relax or study between lectures, which have been strategically placed to break up the façade.
A number of internal circular walls were installed to create the new lecture pods before the rainbow assortment of glazed slips in blue, red, orange, yellow and grey were applied. Against a contrast of timber cladding, the bricks delivered a fresh and modern finish to enhance the building’s environment.
As well as its ease of use, a major advantage of glazed brick is its ability to speed up construction without sacrificing visual appeal. For example, to minimise on-site construction at Anglia Ruskin University, the circular walls were built using blockwork before being clad with the glazed slips, which removed the need for traditional brickwork.
Adding distinction
Ibstock’s glazed range has also been used to great effect in the regeneration of the Acton Housing Scheme in Ealing, West London. The latest phase of the development involved creating an elegant gateway to South Acton, which is comprised of 8 to 10 storey residential blocks arranged around a south facing courtyard.
To break up the perceived mass of the buildings, the architect used large panels of glazed brickwork to create a striking façade in a palette of sky blue, white and a bespoke pale mint. The use of the large panels of glazed brick creates simple yet effective variations between the residential blocks.
To provide a comprehensive overview of the design possibilities achievable through the use of glazed brick, Ibstock recently launched its new edition of ‘Design’ magazine, which is dedicated to this exciting range.
Andrew Halstead-Smith, Group Marketing Manager at Ibstock, comments: “As demonstrated through the success of these two very different projects, the glazed range responds to the need to set buildings apart and achieve striking designs by offering specifiers a varied and vibrant selection of brick solutions. The wide choice of colours and finishes, coupled with the ease of installation, means those tasked with creating stand-out design can do so with minimum effort.”
To obtain the latest issue of Design or find out more about the range of glazed bricks available, visit www.ibstock.com.
Insulated external walls are an effective way to prevent energy loss from all types of properties. Ged Ferris, Marketing Manager at Cembrit discusses the incorporation of render-backer board, as a substrate in such constructions.
There are an ever increasing number of ‘green’ solutions becoming available to help cut wasted energy and in the process help the environment. The government driven schemes; the Renewable Heat Incentive and the much-talked about Green Deal, are concerned with improvements that homeowners can make with cutting edge energy saving technologies as well more conventional projects such as improving insulation. In fact, as many contractors recognise, significant heat loss from a building is through outside walls. There is of course cavity wall insulation available, but where that is not possible or desirable – a commercial building for example – external wall insulation can provide the same benefits.
Reduced costs
A typical installation of external wall insulation can cut heating costs by as much as 40%, with the additional benefits to the owner of a reduced risk of condensation and resultant decay of the building fabric. The education market has already taken up this trend and as cuts in education spending start to bite, this type of construction is likely to prove a popular choice for establishments looking for a modern and energy efficient upgrade.
External walls incorporating insulation are constructed as double skin, with the insulation shielding the internal layer and an air gap with a decorative outer skin providing the weather protection and aesthetic effect. Taste dictates that not everyone desires the same finish and there is a multitude of suitable materials, colours and textures available. Although a rendered finish is usually associated with block or masonry, the use of a good render backer gives additional scope for a coarse, textured or smooth finish that can be either painted, pigmented or left natural. The monolithic finish will of course eliminate joint shadowing, which can be an issue to some.
To achieve a desirable monolithic finish that will not only satisfy the design brief but also perform well in the long run, it is important to use a good substrate. A stable render backer will help achieve a better uniform exterior finish. Secure fixing and seamless joints are important preliminary steps that eliminate the potential for cracking.
Installation
Installing a render backer is a simple process but for maximum advantage it is a real bonus if the board is lightweight. This helps with manoeuvrability on-site and during the actual fixing process. A case in point is Cembrit’s PB board which incorporates polystyrene beads in its construction. This reduces the density of the board and also makes cutting easier. There is no requirement for mechanical cutting equipment, all cutting can be done with conventional hand tools. This also helps with safety eliminating the risk of nuisance dust.
The installer typically has to be aware of fixing too close to corners / edges as this can damage the boards. A recent development to solve this problem is a board with reinforced edges. In order that fixings can be completely covered with render, the edges are also chamfered meaning the fixing head is below the surface of the façade. Designed to fit neatly together to maximize stability at the butt joints, further reducing the risk of the render cracking along the joints, each of the boards characteristics reduces the risk of the render cracking along the joints or spalling above the fixing, which looks unsightly.
An alternative to rendered finish is brick slip or stone cladding. Such finishes require a strong and stable substrate onto which they are adhered. The best quality render boards can also fulfil this function. Truly versatile boards now coming onto the market will make a huge contribution to the energy efficiency and appearance of buildings for many years to come.
With an increase in demand for lightweight external cladding systems, contractors need to be up to date on the installation of render-backer boards. If specified, and installed correctly, a monolithic finish that is thermally efficient and a pleasing to the eye can be achieved with the minimum of fuss.
Dark Concrete is one of four stunning quartz colours just launched by COMPAC, innovators in surface technology for over 40 years.
Inspired by America’s loft culture, Dark Concrete is part of COMPAC’s New York Collection, a unique quartz worksurface range that explores an industrial and urban aesthetic which will change the way we think about worksurfaces.
Smooth, silky and sensuous to the touch, the New York Collection will excite the senses by offering the opportunity to create contemporary kitchens that replicates the style and uniqueness of loft living in the ‘Big Apple’.
The New York Collection consists of seven urban colours including new additions: Dark Concrete, Ice Concrete, Beige Concrete and Beige Zement. All with exclusive finishes, depth of colour and definition of grain –all durable, hygienic, easy to clean and maintain.
For more information please visit www.compac.es
Crown Paints will be previewing new advances to the Crown Trade Timonox range at an event aimed at specifiers in London next month.
The new Crown Trade Timonox Upgrade system will be demonstrated at The Building Centre in London on the 8th September.
For more than 40 years, Crown Trade’s Timonox flame retardant system has played a key role in fire safety – slowing down the spread of flames and ‘buying’ precious time for buildings to be evacuated.
The system, used on walls and ceilings, can achieve the class 0 status required by legislation including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRFSO) in England and Wales and The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005.
At the event, the Crown Paints’ team will be talking about how a major advance in research and development now means only one coat of Crown Trade Timonox Upgrade Basecoat, followed by two coats of Crown Trade Timonox Emulsion topcoat, is all it takes to offer protection against the rapid spread of flames and improve a Class 4 surface to a Class 0.
Previously four coats were required.
David Spicer, Crown Paints’ Specification Technical Manager, said: “Crown Trade Timonox can help by slowing down and limiting the spread of flames throughout a building, giving invaluable time for occupants to get to a place of safety.
“For properties with more than 10 coats of conventional, old paint in sound condition we have had an upgrade system in our range for some time which enables the surface to be transformed into a Class 0 surface without the necessity of more costly strip and redecoration.”
“Up to now, to achieve Class 0 status, this has involved a four coat application process.”
“Now, as a result of the reformulation, we have reduced the system to three coats, which offers clients considerable savings in labour charges.”
The day will also include ‘Ask The Expert’ advice, with Crown Paints’ representatives on hand to offer guidance on subjects including fire safety legislation, as well as specific application issues.
Information on colour scheming and the creation of inclusive environments will also be available.
The event is taking place place between 12:30pm up to 8pm and will provide an opportunity for an informal chat over some light refreshments.
For more information please contact the Crown Paints Specification team on 0330 0240310 or email info@crownpaintspec.co.uk
For more information about Crown Trade Timonox visit www.crownpaintspec.co.uk/Timonox
Leading window, door and curtain walling manufacturer and installer CMS Window Systems has boosted its aluminium division by adding one of the world’s leading systems to its portfolio and obtaining CWCT membership.
The company, which employs more than 200 people at its HQ and main manufacturing facility near Glasgow, has joined forces with Kawneer to become an authorised partner in a move which gives customers access to an even greater range of fenestration and building envelope solutions.
Since its launch almost a decade ago, CMS has enjoyed continued growth as one of Scotland’s market leading design manufacturers and installers of aluminium, PVCu and timber hybrid, window, door and curtain walling systems. The company works with a wide variety of commercial developers and main contractors delivering projects such as newbuild student accommodation, schools, hospitals and commercial offices.
Director of the Aluminium Division at CMS, Stephen Anderson says the decision to join the Kawneer authorised dealer network was born out of the company’s ethos of continual improvement:
“We are constantly investing in our manufacturing processes, design and technology resources to increase production efficiency and make life easier for our customers. We’re also committed to investing in our product range, and becoming part of the Kawneer dealer network reflects this commitment, giving our customers access to an even broader range of architectural aluminium building products and systems from a business that has a reputation as an innovator in the market.”
Strengthening its technical credentials further, CMS has also become a member of the renowned Centre for Window Cladding Technology (CWCT). This reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering the highest technical standards within the building envelope market and its dedication to continuous improvement.
CWCT uses various testing methods, which determine the level of serviceability of a window, façade or cladding system when subjected to various levels of water, air and solid object impact. The final level of certification depends on the pressure reached or the degree of damage caused after impact. The standards that make up the CWCT tests are calculated to give independent verification that windows and cladding designed for the building envelope, will achieve the values expected.
Its membership provides additional assurance to clients and main contractors and sits alongside a variety of key industry memberships and accreditations that CMS currently hold. These range from Investors in People and ISO 14001 at a business management level, right through to Constructionline, CHAS, Secured by Design and Energy Saving Trust recommended status which directly benefit clients
CMS operates from a 15-acre modern manufacturing and recycling facility in North Lanarkshire, with additional facilities in Fife, producing more than 100,000 window units and thousands of square metres of curtain walling every year. The firm provides a 360-degree building envelope solution from design through manufacture, installation and aftercare, an approach that has seen it work on some of the largest housing investment programmes and commercial building projects throughout the UK since its formation in 2006.
For further information visit www.cmswindows.com.
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