Saint-Gobain Weber supports DIY SOS The Big Build Veteran’s Special

Leca® Insufill, the innovative lightweight aggregate and weber.floor 4310 high performance, self-levelling floor screed, has been donated by Saint-Gobain Weber for BBC1’s DIY SOS The Big Build Veterans Special.

This ambitious project saw eight empty and derelict Victorian properties on Canada Street, in the Newton Heath district of Manchester, transformed into liveable homes for ex-service personnel. The properties are being adapted to create three much needed homes for veterans and their families. One of the properties will be converted to a support centre where the ex-soldiers can receive advice, therapy, training and employment opportunities.

“This has been a real challenge for everyone involved,” says Lorraine Blundell, national business development manager, Saint-Gobain Weber, “and we are so pleased that our products have helped to transform these properties to comfortable homes. Our technical teams have enjoyed working with Manchester City Council, BTP Architects, Haig Housing, the veteran’s charity, and main contractors Wates, Kier and ISG, to name but a few.”

Leca® Insufill, a lightweight, expanded clay aggregate, insulation fill material, has been used to fill the empty voids beneath the decayed timber floors of the properties. Some 230m³ of the material has been delivered to Canada Street and pneumatically blown into position from specially adapted vehicles. Leca® Insufill is quick and easy to install saving many hours of manual labour in comparison to traditional hardcore and provides a sound and well insulated substrate for the application of weber.floor 4310. This high performance levelling floor screed creates a strong, smooth and durable floor. It is pump applied for speed of application and its fast drying and curing properties allow light foot traffic after only two hours.

“With such a short build programme, just 15 days, it has been a race against time for Nick Knowles and his team and it was essential to specify materials that can be installed quickly and efficiently, with minimal man power, and still achieve a high quality finish with excellent insulation properties,” continues Ms Blundell.

Ex-service personnel account for a large percentage of the homeless in Britain; one in every 10 rough sleepers are ex-military. Both homeless and military charities have warned that the problem will worsen if urgent action is taken.

“There are over 635,000 empty properties in England alone and we really hope The Big Build will act as a big prompt to other local authorities, communities and businesses to salvage these properties and put them to good use. Our ex-service men and women deserve more than homelessness. We hope by creating this new community in Newton Heath that these heroes can get back into everyday life and get the physical and emotional help they need.”

A major element of this project includes ‘streetscaping’ the entire area and rejuvenating the facades of all 62 homes to improve the environment for the neighbourhood as a whole. Veterans have also been given the opportunity to learn new skills and have taken part in the build.

More information about Leca® Insufill and the Weber floor range, and for technical support, please contact Saint-Gobain Weber on 08703 330 070, or visit www.netweber.co.uk. Customers in Ireland should call 028 9335 2999 or visit www.weber.ie.

A free download of the new weber.app for iPhone and iPad users is also available from iTunes and from Google Play for Android smartphones and tablet users. Follow Saint-Gobain Weber on Twitter @SGWeberUK for the latest company news and updates.

For more information about Saint-Gobain, visit www.saint-gobain.com and the twitter account @saintgobain.

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Polypipe Ventilation enhances specification support with new support team, CPD and brochure

Polypipe Ventilation has expanded its specifier support services with the launch of a new dedicated Specification team, expert technical design services, Specifier’s Guide and editable Specification Clause documents, in addition to releasing the first in a series of CPDs, commencing with the topic of indoor air quality.

The new Specifier’s Guide features Polypipe’s range of specifiable ventilation solutions including Silavent whole house ventilation systems and energy efficient fans, along with Domus ducting systems. It highlights the key features and benefits of each product range and provides product specification details in a clear, easy to read format. The Guide can be accessed from www.polypipe.com/ventilation, which is also home to a range of Specification Clause (word and PDF) documents which can be used to populate your own specification documents through a simple copy and paste action.

The new CIBSE accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course from Polypipe Ventilation focuses on Improving Indoor Air Quality. It addresses why the quality of the air we breathe in our homes matters, the sources of household pollutants and the impact of regulations and developments in the housebuilding sector that are driving the need for improved ventilation, along with the range of ventilation solutions available. It also addresses best practise for energy saving and sustainability, as well as a useful overview of common design problems and how to overcome them.

The new Improving Indoor Air Quality CPD runs between 45-60 minutes and can be conducted on a customer’s premises or at one of Polypipe’s two training centres. To book a course, please call 03443 715523 or email specifyvent@polypipe.com.

Polypipe’s CPD courses are written by Polypipe Ventilation’s Technical Manager, Jon Hill, renowned in the ventilation industry for his work in writing BPEC’s Domestic Ventilation Installer guide, which provides practical installation advice and guidance for ventilation installers.

Jon forms part of Polypipe’s in-house Technical Department which offers free technical and design services. The Department is led by an experienced Development & Technical Director and encompasses expert Design Technicians, Development Engineers and On-Site Engineers.

Working closely with the Technical Department is Polypipe Ventilation’s dedicated, trained and robust Specification Management team, who are on hand to recommend the most suitable and compliant system for a project.

Polypipe Ventilation has a well deserved reputation for quality, supported by excellent technical support, from a market leading manufacturer and designer. Polypipe Ventilation is 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 03443 715523.

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Locker Systems don’t have to be boring.

Kemmlit’s locker systems combine inspirational design with highly robust materials to provide systems suitable for all types of application.

The glass locker system featured is not only stylish to look at but is practical too; its 8mm toughened glass with ceramic silkscreen print and sanded edges is easy to clean and maintain and its solid grade high pressure laminate carcass provides outstanding performance and longevity.

If glass is not your thing, Kemmlit’s lockers are also available with steel, solid grade laminate (HPL), aluminium or even natural veneer or solid timber doors, all manufactured to exacting standards and designed to work in the most demanding environments.

For more information please visit www.kemmlituk.com

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Cembrit Hits the Heights with its FC Ridges

Stocking and fitting the correct ridges for fibre cement roofs is simple with Cembrit’s comprehensive range. Available immediately, the ridges are lighter in weight and easy to cut and fix, qualities which make them superior to the commonly used mortar bedded, concrete or clay alternatives. An additional benefit for stockists is the lower weight per linear metre ratio, equaling smaller footprint, which makes Cembrit ridges easier to store and a more cost effective stock item then substitute products.

Cembrit fibre cement ridges are lighter in weight, do not require electric power for cutting and dust suppression and are easy to install. Being dry fixed with easily available “sela” type screws, installation is not dependent on getting the correct mortar mix, nor having to wait for dry weather. This means the roof will comply with the latest editions BS 5534, BS 8000-6 and chapter 7.2 of the NHBC recommendations.

Ged Ferris, Marketing Manager at Cembrit explains: “Accessories should not be an after-thought, they are an integral component of the roof, contributing to its functionality Increasing demands for energy efficiency, through improved levels of insulation, means ventilation at roof level becomes more crucial. Particularly with tight fitting roof coverings like fibre cement slates, it is necessary to remove moisture carrying warm air from voids in the roof space. The most efficient solution will incorporate inlets at the eaves with outlets along the length of the apex.”

Cembrit has developed a continuously ventilated ridge, to cope with typical roof pitches as well as helping the roof design comply with the latest version of BS 5250. For tricky ventilation problems, where there is no clear airpath from eaves to ridge, Cembrit has developed low-profile vents for use on the roof slope. These are unobtrusive and can also be used as terminals.

Cembrit’s emphasis on customer service extends to rapid availability. Accessories, together with slates are available at five locations around the UK. Customers can get advice on the design, installation and fixing of the fibre cement range either on the telephone from one of the depots, or in print from Cembrit’s recently launched 80 page Guide to Double Lap Slating with Fibre Cement Slates.

Manufactured from the same raw materials and pigments as their fibre cement slates, Cembrit ridges are the perfect complement to a Cembrit fibre cement roof. The products match the slate colour, with no unsightly protrusions or changes of angle, contributing to the sleek effect that can be achieved with Cembrit fibre cement slate roofs. Cembrit can also provide a range of unobtrusive In-line slate vents and slate and ridge fixings specifically designed to meet the most demanding aesthetic requirements.

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

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Ecobuild’s big innovation pitch launches call for entries to find the next big sustainable product

Ecobuild, the leading international event for the construction and energy sectors, is again teaming up with Marks and Spencer to provide a platform for companies to pitch innovative building products and solutions in the hope of becoming a potential supplier to the retailer.

Ecobuild’s Big Innovation Pitch is open to any company operating in the UK sustainable built environment market and has been created to unearth innovation across the design, construction and energy sectors. The collaboration supports M&S in discovering the latest innovations that will help its properties perform better and be more sustainable. These goals form part of M&S’ Plan A sustainability strategy, under which M&S aims to source responsibly, reduce waste and help communities, with the ultimate goal of becoming the world’s most sustainable major retailer.

Ecobuild’s Big Innovation Pitch presents two prime opportunities for entries to be seen at the event. The 15 shortlisted entries will be displayed at Ecobuild’s new central social hub the DISCOVER bar alongside the shortlists for all 13 categories of the Architect of the Year Awards. Then five selected finalists will make their final pitch to the judges, including Chris Marney, Head of Engineering and Energy at M&S, in a special conference session hosted by Rachel Riley from the Gadget Show and Countdown on day three of the conference, which has the theme of Next Generation.

The Big Innovation Pitch is a key initiative providing a platform for growth, helping businesses fast track their penetration into a wide range of markets. The hugely successful debut at Ecobuild 2015 saw the winning firm Endo Enterprises triumphing over 40 other products entered. A packed arena witnessed the company pitch the benefits of the energy-saving central heating additive it invented, developed and manufactured, to M&S. The retailer was so impressed by the product’s proven ability to save 15% on heating bills using a simple organic solution that it is now trialing it across 18 stores. The competition gives entrants an unrivalled opportunity to receive feedback on their product and the way in which they present it. It also helps M&S remain at the forefront of innovation in this space.

Ben Sallon, Managing Director, Endo Enterprises Ltd, commented that the exposure provided by the event has been very valuable to the firm, in addition to the ability to work with M&S: “winning the Big Innovation Pitch has certainly raised our profile and was a wholly positive experience.”

Munish Datta, Head of Plan A and FM Property at M&S, commented: “as part of our Plan A sustainability programme we are always looking for innovations that will improve efficiency in our energy consumption, water usage and waste management. Partnering with Ecobuild on the Big Innovation Pitch is a great way for the Plan A property team to see innovations and new supply chain partners which have the potential to make a real difference.”

Martin Hurn, Event Director, Ecobuild, commented: “The Big Innovation Pitch is a fantastic opportunity for forward-thinking bright SMEs offering solutions for increasing efficiency and sustainability to get in front of one of the UK’s biggest companies. Companies who want to have a chance take their businesses to the next level are encouraged to take advantage of this rare chance to become a sustainability star of the future at Ecobuild 2016.”

The Big Innovation Pitch is open to any UK company offering innovative solutions, and any firms wishing to enter can find information at www.ecobuild.co.uk/Biginnovationpitch

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

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National Painting and Decorating Show – Save the date!

Make sure you get along to this year’s National Painting and Decorating Show at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, 1st and 2nd December.

It’s the biggest show ever, with masses of new products, ideas and incentives for anyone involved in the painting and decorating sector.

Over 100 stands will be displaying everything from paints to wallcoverings, tools to workwear, access equipment to spray machines, – and there will be some fantastic ‘show-only’ discounts on offer.

With free entry, including a choice of over 30 MasterClass presentations during the two days, it really is an event not to miss.

Go to www.paintshow.co.uk to register for free tickets – and get a great goody bag when you arrive!

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Rinnai Space Heaters give it LARGE for big spaces

All models in the Rinnai range of Energysaver fanned convection powered flue gas fired space heaters are designed specifically for use in schools, community centres, libraries, conservatories and churches. They give exceptionally high efficiencies in operation and subsequently reduced running costs.

A major problem when heating a church or other large public space is the pattern of usage, fabric, design and the age of the building. For example, the building may be heated for a Sunday service, or possibly a mid week meeting and then unused for days at time. It is for just such situations as these that the Rinnai Energysaver range has been devised.

Rinnai energy saver units are very easy to install as they do not need expensive (and extensive) ductwork, nor do they involve the necessity to run domestic heating circuits for radiators or pipework to boilers. This can cut down drastically on cost and time at the point of installation.

Rinnai Energysaver Space Heaters deliver energy-efficient and consistent warm air powered by Natural Gas or LPG options and are built with fully modulating burners so heat output and energy input is reduced as the space warms up. The units may also be controlled via a central timer for added economy and occupant comfort.

The units, encased in a low surface temperature (LST) casing to avoid any risk of unnecessary discomfort, are swift to warm up, easy to control and are very economical to run. They offer easy on/off operation and intelligent features such as self-diagnostics and a self-learning pre-heat time to maximise heat up time and energy consumption.

The Rinnai Energysaver 559T unit turns in efficiencies of almost 92% when you consider the effective heat generator seasonal efficiency required for UK building regulations. It has an input of 6.4kW and output of 5.2kW. The unit measures 554mm x 750mm x 250mm.

The Energysaver 1004T has an input of 11.6kW and outputs 10.23kW. Its measurements are 670mm x 930mm x 315mm and it has energy efficiencies of 96% under the guidance of Part L 2014.

Both heaters are also suitable for central timer control. This feature allows the building manager to run any number of Rinnai space heaters off a central time clock providing heat to the large of spaces. The Energysaver Multi controller is not limited to single Energysavers as the flexibility of the system guarantees units can be mixed and matched to satisfy even the most unique of buildings.

The Rinnai Energysaver range comprises fanned convection-powered flue models that exceed seasonal thermal heating guidance under Building Regs Part L, while also heating the usable space within buildings, ensuring comfort, efficiency and compliance.

In a building with high vaulted ceilings, with conventional convector heaters and wet systems, the heat will immediately rise to the ceiling. However, Rinnai has come up with an innovative solution, that heats
from the floor up and by modulating gas usage in relation to room temperature, provides unparalleled levels of comfort combined with efficiency.

In effect, the heaters provide safe, controllable heat with maximum energy efficiency, combined with flexibility of location.

“Rinnai energy saver space heaters really do deliver a cost saving on installation, low operational costs and maintenance, lower life cycle costs, lower replacement costs, high energy efficiencies. They are infinitely suitable for refurbishment project and they come with a 15-year warranty on the heat exchanger,” explains Chris Goggin, Associate Director of Rinnai UK.

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

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Make Architects specify EQUITONE for Greenwich project

Make Architects have specified EQUITONE [natura] fibre cement facade material to help create a striking aesthetic on part of a new residential and commercial development in Greenwich, London.

EQUITONE [natura] is a low maintenance, durable fibre cement material with a tactile, smooth surface, which made it suitable for the Greenwich Square development enabling the client to achieve a modern, sophisticated exterior. Greenwich Square is a £215m scheme located on a three hectare brownfield regeneration site that features 645 new homes, restaurants, shops and leisure facilities. Each of the development’s four blocks offers a unique exterior, with Block 2 clad in Marley Eternit’s EQUITONE [natura].

Colour Anthracite was selected for this project as the colour was felt to best complement the development’s location on the former Greenwich District Hospital site. The dark colour of the fibre cement panels enabled Make Architects to create a statement contrast between the facade and the natural timber cladding and metal balconies. This approach of mixing facade materials helps to unify the four blocks so they are seen as belonging to one family, while ensuring that each building has its own identity and appearance.

John Man, Architect at Make Architects, said: “EQUITONE [natura] was the perfect facade solution for this project as it provides a robust, solid-looking facade that responds to the development’s sustainability agenda. We became aware of the materials properties and benefits from other architectural projects in similar sectors, and after doing some further research on the product we decided it was right for Greenwich Square.”

For more information visit: www.equitone.co.uk

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Internet Protocol transforming building control

Internet Protocol (IP) is creating a host of opportunities by transforming the way building and home automation systems are operated and work together. With this in mind, Interphone will be hosting two seminars to discuss how IP technology provides performance improvements over traditional solutions, while offering an effective means of integrating complementary systems and the benefits of remote monitoring.

With an ever increasing growth in smart devices, and with Internet-enabled consumer devices estimated to rise to over 13 billion by 2020, it is becoming necessary to create the appropriate digital networking infrastructure. This will help deliver added connectivity driven by the rapid expansion together with an increase in the awareness of intelligent home automation technologies, as well as take advantage of improved building management and control.

The seminars will be held at Interphone’s headquarters in Harrow on 25th November and 14th January. For further details visit www.interphone.co.uk.

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Colour, style and performance from Tessera Teviot Carpet Tiles

Tessera Teviot, one of the most widely used ranges in Forbo Flooring System’s extensive portfolio of carpet tiles, has received a stylish colour refresh to maintain its leading position.

Forbo has updated and extended Tessera Teviot’s attractive colour palette with new classic, contemporary and high impact shades, all designed to enhance the creative versatility of this practical yet high performance flooring option. This new and more diverse colour palette makes Tessera Teviot the ‘go-to’ collection for commercial, educational and public sector applications.

With over 10 million square metres already installed, Teviot is the most popular low-level loop pile carpet tile in the Tessera collection. Manufactured from 100% Aquafil polyamide, the quality and durability associated with this trusted brand remains unchanged. A high castor chair rating and hardwearing resilience ensures Tessera Teviot copes effectively with heavy traffic conditions in busy environments.

Now featuring 48 colours, in contemporary solid and the more traditional mottled designs, the new range offers greater design scope and a wider appeal.

As well as the 29 best sellers from the original range, the refreshed colour palette introduces 19 new shades. Modern neutrals, such as Sable and Mercury, along with blue tones, like new Neptune and Duck Egg, provide a revitalised palette for office applications, whilst a brighter primary colour palette creates the option of bringing in fresh colour pops such as Skyblue, Raspberry and Mandarin – perfect for education interiors.

Commenting on this new and improved range, Forbo’s Janet Lowe, UK Market Manager, says: “Tessera Teviot can be specified wherever an attractive and particularly hardwearing modular floor covering is required, while our diverse new colour palette will open the door to whole new level of design opportunity for flooring contractors, specifiers and their clients.”

For more information about Tessera Teviot and to request samples please call 0844 822 3928 or visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/teviot

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