Latest innovations and products in the building fabric section of the construction industry.

Leading construction accessories manufacturer, Leviat, announces the release of its new Ancon Staifix HRT4 300mm Wall Tie designed for use in wider walls with cavities ranging from 151-175mm. The addition of this product to the existing range will help specifiers and builders to meet the latest Part L regulations and achieve the more stringent U-values and building fabric requirements in the upcoming Future Homes Standard.

Developed with both performance and compliance in mind, the new wall tie has been rigorously tested and certified, bearing both the CE and UKCA markings that reassure builders of its quality and adherence to safety standards. Additionally, the product complies with Part E of the Building Regulations as a Type A wall tie, which qualifies it for use in internal party walls, enhancing its versatility and applicability across various construction projects.

The introduction of this new wall tie comes as the construction industry prepares for the transition towards more energy-efficient and sustainable building methods. With the Future Homes Standard on the horizon, it is essential for builders and contractors to utilise materials and technologies that will contribute to creating homes with low carbon emissions and high energy savings.

Key features and benefits of the new 300mm Type 4 wall tie include: ·

  • Compatibility with wider cavity walls (151-175mm), offering greater flexibility in design and construction·
  • Type 4 performance to PD 6697:2019 making it suitable for external walls of domestic buildings up to 10m in height·
  • Aids compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations and provides readiness for the Future Homes Standard, ensuring long-term viability and performance·
  • Third party tested and UKCA & CE marked – a testament to product quality and safety·
  • Suitable for use in internal party walls as a compliant Type A wall tie to Part E of the Building Regulations.

 

Rory Ashcroft, National Sales Manager for Merchants said:

“We are proud to introduce this wall tie to the market, which shows our commitment to innovation and excellence in the building industry and not only meets today’s standards but also paves the way for a more sustainable future. This new wall tie is a testament to that dedication, and we are confident it will significantly benefit our customers.”

The new Ancon Staifix HRT4 300mm Wall Tie is now available through a large network of builders’ merchants. Builders and architects looking to ensure their projects are future-proofed and energy-efficient are encouraged to explore this new offering and its many advantages.


CLICK HERE for more information about this new cavity wall tie

CALL  0114 238 1238

OR CLICK HERE TO EMAIL US


 

Adaptavate founder and CEO Tom Robinson stands in front of the new pilot line

for low-carbon and carbon-negative plasterboard at the company’s headquarters in Bristol, UK.

World’s first full-sized, carbon-negative plasterboard announced by UK construction disruptor

  • Bristol-based construction disruptor Adaptavate has produced the world’s first plasterboard to store carbon permanently.
  • This technology is Adaptavate’s latest development following the release of its low carbon technology. It could take approximately 1kg of CO2 out of the atmosphere for every m2 of plasterboard produced, meaning that this technology is absorbing and storing more carbon than it produces.
  • Adaptavate’s technology platform will equip the construction industry with cost-effective, drop-in and planet positive solutions.

 

Adaptavate, a global leader in the development and industrialisation of low-carbon and carbon-negative construction materials, has announced the production of the world’s first carbon-negative technology to produce plasterboards. The leap from producing low-carbon construction materials to now providing an additional carbon-negative product comes through the incorporation of char – produced by the pyrolysis of ligno-cellulosic materials. This locks the CO2 sequestered by plants into a stable state, and subsequently into the board, preventing it from being released through decay.

Incorporating char makes the current technology to produce Breathaboard genuine permanent carbon-storage, as an alternative to plasterboard which absorbs and stores more carbon than it produces. Importantly, this has been quantified by Adaptavate’s independent, industry verified carbon calculation tool to the latest EN 15804+A2 standard.

Adaptavate’s innovative technology allows for CO2 savings through both its product formulation and manufacturing methods. The company repurposes ligno-cellulosic wastes, combining them with minerals and a small amount of water to create a flat board material. Unlike conventional board production, this process requires no natural gas and can absorb low concentration CO2 in the curing process, which can be sourced from industrial emissions during the curing stage.

Tom Robinson, founder and CEO at Adaptavate, says:

“Our new carbon-negative and carbon-storing technology marks a significant milestone and step forward not only for Adaptavate, a business I founded a decade ago, but also for the global construction industry as a whole. Plasterboard is one of the most heavily used construction material after cement and steel, in an industry that produces around 40% of the world’s carbon emissions. As a former builder, the potential impact of putting carbon storing building materials in the hands of every builder, architect and developer around the world as a drop-in solution is massive in our global endeavour to decarbonise construction. This announcement demonstrates with a real-world example of how we can do this and have a successful business on a global scale.”

The development of this new climate-positive technology and the pilot line for the board’s production has been made possible by UK Government grants (Innovate UK), and investment from a group of climate-focused businesses dedicated to accelerating carbon removal within the construction industry, including Counteract, Perivoli Innovations, Low Carbon Innovation Fund 2 (LCIF2), and SEMIN Group.

 

Jeff Ive, CTO at Adaptavate, says:

“The production of full-sized permanently carbon-storing plasterboard is a major step forward for Adaptavate and the scale up of our regenerative material solutions. We have brought together a systemic solution for carbon dioxide removal that is required on a global scale, and matched it with a product that is used on a similar scale. With our licencing business model, we aim to deliver these systemic innovations at a rate that the planet needs them. The innovations’ development is thanks to the expert international team we have at our Bristol headquarters. With their knowledge, skills and dedication we have produced a game changing carbon-storing product with a comparable performance to the incumbent. The past few years of innovation in this space have been exciting for us, and we can see that this core technology has some important attributes that could be well used in a diverse product portfolio.”

 

Rainscreen cladding solutions feature on many different types of property, from apartment blocks and hotels to schools and railway stations, while the build-up behind the visible panels is relied upon to ensure their performance benefits extend to far more than being a first line of defence against the weather.

 

With this need for multi-functionality, industry specialist SFS has developed its offering on rainscreen cladding support systems to enable architects,  design engineers and cladding contractors to achieve an installation which delivers the required thermal, structural, fire and other performance targets in a safe and economic manner.

 

The manufacturer’s NVELOPE range supports concealed and visible fastened systems to meet most project’s aims while SFS Thermal Solutions ensures that the crucial challenge of closing the ‘Performance Gap’ can be adequately addressed. This requires not only understanding how the system can be correctly and efficiently installed on site; it also demands precise thermal modelling of the subframe to minimise point loss thermal bridging compromising the overall energy performance of the system.

 

David Fraser the Business Unit Manager for SFS, explained:

“As a key aspect on many building façades across our built environment, rainscreen cladding is a key contributor to a property’s overall energy performance, including for the huge number of older buildings which must be improved if we are to meet our net zero targets. Specifiers and installers need expert guidance if project energy design standards are to be achieved in practice. Our Thermal Solutions service and dedicated project managers can assist from the concept stages through to final delivery. Although the fitting of helping hand brackets represents a point loss thermal bridge within the continuity of the insulation, having accurate thermal modelling of different components and details, including for higher performing stainless-steel brackets and the essential thermal breaks to separate them from the main structure, helps to minimise the potential for problems relating to SAP or possibly during the working life of the building.”

 

While the SFS bracketry is designed for speed and ease of installation, as well as to accommodate normal variations in the construction tolerances of the masonry or metal framed structure, the systems within the NVELOPE Thermal Solutions range also offer a choice of performance points and the NVS+Thermal system is certified under the Passivhaus component standard.

 

The NVELOPE VB and HB ranges are produced in aluminium. (NV + Thermal & HB + Thermal are also compatible with SFS Thermal Pad) Then the NVELOPE NVS and NVS+ ranges offer the far lower thermal transmittance characteristics of 316 Stainless Steel, with a non-compressible thermal pad included to achieve the optimum U-values.

 


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL 0330 0555888

  

OR CLICK HERE FOR THE SFS WEBSITE

 


 

 

Pure Polyurea is a new fast-track waterproofing system from TN International.

A next-generation, solvent-free roof waterproofing system with excellent crack-bridging performance has been launched by global waterproofing specialists TN International (TNi).

Pure Polyurea is the latest enhancement to TNi’s DacoShield PU cost-effective range of liquid roofing and waterproofing systems which have recently been introduced into the manufacturer’s extensive portfolio.

DacoShield Pure Polyurea is a two-component, extra fast-curing system that is applied by hot mechanical spraying equipment to waterproof concrete structures such as roofs, podiums, balconies and terraces. More than 800m2 can be applied in a single day, providing an extremely fast-track solution, even in areas difficult to access.

The elastomeric membrane is BBA approved and has a Broof T4 fire classification, with a life expectancy of up to 60 years. As well as being solvent free and low-odour, it is also free of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

DacoShield PU liquid waterproofing systems have been specially designed to offer specifiers, contractors and clients a fast-curing, highly durable waterproofing solution for both new-build and refurbishment applications.

With a choice of finishes and a full range of accessories, the DacoShield PU range provides a highly flexible, aesthetically pleasing waterproofing option for Modern Methods of Construction.

 

www.tnroofingsystems.com

Curtain walling, windows and doors feature on a 33-storey apartment tower.

 

High performance building façade products manufactured by leading UK manufacturer Kawneer were specified to handle the challenging wind loads on Birmingham’s tallest exclusively residential tower block.

Kawneer’s AA®100 zone-drained and capped curtain walling, complemented by AA®720 top-hung ventilator windows on the first to top floors, with AA®190 TB entrance doors on the ground floor, were specified by Glancy Nicholls Architects for the £30 million 33-storey Left Bank 2 tower.

The external façade is constructed of in-situ reinforced concrete frames that were developed over two years by main contractor Wates for developer Regal Property Group, Left Bank 2 is the second tower to feature Kawneer’s aluminium systems at The Bank, between Broad Street and Brindley Place in the city centre.

Also funded by real estate investment company Aprirose, Left Bank 2 comprises 217 luxury one to three-bedroomed apartments with private gym, residents lounge and coffee bar, private kitchen and dining room, on-site cycle storage, and secure and private outdoor green space.

Featuring 3,580ft2 of ground-floor retail space, it is one of only two residential skyscrapers in the city to measure over 100 metres tall. Left Bank 1 is 21 storeys and features Kawneer’s thermally superior AA®720 windows.

Glancy Nicholls’ focus was to respond to the Grade ll listed building that occupies a key part of both the site and its streetscape, and to provide a new public realm link to the adjacent commercial and leisure district. The “brass” building envelope on both towers takes reference from the historical context of the neighbouring Brasshouse building and the site’s brass and metal working heritage.

 

Glancy Nicholls’ Marketing Co-ordinator Sophie Casewell said: “We specified the Kawneer systems for their system performance, particularly in relation to wind loads.

“The curtain wall system delivered the required performance to deal with the challenging wind loads on the 33-storey tower, with the site also elevated geographically within Birmingham. The aesthetics of the system also delivered upon the desired design intent.”

She added: “The Kawneer glazed elements are a significant element with the façade design and assisted with the aesthetic detailing required. The glass to glass corners maximise daylighting and views across the city.

“The client has been very satisfied with the product, with over 70% of the apartments sold by building completion. The glass to glass corner windows were a big selling point and the aluminium material assisted in achieving the client’s sustainable target deliverables.”

 

The Kawneer systems, including AA®100 curtain walling featuring 50mm sightlines, were installed over 18 months by a team of eight operatives from Kawneer-approved specialist sub-contractor APiC UK who also installed the Kawneer windows on Left Bank 1.

APiC’s Sales and Estimating Technician Andrew Finn said: “The relationship that was established on the first tower ensured that Wates and Glancy Nicholls had the confidence to proceed on Left Bank 2 using Kawneer products with APiC as their preferred curtain walling sub-contractor.”

Left Bank 2 was a finalist in the 2020 Facades Awards UK for Best use of a building facade system using aluminium.

Glancy Nicholls have also used Kawneer systems on the St Modwen student residences in Swansea and the John Taylor Free School in Burton.

 

www.kawneer.co.uk

Anglian Metal Deck (AMD), the recently acquired manufacturer of composite steel deck, has announced that it has rebranded to AMDECK™.

As part of major investment to position the company as a leading provider of steel deck in the construction industry, the company has undergone a complete rebrand, including a company name change and a change to the names in its product range.

The new brand name reflects the capabilities and growth plans of the company which designs and manufactures a unique, patented, premium-grade composite steel deck, which provides the strongest bond and performance with concrete slab.

I invested in this company because it was clear to me that it has vast potential, however the AMD name simply didn’t reflect the outstanding quality and performance of our products”, said CEO, Chad Ward. “Our patented embossment design is unique as it provides greater stiffness, therefore increased structural performance, even with lighter gauge steel. In terms of capabilities, we have the fastest roll-former in the UK so we can produce large quantities of steel deck in short timescales – from 2–3 days.”

 

The company’s product range, previously pre-fixed AMD, includes two trapezoidal decks, AMDECK™60 and AMDECK™80 and one re-entrant deck, AMDECK™54, each available in 0.9mm or 1.2mm gauge, all 600mm wide. The company has its own freely accessible design software developed by The Steel Construction Institute and offers a complementary design service.

AMDECK has significant growth plans and our rebrand is the first step towards becoming a leading brand name for steel deck in the UK We have an outstanding product which offers customers real value, and an equally outstanding team of highly-skilled individuals. I have no doubt that AMDECK will become the brand of choice for customers in the construction industry”.

Anglian Metal Deck was acquired by Chad Ward, also CEO of MLB Steel Ltd (formerly Metsec Lattice Beams) and COBI Solutions Ltd, in September 2020. The company is also part of Canam Group Inc, one of the world’s leading structural steel enterprises,

 

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

MARMOX MULTIBOARDS CARRY MARBLE-MOSAICS ACROSS CINQUE PORT SELF-BUILD

A strikingly modern residential property in one of Kent’s most famous coastal towns is making articulate use of Marmox Multiboards as part of its cladding solution, around both the inside of an elevated balcony terrace, as well as across the main entrance elevation.

The 3600 sq. ft. four-bedroom self-build on Cliff Road in Hythe – one of the country’s historic Cinque Ports – has been constructed for Gerald Glover using a high performance SIP system to create a series of rectangular elements, stepping down the steeply sloping site; with natural, Multicolour Slate Split Face slips, other cladding materials surrounding the runs of triple glazing.

Following an initial on-line search and consultations with the Marmox technical sales team, he opted to use 35 of their 12.5mm thick boards direct from the manufacturer, together with Marmox 360 adhesive, jointing tape and special metal washers which combine with the fixing screws.

Gerald commented: “We originally gained planning permission for the house in 2015 and then spent a lengthy period in consultation with our engineer, specialist piling company GeMech and Mather & Smith Steelworks in regards to the topography of the site, it’s stability and the best and most economical way to achieve a supporting above ground structure of the OSB faced SIPS panels to work off. Completion is set for early 2021.

We didn’t want the building to look ultra modern in the setting so have gone for a mix of exterior finishes, including multi-coloured stone slips from Marble Mosaics and the dark coloured Rockpanel Uni cladding panels which surround the main balcony. With the guidance of our consultant, OSG Architecture, we started searching for a cement particle or other suitable substrate board, before coming across Marmox Multiboard on the internet.”

“Given the elevated coastal position the boards had to be fully waterproof, while we also needed them to comply with fire regulations for exterior cladding use, but the lightness of Multiboard – enabling you to install large sections without difficulty – as well as the ease of cutting and fixing, were all additional attractions. We are now planning to use up the boards we have left over for fitting out the four en-suites, wherever there are areas of tiling or wet room situations. Multiboard is a very versatile product.”

Externally the Multiboards are being fixed over a breathable membrane and timber battens at 300 mm centres with the use of the special Marmox sealant, jointing tape and washers ensuring the creation of a watertight surface.

 

Marmox Multiboards are manufactured from extruded polystyrene or XPS encapsulated in reinforced polymer concrete, in a range of thicknesses up to 60mm and offer a variety of positive physical characteristics in addition to being fully waterproof. They are both light to handle and easy to cut, while still being able to sustain substantial loadings if required, such as for flooring applications. They further offer good thermal insulation performance, helping to cut condensation risk.

 

 www.marmox.co.uk

A new white paper has highlighted that tapered roof insulation systems, which combine flat roof insulation and drainage in a single product, can achieve considerable savings when compared with other common methods for creating a fall on a flat roof. The report shows the tapered insulation systems require no drying time, can be as little as around 3% the weight of screed to fall systems and deliver cost savings of as much as £58 per m2 (43%) on the roof build-up above the deck.

 

The Flat Roof Drainage white paper from Kingspan Insulation examines three commonly used methods of achieving a fall on a warm deck flat roof:

  • screed laid to falls;
  • timber firrings under a plywood deck; and
  • tapered roof insulation (specifically Kingspan Thermataper Systems)

 

It features a comparative cost analysis from Currie & Brown, looking at the three approaches across four new build non-residential buildings with concrete decks. These included a hospital extension and office blocks, with roof areas of between 192 m2 and 3,073 m2. All of the constructions use Kingspan Therma range insulation and are designed to achieve identical U-values of 0.16 W/m2K.

 

The results showed that the Kingspan Thermataper Systems provided the most cost-effective option across all four case studies. The system provided savings of £43 – 58 per m2 (up to 43%) on the roof build-up above deck when compared with screed to falls and £15 – 32 per m2 (up to 23%) when compared with the timber firrings. The analysis concluded that Kingspan Thermataper Systems would also provide cost savings on timber and metal deck roofs when compared with timber firings.

 

The white paper also highlights that a standard cement: sand screed dries at approximately one month per 25 mm thickness. This means that the drying time can be as much as 195 days or more on larger surfaces – greatly extending project timescales. Whilst this can be reduced with a quick-drying screed, this will raise system costs by between 40-50%.

 

Weight is also identified as an issue, with standard cement: sand screed weighing around 2000 kg/m3. When applied to the 3,073 m2 case study roof this led to a total above deck system weight of 1,005,000 kg, compared with just 23,000 kg for the Kingspan Thermataper System. This added weight will have clear structural implications for the building foundations and frame along with additional costs beyond those highlighted in the Currie & Brown analysis.

 

To read more about the research and the benefits tapered roof insulation can provide, download the Flat Roof Drainage white paper – www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk/flatroofdrainage

 

For further information, please contact:

Tel: +44 (0) 1544 387 384

Fax: +44 (0) 1544 387 484

email: info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk

Website: www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk/flatroofdrainage

www.twitter.com/KingspanIns_UK

The University of Nottingham’s Advanced Manufacturing Building used TECHNAL GEODE MX 52 Visible Grid Curtain Walling, SOLEAL FY 65 Windows and PY 55 Doors. Selected by architects Bond Bryan, the TECHNAL aluminium systems offered a cost-effective, thermally efficient solution that was backed by outstanding technical support both prior and during construction.

 

The state-of-the-art training and research facility, located at the entrance to the Jubilee Campus, has enhanced the University of Nottingham’s Faculty of Engineering. The building features teaching facilities, laboratories and workshops, and houses the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Manufacturing Technology.

 

Costing £23 million, the 9000m2 facility, built by contractor GF Tomlinson, plays host to pioneering research that could shape the future of UK manufacturing. Since its completion, the structure has been awarded a RIBA East Midlands Award in recognition of its architectural excellence.

 

The building was designed by further education sector specialists Bond Bryan Architects, in a form that would work around the site constraints of the River Leen and the campus entrance road. Design inspiration was also taken from the adjacent, Elizabethan Revival style, Lenton Lodge, with the anodised cladding panel system selected to resonate with the colour and tone of the lodge.

 

On the glazing aspect of the design, a representative of Bond Bryan commented, “The masonry plinth at ground level combined with high-level glazing were designed to give the impression that the upper storeys are floating. Extensive internal glazing and the use of open walkways also allow visitors a sweeping view through and out of the building. This design visually links the activities within the faculty whilst also creating a dramatic and exciting work environment.”

 

It was down to TECHNAL’s project consultant to interpret the glazing requirements set out by Bond Bryan and recommend products that would meet the required thermal efficiency and safety standards of a university building, whilst also providing the desired aesthetic effects sought by Bond Bryan.

 

When combined with the highest performance glazing, the GEODE MX 52 range curtain walling and its integrated thermal break enables Ucw coefficients as low as 1.1 W/m2K to be achieved. The curtain walling is also easily integrated with the thermally broken FY 65 windows and PY 55 doors, both of which offer outstanding thermal performance. In terms of security, both the FY 65 windows and PY 55 doors, have been tested in accordance with BS EN1627, achieving RC2 and up to RC3, respectively and PAS 24.

 

With regards to the assistance received from TECHNAL, Bond Bryan Architects added, “We work with TECHNAL regularly because its solutions are cost effective and the team offers great design and technical support throughout the process.”

 

Tim Hubner, Project Manager for GF Tomlinson commented: “We are very pleased with the final outcome of the building. It is a credit to all the contractors and suppliers involved.”

 

TECHNAL is part of the Hydro Group, a world leader in aluminium solutions that also encompasses sister brand WICONA. Through its globally renowned Hydro Technology Hubs, the group is shaping a sustainable future, with innovative products that satisfy and surpass customer expectations, in line with demands of CSR and increasing environmental regulations.

 

For more information, please visit www.technal.com/en/uk/.

The Kingspan TEK Building System of structural insulated panels (SIPs) has been used to create a spectacular, cantilevered self-build in Oxfordshire, achieving excellent airtightness and energy efficiency with a fast-track build programme.

Homeowner, Daniel Frazer, identified timber frame as his preferred construction method at the outset of the project due to its speed of build and ability to be constructed in most weather conditions. Following discussions with Greenspace Architects and Kingspan TEK Delivery Partners, Point 1 Building Systems, he finally settled on the Kingspan TEK Building System. “I was attracted to SIPs due to their air-tightness and even faster erection speed,” Daniel commented. “I particularly liked the ability to have a roof fabricated from the panels.”

The Kingspan TEK Building System is formed from rigid insulation panels which are faced with OSB/3. Kingspan TEK SIPs are pre-cut to each project’s specifications by trained delivery partners, ensuring a simple, fast and accurate installation once on site. Their unique jointing system also ensures excellent insulation continuity throughout the envelope whilst limiting air-leakage.

The building’s unique angular design presented some unusual challenges for the project team as architect, Geraint Edwards, explained:

“The first-floor volume cantilevers in two directions to create a balcony to the front of the house, along with an inset entrance doorway. We try to minimise the use of steel with SIPs projects but in this case it was necessary. The benefit of Kingspan TEK panels is that they can be used in combination with other structural elements – whether it is steel, glue-lam or masonry. It was also incredibly helpful to have an experienced Kingspan TEK Delivery Partner to advise on detailing and avoid unnecessary complications.”

Point 1 Building Systems used detailed 3D modelling to interrogate the requirements at the quotation stage and ensure an appropriate structural package was developed. Once the design was agreed they precisely manufactured the panels before delivering them to site to a careful scheduled programme. This supported a rapid build programme and allowed materials to be stored within the perimeter of the site, without encroaching into neighbouring plots.

In addition to the steel structural elements, the final package combines 142 mm Kingspan TEK panels with a 25 mm layer of Kingspan Thermawall TW55 and Thermapitch TP10, which was fitted throughout the envelope internally, helping to meet the demanding fabric performance requirements of the Graven Hill development. Besides achieving wall and roof U-values of 0.15 W/m2K, this also meant particular attention had to be paid to detailing.

“Psi-values were calculated showing the performance gain when the 25 mm layers of Kingspan Thermapitch TP10 and Thermawall TW55 were installed internally. Working within the scope of Graven Hill Plot Passport, our SAP assessor was able to confirm the required performance at an early stage to prove compliance.”

The home is also expected to achieve a measured air-leakage rate of less than 1 m3/m2hr @ 50 Pa. Daniel Frazer personally oversaw work to achieve this, which included applying silicone and airtight tape to all junctions other than those between the Kingspan TEK Building System panels.

 

For further information, please contact:

Tel: +44 (0) 1544 387 384

Email: literature@kingspantek.co.uk

Website: www.kingspantek.co.uk