High end hotel choose Kemmlit Cubicles for staff rooms

High end hotel choose Kemmlit Cubicles for staff rooms

Sea Containers House on the banks of the River Thames in London was originally built as a hotel in the 1970’s but became an office building in the mid-1980s.

Following an extensive external and internal refurbishment which began in 2012, carried out by specialists Chorus, part of the Byrne Group and designed by Architects TP Bennetts, the building now features over 224,000 sq ft. of refurbished office spaces, restaurants and bars and the high end 365 bedroom Mondrian Hotel which opened in September this year.

The hotel is said to capture the essence of the original building integrated with the modern twists and sophisticated design for which the Mondrian brand is known for.

For the hotel staff rooms Kemmlit’s Apex Cubicle System was specified – the Apex cubicles are highly durable and feature 13mm solid grade laminate panels, rebated doors and stainless steel fittings.

Other scope of works provided by Kemmlit included duct panelling and vanity units.

The Apex Cubicle System is part of an extensive range of quality cubicle and locker systems from Kemmlit UK who also offer a design, project management and installation service.

Kemmlit have recently completed a number of locker and cubicle projects for The Radisson Hotel Group, the Savoy Hotel and also for Yo Sushi and 5 Guys Burger Restaurants.

For further information please visit www.kemmlituk.com

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Timber Expo 2014 – Less Than Two Weeks to Go!

Timber Expo 2014 – Less Than Two Weeks to Go!

On the 07 & 08 October 2014 at the NEC, Birmingham, the UK’s leading timber event will be in full swing. Timber Expo promises two days brimming with the latest products, innovations and developments across the sector – not just from the UK but from an increasingly exciting and diverse international market. Pre-register free to attend at: www.timber-expo.co.uk/book

Timber Expo

Here are just a few essential reasons why you cannot afford to miss out…

  • Major Exhibition and International Content
    Timber Expo will provide a forum for new business and a demonstration of how timber can deliver an effective, more attractive, innovative and sustainable built environment. Nearly 200 exhibitors will be unveiling their latest products and services.
  • Timber Focus Seminars
    At the heart of Timber Expo is the most comprehensive and in-depth seminar programme covering the timber sector. Learn first-hand from industry experts. Over 50 high calibre speakers will speak in eight key sessions on future trends and niche areas of the industry.
  • Toolbox Talks Workshops
    This in-depth programme of free ‘hands on’ seminars and workshops is dedicated to timber technology and runs across both days of the show, focusing on the details behind many of the processes, technologies and solutions on display from our wide range of exhibitors.
  • Timber Buyers and Specifiers Forum
    This co-located event within Timber Expo has been a successful and dynamic part of the show since Timber Expo’s inception. The Forum offers the opportunity to network with industry innovators and leaders within the timber sector to form key associations and potential partnerships through structured 30 minute appointments.
  • Creative Installations
    Be inspired by and explore the possibilities of timber through a range of features including Hanson Plywoods ‘Fingers Crossed’ structure, Price and Myers ‘Slipstream’ Sculpture, Eco Curves ‘Tornado’ and many more!

Can you afford to miss out? Register for free tickets at: www.timber-expo.co.uk/book

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A complete range simplified

A complete range simplified

Marflow Hydronics is dedicated to providing customers with a complete range of valves and associated products. To make life easier for customers to access the solutions on offer, the company has now categorised its product range.

Marflow Hydronics found that customers were not always aware of the full range on offer to them. To help simplify the range, Marflow Hydronics has created four concise categories: Prefabrication, Pipeline Valves, Control Valves and Energy Valves. There are many different products within each range, but each area can help customers decide what products might be best for them.

Martin Lowe, Joint Managing Director, says, “We strongly believe we can provide our customers with far more than they have realised to date, so we wanted to make our offering much clearer. We have an extensive range of products to help with water distribution system projects, and we can provide customers with complete solutions not just individual products.”

To find out more information about all the products within each range visit www.marflowhydronics.co.uk/looknofurther.

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Kingspan Klargester’s Guide to Sewage Treatment Systems awarded CPD status by CIBSE

Kingspan Klargester’s Guide to Sewage Treatment Systems awarded CPD status by CIBSE

Building engineers, architects and specifiers needing to understand the myriad of legislation and regulation surrounding the sizing and specifying of private drainage will now benefit from clear, professional guidance issued by the world’s leading experts.

Kingspan Klargester, the UK’s foremost manufacturer of off-mains drainage solutions, has published a new presentation on specifying commercial waste water treatment entitled, A Guide to Sewage Treatment Systems. The advice is designed to ensure that architects and specifiers feel confident in designing the correct solutions for offices, schools, hotels etc, and that their professional recommendations meet the stringent legally-binding requirements that surround waste water management.

The presentation has been approved by the Chartered Institute for Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) for its Continuous Professional Development programme, created to help members keep up-to-date on legal requirements, technical advances as well as their own personal development.

Compiled by Kingspan Klargester’s highly-experienced technical team – many of whom have been involved in the drafting of legislation and official guidance on waste water best practice – A Guide to Sewage Treatment Systems explains the nature of waste water treatment and the options available to manage effluent. These include either pumping it to the mains sewer (as a preference) or, if that is not an option, then treating the sewage before filtering it through a suitably-sized drainage field. The slides include step-by-step advice on tightly regulated areas such as site assessment and assessing the nature of the waste water to be treated. It then explains how to use this information to size and how to design and specify the right solution for a wide range of individual situations.

A Guide to Sewage Treatment Systems is illustrated by examples of different building types and installations all of which have different uses and therefore different requirements. These include pubs, hotels, camping and amenity sites to illustrate the potential complexity and individuality of each, and particularly highlighting the value and support provided by British Water’s Flows and Loads 4 guidance.

“Determining what represents the best off-mains solution for a building that might have varying levels of occupancy is understandably still a testing challenge for engineers, architects and specifiers,” says Geoff Oakley, Kingspan Klargester’s Technical Sales Manager.

“Heightened environmental standards, more stringent controls, European guidelines and the Building Regulations have placed greater importance than ever before on the need for properly specified solutions. And rightly so – nothing is more unappetizing (or unhygienic) than overflowing toilets and drains. Our advice and solutions can be trusted to be compliant and proven because our expert team have always been at the forefront of influencing legislation, from the very start.”

“A Guide to Sewage Treatment Systems will provide architects and specifiers with best practice from start to finish and we are delighted it’s been afforded this recognition by CIBSE.”

For more information contact 01296 633033, email contact@kingspan.com, or visit www.kingspanenviro.com/CPD

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HOPPE locksets end CE Marking confusion

HOPPE locksets end CE Marking confusion

From the July 2013, it became mandatory to CE Mark all hardware for fire and escape doors – where that hardware falls within the scope of a harmonised standard. And while the CE Marking message seems to be permeating into the marketplace, the role of products which do not fall under a harmonised standard – lever handles for escape doors for instance – seems to be causing confusion. Leading handle and hardware manufacturer HOPPE is urging specifiers to ensure that they do not fall foul of the new Construction Products Regulations when it comes to selecting hardware for emergency exit doors.

In order to comply with the requirements of the CPR, any lever furniture or push pad used on an emergency exit door needs to be tested with the EN 179 lock product supplied as a complete unit. And the CE Mark must be applied to lever locksets offering emergency escape on final exit doors, or normally locked doors on escape routes such as wages office or dispensaries.

The lockset must be manufactured under a Factory Production Control system (FPC) and audit testing is mandatory. The locks and levers (which must be tested and CE marked together) can only be used on exits where less than sixty people are likely to use the exit under the requirements of Approved Document B. These locksets can only be used in buildings where the occupants are trained in its use – an emergency door, not a panic escape door.

“When it comes to compliance for external emergency exit door use, ask for a CE marked lockset to BS EN 179, and a Declaration of Performance (DoP) from your supplier,” says HOPPE’s Andy Matthews. “Even more simply, just select the ARRONE AR915 escape lock with one of our compatible HOPPE or ARRONE lever handles and AR228 spindle supplied as standard for your complete CE Marked Lockset.”

The ARRONE AR915 is an escape mortice sashlock, for emergency exit doors hung on either side requiring key operation externally, and single action escape action internally. Available in a range of finishes, it is suitable for use on 30 minute and one hour timber fire doors and up to four hour steel fire doors. The AR915 has been successfully performance tested, CE marked and CERTIFIRE approved in accordance with emergency exit hardware standards and mechanically operated locks and latches.

Founded in 1988 HOPPE (UK) Ltd is a market leader in the field of door and window hardware. Based in Wolverhampton, where it operates from a purpose built state-of-the-art distribution centre, HOPPE UK is committed to serving customers with pride. HOPPE’s products have been tested to meet the latest European and British standards, offering quality and innovation to all sectors of the market. The company is part of the family-owned HOPPE group with manufacturing plants across Europe and North America and more than 3000 employees.

For further information please visit www.hoppe.co.uk

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New student accommodation block gets top marks with Cembrit

New student accommodation block gets top marks with Cembrit

Cembrit PB and Cempanel building boards have been chosen as part of the construction of the façade of a brand new student accommodation block at the De Montfort University in Leicester. The Abode development on Newarke Street consists of sixty one student flats, located a short walk away from Leicester city centre.

De Montfort University is a public research and teaching university and it required new student accommodation for its growing student numbers. The accommodation is comprised of 143 rooms and students can benefit from being in close proximity to the beautiful River Soar and Bede Park. The Abode development is the second phase of new student accommodation, following on from the successful construction of the first phase which completed in September 2013. The Abode development opens in July 2014.

Derbyshire-based DS Insulation was the cladding contractor on the project and specified Cembrit PB and Cempanel Boards. The building boards have been fitted on every level of the seven story block, creating an insulating render system. The Cempanel was used as an inner lining board with Cembrit PB installed as an outer layer render backer for the façade of the building. The building has an attractive finish of which combines smooth white walls and red brick.

“The Cembrit building boards were the perfect choice for this project” commented Barry Bradbury, Site Manger from J A BALL LTD who worked with DS Insulation. “I have never worked with Cembrit before but I was really impressed with the quality of the boards. We could have used plasterboard on the flats but Cempanel is a much stronger product. I would not hesitate in using Cembrit for future projects.”

Cement based Cembrit PB, has low water absorbency and is dimensionally stable. It will neither expand nor contract with heat and cold, nor will it swell and shrink due to changes in moisture, crucial characteristics inhibiting surface cracking in the render finish. Cembrit PB’s specially developed reinforced, chamfered edges mean the board can be fixed close to their edges. This maximizes stability at the butt joints, further reducing the risk of the render cracking along the joints, which can be a vulnerable area of the facade.

Cempanel (cement particle board) is superior to timber and plasterboard panel products when used as internal linings on rainscreen cladding projects (sheathing), general purpose external boarding, floors or studwork interior walls. Cempanel is both stronger and less absorbent than timber and plasterboard. The high cement and alkaline content also resists insect and fungal attack.

For further information please visit www.cembrit.co.uk

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Hush Acoustics: Hard wood flooring replaces carpet in apartmen

Hush Acoustics: Hard wood flooring replaces carpet in apartment

A 4 month refurbishment project has been completed by Hush Acoustics in a block of apartments in Kensington, London.

The client wanted to replace their existing carpet with a more modern timber flooring in the apartment but the lease dictated that a change in floor finish was not permitted due to potential sound transmission to neighbouring properties.

Hush Acoustics were called in to solve this problem and specified Hush Mat 15 as the acoustic underlay for the project. This allowed the carpet to be removed and a timber floor to be installed. Hush Mat 15 decoupled the hard floor from the existing floor structure. The floor construction consisted of: Hardwood floor finish 15mm, Hush Mat 15 acoustic underlay, existing timber structural deck and existing ceiling.

Hush Acoustics carried out Sound Testing before and after the works were carried out. The results confirmed that the treatment proposed by Hush showed an improvement in both Impact and Airborne acoustic performance. This satisfied the leaseholder and the management company and allowed a timber floor finish to be installed. This is a very common problem within multi-occupancy buildings and Hush Acoustics provide solutions to treat it.

Further information

For more information on the Hush product range please visit www.hushacoustics.co.uk or call direct on 01519332026.

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Where do you find practical hands-on information on the latest timber processes, technologies and specialist products?

Where do you find practical hands-on information on the latest timber processes, technologies and specialist products?

At Timber Expo of course, – the UK’s only dedicated event for the timber industry! By attending the exclusive Toolbox Talks programme of FREE workshops – delegates will be brought bang up-to-date with the latest technologies and innovations from manufacturing processes to onsite engineering solutions.

Pre-register FREE to attend Timber Expo at www.timber-expo.co.uk/book

The full Toolbox Talks programme is available online!

The Toolbox Talks presentations include:

Actis Insulation – Addressing the Performance Gap using reflective insulation

BBA – Windows and doors – do they meet building regulations?

BBA – Consistency in U-value and junction ψ-values calculations

BSW – To present the British Softwoods field trial project and incising in a commercial sense

Button-fix – Fixing interior panels – the easy way

Cellecta – Flawless flooring systems focus: fast fit, flawless flooring solutions for suspended ground and separating floors

Coillte Panel Products – OSB innovation – widening the scope of applications

Deckwise – Hidden deck and cladding fasteners

DuPont Tyvek – Fabric first -The holistic approach to thermal performance and energy conservation

EcoCurves by Jagram – Strength, costs & design advantage through curved glulam constructions

Ecological Building Systems – Airtightness- active moisture management using intelligent vapour checks

Eurochene – Product range from a French sawmill

Frame Wise – Hybrid structural systems – the Wise Wall product range

Frame Wise – Addressing the Performance Gap with Fabric First Principles

IWS – FAST timber engineered separating floor

KdB Insulation – Specifying the correct insulation for the application: designing insulation solutions that will meet planned targets and last. Let’s make it easy on site to apply the products!

Knauf – Knauf’s flooring, finishing and exterior cladding solutions for timber frame developments

Moulin – Moulinvest group and its products

NorDan UK – Panelised building systems – factory fitted, high performance window solutions

Osmose – Micronised timber and the need to protect internal timbers to future protect timber against rot and decay

Ontario Wood – How Canadian stick-frames homes keep warm at -40°C

PIVETEAUBOIS – Discover PIVETEAUBOIS’s innovative softwood solutions for the construction industry and garden & landscaping markets

Rotho Blaas – Technology, know-how and innovative solutions

Rubner – Sustainable and lightweight: Rubner timber facades solutions for multi storey and sophisticated architecture

Tenmat – Fire Protection of timber wall cavities

Unilin Division Panels – Technical wood based panels for timber frame construction

Wallbarn – Height adjustable supports for installation of traditional decking to balconies, pitched roofs, roof terraces and general unlevel surfaces

Wiehag – Bringing timber to the concrete jungle – Wiehag’s huge glulam gridshell roof at Canary Wharf’s new Crossrail station

The full Toolbox Talks programme is available online!

Remember entry to Timber Expo and participation in the Toolbox Talks are completely FREE!

Save time on the day by pre-registering. Visit www.timber-expo.co.uk/book

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Aico pledges its support for gas safety week

Aico pledges its support for gas safety week

Aico, UK market leaders in domestic Fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detection, has pledged its support for Gas Safety Week (15th -21st September), and will be running a competition to win the newly upgraded Ei208 Battery CO Alarm due out later this year to raise awareness of gas safety issues.

This fourth annual Gas Safety Week will see the whole industry coming together to bring gas safety to the forefront of people’s minds. Dangerous gas work can kill, so it is vital that gas appliances are safety checked at least once a year. If left unchecked, poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and CO poisoning. In the last year alone, 343 people were injured and ten people died as a result of gas related incidents.

People can sign up to a free reminder service at www.StayGasSafe.co.uk, and use the interactive gas map to see how many unsafe gas appliances are lurking in an area.

As one of the leading suppliers of quality CO alarms in the UK, Aico has worked steadily over the years to raise awareness amongst installers, social and private landlords, and specifiers of the dangers of CO. The company has produced a range of support literature and an online CO alarm specification tool to help spread the message and encourage best practice.

Find out about the basics of CO – what it is, why it is so dangerous and how to detect it – on Aico’s website at www.aico.co.uk/gassafetyweek2014. Enter the competition for the opportunity to win the newly upgraded Ei208 Battery CO Alarm, due out later this year, on the same page.

Russell Krämer, chief executive for Gas Safe Register, said: “Every year, far too many people suffer from preventable gas related accidents, such as gas leaks, explosions, fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s great therefore, that Aico has pledged its support and is raising awareness of gas safety issues, helping to let the 23 million gas consumers in the UK know about the simple checks they can make to stay safe.”

Further information

A wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics, Aico is a market leader in residential fire protection in the UK. All alarms are designed and built in Europe specifically to meet the UK standards and regulations. For more information, please go to www.aico.co.uk.

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Kladfix supports student housing with its KX01 fittings

Kladfix supports student housing with its KX01 fittings

Kladfix, the rainscreen cladding support system specialist has supplied KX01 fittings for a new development on Sefton Street, Liverpool. The £15 million student accommodation consists of 135 new halls for the University of Liverpool and is situated in the heart of the city centre, overlooking the Queen’s Dock.

With over 54,000 pupils attending The University of Liverpool, there is a high demand for student accommodation, which is based in close proximity to everything that Liverpool has to offer. The new multi storey student block, which is due to be completed later in the year, will allow residents to have easy access to; cultural sights, nightlife and shopping centres. To provide a unique exterior, four different types of rainscreen cladding have been specified; Zinc, Terrecotta, engineered stone and granite. Indbuild, the industrial building company installed Kladfix’s KX01 cladding support system for this project.

“The Kladfix system is incredibly versatile” commented Dave Kirby, Managing Director of Indbuild Limited. “The design of the project required four different types of cladding to be used on the exterior of the student accommodation and the KX01 system worked extremely well with all the different types of cladding and was easily installed. This isn’t the first time that we have worked with Kladfix and we would not hesitate to work with them again in the future.”

Kladfix KX01 fittings are suitable for use as a back frame system and are the basis to all of Kladfix’s systems. KX01 fittings are also used for face and rivet fixing for fibre cement, high-pressure laminate, ACM and metal rainscreen cladding panels.

Kladfix holds extensive stock to ensure orders can always be met and where necessary, immediate delivery can be provided. All Kladfix cladding systems can be engineered to project specific requirements thanks to the expertise of its technical design support service. This provides architects and specifiers freedom with an almost infinite range of façade appearance and layout options.

Further information

For further information on Kladfix Rainscreen Systems, visit www.kladfix.com or
call the company direct on +44 (0)1707 333 396.

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