Altro provides first class bathroom solution for University of Melbourne

Altro provides first class bathroom solution for University of Melbourne

Altro has delivered an integrated flooring and wall cladding solution for Ormond College at the University of Melbourne. Ormond College is the largest residential college at the University, with more than 400 students and 80 permanent and casual staff.

The college needed practical, easily maintained flooring and wall cladding for new bathroom installations. They selected Altro Aquarius™ safety flooring to provide a surface that would be slip-resistant in wet and dry, shoe and barefoot environments – perfect for their ensuite refurbishment. For the ensuite walls, they selected Altro Whiterock™ wall cladding. Ormond College loved the fact that it is impact resistant and that they no longer needed to worry about repairs to grout, cracks or chips.

They were impressed with the product’s high end look to match their building design whilst providing safe, easy to clean, hygienic and durable surfaces. The bathrooms, being a wet and dry environment, needed flooring that would be safe under both conditions and under bare feet as well as different types of shoes. With a TRRL ≥36 and Class B safety rating, along with Altro’s long warranties, 15 years sustained slip-resistance, and reputation, they knew they were in safe hands.

Dennis Stammer, Maintenance Manager at Ormond College said, “I have experienced Altro in the past and not only do they have excellent customer service but high quality, top of the range products as well. The bathrooms that we installed using Altro safety flooring and Altro Whiterock wall cladding were reasonably priced and of very high quality. I would only recommend and use Altro Aquarius and Altro Whiterock products.”

Altro is a world leading manufacturer and supplier of flooring, walling, ceilings and doorsets. The company supplies hygienic, safe and practical, yet decorative, solutions for all interior environments – without compromising on function or design.

A vast product range features traditional and contemporary, textured and smooth coverings, all in a broad palette of colours. Altro’s customers operate in the education, healthcare, pharmaceutical, retail, leisure, hospitality and food and drink sectors.

Altro is leading the way in sustainable manufacturing and is the first safety flooring manufacturer with the facility to recycle safety flooring in house.

For further information, please visit www.altro.com

Further reading

/by

Internorm says Yes to the Build Show

Internorm says Yes to the Build Show

Preparations for the most extensive contractor-based exhibition in a decade have received a massive boost, as fenestration giant Internorm signs up to attend next year’s inaugural Build Show.

As Europe’s largest window brand, Internorm’s commitment to the Build Show highlights the significance of this brand new exhibition. The family-owned company has more than 80 years of experience in the industry and its name is synonymous with quality and reliability.

Experts in high performance, thermally insulated window systems and pioneers in the UPVC sector, Internorm plans to exhibit a range of new additions to its innovative door and window solutions.

Andreas Simmer, Managing Director of Internorm UK, commented: “Windows and doors are a crucial component of any building. As well as their obvious functionality, they also add important aesthetic appeal. Bearing this in mind, ensuring the correct specification is paramount not only for the short term, but for years to come.”

He continued, “The Build Show is a great opportunity for us to share our knowledge with architects, specifiers and end clients, as well as giving us the perfect chance to showcase our extensive range of products.”

Paul Godwin, Managing Director of the Build Show, said: “Our aim for the Build Show is for it to benefit the entire industry, from contractor, to specifier, to supplier. Having Internorm on board is great news as it will give visitors the chance to interact with an industry leader on a face to face basis, creating new and unique opportunities for business and growth.”

Taking place at the Birmingham NEC next year, the Build Show will bring together contractors, specifiers, builders, suppliers, housebuilders, architectural technologists and clients, providing the perfect forum to network, showcase new products and discover opportunities for professional development.

Supported by a comprehensive seminar schedule that is influenced by the Build Show’s partners: the Federation of Master Builders, the Construction Industry Training Board, Glenigan and the Construction Products Association, the Build Show will address the real issues faced by the construction industry today.

Some of the exhibitors already signed up include, VEKA, Festool, VW, Marmox and many more.

For more information about exhibiting or attending, please visit www.buildshow.co.uk

Further reading

/by

Stannah Microlifts are celebrating!

Stannah Microlifts are celebrating!

40 years, millions of journeys, 20,000 Microlifts

Light the birthday candles and congratulations all round at Stannah Microlifts. The company is marking its 40th birthday, 20,000th Microlift and 1,000,000s of dumb waiter journeys, improving customer service and manual handling everywhere.

As with most birthdays there will be a party but this time there will be no presents. In fact, in direct opposition to tradition, the birthday boys and girls will be gifting their 20,000th Microlift to a worthy cause.

Stannah Microlifts General Manager, Mark Chapman explains:
‘To celebrate this fantastic achievement we really want to donate the 20,000th lift to benefit a charitable project. Maybe someone out there is trying to raise funds for a service lift and we can provide it. Finding them may not be so easy!’

The search is on for a suitable project that will fall in line with Stannah sponsorship guidelines to ensure any donation or sponsorship supports as many people as possible in a community scheme. It might be a children’s hospice, youth project, activity centre, village hall, care home…the possibilities are endless.

Naturally the company is contacting building professionals who have had contact with Stannah before, as well as widening their search in the trade press, to invite the experts to nominate a project they think would benefit from this free Microlift and would be a befitting home for the 20,000th installation.

So where do Microlift service lifts generally make life easier? Well the bulk are food lifts in restaurants, pubs, hotels and bars moving food and drink all day, every day to help busy staff avoid the stairs with awkward loads and deliver excellent service. There are more unusual uses for dumbwaiters such as moving money in casinos, delivering dentures in dentists, bringing books in the library, whizzing widgets in the factory, shifting shoes in retail, lifting loaves at the bakery, protecting pots at the pottery and transferring toddies at a distillery. Then there’s feeding the five thousand at race courses, football stadia, schools, universities, airports, railway stations – the list goes on.

Where was the first Microlift installed? Records show this may well have been Luigi’s Italian Ristorante in Tavistock Street, London in the early 70s – a duplex pair were installed and renewed twenty years later! Close behind was a lift installed in Mayfield School , St Leonards which, 39 years later, is still used every day and serviced by the London and South East Branch of Stannah in Crayford.

Celebrity lifts? There’s been a few. Not too many we can mention! Microlifts are very popular additions to grand homes; some royal, some show-biz, some theatrical, some in well-known places. There’s the Royal Mint, the Royal Observatory, the Stock Exchange, the Shard, the set of East Enders (Argee Bargee), the Old Vic, Lambeth Palace, Sunninghill Park, Lords Cricket Ground, Twickenham Ruby Ground and many more.

All at sea? Yes, Microlifts certainly are! These indispensable mini-butlers are busy crossing the oceans on , Offshore Patrol Vessels (Trinidad, Tobago, LÉ Samuel Beckett – Irish Navy), Tattershall Castle (moored on Thames), Waverley Steam Ship, HMS Warrior, Sail Training Ships – Tenacious and Lord Nelson.

It’s amazing how useful the Stannah Microlift is in so many different parts of our lives and absolutely vital to some people’s day to day jobs too. For the chef or the retailer, the coffee bar staff or the librarian, their Microlift is essential to the success of their business. And that’s where Stannah lift servicing provides crucial support.

From a UK branch network of eleven service branches, and with more than 360 lift engineers, Stannah provide 365 day maintenance to ensure their Microlifts never let them down.

Naturally over 40 years and 20,000 Microlifts there are hundreds out there and Stannah don’t know where all of them are. Over the next few months they’ll be inviting the people who own or use their dumbwaiters to add them to our ‘map of Microlifts’. Contributors can post a ‘selfie’ with their lift too! It’s a Microlift Quest!

Lastly, Stannah would like to thank everyone who has made this milestone possible: their customers, their trade partners, their suppliers and last, but certainly not least, their fantastic staff – and that includes everyone from the last 40 years! 20,000 Microlifts and counting…1, 2, 3…

Further reading

/by

St Modwen and WDS call on Panasonic for great energy savings

St Modwen & WDS call on Panasonic for great energy savings

Panasonic was called upon by Woodhouse Environmental Services Ltd to provide equipment for call centre giant, WDS, to retrofit its busy offices with an energy-efficient Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Working against strict time and space constraints, Panasonic’s VRF systems coupled with large ducted and wall mounted indoor units were specified for a quick, simple and energy efficient install.

WDS negotiated with the building owners, St Modwen Properties PLC, a multi-million pound property development and investment company, to redevelop one of three buildings at the Discovery Court Business Centre in Bournemouth.

With the brief to remove and replace the old, existing system with a high-performance, easy-to-install HVAC system, the design and build contractor, Woodhouse Environmental Services Ltd, required a product that offered a large selection of different units, providing a maximum performance system to cater for this large building.

WDS Call Centre (a part of the Xerox group) provides customer service solutions to some of the world’s best known technology and communications brands including Tesco mobile, Google and many other blue-chip brands.

This complete system would need to cater for the high density office, providing exceptional heating and cooling efficiencies whilst maintaining close conditions, introducing continuous fresh air and removing stale exhaust air, ensuring a comfortable work environment at ideal temperatures. The install was to be undertaken whilst the tenants were still in residence. This meant that it was imperative for staff disruption levels to be kept to an absolute minimum.

Woodhouse Environmental Services initiated a fast track install programme between June 2013 and October 2013, splitting the renovation into three phases to cover each ‘zone’ of the building, satisfying a tight budget, and remaining within the allocated time.

In the first phase, Panasonic’s integrated VRF and heat recovery ventilation systems were installed to replace the existing air cooled chilled water system operating on R22 along with a ducted fan coil system, which no longer provided the efficient and reliable service in this demanding application. Specifying Panasonic’s VRF unit made for an all-round easy-to-use system, whilst it’s clever, innovative integrated technologies meant wasted energy was avoided and significant savings could be made on the buildings annual energy bills. Additional extras including an energy monitoring touch screen control with multi-zone temperature adjustment, making this Panasonic system the efficient, ideal replacement that was so desired.

As part of the second and third phases, Panasonic’s ducted indoor and wall mounted units were also incorporated in the building refurbishment. Not only were these systems integrated to provide fresh air input and stale air removal, but they also fitted the outlined noise criteria. Panasonic was able to supply all of this equipment on short notice so as not to delay the project.

As a result, Panasonic proved to provide the most energy efficient units on the market, suitable for this large-scale project. With approximately 250 members of staff based in each zone, the quick turn-around, replacing the old systems and fitting brand new Panasonic equipment, meant staff were able to move straight back into the refurbished offices immediately on completion.

For further information please visit www.aircon.panasonic.eu.

Further reading

/by

Multikwik bathroom drainage covers all the bases

Multikwik bathroom drainage covers all the bases

Multikwik now offers a complete range of shower and wet room drainage solutions – from feature-packed shower gullies, continuous channel drainage to sophisticated linear drainage. All products in the range combine modern design and easy installation features that will make it the logical choice for specifiers and installers alike.

The Linnum range of linear drainage is slimline and unobtrusive to the overall bathroom design, yet it’s simple and quick to install. The channel can be adjusted to suit the majority of floor voids down to a minimum of 95mm, so it fits even where there are shallow floor voids. It can be adapted to accommodate tiles from 7mm to 16mm in thickness and offers a choice of two waste outlet adaptors, compression or solvent, for great installation versatility.

To meet the current trends of sleek and sophisticated bathroom finishes, the Linnum range includes a choice of grate designs in stainless steel and glass to suit any design. It comes in three different lengths – 650mm, 750mm, and 950mm – to fit different sized areas of the bathroom.

Multikwik’s stainless steel continuous channel drainage is ideally suited for changing room, swimming pools or gym applications. Despite its compact height, it can cope with flow rates of up to 0.8 l/s. Its discreet stainless steel grate offers an unobtrusive finish.

Multikwik’s trapped shower gullies for tiled and vinyl floors are the latest addition to the floor drainage range. Both versions offer a choice of grate designs, offering different styles and material options and come with the choice of 50mm or 75mm water seal depths. In addition, the tiled trapped shower gully can be adjusted to the majority of floor void heights, by cutting the adjustable riser to the required height.

For design and installation queries, Multikwik’s team of plumbing design engineers can offer full technical advice and support.

Full details of the Multikwik range, along with comprehensive, downloadable literature, case studies, technical information and nearest stockist information can be found on the company’s website at multikwik.com or by calling 01622 852654.

Further reading

/by

John Tate joins the experienced team at Fernox

John Tate joins the experienced team at Fernox

Fernox, the UK’s leading chemical water treatment manufacturer, has appointed John Tate as Technical Project Engineer. An experienced mechanical engineer and designer, John will now have a central role in the company’s comprehensive product development programme.

With a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Southbank University, John began his career in 1984 at Howard Pump Company before working with electronic drives at Control Techniques and more recently with industrial filters at Amazon Filters. John has a wealth of relevant expertise and knowledge that will prove invaluable within his new role at Fernox.

“I am delighted to join Fernox and such an experienced and established technical team,” commented John. “I look forward to being able to contribute to future product modifications as well as helping to drive forward new product development.”

Fernox is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary year. Since the company was founded in 1964, Fernox has consistently launched game-changing product innovations to market. For more information visit www.fernox.com.

Further reading

/by

Pipe sealing plugs and stoppers

Pipe sealing plugs and stoppers

The Pipestoppers® Division of Huntingdon Fusion Techniques has released a set of literature, describing their enlarged range of pipe sealing plugs and stoppers.

These accessories can be used for low pressure water or air testing of pipe systems in the water, gas, oil, and other fluid industry pipe work, as well as for debris stopping during machining operations or overnight stopping for temporary closure of piping systems.

All Plugs conform to British Standard BS8005 for low pressure testing and sealing of pipes.

The mechanical plugs are simple to work with and install with a wing nut that rotates on a friction free washer to compress the two plates together, thus expanding the natural rubber tyre to seal tightly inside the pipe or other chosen orifice.

For high temperature and aggressive applications the natural rubber rings can be replaced with Silicon, Nitrile or Viton rings as appropriate.

The aluminium range of plugs are strong and durable, non rusting and are negatively buoyant so that they can be used subsea. They are available for 1.5 to 36” pipe sizes, whereas the lower cost steel plugs are available from 1.5 to 96 inch diameter pipes.

However, the aluminium plugs are suitable for more arduous duties such as immersion in chemicals and use at higher temperatures.

All plugs and stoppers can be used to seal manholes or pipework entries so that during transportation of large vessels like fractionation columns or heat exchangers and other vessels or tanks, all entries and exits can be blocked off to keep inert gas trapped in or to keep contaminating air and fluids from entering.

The Nylon range with sizes from 0.5” up to 6” are used for clinical applications as well as in the food, dairy, nuclear, shipbuilding, aerospace, water and gas industries to form a leak tight seal inside tubes, pipes or orifices for leak testing, closure or weld purging.

Inflatable plugs and stoppers for all diameters are also in the HFT Pipestoppers® range.

As well as being lower cost alternatives to all of the mechanical plugs, inflatable versions are available in many different shapes to cater for all industrial and commercial applications mentioned above.

Inflatable stoppers can be inserted through small holes and expanded to maximum sizes inside.

Other plugs, stoppers and inflatable systems are available for use with – or containment of – drinking water and aviation fuel for example and can be used with all other fluids or gases as appropriate.

Comprehensive literature is available from the company by making a request to hft@huntingdonfusion.com.

Further reading

/by

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

Further reading

/by

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

Further reading

/by

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.

Further reading

/by