Striking new single ply school roof makes its mark

Striking new single ply school roof makes its mark

Oughterard National School is a new single-storey primary school situated in the Connemara district of west Ireland. The architectural vision for this new building, which boasts 16 state-of-the art classrooms, was to create a modern and aesthetically pleasing learning environment that would add real value to the local community. Another priority to the design team was using sustainable technologies and construction techniques to help reduce the building’s environmental impact.

The school building consists of eight roof areas on a variety of different pitches totalling over 3,400㎡ in all. Aesthetics were important to the client as most of the roof areas are pitched at a 20° slope making them highly visible, particularly from the central courtyard area. Bauder’s Thermofol single ply membrane was specified for the new roof because it is lightweight, long lasting, and visually appealing – with welded roof profiles incorporated to give the appearance of a standing seam metal roof. The system build-up also included Bauder’s 120mm Thermotech Glass Insulation for superior thermal performance, ensuring the roof achieved the required 0.19 U-Value.

Due to the visibility of the roof, all aspects of the job were under high scrutiny. The roof profiles had to be lined up perfectly along all the hips and valleys of the roof, requiring a high degree of skill and workmanship from approved contractor Noel Deane Roofing & Cladding, which they well and truly delivered on much to the delight of project specifier Martin Keaveney of JJ Rhatigan who stated, “Bauder were able to provide all the roofing materials needed, which enabled them to deliver a comprehensive solution and guarantee. They satisfied all delivery commitments and the new single ply roof looks and performs just as we expected.”

Since opening in September 2013 this contemporary school building has been recognised for its innovative design and architectural excellence by many award-giving bodies, including being shortlisted for the Best Educational Building at the RIAI 2014 Irish Architecture Awards. The school has also been commended for its environmental efforts, an example of this being how they collect and store rainwater in a reclamation tank so that it can be reused throughout the building.

For further information, please visit bauder.co.uk

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Altro triumphs at National Manufacturing Awards

Altro triumphs at National Manufacturing Awards

Altro has won a coveted award at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Manufacturing Excellence (MX) Awards 2014 in the ‘Innovation in Products and Processes’ category.

Christopher Simpson, Chairman of the Manufacturing Excellence Awards Executive, said: “The judges were hugely impressed by how much Altro values its customer voice in the creation of new products and by the company’s ability to create products that break new ground and allow Altro to stay ahead of the competition.

“Altro’s safety flooring for areas where both bare feet and shoes are used, called Altro Aquarius, is one of the company’s most successful product launches. The company also has a range of flooring derived purely from renewable sources.

“Altro is a hugely exciting company and demonstrates that innovation and originality is very much alive in UK manufacturing.”

John Patsavellas, Altro’s Manufacturing & Technical director said: “It is truly a huge honour for Altro to receive this prestigious award. It recognises our core innovation competency that enables us to make a positive difference in safety, hygiene and sustainability, with our customers and our colleagues at the heart of all our innovation systems. We are delighted with this honour and determined to continue leading in this field and sharing our innovation success story with British Industry.”

The Manufacturing Excellence Awards was established in 1982 and is widely recognised in the business world for promoting the very best of UK manufacturing.

The 2014 Manufacturing Excellence Awards is run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers with AESSEAL®, The ERA Foundation, Grant Thornton, Lombard, NatWest, Renishaw and WMG and supported by the Department for Business and Innovation, MAS (Manufacturing Advisory Service), the MTC, Hexagon Metrology and Power Panels.

For further information about Altro, please visit www.altro.co.uk

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Brent Hudson confirmed as new Head at Twyford

Brent Hudson confirmed as new Head at Twyford

Reporting to Anders Spetz, Chief Commercial Officer of Sanitec, Brent will have full responsibility for Twyford in the UK and Ireland.

Brent joined Twyford in February 2013 to head up the Commercial Operations and Marketing departments. He has previously held board level positions with Valeo Service, Saint-Gobain Pipelines and Biwater Industries.

Says Brent Hudson: “I am delighted to be appointed at such an exciting and interesting time in Twyford’s history. With the recent launch of our Energy Collection we are looking to further grow our position in the UK market, and I am greatly looking forward to leading the company as we re-affirm the Twyford brand.”

Brent’s appointment is with immediate effect.

For further information on Twyford Bathrooms, contact tel: 01270 879777 or visit www.twyfordbathrooms.com

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Sika Liquid Plastics suits iconic Liverpool Cotton Exchange building

Sika Liquid Plastics suits iconic Liverpool Cotton Exchange building

A Sika Liquid Plastics waterproofing system has proved to be the perfect fit for one of Liverpool’s most historic office buildings, The Cotton Exchange.

Registered Sika Liquid Plastics contractor and national concrete repairer, Grade 2 Specialist Structural Repairs, based in the North West, were specified for the job after the company applied to go on a Liquid Plastics contractor scheme. Part of the process Grade 2 had undertaken was to put three projects forward, The Cotton Exchange being one of them.

Grade 2 were briefed to carry out isolated concrete repairs to wall areas along with restorations to all the decoration works to the exterior of the property. The Cotton Exchange also required a Sika Liquid Plastics product that was watertight, ensured longevity and was aesthetically pleasing to the human eye; this led to the specification of the Sika 618 and Sika Reemat premium being installed.

“The building is designated by English Heritage as a Grade II listed building; it has a very unusual looking roof, it looks a bit like an air-raid shelter,” Grade 2’s operations manager Steve Parry comments.

“The shape of the roof caused a few problems for us, especially when the application of the first coat had been completed as we kept slipping off it when applying the final coat, due to the unusual contour of the roof. However, working with a liquid applied membrane certainly made the job a lot easier.”

“It was finished on time, on budget and the client is very pleased with the outcome of the repairs so it has been a very successful project for all involved.”

For further information, please visit gbr.liquidplastics.sika.com/

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Rinnai – a full range of fanned convection space heaters

Rinnai – a full range of fanned convection space heaters

Rinnai Energysaver fanned convection powered flue gas fired space heating solutions are suited to all types of sites – schools, community centres, libraries, conservatories and churches.

Rinnai Energysaver models deliver smart, energy-efficient and consistent warm air without the use of central ductwork. And installation is quick, easy and simple.

The Rinnai Energysaver range comprises of models that exceed seasonal thermal heating guidance under the Building Regs Part L.

Rinnai provides an innovative solution by heating from the floor up and by modulating gas usage in relation to room temperature, enabling its units to provide unparalleled levels of comfort and efficiency. They provide safe, controllable heat with maximum energy efficiency, combined with flexibility of location.

Any number of Rinnai space heaters can run off a central time clock providing heat to large spaces. The Energysaver Multi is not limited to single Energysavers as the flexibility of the system guarantees any units can be mixed and matched together to satisfy even the most unique buildings.

The Rinnai range of Energysaver fanned convection powered flue heaters includes three products – the Energysaver 309 FTR, the Energysaver 559T, the energy Saver 1004T, which are available in both Natural Gas and LPG options. All models come with a 15 year warranty on the heat exchanger.

Fully modulating burners mean heat output and energy input are reduced as the space warms up. The units, encased in a low surface temperature casing to eradicate any risk of burns, are swift to warm up, easy to control and are very economical to run. Rinnai Energysaver 559T, and 1004T heaters are also suitable for central timer control.

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

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Hush Acoustics: Hard wood flooring replaces carpet in apartment

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.

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

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Celotex provides an exceptional degree of insulation at York University

Celotex provides an exceptional degree of insulation at York University

Sustainability is a key feature of the £30 million Goodricke College which forms part of the £750 million development of the Heslington East campus at the University of York. With this significant investment set to prepare the university for the future, and materials chosen to meet the development’s high performance criteria as efficiently and effectively as possible, PIR insulation from Celotex was specified to create a thermally efficient building envelope.

Designed by architects BDP and built by Shepherd Construction, the 16,000㎡ college has incorporated a range of energy saving measures such as high performance insulation to achieve a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating. To aid with this, Celotex provided its innovative EL3000 insulation board, specially designed for use in flat roofing applications.

For six campus buildings, specialist contactor Roofdec Ltd of Rotherham installed 7,500㎡ of 100mm thick Celotex EL3000 boards onto a vapour barrier which was adhered to the roof’s metal structural decks. The built up flat roofing system was then finished with Sarnafil G410-ELF single ply membrane, attached directly to the surface of the insulation boards to create a thermally efficient bonded roofing system.

Celotex EL3000 has an excellent lambda value and with a glass tissue facer which is perforated on one side, it removes the requirement for a two layer solution and is suitable for either bituminous or single-ply roofing. It provides a quick and easy method of achieving effective thermal insulation in flat roofing structures and does not allow a build-up of moisture below the waterproofing membrane.

Alongside its U-value, which lowers heating requirements and thereby CO2 emissions, Celotex EL3000 has low Global Warming Potential and zero Ozone Depletion Potential. Available in a range of thicknesses from 50mm – 150mm and in two different length of boards – 600mm and 2,400mm – it is versatile and easy to cut to shape on site, providing Roofdec with an easy method of constructing the roof.

Celotex insulation is incredibly durable, dimensionally stable and unaffected by temperature cycles. It also does not corrode or degrade on contact with welding chemicals used in conjunction with many flat roofing systems.

With Phase 1 and 2 of the development now complete, this project demonstrates the versatility of Celotex’ products – and with flat roof applications well established in the UK building industry, the company’s portfolio of solutions offers specifiers and installers thermally efficient, simple and cost effective methods of insulating such rooftops.

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

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The Build Show welcomes the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists as event partner

The Build Show welcomes the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists as event partner

Bringing together contractors, specifiers and suppliers from across the construction industry, preparations for the Build Show are going from strength to strength with the recent addition of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) as event partner.

As the leading qualifying body for architectural technology, CIAT represents those practising and studying within the discipline, focusing on understanding design and turning design ideas into reality. CIAT will use its wealth of knowledge and resources to help develop the show’s skills-focused seminar content, demonstrations and training workshops, with an emphasis on buildability, durability and sustainability of construction.

CIAT members are often the link between architects and builders and contactors, bridging the gap between concept, innovation and reality. CIAT’s involvement in the Build Show will provide a unique opportunity to those attending the inaugural event to better understand the design process and how to create a space that is both buildable and functions well.

Adam Endacott, Media & PR Director at CIAT, commented: “We are delighted to be working with the organisers of the Build Show and supporting this new high profile exhibition. There has been a large gap in the market for an event of this kind and I am hopeful that the Build Show will be a beneficial example of collaborative working in the built environment sector. There is a wealth of knowledge that visitors to the show can tap into and we look forward to contributing our part into the event’s programme.”

Paul Godwin, Managing Director of the Build Show, said “CIAT plays a vital role within the construction industry, ensuring that buildings are sustainable, perform to the highest standards and continue to do so into the future. Its expertise will be critical in the development of our seminar programme by providing cutting edge insight into the most relevant new technologies and best practice on how to incorporate them into modern buildings.”

“Perhaps more importantly, CIAT will provide a pragmatic link between those that design buildings and the people and organisations that bring them to reality.”

Celebrating its 50th year in 2015, CIAT was founded after the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) called for an institute to be set up for architectural technicians. CIAT upholds and advances the standards of education, competence and practise within its sector and will provide a valuable source of information and guidance to those attending the Build Show next year.

The Build Show will take place at the Birmingham NEC from Tuesday 27th to Thursday 29th October 2015, and will bring together contractors, specifiers, builders, suppliers, housebuilders, architectural technologists and clients, to network, showcase new products and discover opportunities for professional development.

Other event partners developing the show’s seminar schedule include, the Federation of Master Builders, Glenigan, the Construction Products Association, the National Federation of Builders, the National House Building Council and the Construction Industry Training Board.

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

For more information about exhibiting at or attending the Build Show, please visit www.buildshow.co.uk

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Cinema is the perfect Showcase for direct replacement

Cinema is the perfect Showcase for direct replacement

When Showcase Cinemas decided to replace the air handling units at some of its UK sites, Weatherite’s ‘direct replacement’ air handling systems delivered a reliable, cost effective, energy efficient, long lasting solution.

Showcase Cinemas is a major UK cinema chain, owned and operated by National Amusements Inc. Efficient air handling is essential to the comfort of its cinemagoers and staff. Unreliability and the cost of continually replacing components had become a concern with some of the existing air handling units, a number of which were failing in well under the 15 year life cycle expected with this type of equipment.

Showcase Cinemas investigated replacing the equipment with standard proprietary units, however, this proved unviable due to unit size, space constraints and the cost and down time involved in moving M&E services to connect with the new units.

Showcase’s Consultants, Hoare Lea contacted Weatherite who suggested replacing the old AHU’s with ‘bespoke direct replacements’ that match the existing units in terms of size, footprint and positioning of service connections. Using the latest technology, such as EC fans, scroll compressors, high efficiency indirect gas fired heaters and web-enabled Trend control systems, Weatherite’s solution also delivered high operational efficiency and energy savings.

Weatherite also developed bespoke BMS software for the control systems integration which has given National Amusements real time access to each of the AHU’s performance and operational data. The software allows the client to make adjustments remotely, and includes self-diagnostics to aid maintenance of the equipment.

The first Showcase Cinema to be updated with new Weatherite equipment was Walsall, in the West Midlands where 14 AHU’s were installed over a three-day cycle. In conjunction with Elite Air Services Ltd, Showcase’s service and maintenance company, Weatherite carried out the work after the last evening performance, working overnight until the building was handed back ready for the following day’s screenings.

Weatherite also supplied the new centralised control access system and carried out the commissioning with Showcase’s BMS contractor, to ensure everything ran smoothly. The success of the Walsall project has led to further installations in Coventry and Teeside.

The direct replacement approach has delivered many benefits to the client. The new system features ‘like for like’ equipment in terms of air volumes, heating and cooling performance and M&E service connections. It will also substantially reduce ongoing energy costs.

Thanks to the overnight installation process, system downtime was minimised and no business days were lost. The control software provides much greater management information in real time, plus immediate control of the operating system.

For further information please contact Steve Cartledge, Sales Director, Weatherite Manufacturing Limited on
+44 (0) 121 665 2266; email: sales@weatheritegroup.com or visit www.weatheritegroup.com

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Decseal provides police protection in Leeds

Decseal provides police protection in Leeds

A car park built as part of a new £34m police station in Leeds has been structurally protected using Stirling Lloyd’s dual function Decseal waterproofing and anti-skid system.

Some 4,182m² of the advanced resin-based Decseal system has been applied throughout the decks of the two-storey car park which serves West Yorkshire Police’s new divisional headquarters. With almost 400 spaces, the new car park provides parking for the force’s operational vehicles as well as for staff and visitors.

With a proven track record in similar car park applications throughout the UK, the fully reinforced Decseal system incorporates a tough, impermeable waterproofing membrane with no vulnerable joints. It has been designed to cope with the awkward contours and profiles associated with multi storey car park decks and ramps and protects the deck from water and chloride penetration and corrosion as well as providing essential skid and slip resistance for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Construction of the new police headquarters, a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) by main contractor, Interserve, was completed earlier this year. Located in Elland Road, opposite Leeds United’s football ground, the new police station and custody suite have become the nerve centre of police operations in the city.

To find out more, please visit www.stirlinglloyd.com

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