Offsite fabrication overcomes unforeseen challenges in older buildings

 

Replacing drainage stacks in larger multiple occupancy buildings can be a challenging task. Not only could pipe fittings and connection sizes be outdated, but older buildings can also have any number of hidden surprises in store once work starts. Plus, dealing with all this must be balanced with the need to minimise disruption caused to residents. Dean Pearse, Project Manager at Polypipe Building Services explains how they use offsite manufacturing methods to help overcome these issues.

 

Traditional methods

In multiple occupancy buildings the traditional approach of assembling loose drainage stack components on site can mean a significant level of disruption, as this typically means a period where residents are unable to use their sinks, toilets and other facilities.   Added to this is that the older a building is, the more likely that what’s found on site differs to the original plans – if these plans are even still around. Bathrooms may have been moved or reconfigured, additional appliances may have needed extra drainage. This adds up to a range of challenges unique to each project, and the potential for time-consuming surprises if a traditional approach is taken and they are dealt with as they are encountered.

This was the case at two 11-storey tower blocks owned by Fortem and Birmingham City Council where our Advantage service carried out a complete stack replacement. Moreover, there were elderly and vulnerable residents in situ which meant installation safety, speed and efficiency was essential. It was therefore important that we tried to avoid the cutting and welding associated with on-site assembly so that disruption was kept to a minimum.

A better solution

It was recognised that prefabricating the drainage system would offer the most effective way to both minimise disruption and to work around the known changes to the layout of the tower blocks since they were built. This was completed by our Advantage team, who provided a full design and comprehensive prefabricated system that meant much less work on site cutting and welding pipework.

Initially this urgent drainage replacement had seemed straightforward to the installer given both blocks appeared very similar in layout on the original plans. However, as their team moved in to begin work on one of the blocks it became apparent that in this block there was an additional stack serving the ground floor apartments which was not on the original plans. Digging through the floors of apartments on this level to discover where this stack ran wasn’t an option, so a bespoke solution was needed which could connect the existing iron stack to the new one.

In this instance, having the system designed by us offered a further benefit in that our team was able to step in and produce bespoke pipes and fittings to accommodate the unexpected layout found on site. These were then fabricated within a very short time frame to ensure the programme of works on site wasn’t delayed.

Ease of installation

HDPE is durable and flexible enough to accommodate different diameters in pipework and height which is essential when older pipework may no longer match standard loose parts which would then need more work to address using more time on site.

HDPE is also lightweight making it easier to install and offers advantages in how it can be prefabricated as 3D printed jigs and mirror-welding offsite means connection angles can be bespoke engineered to tight tolerances to accommodate a range of fittings. In this case it ensured a safer and better-quality installation while still meeting the tight timeframe for the project.

With temporary mechanical connections at the top and bottom Terrain FUZE drainage stacks can also be made live quickly allowing residents to use their facilities, then all the branches can be capped and connected later. With this project the inlet position needed bespoke connections into the stack which can elbow differently, and the customer relied on the Advantage team to put them in the right place. The solution in this case was for them to be fabricated into two sections so they could be twisted into exactly the right position. Working with HDPE also means the pipework can be futureproofed with extra fittings for future installations as spigots with welded-on end caps can be left ready for additional appliances in the future.  Working with a manufacturer who can offer a bespoke design and prefabrication service means that live stack replacement in RMI projects like this can be completed quicker and any unexpected surprises within the drainage system are addressed within the design stage rather than in real-time at greater cost in time, materials, and disruption to residents. Offsite methods of construction also reduce the amount of skilled labour needed by contractors on site, and by reducing this burden we can help reduce supply chain issues, including labour timescales, that can impact on their project delivery.

For more information about the prefabrication options and Advantage

Service from Polypipe Building Services

call 01622 795200

OR CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE WEBSITE

 

 

 

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Lighting Solutions to Enhance Productivity and Occupant Well-Being

TRILUX Delivers Innovative Lighting Solutions to Enhance Productivity and Occupant Well-Being

 Saffron House Transformed into a Human-Centric Oasis with Tunable White Lighting

 

Saffron House, a prime office space in Farringdon, London, recently underwent a renovation to provide a modern, adaptable, and health-focused workplace. The Anslow Partnership, a leading building services consultancy, sought to create a lighting design that prioritises employee satisfaction and well-being while meeting the sustainability goals of a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification.

Following COVID, employees’ satisfaction and health are prioritised when designing new office spaces. Light greatly impacts employees’ sense of well-being and ability to concentrate, and more and more companies are beginning to recognise this.

TRILUX, a renowned lighting solutions provider, was selected as the trusted partner for the project. Given the basement location and lack of natural daylight, TRILUX recommended Human Centric Lighting (HCL) fittings to enhance the well-being and productivity of occupants.

HCL fittings mimic the natural rhythm of sunlight, changing their luminous intensity and light colour from cool white in the morning to warm white in the evening. This helps to strengthen the human biorhythm and improve overall well-being.

Stephen Hewett, Principal Electrical Engineer The Anslow Partnership, commented, ” Here, we wanted to explore holistic office lighting concepts and offer customised light that can be flexibly regulated and optimal working conditions, including lighting that maintains and improves the workforce’s health.”

The project called for easy adaptability as the office is yet to be rented. The ideal solution was suspended lighting fittings that could be easily repositioned once the space is occupied.

 

Innovative Lighting Control

TRILUX delivered on the project’s lighting needs with the highly efficient So-Tube ACT (HCL) LED luminaires using DALI DT8 control system. These suspended, stylish luminaires offered tunable white light with adjustable colour temperature and intensity, allowing precise control throughout the day. The system was divided into eight zones with presence detection to ensure optimal illumination and energy efficiency.

Enhancing Well-Being with Tunable Lighting

Saffron House’s lighting design embraces Human Centric Lighting principles, recognising the important role light plays in influencing circadian rhythms, productivity, and overall well-being.

When tenants move in, sensors will detect motion in any of the zones and switch on the lighting to the correct colour temperature for the time of day and season. For example, in the early morning, the light output would be around 3000K, similar to the warm glow of sunrise. At 2pm, the light output might be 5500K, mimicking the cool, bright light of midday. And at 8pm, the output might be 2700K, promoting relaxation and winding down for the evening.

The lighting will then automatically adapt and change throughout the day, mimicking the natural colour and intensity of sunlight.

Scene plate controls allow for the overall control of the office space, as well as individual control over groups of lights that utilise track lighting.

Additionally, emergency lighting, general purpose lighting, and exit signage are all connected to the DALI control system with scheduled function and duration tests programmed for ease of maintenance. All test reports are stored on the controller, ensuring easy maintenance and safety compliance.

Stephen Hewett comments:

“Working with TRILUX has been a positive experience. Their dedication to creating lighting solutions that prioritise the well-being of occupants and their deep understanding of how lighting impacts productivity and satisfaction made them the ideal partner for this project.”

With its adaptable and health-focused lighting design, Saffron House serves as a beacon of productivity and well-being in the heart of London’s business district. TRILUX’s commitment to delivering human-centric lighting solutions continues to shape the future of office spaces, prioritising the comfort and efficiency of its occupants.

CLICK HERE For further information on the SO-TUBE

 

OR for further information on Human Centric Lighting CLICK HERE

 

 

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Quick to build, affordable office has the ‘wow’ factor with earthy SterlingOSB Zero

 

In need of a bigger space to work from, TMV architects harnessed its own team’s design and build skills to create an office using a combination of West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero and corrugated metal. Six years ago, the fledgling practice had outgrown its annex accommodation above a garage in the home of one of its directors and  . . .

“we wanted our own building; something to give us an identity and space to accommodate clients.” explains Thomas Mann, a director.

The practice bought a plot of land which was occupied by a disused BT repeater station building in Cambridgeshire. Today, the brick repeater station building has been replaced with TMV’s new office, a simple black, single-storey metal-clad contemporary building, complete with a pitched roof to accommodate a mezzanine floor. With the exception of two car parking spaces at the front, the new office almost fills the plot.

Budget was a major constraint when it came to the new building so TMV’s design is based on a superstructure of locally-manufactured structurally insulated panels (SIPs). The panels consist of a 140mm insulating foam core sandwiched between two SterlingOSB Zero sheathing boards. The result is a building system that is extremely strong and energy efficient.

“We designed the office with a large, vaulted roof which, if built traditionally, would have required a lot of expensive steelwork. However, because vaulted roofs are relatively easy to construct using SIPS, all we needed was a couple of timber posts,” explains Mann.

The simple SIPs walls rise from an insulated concrete raft foundation. The uncomplicated design meant very few contractors were needed; this allowed the practice to project manage construction. With the foundation slab cast, a single contractor assembled the SIP-walls and pitched roof. Within a week, the shell was up and wrapped in a membrane so that the building was effectively watertight. Externally, the SIPs are clad in block corrugated metal sheets that lend the building a modern industrial aesthetic. That aesthetic is continued internally with a full-height gable wall featuring exposed SterlingOSB Zero.

The SterlingOSB Zero feature wall’s textured, organic finish is given additional emphasis by the crisp white plaster used to finish the adjoining walls. Mann says visitors often walk into the office and say ‘wow’, simply because OSB is a material they are not used to seeing in this context. The SterlingOSB Zero feature wall has also been given illuminated TMV branding. Eleanor Stamp, senior architectural designer at the practice says that, although the office had to be a cost-effective build, its open-plan design and the natural feel that the SterlingOSB Zero brings to the space makes it a great place to work:

‘Everyone loves working here; we’ve gone from two to eight staff in five years and no one has left,’ she says.

 

As is always the case, West Fraser’s experienced technical team is available

to aid with product specification

CLICK HERE for downloadable data sheets

For further informantion call 01786 812 921

or CLICK HERE to visit the West Fraser website

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THE FUTURE IS MADE OF WOODEN BUILDINGS

Images: Copyright Urban Beta

TRILUX Lighting’s Innovative Partnership for Circular Buildings

TRILUX Lighting, a leading innovator in sustainable lighting solutions, is proud to announce its ongoing collaboration with the Berlin-based start-up Urban Beta. Since 2021, this dynamic partnership has been at the forefront of a groundbreaking movement towards sustainable construction practices.

Urban Beta specialises in manufacturing environmentally responsible buildings using recyclable wooden modules, and TRILUX Lighting has risen to the occasion with an intelligent lighting concept designed to complement and enhance these innovative structures, featuring highly efficient and eco-friendly luminaires such as the SO-TUBE LED.

SUSTAINABLE BUILDING CONCEPT, ALL-INCLUSIVE

Traditional construction is often costly, labour-intensive, and far from environmentally sustainable. Urban Beta, founded by Anke Parson, Marvin Bratke, Florian Michaelis, and Paul Bart, is pioneering a new approach to construction. Their groundbreaking solution, the BetaPort, is an innovative modular system designed for circular wooden structures. With these modules, buildings of up to three storeys can be swiftly erected, complete with all necessary connections and utilities, from electricity to water. Remarkably, these sustainable wooden structures boast a lifespan comparable to traditionally constructed brick buildings, lasting up to 150 years.

The true game-changer, however, lies in the circularity of the BetaPort. Once a building reaches the end of its useful life, its elements can be easily disassembled with minimal emissions. These components can then be either reused in new constructions or have their materials entirely recycled. This groundbreaking approach decouples building and depreciation cycles from the durability of the components, resulting in significantly reduced environmental impact.

LIGHT IS ALWAYS PART OF THE SOLUTION

Complementing the environmentally friendly building envelope, TRILUX Lighting has developed an intelligent and sustainable lighting concept tailor-made for Urban Beta’s projects. Central to this concept is the SO-TUBE LED luminaire. With its outstanding flexibility in terms of lighting technology, lengths, and installation methods, the SO-TUBE LED is the perfect all-rounder for delivering high-quality lighting within wooden structures. Its iconic tubular industrial design seamlessly harmonises with the aesthetic charm of wooden architecture. Importantly, these luminaires can be reused after the disassembly of a building, aligning with the circular principles of the wooden modules and finding new life in future projects.

ATTRACTIVE EXPANSION: THE LIS IN LEIPZIG

Building upon the successful partnership’s achievements, Urban Beta recently began realising its first commercial buildings in 2023. A notable project is the Leipzig International School (LIS) in Leipzig. The school required a solution for an approximately 100 square metre expansion building to serve as a creative space, and they enthusiastically chose the BetaPort system. What sets this project apart is the remarkable recycling rate of the planned new construction, with 80 per cent of the modules in Leipzig already having been utilised in other projects.

An added advantage of this approach is the expeditious and straightforward approval process. In the initial phase, the building is considered a “flying construction” in terms of legal regulations, allowing it to be used for up to six months without a traditional building permit. During this period, the application for permanent use is submitted. Construction commencement and completion for the LIS expansion are scheduled for August 2023, and TRILUX eagerly anticipates the opening of this innovative structure.

TRILUX Lighting is excited to continue its partnership with Urban Beta and looks forward to participating in many more inspiring projects that push the boundaries of sustainability and circular construction practices. Together, they are forging a brighter, more eco-conscious future built on the foundation of wooden buildings.

 

CLICK HERE for more information about TRILUX Lighting

and its innovative SO-TUBE lighting solution

 

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Introducing New Langley PU Liquid Waterproofing

Langley has been supplying high-quality systems for more than 50 years. As part of our commitment to high quality sustainable and long-lasting systems, the Langley PU liquid waterproofing system has been developed to the same exceptional standards which can be expected from us. Offering guarantee lengths of 20 and 25 years, we are excited that our new liquid technology allows the application of a 25-year system in just two coats. This significantly decreases install time compared to many other liquids in the market where a 3-coat system is required.

Langley PU is a solvent free, polyurethane coating system comprised of primers and liquid-applied membranes and is compatible with the huge range of accessories, rooflights and sustainable solutions on offer. Perfect for sensitive or occupied sites, the low-odour liquid can be used on occupied buildings such as schools or hospitals.  It provides monolithic, flexible, durable and long-lasting protection. As with all liquid systems, the practicality and flexibility of installation by brush or roller solves problems associated with long-term waterproofing, where there is significant plant or complex detailing. As with all our systems, you can be assured that the accreditation and testing are to the highest standards, with the Langley PU system having been approved by the British Board of Agrément, with a durability statement of 25 years.

Features & Benefits

Low Odour 

Langley PU is a leading liquid roof waterproofing system that uses innovative technologies to deliver a safer, low-odour, user-friendly experience for sites where fumes can be hazardous, such as schools, pharmaceutical and food/beverage manufacturing sites, hospitals, commercial offices and retail units.

Non-Toxic 

Our new PU carries the same warning labels as a bottle of washing-up liquid. Kind to the planet and safer for installers, with no more serious health or environmental hazards on the labels.

Fast Curing  

Langley PU is already a fast-curing system. With catalysts available to accelerate the cure time during winter months, the speed of installation remains consistent throughout the year.

Quick Installation 

The two-coat system dramatically reduces installation times.

Cold Applied 

No need for hot works or naked flames.

Durable

Polyurethane technology delivers a tough surface, suitable for irregular foot traffic without additional protection.

Seamless 

Once applied, Langley PU provides a seamless, monolithic and waterproof barrier which allows surface water to discharge freely from the roof.

Ponding Water Resistant 

Langley PU is highly resistant to ponding water, providing excellent protection even where small amounts of water remain on the roof.

Minimal Waste 

Roof repairs can be carried out without removing the existing membrane, minimising disruption and reducing waste to landfill.

The Langley Guarantee 

Our guarantees set the benchmark within the industry, with a single-point independent Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) of up to 25 years that covers design, workmanship, materials and consequential loss.

The Langley Service 

Whether a standalone roof or part of a larger stock condition survey or asset management plan, the team of experts at Langley will survey, design and monitor your project, providing aftercare and support via our customer portals for the life of the roof.

The Range Includes

Langley PU Embedment Coat – Langley PU Top Coat – Langley PU Metal Primer – Langley PU Porous Surface Primer

Mordant (T-Wash) Solution – Butyl Fleece Tape – Langley PU GFM Reinforcement – Langley PU Winter Accelerator

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE

For further information CLICK HERE to email Langley 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE LANGLEY WEBSITE

 

 

 

 

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Try before you buy with West Fraser

  

It’s simple to select the perfect panel for projects

with West Fraser’s free samples

 

Specifying the perfect panel products for a project is a key part of the planning process.  West Fraser manufactures the leading building panel ranges in the UK and, to help in the selection process, the company has introduced A5-size samples, individually wrapped in a cover containing product information.

SterlingOSB Zero OSB3, SterlingOSB Zero T&G, CaberFloor P5, CaberDek, CaberShieldPlus, CaberWood MDF or the newest addition to the range, SterlingOSB Zero PrimedPlus

 

TO SELECT YOUR FREE SAMPLES CLICK HERE

 

 

The website has designated pages for architects and housebuilders offering downloadable checklists, fact sheets, DoPs, safety datasheets and an interactive product guide to ensure that the customers have everything they need to choose the right panels for every projects application.  A selection of case studies showcasing West Fraser products and instruction videos provide inspiration and know-how!

 

So, whether it’s a solution for roofing, flooring, walling, timber frames, hoarding or shopfitting needed, the West Fraser website has the information and the wood-based panels for a perfect job. All West Fraser UK panel products are manufactured in mills that have obtained the coveted environmental ISO 14001 accreditation. Responsibly sourced, the panels are produced from locally grown timber, cutting embodied carbon from transportation.

For further information, call 01786 812 921

 

OR CLICK HERE to visit the West Fraser Website

 

 

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HOW DO COMMERCIAL HEAT PUMPS WORK?

Rinnai’s Pete Seddon details the workings of a commercial heat pump

 

Heat pumps have a leading position in the pecking order of appliances that can work on commercial sites and property and drive towards NetZero and decarbonisation. The ever-growing interest in heat pump technology means an equal amount of curiosity is devoted to how a heat pump works.

What are the main internal mechanisms that enable a smooth operational product life cycle of a heat pump? And what are the inner mechanisms that provide product functionality?

Rinnai have launched a range of blogs and Vlogs entitled

Rinnai Pathways which seek answering questions such as this one

 

CLICK HERE for the latest content

 

 

A commercial heat pump operates and uses similar technology in a similar way to an everyday consumer product, a common refrigerator. A “fridge” operates by extracting heat from within the fridge cabinet and exhausts this heat into the room. A heat pump follows a similar process however it is installed outside and extracts heat from the outside air and then transfers the heat generated into a body of water.

A heat pump has four main components within the closed circuit which is also known as the refrigerant circuit.

These components are:

  1. The Compressor.

A compressor is used to move gaseous refrigerant through the refrigeration circuit, and a heat exchanger, which extracts heat from the source. The heat is then passed on to a heat sink through another heat exchanger.

  1. The Condenser.

The condenser is a form of heat exchanger and is used to transfer the heat from the hot compressed gas into the water without coming directly in to contact with each other. As a lot of the heat is removed from the gas it will now change state from a gas to a liquid but will still be high pressure.

  1. The Expansion Device

The expansion device allows the pressure of the refrigerant to be lowered which in turn will allow its state to be changed at lower temperatures which is crucial for the whole process.

  1. The Evaporator.

The evaporator is the component that starts the process all over again and is another form of heat exchanger. By using a fan, it draws air across the Evaporator which allows the refrigerant to change state back into a low-pressure gas ready to go back into the compressor. This then goes back to the compressor to continue to the cycle.

There are of course a lot more components within the heat pump that are integral to its operation and the overall heat pump efficiency such as thermistors to monitor the temperature of the refrigerant and the Control Board to ensure the desired output is achieved.

Commercial heat pumps can transfer heat even in minus temperatures, air source and ground source heat pumps could generate heat as low as -20°C ambient temperature. Conversely, they also create heat at extremely high temperatures. This is achieved because of the low boiling point of the refrigerant gases.

Commercial heat pumps generally use less energy to operate than they output in heat energy, making them extremely efficient – however when the temperature lift for commercial water heating or space heating is substantial (Temperature lift = outdoor air temperature and the temperature heat is delivered at within the building).

The heat pump efficiency i.e., COP or SCOP will reduce, therefore many heat pumps work at their optimum with low temperature heat distribution systems (such as underfloor heating) and why performance reduces dramatically when a heat pump is required to supply heat at high temperature for conventional domestic hot water.

Rinnai’s H3 range of products include domestic and commercial heat pumps that offer immediate property decarbonisation. Rinnai is determined to provide UK customers with cost effective low carbon solutions towards domestic and commercial hot water and building heating provision.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE RINNAI WEBSITE

or HERE to EMAIL RINNAI

CLICK HERE For more information on the RINNAI product range

 

 

RINNAI’S H3 DECARBONISATION OFFERS PATHWAYS
& CUSTOMER COST REDUCTIONS FOR
COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC AND OFF-GRID HEATING &
HOT WATER DELIVERY
                                                   

Rinnai’s H3 range of decarbonising products include hydrogen / BioLPG ready technology, hybrid systems, and a wide range of LOW GWP heat pumps and solar thermal. Also, within Rinnai’s H3 range is Infinity hydrogen blend ready and BioLPG ready continuous flow water heaters which are stacked with a multitude of features that ensure long life, robust & durable use, customer satisfaction and product efficiency.

Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of heat pump, solar, hydrogen in any configuration, hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H3 range of products offer contractors, consultants and end users a range of efficient, robust and affordable decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic and technically feasible solutions. The range covers all forms of fuels and appliances currently available – electric, gas, hydrogen, BioLPG, rDME solar thermal, low GWP heat pumps and electric water heaters.

Rinnai H1 continuous water heaters and boilers offer practical and economic decarbonization delivered through technological innovation in hydrogen and renewable liquid gas ready technology.

Rinnai’s H1 option is centred on hydrogen, as it is anticipated that clean hydrogen fuels will become internationally energy market-relevant in the future; Rinnai water heaters are hydrogen 20% blends ready and include the world’s first 100% hydrogen-ready hot water heating technology.

Rinnai H2 – Decarbonization simplified with renewable gas-ready units, Solar Thermal and Heat Pump Hybrids. Rinnai H2 is designed to introduce a practical and low-cost option which may suit specific sites and enable multiple decarbonisation pathways with the addition of high performance.

Rinnai H3 – Low-GWP heat pump technology made easy – Rinnai heat pumps are available for domestic and commercial usage with an extensive range of 4 – 115kW appliances.

Rinnai’s H3 heat pumps utilise R32 refrigerant and have favourable COP and SCOP.

Rinnai is a world leading manufacturer of hot water heaters and produces over two million units a year, operating on each of the five continents. The brand has gained an established reputation for producing products that offer high performance, cost efficiency and extended working lives.

Rinnai’s commercial and domestic continuous flow water heaters offer a limitless supply of instantaneous temperature controlled hot water and all units are designed to align with present and future energy sources. Rinnai condensing water heaters accept either existing fuel or hydrogen gas blends. Rinnai units are also suited for off-grid customers who require LPG and BioLPG or rDME.

Rinnai products are i2HY20 certified, A-rated water efficiency, accessed through multiple fuel options and are available for purchase 24/7, 365 days a year. Any unit can be delivered to any UK site within 24 hours. Rinnai offer carbon and cost comparison services that will calculate financial and carbon savings made when investing in a Rinnai system. Rinnai also provide a system design service that will suggest an appropriate system for the property in question. Rinnai offer comprehensive training courses and technical support in all aspects of the water heating industry including detailed CPD’s. More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose” webpage.

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Harmonising architecture and illumination for energy efficiency and aesthetic brilliance

  

Zumtobel and its sister brand Thorn, both lighting brands of the Zumtobel Group collaborated with 5plus architects, MZA consultants, Ardmac main contractor, Emtec sub-contractor, and Rexel wholesaler to implement an energy-efficient lighting scheme at the iconic 100 Barbirolli Square. The Group’s innovative lighting solutions successfully met the brief, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the building.

 

Barbirolli Square holds historical significance as the birthplace of the renowned Hallé orchestra. Founded by conductor and cellist John Barbirolli, the orchestra quickly gained international recognition for its diverse talent and artistic excellence. Today, 100 Barbirolli Square symbolises this triumph of creativity and resilience during a time of global conflict.

The Zumtobel Group Lighting brands played a pivotal role in the £20 million upgrade of the prominent 1990s office block in Manchester. The three-year project involved a complete refurbishment of the 150,000 sq ft building, across 12 floors, including reception spaces. The aim was to create a visually appealing lighting design that utilised exposed services while reducing energy consumption.

Incorporating Sustainability

The refurbishment project at 100 Barbirolli Square also prioritised sustainability and occupant well-being. The design features a sophisticated and understated style, with exposed concrete, poured concrete flooring, raw polished plaster, natural materials, and air purifying plants. Moreover, the introduction of a large cycle hub with changing rooms directly accessible from the street encourages alternative and sustainable transportation options. A flexible studio/gym and spacious changing rooms were included to promote the health and well-being of the building’s users.

A lighting solution to match the building aspirations

Working closely with the architect and consultant, Zumtobel developed a comprehensive lighting solution for the project. Central to the scheme was their newly launched, SLOTLIGHT infinity ID, which perfectly matched the design aesthetic and provided excellent lighting performance. The SLOTLIGHT infinity ID, known for its wide-angle uplighting, ensured there were no hotspots on the ceiling, enhancing the overall visual appeal. The warm 3000K colour temperature created a cosy atmosphere against the concrete soffits, contributing to the building’s inviting ambiance.

Additionally, other Zumtobel products, including SLOTLIGHT infinity, PANOS infinity-P R70, Comsign, RESCLITE PRO, and SUPERSYSTEM integral, were strategically installed in different areas of the building. Thorn Lighting’s Aquaforce Pro and Chalice were also used in the basement plant, back-of-house, and cores.

The use of LED technology and intelligent controls significantly reduced energy consumption, aligning with the project’s sustainability goals.

Emmet McAteer, 5plus Architects:

“Our aim was to strip the building back to its frame and design a high-specification environment that meets the needs of modern occupiers. The lighting solution provided by the Zumtobel Group perfectly complements the architecture. The SLOTLIGHT infinity ID not only delivers exceptional lighting performance but also enhances the visual aesthetics of the space. It beautifully integrates with the exposed services, creating a seamless and harmonious design.”

 Some impressive results

The lighting installation at 100 Barbirolli Square delivered impressive results in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability. Lighting traditionally accounts for approximately upwards of 25% of the energy used in an office building, here the use of the Zumtobel Group’s LED luminaires and intelligent controls reduces this by more than 50%, limiting the environmental impact.

The following statistics highlight the overall project’s success:

  • Embodied carbon saving: 71% over an equivalent new building.
  • Whole life carbon saving: 20% over an equivalent new building.
  • EPC Rating: B

“Chris Bryant, Director at MZA consultants comments: “”The selection of Zumtobel Group lighting solutions for 100 Barbirolli Square proved to be an excellent fit. Not only did they fulfil our energy efficiency criteria, but they also delivered exceptional lighting quality and the product range across the brands provided us with the necessary design flexibility. The collaborative effort between the Zumtobel Group brands and our project team resulted in a successful implementation that aligned with our envisioned outcome.”

 

 

For more information on Zumtobel Lighting please

CLICK HERE

to visit the website

 and for Thorn Lighting CLICK HERE

 

 

Products:

Zumtobel – SLOTLIGHT infinity ID – SLOTLIGHT infinity – PANOS infinity – P R70 – Comsign  – RESCLITE PRO – SUPERSYSTEM integral

 

Thorn – Aquaforce Pro – Chalice

 

 

 

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EJOT Colorfast fasteners receive globally renowned FM Approved mark

All the most widely used products in the EJOT Colorfast range of colour-matched self-drilling fasteners are now FM Approved,

providing specifiers and contractors with another independently verified ‘stamp of approval’ 

EJOT has secured FM approval for all the most widely used products in its Colorfast range of colour-matched self-drilling fasteners, providing specifiers and contractors with another independently verified ‘stamp of approval’ for the suitability of the range’s key products when used for fixing sandwich panels, or built-up envelope systems designed to the same standard.

Securing FM Approved status not only means that EJOT has successfully demonstrated Colorfast’s performance in testing, but that assessors are satisfied with how the product is manufactured, the quality of production systems and facilities, and what quality control procedures are in place to maintain consistency, as well as the marking procedures used for identification.

It is a development that provides additional assurance when specifying screws for coloured roofing and façade sheets. Whilst Colorfast’s original metal parent product has long been FM Approved, this latest approval classifies the products in their own right.

The third party certification by FM Approvals, a division of American property insurance giant FM Global, confirms EJOT’s stated performance capabilities for the fasteners in line with the stringent requirements of an international standard that applies to fully tested systems. Under the scheme, every element of the building envelope’s proposed construction is assessed down to the smallest fasteners, which is why it represents the ‘gold standard’ for approvals.

As a result, the standard is unambiguous in terms of which fasteners can be used in order to deliver an approved roof or façade. Where FM approval is a prerequisite on a building envelope project, an FM appointed engineer will make thorough checks to ensure the correct fasteners are being used – from checking approval verifications through to demanding an FM Approved logo on boxes or labelling.

Securing approval, however, is not only subject to successfully demonstrating the product’s performance in testing. The assessment process examines – through annual auditing – how the product is manufactured, the quality of production systems and facilities, and what quality control procedures are in place to maintain consistency, as well as the marking procedures used for identification.

 

Colorfast continues to raise the bar after more than 30 years in the market – now onto its third generation, it still outperforms other types of colour-matched screws thanks to its over-moulded nylon head design and the high quality of both the washers and screws, which are available in carbon steel and stainless steel for enhanced corrosion resistance.

Importantly, achieving the FM Approved mark for Colorfast screws supports EJOT UK’s rapidly increasing export market. Whilst it may not be widely sought currently by clients in the UK, FM Approvals certification is widely recognised and routinely required by specifiers and building inspectors in other countries, including the US, Australia and the south east Asia, where Colorfast sales are growing strongly.

It also represents the latest stage in EJOT UK’s continuous development programme for Colorfast, which means the fastener continues to raise the bar after more than 30 years in the market. Now onto its third generation, Colorfast still outperforms other types of colour-matched screws thanks to its over-moulded nylon head design and the high quality of both the washers and screws, which are available in carbon steel and stainless steel for enhanced corrosion resistance.

Colorfast joins several other EJOT products for the building envelope that already have an FM Approved mark. These include the Opticore LS, the self-drilling fastener with self-coring integral nylon head that has become a first-choice solution for attaching membrane faced insulated sandwich panels to light steel sections, and the widely used EJOT JT2 and JF3 self-drilling fasteners. In 2022, a range of EJOT flat roofing fastening systems also became FM Approved, most notably the EcoTek tube-washer with FBS-R fastener combination and the TKR/TKE fasteners with the HTK 2G 50 tube-washer.

Details of all EJOT’s FM Approved fasteners are available on RoofNav, a complementary tool from FM Approvals that provides access to the most up-to-date FM Approved roofing products and assemblies.

Brian Mack, Technical Business Development Manager at EJOT UK said:

“Securing the FM Approved mark for key products in the Colorfast range is another important stage in the development of this roofing and cladding mainstay, and one that gives additional assurance to the market in respect of its performance capabilities in application.

“The FM Approvals scheme is globally renowned, so this is a strategically significant step for EJOT too as we serve an increasingly international market with Colorfast, catering for projects where the building envelope must accommodate many different climatic conditions and performance goals.

“It is part of our continuous programme to provide customers with the required test evidence and certification they need to make the right choices for the building envelope fastener, whether that’s in the form of FM, ETAs (European Technical Assessments), CE marking or other approvals.

EJOT Colorfast has become the go-to solution for roofing and cladding installations where the head of the screws needs to be matched to the panels it is securing to optimise aesthetics.

Superior durability is achieved through the design and manufacturing process used to over-mould a nylon head, which is extremely UV-stable and can be matched to almost 400 colours in line with recognised colour matching systems.

These include all recognised colour matching systems such as RAL, NCS and Pantone, as well as the British Standards (BS) colour palette, the colour system on which Colorfast was first developed.

CLICK HERE to find out more

 

 

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KIDDE SAFETY EUROPE LAUNCHES NEW VERSATILE CO2 MONITOR

Leading manufacturer of safety alarms and equipment, Kidde Safety Europe has launched a new carbon dioxide (CO2) monitor to help people to understand and improve indoor air quality in homes, workplaces, schools and hospitality venues. The mains powered non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) monitor complies with the Scottish Building Standards requirements for the mandatory CO2 monitors that must be installed in all homes. Kidde is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), the leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions. 

 

Warning users of rising CO2 levels or abnormal humidity or temperature level changes, the new Kidde CO2 Monitor, which has a 10-year lifespan, provides the current CO2 levels from 400 to 5000 parts per million (PPM), as well as a seven day history of CO2 readings. It also shows the current temperature and humidity on the large, easy to read LCD display, which has automatic brightness adjustment to minimise night-time disturbance.

 

The monitor has been designed to provide clear warnings and indications in several different forms. Detailed air quality information is displayed on the LCD screen. As many people will not be familiar with the acceptable parts per million (PPM) for CO2, the Kidde CO2 monitor provides a ‘traffic light’ LED notification to allow easy identification of the current CO2 levels, even from a distance. Green represents 400 to 999 ppm – which signals good indoor air quality, Orange denotes readings of 1000 to 1499 ppm – indicating deteriorating indoor air conditions associated with poor air quality complaints, and Red displays for readings above 1500 ppm – the level associated with headaches, drowsiness and loss of concentration and where it is necessary to ventilate indoor space as a result. At this level, the monitor’s easily audible built-in alarm clearly alerts occupants to high CO2 levels. For clarity and convenience there is also an optional voice alert, which is available in six selectable languages.

 

The Kidde CO2 Monitor has been designed for easy set up and installation. It works straight out of the box with a built-in automatic 24 hour CO2 sensor calibration. The monitor is mains powered with a 12-hour rechargeable battery back-up and can be free-standing or wall mounted.

 

“From sick building syndrome to changes in building standards, to updated guidance for schools and workplaces, there has never been more of a focus on air quality, and in particular carbon dioxide,” said Simon Jones, Marketing Manager at Kidde Safety Europe. “CO2, which is often less commonly recognised as an issue compared with particulate matter pollution and carbon monoxide, can have a serious impact on health and wellbeing. Our new CO2 monitor has been designed to make it as simple as possible for people to be better informed about air quality in the spaces they occupy and allow improvements to be made.”

 

To find out more about Kidde’s range, please CLICK HERE

 

 

 

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