Reducing carbon emissions with ECOMOD heat pumps

Ysgol Tir Morfa Community School in Rhyl, North Wales, is an additional learning needs school for boys and girls aged from 3 to 18. The school is split across three areas, with the newest part now being heated by two Ideal Heating 32kW ECOMOD monobloc air source commercial heat pumps.

Becoming carbon neutral

In 2019, Denbighshire County Council voted to become a carbon neutral council by 2030. The council identified that in the financial year 2021/22, its own buildings accounted for 62% of direct corporate carbon emissions. As a result, it has been assessing all its properties for opportunities to decrease carbon emissions, with a move away from fossil fuel based heating being a top priority.

As a relatively new build with underfloor heating already in place, Ysgol Tir Morfa was identified as a property that could easily transition to heat pumps. As installer Gareth O’Loughlin of GGS Heating comments: “When it comes to putting in the air source heat pumps, it’s just a straight conversion; there’s no heating alterations. It’ll work at the temperatures designed with the system that we’ve got.”

ECOMOD Heat Pumps

Two Ideal Heating 32kW ECOMOD monobloc air source heat pumps have been installed immediately outside the boiler house running in cascade into a 500 litre buffer.

Heat pumps, which utilise the free energy in the air to heat water, have many benefits including an efficiency of up to 400% which is more than traditional boilers, and zero local carbon emissions.

The ECOMOD air source heat pumps come with a minimum A++ Energy related Products (ErP) efficiency rating and high co-efficient of performance (COP) rating of up to 4.85. R32 refrigerant ensures a low global warming potential (GWP).

Offsetting costs with renewables

Denbighshire County Council’ Property Section Energy Team is responsible for the work to reduce carbon emissions from council buildings, as well as increasing the amount of renewable energy installed in Denbighshire.

When the team looked in-depth at heat pumps, they understood that the unit cost of electricity is more expensive than gas, but knew they could offset this with renewable energy, to make it a lot more economical. As a result, two separate solar photovoltaic arrays (solar PV) have been installed at the school along with a 10.2kW solar PV battery to store any excess generation.

Upskilling

As part of the support offered to Denbighshire County Council for this installation, Ideal Heating is providing local company GGS Heating with training to enable them to successfully install heat pumps, thus upskilling the local supply chain.

Gareth O’Loughlin of GGS Heating has been pleasantly surprised by just how easy it has proven:

“Installing the ECOMOD heat pumps has been generally no different to installing the system with gas boilers. They both work in generally the same way. It’s just how the heat is derived that’s the difference from the gas. I’d definitely recommend Ideal products and their commercial side of it especially. We’ve had nothing but help. We’ve always found them easy to work with and the technical teams helpful.”

Reduced carbon emissions and more

Denbighshire County Council is pleased with the new heating system in operation at Ysgol Tir Morfa, which takes them one step further forward in their journey to become carbon neutral.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport at Denbighshire County Council is enthusiastic over the project:

“It’s been absolutely brilliant. I hadn’t seen heat pumps before. Seeing them work here, knowing that this is going to give us heating for the school, and being able to store the electricity from the roof so it doesn’t go to the grid, it is ideal.”

 

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Cambridge Science Park

When architects Scott Brownrigg were given a brief to create a new gateway to Cambridge Science Park they knew the building had to be impressive to attract the desired high tech and Research and Development companies.

 

The design features a colonnade sweeping across the front of the building echoing the curve of the spine road and a new public space. The column spacing guides occupants and visitors to the entrance – a GEZE Slimdrive SCR curved automatic sliding door.

The building has a BREEAM Excellent rating for its design so the Slimdrive SCR was the perfect complement. The circular entrance features two sets of automatic bi-parting curved glass sliding doors, creating a lobby that minimises heat loss or gain and so helps to contribute to the building’s environmental credentials

In addition the Slimdrive SCR automatic curved sliding door provides a light and airy all-glass lobby entrance which blends seamlessly into the façade and the large glass atrium, it combines high performance with unobtrusive operation.

Inside the operator’s deep canopy an integrated air curtain was installed to further minimise any heat loss and maintain the aesthetics of the building.

 

The Slimdrive SCR automatic operator also provides uninhibited access and so meets the demands of Part M, BS 8300 and EN 16005, whilst the access control system ensures security.

 

Recognising the outstanding design of the building, the Cambridge Science Park has been shortlisted for the 2023 British Council for Offices (BCO) Awards. The BCO’s primary objective is to define excellence in office space.

Ross Mcwatt, Associate Architect at Scott Brownrigg said

‘We have worked with GEZE several times, they have the same focus as we do in terms combining sustainability, accessibility and aesthetics.

 

Richard Richardson-Derry, National Specification Manager at GEZE UK added

‘This is an outstanding building, that meets many demands, we were delighted to play a part in creating an entrance and achieving the criteria of the brief.

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers

   

   call 01543 443000

 

   or CLICK HERE to visit the GEZE website

 

 

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Strand Hardware Gets Top Marks for Service

Customer service is what sets Strand Hardware apart from its competitors – for 32 years it has gone above and beyond for its clients, providing technical advice and expertise with fast and efficient service.

It continues to set the bar ever higher by measuring its performance against rigorous targets to ‘add value’ to the sale of its specialist hardware for doors and windows.

In the past year, it has achieved a 99.54% on time, in full (OTIF) average on its orders – exceeding its 98% target. It also had:

  • 100% company recommendation rating from its annual client survey
  • 100% rating of products, quality, and reliability – identified as the same or better than competitors through its annual client survey
  • Minimal processing errors – below its 0.5% orders received target.
  • Minimal order packing errors – below its 0.5% orders received target.
  • A total of ‘all concerns raised’ – less than 2% against all orders received.

Strand Hardware also had no major non-conformance reports (NCR) raised by British Assessment Bureau during its annual audit

Operations Director Jo Wallis said that customer service was Strand’s differential.

“Operating within a business-to-business environment, we talk to all sorts of prospective customers and clients: from architects and developers to architectural ironmongers and installers. Every person will have different levels of knowledge which may require varying advice and support. Fortunately, we have an experienced team with extensive experience across the business.

“Our customer service starts with that first contact, carefully listening to what a customer wants to achieve and asking the right questions to guide them to the best possible solutions. We work within a highly technical industry which makes this process all the more important and we always aim to undertake this in a polite and friendly way. Many of our customers have been with us for many years – some since Strand Hardware was founded more than 30 years ago. These close working relationships are built on trust – underpinned by great customer service.”

 

CLICK HERE

For more information of Strand Hardware’s range of specialist architectural ironmongery contact:

 

or call: 01922 639111

 

  CLICK HERE FOR THE WEBSITE

 

 

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Altro Tegulis creates colourful, homely feel for Sanctuary Housing

Altro Tegulis tile-effect wall panels have added a splash of colour with a luxury feel in Sanctuary Housing’s latest affordable development.

Sanctuary Housing, a large housing association based in Worcester, wanted to explore wall cladding rather than tiles for the kitchens and bathrooms in their latest affordable housing complex of 16 flats. This need was driven by the shortage of tiling contractors in the local area and the risk of tiles and grout getting dirty very quickly.

“The look and feel we wanted was a hotel-type design, and we were considering something more colourful and decorative. We have used Altro Whiterock before and have always found it to be a great product in high traffic areas, giving us a lot of confidence in its performance. We were really pleased to discover Altro Tegulis,” says Neil Ruecroft, Head of Construction at Sanctuary Group.

Altro Tegulis™ tile-effect wall panels offer the ideal alternative to traditional tiles for wet rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and retail spaces. With a range of tile-effect patterns offering a grout-free alternative to tiles, Altro Tegulis offers a more familiar feeling than traditional wall panel sheets.

“Altro talked us through all the colour and tile-effect combinations of Altro Tegulis and then provided us with mock-up designs for the bathrooms which looked really good,” explains Neil. “We decided to give it a go and Altro put us in touch with MI Contracts, Altro Whiterock Premier Installers who were highly experienced in using Altro Whiterock.”

MI Contracts installed Altro Tegulis in the bathrooms. Mike Heffernan, Installer at MI Contracts, says,

“This is the first time we have worked with Altro Tegulis and it was a joy to work with. Tiling can be an untidy and long-winded job. The installation of Altro Tegulis removed the mess and shortened the timescale dramatically.”

Lizi Heath, MD at MI Contracts, agrees:

“The team really enjoyed the challenge of installing a new, innovative product. With less mess and easy installation, all 16 units were completed in one week.”

MI Contracts also installed Altro Whiterock Splashbacks™ in the kitchens. Giving you the flexibility to coordinate or contrast, Altro Whiterock Splashbacks come in a vast array of colours and finishes complemented by colour-matched sealants. Choose from Altro Whiterock White, Altro Whiterock Satins, Altro Whiterock Chameleon and Altro Whiterock wall designs ranges, pick your size, and away you go.

Neil Ruecroft Head of Construction at Sanctuary Group says: “The overall end result is fantastic; we are really pleased with it. The residents are finding it easy to maintain and clean and has given them a very homely feel.”

 

CLICK HER TO VISIT THE ALTRO WEBSITE

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Transforming the installation of underfloor heating

First-of-its-kind jointless underfloor heating cable set to transform installation process

 

What: ThermoSphere’s Membrane Heating Cable is the first and only underfloor heating cable that uses TwistedTwin construction and in-line hot-to-cold technology.

Who: ThermoSphere, a leading British-based electrical heating manufacturer, has been using its technical expertise to drive innovation for over 25 years.

Why: Many faults occur around the cold tail joint of the heating cable because the joints, which are normally heat-shrink wrapped, are three times thicker than the cable. Installation of thicker cables requires installers to chase out concrete and cut into the membrane and insulation. This risks damaging the cables, joints, waterproofing layer barrier and reputation with customers. ThermoSphere’s new Membrane Heating Cable prevents the need to cut the membrane, insulation and flooring.

 How: ThermoSphere have incorporated the hot-to-cold joint connections into the primary manufacturing process, creating invisible joints and a cable that’s uniform in thickness from end-to-end. This drastically improves the installation process, with many benefits to the installer:

  • One-step cable installation saves time and effort, and speeds up and simplifies the installation process.
  • Stops cable failure by removing the number one fault in underfloor heating installations.
  • Preserves the waterproofing layer of the decoupling membrane.
  • Allows for quick quality workmanship with an automatically flush finish ready for tiling.
  • Compatible with all membranes on the market so installers can rely on trusted products.

CLICK HERE

For more information on cable specifications, pricing and to

get your hands on ThermoSphere’s new Membrane Heating Cable

 

 

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RINNAI’S NEW – & FREE – HEATING & HOT WATER SYSTEM DESIGN SERVICE

Rinnai is now offering a NEW and FREE customer service that designs the ideal heating and hot water system suited specifically to the customer’s property requirements. A hot water and heating system designed to the specific needs of any site or application ensures that savings can be made in purchase and running costs, as well reducing carbon emissions.

Some properties are better suited towards a specific heating and hot water delivery system. For example, hybrid heat pump or solar thermal with BioLPG options could be considered the better solution for heating and hot water delivery when thinking of off-grid rural locations especially those with high demand for heating and hot water – hotels, residential care homes, health centres etc.

Inner-city occupants could be advised to look at utilising either hybrid designs, including hydrogen-ready units for gas blends of up to 20% along with products and systems of technical and practical feasibility.

If say, a customer owns an urban retirement community consisting of three Edwardian houses with a mixture of heating and hot water delivery applications, Rinnai can design and install ONE WHOLE system that guarantees maximum output and minimises fuel and operational costs whilst considering the feasibility of the solution from the perspective of the building and budget.

Not only will Rinnai advise the customer on what system should be installed, Rinnai will design a heating and hot water system that complements the customer’s site, uniquely. Whichever location or dwelling, Rinnai can offer and design a heating and hot water system that will help reduce costs and carbon emissions.

Adds operations director of Rinnai Mr Goggin:

“We have positioned the Rinnai name as a company that offers the highest quality product and best available value with service excellence. It is a position of responsibility and we have maintained a stance of doing the absolute best we can for customers. We believe implicitly in this basic premise – we do the best we can, and we achieve what our customers want and expect. And that includes anticipating the future. We are manufacturers of proven excellence and are using our core competencies of design engineering solutions to suit all possible future needs and fuels.”

Rinnai offers a range of decarbonising and cost reducing energy options applicable to all types of properties. Heat pump, BioLPG, solar and hydrogen can fulfil all domestic and commercial energy demands.

Rinnai’s new heating and hot water delivery design service is an integral part of Rinnai’s H3 range of products. This service will provide the customer with detail that reduces all related costs as well as information that ensures the correct decisions are made regarding system design and installation.

creating a healthier way of living

To aquire this FREE service EMAIL RINNAI or phone 0300 737 0660

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE RINNAI WEBSITE

CLICK HERE For more information on the RINNAI product range

 

 

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From Waste To Wow – TRILUX

From Waste to Wow: TRILUX and Skanska’s circular lighting project saves 17 tonnes of CO2e and creates an inspiring workplace

UK, May 2023 – Skanska, a leading construction and development company committed to reducing carbon emissions, partnered with TRILUX to provide a sustainable and inspiring workplace for its UK head office. The project aimed to introduce more efficient lighting to match the existing look and type of luminaires, providing lighting control with minimal impact on carbon emissions.

Skanska, one of the world’s biggest construction firms, recently relocated its UK head office to Leavesden, Watford.

The goal was to create a smart, sustainable, and inspiring workplace that served as an agile hub for collaboration and digital work. The objectives of the new lighting within the new office were:

  • Reduce the lighting output to be more suitable for an office working environment
  • To match the look/type of luminaires within the existing office areas
  • Introduce lighting controls to enable areas to be adapted to the meeting environments.
  • Ensure that the new areas would be energy efficient

 

The Take Back Scheme

TRILUX engineered a solution to retain the existing fittings where possible and implemented a Take Back scheme for the old LC60 linear luminaires. The team took back the linear lengths of luminaires and stripped them down for repurposing and recycling. This included reusing all salvable material i.e. luminaire housing, terminal blocks, end caps and even the wire suspensions. The refurbished luminaires were updated with energy efficient LEDs and drivers.

Refurbishing for a more comfortable working environment

Additionally, it was noted that the existing linear lighting covering the open plan areas, initially designed for a call centre at 6000K, was too bright and cool in appearance, with the potential to cause headaches after a short period of time. TRILUX conducted testing to adapt the colour temperature of the existing fittings. The process involved filters; the team came to the site with calibrated lighting testing equipment, and a special amber filter was introduced and trialled to render the colour temperature of the existing fittings closer to 4000K to give a much warmer appearance while reducing the light output to suit the lighting requirements. These were fitted to the existing luminaire diffusers to seamlessly adapt the fittings without major work.

 

Reduced transport emissions

TRILUX ensured minimal packaging, one-trip collection, dismantling, documenting, photographing, and labelling of all components to reduce carbon emissions in transport and waste.

The project was delivered efficiently on time, and to budget. By refurbishing 650m of lights at Leavesden Park (via the use of colour filters) rather than buying new, Skanska has saved approximately 17 tonnes of CO2e as fewer raw materials were used. It is also important to note that outside of this figure, additional raw materials and carbon were saved by splitting some existing longer linear lengths of light to repurpose as shorter lengths. In both cases, waste was reduced, as less existing lighting had to be disposed of.

By repurposing, refurbishing and recycling luminaires and components, TRILUX and Skanska demonstrated their commitment to circularity and sustainability, contributing to a greener future.

Reece Bannister, MEP Project Manager at Skanska comments,

“Working with TRILUX on this project has been a positive experience and has built on our good relationship. They are a company that understands our values and goals. As a result, we were able to discuss how we could achieve our carbon reduction objectives by not stripping out, throwing the luminaires away and buying new. Working together, we found solutions that gave colleagues a great new office to work in.”

 

CLICK HERE For further information on TRILUX

 

 

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Solar Array Connects Directly to National Grid

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Image Alexander Parkyn-Smith

The first photovoltaic (PV) solar array to connect directly to the electricity transmission network in the UK was energised this week as National Grid connected Enso Energy and Cero Generation’s new 50 MW Larks Green solar farm to its Iron Acton substation near Bristol.

This follows installation of new switchgear at the site by Cero and Enso in collaboration with National Grid, and the running of a high voltage cable between the substation and solar farm, which has enabled National Grid to successfully connect the 49.9 MW Larks Green solar farm to its Iron Acton substation near Bristol.

The solar plant comprises 152 400 solar modules installed in a 200-acre plot near National Grid’s 400 kV Iron Acton substation.

It will generate over 73 000 MWh/y – enough to power the equivalent of over 17 300 homes – and will displace 20 500 tpy of carbon dioxide compared to traditional energy production. This will provide a clean, secure, and cheaper power source for consumers.

The solar farm will be co-located with a 49.5 MW/99 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). By storing energy during peak power generation and exporting it back onto the grid when demand is high, the BESS will balance the intermittent energy production, maximise the site’s efficiency and allow a greater output of clean energy.

Until now, all of the UK’s solar farms have connected to the country’s distribution networks – the lower voltage regional grids that carry power from the high voltage transmission network to homes and businesses. Connecting solar power directly to National Grid’s transmission network marks a significant step in the renewable energy transition, allowing clean energy to be transported over greater distances and opening a gateway for larger projects to connect to the grid.

The announcement marks progress towards meeting Britain’s commitment to a fully decarbonised power system by 2035. The government’s recent Powering up Britain report re-affirmed its ambition for a five-fold increase in deployment of solar generation by 2035, with up to 70 GW installed – enough to power around 20 million homes.

The design and layout for the co-located solar farm and BESS will produce a net biodiversity gain. This will be achieved through the provision of a range of resources for local wildlife, including additional woodland planting, that will provide shelter and food for a range of protected species.

Roisin Quinn, Director of Customer Connections at National Grid, said:

“Solar power has a critical role to play in the clean energy transition, so connecting the first PV array to our high voltage transmission network represents a key step on that journey, and a great achievement by Cero, Enso and our engineering teams.

“This net zero milestone comes as we’re investing in the biggest upgrade to the grid in a generation, enabling more home-grown renewable electricity to power the country than ever before.

“We want to connect more, and faster, and are working with government, Ofgem, and industry to reform the connections process to accelerate Britain’s transition to a cleaner, more secure and affordable energy system.”

Marta Martinez Queimadelos, CEO of Cero Generation, added:

 

“We’re proud to be celebrating a major step in the UK’s renewable energy mission and in our journey into battery storage, recognising the vast benefits of co-location in moving the green transition forward and contributing to our mission of delivering a net-zero future, for this and every generation. As the country’s first solar project to connect to the transmission network, it represents true innovation that paves the way for others to follow and enable the rapid deployment of much more clean energy.

“The Larks Green project is not only a significant milestone for Cero and an opportunity to initiate our BESS pipeline, but it represents a significant contribution to the UK’s goals to reach net zero. I’m immensely proud of the dedication and collaboration of the Cero, Enso and National Grid teams in achieving this important milestone in the UK’s energy transition.”

Ian Harding, Co-Founder and Director of Enso Energy, concluded:

“The connection of this solar farm at Larks Green is the culmination of a lot of hard work by all the Enso, Cero and National Grid teams involved. Completion of this project is a major milestone for renewable energy in the UK and provides further evidence that co-located solar and battery storage projects connecting directly to the transmission network will play an important role in the delivery of the UK’s net zero plans. We are now looking forward to working with Cero and National Grid to deliver the further pipeline of renewable energy projects in the UK portfolio to help achieve this ambition.”

Source: Energy Global

 

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BOSS CABINS SECURES LARGE ORDERS FOR ITS NEW GENERATOR-FREE WELFARE RANGE

UK welfare manufacturer Boss Cabins has announced that after an intensive period of testing and seeding the market, they have secured a number of significant orders for its recently launched Deep Green GenFree welfare cabin range.

Over the past six months, Boss Cabins has focussed on placing its generator-free cabins on demo with large hire companies and Tier 1 construction companies in an effort to prove to the market that the cabins are more than capable of achieving full functionality year-round without the need for an onboard back-up generator.

Boss Cabins Managing Director James Kearsey said:

“A number of successful demos have now been completed with contractors such as Balfour Beatty, Barhale, Bowmer & Kirkland, Danaher and Walsh, Costain, Erith Group, McAleer & Rushe and Morgan Sindall amongst many others, with every one producing phenomenal results.

“Welfare hire companies that placed smaller ‘seed’ orders of the GenFree cabins earlier in the year are now seeing heavy utilisation and demand for this new concept. We are delighted to announce that confidence in the Boss Cabins generator-free welfare concept has now reached such a point that large orders have been placed and we have last month secured orders over the next six months for 634 GenFree cabins.”

 

The orders are for GenFree towable welfare units in a range of sizes from 12ft up to 24ft and also some 25ft and 28ft static units. These will be starting to roll off the production line this month and Boss Cabins will be working to increase their monthly output going forward.

James Kearsey added:

“We are delighted that all our work demoing and trialling these units is paying off and welfare end users are seeing the real benefits of generator-free welfare cabins in terms of 100% silent operation, zero generator-related fuel use and zero CO2 emissions for most of the year. From a fleet owners’ point of view, these GenFree cabins also remove a huge cost and headache to the business, eliminating all generator servicing expenditure and all risk of generator breakdowns.”

“We truly believe that this generator-free solar-powered concept is the future of site welfare and we delighted that this is now being recognised in the marketplace with these large orders. “

 

The Boss Cabins’ Deep Green GenFree range is available in both mobile and static format with cabins from 12ft up to 32ft in size.

 

WEBSITE

 

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Zentia ceilings help Howdens with a hat trick

     

Mineral ceiling systems by Zentia feature on Howdens’ new UK logistics hub.

Mineral ceiling systems by Zentia were specified for a new UK national logistics hub for the international Howdens Joinery Group for a trio of reasons – sustainability, aesthetics and acoustics.

Zentia’s Ultima+ OP 600mm x 600mm tegular-edged tiles were installed with Axiom canopies in open-plan office and breakout areas, and as wall-to-wall ceilings in meeting rooms and toilets, at Raunds 2 in Warth Park near Northampton.

The fit out of the office space called for the use of responsibly sourced and sustainable products, aligned with the modern design aspirations of Howden’s business model. Acoustic ceilings were needed to prevent noise breakout from private office spaces and absorbing sound in the larger open-plan shared office areas. Moisture-resistant finishes were also required for the staff sanitary and changing facilities as well as the canteen space, with the modern, industrial aesthetic ensured throughout via the use of intermittent canopy-type arrangements.

Zentia’s Ultima+ range is manufactured with up to 64% recycled content and is 100% recyclable. It is available in three core densities that allow specifiers to engineer sound absorption and attenuation for optimum and balanced acoustic performance – low density Ultima+ OP, medium density Ultima+, and high-density Ultima+ dB for improved sound attenuation, up to 41dB.

The Ultima+ range of mineral tiles and planks features a bright white lightly textured surface, with 87% light reflectance. At Raunds, the white tiles in the canopies were installed under the black soffits to give a contemporary industrial aesthetic and to complement Howdens’ corporate ID.

Bespoke Construction Services’ contract director Paul Jackson said:

“On this project, co-ordination with M&E fittings was critical and the aesthetic floating look was imperative to the client. The Zentia products gave a very clean and crisp finish to all areas.”

 

Zentia ceilings were also installed for Howdens on Raunds 1. Now at 2.5 million ft2, Warth Park is considered one of the leading logistics and business parks in the UK due to its excellent connectivity adjacent to the A45, approximately 10 miles east of Northampton.

Raunds 2 forms the second of three buildings located within Roxhill Developments’ 160-acre logistics and business park, occupied and operated by Howdens as a strategic £104 million three-unit, campus-style arrangement.

The 600,000ft2 of warehouse space, built to a 15m clear internal height suitable for rack-stored raw material and product, is further supplemented by 40,000ft2 of three-storey office space, intended to create a modern and purpose-designed staff environment across three interlinked floors.

Presentation, exhibition and product launch space is supported by open plan offices, a staff canteen and refectory, as well as custom arrangements for the assimilation of several design and sales teams within a single, purpose-built facility.

The distributor was SIG in Oldbury.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ZENTIA WEBSITE

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