Taylor Lane Timber Frame finds multiple applications for SterlingOSB Zero

  

One of the UK’s biggest manufacturers of timber frame homes, with factories in England and Wales, is making full use of the performance and economic benefits to West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero boards, in different thicknesses for a range of applications.

Taylor Lane Timber Frame was established in 1982 and has four factories across three locations in Hereford and in Nantyglo, near Brynmawr in Gwent, producing in excess of 1000 dwellings a year for housebuilders, developers and social housing providers. The company has established a strong reputation for quality and reliability over the past 40 years and with fresh investment from new owner, the Cala Group, is anticipating further growth as it addresses such challenges as affordability and the environmental agenda. In fact, West Fraser values its long-standing partnership with the Cala Group, as Daniel Clarke, Senior Key Account Manager at West Fraser explained,

“As well as SterlingOSB Zero we also supply the Cala Group with CaberDek throughout their builds in England and Scotland. The specification of West Fraser products throughout the divisions of the Cala Group demonstrates the importance of the partnership to both organisations”.

In addition to wall panels, Taylor Lane also produces its own roof trusses and floor cassettes, the latter featuring metal web Posi-Joists fabricated at its Gatehouse Factory in Hereford. The SterlingOSB Zero is primarily used to take the racking loads sustained by both internal and external walls, while the material is also used for roof sarking and as the sub-deck to floor joists within multiple dwelling types.

Taylor Lane’s Construction Director, Liam Hale, commented:

“Timber is the only truly sustainable material to build with, while timber frame is highly engineered and can offer extensive design flexibility it lends itself to an abundance of tastes and property styles, enabling you to meet the most structural and visual requirements, while adhering to the appropriate standards and regulations.

“The main reasons we choose to use SterlingOSB Zero is the dimensional accuracy and quality of the supplied product, making the cutting process for timber frame manufacture seamless. With optimised cutting technology timber frame doesn’t just save you time and labour on site it also reduces skip waste”.

 

SterlingOSB Zero is available in a range of sizes and thicknesses up to 22mm as well as a T&G version ideal for flooring and decking applications. The high performance, formaldehyde free panel product has also earned BBA approval and meets the requirements of NHBC Technical. Furthermore, being manufactured from UK grown timber using certified renewable energy supplies, and with zero added formaldehyde, SterlingOSB Zero has outstanding environmental credentials.

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 information, call 01786 812 921

 

CLICK HERE to visit the West Fraser Website

 

For further information on Taylor Lane Timber Frame CLICK HERE

 

 

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Nuaire has expanded its market-leading Xboxer heat recovery range

Nuaire, part of the Genuit group, has expanded its market-leading Xboxer heat recovery range with the addition of the UNI-X unit, which has now been rebranded to Xboxer Universal.

Originally launched in 2017 as a ventilation solution for student accommodation, the UNI-X has been a favourite amongst Nuaire’s customers, even becoming an Innovation of the Year finalist at the Student Accommodation Awards. Since its launch, the UNI-X has proven to be a suitable solution across a far wider range of applications than ever anticipated, including schools, hospitals, offices, care homes, and apartments. In line with its widespread appeal, Nuaire has rebranded the UNI-X units as Xboxer Universal, part of the Xboxer heat recovery range.

Fans of this innovative heat recovery unit will be pleased to know its construction and performance retain the quality that has made it so popular, with high efficiencies, low SEPs and ultra-low noise levels.  The latter is a result of the Xboxer Universal’s unique casing consisting of internal profiling and external acoustic cladding.

Xboxer Universal is available in three models – UNIX-220, UNIX-360 and UNIX-580 – with the largest model having enough duty to ventilate a cluster of up to 12 rooms.  The easy to use three speed controls are included as a standard feature, allowing full adjustability for site requirements. Each size is equipped with an integral mounting bracket, helping to reduce installation time no matter the project. Multiple spigot options are available, making the unit fully compatible with circular or rectangular ducting.

The various sizes allow customers greater flexibility when choosing a suitable unit for their space. The UNI-X580 will enable sites to ventilate a large cluster of rooms with just one system. Innovative space saving solutions mean the unit needs a maximum depth of 295mm, enabling it to fit neatly into low ceiling voids. Once installed, the unit is easy to maintain with the G3 filter accessible from the underside of the unit, meaning the highest indoor air quality levels can be maintained.

The Xboxer Universal range is enhanced by Nuaire’s in-line carbon filter range, IAQ-BOX, which filters out up to 99.5% of harmful N02 and up to 80% of Particulate Matter (PM). Nuaire’s all-in-one thermal ducting range, Ductmaster Thermal, can also be specified to improve thermal efficiency and reduce installation time.

Xboxer Universal is the latest addition to Nuaire’s Xboxer family whose combination of innovative design, flexible control options and high efficiency, make it an award winning, market-leading heat recovery solution. Other units in the range include Xboxer Hybrid, which combines pure natural ventilation with mechanical assistance; and Xboxer XBC+ which has the lowest depth by duty unit on the market, for a space saving solution. All are designed to filter clean air into a building whilst extracting stale air from the interior, retaining heat that would otherwise be lost.

Established in 1966, and based in Caerphilly, Nuaire designs and manufactures practical solutions for all ventilation requirements across the domestic, commercial and industrial construction sectors. Nuaire has a reputation for pioneering new air technology supported by high-quality units.

 

For further information, please CLICK HERE to contact NUAIRE

or CLICK HERE to visit the website

 

 

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Avoid Costly Callbacks with International Timber

International Timber, a leading importer and distributor of bespoke, sustainable timber and panel products, recommends using flooring grade plywood to help prevent callbacks in commercial and domestic flooring projects.

 

Contract flooring specialists know that incorrectly specified plywood underlayment can result in swelling, peeling and lifting, even when other installation practices are correctly adhered to. Imagine installing a floor in a high-end commercial or residential setting, only to be called back to replace the underlayment as well as the floor itself when the plywood used doesn’t meet the grade.

 

Flooring grade plywood consists of thicker face veneers to meet the recommendations from the Contract Flooring Association (CFA). International Timber’s flooring grade plywood, for example, consists of thicker 1.2mm face veneers, compared to the 0.12mm on some commercially available plywood.

 

In addition, BS 8203:2017 ‘code of practice for installation of resilient floor coverings’ recommends that flooring grade plywood should have a glue bond of Class 3 Exterior. This also relates to test methods specific to plywood, in particular EN 314-2 ‘Plywood – Bonding quality – Part 2: Requirements (June 1993)’, which requires the glue to be able to stand up to a certain degree of moisture.

 

These certifications ensure that plywood is performing to the industry agreed standard of subfloor bases. International Timber’s Eucalyptus Grandis range includes no core gaps, no overlap, and 3-ply construction to ensure that flatness and dimensional stability is never an issue upon installation.

 

Craig Hewlett, Commercial Lead for Panel Products at International Timber comments:

“Resilient contract flooring projects require the correct grade plywood fitted underneath. If the plywood sheets installed are not fit for purpose, meaning a lower-class glue or thinner face veneer, this can result in costly callbacks for flooring contractors, with lost time and money.

“We would always recommend that flooring specialists use flooring grade plywood for commercial and domestic projects for peace of mind. Here at International Timber, we keep a wide range of plywood in stock that meets the highest of standards depending on your requirements and specification. Our range will always guarantee sustainable and legal sourced products, providing you with both confidence and quality when purchasing.”

International Timber’s flooring grade plywood is available nationally, 

in loose and full packs, with free UK delivery over £500

 

CLICK HERE For more information

 

OR HERE TO EMAIL International Timber

 

 

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Understanding SterlingOSB Zero

All West Fraser’s Oriented Strand Board (OSB) products are manufactured using selected fibres of timber that are laid in cross directional layers and mechanically pressed to form a structurally-engineered panel, designed for construction and other industrial applications. OSB is viewed by many as the natural successor to plywood because it is more eco-friendly, is home produced and far more affordable, while it contains none of the voids or knots which have historically weakened plywood.

 

As the boards are essentially formed from individual strands of softwood, some may question their strength and durability, especially if exposed to inclement weather, but this is a misunderstanding of OSB’s characteristics.

 

West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero OSB3, for example, is BBA-certified, as well as approved for load bearing in humid conditions – being manufactured to EN300 and EN 13986.  However, if being used outdoors for extended periods, it can be painted or varnished, plus it can also be treated to protect against fungal and insect attack.

 

Technological advances mean there is no need to sand OSB boards anymore, as West Fraser is now able to produce them to industry leading tolerances.  The latest boards offer an exceptionally smooth surface, making it an ideal substrate which is easy to work with.

 

If a floating floor is specified, the installer should ensure that battens for the substructure are appropriately spaced at 400mm centres beneath 15mm boards and up to 600mm for the 18mm version.  SterlingOSB Zero boards come in both square edged and tongue and groove (T&G) format, which can be used for roofing and timber frame construction, as well as flooring – making the whole SterlingOSB Zero range infinitely flexible in use.

 

 

CLICK HERE

 

to check out the West Fraser housebuilders’

 

page for useful downloads and product information

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE WEBSITE

 

 

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A2 VERSAPANEL® MEETS ACOUSTIC BRIEF FOR WORCESTER REGENERATION SCHEME

The acoustic and reaction to fire properties of A2 Versapanel® were key considerations in the specification of Euroform’s sheathing board for new apartments under construction as part of the largest regeneration scheme in the history of Worcester.

The £150 million, mixed use Sherriff’s Gate development got underway in July 2022.  It is to include 468 apartments, a hotel, gym, food and beverage outlets, a multiscreen cinema, multi-storey car park and ten-pin bowling.  The scheme is being developed by Worcester-based Sherriff’s Gate Developments.  The main contractor is the Elliott Group.

A2 Versapanel® is a cement bonded particle board intended, as with this project, for use as an SFS sheathing board alongside multiple variations of external envelope.  Due to its density of 1560 kg/m³ A2 Versapanel® provides a high mass exterior lining that contributes to the acoustic performance of the building envelope and compliance of the design to Approved Document E (ADE) – Resistance to the passage of sound.

To ensure Euroform’s offering met the project criteria, A2 Versapanel® and the building envelope system underwent rigorous independent testing by acoustic and environmental consultancy SRL for the various through wall build ups being used.

A2 Versapanel® combines the benefits of traditional cement bonded particle boards with A2 Reaction to Fire (A2-s1,d0 according to EN 13501-1) making it a material of limited combustibility, meeting the requirements of Approved Document B (ADB) of the fire regulations for tall buildings and a specification for the project.

Stock availability was also important.  Several thousand square metres of the sheath board were required.  Euroform ring fenced stock, so that the contractor could be confident it would be available as it was needed throughout the construction phase.  Euroform supplied the panel via distribution and worked with installer DP Interiors Ltd.

A2 Versapanel® performs exceptionally well in the presence of moisture when compared with exterior gypsum boards as cut edges do not require sealing to prevent degradation and there is no time limit of exposure before covering with other elements of the façade.

A wide range of systems may be applied over A2 Versapanel® such as approved insulated render systems, terracotta cladding systems, high performance cladding systems and traditional brick coursework.

Euroform has been developing, fabricating and supplying materials for the construction industry since 1995.  Euroform specialises in ensuring fire and thermal compliance across its product range.  Each product is supported by an experienced and knowledgeable technical team to provide advice and guidance.

Euroform is part of Performance Technology Group an SIG Trading Ltd group of companies specialising in supporting the construction industry to meet acoustic, fire, thermal and vibration challenges.

 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE EUROFORM WEBSITE

 

 

 

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Turn a New leaf

GEZE has launched Revo.PRIME a new premium solution for revolving doors. The new operator boasts an exceptionally low canopy height, narrow profile systems and an improved running performance.

Providing maximum transparency the Revo.PRIME is perfect for creating beautiful entrances and is especially suited for hotels and offices or any building where a statement entrance is required. With its class leading canopy height of just 75mm which houses the automation it ensures the minimal aesthetic whilst achieving excellent technical functionality. In addition the narrow profiles of just 60mm on the door leaf and side panel create a visually appealing entrance and increased transparency creating a light and airy entrance.

 

The Revo.PRIME is environmentally friendly as well, the operator saves up to 30 per cent in energy compared with its predecessor models which is achieved through the drive unit’s reduced power consumption.

Another benefit of the Revo.PRIME is its improved running performance. The brushless direct current motor (BLDC) with 1,000 Nm torque and the enlarged diameter of the door system, up to 3,800mm, ensures ease of access and meets the demands of today’s architects and designers.

 

 

Available in 3 or 4 leaf versions and in a choice of gold, silver and black the Revo.PRIME can be networked to building automation systems via BACnet.

Andy Howland, Sales and Marketing Director of GEZE UK, said

“The Revo.PRIME is an impressive edition to our range of automatic operators and one that is sure to delight architects and specifiers giving them the freedom to design stunning entrances.”

To find out more about the Revo.PRIME visit the CLICK HERE

see it in action on

YouTube

or email

info.uk@geze.com

CLICK HERE

for more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range

of automatic and manual door closers

 

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Adaptable underfloor heating technologies from Schlüter-Systems

Schlüter-Systems, as a leading manufacturer of tile installation products, also offers both conventional underfloor heating (UFH) and an electrical undertile heating alternative suitable for diverse applications: the manufacturer’s two CAD-enabled options for the 21st century – BEKOTEC-THERM and DITRA-HEAT E.

The first is a hydronic system that can be installed in the traditional way beneath different floor finishes throughout the home or in commercial buildings. But unlike many rival UFH systems, BEKOTEC-THERM is based on studded modular panels which are quick and easy to install and offer a low build height with rapid warm up times.  A screed is laid across the pipe runs and, rather than waiting weeks for it to cure, tiling operations can commence as soon as the surface is hard enough to walk on by using Schlüter-Systems’ DITRA uncoupling mat which means BEKOTEC-THERM is ideal for time-critical refurbishment contracts such as in shops and offices.

Then, as an electric powered undertile solution, applications for DITRA-HEAT E are only limited by the imagination: they encompass demisting mirrors, warming walls or seats in spas and showers, and vanity areas or countertops.  DITRA-HEAT further finds applications for flooring and plant shelving in conservatories while the system has been specified widely in prestigious locations such as The Lanesborough Hotel and Langham’s in London.

Schlüter-Systems’ Technical Specifications Consultant, Tony Taylor-Sheriff, commented: “UFH technology has progressed enormously since the Roman Hypocaust, but there is still much that is not understood across the wider construction industry regarding relevant efficiencies and potential problems such as the importance of uncoupling layers, load distribution and vapour management. Our solutions have been developed to help professionals achieve quick and energy efficient installations, with BEKOTEC-THERM, for example, being able to offer the benefit of low temperature flow which makes it ideal for use with heat pumps or other renewable sources of heat. DITRA-HEAT E likewise offers rapid response and is very flexible in use.”

For specifiers and architects, as well as installers of flooring finishes wishing to increase their knowledge of underfloor heating technology, Schlüter-Systems also offers a CPD seminar entitled Specifying Integrated Underfloor Heating Systems which can be delivered online or in person.

With more than 2,300 employees and seven offices across Europe and North America, Schlüter-Systems is the world’s largest and most innovative manufacturer of system solutions for the function, protection and decoration of tiles and natural stone flooring. Schluter-Systems in the UK offers a very wide product portfolio including the Schluter-KERDI range waterproofing membranes, the versatile tilebacker KERDI-BOARD and its underfloor heating solutions.

Schlüter-Systems appoints new Head of Marketing The new Head of Marketing for Schlüter-Systems is David Naylor (pictured) who brings years of experience in the building industry to the innovative manufacturer of system solutions for the function, protection and decoration of tile and natural stone. David’s most recent position as Head of Product Management for George Fischer, a plastic pipe systems specialist. During his career, David has been involved the development of new innovative products, such as Durapipe PLX+, a fuel station pipe system, which is now distributed worldwide, and George Fischer’s Fuseal, a chemical waste drainage system. Also, during his time at Tremco Illbruck, David managed the launch of popular adhesive products such as Shark Bond and PU700.

Heading a team of 5, David explains,

“I look forward to making a positive impact here by helping the business grow and expanding the coverage across the industry. I am also enjoying working with my new team, who have been very supportive. It’s an exciting time to join Schlüter-Systems”.

 

CLICK HERE For further information

  

or call 01530 813396

 

 

 

or visit https://www.schluter.co.uk/

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SUPERPHON PROVIDES REVERBERATION CONTROL

SUPERPHON PROVIDES REVERBERATION CONTROL AT COVENTRY’S TWO FRIARGATE

 

CMS Danskin Acoustics’ SuperPhon panel is to contribute to reverberation control in the full height reception area of Coventry’s prestigious new, Grade A office address TWO FRIARGATE.

TWO FRIARGATE is part of Coventry’s first dedicated business district, Friargate, adjacent to Coventry Railway Station.  When complete in the coming months, it will be the city’s most sustainable building and premier office address.  TWO FRIARGATE has achieved BREEAM Excellent accreditation and is targeting A AirScore rating and EPC A.

The twelve-storey building is a joint public-private partnership development overseen by Coventry City Council, Cannon Kirk Group and West Midlands Combined Authority.  The architects are Allies and Morrison and the main contractor is Bowmer+Kirkland.

Specified by the architects for the reception, which incorporates a business lounge, the SuperPhon panels have been installed by Bespoke Building & Joinery Projects.

SuperPhon is an acoustically absorbent ceiling and wall panel of composite construction for reducing sound reverberation, providing up to Class ‘A’ acoustic performance.  Acoustic insulation experts CMS Danskin Acoustics provide a free reverberation calculation service along with technical and on-site support.

Manufactured by CMS Danskin Acoustics in Warrington, SuperPhon is designed for use in many applications, including recording/rehearsal studios, audiology rooms, cinemas and theatres, schools, call centres and conference rooms.  The panel has been installed at the British Science Museum and at Jodrell Bank, for example.

The TWO FRIARGATE project involved a tight order-to-delivery timescale of just nine days and a number of different sized panels all with a Cara Glass finish.

Commenting Joe Bradder of Bespoke Building & Joinery Projects said,

“SuperPhon is a good product, easy to install and of good quality.  We have used it in a number of projects now.”

SuperPhon is available in a range of standard sizes and thicknesses.  Bespoke panels and absorbers size, thickness, shape or fabric facing and high impact performance options can be readily manufactured.  A flexible solution, SuperPhon can provide complete or partial wall coverage.  Its wide range of colour finishes, including 63 colours and others available on special order, provides aesthetically pleasing reverberation control.

Part of SIG plc, CMS Danskin Acoustics produces and sources insulation products advising on all matters relating to sound proofing materials and noise reduction strategies, including floors, ceilings and walls, to combat airborne and impact noise.  Notable projects include the Bank of England, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and The Shard.

www.cmsdanskin.co.uk

www.twofriargate.com

www.centraljoinerygroup.co.uk

 

 

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Heavy Trench Covers Are History

Bespoke Fibrelite GRP composite trench covering solution,

82% lighter than cast iron

Once in a while, a product will come along whose performance will drive a change in standards across entire industries. Like stainless steel. Or concrete. Or a trench cover which is over 80% lighter than the cast iron traditionally used, eliminating the need for costly specialised lifting equipment and the accompanying health and safety hazards. And, unlike metal and concrete infill covers, it’s engineered from a GRP composite material which is inert and impervious to corrosion from water and salt, as well as many other corrosive constituents.

 

Changing The Standard For Health & Safety

Heavy metal trench covers come with inherent H&S hazards & often require specialised lifting equipment lightweight Fibrelite GRP trench covers eliminate manual handling risks

Fibrelite’s GRP composite trench and manhole covers are fast usurping metal and concrete covers to become the standard for high-performance industries like airports, commercial ports, leisure cruise terminals, military and defence, power generation (both traditional and renewables), and data centres, with companies like Magnox, The National Grid, all branches of the UK armed forces, and the world’s largest technology brands specifying Fibrelite covers for new build and retrofit projects.

Recent Installation: Port Cruise Terminal Upgrade, UK

As part of this Southern English Port’s cruise terminal upgrade project, Fibrelite was approached by the end-user, who was providing the Onshore Power Supply (OPS) systems. The port had previously considered installing cast iron trench covers to cover the 500 metres of trench housing the high-voltage power cables, but due to their weight (approximately 350 kg) and the additional associated overheads, they approached Fibrelite for a lighter alternative.

Fibrelite developed a bespoke covering solution made up of dozens of custom-sized F900 (90-tonne) load-rated GRP composite trench covers in varying dimensions to suit the specified trench rebate dimensions, which were 65 kg, 82% (285 kg) lighter than the cast iron alternative. The Fibrelite covers are light enough for safe removal with the site dolly, complying with the load rating requirement of the site.

Recent Installation: Major Southern UK Airport Off-Apron Lighting Pit Upgrade

At one of the UK’s busiest airports, Fibrelite designed and manufactured a retrofit replacement for manhole covers over off-apron runway lighting pits where onsite staff have a window of approximately two minutes to effect maintenance and/or repair works between take-offs and landings, including removing and replacing the F900 load rated access cover. The new lightweight GRP composite Fibrelite covers now allow safe, fast access to the lighting pits, maximising time for maintenance and minimising the risk of injury.

 

A Bright Future For Fibrelite

I’ve been a part of the Fibrelite journey since 2011, and it’s been exciting to play a part in driving the upgrade from traditional concrete and metal trench and manhole covers to GRP composites in myriad industries, especially those where manual handling is critical, and seeing how we’ve helped increase health and safety and performance in those industries. We expect to see more and more industries make the upgrade to Fibrelite composite covers, especially in mission-critical areas.

Jo Stott, Marketing Director, Fibrelite

CLICK HERE TO Explore Fibrelite’s technical case study library

 

 

 

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New Window to the World for ADSA

The Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) has launched its new website, boasting improved functionality with a brand-new look and feel.

The site has been produced to maximise user experience, with slicker mechanisms for booking courses and events, a member search facility with postcode and mapping features for customers to find products and service providers.

The association’s online presence, www.adsa.org.uk has been developed to reflect its current activity: extensive learning and development content, industry news and updates and independent compliance assessment services.

It offers a fresh new look, with a rolling home page and enhanced connectivity through third party app integration for improved booking/payment processes. It also incorporates social media feeds.

The site has greater clarity and is more intuitive: the online membership application process has been fully digitised and course/event bookings have a calendar interface to allow users to sync events with their own diaries.

ADSA has also included a shop… by public demand. Members asked the association to produce a range of branded workwear which can be personalised with company/name alongside their ADSA credentials.

The clothes range, which includes tee shirts, polos, shirts, fleece jackets and work trousers, has been produced using environmentally friendly/sustainable materials. Profits from the sale of branded merchandise will be reinvested into learning development – benefitting members in all respects.

Ken Price, ADSA’s Managing Director, said that the redevelopment of the site provided a chance to “review, refocus, and plan for the future”.

“The previous iteration of the site was functional but had started to look a little dated. We wanted to present a new window to the world which said more about the organisation we have become, was easier to use and provided members with new added benefits.

“We think that we have achieved that with a platform that has the scope to incorporate new initiatives and digital services as they continue to be launched.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NEW ADSA WEBSITE

 

 

 

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