Kingspan enhances old textile mill’s fabric

Kingspan Kooltherm K7 and K107 Pitched Roof Board have been installed as part of a major refurbishment project, transforming a former Victorian mill into CAT B office space for Manchester Metropolitan University.

6 Great Marlborough Street forms part of Manchester’s rich industrial heritage and sits within Little Ireland, the earliest area of Irish settlement within the city. The sensitive restoration plans make a feature of the historic building fabric, exposing the original brickwork and beams internally, whilst incorporating more contemporary elements such as building services and modern windows.

The design team prepared the fit-out using the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyor’s SKA Rating environmental assessment method – targeting a Silver rating certificate. As part of this process, they identified an opportunity to upgrade the thermal performance of the poorly insulated pitched roof. To minimise heat loss through the roof, a construction combining Kingspan Kooltherm K7 and K107 Pitched Roof Board was installed.

Kingspan Kooltherm K7 and K107 Pitched Roof Board can achieve thermal conductivities as low as 0.020 W/m·K and 0.018 W/m·K, respectively. In combination with their low emissivity foil facing, this makes them amongst the most thermally efficient pitched roof insulation materials in common use.

As the original roof slates have been retained, the boards were cut to size by hand and fitted between and below the existing roof rafters from inside the building. This premium specification allowed the target U-value to be met with the slimmest possible construction – maximising floor to ceiling heights in the top storey spaces in the 5-floor building.

Kingspan Kooltherm K7 and K107 Pitched Roof Board are produced under an integrated management system which is certified to the highest standards including ISO 9001: 2015 (Quality), ISO 14001: 2015 (Environmental), BS OHSAS 18001: 2007 (Health and Safety) and ISO 50001: 2011 (Energy). Their insulation core is manufactured with a blowing agent that has zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and low Global Warming Potential (GWP).

Image credit: Manchester Metropolitan University ©

For further information, please contact:

Tel: +44 (0) 1544 387 384

Fax: +44 (0) 1544 387 484

Email: info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk

Website: www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk

www.twitter.com/KingspanIns_UK

www.linkedin.com/company/kingspan-insulation-uk

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Altro Ensemble brings design freedom to new Mexican restaurant

Altro Ensemble™ modular flooring system has been fitted in a new 76-seater Mexican restaurant in West Vale, near Halifax, adding an edgy and stylish chic to a village that’s fast becoming a destination for diners and drinkers.

Taquito’s Restaurant, Tapas & Tequila Bar is one of a clutch of new, sophisticated dining and drinking venues that have opened in West Vale — and each one has benefited from the vision of up-and-coming interior designer Vanessa Thornton, owner of Vanessa Thornton Interiors.

Taquito’s owner, AJ, bought the premises in August 2018 and approached Vanessa to help him create the right interior. “AJ wanted Taquito’s to be urban, chic, edgy and very true to the Mexican feel, but with a twist. He didn’t want it to look like a chain, there needed to be a very strong identity, a uniqueness and a real ‘wow’ factor.

“I did a lot of research to put together my interior design; it was quite a sophisticated process. I looked at other local eateries to see what they offered, which chain restaurants were doing well and why, and how traditional Mexican themes and colours could work together with modern ideas. It wasn’t just about how it looked, but how it could work for AJ and his specific business.

“Taquito’s is on three floors and I wanted them to all work together, but look different as separate spaces. The ground floor is popular with the drinking crowd, but I didn’t want this to encroach on the dining space, or the upper floor, which is great as a dedicated party area.

“I created an overall dark, classic design with a floral vibe, using the Mexican flag colours of green, white and red, and the overall vibrancy of Mexico. The floral pattern is reflected in the use of ceramic tiles, which are on the stair risers and also sweeping up to and over the bar. I also created a ‘blossom tree’ for the busy ground floor bar, which adds a lovely atmosphere, and hanging white wisteria in the upper loft space.

“The flooring was crucial to the new venue, because it needed to be stylish and gorgeous, working with the design themes, but also fit for purpose, hard wearing and practical. AJ knows and trusts Altro, and I have also worked with them in my former career in commercial refubishment, so I approached them and they recommended Altro Ensemble luxury vinyl tiles.

“I immediately loved the colour range and the design flexibility it offered, and the wood-look options were perfect for the high quality, natural feel I was looking for. The texture of the wood perfectly complemented the overall design brief, because the textures and tastes of Mexico are so powerful, and this was exactly what I had incorporated into my design. Altro Ensemble also has great noise reducing properties and for a busy restaurant that’s really a plus.

“AJ and I chose two shades of Altro Ensemble; a dark shade called Anthracite Limed Harmonious Oak, and the lighter Greige Rustic Oak. Together they enabled me to create some beautiful flooring effects.

“On the ground floor we used the Anthracite in a herringbone pattern, which we used up to the bar abutting the tiled area. On the middle floor, which is primarily for dining, we used both shades of the flooring to create a random herringbone effect. We also used the Anthracite on the stairs combined with ceramic tiles, which looks so striking. In the upstairs loft space we used the Anthracite plank in a straight pattern. This space has a real rooftop terrace vibe, with lights in the eaves and that lovely trailing wisteria makes it feel like you’re really outdoors.”

Altro Ensemble modular flooring system is the next generation of luxury vinyl tiles. From colour blocking to geometric patterns, with a range of plank and tile sizes and textures, Altro Ensemble gives design freedom to create luxurious floors for commercial interior spaces. With 57 options to mix and match, the modular flooring system has natural wood and stone designs and bloc colours too.

Altro Ensemble is 2.6mm thick with a 0.55mm wear layer, 15dB sound reduction qualities and added comfort underfoot, with minimal residual indentation and excellent durability. A truly exceptional material, it combines these features with unique flexibility and is lightweight, making it easy to transport, cut and handle for installation.

Vanessa adds: “The overall effect of the flooring is that it pulls the entire restaurant together in terms of a cohesive space. It creates a flow that works on every level, and it’s hard to do that in a restaurant on three floors. It looks beautiful, feels comfortable — the perfect stylish and hardwearing flooring for this project.

“Using Altro Ensemble flooring has really opened my eyes to what can be achieved with it, both in terms of the design possibilities, and also for durability and reliability. In a high traffic environment like a restaurant this is essential, because if one plank somehow becomes damaged or worn it can be replaced without having to fit a completely new floor.

“Altro is known for its quality and I will definitely be using their products, including Altro Ensemble, again for future projects. They were wonderful to work with, fast, efficient, helpful and they totally understood the vision. The flooring fitter Lee Rogers was wonderful, too, professional, clean and he finished on time. This was a really great experience.”

Taquito’s opened in December 2018 and has already become one of the go-to places to eat in West Vale. Owner, AJ, says: “We have only been open six months but we are delighted with how things are going. Working with Vanessa has really given us a design edge, and we now have the most original and stunning restaurant that offers an unforgettable experience to drinkers and diners.

“The Altro Ensemble flooring looks and feels superb and is ideal for this space. It adds quality and works so well with the overall design. It’s very easy to clean and maintain as well, and that’s so important for practical everyday use. It’s a big step away from dull, industrial restaurant floors that add nothing to the atmosphere. It really brings our restaurant alive.”

Vanessa Thornton Interiors has been awarded an Altro Design Recognition Award for Taquito’s. Dave Ford, Altro’s Specifications Manager – North, says: “Vanessa has created a fantastic, human-centric design using a mixture of street art and biophilic elements to create an outdoor Mexican dining experience.

“The effect runs floor to ceiling, from the use of different Altro Ensemble shades that mirror the colour schemes and patterns on the walls and ceiling, to cascading flowers, and trees. The creative pattern on the floor effectively creates dining ‘zones’ within the restaurant, giving a cosy feel when seated.

“This is added to with the low, slanted ceilings above the tables, with the use of a starry night scene ensuring this feels intimate. It’s one of the best examples of inclusive design we’ve seen.”

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

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Deceuninck: the complete commercial package

Deceuninck Commercial Sales Manager John Duckworth explains how the company’s holistic approach to commercial projects benefits the specifier, contractor and end user.

Windows are a key part of the build process, providing natural light, protection from the elements and ventilation. They also have great architectural importance by helping to define the overall character of a building and create visual interest.

The latest innovations in window technology has given developers and specifiers a choice of materials, styles and designs to choose from. The very best of this technology also works seamlessly with modern construction methods to create the right aesthetics, reduce installation time and improve the building’s overall performance. Choosing the right supplier is critical in this process.

Deceuninck is a leading window systems company with strong ties in the commercial and housebuilding sector. We work with a number of large developers including Crest Nicholson, Catalyst Housing, Countryside Properties and Berkeley Group. Developers choose Deceuninck because our high performance window systems are engineered for aesthetics, with perfect symmetry and balanced sightlines, and they’re tried-and-tested for commercial applications. Linktrusion™ is our flagship window technology that combines pultruded glass-fibre with PVC-U in Deceuninck’s 5000 window for light and strong windows with slim sightlines and outstanding thermal efficiency. In terms of performance and benefits, Linktrusion™ combines the very best of PVC-U and aluminium, and developers love it, often choosing Deceuninck windows over aluminium, and in Deceuninck’s Grey Matt foil on grey substrate, it’s hard to tell them from aluminium.

Commercial partnership

Product is half the story and Deceuninck’s success comes down to our holistic approach to commercial projects. We work closely with developers, specifiers, fabricators and contractors to look at the full picture of how windows work within the build, be it timber frame, steel frame or modular, to get the best results for our clients.

Our commercial team works with partners to ensure products not only meet technical specifications but are correctly installed and perform effectively in the finished project. We supply accurate data and test results on performance and acoustics, a growing and important point of specification. Working with Bluesky Certification and the University of Salford, we’re the first PVC-U systems company to commit to acoustic testing of our full range because it gives fabricator customers a big advantage in the tender process.

The Hinkley Point Worker Accommodation development is an example of a technically demanding project in which 80% of the 1,400 windows were installed into pre-fabricated modules off-site. Working in partnership with fabricator Dempsey Dyer, Deceuninck’s technical team ensured our Tilt and Turn windows met the highest energy and weather requirements both off-site and in installation. Once assembled, the windows passed the most stringent CWCT water testing, normally only used for curtain walling. Deceuninck’s technical team worked with Dempsey Dyer to successfully cut the windows’ decibel rating down by RW35db to RW40db and RW43db, helping to minimise the impact of noise on workers and make a quieter, healthier environment.

The Woodward Building at Imperial College London is another example of Deceuninck’s strong ties with developer, contractor and fabricator. Despite the complex requirements for aesthetics, weather performance, acoustics and safety, Deceuninck and fabricator Dempsey Dyer successfully broke the original specification for aluminium, bringing a 30% saving for the client. Our 2500 Tilt and Turn window impressed developer Berkeley Group with outstanding performance: Class 4 Air permeability; Class 8A Water tightness and Class A5 2000Pa exposure. The windows delivered U-Values of 1.5 and G-Values of 0.27 to prevent overheating in the building. Safety and durability were also important factors, and Deceuninck’s Tilt and Turn window is ideal for high-rise and student developments because it can be locked in the tilt mode for added safety and unlocked by maintenance teams when cleaning is required. The installation process included full EPDM shrouding and on-site water testing, and was completed on time and in full. Due to the success of this project, Berkeley Group has awarded Dempsey Dyer further contracts, and Deceuninck is now an approved supplier for the developer.

Call 01249 816 969 or visit the website to see more exciting commercial case studies and learn more about our commercial work. You can also download Deceuninck’s full product portfolio from the NBS National BIM Library at www.nationalbimlibrary.com/deceuninck-ltd.

For more information please visit www.deceuninck.co.uk
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Introducing Performance Technology Group

Among the many benefits of modular construction is the speed with which a project can be completed, due to the fact construction of modular buildings can occur simultaneously with site and foundation work. By carrying out typically linear tasks simultaneously projects can reach completion 30%-50% sooner than with traditional construction methods.

The value of simultaneity in construction is also one of the benefits delivered by Performance Technology Group. By bringing together expertise and manufacturing capabilities across a wide range of disciplines, PTG are able to reduce the amount of activity required in ensuring a construction project meets fire, thermal, acoustic and other challenges.

Saving Time, Reducing Complexity

Whereas ordinarily, an architect, contractor or installer will have to liaise with multiple contacts across multiple businesses in order to source solutions for their construction project, with PTG there is a single initial point of contact. In principle, a project’s fire, thermal and acoustic requirements can be addressed in a single meeting, with PTG bringing all the necessary expertise to the table. This obviously represents a time-saving for customers (one meeting, rather than several), but there is also a subtler time-saving due to the reduction in complexity.

Complexity, particularly in construction projects, creates numerous opportunities for problems to arise. According to Sven Bertelsen, Senior Research Advisor to Lean Construction (Denmark), “Construction projects are in general rich in plan failure, delays, cost overruns and grief. Construction – along with most phenomena in our living world – must be perceived as a complex system, operating on the edge of chaos.” By reducing this complexity, PTG are able to mitigate the kinds of problems that can undermine and jeopardise the construction schedule.

System Solutions

PTG is also able to use its interdisciplinary structure to produce system solutions that would normally involve an architect, contractor or installer having to interact with a number of separate suppliers.

For example, in rainscreen cladding applications, PTG can bring together sheathing panels, the innovative Chi-Gasket cold-bridging solution (both from the Euroform arm of PTG) with a range of Open State Cavity Barriers from their AIM business to create an effective means of achieving compliance in relation to thermal performance and resistance to fire. PTG can also source and supply thermal insulation and high-performance cladding through their established third-party relationships and robust supply chains.

From Foundations to Fit-Out

PTG are involved at almost every stage of construction. They provide site protection from the very outset of a construction project. They supply both vibration isolation and thermal insulation for foundations. They are involved in every stage of the building envelope’s development, contributing to through-wall solutions to offer resistance to air, water, heat and noise transfer. They’re involved in HVAC solutions for both acoustic and thermal performance. They contribute to the acoustic effectiveness of wall, floors and ceilings, ensuring Part E compliance. Wherever and whenever, for example, an architectural technician finds themselves facing a challenge relating to the material performance of a building project, PTG will have, or will have access to, a solution.

The PTG Roster

PTG currently consists of nine businesses: AIM, CMS Danskin, Euroform, Mayplas, Ockwells, Central Refractories, IMS, Innogain and Insulslab. AIM is a manufacturer of mineral fibre and foam products, specialising in fire stop blocks and cavity barriers. CMS Danskin are experts in soundproofing and acoustic insulation. Euroform specialise in building boards and in ensuring fire and thermal compliance in building facades. Mayplas fabricate and supply a wide range of insulation materials, and specialise in highly bespoke cutting, lamination and encapsulation. Ockwells are a leading supplier of temporary site protection. Central Refractories, as their name suggests, a premier supplier of refractory products and services. IMS are experts in high-temperature insulation. Innogain are the innovators behind a revolutionary solution for through, anchor and precision hole-making in concrete. And, finally, Insulslab offer a complete foundation system, particularly for housing sites with difficult ground conditions.

Mark Fyfe, Group Sales and Business Development Director for Performance Technology Group, said, “We offer an industry-leading portfolio of trusted products, the interdisciplinary expertise to supply with confidence, and with an emphasis on highly bespoke fabrication and ambitious product innovation.”

 

www.sigpt.co.uk

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Altro donation for Royal Alexandra Hospital SiMBA rooms

SiMBA, the charity supporting families who have suffered the loss of a baby, has opened a new Family Room and Quiet Room at the Royal Alexandra maternity hospital in Paisley.

The project, funded by the Lola Commons for SiMBA Fund has been in planning and discussions since 2013. The rooms are for families experiencing the tragedy of losing a baby. The project was able to go ahead after locally bereaved families fundraised over £30,000 to support the SiMBA charity project.

As part of the project, Altro donated Altro Wood Safety Comfort flooring for the family and quiet rooms, and Altro Pisces flooring for the en-suite bathroom.

The family room provides an area for parents who are experiencing bereavement to stay from induction to delivery and for postnatal care so they can spend precious time with their baby. The quiet room, specifically designed for families returning to the hospital to spend time with their baby or see their babies name in the book of remembrance; it can also be a space for family members while visiting, to have a space out of the family room or to have some time alone.

Victoria Boulton, Lead designer with Grosvenor Interiors which works closely with SiMBA to create the look and feel of SiMBA’s rooms across Scotland says, “We chose Altro Pisces in Beach Hut for the en-suite as it has soft lilac tones that work well with the wall graphics. Also the shod/barefoot coverage and the homely look of the product is a big plus.

“Altro Wood Safety Comfort works well as a contrast to our furniture finish. The look, comfort and safety underfoot were important features.”

Altro Wood Safety Comfort offers aesthetics combined with comfort. It’s an ideal choice for areas that need to look good while helping to give comfort underfoot. This 2.85mm thick option offers 14dB sound reduction.

It is also suitable for wheeled traffic and low residual indentation facilitates the flexible use of equipment and furniture.

Altro Pisces achieves Class B to DIN 51097 for barefoot use, plus a Pendulum Test Value (PTV) of ≥50 (Slider 96). Altro Pisces offers 16 soft-look shades; the result is the consistent, soft appearance that you would want from domestic interiors, with the lifetime sustained slip resistance you expect from Altro. Altro Pisces performs whether wet or dry, in shoes or barefoot.

About Altro – www.altro.co.uk
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Double Award win for Sika Sarnafil projects at SPRA Awards 2019

Above image: The roofing installation of the Temple Farm development was praised for demonstrating a sustainable approach and achieving an ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM rating.

Market-leading single ply roofing manufacturer Sika Sarnafil and two of its Registered Contractors have triumphed at this year’s Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA) Awards.

The awards, which recognise best practice within the single ply roofing industry, saw Exeter-based Progressive Systems Ltd take home the Best Safe Working award for their contribution to The Dunes development, while Harlow-based Contour Roofing (Essex) Ltd came out top in the Best Sustainability category for their work on the Temple Farm Development.

Announced at SPRA’s fifth annual conference and awards ceremony, held at Heythrop Park, Oxfordshire on Thursday 13 June, this year’s awards celebrated both people and projects, with prizes taken home across six project categories.

Progressive’s single ply installation at The Dunes, a stunning new beachfront development in Perranporth, Cornwall, was praised by SPRA for the safety measures taken amidst challenging weather conditions.

Image: The Dunes project was commended for its strong commitment to workforce safety in the face of challenging weather conditions.

Progressive’s Levi Stephens, dedicated contracts manager for the project, comments on the win: “We’re over the moon to have been recognised for our strong commitment to workforce safety in this year’s SPRA Awards. Installing single ply on this job was challenging, not only due to having a large area to cover, but also due to disruption caused by the coastal climate. With strong winds and driving rain, we had to ensure our workers’ complete safety was taken into account. However, by combining a systematic and thorough coverage of each roof block, high quality products and the expertise of both our roofers and Sika Sarnafil’s technicians, the roofing installation was finished on time and within budget.”

Temple Farm Development, a huge multi-roof project that saw a 34-hectare scrapyard transformed into new national headquarters for the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Britain, also impressed at the awards. SPRA said the project was a clear winner in its category for achieving a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating upon completion and demonstrating a sustainable approach from the outset. Additional praise was given for the project’s biodiverse green roofing system, designed to boost the local flora and fauna above the Sarnafil membrane, while the contractor was also praised for ensuring the community and environment were respected during installation, which included designing work methods to minimise noise, dust and traffic.

Contour Roofing’s managing director Jonathan Woods says: “We’re delighted that our work on Temple Farm development was recognised at the SPRA Awards. Although challenging, it was a very enjoyable development to work on and we are all very proud of the finished result. Not only did the project result in outstanding sustainability credentials, but the use of Sarnafil products helped to create a durable roofing system, save on costs and secure an all-encompassing Sika Sarnafil guarantee.”

John O’Raw, Head of Sales – Single Ply Membrane at Sika, adds: “We’re thrilled to see these projects shine at the SPRA Awards. Both are a testament to the robustness and flexibility of the Sarnafil Single Ply Membrane, which is showcased by the fact that these projects won based on overcoming challenging aspects and providing excellent sustainability benefits. We are incredibly proud of both projects, not only for excelling at the SPRA Awards, but for the hard work and dedication paid by all those involved.”

For more information please call 01707 394444, or visit http://gbr.sarnafil.sika.com
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Rinnai and the art of Zen + Zen Plus

Rinnai re-imagines home hot water & heating systems

Rinnai, global leaders in continuous flow hot water heating products and systems, is introducing the Zen and Zen Plus home hot water & heating system which marries established and proven manufacture durability with new technologies to offer great energy efficiencies, user control and, importantly, unparalleled level of comfort.

Rinnai UK will be launching this innovation plus several other cutting-edge appliances during 2019.

The Rinnai Zen and Zen Plus system will increase comfort and reduce energy usage whilst also providing a highly economically solution for today’s changing marketplace.

‘Our core expertise is the mass production of long-term reliable combustion products with advanced technologies – we are a global leader and make over 2 million water heating units every year for domestic, residential and commercial applications. We have been researching and monitoring the UK domestic heating market for several years until we had a proven system. That time is now, and we are offering hot water heating units together with a superior performance combi boiler in 24, 29- and 35-kW outputs,’ says Chris Goggin, head of Rinnai UK operations.

‘We are not launching into the mass UK boiler market – that is, in our view, a saturated and oversubscribed market which is in the throes of a major upheaval in its structure due to the advent of online direct sales platforms. We are offering something very different. And we are aiming to serve a market sector previously overlooked and almost ignored – the provision of luxury levels of hot water at affordable sums to the middle and top end of the marketplace.

‘Another major difference with the Rinnai Zen & Zen Plus is that the route to market is with installers. We are committed to working with installers as our route to market. The installer is still the major player and, in our view, always will be.

Some of the features of Zen & Zen Plus are: IOT controller as standard; Fast heating mode; DHW pre-heat function – saving wasted water; Energy monitor function allows user to monitor energy usage; flue runs up to 30 meters, Rinnai boiler App for android and IOS; constant temperature-accurate hot water delivery at continuous flow rates.

There is also smart Wifi controller and App benefits; The Rinnai app seamlessly connects to the controller in the property; the user can control the boiler remotely adjusting temperature, setting weekly and daily programmes, receiving alarm functions, monitor energy usage and set limits. The Wifi and boiler controller also uses GPS from the user’s mobile to bring on the heat when you are getting close to home to ensure the house is warm when you arrive.

Rinnai Zen & Zen Plus are available for use with both natural gas and LPG.

For more information visit www.rinnaiuk.com
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Lindapter announce the launch of their new English (metric) catalogue

The 2019 edition catalogue has over 100 updates including new products, more approvals and latest technical data.

The Type CF2 clamp has been introduced into the catalogue to extend Lindapters existing product range and meet market demand. The new Type CF2 additions are High Slip Resistant Clamps designed to suit larger steel sections with thicker flanges. They are available in sizes M12, M16 and M20 with clamping ranges of 12-20mm, 15-25mm and 18-30mm respectively.

Another addition to the catalogue is the Type AMD which offers customers a wider choice of quality products within the Decking Fixing product range. The fixing has been developed to allow building services to be suspended from AMD60 and AMD80 decking profiles manufactured by Anglian Metal Deck Ltd. The new CE marked fixing creates genuine efficiencies for the contractor as it’s installed within seconds and is adjustable onsite without the requirement of specialist labour, expensive tools or power.

New approvals include:

  • CE Marking for the following products:
  • Girder Clamp (steelwork fixings).
  • Hollo-Bolt & Lindibolt (SHS fixings).
  • Floor Fixings
  • Decking Fixings.
  • ICC-ES (USA seismic approval):
  • Girder Clamp (Types AF & AAF).
  • Hollo-Bolt (HDG).
  • LPCB
  • Type SH / Strap Hangers now approved up to pipe bore 150mm.

The catalogue contains more helpful information for structural engineers and other specifiers of steelwork connections along with an enhanced layout for easier browsing.

Download the catalogue from www.Lindapter.com or email marketing@Lindapter.com to order a hard copy.
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Bristol development benefits from insulation solution

A private development for contemporary urban living in Bristol is benefiting from the latest advancement in vacuum insulation technology and exceptional thermal performance with the Kingspan OPTIM-R E Roofing System.

The Old Library is an exclusive new-build featuring 36 spacious studios and apartments in the vibrant, North Bristol neighbourhood of Cotham. The classic exterior design complements the surrounding Victorian architecture, whilst the contemporary interior provides stylishly finished living spaces. Autograph Homes, the developer, designed the building in line with their commitment to building with ‘imagination and intelligence’, combining exciting architectural features with the latest smart and sustainable technologies.

The building includes several small roof-top balconies, which are above heated spaces and offer an extension to the living areas. Installers at Youngs Roofing noted that “the need to retain low threshold heights whilst meeting the demanding U-value of 0.14 W/m2.K provided a challenge” for this project. The Kingspan OPTIM-R E Roofing System offered the perfect solution.

Kingspan OPTIM-R E comprises a vacuum insulation panel, Kingspan OPTIM-R, completely encased within a high performance PIR insulation board. With an ultra-slim 80 mm thick design, it delivers an outstanding thermal conductivity of 0.009 W/m.K.

The encasing PIR insulation board provides complete protection for the vacuum insulation panel, allowing fast installation. Utilising Kingspan OPTIM-R flex infill strips, of the same thickness, enabled installers to easily infill awkward spaces and accommodate penetrations through the insulation layer.

Kingspan Insulation provided detailed information regarding the fitting of the Kingspan OPTIM-R E Roofing System, ensuring the ratio of Kingspan OPTIM-R E panels to OPTIM-R flex infill strips was optimised. This ensured that the U-value requirements were met with a minimal construction depth, without compromising on aesthetic design.

Image credit: Michael Whitestone

For more information, please contact:
Tel: +44 (0) 1544 387 384
Fax: +44 (0) 1544 387 484
E.mail: info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk
Website: www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk/optim-r
www.twitter.com/KingspanIns_UK
www.linkedin.com/company/kingspan-insulation-uk
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Top three benefits of modular builds

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Whether you love or loath IKEA, there is no denying the thrill of picking out furniture and seeing it in your home on the same day. More and more house builders are now taking a leaf out of Ikea’s book with housing estates being constructed using modular build practices. Editor of buildingspecifier.com and MMC Magazine, Joe Bradbury hears the top three benefits of modular builds according to premium coil coated aluminium supplier Euromax:

While modular builds won’t mean new housing estates springing up in a matter of hours, it will considerably reduce the wait. However, that is just one of the benefits of a pre-fabricated approach, as Nick Cowley, managing director of uPVC windows and doors expert, Euramax, explains.

The flatpack phenomenon is still changing the way we live and work. In the last three decades, machinery and technology developments have meant that bigger, stronger and more efficient modular structures, including schools, business parks and medical facilities, are being built across the globe.

Modular buildings and homes are prefabricated away from the final building site in sections, or modules. These are then delivered to the intended site where installation occurs.

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The need for speed

As modular buildings are able to be constructed in highly controlled environments, it means that the build process can be completed up to 50 per cent faster than by using traditional construction methods.

This ability to be built and installed quicker, means that the return on investment (ROI) is potentially far greater than traditional building projects, as the construction phase is significantly shortened.

Show me the money

The overall cost of the build can be reduced by up to 30 per cent by using modular practices. Shorter build time saves money on reduced labour costs and on-site equipment hire costs.

The overall cost of construction materials will also be reduced as it means that the pre-fabricator can buy materials required in larger quantities for multiple projects, rather than just on an ad-hoc basis. These materials will all be delivered to one location, rather than multiple construction sites, so transportation and delivery costs are lower too.

Modular construction also means that any installed elements, like windows and doors, or practical elements such as kitchens or light fixtures, can be delivered and installed all at once. Expert suppliers, like uPVC window and door manufacturer, Euramax, can deliver equipment and materials either to the pre-fabrication facility, or directly on site.

The process of constructing a modular build off site means that any errors or issues with construction can be eliminated before arriving on site. This means that staff are less likely to need to spend large amounts of time and effort fixing things once installation is complete.

Customisable options

Modular builds open up huge potential in terms of design aesthetic and innovation. Traditional building designs are often restricted by the amount of space and planning regulations of how much work can be done to the local area and land. However, modular builds can be designed to a set of specifications that adapt to any restrictions that may be in place.

Nick Cowley - Managing Director

Nick Cowley – Managing Director

As each modular build is tailored to the individual users needs, the construction can be designed and made to the exact space, budget and design requirements. Modular buildings are also commonly constructed out of more durable and environmentally sustainable materials, making the properties a better investment for both the construction company and the buyer.

So, while the cheap and cheerful, cookie-cutter style furniture you buy and build from IKEA can be cost effective and an instantaneous moment of gratification, modular builds open up a much wider range of opportunity to reduce costs, speed up projects and create a unique look.

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