BMI lifts the Vale with primary school project

Safe, robust and theft-proof, Romilly Primary School is now set for many maintenance-free years thanks to the work and market-leading guarantee from BMI UK & Ireland and its BMI Redland and BMI Icopal products.

The school roof posed a tough challenge to Vale of Glamorgan Council as it was not only old, it was also immensely complex and susceptible to burglary. Built in 1893, the school is in a picturesque, exposed position upon a hill overlooking the sea. The roof not only incorporates many hips and valleys, it also has a 250m2 flat roof at its centre.

Owing to its position, the pitched roof had been damaged by high winds and the ridge mortar had degraded over time. The problems from the natural causes had been compounded by crime – thieves had stripped most of the lead from the roof details, so the roof not only leaked, it also threatened the safety of the children in the playground beneath. There was also the issue of replacing the flat roof area in the centre of the school.

Paul Hynam, the council’s construction consultant, set out a specification for the new roof: it should be secure, look like the existing roof, be low maintenance, resistant to theft and address environmental issues. The roof should also be quick to install so it could be fixed during the school holidays, eliminating potential disruption to the schools 700 pupils.

“I chose BMI UK & Ireland because, by using their BMI Redland and BMI Icopal products, they offered a solution that met the design brief, and provided support throughout the project,” explains Paul. “Using their SpecMaster service gives you a 15-year guarantee complete with the design and on-site supervision – so you know that the roof has gone on correctly. In effect you can forget about the roof and maintenance for 15 years. BMI Redland’s Cambrian Slate also meets our environmental criteria – it’s recycled – and it’s Welsh”.

“Using BMI’s pitched and flat roofing products together gives confidence that both parts of the roof integrate – due to the collaborative details – and the result meets the required performance and reliability and is aesthetically pleasing. As Redland and Icopal are now one company they are able to take full responsibility for the design of construction details to ensure that they worked together.”

The council had previously used different manufacturers for the flat and pitched roof, which caused issues. When there was a problem, usually at the point that the two different systems met, the manufacturers would very often blame each other and neither would accept responsibility. By using pitched and flat solutions together from BMI they will no longer have this problem.

For the pitched roof covering, BMI Redland Cambrian Slate was specified. An interlocking slate with three fixings, Cambrian works well in exposed situations and is made from recycled waste slate in nearby Merthyr Tydfil. To reduce maintenance, the slates were installed using a dry system, with fixings on the ridge and hip system to imitate the previous roof.

Because the school had a vaulted ceiling construction within it, venting was an issue at eaves level so BMI 4.5k ThruVent Tiles were deployed, rather than standard eaves vents.

The flat roof covering chosen was BMI Icopal Universal® – a 3.2mm single ply covering that is UV resistant and tough but also light and malleable, making it ideal for detailed roofing features. To boost thermal performance, BMI Area Technical Manager specified Thermazone Roofboard Insulation, which was laid on the existing PUR/ PIR insulation and employed the existing vapour control layer as a vapour check. To deal with the potentially problematic interface between the pitched and flat roofs, it was specified that the waterproofing was taken under the slates and up to the top of the eaves batten – a detail monitored during installation.

Now Vale of Glamorgan Council has peace of mind for years to come with the both pitched roof and flat roofs variously guaranteed or warrantied under the schemes provided by BMI UK & Ireland when roofs are designed and installed to its specifications.

For further information please visit www.bmigroup.com/uk
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Dunham-Bush sign exclusive manufacturing and distribution agreement with Eco-Airvent

Eco-Airvent M.D. Gary Morgan [left] with Dunham-Bush M.D. Mike Holding seen following the signing of the manufacturing and distribution agreement

Dunham-Bush, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of heat emitters and chillers, has signed an exclusive agreement with Eco-Airvent Ltd to manufacture and distribute the company’s range of innovative, energy efficient ventilation products, including its patented Classmaster® and VHR heat recovery units.

Developed over several years, the new products will offer a proven solution to the requirements of BB 101: (Ventilation, thermal comfort and indoor air quality 2018) and will be available throughout the UK and Southern Ireland through Dunham-Bush’s existing sales network.

‘These cutting edge products complement our existing range and will help to improve indoor air quality in school classrooms and colleges in an energy efficient manner by making use of variable heat recovery,’ said Dunham-Bush MD, Mike Holding. The agreement was signed on behalf of Eco-Airvent by Managing Director, Gary Morgan.

Dunham-Bush’s current range includes chillers, LST radiators, radiant panels, fan convectors, door curtains, trench and perimeter heating and fan coil units.

For further information contact Dunham-Bush Ltd
Tel: 023 9247 7700 Email: info@dunham-bush.co.uk
www.dunham-bush.co.uk
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Dunham-Bush provides a master class in low energy ventilation for classrooms

Dunham-Bush has signed an exclusive agreement with Eco-Airvent to manufacture and distribute their range of innovative, energy efficient ventilation products, including the patented Classmaster® and VHR heat recovery units.

Air quality in classrooms has a major bearing on the academic performance and productivity of occupants and with air pollution levels continuing to rise in the UK, especially in cities, it has become increasingly important that these issues are addressed.

Released by the government last year, BB101: ‘Ventilation, thermal comfort and indoor air quality 2018’ has been instrumental in the most significant changes in ventilation design, regulation and guidance in schools since 2006. Working in parallel with BB93: ‘Acoustic designs for schools, performance standards (2015)’, it gives a detailed holistic approach to the internal environment in schools with the emphasis very much on energy efficiency.

BB101 guidelines on ventilation, include standards for all spaces within a school or college and new guidance for science labs and other practical areas.

All ventilation systems must have the capability to operate in typical UK weather conditions, including high winds and rain. Final ventilation designs will depend on the following key factors:

  • Building location
  • Type of construction
  • Site ambient noise levels
  • Local air quality / levels of pollution
  • Amount of glazing / solar gain
  • Patterns / type of use

Preventing overheating in summer is a major factor in school design and CIBSE TM52 ‘Limits of Thermal Comfort: Avoiding Overheating’ is intended to correctly model schools. Good ventilation combined with an effective night cooling strategy is recommended, especially where appropriate building thermal mass is present, to maintain acceptable internal room temperatures during summer months.

The Classmaster heat recovery ventilation unit has been developed specifically for classrooms and along with all the VHR range of units now available from Dunham-Bush, fully complies with the very latest BB101 and BB93 guidelines. With nine chassis sizes and airflows ranging from 50 to 600l/s, Classmaster delivers the very highest standards of air quality to meet every classroom requirement.

Key features include a patented variable air mass flow heat exchanger, which maintains thermal efficiency at both 100% and 50% airflow levels by cleverly keeping turbulent velocity airflow across the heat exchanger. This is not possible with conventional heat exchangers, as airflow goes into a laminar flow with no exchange of thermal energy.

The unique configuration of low resistance heat exchangers, used in conjunction with 100,000 hour long life, low energy EC fans, delivers minimal sound levels and an impressive heat reclaim efficiency up to 89%.

In line with the latest BB101 guidance bulletin, Classmaster units have the option of ePM2.5 (F7) filters for inner city installations.

With a low profile height of only 300mm, Classmaster can be installed within a ceiling void or surface mounted. Space heating options are available across the complete range of Classmaster and VHR heat recovery and ventilation units, with a comprehensive range of frost and heating coils pre-installed in insulated casings and matched flanges to fit directly onto heat recovery units.

Versatile control options

The factory fitted Eco-Pro 3 controller offers a plug and play capability and is ideal where stand-alone control is required. Units can be activated either via volt free contact (VFC) from a time switch or BMS (enable / disable signal). The controller can   give fault outputs either to the Eco-Fault panel or BMS panel. Individually adjustable fan speeds on trickle and boost settings with frost protection, automatic summer by-pass and night time cooling options are included as standard. Fans switch automatically to boost speed when CO2 is detected.

The factory fitted Trend IQ422 Controllerm offers individual and adjustable fan speeds on trickle and boost settings in all modes of operation. Frost protection, automatic summer by-pass and night time cooling options are standard.

Full integration with BMS BAC net or Trend systems for energy management and monitoring is available with filter monitoring via built in PDF switches. Additional ultra-low energy summer trickle mode and a full space heating facility using a re-circulation damper and LPHW coil are included in the programming. Optional colour touch screen user fan controllers with built-in temperature and humidity sensors are also available.

The result of several years’ research and development, these innovative products offer a proven solution to the requirements of BB101: 2018. They will be available throughout the UK and Southern Ireland, via Dunham-Bush’s existing sales network.

Mike Holding, MD of Dunham-Bush, said the addition of these high efficiency ventilation products will complement their existing range of heat emitters and chillers and make a significant contribution to improving indoor air quality in classrooms by making full use of variable heat recovery.

For further information contact Dunham-Bush Ltd:
Tel: 023 9247 7700 Email: info@dunham-bush.co.uk
www.dunham-bush.co.uk
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Official FIT Show 2019 Preview

FIT Show 2019 is set to deliver a record breaking industry showcase with more brands, products, materials and overseas exhibitors than ever before. With so much crammed into the 2019 schedule, here’s a preview of what visitors can expect when they descend on the NEC from May 21st to 23rd.

More Brands, More Products –

A showcase of everything you need to deliver the very best projects, all under one roof, across three days. 300 industry leading brands. 5,000 cutting edge products. Expect to see windows, internal and external doors, orangeries, conservatories, sky lights, hardware, tools, sealants and much more. From UPVC and timber, through to aluminium and more.

International Showcase –

Over 70 overseas companies will be making their FIT Show debut. Expect an unrivalled showcase from companies from countries including the USA, Turkey, China, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, Norway, India, Serbia and Morocco.

Exclusive Show Offers –

There will also be more competitions and exclusive show offers and incentives than previous years. FIT Show 2019 will see the launch of a brand new voucher scheme with huge discounts and savings on purchases made at the Show. Brands such as Makita, Korniche, Epwin and Eurocell have thousands of pounds worth of products and prizes to giveaway at the Show.

Time to Learn –

Over 20 hours of learning content. 50+ sessions that have been developed to reflect the wants and needs of the industry. Sessions will tackle key industry issues, such as the skills gap, and bring expert content in the form of CPD certified seminars. Alongside this, the programme will deliver practical advice through workshops, business clinics and practical product demonstrations.

Take the Trails –

FIT Show 2019 will see the introduction of a series of trails to help guide visitors around the show content which is most relevant for them. This includes a brand new installer trail, new product trail and Wood Window Alliance (WWA) backed timber trail.

Late Night –

Take advantage of ‘Late Night Tuesday’, when the show opens until 8pm on the second day of the event. Expect a real party night when this industry does what it does best connects, socialises, entertains and celebrates.

Glass Goes Big –

For the first time ever, get set to see glass on a large scale. Visit Glass is a dedicated flat glass showcase within the show that will see the very best in flat glass processing equipment, machinery and technology on the floor.

Gala Networking –

Join the industry’s biggest celebration. The FIT Show 2019 Gala Dinner is going back to its roots with an emphasis on networking. FIT Show is the main industry platform to get together with every link in the supply chain, build on existing relationships and make new connections. The gala dinner will focus very heavily on these connections, providing a real industry celebration as well as raising funds for GM Fundraising and Hope House Children’s Hospices in the process.

If you have yet to register for FIT Show, don’t miss out on your chance to be part of FIT. Register today: https://www.fitshow.co.uk/why-visit.
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RCM and SPSenvirowall cement their collaboration at Futurebuild 2019

The closer collaboration between RCM and SPSenvirowall has been evidenced in a successful joint exhibition at Futurebuild 2019 where both companies shared a brand new stand showcasing their vast range of compatible products offering a one-stop shop to customers.

RCM and their sister company SPSenvirowall are happy to announce a successful show at Futurebuild 2019 in London.

Both part of the Benx Group, the companies shared a large and visually exciting new stand showcasing their joint product offerings.

Greater depth and diversity of products on offer demonstrated integration capability and successful one-stop solutions.

The prime position at the show together with the very clean and slick white design of the new stand allowed the samples on display to virtually present themselves. Various ranges of colourful facades and brick finishes compelled visitors to take a closer look.

Suspended 360-degree rotating interactive displays of RCM’s ‘complete through wall solutions’ and SPS’s ‘system build-ups’ allowed visitors to get a much better understanding of how the different products integrate with each other to form a solution.

Dynamic Cladding, offered exclusively by SPSfacades, part of the Benx Group and RCM’s popular Supertech Weatherboard cladding were also featured, highlighting the great façade options available. Visitors were also able to take away samples of the great building board range RCM have to offer.

“These are exciting times for both RCM and our sister company SPSenvirowall. Our closer integration will benefit our customers by being able to offer a much greater choice of solutions. Our products are compatible with each other and the range of services we offer greatly reduce the complexity of the customer’s supply chain. Our collaboration will also offer combined logistics, utilising nationwide depots, allowing for just-in-time deliveries”. (Amy Baker, Marketing Manager, RCM)

“Being able to showcase the different suspended models of ‘system build-ups’ using products such as Renderclad, TS Rail and a range of cavity systems give ideas and concepts a visual presence. Visitors left positive feedback and the show generated valuable leads and enquiries, which sums up the great effort made by all involved and is a testament to our ability to offer such a great range of compatible products”. (Natasha Ives, Marketing Manager, SPSenvirowall)

Visitors who weren’t able to attend Futurebuild 2019 will have a chance to visit the new stand at Construction Week, NEC Birmingham 8-10 October 2019. RCM and SPSenvirowall will be exhibiting in the ‘Roofing, Cladding & Insulation’ section on stand: B845.

About RCM:

Established in 2004, RCM is a major supplier of complete through wall solutions to the UK construction industry.

Supplying specialist building boards, façades, breather membranes and airtightness solutions, RCM offers a fully integrated approach to the building envelope for all building applications.

RCM are a market leader in providing innovative products and solutions designed and tested to meet the demanding needs of construction. Specified for use in external façades, fire protection, acoustic, airtightness and decorative applications, our extensive portfolio has been installed on many of the UK’s largest projects.

CPD Seminars

For those interested in finding out more, RCM provides informative CPD sessions including a guide to materials, applications and specification considerations for building boards, internal and external linings and rainscreen façades, covering:

  • What a specifier needs to consider
  • Board materials and benefits
  • Board applications
  • Work on site
For more details call 0800 612 4662 or email info@rcmltd.biz. www.buildingboards.co.uk

About SPS

SPSenvirowall is a leading UK supplier of external wall insulation systems to the construction industry for new build, refurbishment and offsite applications.

Supplying insulation systems, high-quality decorative renders, façades and rain screen cladding solutions, SPSenvirowall offers a value-added and integrated service to any construction project.

Through an exclusive UK distribution partnership with Dynamic Cladding, SPS Facades Limited offers innovative external rain screen cladding systems with a wide range of glass and stone finishes

To find out more about SPSenvirowall and SPS Facades, visit www.spsenvirowall.co.uk or call 01535 661633.

 

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P C Henderson Release New Husky Soft Stop Sliding Door Hardware

Sliding and folding door hardware manufacturer, P C Henderson, is pleased to announce the launch of its latest innovative hardware solution to the market. The company’s new Husky Soft Stop product caters for sliding doors weighing up to 100kg and comes complete with dual soft close and open – providing a next generation product to the company’s existing Husky sliding system.

P C Henderson’s existing Husky sliding system has become renowned in the industry as a reliable, cost effective sliding door solution for interior applications. The company has built on this success by developing Husky Soft Stop – a far superior version of the product boasting a built in dual soft close and opening mechanism.

Andrew Royle, Sales and Marketing Director at P C Henderson, commented “Soft stop mechanisms in sliding door hardware solutions are becoming expected as standard in the industry. We’ve taken one of our most popular and dependable systems and created a next generation version – whilst still upholding the robust and high quality manufacturing standards which has made it so prevalent today”.

The system comes pre-assembled and is concealed within the track upon installation – providing an extremely minimalistic finish. Purposefully developed in five kit variants for different weight ranges, the product is tuned to ensure optimum performance and smooth operation every time – whether operating a 10kg or 100kg door.

“The system catches the door in its final moments of travel and gently pulls it into its final position. What this results in is an extremely sophisticated system which also provides a host of practical benefits – zero slamming, silent operation and improved product longevity. The product is also one of our easiest systems to install – the soft stop damper comes pre-assembled so there’s very little for the installer to do”, continued Andrew.

Husky Soft Stop is available for wooden and metal doors, providing dual soft close and open for doors weighing up to 80kg and soft close only for doors weighing up to 100kg. The kit is supplied with everything required to hang a sliding door – only the track must be specified separately – providing customers with the freedom to cater for any opening width. For bi-parting doors, two kits can be used together.

View more information at www.pchenderson.com
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Armstrong’s new, ultra-green tile is right at home in the new home of a renewables firm

Dune eVo, and a bespoke metal tile, feature for Community Windpower.

A mineral tile that is ultra-green, even by Armstrong Ceilings’ standards, and a bespoke version of a metal tile feature on the £1 million conversion of a former farm building into the headquarters of a wind farm developer.

Community Windpower’s new head office in the old market town of Frodsham, Cheshire, uses 300m2 of the new Dune eVo MicroLook tile in the back offices and canteen, and 250m2 of acoustic mineral tile Perla 0.95 dB (which performs to Sound Absorption Class A) in closed cell offices, both on the ground floor. In addition, 900m2 of metal MicroLook 1800mm x 300mm metal lay-in planks have been used in open-plan areas and corridors on the first floor.

The new fully-recyclable Dune eVo tile and grid, the first ceiling system in the industry to gain Cradle to Cradle accreditation, provides Class C sound absorption as well as a brighter white aesthetic and excellent durability due to a reinforced fully-painted edge.

The metal tiles at Community Windpower were specially over-perforated so their ultra-micro perforations continue around the edges of the plank to give an even greater aesthetic and acoustic performance.

The highly light-reflecting Armstrong systems were specified for the 20,000ft2 steel-frame building by Community Windpower managing director Rod Wood on the recommendation of specialist lighting manufacturer XAL who provided lighting throughout the new office.

The precision of the Dune eVo and Perla tiles was particularly needed to maximise the indirect illumination from XAL’s scheme, notably the suspended Mino linear system upstairs and XAL’s ultra-slim Task office system in the downstairs boardrooms.

He was looking for ceiling systems that were “modern, artistic and bespoke” to complement the lighting systems.

“They are one of the key features interfacing with modern lighting designs,” he said. “The linear panel works well with the rectangle structure of the building and their clean and bright features also help with this. They have accommodated pitch issues well as well as light wells, air-conditioning and lighting.

“Armstrong had products that suited our building and the contractors wereconfident they could be installed. I’m very happy with the result.”

Armstrong Ceilings

The Armstrong systems were installed over two weeks, on the upper floor to sloped internal eaves, by a team of up to eight from Heatons Ceilings who are a member of Armstrong’s Omega national network of approved specialist sub-contractors.

Chris Heaton said: “The metal ceiling is at high levels/atria in the building which made it challenging to install but it really does look amazing from the ground floor. There are not many jobs with this specification in such long planks, especially as they were sloped to both sides. Instead of having a 10mm border the edges were perforated edges for aesthetics as well as acoustics. It is a little special and kind of a one-off. The Armstrong products worked and performed well to give a fantastic end result.”

Community Windpower is at the forefront of wind energy development in the UK with over 800MW built, under construction and in development. As proven renewable energy specialists, the business is experienced in the identification, design, development, construction and operation of onshore wind farms and currently has six operational wind farms in Scotland, with a further three approved for development.

More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.
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Thinking big: Titon launches its most powerful MVHR unit

Titon has added the energy efficient HRV20 Q Plus to its range of MVHR products. The new model has been designed to offer increased airflows of up to 194 l/s (700m3/h), making it the most powerful MVHR unit Titon has ever produced.

The HRV20 Q Plus has been specifically designed to enhance SAP performance via Appendix Q, by combining extremely low power consumption and a heat exchanger capable of achieving efficiencies of 89%. As a result, units can easily be fitted as part of a ventilation system inside larger apartments or dwellings.

The HRV20 Q Plus is available in two models – the Eco HMB and the Eco B – each boasting a 100% airflow diverting Summer Bypass, as recognised in the UK Product Characteristics Database. Intelligent humidity options are also available. The Eco HMB is fitted with the new aura-tTM touch screen controller, which is integrated as part of the unit itself as standard. The Eco B Model is compatible with the Eco aura range of controls (auralite® status indicator, aura-tTM, auramode® and aurastat® controllers), or has the option of having an aura-tTM unit.

Other benefits of the new unit include an extremely low specific fan power (SFP) of 0.43 W/l/s, plus features such as a fully adjustable boost overrun timer, which can be used with a non-latching (momentary) switch to prevent the unit from accidentally being left in ‘boost’ mode. This is complemented by intelligent frost protection and independent fan adjustment. All models are volt free, with live switching control also on B models. The filters are ISO Coarse 65% (G4) supplied as standard, with the option of upgrading to the ISO Coarse 65% (F7) type.

Commenting on the new product, Lee Caulfield, Sales Director, Titon Vent Systems Division, said: “The new HRV20 Q Plus unit offers higher airflow rates than previously available, as requested by our customers’ requirements. Not only is this the highest capacity unit in our entire range, it also benefits from an array of control options, without compromising on energy efficiency, making it ideal for architects, contractors and mechanical engineers alike. The new HRV20 Q Plus reflects Titon’s commitment to development and understanding market needs, while showcasing our engineering expertise and capabilities.”

Available in the UK and Europe, the new HRV20 Q Plus is effective at reducing pollutants in the home and improving indoor air quality (IAQ), helping to combat the risk of Toxic Home Syndrome. All models accept 200mm diameter ducting and are supplied complete with a 3-year guarantee as standard.

For further information about Titon and its range of ventilation systems, please visit: www.titon.co.uk.
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Kee Safety Guards Oslo Congress Centre

A combination of safety products from Kee Safety have been installed on the roof of the Oslo Kongressenter building in Norway to provide a first-class edge protection solution for maintenance and inspection teams accessing the rooftop.

Located in the heart of Oslo in Norway, Oslo Kongressenter is a state-of-the-art conference centre consisting of more than 20 event rooms. The Congress Centre hosts nearly 1,000 events every year, ranging from smaller meetings and major conferences to banquets, Christmas dinners and concerts. The history of the “People’s House” dates back to the end of the 19th century, however today’s building was completed in 1989.

With maintenance teams regularly accessing the roof to carry out work on the building services equipment, the client required a complete roof edge protection and safe access solution. Kee Safety partnered with long-standing distributor, Unisystemer to provide technical assistance by carrying out a full site survey, as well as making layout plans and detailed technical drawings, which were used in the presentation to the end user.

Due to the client specifying that no holes should penetrate the watertight membrane on the roof of this iconic building, KeeGuard® free-standing roof edge protection and Kee Walk® Step-Overs were the chosen Kee Safety solutions. 380 linear meters of KeeGuard® Standard and Premium systems were installed along all sides and roof levels, while Kee Walk® Step-over platforms were fitted to provide a safe means of access over pipework and other equipment.

Compatible with a range of roof membranes, including concrete, asphalt, PVC membrane, metal and felt, KeeGuard® offers a free-standing roof edge protection system capable of keeping workers on the roof safe without endangering the roof membrane itself. It does not penetrate the roof surface and can be used on flat roofs up to 10° slope. Employing a proven counterweight system, KeeGuard® combines a non-slip secure base with galvanised fittings and tube arranged in a modular configuration. Fully modular and versatile enough to adapt to most roof edge profiles and level changes, sections can be easily taken down and re-erected as necessary.

Designed for optimum safety, the complete KeeGuard® system complies fully with all legislative requirements and even allows for an integral kickboard fixing to further save time and cost on site. The recycled PVC base weights used with KeeGuard® bring a number of advantages, particularly making installation quicker and easier, thus saving time and money. Made from 100% recycled material, they provide an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional weights.

Kee Walk® Step-overs are modular systems that can accommodate changes in roof levels and can fit over pipework or equipment to offer a safe, anti-slip, level walking surface onto and across roofs. With adjustable step sections, and non-penetrative fixing options, the step-overs have the inherent flexibility to not only protect those accessing the roof, but to also protect the roof sheet from unnecessary foot traffic and potential damage by providing a clearly defined access path. There is the ability to meet virtually any design requirement, with the end result always being a safe, secure and compliant access platform.

Kee Walk® Step-overs are constructed using Kee Klamp® tubular fittings. Each fitting incorporates an internal set screw to lock the respective fitting safely and securely onto the tube to create a strong, stable and safe structure. This method eliminates the need for time-consuming welding or specialist skills or tools, saving contractors both time and money on site. The Kee Walk® Step-over range has been designed in accordance to EN 14122-2/3:2016 for assured safe operation with the Kee Walk® being compliant to EN 516 Class 1-C.

Watch the case study video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eARFgPkmJno

For further information please visit www.keesafety.co.uk
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Festool Tools helps design students build new hall on campus

Located in Hooke Park, Dorset, Wakeford Hall has been constructed by students as part of the Architectural Association School of Architecture’s Design and Make Programme. The project includes the construction of a brand new library, lecture theatre and reception facilities, all of which have been built using tools from leading power tool manufacturer, Festool. Once completed, Wakeford Hall will provide a beautiful working environment for both the students based at Hooke Park campus and the general public.

The six-year project, due to be completed in 2023, will see students of the Design and Make programme construct the entirety of Wakeford Hall, a 210sqm building within Hooke Park. Currently, the students are working on the library area, which will consist of an 85sqm ground floor and 40sqm mezzanine space. The students have carefully considered the surrounding forest area throughout the construction process to incorporate innovative uses of timber within their designs. Working together, the students adopted buildability through the use of models and prototypes of the structure, which assisted them in creating a beautiful library that can be used by the next generation of students to study at Hooke Park, as well as the general public.

The project is using an extensive range of Festool products on the site. Most recently the students have been using the circular saws to cut and shape the stack laminated wood that is being used for the structural frame of the library – the structure includes 14 interlocking glue-laminated timer frames, showcasing the students’ innovative approach to timer construction. Combining Festool’s circular saw with the guide rails have ensured that the students are producing precise quality cuts, repeatedly. With the spring-mounted guide wedge, preventing kickback, the Festool circular saws help minimize the risk of injury to the students – a key consideration for the project managers overseeing the students’ work.

Festool’s cordless drills are also being used on the Wakeford Hall project. The cordless drills enable the freedom of movement of battery powered tools with torque needed to drill into the wood effortlessly. Festool’s QUADRIVE cordless percussion drill in particular has been proved to be popular enabling the team to drill long timber screws easily, guaranteeing the stability of the structure.

Project Manager at Wakeford Hall, Jack Draper, said: “Festool’s tools have been a huge assistance to us on site. The students have been able to create cuts and finishes that would have been far more difficult to achieve with alternative products. The guide rail has enabled us to achieve pin-point accuracy with cuts, and the long battery life of the cordless products has allowed the team to work on site for longer, without the need to constantly recharging or replacing the battery packs.

“Festool’s SYSTAINER T-LOC system has been another major benefit to us. Working in a forest means that all of our tools have to be packed away at the end of each day and brought back onto site the following day. This can be a lengthy process, however the SYSTAINER T-LOC enables us to connect multiple tools together and transport them easily to and from the workshop. We could not be happier with the functionality of the Festool system and the work that it has enabled us to achieve at Wakeford Hall so far.”

The Wakeford Hall project has been divided into phases – each year, the new Masters-level students on the Design and Build programme complete a new phase of the build. So far, Phase 0 (the prototype and development stage) and Phase 1 (planning and constructing the library structural frame) have been completed. The students are now in Phase 2, the development of the library structure and construction of its external envelope.

To date, 19 Design and Build students have taken part in the project, along with a further 68 from the Architectural Association’s Summerbuild programme, an intensive course for architecture, design and engineering students and young professionals looking for hands-on experience.

FESTOOL

Philipp Glaser, Marketing Manager at Festool said: “We are thrilled to have been able to assist in the creation of Wakeford Hall and be a part of the education of the next generation of architects and builders. The Festool system has been designed for improved usability and fantastic results – the work completed by the students so far has showcased this.”

Hooke Park is a 130 hectare working forest, which was acquired by the Architectural Association in 2002. In 2010, the Design and Make programme for Masters students was created, with the aim of providing hands-on experience for those interested in architecture – with a focus on the innovative use of timber within construction.

To find out more about Festool and its range of products please visit: www.festool.co.uk
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