EQUITONE specified for Scottish School sports pavilion

EQUITONE [linea] fibre cement facade material has created a durable, low maintenance exterior for a brand new sports pavilion in Edinburgh.

The facility at St George’s School for Girls – the city’s only all-girls’ schools – has been given a crisp aesthetic by the EQUITONE facade, which displays a linear surface that highlights the raw inner texture of the core fibre cement material.

The new build facility was designed by local architects DRD Architects and is one of the first projects in Scotland to use EQUITONE [linea] in this scale.

Joanna Smith, architect at DRD Architects, said: “Due to the buildings location beside sports pitches, we wanted a high-quality material that was durable and able to withstand all weathers. The school was also very keen on a finish on the building that was as low-maintenance as possible.

“These factors led to us choosing EQUITONE for the facade, and we chose EQUITONE [linea] as we particularly liked the way we could create light and shadow on the facade by rotating the boards in different orientations, allowing the texture of each one to create different light patterns.”

The project used approximately 340m2 of EQUITONE [linea], and incorporates new changing facilities, ancillary accommodation, and a multi-function meeting and conference facility.

EQUITONE

Joanna added: “The overall look of the facade is very uniform and precise, yet the patterns the boards form when the light shines on them make each elevation look different and visually interesting.

“The quality of the material is high and it looks great on the building. Overall, we think the look of the material has been successful and its durability will also bring a key added benefit.”

EQUITONE [linea] is a unique 3D shaped, through-coloured facade material that plays with light and shadow and has a life expectancy of at least 50 years and a fire classification of A2-s1, d0. All EQUITONE materials are available in a range of colours, finishes and fixing options, giving full creative scope.

For more information on EQUITONE facade materials, visit www.equitone.com/en-gb.
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The Brio Style Council – Options for Architects

Dave Newton of Brio looks at developments and trends in exterior and interior door openings

With such a high demand for internal and external bi-folding and straight sliding doors in both domestic and commercial settings many architects are continually challenging themselves to come up with designs that are getting ever closer to the ‘cutting edge’.

According to David Newton, General Manager at Brio UK, that means manufacturers of sliding and bi-folding door architectural hardware need to keep pace, if not outstrip, the architect’s need for creating innovative product that can transform anything they design on paper into reality.

Newton explains: “At one end of the scale there is a call for glass doors with ceiling inset runners that that give the appearance of the door floating elegantly in the space – creating a physical yet ephemeral acoustic barrier – while at the other end there is demand for a rustic, even industrial, robustness that makes a feature out of fixings on barn-like partitions, where they actually become an integral part of the design. And, of course there is still a need for sliding and bi-folding doors of wood, aluminium and composite materials, with or without glass, that make the most of the available light while offering variety in how the space is used.”

Basically, the options open to architects when designing doors and windows are wood, steel/aluminium, composite and glass – or a combination of those. But what architectural hardware is best suited to the job of moving the finished product?

According to Newton this is where a good working partnership with a quality solution provider really pays off for architects. A leading architectural hardware manufacturer with a large range of fixings for all types of door creates a whole world of choice, and one that goes the extra mile for customers, takes on specification for them and is prepared to be flexible makes things a whole lot easier too.

Architects need a manufacturer partner which will ensure the correct architectural hardware is supplied. We work in partnership with the marketplace and are dedicated to producing bespoke, made to measure quality products.

He cites a project undertaken by a joinery firm commissioned to make sliding doors for a leisure centre according to the architect’s specifications and deliver the wood, facias and trim to site for the contractor’s joiners to assemble there. The area taken up by the sliding doors exceeded 13 metres and bought in 10 x 1in boards and laminated them together to make each 63mm door. They made their own oak laminate because, although there is ready laminated product, it is only 3-4ft in length, which was no good for that project. The doors were supplied to site with Brio Stainless Steel Timberoll sliding door gear teamed with Timberoll Brass tracks. This was the ideal combination for the area and the doors work beautifully, gliding effortlessly with just a fingertip push.

The creation of Zero Clearance Glass by Brio was in response to a need for recessed ceiling fittings for ‘floating’ glass doors and it’s not just top and bottom gear that needs to be innovative and fit for purpose. Locking mechanisms and hinges are all part of the complete package and they have to be top standard too. Brio never stops innovating. For example, the 286 Dual Point Lock for Weatherfold 4s with timber or aluminium panels has been developed as an optional for alternative to using flush bolts on panels. Aesthetically it’s better on the eye, as well as being easier to operate, as there is no bending down or reaching up to lock or unlocks the door which is the downside of flush bolts. This makes it very friendly with regards to disabled access.

At the end of the day, door hardware needs to be aesthetically pleasing, durable and reasonably priced. Architects and specifiers will always demand products that tick many boxes – visual appearance is important, as well as durability of the product but in the main they will be looking for a product that looks good, and, can also offer years of trouble-free use. This is true whatever the material they are made from.

Brio is a global company focused on bringing adventurous ideas to life, converting the conceptual thoughts of our customers into exciting reality. I sincerely believe the Brio range of quality, well designed product combined with expert technical resources makes us a world leader in design and quality.

For more details on the BRIO product range visit www.briouk.com
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Armstrong Ceilings top a ground-breaking laboratory facility

Systems, including a custom one, toe the visual line for collaborative teaching.

A myriad of metal wall-to-wall systems by Armstrong Ceilings were specified for a next-generation laboratory facility for their cost-effectiveness and versatility.

A total of 2,500m2 of them feature on the University of Birmingham’s Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (CTL) building which aims to replace traditional, discipline-specific laboratories with a range of innovative teaching methods beyond the classical bench-style laboratory model.

Armstrong’s DGS (Drywall Grid) system for plasterboard interfaces features as bulkheads alongside metal S-Clip F planks in laboratories, classrooms and meeting rooms while the metal clip-in F-L601 system has been used in corridors.

But arguably the most striking system is the custom C-Profile linear modular metal system used on the ceiling and the walls of the three-storey atrium as well as in corridors and break-out areas.

Rated BREEAM “Excellent”, the 72,120ft2 CTL building takes the shape of a robust brick structure with variation in materials and form to represent the three different internal laboratory environments. Large angled brise soleil made from gold anodised aluminium, which project over the main entrance, are reflected internally for continuity.

The purpose-built CTL building comprises wet, dry and e-laboratories, and along with a recent new laboratory in the School of Engineering building, represents a £40 million investment in Science, Technology and Mathematics (STEM) subjects at the university.

They enable the university to re-think the way STEM subjects are taught by making more effective use of staff time and resources through the efficient use of practical teaching space, innovations in teaching delivery and the reinvention of practical classes. This allows both undergraduate and postgraduate students to benefit from transformational teaching in a space designed to encourage and facilitate collaborative and interdisciplinary working.

In addition, the CTL on the university’s Edgbaston campus provides a visually stimulating and interactive environment in which to showcase STEM subjects to a wider audience, providing a flexible space for outreach and business engagement activities, open days, events and CPD.

The recyclable ceiling systems were designed in conjunction with architects Sheppard Robson to reflect this focus on aesthetics but without loss of acoustic performance.

Armstrong Ceiling Solutions

Timothy Clement, design manager (construction) for main contractor Morgan Sindall, added: “The Armstrong systems were specified as a more cost-effective option to a system that was originally proposed while maintaining a similar aesthetic and quality for the client.”

Armstrong’s DGS is typically faster and easier to install than traditional drywall framing and at the CTL building the metal S-Clip F planks and metal clip-in F-L601 tiles were perforated for even greater acoustic performance. Despite its slender frames the C-Profile linear system incorporates services such as lighting and sprinklers.

The highly light-reflecting white Armstrong Ceiling Solutions were installed over six months by a team of up to 30 operatives from specialist sub-contractor Grimes Finishings, a member of Armstrong’s approved national network of Omega installers.

Grimes’ head of commercial operations Rob Harriman said: “In 25 years of working with suspended ceilings I believe this was the most technically challenging ceiling project I’ve ever been involved with or am aware of by some margin.

“But the Armstrong systems performed excellently and integrated into the build seamlessly and the project support from the Armstrong team was second to none.”

More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.
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“Trusted” Armstrong Ceilings deliver a contemporary aesthetic

Bespoke mesh metal ceilings bring form and function to an office refurbishment.

When architects TP Bennett needed a trusted supplier to deliver their vision for a central London office refurbishment they knew immediately where to look.

And it was Armstrong Ceiling Solutions, specifically 150m2 of the manufacturer’s configurable mesh metal K-H 400 MT tile and grid system featuring versatile hook-on planks, that they specified for areas of the ground floor of 65 Gresham Street.

Project director Pragna Shah said: “The product needed to suit an adaptive, flexible and creative design for our work with a client that is an industry disruptor and has a brand message of ‘out of the ordinary’.”

And that proved the case from the moment go as the Armstrong systems were originally specified for a dining hall and informal lounge with adjacent booths on one side but by the time it came to installation the dining hall had become open-plan office space.

Nevertheless, the jet black (RAL 9005 with 5% gloss) mesh metal tiles from Armstrong, customised with a larger-than-usual 70% open area mesh and installed using a standard crossing box and c-profile suspension system with 75mm trim strips and custom metal bulkheads around the complete perimeter of the space, deliver the industrial aesthetic the architect was looking for, complete with functionality as the exposed services above the ceiling needed to be accessible.

Pragna Shah said: “The Armstrong system suited the design intent. The mesh ceiling was complicated in that it needed to meet lots of criteria, such as access and fixed sizes, and we needed a trusted supplier to help us deliver our vision.

“It helps to create a more contemporary and industrial aesthetic with the addition of up lighting creating an inviting atmosphere. The client is an exciting organisation and our partnership has delivered a workspace that enables new ways of working and captures the vitality and essence of their brand.”

The Armstrong systems were installed over two months by a team of up to 10 from specialist sub-contractor OCP Contracts for fit-out and refurbishment specialists BW: Workplace Experts who required the installation to be defect free at completion. OCP are a member of Armstrong’s Omega network of approved ceiling installers.

OCP’s contracts manager Charles Corbyn said: “Due to the complex nature of the bespoke mesh metal ceiling, OCP liaised with Armstrong’s technical department and together ensured we could achieve procurement for the project.

‘With OCP’s team of specialist fixers, it allowed for a straightforward and perfect installation which is versatile and met what the client had specified. OCP were privileged to have been given the opportunity to install the bespoke ceiling system and are excited by the changes within the industry towards more specialist ceiling systems and unique designs.”

More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.

Photos: Tom Green

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Redefining public spaces with AG’s Plaza Lineal®

AG, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of innovative concrete products has launched a brand new premium paving product; answering industry demand for a flagstone that is durable, versatile and strong whilst possessing an aesthetically pleasing plank-like appearance.

Plaza Lineal®, a premium water-etched, lightly textured, granite aggregate paving that is 120mm deep comes in a range of rectangular dimensions and six colours that can be ‘mixed and matched’ to create a broad range of patterns that blend seamlessly with any outdoor environment.

The factory-developed paving is durable and hard wearing with a minimum surface layer of 5mm that is made up of 90% natural granite and quartz aggregate – a resilient combination. This robust surface makes Plaza Lineal® especially well-suited to spaces with heavy footfall and the associated abrasive effects.

As part of the production process, state of the art factory-controlled vapour curing significantly reduces efflorescence on the surface of the product; a naturally occurring chemical reaction that leads to unsightly blemishes – a common concern within the market.

Plaza lineal has been designed in a way that optimises bending strength (>3.5Mpa) thereby tackling another issue that can arise with other rectangular paving solutions on the market. The paving has also been designed with slip resistance (USRV >75) making it especially safe and suitable for commercial and residential projects alike.

As with any AG product, clients can rest assured that the highest quality and standards have been employed in the production of Plaza Lineal®; the paving is manufactured in a strict factory environment to comply with BS EN 1338/1339:2003.

Plaza Lineal® clients also have the added benefit of knowing they are using a solution that is environmentally friendly; it is 100% renewable, produced using 90% recycled water and is 100% recyclable. An A BREEAM rating can be achieved when the paving is used in conjunction with a prepared recycling sub-base.

Rodney Davidson, AG’s Commercial Director commented:

“At AG we are constantly monitoring market developments to ensure we are ahead of trends. We are especially proud of Plaza Lineal® which is the result of an in-depth research and development programme that highlighted demand within the urban space, residential and commercial sectors for a rectangular paving solution that mirrored the wider interior / exterior trend favouring plank-like aesthetics.”

“By carefully designing Plaza Lineal® within a strictly controlled factory environment we have successfully developed a product that possesses a widely appealing appearance and is unique to the market in terms of its design versatility, durability and strength.”

Terrakerb®: Plaza Lineal®’s perfect partner

As a reconstituted natural granite kerb, AG’s Terrakerb® is the perfect partner for Plaza Lineal® due to its complimentary dimensions and design options. Together, the two products present an excellent cost-effective value engineering option without compromising on a premium appearance.

To find out more visit: www.ag.uk.com
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New study shows architects’ fire protection knowledge lacking

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  • Two years after Grenfell 92% of UK architects unable to define key building fire protection terms
  • A third of architects say their current employer doesn’t spend enough on fire protection training
  • Overall, architects believe they are lacking in fully comprehensive fire protection training

Zeroignition, the fire retardant ingredient technology firm, announced findings from its latest study of architects and specifiers. Architects were asked about their understanding of four common terms relating to buildings and fire. Only 8% were able to correctly define these four basic fire protection terms.

The terms were active fire protection (systems which protect structures and people including sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms), passive fire protection (whereby the spread of fire is slowed or contained through the use of fire-resistant walls, floors and doors, amongst others), fire resistance (a set of products that prevent fire spreading to other parts of the structure), and reaction to fire (methods designed to help people escape from fire).

While one in three architects (35%) were unable to correctly define the concept of active fire protection, when asked about fire protection options they’d considered in projects, smoke alarms were named by 38% and sprinklers by 33%.

Just over half (52%) of all architects couldn’t give an accurate definition of passive fire protection, where fire protection is ‘built in’. However, 54% did cite fire doors as a consideration, which is part of the passive approach. Passive technologies such as flame retardant treated materials (e.g. firewall) were considered by over a quarter (29%), plasterboard by 21%, and plywood/OSB by 8%.

58% of architects were unable to explain what ‘reaction to fire’ is and almost three quarters (71%) were unable to define fire resistance.

Fire safety

None of the architects interviewed said they’d had comprehensive fire protection training, most had some training and 8% say they’ve had none.

Ian King, chief operating officer, Zeroignition, says ‘Architects are responsible for designing safe buildings. There’s clearly a lack of understanding as to the fire basics which is worrying to say the least. Architects, their employers and the professional bodies need to invest in ensuring this knowledge is bedded in.’

Architects and interior design firm gpad london has looked at fire safety, commenting on their procedures. Jeremy Wiggins, director from the firm says, ‘Fire kills. It’s part of our duty to make sure we design safe buildings. We had a look at the RIBA fire safety consultation and tweaked our processes. We make it part of our design thinking from day one, involving end users and fire consultants as soon as practical. Beyond this we make sure that each project has a named person for fire safety responsibility.

‘We won’t take chances on this, it’s easy for knowledge to become half remembered if you don’t call on it every day and so we refer to checklists when designing as well as running ongoing CPD sessions focusing on it and new innovations.’

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Offshore wind energy could provide a third of all UK electricity by 2030

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Clean, green offshore wind is set to power more than 30% of British electricity by 2030, Energy and Clean Growth Minister Claire Perry has announced with the launch of the new joint government-industry Offshore Wind Sector Deal.

This deal will mean for the first time in UK history there will be more electricity from renewables than fossil fuels, with 70% of British electricity predicted to be from low carbon sources by 2030 and over £40 billion of infrastructure investment in the UK.

This is the tenth Sector Deal from the modern Industrial Strategy signed by Business Secretary Greg Clark. It is backed by UK renewables companies and marks a revolution in the offshore wind industry, which 20 years ago was only in its infancy. It could see the number of jobs triple to 27,000 by 2030.

The deal will also:

  • increase the sector target for the amount of UK content in homegrown offshore wind projects to 60%, making sure that the £557 million pledged by the government in July 2018 for further clean power auctions over the next ten years will directly benefit local communities from Wick to the Isle of Wight
  • spearhead a new £250 million Offshore Wind Growth Partnership to make sure UK companies in areas like the North East, East Anglia, Humber and the Solent and continue to be competitive and are leaders internationally in the next generation of offshore wind innovations in areas such as robotics, advanced manufacturing, new materials, floating wind and larger turbines
  • boost global exports to areas like Europe, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the United States fivefold to £2.6 billion per year by 2030 through partnership between the Department of Trade and industry to support smaller supply chain companies to export for the first time
  • reduce the cost of projects in the 2020s and overall system costs, so projects commissioning in 2030 will cost consumers less as we move towards a subsidy free world
  • see Crown Estate & Crown Estate Scotland release new seabed land from 2019 for new offshore wind developments
  • UK government alongside the deal will provide over £4 million pounds for British business to share expertise globally and open new markets for UK industry through a technical assistance programme to help countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Pakistan and the Philippines skip dirty coal power and develop their own offshore wind projects

Claire Perry, Energy & Clean Growth Minister said “This new Sector Deal will drive a surge in the clean, green offshore wind revolution that is powering homes and businesses across the UK, bringing investment into coastal communities and ensuring we maintain our position as global leaders in this growing sector.

“By 2030 a third of our electricity will come from offshore wind, generating thousands of high-quality jobs across the UK, a strong UK supply chain and a fivefold increase in exports. This is our modern Industrial Strategy in action.”

The Co-Chair of the Offshore Wind Industry Council and Ørsted UK Country Manager for Offshore, Benj Sykes, said “Now that we’ve sealed this transformative deal with our partners in government, as a key part of the UK’s Industrial Strategy, offshore wind is set to take its place at the heart of our low-carbon, affordable and reliable electricity system of the future.

“This relentlessly innovative sector is revitalising parts of the country which have never seen opportunities like this for years, especially coastal communities from Wick in the northern Scotland to the Isle of Wight, and from Barrow-in-Furness to the Humber. Companies are burgeoning in clusters, creating new centres of excellence in this clean growth boom. The Sector Deal will ensure that even more of these companies win work not only on here, but around the world in a global offshore wind market set to be worth £30 billion a year by 2030.”

Keith Anderson, ScottishPower Chief Executive, concluded “ScottishPower is proof that offshore wind works, we’ve worked tirelessly to bring down costs and, having transitioned to 100% renewable energy, will be building more windfarms to help the UK shift to a clearer electric economy. Two of our offshore windfarms in the East Anglia will replace all of the old thermal generation we’ve sold and we are ready to invest more by actively pursuing future offshore projects both north and south of the border.

“We have a fantastic supply chain already in place in the UK, from businesses in and around East Anglia to across England, across Scotland as well as Northern Ireland. The Sector Deal will attract even more businesses in the UK to join the offshore wind supply chain and we are excited to see the transformative impact this will have on our projects.”

In addition, the deal will:

  • challenge the sector to more than double the number of women entering the industry to at least 33% by 2030, with the ambition of reaching 40% – up from 16% today
  • create an Offshore Energy Passport, recognised outside of the UK, will be developed for offshore wind workers to transfer their skills and expertise to other offshore renewable and oil and gas industries – allowing employees to work seamlessly across different offshore sectors
  • see further work with further education institutions to develop a sector-wide curriculum to deliver a skilled and diverse workforce across the country and facilitate skills transfer within the industry
  • prompt new targets for increasing the number of apprentices in the sector later this year

The cost of new offshore wind contracts has already outstripped projections and fallen by over 50% over the last two years, and today’s further investment will boost this trajectory, with offshore wind projects expected to be cheaper to build than fossil fuel plants by 2020. The Deal will see UK continuing as the largest European market for offshore wind, with 30GW of clean wind power being built by 2030 – the UK making up a fifth of global wind capacity.

The UK is already home to the world’s largest offshore wind farm, Walney Extension off the Cumbrian Coast, and construction is well underway on projects nearly double the size. Around 7,200 jobs have been created in this growing industry over the last 20 years, with a welcome surge in opportunities in everything from sea bedrock testing to expert blade production.

The Deal will look to seize on the opportunities presented by the UK’s 7,000 miles of coastline, as the industry continues to be a coastal catalyst for many of the UK’s former fishing villages and ports. Increased exports and strengthened supply chain networks will secure economic security for towns and cities across the UK.

 

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Langley leads the way with its new hand applied liquid waterproofing system

Langley Waterproofing Systems Ltd is leading the way with its new hand applied Cold Polyurea liquid waterproofing system. For use on flat roofs, balconies and walkways, Cold Polyurea is a quick to install, fast curing and durable solution.

Cold Polyurea is an advanced, wet on wet, fully reinforced liquid waterproofing system – and the latest addition to Langley’s range of flame-free, cold applied liquid waterproofing systems. It is flexible and suitable for a number of applications; it can be used in both the refurbishment and new build sectors and is suitable for flat roofs, balconies and walkways.

Cold Polyurea is one of the fastest curing systems on the market – within just three hours of being installed, the roof can withstand foot traffic. Its fast application means installers are on site for less time, reducing disruption to the building and its occupants, as well as the client.

Langley’s new system is available for roofs, walkways and balconies and can be installed utilising an insulated or un-insulated system. For roof installations, Cold Polyurea includes a UV stable sealer coat, to protect the roof from sun damage and prolong its life-span. When installing on walkways and balconies, the sealer coat of the Cold Polyurea is UV stable and slip-inhibiting, to improve the safety of those accessing the area.

Dean Wincott, Managing Director of Langley Waterproofing Systems Ltd, said: “One of the major benefits of Cold Polyurea is its versatility – with a variety of supporting products, as well as different colour options, it can be specified for a wide range of projects. Price point is also a key factor and the combination of this, including a faster curing time, allows the Cold Polyurea products to be a market leading waterproofing system.

“Here at Langley, we recognise that fast application is also a key consideration for installers, which is why Cold Polyurea can be applied and cure within just one day, depending on the size of the work area. We feel this is a real benefit within the refurbishment sector, particularly when applied to balconies and walkways to occupied dwellings. The ability to install without the use of heat or flame, also offers safe installation for those on site, as well as building occupants.”

The new Langley Cold Polyurea system is classified with a Broof(t4) fire rating, which independently tests for the external spread of fire under the Building Regulations, meaning it is unrestricted on where it can be used on a roof. It is fully BBA certified and meets NHBC Technical Standards Chapter 7.1 for roofs and balconies. Cold Polyurea also offers a long-term solution with a 25+ year life expectancy. The system is available with independent insurance backed guarantees of 20 years; an assurance that the system can withstand continued use over time.

Langley ensures that a fully bespoke specification is completed prior to the installation of the Cold Polyurea liquid roofing system, to ensure that the chosen system is carefully considered, specified and expertly installed, by one of a network of Langley Approved Contractors, for each individual project.

To find out more about Langley’s Cold Polyurea system please visit: www.langley.co.uk.
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Sika and Partners celebrate winning project in first-ever AJ Specification Awards

Market-leading single ply roofing manufacturer Sika Sarnafil, architects Cullinan Studio and Roofing Contractors Cambridge (RCC) are celebrating following a win at the first-ever AJ Specification Awards.

The roof refurbishment of the Central Building at Cambridge University’s Fitzwilliam College – one of the first major projects to use a pioneering, new approach to Sika Sarnafil’s products – came out on top in the Roofing and Drainage category.

Announced at a ceremony held at The Principal Hotel in Manchester on Friday 15 February, prizes were taken home across a total of 12 categories for projects demonstrating outstanding working relationships between architects, manufacturers and suppliers.

In what was a skilful collaboration between Sarnafil, Cullinan and RCC, the judges agreed there was something special about the way this unique brutalist building had been beautifully protected.

Comprising protruding ‘scalloped’ detailing, an innovative waterproofing solution was created to refurbish the highly complex roof, all without visually altering the original 1960s Denys Lasdun design.

Sika Sarnafil’s single ply membrane and Sikalastic 621 – a liquid-applied product typically used for areas with complex detailing – were used across large areas. This pairing of systems was further enhanced by Sika Refurbishment’s SikaFloor 420.

Sika Limited’s concrete products were also specified for the build by concrete repair contractors Gunite Eastern. Sika’s innovative concrete repair system included a steel corrosion inhibitor. Sika® FerroGard®-903+, which penetrates the concrete and forms a protective monomolecular layer on the surface of the reinforcing steel, was used alongside Sika MonoTop® repair mortars. The concrete was finished with Sikagard®-550W, a high-performance anti-carbonation coating, with crack-bridging capabilities, that protects the concrete, while meeting the aesthetic requirements of the structure.

Sika has a wide range of products available for most applications within the construction industry, which can range from waterproofing, flooring, concrete, sealing and bonding, facade, roofing and refurbishment applications, as well as teams of specialists available to advise on specific projects. Using a combination of systems, while working internally within the company, Sika was able to advise on the most suitable materials for different aspects of the project and ultimately provided a complete building envelope solution, with the client benefitting from having only one supplier to deal with.

Neil Smith, Technical Advisor at Sika Sarnafil, said: “We’re exceptionally proud that the teams across Cullianan Studio, RCC and Sika Sarnafil have been commended by the AJ Specification Awards. The winning project posed a huge design challenge, which was met with a unique approach and use of materials. Completed early and on budget, while the college remained operational throughout, the success of this project is testament to the close working relationships we foster with our highly skilled architects, contractors and clients, while also providing the best quality products.”

Dave Stewart at RCC said he was thrilled to see a project his team had worked on recognised in such prestigious awards: “The central Building Lantern roof was very unusual, presenting numerous detailing challenges that we welcomed. We worked closely with Sika Sarnafil and carried out multiple site tests to ensure the junction between the Sikalastic 621 and single ply membrane was formed using the most effective methods. The use of Sarnametal created a strong bond between the two products, enabling them to be successfully sealed together. This was a challenging and enjoyable project that demonstrates how well these products can work together for roofs with incredibly complex detailing.”

Alex Abbey from Cullinan Studio added: ”We are thrilled that, together as a team, we have won this award. This iconic, brutalist gem of a building is now renewed and preserved for many years to come due to an innovative shell, fascia and roof waterproofing solution, achieved through collaboration. The pioneering approach developed on this project can now be applied to protect other buildings, opening up new possibilities for roof design in the future.”

For more information on Sika’s products and services call 01707 394444, email sarnafilroofing@uk.sika.com or visit gbr.sika.com
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Rinnai delivers hot water on demand at Ty Coryton site for Orbis Education & Care in South Wales

Rinnai continuous flow water heaters have been installed on site at the Ty Coryton site of Orbis Education & Care, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist care for children, young people and adults.

Orbis offers specialist schools, community homes, respite care and community-based work-skills services. This application of the Rinnai continuous flow hot water heating products and systems was at an accommodation/care home facility containing 27 rooms with an extra-ordinary demand of hot water, primarily due to the frequency, timing and longevity of the use of showers, baths and basins.

As such Rinnai provided five HDC 1500i continuous flow water heaters, powered by Natural Gas, which at peak can provide in excess of 5,000 l/hr. The installed system included concentric flues and a secondary return complete with expansion vessels and valves to ensure G3 compliance.

The system has now been operational for almost 9 months and the feedback has stated that the system is ‘exceptional’.

Tŷ Coryton is set in extensive parkland on the outskirts of Cardiff just off junction 32 of the M4. It is just a few miles from Cardiff City centre in the friendly village of Whitchurch with its cafes, restaurants, parks and travel connections.

Tŷ Coryton offers a broad range of on and off-site activities, encouraging the students to contribute to and enjoy a sense of community. Whilst the school offers an engaging and flexible curriculum tailored to the learning needs of the individual, the residential building is divided into separate communal flats, each with separate bedrooms, and with kitchen and lounge areas.

Each resident is encouraged to take an active role in personalising their own bedrooms as well as their collective communal spaces. With education, care and in-house therapy teams linking closely together, Tŷ Coryton offers a 24-hour waking curriculum of learning, life skills and leisure.

The highly qualified and experienced team supports children and young people with autism and complex needs to develop key life skills in line with their individual Behavioural Support Plan.

Orbis is an award-winning organisation providing a blend of education and care with therapies available including: speech and language; occupational therapy; clinical psychology; positive behavioural support; music therapy; psychiatry; dietetics and complementary therapies.

Rinnai’s Infinity 1500i, which has been installed at Ty Coryton offers greater benefits when compared to an older style water heating system.There is a focus on energy conservation at Orbis and the 1500i delivers with its 105% net efficiency and market leading range of modulation (58kW – 2.4kW). This increase in energy efficiency also translates into economic savings, helping Orbis manage the energy costs, especially in water and electricity, two essential components needed for a water heating system to operate.

The peak need for useable hot water at Ty Coryton means that it needs a system that can meet and provide continuous hot water, effortlessly, whilst controlling overall costs.

The Rinnai Infinity HDC1500 range is smaller, more compact in its design, and can be fitted either internally, or externally. If the Infinity 1500e is fitted externally, it comes with appropriate weather proofing which provides the required protection to ensure consistent, long life working efficiency.

For more details on RINNAI products visit www.rinnaiuk.com
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