Welsh Slate’s Cambrian slate wins international recognition

Cambrian Slate has been awarded Global Heritage Stone Resource status.

Cambrian-age Welsh slate, which is produced at Welsh Slate Ltd’s Penrhyn quarry in North Wales, has become the first slate in the world to be designated a Global Heritage Stone Resource (GHSR).

Its designation by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), which represents the national geological societies of 121 countries, recognises its importance to the architectural heritage of the many countries in which it has been used in the past and continues to be used today.

It easily met the prestigious GHSR criteria of having a cultural history encompassing a significant period, been utilised in significant works, and widely used in numerous countries.

Cambrian Welsh Slate has been quarried in Wales for almost 2,000 years (its first use being recorded in Roman times), has been utilised on major heritage projects, and been used throughout the world, particularly Australia, New Zealand, America, the West Indies, Europe and even Hawaii.

It was proposed for GHSR two years ago by the Welsh Stone Forum supported by the Stone Roofing Association (SRA), Gwynedd County Council, the Snowdonia National Park Authority and Welsh Slate (Ltd) at the same time as the Welsh slate industry is being proposed as a World Heritage Site.

Designation was awarded by the international Heritage Stone Task Group (HSTG) of the IUGS which was formed to safeguard natural stone heritage by establishing, approving and maintaining the new international geological designation – the GHSR and associated Global Heritage Stone Province (GHSP).

The Cambrian slate belt in Gwynedd extends over 14 kilometres and was historically quarried in three main areas although it is currently only extracted at Welsh Slate’s Penrhyn quarry in Bethesda where it is produced for roofing, architectural (cladding, flooring, paving and walling) and a variety of crushed slate products.

Natural slate expert Terry Hughes, former technical manager with Welsh Slate and chairman of the SRA, said: “We were a supporter of the GHSR concept from its inception. It has been a long haul writing the proposal at the same time as the designation scheme was being developed. We are now delighted that the importance of quarrying and the continued production of Welsh Slate especially, has been recognised. All too often the public forget that almost everything they use which isn’t a plant probably came out of the ground.”

The IUGS explained: “Natural stone rarely excites major interest despite the fact it has been used for construction and other purposes for thousands of years and is part of human tradition. Yet natural stone is also the world’s most sustainable mineral resource because it requires less energy to utilise, produces no toxic by-products, and provides the earth’s most durable construction material. So natural stone should create more than passing curiosity.”

Cambrian Welsh Slate has been used on Buckingham Palace, the Royal Pavilion in Brighton and the British Library in the UK; The Royal House, Copenhagen, Hotel de Ville, Paris and Dublin Castle in Europe; the Shaker Museum and Boston airport in America, Christchurch Arts Centre in New Zealand, and Government House [Perth, pictured] and Sydney Supreme Court in Australia.

Welsh Slate’s commercial director Michael Hallé said: “This is international recognition of the importance of the slate produced from the Cambrian stone in Penrhyn and is important for heritage buildings all around the world.”

GHSR designation seeks international recognition of natural stone resources that have achieved widespread utilisation in human culture. It aims to promote greater prominence for natural stone as used in artistic and architectural masterpieces and heritage building as well as routine historic stone applications.

Designation will also enhance recognition of natural stone among geologists, engineers, architects, heritage professionals, stone industry managers and other groups that work with stone. It will also offer a mechanism to formalise the characteristics of natural stone material for professional purposes and assist international co-operation into the research and utilisation of natural stone.

http://media.globalheritagestone.com/2018/12/Hughesetal2016.pdf

For more information visit www.welshslate.com
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Never run out of hot water with Rinnai’s 11i multipoint continuous flow water heaters

Rinnai’s multipoint continuous flow ErP A-rated gas fired 11i water heater units are the perfect antidote – to more traditional storage systems. Proven to deliver high volumes of hot water at any time of the day, the high performance 11i ensures user comfort and safety with 100% accurate water temperature control.

These energy efficient, low NOx units, ideal for domestic and light commercial sites, are neat and compact, with not a tank in sight. Internally wall mounted, the multipoint Rinnai 11i model measures 675 x 370 x 134mm and weighs just 16kg with a gas consumption range between 6.10kW – 21.60kW, and an 11-metre maximum flow.

Users of the multipoint 11i water heaters can rest assured that there is no fluctuation in water temperatures, even if, for example, the tap is turned on in the kitchen at the same time as the shower is running in the bathroom, the temperature remains constant.

Whilst small, the multipoint Rinnai 11i is tough with a robust heat exchanger, in-built frost protection and user-friendly digital controls. The units are simple to install and maintain in any small or limited space.

Ideally placed to replace cumbersome and outdated stored water heaters or multipoint water heaters, these low NOx continuous flow units are proven to be more energy efficient and are the installer and users’ water heating system of choice.

For more details on the Rinnai range visit www.rinnaiuk.com
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Makita introduces Brushless LXT rebar tying tool

  • Compact size and weight allows superior handling
  • Fastest and most precise method of applying rebar ties
  • Compatible with 14.4V and 18V LXT batteries

Makita’s first ever introduction of a cordless rebar tying tool is now available allowing fast and efficient application of rebar tie wire and eliminates manual action. The new DTR180ZK Rebar Tying tool is powered by a Brushless motor, for extended runtime and increased power, and is compatible with both 14.4V and 18V Makita Lithium-Ion batteries.

Weighing a comfortable 2.6kg, with the battery, the DTR180ZK is designed to achieve the fastest method of applying rebar ties quickly and consistently and automatically delivers double loop ties for a range of construction applications such as building concrete foundations. It can be operated by a single hand operation, in single or continuous action, allowing the other hand to remain free to adjust the position of the rebars. This tool can be used with D10, D13 and D16 rebar in varying combinations of 2, 3 and 4 pieces of rebars.

The traditional method of rebar tying is by hand with a metal hook, which is fine for small areas, however, for larger construction sites the DTR180ZK will prove to be economical as it will save time and manpower while achieving maximum consistency of application.

With a maximum power output of 340w, this tying tool can be used in continuous action mode for the most efficient tying. The applicator can tie rebars simply by pushing the contact arm against the rebars when the trigger is continuously pulled. According to the condition of tying material, the tying strength can be adjusted in six stages. Using a 5.0Ah Li-Ion battery, up to 120 ties of 0.8mm diameter annealed wire can be delivered.

This body only machine features an ergonomically designed handle with soft grip, on-tool storage of hex wrench, and has low sound and vibration for increased user comfort and safety. The tie wire reel, available from Makita’s accessory range, is easily replaced by opening the reel cover.

The new Makita Brushless Rebar Tying tool complements the range of battery-operated rebar cutters, as well as the steel rod cutter, and is supplied in a robust carry case.

For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com. Follow us on Twitter @MakitaUK, Facebook.com/makitauk and google.com/+makitauk
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Evinox Energy Supply Canary Wharf’s New District, Wood Wharf

CGI of Canary Wharf’s new district, Wood Wharf

A new urban district is being created in London’s Canary Wharf, which when complete will feature up to 3,600 new homes, a GP’s surgery, a two form primary school for 420 children, 490,000sq ft of retail space and eight acres of public spaces squares and parks. The development, called Wood Wharf, has been designed to provide a new residential led, mixed use, waterside community and is expected to be completed by 2023.

The scheme was approved by Tower Hamlets Council in 2014, which described its design as “innovative”. In recognition of this innovation, Wood Wharf won the Tall Buildings category of the MIPIM Architectural Review Future Project Awards in 2014.

Working with the developer, Canary Wharf Group (CWG), in combination with SES Engineering Services, Emico and Haydon Mechanical & Electrical contractors, Evinox Energy supplied heating and cooling interface units for 1330 apartments for the first phases of this development, with more to follow for the remaining phases.

Homes are all connected to a district heating network, with each apartment featuring a ModuSat XR-ECO Twin Plate heat interface unit for the supply of heating and hot water and a ModuSat Single Plate interface unit to provide cooling.

Tested by BSRIA to project design parameters

Interface units were tested by BSRIA as a requirement of this project, something Evinox were happy to undertake, confident their first-class product manufacturing and performance would exceed the required results.

Peter Linehan, Evinox Technical Sales Manager comments, “The main objective of the testing was to confirm the performance of the heating and cooling units under the specific design parameters of Wood Wharf phases A2/A3, E1/E2. The method statement was based upon three different sources; BESA UK Standard for Heat Interface Units Technical Specification, BSRIA BTS 2/2015 Test Method for Heat Interface Units and recommendations from the clients commissioning company.”

Peter continued, “Evinox’s ModuSat XR-ECO TP HIU’s and ModuSat SP CIU’s were submitted, with a total of 8 units tested at the BSRIA Test House. These included each building’s most common HIU/CIU model and high load units. The interface units achieved excellent results, performing to the project requirements, which culminated in an order for the first 5 phases of the Wood Wharf development.”

Flexible manufacturing capabilities

In addition to the efficient performance of the ModuSat units, Evinox equipment was also chosen due to the flexibility of manufacturing and short delivery timescales. “On-time” delivery schedules were critical for this project, as some of the equipment was being built into prefabricated pods by a third party prior to delivery to site.

Their range of heat interface units are designed and developed internally by technical engineers to UK standards, and built in Evinox’s own production facility in Brasov Romania by partner Romradiatoare, using lean manufacturing principles. Working closely with component suppliers enables them to deliver bespoke units, built to project specific requirements, in a timely manner.

World-leading components

One of the key components used in every ModuSat HIU, is the high efficiency plate heat exchanger from SWEP, who are a world-leading supplier of brazed plate heat exchangers for HVAC and industrial applications. Evinox’s ModuSat XR-ECO HIU delivers impressive, ultra-low DHW return temperatures to the primary network by incorporating SWEP high efficiency domestic hot water plate heat exchangers with volumetrics that encourage turbulent flow. This contributes to excellent annual Volume Weighted Return Temperatures and system operating efficiency.

For further information about Evinox’s integrated communal & district heating solutions, please visit www.evinoxenergy.co.uk or email info@evinoxenergy.co.uk
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Future-proofed bathrooms

Smart bathroom flooring choices can help people stay independent in their own homes for longer, explains Esther Bond, Housing Consultant at Altro.

Home adaptations allow individuals who are disabled, ageing or vulnerable

to continue to live in their own homes for longer. This does require, however, homes to be adapted to provide a safe and comfortable environment for them to live in. When houses are adapted, you need to not only consider the needs of the individual now, but in the future. Physical and mental health can deteriorate over time, and to have a familiar environment that does not have to be changed reduces stress and confusion after the house modification.

The bathing experience is an important part of life and environments should help people feel safe and relaxed. Colour is a way of achieving this, creating a warm, comforting and homely environment, even where the home is adapted with specialist equipment. We can recommend colour combinations that are appropriate for people with dementia and those with visual impairments.

More accidents happen at home than anywhere else. That’s why safety should always be an important consideration when adapting a home. Slips and trips can easily happen when floors are wet or there is an uneven surface. Wet environments are not just about water; it’s also what we use in those areas, including shower gel and shampoo. The slip risks that these contaminants create are potentially dangerous and could cause serious accidents.

Slips and falls aren’t the only consideration in wet environments. Indoor humidity and poor cleaning can lead to build-ups of bacteria and mould, which can impact health as well as the appearance of the rooms.

For bathrooms, look for safety flooring that guarantees to reduce the chance of a slip or trip to one in a million, for the lifetime of the flooring so you can rest assured your home adaption will be safe for years to come.

In practical terms, adaptions that are easy to clean and maintain is an important consideration. Quite often carers are in the workforce or are themselves elderly. Having an environment that is easy to keep clean makes life easier – and safer – for everyone. Surfaces that are impervious and can be washed and even steam cleaned allows the highest levels of hygiene to be maintained.

Look for bathroom solutions such as a watertight and integrated floor and wall system that is easy to clean and is safe with a number of contaminants such as shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. Also look for the latest specialist safety flooring, designed to keep you safe in wetrooms, bathrooms, toilets, whether you are barefoot or wearing shoes, so you are safe no matter what you’re wearing (or not!).

There are many reasons to choose safety flooring over tiles in domestic bathroom adaptations. Tiles and grouting are porous, making them more susceptible to harbouring bacteria. Tiles chip andcrack more easily, allowing dirt and bacteria to collect and hide from cleaners. They can also allow water to reach the substrate, causing damage to walls. Grout lines are particularly vulnerable and even epoxy grout is susceptible. Unlike tiles, safety floors have no grout, giving bacteria nowhere to hide.

In people’s homes more than anywhere, a comfortable, welcoming and attractive look matters. There are plenty of safety flooring options with contemporary shades that suit any domestic environment, including latest innovations with a soft-look finish that is more homely than traditional safety flooring.

Specifying checklist

Floors

  • Drainage/existing substrate
  • Type of equipment that will be used in the room
  • Extra impact resistance for walking aids and wheeled mobility aids
  • Cleaning
  • Stairs or ramps
  • Ground floor or upper floor location
  • Shoe and barefoot usage
  • Spillages of food, bodily fluids or chemicals
  • Potential for staining of floor
  • Contrasting colours on walls and floors, which can help those suffering from dementia or visual impairments
  • Design and appearance
  • Time available for installation

Walls

  • Existing substrate/wall finish
  • Extra impact resistance for walking aids and wheeled mobility aids
  • Pipes, vents, ducts, wall furniture, window and door frames
  • Colour/contrast finish requirement
  • Hygiene requirement
  • Cleaning
  • Time available for installation
  • Coved skirting for hygiene and easy cleaning

 

About Altro – www.altro.co.uk
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College Avenue: Setting the standard for Student Accommodation

Queens University Belfast’s (QUB) brand-new student accommodation at College Avenue, beautifully brings together a suite of multi-functional systems from architectural aluminium systems’ company, Metal Technology.

With an overall project value of £35,000,000, the state-of-the-art student accommodation brings together effective space optimisation and practical design to create a safe space for students in a central Belfast location with a range of purpose-built areas to facilitate a balanced approach to study, health and wellbeing.

Spanning 11 floors and an impressive 240,000ft2 the accommodation features Metal Technology’s System 17 high rise curtain walling on all facades in combination with System 5-35Hi+ turn only windows, System 23 louvres and System 5-20D Hi+ doors . These purpose designed louvres have been tested to BS6180 for guarding providing a safe environment even when the full height windows are fully opened.   Key considerations when choosing these products included practicality, safety, acoustics and thermal performance throughout the building.

Internally, the building features 747 student accommodation units, a gymnasium, study spaces, refreshment and recreational areas as well as dedicated IT suits.

All Metal Technology systems are designed to perform seamlessly together to deliver the desired aesthetic and performance standards. Used individually or together, they offer complete design flexibility for creative aesthetics with the assurance of value engineered structural, weather and security performance.

For more information visit www.metaltechnology.com

 

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Able Canopies creates bespoke shelter for University transport hub

As part of a £5 million infrastructure development for Bournemouth University, a new bus hub has been built to offer bus passengers a high-quality purpose-built facility for their journeys to and from the Talbot campus. Together with Atkins architects, Able Canopies designed and erected two bespoke canopies providing shelter for the hub and incorporating transparent photovoltaic glass technology into an attractive, practical and modern design.

Bournemouth University was looking to build a large capacity bus hub aimed at improving the quality of its bus service by providing bus users with central and convenient access to the Bournemouth’s Talbot Campus, improved sense of arrival and allowing for future growth in bus use.

Construction company Mildren Construction was selected to deliver this project and awarded the detailed design and build of the bus hub canopy to Able Canopies, who created a bespoke solution that built on the merits of one of its bestselling products.

Josh Foord, Technical Sales Manager at Able Canopies was involved heavily with the specification process. On the design he commented: “The shelter had to complement the design concept of the bus hub and had to deliver on the University’s sustainability goals by utilising transparent photovoltaic glass technology to increase on-site energy generation capacity. A bespoke solution based on our stylish Kensington system allowed us to meet those needs and build in effective drainage, seating and under canopy wind protection.”

Able Canopies’ successful Dual-Pitch free standing Kensington was an ideal solution, allowing for the easy incorporation of the additional elements required by the site. Two Kensington canopies were created, measuring approximately 22 by 5 metres each, from a powder coated and hot dip galvanised steel frame and ten-millimetre thick toughened glass panels, alongside the solar glass inserts. With its robust steel frame, the structure is able to withstand all weather conditions. The Kensington system is able to withstand wind downforce of 0.46kN/sqm and a uniform snow load of 0.6kN/sqm .

The canopies’ unique styling provides a strong aesthetic statement with an incline from three metres in height in the middle of the hub to four meters at the hub’s ends. Bespoke rounded glass end panels were also fitted to each end of the hub to create a stylish finish. Having previously used the Kensington on installations where solar power was required, the Able Canopies team knew that solar integration would be possible, as requested by the Bournemouth University specification.

Throughout this process Able Canopies worked closely with the solar glass provider and with some minor alterations to the system the panels were able to fit perfectly into the Kensington roof.

Another key consideration was how the solar panel cables were going to be concealed but easily accessed for maintenance at a later date. To achieve this, access panels were installed in the two support posts at the taller end of each canopy. One post carries the DC cables from the solar panels and the other carries the AC cables for the lighting. The two posts at the other end of each canopy were designed to be integral rain water pipes which disperse all water from the roof into a drainage connection below the paving.

Josh continued, “The result was a standout look for a practical transport hub, providing effective weather protection and a long term pay back via renewable energy generation. The project demonstrates the opportunities available to organisations to maximise the use of roof panels and turn what could be seen as dead space into an added value shelter with renewable energy generation.”

Marcin Grabowski, Programme Manager at Bournemouth University Estates commented: “I think it was a great idea to change the originally proposed bespoke canopy with timber roof to a product based on an established system that not only looks great but will provide continuous return both in terms of carbon and capital expenditure. The power generating canopy is just one example of how the Bournemouth University is investing to reduce its environmental impact and it is expected to save up to 8 tons of CO2 per year, contributing to Bournemouth University’s carbon reduction target of 40% by 2020/21. Overall, we have enjoyed working with Able Canopies and are looking forward to more future ventures involving new, green technologies’’.

With a life expectancy of up to 25 years, dependant on finish, Able Canopies’ Kensington Dual-Pitch is ideal for a range of applications within the education and leisure industry, providing shelter for outdoor education, dining, car parks and waiting areas. With the addition of solar panelling, a Kensington can create a safe and comfortable space with an ecological outlook – allowing for the generation of renewable energy for use in and around the canopy.

For more information on the Kensington Dual Pitch and other Able Canopies systems, please visit www.ablecanopies.co.uk/canopies/.

 

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Heat recovery units from Air Vent Technology

Models from Air Vent Technology’s extensive range of heat recovery units are particularly suited for installation into schools, ensuring that buildings are properly ventilated, whilst keeping heat loss during the winter months to a minimum.

The new range of Infinity® low profile heat recovery units are available in 10 standard sizes with airflow up to 4.33 m3 /sec. Options are side, or bottom access, a stacked arrangement if desired, and for internal or external installation.

Units are available with either an EHB or LPHW heater battery, and are only some of AVT’s extensive range of ventilation products (air handling – heat recovery – energy efficient with EC motors – cabinet and twin fans and emergency smoke extract units).

For further information please contact Email: Sales@airventtechnology.co.uk Web: www.airventtechnology.co.uk

 

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Klober Permo® air gets public sector performance recognition

Klober has received a significant boost for its market-leading low resistance air-open underlay Permo® air with certification by Local Authority Building Control (LABC) for its Registered Details scheme.

LABC, which represents all building control teams in England and Wales, ensures that buildings are safe, healthy, inclusive and efficient, and meet the standards set by the Building Regulations. Its Registered Details scheme is a one-off certification process that proves compliance with Building Regulations and Standards across England, Wales and Scotland

In the past, variable performance of vapour permeable underlays led to the NHBC and BSI deciding that only air-open membranes could be used without supporting high level ventilation.

Designed to meet this requirement and prevent condensation forming in the roofspace, Klober Permo® air offers an exceptional level of breathability. It has a water vapour transmission sd-Value of 0.009m and a water vapour resistance confirmed to be as low as 0.045 MNs/g. As a result, it has been specified for roofing upgrades of many high profile and historic buildings.

For new builds, particularly those with complex roof designs, underlay performance is put under greatest strain during the critical drying out period. Permo® air’s use on both cold and warm roof installations avoids the additional cost of supporting ventilation and offers the additional benefit of having been tested for wind uplift resistance by the BRE. It found the membrane to be suitable for use up to Zone 5 on the BS 5534:2014 + A2:2018 wind zone map (with laps taped or battened in zones 4 and 5).

BBA and IAB approved, Permo® air not only avoids the additional cost of supporting ventilation, but also interruptions in the roofline caused by traditional tile or slate vents. Being manufactured from polypropylene, it is also fully recyclable.

Commenting on the certification Graham Copson, Product Systems Manager – Components, said: “Certification from LABC for its Registered Details scheme is great news for Klober. Registering Permo® air with LABC increases industry confidence in this already popular product and it helps ensure acceptance by all local authorities across the country.”

To find out more about Permo® air, visit: http://klober.co.uk/shop/category/air-open-underlay
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Holistically enhancing hierachy of needs for pupils and staff

“I hadn’t appreciated what a difference it would make for children & staff.”

That is the view of estates manager of Kingsweston School in Bristol, Clive Farmer, and the reasoning behind his specification of fixtures, including a Closomat Palma Vita shower (wash & dry) toilet, for the school’s new hygiene room.

Kingsweston School has evolved over its history as a special school to focus on the needs of pupils with profound disabilities, partnering with other special schools in the area so that specialist environments for all children with special educational needs in the area are met. Its ethos is based round the Maslow theory, which specifically itemises excretion as a basic physiological element of the hierarchy of needs.

In line with that approach, the school is updating its facilities to provide appropriate support- including the creation of a hygiene room complete with a ceiling track hoist, height adjustable washbasin, height adjustable changing bench, and Palma Vita shower (wash & dry) toilet, all supplied by Closomat and installed by Aztech Building Services.

The Closomat looks like- and can be used as- a conventional WC; its integrated douching and drying functions ensure the child is efficiently and consistently cleaned after toileting without the need for care staff intervention.

The new hygiene room replicates that already installed in the school a couple of years ago, and ensures compliance with the criteria laid down in Building Bulletin 104. Explained estates manager Clive Farmer, “It was important to mirror the facilities we already have, as the children are familiar with that. It makes it easier for them to adjust to being in a different section of the school as they move from primary to secondary.

“When I chose the Closomat shower toilet for the first room, I hadn’t appreciated what a difference it would make to pupils and staff in terms of hygiene: it works really well; it is better for the staff as they don’t have to wipe the children clean. It also means when other special schools with which we partner use our facilities, they have appropriate toilets for their pupils. I therefore requested that not only was a Closomat fitted into the new room, but that Closomat provided all the equipment, as it had previously.”

Closomat is the ‘go to’ provider for accessible toilet provision, and is fully Construction (Design & Management) 2015 compliant. The expertise within the company represents the combined wealth of knowledge amassed from over 55 years’ helping disabled people optimise their dignity and independence in the bathroom, at home and away.

Its website www.clos-o-mat.com is acknowledged as a key resource to help take the first steps towards efficient accessibility provision, including design guidance, white papers, CAD blocks, NBS specification clauses and case studies

For further information visit www.clos-o-mat.com

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