Demonstrating the potential of offsite technology in the North West

The first North West regional event in the Explore Offsite series will take place on 12 September 2018 in Manchester at the University of Salford. The combined conference and exhibition will bring together a range of offsite technology supply chain specialists and industry leaders to discuss the uptake of offsite construction within the region.

Explore Offsite North West will focus on the key themes of offsite technology, supply chain resources and opportunities within the sector. Through informative case studies and presentations from industry pioneers, the event aims to attract construction clients, architects, engineers, specifiers, building product manufacturers and suppliers.

Offsite manufacture is a progressive step that helps to challenge outdated assumptions about the construction sector and encourage more young professionals into the industry. The sector will generate savings in the long term, but the overwhelming message has been, that companies at every level of the supply chain should invest in offsite manufacture and construction processes sooner rather than later, or risk being left behind.

A well-known figure in the North West – Tom Bloxham MBE, Chairman for Urban Splash, once sold fire extinguishers door to door. Following a meteoric rise to fame, Urban Splash has developed over a billion pounds of regeneration projects across the country. Tom was awarded an MBE for services to architecture and urban regeneration in 1999 at the age of 35.

In his presentation ‘Urban Splash Modular and why we bought the Factory’ – Tom explains the rationale behind acquiring SIG’s modular factory and assets. “Urban Splash is committed to expanding its offsite construction capacity and this purchase is a way to vertically integrate our business and give us control of the production of our houses,” said Tom. “It is a testament to our commitment to, and investment in, modular housing.”

Osco Homes is all about making a positive social impact, in her presentation Gwen Beeken, Managing Director – discusses how their successful affordable housing projects are employing a different workforce. A wholly owned subsidiary of Procure Plus, Osco Homes’ objective is to deliver affordable houses constructed offsite at a factory based in HM Prison Hindley, Greater Manchester. Within three years Osco Homes hope to reach an output of 1,000 homes a year. The model is for the prisoners to be trained and then supported into full time employment upon release. Of the 14 prisoners who are taking part in the scheme and have been recently released, nine gained full time employment and only one re-offended (7%) – the national average for re-offending within six months is a staggering 60%. This pioneering project uses fully offsite manufactured housing solutions – the aim of filling the skills gap in this way, makes it a truly innovative project. It is not just about building affordable homes but providing training and opportunities for people who may have taken a wrong turn in life but are keen to change.

EOS Offsite Solutions design, manufacture and bring fully tested solutions to market which drives specification in UK construction. Peter Burchill from EOS Offsite Solutions will be presenting ‘Lightening the Load for the Residential Sector’. As experts in load bearing light steel frame (LSF) panelised and preassembled systems – EOS Offsite Solutions design and manufacture innovative load bearing pre-assembled solutions for pod and modular specialists, together with systems for multi-rise developments. With continued investment and expansion of production facilities, underpinned by 14 years’ experience in the offsite sector – EOS are geared up and ready to increase market share in the offsite load bearing market.

EOS Offsite Solutions is part of Etex Building Performance which brings together the products and solutions of four dry construction materials companies – Siniat, Promat and EOS Facades.

These speakers will be joined by experts and academics in the field of offsite technology and applications. Tickets cost just £125 plus vat and include; entry into the conference and exhibition, lunch and refreshments. For more information about the event, speakers and to book your place go to: www.exploreoffsite.co.uk/2018-events/explore-offsite-north-west.

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Advanced Launches Brochure for Fire Protection in Historic Sites

Global fire systems leader, Advanced, has launched a new guide to fire protection for historic and heritage sites.

Historic and heritage sites present unique challenges to end users, specifiers and installers. The new brochure is designed to help key stakeholders understand some of the solutions available for the challenges they face. It addresses many common problems in ensuring adequate active fire protection, tackling the challenges of minimising aesthetic impact, quick, safe evacuation and eliminating unwanted alarms, among many more.

Advanced has a global reputation for excellence in the sector and its system, across EN and UL approvals are protecting some of the most famous, valuable and most visited sites anywhere including: Hagia Sophia, Istanbul; Durham Cathedral; The Magna Carta at Lincoln Castle; Iona Abbey; the Natural History Museum and Trinity Episcopal Church, Rhode Island.

Aston Bowles, Head of Marketing at Advanced, said “Advanced systems are protecting some of the most famous and valuable heritage and cultural assets worldwide. Historic structures present unique challenges for the fire system industry, but innovation is delivering significant choice and performance gains for end users, specifiers and responsible people in the sector. The new brochure aims to offer insight into the sector and the solutions that can be used.”

Advanced is a world leader in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. The legendary performance, quality and ease of use of its products sees Advanced specified in locations all over the world, from single panel installations to large, multi-site networks. Advanced’s products include complete fire detection systems, multi-protocol fire panels, extinguishing control, fire paging and false alarm management systems.

To request a copy of the Historic Sites Brochure please contact: marketing@advancedco.com.
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Easing construction with multi-service offering

Installing both heat interface units (HIUs) and underfloor heating (UFH) within communal heating schemes is a great way to improve the efficiency of both the primary and secondary systems. Furthermore, this winning combination is now deemed best practice for heat networks, as recommended in industry codes such as CIBSE CP1.

One Bristol based HVAC company, Giacomini UK, has set about making it as easy as possible for construction managers to meet these guidelines. Its team of UK engineers, including CIBSE Certified Heat Networks Consultants, are well-versed in supplying tailored UFH, HIU and flow control packages to communal heating schemes, with the demand for their joint packages accelerating.

Heat interface units are driven by consumer demand, only extracting what they need from the primary system to accurately provide the consumer with the correct amount of domestic hot water or heating. Whilst on the secondary side, the lower flow and return temperatures of underfloor heating enable the boilers to operate at a higher efficiency.

This combination along with flow control provisions, such as differential pressure control valves, will improve the efficiency of the central boiler plant and help to bring the building design is in accordance with current industry guidelines.

One recent project, which combined all three of the above fields of Giacomini’s expertise, was a large residential and work space development in London, which saw over 2,000 square meters of underfloor heating pipework being installed, alongside 31 twin plate heat interface units and several pairs of differential pressure control valves and static balancing valves.

Discussing the increasing demand for combined services projects, Matt Lowe, managing director of Giacomini UK, commented: “In the past, customers largely came to us needing one service but increasingly we are finding that people are recognising the benefits of having all services provided by one manufacturer. Not only does it boost the efficiency of the system as the components are designed to work together, but it also eases installation as all enquiries go through one point of contact who ensures the same high level of quality throughout.”

Further afield, Giacomini has designed joint packages for a variety of communal heating projects including a 60 bed extra care scheme, 34 amenity flats and 85 luxury apartments.

For each project, Giacomini’s team of technical engineers provided guidance on the design of the heat network to make sure it is done in accordance to CIBSE Heat Network Code of Practice CP1. The team is also equipped to advise on diversity, flow rates, velocities, pressure losses and assist with calculating peak demand.

For further information about Giacomini’s heat network packages please call 01454 809100, or visit uk.giacomini.com.
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Welsh Slate turns itself inside out

UK’s leading manufacturer launches brochures for interior and exterior uses.

New coffee table-style brochures showcasing Welsh Slate products for interior as well as exterior applications have been launched by the leading UK manufacturer.

Available through www.welshslate.com, the eight-page brochures dispel the myth once and for all that Welsh Slate, part of the Breedon Group, is just about roofing, with stunning photographs proving the product’s versatility for a wide range of uses.

Both beautifully illustrated brochures talk briefly about the company’s quarries in North Wales, including Penrhyn at Bethesda and Cwt-y-Bugail in Llan Ffestiniog, being a focal point for the production of UK natural stone for the past 700 years – the slate’s 500 million-year-old pedigree is reflected in the fact it is still handcrafted.

Although both show the range of colours (Penrhyn Heather Blue and Grey and Cwt-y-Bugail Dark Blue Grey) and finishes (riven, honed, flamed and machined) there the similarity ends.

The exteriors brochure features copings and sills, as used at the ME Hotel in London, walling and cladding as used at the National Waterfront Museum and many prestige private properties, paving, and roofing as used at York Racecourse and St Mary Abbots Church, London.

The interiors brochure features flooring, as used at the British Museum, interior walling and cladding, worktops, and fire and hearth surrounds.

No matter inside or out, the brochures reinforce Welsh Slate’s suitability for a wide range of contemporary and heritage architectural and interior design uses due to its aesthetics, durability and low maintenance.

For more information please visit www.welshslate.com.
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Titon adds new powerful compact HRV 1.6 Q Plus unit to its range

Titon has extended its range of MVHR units with the introduction of the new, ultra-compact HRV 1.6 Q Plus. Designed specifically for the modular construction market, the new high-performance unit measures just 600mm wide, enabling it to fit into tight spaces for easy installation and access.

The new HRV 1.6 Q Plus combines low power consumption with a heat exchanger offering efficiencies up to 89%, which enhances SAP performance via Appendix Q. Furthermore, despite its compact size, the lightweight HRV 1.6 Q Plus can achieve excellent flow rates of up to 100 l/s or 359 m3/h, while the unit has also been independently tested by the BRE.

Other benefits of the new unit include an extremely low specific fan power (SFP) of 0.49 W/l/s, as well as intelligent frost protection, with a stepped reduction of supply rates preventing freezing. The HRV1.6 Q Plus also has a fully adjustable boost overrun timer and ‘Summer Mode’ facility built-in as standard.

The HRV 1.6 Q Plus Eco version is available in ‘Eco HMB’ and ‘Eco B’ models – each offering a 100% airflow diverting Summer Bypass, as recognised and listed in the UK Product Characteristics Database. There are additional intelligent humidity options available and units can be fitted with Titon’s auralite® status indicator, while Eco B models also have the option of the company’s auramode®, aurastat® and the new aura-tTM controllers.

Commenting on the product, Lee Caulfield, Sales Director, said: “We have developed the new HRV 1.6 Q Plus to provide a powerful yet compact unit that can be used when space becomes an issue. Suitable for larger apartments or small to medium-sized dwellings, the HRV 1.6 Q Plus offers high levels of efficiency and is ideal for modular construction.”

Available in the UK and Europe, the HRV 1.6 Q Plus range accepts 125mm ducting without the need for adapters, while also benefiting from independent fan adjustment and volt-free switching control. As with all Titon MVHR systems, the HRV 1.6 Q Plus is effective in reducing pollutants inside a property and improving indoor air quality (IAQ), in turn reducing the risk of Toxic Home Syndrome.

The HRV 1.6 Q Plus is supplied with ISO Course 55% filters as standard (G3), with ISO Course 60% (G4) available as an option upon request. Units in the UK also come complete with a 3-year guarantee period.

For more information about Titon and its range of ventilation systems, please visit: www.titon.co.uk

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Gatic CastSlot surface drainage specified for 24,000 sq.ft. business park

Gatic, the global leader in access covers and civil drainage systems, recently installed Slotdrain CastSlot Treadsafe, its high capacity surface water drainage at Hamilton Business Park in Hedge End, Southampton. The £2m project, which spans 24,000 sq.ft., involved building brand new industrial and warehouse units and is the final phase of a 30-year project that started in 1988. The business park now has a total of 26 units covering 250,000 sq.ft. and 20 acres of space.

BCT Services worked with the developers to complete the project. John Griffin, buyer for BCT Services, has worked in construction for 30 years and is familiar with Gatic’s products. He comments: “Our specification called for CastSlot but I would have recommended using it anyway. It’s a good product, practical and easy to handle. It comes in three, one and a half metre lengths, which are designed with quick and safe installation in mind, and the metal construction means it’s not liable to breakages – which speeds up installation and improves safety, as well as saving cost.”

CastSlot is part of Gatic’s market leading Slotdrain range, available with a 10mm or 30mm opening and a load classification of up to F900, CastSlot is ideal for areas which are subject to heavy loads and slow turning traffic such as warehouse and industrial units. Its unobtrusive profile sits neatly within concrete, asphalt and block surface finishes, and an electro painted ductile iron throat section is securely fixed to the galvanised steel channel body for an exceptionally robust yet discreet drainage system. The Treadsafe option is recommended for areas where regular foot traffic is likely.

For more information on Gatic’s highly specified range of surface water drainage call 01304 203 545. Visit www.gatic.com.
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Giacomini extends its dirt separator valve credentials

Giacomini, a leading manufacturer of HVAC components, has released an update to its R146M dirt separator valve. This development follows the business’s successful launch of its patented adjustable magnetic dirt separator (R146C) last year.

The new valve has an extended range, and can tolerate temperatures up to 130 degrees Celsius, meaning that the valve is now suitable for medium-temperature hot water (MTHW) systems.

A key market for MTHW systems are large sites, such as hospitals, where process applications require higher temperatures than low-temperature hot water (LTHW) systems can deliver. Due to the functionality of the new R146M valve Giacomini can now fulfil the needs of these markets.

A dirt separator protects the system, and its essential parts, from both magnetic and non-magnetic dirt and debris that can build up over time and circulate through the system. This can cause blockages and hinder the system’s efficiency.

The R146M dirt separator valve further extends Giacomini’s successful flow control range, which also includes DPCVs, Static and Dynamic Balancing Valves, Boiler Safety Manifolds and Hydraulic Separators.

Further information about Giacomini visit uk.giacomini.com.
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Kestrel Mechanical on site for care home with Rinnai new hot water delivery systems

Kestrel Mechanical Services of Sevenoaks, Kent, has recently completed a complete refit of hot water heating systems at a well-known care home in the South East of England.

Kestrel has installed two Rinnai HDC 1500i on Natural Gas and included the unique scale inhibitor protection system. Previously the hot water systems delivery was provided by a whole set of satellite domestic boilers dotted all over the site.

The building is a stunning villa which is a converted private residence that’s been modernised to the highest standards of comfort and practicality. It offers a delightful 50-room residential and nursing home set in three-and-a-half acres of beautiful gardens near the north Kent coast.

The home is made up of two separate buildings that provide very specialist care. Both have the benefit of access to the glorious landscaped gardens – complete with conservatory and patio area.

The care home aims to provide as comprehensive a range of care as possible, so can offer 24-hour convalescent, respite, palliative and frail elderly nursing care.

Regular and stimulating activities are the key for social interaction and general well-being, and that’s why there is a packed schedule of fun activities to do.

A reliable hot water heating delivery system was needed to replace the tangle of boiler units spread over the site.

For Kestrel Julian Ringrose said, “Our brief was to make the hot water delivery system work at an optimal level of efficiency. We chose the Rinnai 1500i units for a whole variety of reasons – reliable & continuous flow of useable hot water, safe temperature water distribution at all tap and shower points, overall energy efficiency and ease of installation plus minimal ongoing maintenance costs. Hot water is vital to the wellbeing of all residents, so we needed to get it right with the right product and Rinnai was the right choice.”

Water temperature is pre-set through easy-to-use built in digital controls, eliminating the risk of scalding and potentially eradicating the need for thermostatic mixing valves. Water can be used simultaneously at several points of delivery with no loss of heat.

The Rinnai HDC 1500i range is designed for use directly off the mains, with no need for large, ungainly and energy inefficient storage vessels -and is capable of delivering in excess of 780 litres per hour at 65 degrees Celsius, therefore ensuring water temperatures ideal for preventing legionella proliferation.

Eco-labelling of products offers transparency to specifiers and end users in a clear and simple guide when sourcing the most energy efficient hot water heating units. And so, the fact that Rinnai maintains ‘A’ rated Eco-labels on all its units speaks volumes for the company’s manufacturing process and stance on supplying only the highest efficiency units to the UK market. Rinnai products also meet and exceed the requirements of the Building Regulations Part L (fuel and power) and with these bespoke system arrangements they can offer G3 and ACOP L8 best practice too.

Any possibility of Legionella breeding is minimised as Rinnai units have no storage and can be cited close to the outlet and therefore limiting the environment for bacteria production. The Rinnai Infinity series HDC1500i/e Low NOx is capable of delivering in excess of 2000 litres per hour. It has efficiencies of up to 107% and can realistically claim to be one of the most efficient hot water heating units of its kind available in UK. The HDC1500i/e Low NOx is an on-demand style hot water heating unit – suitable for natural gas or LPG – and it has NO storage cylinder. This means that there is no needless waste of energy from constantly reheating a stored body of water for when there is demand. Energy is only used on a Rinnai unit when there is demand – simple as that.

There is a big potential of annualised fuel saving costs with a HDC1500i low NoX unit – these costs can be minimised next to any comparable type of storage water heater, such as gas direct fired storage water heater or indirect cylinder system connected to the heating boiler. Contact Rinnai for professional CPDS and studies on this topic.

Rinnai Infinity HDC1500i Low NOx can boost a modulation range of 59.5kW to 2.8kW, and operate at a flow rate of as low as 1.5l/min. Thanks to this high modulation range, the Rinnai units ensure that the optimum amount of energy is used to heat the water, minimising waste and maximising system efficiencies.

The HDC1500i low NoX is extremely lightweight and easy to handle at just 31 kg.

By developing this holistic condensing technology initiative, Rinnai offers a simple, viable, cost effective, and energy efficient solution to any consumer needs for hot water.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com
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Schueco Jansen renovation window is the preferred solution

Janisol Arte 2.0, the second-generation renovation window from steel systems specialist Schueco Jansen, is proving popular with architects because of its enhanced specification, improved performance characteristics and ability to satisfy the aesthetic concerns of local authority planners and conservation officers.

Now being seen as the preferred solution for many refurbishment projects, especially those involving a listed building, elegantly ‘retro’ Janisol Arte 2.0 offers an enlarged range of profiles with slim sight-lines from 25 mm. A wider choice of glazing bead shapes – right-angled, bevelled, scotia and flat – makes it even easier to find an exact match for the steel windows being replaced.

Furthermore, since laser-welded profiles can now be added to standard Arte profiles, mullion spans can be significantly increased, so enabling the Janisol Arte 2.0 window to accommodate much larger areas of fenestration.

Available in all the opening types commonly encountered in both pre- and post-war industrial buildings, maximum vent weights have increased to 150 kg thanks to the introduction of state-of-the-art, 3D adjustable stainless steel hinges.

Another benefit is that simpler fabrication techniques reduce manufacturing time by up to 85%, meaning that six and a half Janisol Arte 2.0 vents can be produced in the time it took to make a single vent in the previous system.

Special new foam profiles located between the glass and the frame mean that the insulation in the Janisol Arte 2.0 window has been significantly enhanced and following the introduction of insert profiles – which also speed up fabrication times – results in drainage that is even more reliable.

In addition, because all Janisol Arte 2.0 profiles now go through the latest ZF 100 galvannealed hot-dip process, corrosion resistance has been improved and processing weldability enhanced.

Finally, as well as standard, premium-quality steel profiles, clients can opt for Janisol Arte 2.0 profiles in high-grade austenitic 1.4401 stainless steel or Corten steel, completing a specification that is thought to be unmatched by any other renovation window on the market.

For more information on Schueco Jansen’s Janisol Arte 2.0 renovation window, please email mkinfobox@schueco.com
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In-patient unit insulated with Kingspan

Kingspan Insulation products have been installed throughout the envelope of the new in-patient unit at St David’s Hospice Care in Newport, creating a warm, comfortable environment for patients to receive first-class care.

The 15-bed unit adjoins an existing day hospice, providing specialist support for patients with complex symptom management needs, end of life care and occasional respite care. Each room features a wet room and a private terrace, providing views of the newly-planted wildflower meadow and hills beyond. The Welsh Government has provided £3 million towards the cost of the unit which has been constructed by Andrew Scott Ltd.

KKE Architects selected natural materials for the building cladding, including tumbled sandstone and cedar shingles, providing it with a welcoming external appearance. To ensure a slim external wall construction whilst also achieving the target U-value of 0.16 W/m2.K, Kingspan Kooltherm K8 Cavity Board was specified within the cavity wall sections of the construction.

The unit, which holds an Energy Performance Certificate of A, also features a highly insulated floor and roof, with both elements achieving a U-value of 0.10 W/m2.K. To deliver this, almost 3000 m2 of Kingspan Kooltherm K3 Floorboard was fitted along with Kingspan Kooltherm K7 Pitched Roof Board and Thermaroof TR27 LPC/FM.

Kyle Fowler, Architectural Technologist at KKE Architects commented “The Kingspan Insulation products delivered reliable performance, enabling us to achieve our desired design details. We were also able to contact their technical support team throughout the design process, ensuring the completed elements performed as expected”.

Since the completion of the in-patient unit, Kingspan has launched its Kooltherm K100 range offering thermal conductivities of just 0.018 W/m.K across all thicknesses. The expanding range now includes K103 Floorboard, K107 Pitched Roof Board and K108 Cavity Board, helping buildings to achieve outstanding levels of thermal performance with a minimum construction thickness.

For further information please call 01544 387384, email info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk or visit www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk.
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