Farmhouse of the future constructed with Kingspan TEK

A contemporary farmhouse in rural Kinross-shire, Scotland has achieved the perfect balance of aesthetics and energy efficiency with the help of the Kingspan TEK Building System.

Situated between the natural beauty of Loch Leven and the Lomond Hills, Lomondmuir Farmhouse was designed by architect Scott Strachan and constructed by THCL as a “turn-key” building contract using the Kingspan TEK Building System. Owners, Mr and Mrs Orr, originally planned to build a timber-kit structure. However, after discussing their requirements for an energy efficient home which had the potential to be expanded in the future all within their budget, THCL specified the Kingspan TEK Building System.

Malcolm Thomson, Director of THCL explains: “We suggested that the house was built using the Kingspan TEK Building System for two key reasons. Firstly, it takes less time to build due to the fact the panels are pre-cut to the project’s specification. Additionally, the excellent insulation performance of the System will offer significant future cost savings on energy bills.”

The Kingspan TEK Building System comprises high performance Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). Their OSB/3 facing and unique jointing system also provided an airtightness value of just 2.39 m3/h/m2 @ 50pa, less than half the level of air loss permitted for a naturally ventilated dwelling. This excellent fabric performance has contributed to the building receiving the gold label for sustainability under Technical Handbook Section 7 (sustainability) of the Scottish Building Standards.

The one and a half storey home currently features three bedrooms at ground level and can be expanded in the future to include an 80 m2 first floor. Due to the excellent spanning capabilities of the Kingspan TEK Building System panels, the first floor features vaulted ceilings, creating a unique additional living space.

The manufacturing facility where the Kingspan TEK Cladding Panel and Kingspan TEK Building System panels are produced carries both FSC® (FSC®-C109304) and PEFC Chain of Custody certification.

For further information, please call 01544 387 384, email literature@kingspantek.co.uk or visit www.kingspantek.co.uk.
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Kingspan Exhibits at FIREX

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Two divisions of the global building materials manufacturer Kingspan Group will be sharing their extensive knowledge and expertise at FIREX International this June.

The exhibition, which takes place at ExCeL London, runs from 19th – 21st June and will bring together experts from across the industry to demonstrate and discuss the latest life safety solutions and share best practice when it comes to fire safety. Located on stand A590, both Kingspan Insulated Panels and Kingspan Insulation will be showcasing a variety of products, solutions and services which will help contractors and specifiers to meet requirements. The stand will also host a live simulation of a roofer’s torch test similar to ISO 11925-3 (Reaction to fire tests: Ignitability of building products subjected to direct impingement of flame) at intervals throughout the show.

Kingspan’s expert technical and sales teams will be on hand throughout the three-day event to answer any questions visitors may have and provide up-to-date information.

Kingspan are also sponsoring the first day of the 5th International Tall Building Fire Safety Conference, which is running alongside the FIREX Exhibition. Technical Director at Kingspan Insulated Panels, UK & Ireland, Tony Ryan, will be delivering a talk on Fire Testing of Tall Building Façade Systems on 19th June.

Kingspan Insulated Panels Website: www.kingspan.com/gb/en-gb/about-kingspan/kingspan-insulated-panels/fire-safety
Kingspan Insulation Website: https://www.kingspan.com/gb/en-gb/products/insulation/kingspan-insight/fire
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Atkinson & Kirby launches its new flooring ranges

Leading flooring specialist, Atkinson & Kirby launches its new trend led flooring ranges, including Homeland, Winter Desert, Organic Future and Modern Revival.

The first trend, Homeland, encapsulates the growing desire to embrace history in a contemporary lifestyle. This trend is about stripping things back, colours are mid to dark wood tones, materials are concrete, and timber and finishes are weathered.

Winter Desert focuses on handcraft and authentic design, featuring earthy natural tones and deep textures. Conversely, Organic Future’s tones are light oak, ash and maple with strong dark wood contrasts, smooth mattes and chalked greys.

Finally, Modern Revival is all about looking back, taking the best of past design, featuring patterns such as herringbone and chevron.

Zara Prescott, Communications Executive, said “We are very excited to showcase our new flooring ranges. Trends are constantly evolving and moving forward, so it’s our job to seek out the next big thing. Our new trend led ranges give homeowners a wide variety of style and designs to choose from, whilst maintaining the high quality and value our customers expect.”

For more information on Atkinson & Kirby and the range of products available, call 01695 573234 or simply visit www.akirby.co.uk
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Ariston water heaters combine efficiency and ease of use

(Image left to right: Andris Lux Eco, Andris Lux and ST 100)

Ariston’s extensive range of hot water heaters are suitable for a wide array of applications, with the company offering unvented and vented products – each of which are easy to install and operate. All Ariston water heaters boast an incredibly high-quality construction, utilising copper heating elements for advanced durability. Plus, the premium units in the range also benefit from the latest technology for optimum energy efficiency.

The flagship product in Ariston’s hot water portfolio is the Andris Lux Eco. This small unvented electric water heater encompasses leading Italian design, energy efficiency, durability, usability and safety. This premium model also boasts new features, including anti-legionella and anti-overheating functions.

Available in 10, 15 and 30-litre models, each with a 2.5kW element, Andris Lux Eco is perfect for a variety of locations, including commercial properties, building sites, kitchens, bathrooms or offices.

Complementing the Andris Lux Eco is its sister product, the Andris Lux. Another compact electric water heater, this unit is fully compliant with the latest ErP legislation (with units rated up to ‘A’ class), and available in three over-sink and four under-sink versions respectively. The 2kW and 3kW under-sink models have capacities of 10 and 15 litres, while the 3kW over-sink units are available with capacities of 10, 15 and 30 litres.

Elsewhere, Ariston’s water heating range also includes the 5L Piccolo – a wall mounted electric point of use unit, ideal for occasional use areas, such as kitchens, loft conversions and cloak rooms where there is limited space.

Finally, another option perfect for areas with limited space is the wall-hung ST 100. Compact and powerful, this 100-litre cylinder provides hot water at mains pressure. Compact, functional and long-lasting, the unit features an anti-corrosion system that further ensures durability.

 

Commenting on the range, Alex Boweren, Product Manager at Ariston, said “Our hot water heaters have been developed with end user comfort and reliability in mind, while complying with all necessary standards and legislation. Plus, thanks to extensive research and development, our premium units even have the capability to prevent legionella from forming, giving it additional health and safety credentials. So, with a wide range of sizes and capacities available, there is a water product available for any type of project.”

Ariston Thermo UK, which is part of the Ariston Thermo Group, is a manufacturer of domestic heating, hot water and renewable products. With over 20 years of experience in the UK, Ariston Thermo is a worldwide leading company in the heating and water heating industry.

For more details about Ariston and its range of boilers, controls, water heaters and other products, visit: www.ariston.co.uk. Follow @AristonUK on Twitter.
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New specification role for AWMS Skyline & Rainwater

AWMS, the leading manufacturer of rain to drain water management solutions, expands its specification team with the appointment of Michael Barnes.

Michael joins the business as National Account & Specification Manager for Rainwater and Skyline. With 19 years’ experience in building product sales and specifically rainwater management, he brings in-depth knowledge and experience to the business. His role will include liaising with major building contractors and architects, and delivering CPDs for the two brands. He will also be working on expanding AWMS’ approved installer scheme.

Michael comments: “You could say I have rainwater running through my veins! Over the last 14 years I’ve worked for Marshall Tufflex, Polypipe, and Fullflow Siphonic rainwater systems. So my new position at AWMS joins up all the dots of my previous roles and my experience fits like a glove. I’m excited to join the team and look forward to driving new opportunities for the business and leading the growth of its installer scheme.”

Alumasc Rainwater is the No.1 ‘all metal’ rainwater brand for architectural and specification markets. From cutting edge-contemporary to traditional heritage, our Aluminium, Cast Iron and Steel rainwater is BBA accredited and manufactured to the highest standard for strength, long life and durability. Our wide choice of colours and bespoke designs ensure the perfect solution for your next building project.

Skyline high-performance fascia, soffits and copings fit with all styles of architecture and work seamlessly with Alumasc Rainwater. The range is manufactured from in-house BBA certified powder-coated aluminium to any RAL or BSS colour, and comes a with 25 years life expectancy. All our products are 100% recyclable.

For more information on Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS), visit www.alumascwms.co.uk or call 01536 383 810. Follow on twitter @AlumascWMS.
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Rinnai’s Infinity hot water heating range – ideal for LPG use

Rinnai offers what is said to be the most energy efficient and cost-effective range of LPG-compatible A-rated eco-labelled continuous flow hot water heating products for any type of site or application.

The Rinnai Infinity range includes the 16i (36.8kW output giving 16 litres of useable hot per minute) and the 17e for external mounting (29.7kW output giving 17 litres of hot water per minute) – condensing models within the range can deliver up to 107% net thermal efficiency.

For heavy-duty applications the Infinity HDC1600i/e produces the lowest NOx emissions on the market – below 20 ppm NOx. The HDC1600i Low NOx can boost thermal efficiency up to 108% (based on net calorific value) and can keep to more than 97% even in the minimal heat LPG.

The Infinity HDC1200 models also achieve energy performance of 107% net thermal efficiency while the larger HDC1500 internal and external models turn in 105% net thermal efficiency.

The Rinnai Infinity Low NOx HD55i internal water heater is a room sealed, wall hung, LPG or natural gas fired continuous flow water heater. Capable of supplying in excess of 780 litres @ 50ºC degrees rise per hour, while producing less than 20 ppm NOx, this unit combines environmental cost efficiencies and quality product offering. Up to 25 units can be cascaded to supply any specification.

LPG users can also take advantage of Rinnai’s Bespoke Package Design, created to provide better on-site efficiency and is supplied to site in bundles. The package also includes scale protection options to maximise system efficiency.

Another innovation from Rinnai is the Infinity Solo condensing low NOX water heater – this is the first Rinnai product for the UK to combine the advanced technology of its wall mounted continuous flow water heaters with a stainless-steel storage cylinder in one compact unit, boosting recovery rates of as little as 19 minutes and low standing losses. This system is ideal for light commercial requirements where services limit the use of continuous flow.

Comments Chris Goggin, Associate Director, Rinnai UK: “Contractors, Installers, site owners and end users can rest assured that these units, when used with LPG, offer the best energy savings and performance available for a hot water system. LPG is one of the most energy efficient forms of fuel available now, and our units take full advantage of their benefits.”

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com

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Comar 7P.i LS+ It’s a Lift Slide Life for Us

Now it’s time to lift and slide our product range with Comar 7P.i LS+. Innovative lift and slide gearing provides smooth operation for door configurations up to 12 metres wide and 3 metres high, creating true glazed sliding walls. From one system Comar 7P.i LS+ provides delivered solutions, for the summer months maximise the opening space with the three-track slider which creates two thirds clear opening, whilst in the winter the lowest U-values keep out the cold.

Innovation comes from Comar 7P.i LS+ offering unique solutions from one system, which means that with the same profiles you can provide lift slide or straight rolling gear, standard or slim interlock, enhanced performance with the inclusion of thermal foam and double or triple track configurations.

Optional slim interlocks maximise the homeowners view out when the doors are in the closed position keeping the slim sightlines of Comar 7P.i LS+ doors with the reassurance of the lowest U-values, so even in the coldest winter months daylighting is maximised and warmth assured. For a standard CEN size set of doors U-values are down to 1.4 with a 1.0 centre pane and using glass technology and Comar’s Enhanced Thermal Foam U-values of 0.74 are achievable.

The real advantage of this system is it’s smooth and easy lift operation, it’s ease of operation for sliding doors means that there is no alternative; it really is a lift slide life for all members of the family. Another advantage is the ability to lock the door in an open position anywhere along the track which means that the homeowner can open the door for ventilation without the risk of small children and toddlers exiting the doors.

For our fabricator and trade partners, Comar Systems utilises multi-function profiles which means that from a minimum stock all configurations of this feature laden system can be fabricated. Installers with the unique Comar Easyfit components minimise time on site and disruption to the home owner whilst maximising returns.

The Comar 7P.i Lift and Slide was developed to ensure a highly engineered solution that offers market leading performance. Feedback from the UKAS Accredited Test House was “it is the best they’d ever seen”, as it passed BS6375 Parts 1, 2 and 3 with no water leakage at 1050Pa. The hardware, has been tested to over 50,000 open and closing cycles.

As Secured by Design is now being incorporated into some region’s Planning conditions and BREEAM Assessments, Comar 7P.i LS+ passed the new stringent PAS24:2016 and holds a Kitemark for Enhanced Security to enable sub-contractors to provide an SBD Licensed product to discerning customers.

Glazing technology advances every day with new triple glazed units providing ever lower centre pane values, acoustic glasses to meet enhanced performance criteria are widely specified, Comar 7P.i LS+ now provides a future proof solution with a glazing pocket of up to 57mm. With a simple change of gasket and beads the Comar 7P.i LS+ provides this flexible solution for all your glazing needs.

For further information please contact Team Comar on projects@parksidegroup.co.uk, call 020 8685 2318 or visit www.comar-alu.co.uk.
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Evinox team of CIBSE Certified Heat Network Consultants expands

Evinox has added to its CIBSE certified Technical and Design team, with Design Engineer Arturs Kokins becoming the latest to successfully complete the CIBSE Heat Networks Code of Practice course, passing his final exam with flying colours.

The CIBSE Heat Network qualification is recognised across the industry and covers a broad spectrum of considerations for communal and district heating systems, demonstrating the depth of knowledge Evinox can offer to their customers in the design of heat network systems.

Arturs originally joined Evinox in early 2017 as a Graduate Engineer, with an MEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree, and has since developed his skills and gained valuable experience working on a number of key projects. These include managing bespoke testing with BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association) for a large development in London where Evinox is supplying heating and cooling units. He was also involved in Evinox successfully completing testing under the new BESA (British Engineering Services Association) UK Standard for Heat Interface Units, for which the Evinox ModuSat (XR) HIU achieved excellent results and is currently one of only five manufactures to have officially published its results on the BESA website, something the company is very proud of.

“Arturs is a perfect example of what can be achieved by investing in people and promoting their growth within a business,” comments Helen Gibbons, Evinox Technical and Design Manager. “He is a highly valued member of the team at Evinox, and we are delighted to employ a Design Engineer of Arturs calibre.”

Evinox offers developers, consultants and specifiers a broad range of design support services for district and communal heating projects, including HIU sizing and selection; hydraulic system guidance and advice; and complete plant room system and distribution pipework design, where required.

Please contact Evinox on 01372 722277 or complete the contact form on www.evinoxenergy.co.uk to find out more about our Design Services or BESA tested Heat Interface Unit range.
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Gatic adds new car park solution to its Filcoten® range

Gatic Civil Drainage, the global leader in access covers and civil drainage systems expands its growing Filcoten® range with Parkline. Introduced for car park applications, and ideal for renovations of existing parking decks, Parkline comes with the same high performance benefits as other products in the Filcoten range.

Filcoten is an innovative grated channel drainage system manufactured from a breakthrough High Performance Concrete (HPC). It provides market-leading levels of installed strength and stability for significantly longer, trouble-free operational life. It is also 100% recyclable and the only drainage channel to be made with renewable energy.

Filcoten Parkline is suitable for load ratings of up to C250 and is wheelchair friendly with almost no height difference to the surrounding road. It is ideal for replacing existing drainage systems, with an innovative locking system for quick and easy installation, and secure drain covers that can be easily removed for cleaning and access as required. Its cross-section and monolithic construction prevents noise when cars cross over it, and prevents grates from getting clogged. Its intelligent design includes innovative connecting elements made from corrosion resistant stainless steel for efficient water conductivity.

Sales Director Martin Neale comments: “Gatic is committed to ongoing improvement and development of its products so we can supply the best solutions for a wide range of drainage projects. Our Filcoten range includes Pro G, Pro V, Tec, Self, Pave and now Parkline with load classes from A15 for pedestrian areas to F900 for heavy duty applications where a more robust system is required.”

For more information on Filcoten Parkline call 01304 203545. Visit www.gatic.com.
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Titon introduces inline Mixed Flow Fan

Titon has introduced the new, high performance inline Mixed Flow Fan range, which is suitable for bathrooms, kitchens and other residential applications. Capable of supplying or extracting air, depending on individual requirements, the fan can be fitted in a loft or ceiling. Available in diameters of 100mm, 125mm, 150mm and 160mm, the new unit also boasts three speeds and has been designed with small installers and end users in mind.

Simple to install and maintain, the Inline Mixed Flow Fan will be available from May 2018, and is ideal for removing internal condensation and eliminating the potential for mould growth within a home. The powerful in-duct mounted mixed flow fan is also capable of operating at higher working pressures in applications requiring high airflows, while keeping noise levels to a minimum.

In addition, the Inline Mixed Flow Fan offers ingress protection to IP55, complying with BS EN 60529 and ensuring sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion from dirt and foreign bodies. Plus, each fan has a high quality, ball bearing motor, as well as an overrun timer and LS live switching.

Commenting on the new product offering, Lee Caulfield, UK Sales Director at Titon, said: “We have introduced the Inline Mixed Flow Fan range to extend our extract ventilation portfolio. Previously, we only had a 125mm, third party model; now we have a full range of our own, which ventilates to an efficient level with minimal noise.”

Compatible with both rigid and flexible ductwork, all Inline Mixed Flow Fans are supplied with a one-year manufacturer’s guarantee as standard.

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