Hidden talents: Astra and concealed hinges prove perfect match

CE-Marked Astra 3003 concealed door closers have proved to be the perfect partner for concealed hinges recent tests, making them the seamless choice for high performance and fire doors wherever clean, refined design lines are called for.

Modern concealed hinges paired with the CE-Marked Astra 3003 closer – both designed to be unobtrusive in situ – have successfully completed nearly three quarter of a million cycles on Astra’s in-house test-rig. This is well in excess of the 200,000 cycles required by the European standard (BS EN1154) and marks a huge success for Astra’s best-selling concealed closer.

With so many concealed hinges on the market, made from different materials and with different pivot points, it is vital that they are tested successfully with the closer to ensure optimum performance. Astra 3000 Series closers are increasingly being specified with concealed hinges by architects, designers and architectural ironmongers on projects where clean design lines and elegant aesthetics are the priority. Specifiers now have the peace of mind of ‘guaranteed performance’ along with the pleasing design of concealed hardware.

Concealed closers are the obvious choice in settings where visual appeal is paramount since they are not visible when the door is closed, avoiding the somewhat institutional and ungainly appearance of overhead closers. Designers select Astra 3000 series closers because, with full adjustability, they are powerful enough to handle doors of almost any weight and width. Unlike other concealed closers on the market Astra 3003 size three closers are CE-Marked for use on fire doors. Astra is well known for its door closer range and the Lancashire-based company can demonstrate many years’ experience in the sector and carries out all its own R&D in-house. It exports its British door closers across the globe via a network of distributors and partner companies.

For more information please visit http://www.astradoorcontrols.com
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Data centre suspension system launched by Armstrong Ceilings

A suspension system specifically designed to meet the exacting requirements of data centres has been launched by Armstrong Ceiling Solutions.

The new Prelude® 24 Max™ grid provides excellent load carrying capability and adaptability, with an extremely efficient method of suspending cable trays, bus bars and other mechanical elements to avoid air leakage through the ceiling tiles.

In an environment where a constant, carefully calibrated temperature is a non-negotiable factor, the engineered system components provide the optimum conditions to avoid air leakage that could lead to overheating or spiralling cooling costs.

Traditional methods suspend loads via slotted strut locations or drill holes through ceiling tiles where threaded rods are needed and in doing so increase air leakage and the mix of warm and cold air. However, designing out these details means the hot return air is retained in the plenum space and the cool air below the ceiling.

The new suspension system is also capable of carrying single-point loads up to 110kgs and can be easily reconfigured to meet changing requirements.

Using M10 threaded rod connections and integrated hanging clips, the Prelude 24 Max provides flexible support for cable trays and electrical distribution without the need for a separate strut channel system being suspended through the ceiling tiles.

Patented load connector clips attach at any point to the face of the suspension system, eliminating unsightly threaded rod connections through the ceiling plane, improving access and aesthetics as well as minimising air infiltration.

The traditional-faced 24mm profile grid minimises materials costs and labour while still being compatible with numerous Armstrong board ceiling panels including Ultima+, Clean Room FL acoustic tiles as well as standard lighting elements.

The pre-engineered suspension system comes with a 30-year system warranty.

More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.
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Vortice fans provide excellent indoor air quality for Avery Healthcare retirement village

Indoor air quality is such an important feature in any home and for Avery Healthcare, it was important that their newest 78 bed retirement village had the very best ventilation installed. They appointed Harniss Ltd to install a selection of ventilation fans by Burton upon Trent-based Vortice, whose expertise in the area is second to none.

Vortice Specification Manager Tony Green-Hurst said “We were delighted to be able to work with Harniss to provide their client with precisely the right ventilation. The CBZ and Hexamotion products we used for the project were selected as a bespoke solution. Our technical team carefully considered all the requirements before coming up with recommendations.”

The Hawthorns is an Avery Healthcare 78 bed residential retirement village with communal rooms such as dining rooms, a cinema, hairdresser’s, bowling alley, wellbeing area, laundry, clinic as well as offices, kitchens, staff facilities and assisted bathrooms and WCs.

For more information about Vortice and its products, visit www.vortice.ltd.uk

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Armstrong launches its ultimate ceilings and walls guide

The ultimate guide to ceiling and wall solutions is now available from leading UK manufacturer Armstrong.

The company’s new Main Line Brochure makes it even easier for architects and designers to specify ceiling and wall solutions thanks to a simplified but inspiring layout.

The new catalogue illustrates with stunning architectural photography and technical drawings the interior solutions that help to enhance comfort, save time, improve building efficiency and overall
performance, and create beautiful spaces for office, education, health, retail and transport applications.

Available in 14 languages to reflect the company’s recently launched global website, the brochure guides specifiers through the myriad of design solutions available, from floating ceilings and suspension systems (including perimeter detailing and accessories), through materials such as mineral, metal, mesh and wood, to wall and special solutions for acoustic, healthcare and highly humid applications.

A product selector by performance helps specifiers to select the right systems for acoustics, light reflectance, fire reaction, humidity and recycled content, with Armstrong’s pioneering recycling programmes and best in class Cradle to Cradle credentials featuring in their own section of infographics.

The new comprehensive catalogue also advises on installation and maintenance, including a cleaning matrix, and offers a technical acoustical glossary as well as a route to Armstrong’s BIM files available through the new global website and BIMobject portal.

It is available to download via https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/commercial-ceilings-walls/product-catalogue.html#catViewer.
More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.
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New Makita Twin 18v (36v) 40mm SDS-MAX rotary demolition hammer matches mains performance

Makita has launched its first ever cordless SDS-MAX Rotary Demolition Hammer, featuring all the power and performance of a mains machine whilst benefitting from the freedom and manoeuvrability that a battery-operated tool has to offer. The mighty DHR400ZKU is powered by two 18v LXT batteries giving 36v power from the brushless motor for extended run-time and increased power.

As with the popular HR4013C mains machine, the new Makita DHR400ZKU Twin 18v SDS-MAX Rotary Demolition Hammer will punch a 40mm hole into concrete, will run up to 500rpm and will generate up to 2,900 blows per minute with 8.0 Joules of impact energy.

Makita’s AVT – Anti-Vibration Technology – is featured in this model which gives the hammer drilling vibration rating – when hammer drilling into concrete – of just 5.0m/s². This rugged 2-mode machine – rotary drilling with hammer action and hammer action-only for chiselling – has the easy-to-operate mode change switch positioned conveniently on top of the motor body ahead of the vibration-reducing rear grip handle. With variable speed controlled by the grip trigger, and a constant speed control that can be set for constant running when chiselling, the DHR400ZKU can also be used with the trigger controlling chiselling for intermittent work. A further position of the mode control allows the bit angle to be set as required.

The DHR400ZKU also benefits from the new Makita Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS) which allows the tool to automatically connect to compatible Makita dust extractors. A unique chip will come with every machine that features AWS allowing the user to pair it up with the selected dust extractor. Once paired, the dust extractor will automatically start once the trigger on the hammer is pulled.

This new machine also has the Soft Start feature which accelerates the motor into action even if the trigger is pulled fully home from off. In drilling mode this reduces the sudden torque load on start up. When operating, the torque limiter connected to the side handle will cut the motor drive should the drill bit snag thus providing further operator protection. The soft no load function automatically cuts the motor speed during idling to reduce vibration generation which contributes to this hard-working Makita rotary hammer. An electric brake and useful LED job light are also featured.

The DHR400ZKU is available as a body only machine and comes with a 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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Titon introduces innovative new controller and ventilation accessories

Titon has launched a comprehensive new range of accessories for use with its MVHR units. These include Titon’s new aura-tTM touchscreen controller, Anti-Vibration Mounting Kits, First Fix Solutions and Condensate Drain – each of which has been developed as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to producing the latest, most advanced ventilation systems on the market.

The new aura tTM is a simple yet striking backlit touchscreen controller for Titon’s range of MVHR units. The next evolution of Titon’s renowned aurastat® control, the device is easy to operate and can be used for programming or commissioning the company’s Q Plus range, as well as managing ventilation speeds. It has been designed for use with Titon’s high end ‘B’ model, with the HMB version coming out in summer 2018.

Elsewhere, Titon’s new Anti-Vibration (AV) Mounting Kits utilise specifically designed brackets, which isolate the MVHR unit from the wall. This helps to reduce any low levels of vibration-induced noise from being transmitted to the mounting structure. The brackets match the construction, quality and finish of Titon’s HRV Q Plus range, without obstructing any subsequently attached ducting.

Each Mounting Kit uses four rubber AV bobbins, which have been specifically selected for optimum performance, while the bracket design ensures the unit is kept close to the mounting surface.

Compatible with Titon’s HRV 1.75 – 10.25 Q Plus units, First Fix Solutions make installation of the ducting from the ceiling void to the ventilation unit faster and easier, while providing a high quality finish and appearance. Designed for use with Titon’s 90° elbows, First Fix Solution products are available in two sizes, the smallest of which has the same face area as the top of the unit, ensuring the ducting travels directly to the ports in the first fix. This option requires the use of Ø150 round to round elbows in the ceiling void due to the closeness of the ports.

Alternatively, the larger First Fix Solution is the same width as the unit, but greater in depth – allowing the use of Ø150 round to rectangular 220 x 90mm elbows, and therefore can be fitted in a lower ceiling void. (The 90° elbows are not sold as part of the kit and should be purchased from Titon separately.)

Finally, Titon’s new Condensate Drain Cover has been developed to conceal the service pipe on the underside of Titon’s HRV units, improving the overall aesthetic, while still being easy to remove if required. There are three sizes available, designed to fit HRV 1.25 Q Plus to HRV 1.35 Q Plus, HRV 1.75 Q Plus through to HRV 3 Q Plus and HRV 10M Q Plus to HRV 10.25M Q Plus respectively.

Titon

Each cover has a depth of 74mm, within which the drainage pipe must be installed in order for the product to fit the ventilation unit. The drainage trap cannot be fitted within this cover void, so must be located in a suitable, alternative position.

Further details about the new MVHR accessories can be found at: http://www.titon.co.uk/pages/ventilation-systems/mvhr-accessories.
For more information about Titon and its comprehensive range of whole house ventilation products and window & door hardware, please visit: www.titon.co.uk.
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Kingspan KoolDuct achieves lasting results at National Library

Over two decades after it was first installed, The Kingspan KoolDuct System is still delivering excellent thermal comfort, humidity control and ventilation performance at Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru (the National Library of Wales).

Situated on Penglais Hill above the town of Aberystwyth, the library is home to over four million books including a number of rare Welsh and Celtic volumes. Since it was first opened in 1911, the library has been regularly extended to provide more space for its collections. One of the most significant expansions was completed in 1996 with the opening of the Third Library Building, offering office and server space, along with storage facilities for many of the library’s most valuable materials.

The Kingspan KoolDuct System was fitted during the building’s construction in 1995. The HVAC specification took full advantage of the system’s slimline design, concealing it beneath corridor floors. In addition, The Kingspan KoolDuct System was also used within the main ground floor plant room and as part of four risers, traveling from the lower ground floor to the fourth floor. No issues and no relevant maintenance have ever been recorded with the ductwork and a recent inspection showed that the system was in good condition and performing as expected.

In addition to its proven longevity, The Kingspan KoolDuct System can also facilitate fast-track installation programmes. Its pre-insulated design eliminates the need for a separate lagging stage and allows ductwork to be fabricated in lightweight sections up to 2.95 metres in length. This ensures greater ease of handling whilst minimising the need for supports.

Ductwork fabricated from The Kingspan KoolDuct System is also well suited to projects targeting high standards in energy efficiency. The system panels have been assigned a highest possible BRE Green Guide Summary Rating of A+ whilst their jointing system can reduce air–leakage rates

Ductwork fabricated from The Kingspan KoolDuct System is also well suited to projects targeting high standards in energy efficiency. The system panels have been assigned a highest possible BRE Green Guide Summary Rating of A+. In addition, their jointing system can reduce air–leakage rates to a fraction of those typical of rectangular sheet metal ductwork by achieving the best airtightness Class C and D.

Research from Sweett (UK) Limited has revealed that in combination with its low-maintenance design, this can lead to “whole life” HVAC savings of over 25% compared with traditional galvanised sheet metal ductwork which typically lose  much more air than it is supposed to and may not achieve the basic airtightness Class A.

The Kingspan KoolDuct System is UL Listed as a Class 1 Air Duct, to Standard for Safety UL 181 (Underwriters Laboratories: Factory Made Air Ducts & Air Connectors), when fabricated to a specification clearly defined by UL.

For further information, please call 01544 387 384, email info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk or visit www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk.
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Cembrit Glendyne natural slate puts a Devonian roof on a jurassic collection!

Cembrit Glendyne natural slate brings the home of fossils to life, by adding distinctive style, character, and impressive performance to The Etches Collection museum roof in Kimmeridge.

The Etches Collection lies in the beautiful village of Kimmeridge, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty along the Dorset coastline. Listed as one of the twelve new museums to visit in 2016, it houses the collection of Steve Etches MBE, who collected and researched over 2,000 late Jurassic Kimmeridgian fossils over 30 years. The museum uses a blend of modern and traditional materials which gives the property a timeless appeal, whilst also complementing the natural beauty of its surroundings.

Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, charitable trusts, and the local community, the building was designed to fulfil a number of sustainable criteria. London-based architect, Kennedy O’Callaghan Architects presented the planners and Kimmeridge Trust with roofing samples to review, which resulted in Cembrit Glendyne slates being specified.

Janie Price from Kennedy O’Callaghan Architects comments “Glendyne slates, together with Haysom Purbeck Stone, have successfully blended the museum into the surrounding traditional cottages. The slates allow the design to fit the traditional vernacular whilst its detailing is contemporary.”

Glendyne is a high-quality slate that combines first-class performance with surprisingly attractive value for money. This is largely a result of the high yields achieved at the quarry. The combination of relatively easy to extract material and one of the most modern slate processing and quality control creates a product that offers high quality with a low production cost. The quarry operates a quality management system based on EN ISO 9001 which is externally audited. This standard is adhered to rigidly, as are all the quality standard procedures required by each regional market the quarry supplies. The result is Glendyne is possibly the most independently accredited natural slate. Available exclusively from Cembrit in the UK, Glendyne is a distinctive blue-grey colour.

Glendyne slates are tested to BS EN European standard, BS EN 12326-1:2014 which requires many of the laboratory tests (‘type testing’) to be performed at least annually and the factory production control (FPC) performed and recorded as a matter of routine by the producer.

For further information visit www.cembrit.co.uk, email sales@cembrit.co.uk or tel: 020 3372 2300
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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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