Ariston brings comfort to housing development in the Cotswolds

A range of Ariston boilers and thermostatic controls have been installed throughout six new build properties in Gloucestershire. Located in Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds, ‘The Suffolks’ development comprises five four-bedroom and one five-bedroom detached houses, each benefitting from the latest in energy efficient heating technology. The properties were designed and built by Sherborne Homes, which has already had Ariston boilers installed in over 40 of its previous sites in and around Cheltenham and the Cotswolds.

Harry Sherborne, Director of Sherborne Homes, said “We’ve been using Ariston boilers for the last four to five years; they are fantastic in terms of quality and performance, while the customer service we have received from the company has been second-to-none. It’s also reassuring to have the same point of contact at Ariston, who is always prepared to go the extra mile should we have any additional requirements or queries.”

“We use a local gas engineer to fit the boilers – and he is always happy to install Ariston, having never had any issues with them. We usually fit 15 to 20 boilers per development, so it’s important to know they are a brand we can trust. While we had previously used a different manufacturer, Ariston proved to be not only more competitive in terms of price, but also incredibly reliable and supportive across all areas of the business.”

Ariston’s range of highly efficient gas-fired boilers boasts user-friendly interfaces, high quality electrical connections and advanced control options. Plus, all units use a proven stainless steel heat exchanger alongside an ‘AUTO’ function, which monitors the ideal temperature for the heating system – reducing peaks in flow temperature and optimising efficiency.

The latest Ariston boilers are also fully compatible with the Ariston Net smart heating control, while BusBridgeNet® technology allows communication with other Ariston products. This simplifies integration with a range of devices and heat sources, optimising energy consumption. The remote diagnostic capabilities of Ariston Net also ensure any faults are identified immediately, followed by precise remedial advice.

Each property in ‘The Suffolks’ has a variety of character features, including solid wood kitchens, flagstone floors and solid oak doors. Each house also has its own log burner, while underfloor heating systems are used throughout.

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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SFS intec shares specification expertise in ‘Must-Read’ NBS Specifier Report

Roofing and cladding fastener manufacturer SFS intec has been exclusively invited to share its specification market knowledge, analysis and experience in a new report published by NBS.

The ‘What Specifiers Want’ report, based on the NBS Specification Survey, provides expert guidance for construction product manufacturers supplying into the UK specification market. It serves as a way for construction professionals to inform the industry about their changing needs when it comes to specification writing, with the findings also helping NBS to improve the tools and resources it provides and adapt to the changing industry as BIM establishes itself.

SFS intec, who have worked closely with architects and building envelope contractors for three decades, were the only product manufacturer to be invited to share their perspectives in this report, alongside eminent construction industry professionals and thought-leaders. It reflects the company’s strength and depth in the specification market, with its market-leading support for building designers. This includes a UK-based Specification Team focused on supporting specifiers with writing NBS clauses and the provision of BIM data to support a more robust specification that will make it more difficult to substitute products and reduce the risk of poor envelope performance.

David Wigglesworth, Managing Director of SFS intec’s UK business, who wrote an article for the report, says: “We’re delighted to have been invited to share our insights in this latest NBS report which will be enormously beneficial to anyone working in the specification market. The key findings of the survey resonate with our ethos and the way our support is structured, designed to help deliver better quality buildings and maximise client satisfaction. This is particularly so given the high proportion of specifiers who value good relationships with manufacturers and having detailed information easily accessible online.”

Expert technical support has been at the core of SFS intec’s success in serving the building envelope market for more than 30 years with a wide range of fasteners for pitched roof, façade and flat roof construction. Operating from its UK HQ in Leeds, the company is part of the Swiss-based SFS Group which has annual sales in excess of £1.1bn and a history dating back to the 1950s serving customers in the construction, automotive, electronics, industrial and medical products markets.

Find out more about SFS intec at www.sfsintec.co.uk and download the NBS ‘What Specifiers Want’ at https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/what-specifiers-want-2017.
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METSEC accommodates offsite solution for Bournemouth students

Arts University Bournemouth has more than 3,000 students and is growing each year. Identifying a need for additional student accommodation in the area, ASN Capital who act as both residential and commercial developers and landlords, had a plot on Bath Road in Bournemouth where it had planning permission to build a halls of residence. Delivering the project as the main contractor, ASN Capital wanted to maximise project efficiencies by sourcing the fewest packages possible.

The footprint of the plot was small, and the planned building was complex, with a curved front façade and a staggered shape to the rear. ASN Capital selected Atkin Trade Specialists to deliver the installation and after reviewing the options, together selected Metsec’s Metframe as the offsite framing solution for the building.

The Metframe solution is pre-panelised off-site to reduce time on-site and increase the overall speed of build; ideal for ASN Capital’s ambition to complete the project as soon as possible. In fact, thanks to the speed of Metframe construction, the erection of the superstructure took less than 13 weeks, halving the time a standard build would have taken.

A major factor in reducing the time needed for the build was that in addition to the frame, the stairs and lift shafts were integral to the Metframe system and were installed as each floor was constructed. This removed the need for additional contractors to fit the stairs and lifts at a later date, and instead everything was completed concurrently using Metsec’s off-site solution.

Having an integrated solution also meant a single point of contact for a significant amount of the build.

Amir Sadeh, of ASN Capital, said: “Our priority was to move the project along swiftly and efficiently. We reviewed multiple solutions that were available to us and selected Metframe as it was ideal for what we needed.

“We had a small plot and a tight time frame and Metsec’s solution allowed us to deliver everything to deadline.”

The 2,610sqm halls of residence at Bath Road has a concrete basement housing a communal room and bike store, a ground floor including a lobby, built partially using Metframe, and eight storeys above ground housing all 84 en-suite accommodation studios for students, entirely built from Metframe.

Jeff Harris, from Atkin Trade Specialists, said: “The building is BIM compliant, designed in a 3D environment which gave ASN Capital a very clear simulation of what each part of the building would look like. In using Metframe, with panels delivered to site in the required erection sequence, the project has zero waste therefore reducing the environmental impact. The overall quality and accuracy through designing in a BIM compliant project and using Metframe leads to material, time and cost savings.

“Having ASN Capital involved throughout and carefully reviewing the best solution for their project meant that they selected a time-saving and cost-efficient solution which gives high performance in terms of thermal, acoustic and fire protection.”

The Metframe solution was able to withstand a concrete roof on the building, which future-proofed the building, allowing an additional floor to be added at a later date if desired.
The Bath Road project used 77 tonnes of cold rolled steel and 15.5 tonnes of hot rolled steel.

For more information please visit www.metsec.com.
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James Hardie launches new ‘classically timeless’ colour palette as industry experts spot shift in colour trends

From housebuilders to homeowners, James Hardie, the UK’s leading fibre cement cladding manufacturer, has seen a significant shift in colour trends, which is why the company is launching a brand-new colour palette. The new palette features four new colours, Anthracite Grey, Grey Slate, Pearl Grey and Rich Espresso; two of which are European exclusives, and all of which take inspiration from a change in taste to monochrome.

In recent months James Hardie worked alongside many industry experts, including the late Professor Will Alsop OBE, world-renowned architect and director of aLL Design, to extensively research colour trends in the UK residential sector. This resulted in some fascinating insight into the shift in trends around UK home design. The research showed that in the last five years, there has been an emerging trend in monochrome and muted design styles, with homeowners choosing black, grey, white and off-white shades. In the last year, these colours have accounted for more than 70% of cladding sales, whereas five years ago the same palette would have accounted for just under 50% of sales.

Rob Windle, managing director for James Hardie UK comments: “Across the full spectrum of our customers – architects, housebuilders, specifiers and homeowners – we know that a property’s exterior is an important way to make a design statement. Will Alsop was renowned for his imaginative use of colour and, through his lens, we have created a colour palette that is both bold and elegant.

James Hardie

Colour choice in facades is a vital part of our design process. As trends change we wanted to make sure we created a new generation of classics, not simply to respond to fashion, and I really believe this new palette will last for many years to come.

A monochrome palette is surprisingly far-reaching, offering the chance to be understated and restrained, or imaginative and striking. It is exciting to release the palette into the market and see the varied outcomes realised in inspirational design.”

Tracey Kisbee of Taylor Roberts architects added, “As a practice working on many housing schemes, we have been specifying James Hardie cladding products for several years now. We are very excited about this new colour palette, as it will greatly enhance our offering to clients who are looking to capitalize on the latest colour trends. The new colours are a big step forward and the new palette gives a fresh, contemporary offering to the rainscreen facades market.”

Grey slate is a deep, warm grey reminiscent of polished antique silver, while anthracite grey is a bold, modern grey that is intensified by blue undertones, perfect for creating strongly defined lines. Pearl grey is an elegant white-toned neutral inspired by the softest colours in nature, while the opposing rich espresso is a classic dark shade of subtle brown.

The new colours are manufactured using the James Hardie ColourPlus Technology; a formula which took more than four years to develop and ensures that the company’s weatherboards are UV, fade, rot and weather resistant. The firm’s fibre cement exterior range (including well-known brands HardiePlank and HardiePanel cladding) offers a non-combustible, fire resistant product with the highest possible fire rating for any colour facade board.

For more information please visit www.jameshardie.co.uk.
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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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