Fusing the options

Ventilation design and specification for multi-occupancy buildings is now as simple as A,B,C through an innovative approach pioneered by Gilberts.

Britain’s leading air movement specialist is the first to develop a stock, single-unit hybrid solution focussed on natural ventilation with heat recovery- its Mistrale Fusion System (MFS). The company’s pioneering approach has continued, with the evolution of the system that now enables simple addition of extra elements.

Thus, the core MFS is manufactured as a standard product, with ‘add-on’ items to meet the varying specifications of each project. Elements such as heating coils, filters, silencers, duct connection outlets and louvre transformation, plus a range of air volumes for warm up or purge ventilation, to supplement the standard airflow rates, ensure the MFS brings a comprehensive hybrid solution to the extensive, variable building demands for ventilation.

“Using this modular approach makes it as simple as possible for the precise needs of each room to be met, in line with the latest F.O.S and BB101 requirements,” explains Gilberts’ Technical Director Roy Jones. “It means the MFS is retained as a standard, individual module to which bespoke parts are added in compliance with the architectural requirements, simplifying and accelerating the whole building services design, supply and installation process.

Further, because Gilberts undertakes all R&D in-house, it can still efficiently tailor-engineer the MFS to create a bespoke answer to individual project demands. Thus, all involved in the construction supply process benefit from a commercially viable single source strategy.

The approach has been exemplified in delivery of a number of schools- new build and refurbishment. Gilberts’ MFS enabled the precise requirements of each classroom to be accommodated- level of occupation, room orientation, site geography- even in those learning spaces with complex needs such as IT suites, science laboratories and SEN special needs classrooms.

It also meant project-specific design constraints could be overcome- for example one façade included a 6° deviation from the vertical, so Gilberts engineered a bespoke duct transition piece and special louvre system to ensure an airtight fit. In another, there was no suitable external façade, so Gilberts engineered a vertical solution to provide intake and extraction through the roof.

“The flexibility of the product are limited only by the building designer’s imagination!” adds Roy Jones. “The standard permutations cover almost every core requirement; our ability to develop, engineer and test bespoke strategies means that an issue which may normally be a deal-breaker can be addressed and turned into a deal-maker: a true one stop shop solution with the benefits of modular design.”

MFS is just part of Gilberts’ diverse range of ventilation systems, grilles, louvres and diffusers which, coupled with its in-house expertise, have established it as the leading independent supplier of air movement solutions in the UK.Family-owned, Gilberts has a 55 year pedigree in developing and manufacturing innovative air movement solutions. It is unique in its sector in its ability to design, engineer and supply its products with all processes undertaken in-house at its 85,000ft2 head office and manufacturing facility in Blackpool.

For more information please visit www.gilbertsblackpool.com.
/0 Comments/by

CIF Bids: helping to transform the learning environment

A well designed, comfortable, safe and healthy environment is critical when creating an effective learning space for young students.

With many older school buildings now deteriorating and suffering from a range of condition issues such as leaking roofs, spalling concrete, unsafe glazing, and uninsulated cavity walls, this ideal environment has become more difficult to achieve. Aside from the visible damage to a school’s buildings, the unseen dangers are of equal concern – an inadequate ventilation strategy results in poor indoor air quality and high levels of CO2 which can cause fatigue amongst the students, while the health implications are considerable.

With public budgets tightened and traditional sources of funding now less available, academies and colleges are becoming more reliant on the government’s Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) to support vital refurbishment work and tackle overcrowding by expanding. Competition is fierce – the fund was 4x oversubscribed in the 2017-2018 bidding round with only 1,510 out of 3,800 applications meeting CIF’s stringent criteria.

Projects are scored against three assessment criteria; need (70%), planning (15%) and value for money (15%). Priority is given to projects focused on compliance issues, health and safety failings, and the condition of the building’s fabric, so a bid application must demonstrate the severity of the concerns and the urgency of the need for funding – this can be challenging.

When the team at The Canterbury Academy in Kent were preparing their CIF proposal for a full facade replacement on the main classroom block, the school’s Business Manager and their chosen Consultant approached specialist glazing and cladding contractor Prima Systems to carry out a ‘Facade Condition Report’ to be included in the bid. A detailed cost and deliverability plan for the recommended works and supporting technical drawings were also requested.

Prima Systems has an excellent track record of contributing to successful funding applications for schools in London and the Home Counties. Their facade condition report examines all aspects of a building’s facade, recording all damage, defects and associated compliance failings – all backed up with photographic evidence. Technical data including indoor air quality readings obtained using remote monitoring software and heat loss coefficient calculations help to illustrate the improvements a new facade could offer.

In order to produce the report, a detailed survey of the ‘Crittall’ style steel facade was conducted. It highlighted many concerning issues with the windows, the locks and restrictors, the frames, the lack of ventilation, and the poor state of the facade, that had an adverse effect on the indoor air quality and thermal control.

The bid was announced as successful in April – and the full facade replacement project was underway soon after, transformed with a thermally efficient facade consisting of Rehau 70 PVCu framing, solar control glass, and steel insulated panels. It is expected to extend the lifespan of the building by up to 30 years, and the school will also benefit from reduced maintenance costs and utility bills.

Confirmation of your funding takes you to the next stage of your school improvement project – the construction site stage. Coordinating the school’s activities around a live construction environment can be taxing – preparation and flexibility are key. Summer holidays provide a window of opportunity, but depending on the scope of the project the installation is likely to run into term time – as it did when Prima Systems were undertaking a full facade refurbishment at Norton Knatchbull School in Ashford in 2017.

Noise assessments were performed to determine the effects of work on each elevation – it was determined that the fixing of the cladding brackets was too loud to be carried out during school hours so a weekend schedule was implemented. Attaching the cladding boards was less disruptive so the team would return to that area during the week. Exams were taking place at key points of the installation so teams would switch between the different phases around the site to allow work to continue.

Norton Knatchbull School was awarded the funding based on the poor state of repair of the building’s structure and environmental performance failings. To combat the issues, a high performing, energy efficient combination of cladding and glazing systems were specified to improve the thermal efficiency, ventilation, and temperature control in the building, and visually transform the dilapidated facade of the school.

Owing to the scale and complexity of this project, Prima Systems provided a fully integrated approach with a full design package of detailed drawings and specifications, allowing the interfacing details between the glazing and cladding elements to be resolved before being on site.

Sapa Dualframe aluminium casement windows were selected for their high thermal efficiency, energy performance, and low maintenance requirements, with high level windows fitted with teleflex remote gearing and vents. Jack TD68 thermally broken commercial doors were used throughout with robust, heavy duty hardware to suit the environment, including fire escape hardware and remote automatic door gearing to the main entrance doors. The glass requirements were calculated and specified to provide the best possible U-value whilst also achieving the correct LT and G values that best suited each elevation.

Roof replacement works were also included in the bid so this, coupled with the cladding system specified by Prima Systems, provided a watertight and thermally efficient building envelope.

The Condition Improvement Fund can help to dramatically transform your school if it has fallen into disrepair due to both financial and operational constraints. But securing the funding is just the start of the challenges – you need a team of invested subcontractors involved from the start who will advise and guide you through the process ensuring you achieve the best outcome for your school.

For more information please visit www.primasystems.co.uk.
/0 Comments/by

ROCKWOOL unveils new product at Firex International 2018

ROCKWOOL is pleased to announce that as the world’s largest producer of non-combustible stone wool insulation, it will be unveiling its new FirePro® DuctRock® system at Firex International 2018 at ExCeL London between 19th – 21st June.

Visitors to the ROCKWOOL stand A285 will be able to view a demo model and installation video of the new FirePro® DuctRock® system. Fully tested to EN1366-1 and EN1366-8 for Fire Resisting Ductwork and Smoke Extract Systems, it incorporates a suite of easily installed, cost effective solutions to provide up to 120 minutes fire resistance. The system will provide contractors with the widest range possible for rectangular ducts, ensuring a solution for all eventualities. As well as the DuctRock® system, ROCKWOOL will also be exhibiting a wide selection of other solutions from the comprehensive FirePro® range.

The FirePro® range of products provides firestopping and fire resistance solutions to protect throughout the building, slowing the spread of fire, protecting escape routes and allowing valuable time for safe evacuation and firefighting.

Beyond ROCKWOOL insulation’s inherent fire-resistant qualities, ROCKWOOL’s specialist range of products and technical tools help installers, contractors and specifiers conform to current fire regulations. The specialist FirePro® range incorporates solutions for building applications such as: structural protection, penetration seals, linear joints, cavity barriers, HVAC and smoke management systems.

ROCKWOOL’s stone wool insulation is capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 1000°C and has been awarded the highest possible European classification: A1 non-combustible. It provides vital fire protection in buildings, keeping people safe, as well as minimising damage to valuable assets.

ROCKWOOL is committed to enriching the lives of everyone who comes into contact with its solutions. The company’s expertise is perfectly suited to tackle many of today’s biggest sustainability and development challenges, from energy consumption and noise pollution to fire resilience, water scarcity and flooding.

For more information, visit ROCKWOOL on stand A285, or visit www.rockwool.co.uk.
/0 Comments/by

Highs and lows of student life

GEZE products are giving students access to the highs and lows of student life in a development which incorporates a 21-storey tower block and three low-rise residences.

Chamberlain Hall – part of University of Birmingham’s Vale Village scheme – saw the replacement of the 50-year-old Eden Town, known as High Hall and its associated wings – with new purpose-built accommodation.

It provides a home-from-home for 725 students in either en-suite study bedrooms in clusters of five or six, which share a kitchen/lounge – or self-contained studios.

GEZE products were used throughout the development. Every bedroom and circulation door, more than 800 in total, is fitted with a TS 3000 EC. This surface mounted door closer has a low opening force, requiring less energy to open it, making it a great choice for an educational building.

It adheres to strictest safety standards, and not only features an adjustable hydraulic latching action, closing force and closing speed, but also incorporates a sleek guide rail rather than an obtrusive arm to make it safer choice for residents.

Kitchen Doors were fitted with the TS 4000 EFS – a pinion toothed door closer with free swing arm function which enables people to go through the door while applying little physical force once the door has been initially opened. It has an electro hold-open function which ensures safe closing of the door in an event of a fire.

TS 5000 E closers were fitted to lobby doors. They are fitted with electro-mechanical hold-open devices which are released in the event of a fire closing the door safely. The TS 5000 E is suitable for doors up to 1400mm in width and has adjustable closing force, size EN 2-6, adjustable closing speed, hydraulic latching action and hydraulic back check.

Fifteen GEZE Slimdrive EMD-F electro-mechanical swing door operators were fitted to entrance doors and rooms for disabled students.

They are almost silent in operation, with the capacity to move large and heavy, single leaf doors with ease. The Slimdrive EMD-F operators are extremely durable which mean that they are the ideal low-maintenance solution for areas of heavy footfall such as student accommodation.

Students living in the tower benefit from lake-side views across the Vale, a Grade 2 historic park and garden, and those on the upper floors enjoy vistas right across the city. The three low rise blocks have been designed to sit at an angle maximising views across the Vale.

Said Andy Howland, GEZE’s director of sales and marketing: “A range of GEZE products has been used throughout this development to provide the ideal solution to a selection of doors that all need to perform different uses, in different areas of the building. The end result provides University of Birmingham students with quality, purpose-built accommodation, which is surrounded by nature whilst being in the heart of the city.”

University of Birmingham project manager, Daniel Holmes, said “It is always important in such a critical University project that we work with suppliers we can rely on. The GEZE products fit the bill and we are pleased with how they have performed.”

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic operators, manual door closers and window technology products call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk.
/0 Comments/by

Consort Claudgen launches SL single-zone controllers

Consort Claudgen have introduced three new wireless controllers which can be connected to one or multiple SL heaters to form an SL heating system. All controllers have comfort and setback temperatures settings.

The SLPB and SLVT controllers have a control button with status indicators and a 4-stage run-back timer where a heating period remains active until the run-back timer expires. There is a choice of three time periods available: 5, 15 or 30 minutes. When the button is pressed four times, this takes the run-back time period to 20, 60 or 120 minutes.

Additionally, the SLVT has temperature control buttons and a digital display to show the room temperature. The SLTI, however, features a 7-day timer with three heating periods per day and is designed with four large control buttons with an electronic lock to prevent tampering with controls.

For details, visit www.consortepl.com or call Sales at 01646 692172.
/0 Comments/by

‘Best Practice’ guidelines update accommodate disabled students

New ‘best practice’ guidelines have been published that, for the first time, specifically address disabled student accommodation.

Simultaneously, Britain’s leading provider of disabled toileting solutions, Closomat, is announcing new developments that enable providers to comply, stylishly, with a unique package from specification, through fitting to future service & maintenance.

The options help enable providers to meet the growing number of disabled students, which now represents almost 10% of the student population in the UK!

BS8300:2018 Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment extends the remit of compliance covered under its predecessor BS8300:2009. The latest version is not specific to new build projects, and applies to all building types that require permanent sleeping accommodation for disabled people.

It also, for the first time, incorporates a specific set of criteria for student accommodation bedrooms. Under the new guidelines, up to 4% of bedrooms should be wheelchair accessible, up to 1% of rooms should include a fixed track hoist system, and up to 5% should be easily adaptable for independent wheelchair use. If only one accessible bedroom is provided, it should include an accessible shower room, with the preferred solution being a level access shower with shower seat if required, and include a WC. The adaptable rooms should have the space and design features to allow for addition of grab rails, shower seats, with ceiling height to allow for a track hoist (2.4m).

Closomat offers a range of contemporary ceiling track hoist systems that can be tailored to individual needs, enabling movement and transfer within a room, through to an en-suite, or beyond.

In the bathroom, it can provide a stylish wall track system, that integrates with a range of fixtures such as grab rails, height-adjustable or fixed washbasins, shower seats, enabling quick and easy adaptation to individual occupant needs.

Its range of wash & dry toilets take accessibility into higher realms of inclusion and intimate hygiene, with contemporary styled floor- standing, wall-mounted and height adjustable variants. Wash and dry toilets have the added benefit of satisfying cultural and religious considerations, regardless of the enhanced hygiene they provide against conventional wiping.

“Accessibility is a growing consideration in building design,” explains Robin Tuffley, Closomat marketing manager. “Disabled student numbers have increased by 56% in less than a decade, so it’s a sector that accommodation providers need to consider, and address.

“As the new British Standard points out, because such accommodation is booked or reserved in advance, there is greater scope for it to be adapted correctly, as required, to suit an individual student. It goes so far as to advise that in effect a ‘show flat/ bedroom’ should be provided on build completion so people can asses how their requirement may be met!”

Closomat’s website www.clos-o-mat.com is the ‘go to’ resource to help take the first steps towards efficient accessibility provision, including design guidance, white papers, CAD blocks, NBS specification clauses and case studies.

The information represents the combined wealth of knowledge amassed from over 55 years’ helping disabled people optimise their dignity and independence in the bathroom, at home and away.

/0 Comments/by

Brio UK strengthen sales team

With increased growth in sales, Brio, the leading global brand name in sliding and folding gear for interior and exterior door hardware, has recently appointed two experienced sales personnel to manage and support the company’s sales activity. The two new appointments – Daryl Curtis and Nigel Walsh – bring with them a wealth of knowledge and product expertise.

Brio’s two new Business Development Managers, Nigel and Daryl, share more than 65 years of building industry experience, with particular emphasis on door, sliding door systems, fixings, sliding door gear and architectural hardware.

Both have spent time with leading industry manufacturers at management level with Daryl experiencing time overseas in Hong Kong and Malaysia.

The move to Brio for both of them was an easy decision as the company’s level of service and commitment to research and quality of product range would undoubtedly push forward the continued growth and success.

Brio’s General Manager, Dave Newton commented on the appointments: “Nigel and Daryl are a fantastic addition to the Brio team, with their practical experience and solid sales background, they will be an integral part of Brio UK’s future growth plans.”

For more information please visit http://briouk.com/
/0 Comments/by

SFS fasteners chosen for Curtis Moore’s Glasgow Quay refurb projects

Precision engineered stainless steel fasteners by SFS have enabled leading roofing and cladding contractor Curtis Moore to deliver new roofing in two refurbishment projects at Glasgow’s premier leisure and entertainment destination, Springfield Quay.

Bringing a fresh new look and delivering amongst the best quality entertainment facilities of their kind in Scotland, the renewal projects at the Hollywood Bowl and Odeon Cinema have helped the development maintain Springfield Quay’s position at the forefront of the market. In addition to these two key attractions, the Springfield Quay provides a wide range of restaurants, cafés, a gym, casino, hotel and more, located close to Glasgow City Centre.

Chosen to provide a reliable and secure fixing for Kalzip Standing Seam Roofing panels, SFS fasteners were used for both roof replacement projects at the leisure park’s Hollywood Bowl and Odeon cinema buildings.

Acting as the principal contractor on both projects, Curtis Moore was tasked with removing the existing profiled metal roof, insulation and VCL, before installing new insulation and the aluminium Kalzip panels. Both major refurbishment projects were completed whilst the facilities remained open for business, which required careful planning to keep access open and safe, without impacting on day-to-day operations or the overall customer experience.

Working closely with NBDA Architects on both projects, Curtis Moore was initially appointed on the Odeon Cinema scheme. The 5,500m2 roof of this building features curved roof sheets which are 53.5m in length. The sheets had to be site rolled within the active car park – this was undertaken in an area of the car park that would cause least disruption and was clearly cordoned off.

It was a roofing project that presented a number of challenges, not least the need to incorporate additional steelwork to suit the new Kalzip system, which was only apparent once the existing roof was removed. However, such was the success of the solution and service provided by Curtis Moore, that the company was awarded the adjacent project – Hollywood Bowl. This was a similar project, involving the removal of an existing skin, VCL, insulation and supporting grid, and installation of 2,808m2 of Kalzip panels.

Commenting on the project, Curtis Moore’s Ashleigh Thomson, Business Development Director, said: “Springfield Quay is a hugely popular leisure and entertainment destination and we are delighted to have been involved in these latest refurbishment projects which look set to keep it at the top of its game for years to come.

“Market-leading brands like Odeon and Hollywood Bowl set high standards for their customer experience, so our contribution to the building envelope must match these ambitions. That’s why the use of Kalzip systems secured by SFS fasteners was hugely important, providing the assurance of a long service life and giving the buildings excellent and lasting visual appeal.”

Find out more about SFS at www.sfsintec.co.uk.
/0 Comments/by

Armstrong Ceilings prove their metal for the Metropolitan Police Service

Custom metal ceiling systems from Armstrong World Industries have brought form and function to the award-winning transformation of that bastion of island security – New Scotland Yard.

Armstrong’s metal F-H 600 hook-on tiles and swing-down rectangular planks with concealed G-Profile grid and acoustic fleece, and metal T-Clip F tiles with Spring-T grid, were specified by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris architects for the £65 million remodelling, refurbishment and extension of the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police.

With a constrained floor to ceiling height the Armstrong systems met the demands for electrical servicing and lighting while mechanical services, data and small power outlets were installed in a raised access floor void.

As well as the circulation spaces, corridors and lift lobbies, Armstrong’s custom micro-perforated metal systems, which perform up to sound absorption Class A, were also used for the ground-floor multi-use and Press Rooms where acoustic absorption and integration of lighting were key design considerations.

Architect Steven McCloy said: “The existing building had compromised and varying ceiling heights with complex service requirements. Due to the constraints of the existing building, tile lengths were manufactured to suit.”

“The ceilings are generally acoustic plasterboard apart from the doughnut of service runs on each floor which are made from the Armstrong demountable metal ceiling planks. These have an aesthetic and practical application, allowing the integration of light fittings and so on, and can be demounted for access or change in the future.”

He added: “The Armstrong systems were detailed with minimal interfaces with other surfaces, thus avoiding trimming or cutting.”

The redevelopment of the former Curtis Green building (so named after its architect William Curtis Green) on Victoria Embankment involved demolition, a new structural steel frame, new cladding and interior remodelling to make a 21st Century smart workplace with an engaging public realm.

AHMM’s design is a radical remodelling and extension of the 1930s stone-fronted building. The core objectives of the brief were to create modern, flexible and efficient office environments, extend available floor space and facilitate agile working with more interaction between staff and visitors.

The design has transformed the building with the addition of an elegant curved glass entrance pavilion, a new rooftop pavilion, extension of the floor plates to the west and the reworking of the existing accommodation which has expanded the building’s floor area from 8,691m2 to around 12,000m2.

The contemporary design of the new extensions sensitively complement and enhance the architectural features of the original Neo Classical building and respond in materials, colours and proportions to neighbouring Whitehall buildings.

Inside, AHMM has created a flexible office environment to facilitate collaboration and interaction. The rooftop extension provides multi-use conference space and terraces and is illuminated to give presence at night, symbolising the 24/7 nature of policing the nation’s capital along with creating a civic presence.

New Scotland Yard has won numerous awards including an AJ Retrofit award for Best office over 10,000m2 2017, Building Magazine’s Project of the Year 2017, and the Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award 2017, along with a RIBA London Region Award 2017 and RIBA National Award 2017.

More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.
/0 Comments/by

SFS hinge technology raises the bar at 2018 Fensterbau Frontale

Leading door hinge manufacturer SFS has reported a successful four days at the Fensterbau 2018 exhibition, with the show providing the ideal platform for door manufacturers to explore why its latest range offers unparalleled adjustability, aesthetics and performance across every type of doorset.

Star of the show was the W-Tec 3D hinge range which SFS offers in any RAL colour to deliver a visually stunning result in contrast or to colour match. This highly engineered concealed hinge, available in two versions for standard and slim doors, provides a perfect solution for aesthetically-led heavyweight timber doors used in high-end residential, commercial and hospitality applications. The quality of W-Tec 3D’s design and manufacture leads the market with its excellent stability and mechanical adjustability enabling precise installation and delivering long term reliability.

Another popular hinge technology option for timber doorsets that attracted strong interest from visitors was the Easy 3D hinge. This well-established, stainless steel hinge range is well-liked by manufacturers and installers across Europe because of that fact it can be mechanically adjusted in three dimensions whilst fitted in situ. This makes it much easier to achieve a textbook timber door installation, every time.

In the UK, SFS is renowned for its Dynamic hinge ranges for PVC-U, aluminium and composite doors, and Fensterbau provided the latest insights into how this range continues to evolve.

Alongside the market-leading Dynamic 2D, which is designed to create high performance rebated doorsets thanks to its profile-specific sash plates, was Dynamic 3D. This offers the same highly engineered quality and aesthetic appeal, but with an additional level of adjustability. SFS also took the opportunity to showcase a concept version of Dynamic 3D which could present a future solution for flush-fit doors, subject to market feedback.

Nigel Wood, Director of Sales – Hinge and Fastening Technology at SFS said “It was fantastic to see such a high level of interest in our hinge technology range across all four days of Fensterbau.

“Our European designed and manufactured products truly have raised the bar in terms of a hinge’s build quality, adjustability and visual appeal and we look forward to expanding our relationships with UK architects, joinery manufacturers and door fabricators to help the market benefit further.”

Architects can learn more about why the hinge choice is crucial to a secure, safe and durable doorset specification in SFS’s new RIBA-approved CPD seminar. This seminar is delivered at architects’ offices in a ‘lunch and learn’ format and can be booked online at www.sfsintec.co.uk in the Architects & Specifiers tab.

More information on the SFS hinge technology range, including brochures and technical data is available at www.sfsintec.co.uk.
/0 Comments/by