Creating a lasting impression with Osmo UK’s ESCO collection

For the past three years, Osmo UK and bespoke European oak flooring specialists, ESCO, have enjoyed a successful partnership, creating a collection of nine solid oak flooring styles pre-finished with Osmo’s renowned wood finishing product, Polyx®-Oil. Ready to install from purchase, Osmo’s ESCO collection is favoured by specifiers.

Osmo UK specialise in producing wood protection and finishes using natural ingredients to complement the wood’s internal properties. The products contain no biocides or preservatives, abolishing the need for traditional chemically enhanced products. The ESCO collection offers a robust yet aesthetically pleasing wooden floor and is pre-finished with Osmo’s Polyx®-Oil.

Polyx-Oil from Osmo UK is a premium wood finish guaranteed to keep wooden surfaces in the best possible condition. Ideal for solid engineered or laminate wood floors, it is a high quality, water-repellent and tread-resistant wood finish. Unlike ordinary oil finish products which often form a film on the surface of the wood, Polyx-Oil’s natural components penetrate deeply into the wood to create a micro-porous finish. This allows the wood to breathe, moisture to evaporate and ensures a flawless finish both upon application and for many years to come.

The ESCO collection offers a choice of nine solid oak flooring options, including Harfa, Bohemia and Chateau, and each with its own unique charms and appealing appearance.

Focus on: Harfa Flooring

The Harfa flooring surface has been designed with a rough-sawn treatment and has been enhanced with cross-wise cuts that are grooved in the surface. Harfa can be combined with many different styles and colours, providing endless possibilities. It is hugely versatile, available in eight colours, including natural, natural white, double smoked black, smoked tobacco, smoked natural, washy grey, smoked white and stone grey. There is also the option to choose between 2 or 3 layer parquet and your desired wood style – elegance, superb, classic or original.

Focus on: Chateau Flooring

Another of the leading styles in the Osmo ESCO range is Chateau, a smooth oak flooring design that effortlessly showcases the wood’s classic natural beauty in a stylish and contemporary manner. Elegantly embracing the wood’s artistic knots and grains, the style complements current decorative trends and interiors. As standard, Chateau is available in eight different colours, including black, tobacco, stone grey and natural. Before being oiled, boards can also be smoked. This process adds rich, deep variations of colour to the palette, providing another 6 colour options.

Offering further personalisation, Chateau flooring is supplied in three grades; character grade, character/prime grade and prime grade. Character grade is ideal for interiors that want to retain the natural look. Complete with hand-filled, sanded knots, the flooring brings the true rustic nature of the wood to life. A slight variation of the Character grade is the Character/Prime Grade. With smaller knots, this grade offers the rustic charm in a more uniform look. Finally, Prime Grade provides a sleek, contemporary look keeping any knots to a minimum.

Focus on: Bohemia Flooring

Those looking for a smooth and alive rustic floor need to look no further than the Bohemian range. The combination of ESCO’s special rustic wood style and Osmo’s smooth finish makes it one of the most popular flooring choices in the range. Available in eight colour options, including Cognac, Natural white to Stone Grey, this stylish flooring will suit any interior scheme.
The Bohemia option offers a strong rustic wooden style that features open filled knots for a genuine oak style. In addition to this, the floorings surface lines and irregular surface smoothness give Bohemia a unique look and feel compared to other designs. Planed, filled, sanded and finished with Osmo Polyx®-Oil, Bohemian flooring requires no additional coatings and can be ready to walk on in hours, not days, after installation.

For a more specific look, customers can create their own Bohemian flooring exact to their requirements. After selecting a colour, customers can choose the type, width, thickness and length of the flooring. This includes a choice from solid wood flooring, two-layer parquet or three-layer parquet. For a more personalised touch, the wood can be finished with a range of signature features including an Osmo silver shine, extra old finish, fire-rating or handscrapped bevel.

Osmo’s ESCO range is available from Osmo UK direct or from its nationwide network of stockists.

For more information contact Osmo UK on 01296 481220, email info@osmouk.com, or alternatively visit www.osmouk.com.
/0 Comments/by

Aiding hygiene control with the new Matrix M basin

A new height adjustable wash basin with enhanced features that assist hygiene control has been launched by Pressalit Care.

Known as the Matrix M, Pressalit Care has developed new integrated power buttons for raising and lowering the basin, and to aid all important hygiene control has incorporated all plumbing into a discreet, concealed unit. The Matrix M also features Pressalit Care’s highly regarded grab handles at the front of the basin.

Andrew Lowndes, UK sales manager for Pressalit Care says, “As well as popular features from our existing Matrix range, we’ve introduced new, stand-out elements into this basin. These will benefit both users and carers, whilst maintaining the commitment to quality, practicality and design that Pressalit Care has always made its priority.

“Where a bathroom is to be used by multiple or single users the Matrix M will be a valuable element in providing flexible facilities, maintaining self-esteem and a sense of equality with others.”

He continues, “The new concealed plumbing not only adds to the aesthetics of the design, but also aids hygiene control, as the pipework elements are not exposed to collect dust, dirt or bacteria.

“The new integrated operating panel on the front of the basin is simple and intuitive – with the red buttons on white easy to see and use, allowing most users to be able to adjust the height themselves.”

Hygiene is a top priority with the Matrix M basin. The concealed plumbing aids hygiene control; the smooth curved lines of the bowl make cleaning easy; and integrated handrails, as well as providing valuable support, have smooth lines and no hard to reach corners.

The wide, white Matrix M basin has profiled raised edges to prevent spillages over the side. The flat surface around the bowl aids leaning and support, or indeed the storage of personal toiletries. All surfaces incline towards to the plug to ensure efficient drainage.

The inward curve of the basin’s front edge allows the user to lean into the tap and reach it easily,
whilst the shallow bowl gives plenty of space for wheelchair maneuverability.

The Matrix M basin has a rise/fall of 200mm. The slim lifter unit allows wheelchairs to manoeuvre close to the wall. Securing the unit above the skirting provides much better access for wheelchair footplates and allows for slip-resistant flooring material to curve up the wall.

To help integrate into different bathroom designs and to fit with individual needs, a manual operating version with crank handle is available, together with or without integrated overflow.

Andrew Lowndes continues, “When creating a bathroom in a care home, hospital or school, or indeed a private home, the bathroom needs to provide facilities that are accessible to all users, a height adjustable basin is a must have. The flexibility that height adjustable elements bring to a bathroom play a major part in creating a usable space for everyone.

“Our new Matrix M basin is easy to use, designed with hygiene in mind, and will certainly be a valuable asset to an accessible bathroom or Changing Places facility, where it’s important that users with mobility problems are able to participate on equal terms with others.”

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

Rinnai announces price hold for second year

 

Rinnai, the UK leader in hot water heating units and systems for all commercial and residential sites, has announced that it is holding its price for the second year in succession – in the face of reports that some other manufacturers are increasing prices by almost 5%.

Two other manufacturers are reportedly ghosting through price rises of between 3 – 4.5%.

“We see no justification whatsoever to submit price increases and seek to stabilise market prices for our customers. We offer what we believe is a first-class product proposition of energy efficiency, economic cost in use, limitless hot water on demand where you only pay for the fuel you use to heat the water, completely compliant with all existing or pending UK and EU legislation”, says Rinnai Managing Director Tony Gittings.

The Rinnai natural gas or LPG water heaters guarantee a limitless supply of accurately temperature controlled safe and useable hot water. The Rinnai range delivers energy saving performance and low greenhouse emissions through new low NOx burner technology.

All units and systems can be installed as stand-alone or manifolded to provide unlimited hot water for the largest of all commercial sites such as big hotels, busy gyms, high rise offices etc.

Water temperature is and can be pre-set through easy-to-use built in digital controls, eliminating the risk of scalding. The newly updated Rinnai Infinity range is designed for use directly off the mains, with no need for large, ungainly and energy inefficient storage vessels.

Rinnai Heavy Duty water heaters are high efficiency gas continuous flow water heaters with outputs up to 69kW. Incoming water temperatures of up to 60°C are accepted, making the HD50i suitable for secondary return systems. Water can be delivered at high volume with minimum gas consumption. All models have full electronic ignition with no pilot light and operate on demand only, consuming no gas when not in use.

All Rinnai internal HDC condensing continuous flow water heaters, are room-sealed, power flue appliances, while the external weatherproof models have forced exhaust which enables them to be compact, saving both floor and wall space.

Rinnai’s unique condensing technology incorporates two heat exchangers to achieve optimum water heating generated from every cubic metre of Natural Gas or LPG. The condensing process delivers up to 95% thermal efficiency, which translates to significant energy savings when compared to standard on-demand water heaters or conventional stored systems.

Rinnai Gas Hot Water Storage Pack represents the best value-for-money solution on the market today with everything delivered direct to site in one complete package

The pack consists of up to five heavy duty water heaters with an equal number of flue kits (for internal heaters) or an equal number of pipe cover boxes (for external models) and sufficient valve packs. Also included is one hot water storage vessel (stainless steel 300L, 500L or 800L glass lined steel) along with necessary valves and one primary pump with valves and one unvented kit. Add to this an expansion vessel of either 50L or 80L capacity, two drain cocks, one tundish, a temperature and pressure relief valve along with a control thermostat, an overheat thermostat and the kit is complete. Common header flue systems are also available to further stream line the installation.

Typical applications for the commercial ranges include cafés, children’s nurseries, factories and offices, laundries with top loader machines, hotels and restaurants, sports clubs, shower blocks in caravan parks – and many more.

Rinnai continuous flow hot water systems deliver on all levels in a cost effective and practical manner. Easy to install and operate the units provide a flexible and energy efficient solution for domestic applications and for all sectors of business and industry.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
/0 Comments/by

Removing old floor coatings

The Preparation Group specialises in environmentally friendly solutions for preparing, cleaning and finishing surfaces. Its contracting division PPC, was recently employed to remove 1-2mm of epoxy resin from the 840m2 concrete subfloor of a Howden’s warehouse, ready for the application of a single pack coating.

The company used its 250 Planer fitted with a milling drum, removing the flexible resin material which varied in thickness and cutting into it with minimum damage to the background surface. After planing, the floor was ground with the heavy duty Terrco® 2000 Grinding and Polishing machine to create a perfectly smooth, flat ‘profile’ suitable for the application of the final thin coating system.

Planing

When selecting a Planer, it is important to look for machines that are simple to use and that offer precision cutting. The 250 Planer benefits from both lever and wheel drum lowering devices and no complicated switches. You simply turn on/off and lower the drum.

In planing, there are four main types of quick change drums fitted with different flails for a variety of applications:

Milling Drums:-
For removal of thermoplastic line markings, bitumous and rubber deposits, epoxy coatings and cementitious screeds in excess of 2mm.

TCT Drums:-
For traffic markings removal, stone surface cleaning, concrete grooving, heaving milling of concrete, scabbling, cleaning and roughening concrete and asphalt.

Beam Drums:-
For cleaning off paint without damage to concrete, de-scaling steel and removing oil and grease deposits.

Star Drums:-
For cleaning concrete laitance, de-rusting, general cleaning, paint & mill scale removal.

Grinding

The Terrco® 2000 multi-head machine is one of a range of grinders and polishers, the brand having evolved over 85 years. It is ideal for removing self levellers, screeds, coatings and adhesives from concrete, asphalt and stone surfaces. It also produces a high gloss finish on terrazzo, resin systems, concrete and asphalt.

On the Terrco®, different grades of diamond accessories are fitted to the rotating arms of the grinder, smoothing & removing as the machine moves forward, with the debris collected by a dust extraction unit.

When selecting diamond accessories for grinding, it is important to note that the materials used in the construction of floors varies considerably. The geographic location of the project provides an insight into regional materials used and must always be considered when selecting diamond accessories to prepare surfaces.

A simple equation is to examine the type of surface being treated. A hard composition surface will require a soft bond segment and a soft composition surface will require a hard bond segment.

In each instance the selection of the correct accessory will optimise the life of the diamond and provide cost effective solutions for the designated project.
In the event that the incorrect grade of diamond is selected it will simply glaze over the surface not creating the correct cutting actions, or “wear out” extremely quickly and often in the initial stages of the operation which proves to be costly and unsuccessful.

The Preparation Group’s technical support team is available to advise and recommend on the correct combination of equipment and accessories for your specific project.

For more information please visit www.thepreparationgroup.com or call 01522 561460.
/0 Comments/by

The perfect window for schools and student accommodation

30 years ago, most windows were timber and maintenance was a major bug-bear. There was almost no requirement for thermal or sound insulation, glass was single glazed, little concern existed for the environment, or security – and the concept of ‘whole life costs’ and thus, ‘best value’, was just a dream in the minds of the more enlightened.

Since then, the introduction of PVC and aluminium windows to reduce maintenance, worked well for a while, but then, these new window materials began to struggle under the inexorable rise in performance requirements under Building Regulations, ecological considerations, global warming, architectural preferences and clients wishing to exceed these performance standards, even further.

Thinking outside the box and using synergy, a ‘smarter’ solution was developed by some industry innovators, exploring better uses of current materials.

Timber, despite its susceptibility to water, has many benefits of sustainability, inherent insulation and acoustic properties, ease of workability, and a desirable appearance – and when engineered into laminated profiles, becomes extremely strong and dimensionally stable (Example: Structural “H” beams).
Aluminium on the other hand, is a very poor insulator, and lacks the appeal of a warm internal finish, but makes an excellent water barrier.

So, combining the two and making an engineered timber window, with all those added benefits, but protecting it from water, by fitting an outer shield of aluminium – and the “Composite” Window was born – which has since become a legendary revolution in the industry, outpacing the growth of all other window types, in recent years. This applies equally to progressive designers of Schools and Student Accommodation, since long life, minimum maintenance, low U values, high acoustic attenuation and competitive pricing are all essential.

One of these leading pioneers, in the mid 1980’s, was the Uniform Group, in Italy, who manufacture exclusively, the uni_one® Composite Window System, which, today, sells all around the World.

Introduced into UK, in 2014, through Uniform Architectural Ltd (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Uniform) the many benefits of the uni_one® system, even over other composite windows, have been welcomed and appreciated by clients, architects and contractors, alike. Many unique features set uni_one® apart, as follows:-

Examples –
A) Structurally bonded glass to improve strength and rigidity allowing much larger sashes to be produced, which architects and clients often prefer.
B) Vulcanised gaskets providing a continuous seal around the glass corners for much better and more durable weather-sealing.
C) Internal timber profiles are veneered in a variety of finishes, to provide significantly longer life, durability, appearance and protection from wear and tear, especially in heavy duty applications.
D) Unusually high acoustic performance, avoiding the need for secondary glazing is available beyond Rw50 and especially suited for traffic noise attenuation.
E) Triple glazing can take U values down to well below 0.8 W/M2K.
F) Sheer quality of manufacture of the finished product, cause many customers to ‘adopt’ us as their preferred window supplier, recommending us to their clients on future schemes.
G) Cost advantages over others on Tilt & Turn windows, due to economies of scale from high volume manufacture across Europe.
H) Cost advantages over aluminium-only windows, whose increasing raw material prices now make them more expensive than our composite windows, very often! Ironically!
I) An enthusiasm and passion by all within this Italian family owned business, to make the best window on the market; to embrace customer’s special requirements and strive to meet their needs.

For more information please visit www.uniform-arch.co.uk, call 01275 217227 or email enquiries@uniform-arch.co.uk.
/0 Comments/by

A new era for Electric Heating

Some recent regulation and technology developments could signal a new era for Electric Heating. Innovative Electric Heating and Hot Water experts, The Electric Heating Company, explore these developments and how Schools, Offices and Public Buildings could benefit.

The common perception of Electric Heating is that it comprises ageing electric storage heaters which are expensive to run, often difficult to control and provide a poor heating experience. However, a new regulation and technology developments provide further evidence that this perception could not be further from the truth. The Electric Heating Company (“EHC”) have long been advocates of modern electric heating systems and welcome this new regulation and technology developments.

A new energy efficiency standard, ‘LOT 20,’ technology developments relating to demand side response management and improvements in the combination of electric heating and Renewables all show that electric heating should not be discounted as a heating solution for your School or Property.

New ‘LOT 20’ Energy Efficiency Standards

On the 1st January 2018, a new regulation affecting “the ecodesign requirements for local space heaters” became effective. This derives from an EU Commission Regulation transposed into UK Law under the Energy Related Products Regulations (ERP). This new regulation is often referred to as ‘LOT 20’ and requires any new local space heating system installed from this date onwards to be compliant with set energy efficiency standards.

The aim of LOT 20 is to reduce the energy consumption through accurate management and control of electric heating appliances and minimise wasted energy. To meet the objectives of LOT 20, better use of intelligent timers, controls and sensors must be made. Standard on/off heating appliances without such controls will no longer be compliant and manufacturers and distributors will no longer be able to sell these.

Any new local space heating system installed from 1 January 2018 onwards must be compliant with the new LOT 20 performance standards. The legislation is not retrospective, so existing systems in place will not be affected.

To be LOT 20 compliant, heaters will in general now need to include 3 key features:

  • 24/7 time and temperature control, either built in or through wireless/WIFI APP.
  • Electronic thermostatic control for accurate room temperature measurement.
  • Open window/door recognition so the heater can reduce usage if the user leaves a door or window open reducing the room temperature rapidly. Some radiators will have a have a smart start facility included, which allows the heater to choose the time it engages to bring the room up to the required temperature set by the user.

All heaters must also meet a minimum seasonal space heating energy efficiency requirement too.

This new regulation change is welcomed by EHC and will stop basic static storage heaters and electric panel heaters with basic manual controls from being available for sale. All new electric heating systems will be fully controllable 24/7 for time and temperature purposes. Furthermore, advanced technology like open window sensors should reduce consumption when windows or doors are left open.

EHC have been well prepared for this new regulation. The EHC DSR Electric Combination Radiators, an update to the EHC Combination Radiators which have proven very popular in many Schools across the UK, have been LOT 20 compliant since January 2017. This range of LOT 20 compliant radiators continue to offer full controllability, ease of operation and, on the correct electricity tariff, continue to be affordable to run. Through a central programmer School Janitors will still be able to control the time and temperature of the whole heating system to suit the School.
Room thermostats and individual radiator controls also allow Teachers to control individual classroom temperatures.

Demand Side Response Technology

Demand Side Response (“DSR”) is about the use of electricity, rather than how it is generated, and promotes the smart use of energy to shift demand for electricity in real time. DSR technology can reduce peaks in demand when National Grid might struggle to supply and reward for consumption in off peak periods. DSR is now widely accepted as a smart way for Large Businesses to reduce their total energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. Over the past few years, DSR technology has been developing rapidly and is now ready for implementation on a smaller scale.

EHC have been closely monitoring advances in DSR technology and over the past 18 months have developed their own solution; the DSR Electric Combination Radiator. Through a Smart WiFi DSR Control System, a Consumer can control the time and temperature settings of up to 30 radiators anytime and anywhere. The special features of the DSR system also allow the Consumer to limit electricity consumption to avoid exceeding the maximum power available or to limit consumption in peak periods when electricity tariffs are at their most expensive.

EHC are expanding this DSR Control System and are currently trialling the ability of this DSR Control System to respond to external signals for frequency response and time of use tariff purposes. This will allow groups of DSR Electric Combination Radiators, potentially thousands at a time, to have their consumption reduced or turned off for a short period of time by an Aggregator. This may be required if frequency problems are detected on the Grid or if Power Companies introduce time of use tariffs which make it expensive to consume in times of peak demand.

Further, Power Companies may offer Renewable led electricity tariffs which provide Consumers with cheaper electricity if they consume when Renewable generation is prevalent. Being able to respond to these requirements will reduce electricity costs for Consumers as frequency response payments or cheaper time of use tariffs are made available.

The DSR Electric Combination Radiator has an element of in built heat storage as a result of the magmatic tablets at the core of the radiator. This, therefore, should ensure there is no compromise to the heating provided for Consumers when their heating is turned down or off through the DSR Control System.

This DSR Control System provides further evidence that electric heating is a developing technology and becoming an even more affordable form of heating. As Schools often have large heat requirements, the benefits a DSR electric heating system could provide will be even greater.

Solar PV Secondary Heating

In early 2016 EHC were approached by several Consumers who installed Solar PV arrays across a range of properties. These Consumers were mindful of the reduction in Feed in Tariff and wanted to increase their utilisation of the Solar PV generation to achieve greater cost savings. They asked if EHC could provide a cost effective solution which could increase PV self-consumption and provide ‘free’ heating for their Properties. Specifically, some wanted to provide additional ‘free’ heating for Tenants who are elderly or fuel poor.

To assist these Consumers, EHC designed a Solution that utilised Solar PV Ready Radiators working in conjunction with an Intelligent Controller. This ensured that the Property is using all of the Solar PV energy being generated and minimising what generation is sent back to the Grid. The system will operate in a manner that the feed in tariff received for generation is not affected and can still be received by the appropriate party.

The Solar PV Ready Radiators have a ceramic core which benefit from partial storage and can operate from as low as a small trickle of current being fed to them up to the full current required to heat the radiator to its maximum output. The Intelligent Controller ensures the Property’s power demand e.g. for lighting, the kettle, vacuum cleaner, television etc. is met first by the Solar PV generation and only the excess PV generation not otherwise utilised is sent to the Solar PV Ready Radiators. The Intelligent Controller can also operate with a Hot Water Cylinder should the preference be to divert heat to the Property’s Hot Water Cylinder during the summer months.

The intention of these Solar PV Ready Radiators is not to provide a whole heating system for a property but to provide a background heat during the day or provide heat to rooms which are not normally heated e.g. storage cupboards, small classes, meeting rooms or offices.

To prove this Solar PV Secondary Heating system can provide benefits and costs savings, EHC ran comprehensive trials of the system over a 12 month period in 27 properties. EHC chose an independent third party specialist, Delta EE, to monitor and analyse the Trial results.

The final Trial results proved to be significantly better than any prior predictions made by Delta EE. The Trial results achieved were:

  • The Solution increased PV self-consumption on average by 42%
  • Average estimated Annual Bill Savings of £42 for properties with Gas Central Heating and £185 for properties with all Electric Heating
  • Average estimated CO2 Savings of 199kg for properties with Gas Central Heating and 868kg for properties with all Electric Heating
  • Average room temperature increase of 3°C in rooms fitted

The stand out result, however, has been the Consumer feedback received. All Consumers who participated in the Trials found the Solution a benefit and that it ‘makes sense for others to use.’ Specifically, some commented the difference in room temperatures was noticeable and rooms not previously heated were now ‘a pleasant temperature.’ Some also commented that the financial savings ‘will continue to increase if Energy Tariffs continue to rise.’

With these great results and positive Tenant feedback, EHC hope this Solution will be given credence by the UK Government in the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) Regulations.

This Solar PV Secondary Heating System would ensure that Schools and other Buildings with Solar PV arrays installed maximise their PV self-consumption. The Solar PV Ready Radiators would provide additional heat during the day for hard to heat rooms and provide cost and CO2 savings.

If you would like to find out more about LOT 20, DSR technology or this innovative Solar PV Secondary Heating Solution and discuss the Trial results in detail, please do not hesitate to contact EHC on 01698 820 533 or email info@electric-heatingcompany.co.uk. For more information please visit www.electric-heatingcompany.co.uk.
/0 Comments/by

Ecobuild keeps finger on the pulse of industry issues with new sustainability showcases for 2018

, ,

A series of exclusive Sustainability Showcases is set to be launched at ecobuild 2018 as new owner, Futurebuild Events Ltd, looks to put sustainability back at the heart of the industry-leading event.

Following its acquisition of ecobuild, Futurebuild Events called on industry to provide feedback, input and support to collaboratively shape ecobuild 2018 and ensure the event remains as relevant and invaluable as possible.

Curated alongside leading architects, manufacturers and designers – and developed as a direct response to industry feedback – the Showcases will form a 1500m2 area at the very centre of ecobuild dedicated to innovative sustainability features.

Building on the conference programme and seminar series, the Showcases will add a further dimension to the event, delivering a range of interactive installations and demonstrations – from full scale builds that could solve the housing crisis to pocket parks that can better build community – that offer direct, tangible solutions to the biggest issues facing the industry.

Martin Hurn, managing director of Futurebuild Events, explains “ecobuild is well-renowned as the must-go event for forward thinkers in the built environment.

This reputation is built on the event’s track-record of collaboratively showcasing and championing the very latest thinking and approaches from across the built environment, and indeed further afield. Under independent ownership, we’re determined to further enhance ecobuild’s commitment to industry innovation and sustainability.

“The Sustainability Showcases represent this commitment in action and are all about bringing the latest thinking from across the industry to attendees in a way that they can physically interactive and engage with. Each Showcase promises to be a thought-provoking and striking event highlight, yet all also offer very practical and achievable solutions to the current issues we face. They will also feed into the main conference programme, which will be shaped around delivering the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and place sustainability firmly at the heart of everything ecobuild 2018 is about.”

The Sustainability Showcases are:

Zero Bills Home Lite
ZEDfactory returns to ecobuild with a full-scale build designed to tackle the housing crisis. The zero-net carbon home is designed to minimise fossil fuels and annual energy bills, while also reducing build times to four weeks.

Passive Pod Exhibition House
Building Research in Architecture (BRIA) will showcase a full-scale demountable Passive Pod House erected on a foundation of recycled concrete railway sleepers on a gravel bed.

The Hive
Returning to ecobuild for the second year, the Edible Bus Stop Studio will be showcasing The Hive – an engaging pocket park focused on biodiversity, biophilia and health and wellbeing.

WasteZone
Curated by architect, academic and environmental activist Duncan Baker-Brown, the WasteZone will discuss the issues and huge potentials of seeing waste as a valuable resource, not a problem.

Buildings as Material Banks
16 partners from eight European countries share their mission to move the building industry towards a circular economy, by combining materials passports with reversible building design.

Sustainable Product Showcase
A collaboration between sustainable built environment champions, the Passivhaus Trust and the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products, to showcase the most sustainable and innovative products and materials across two pavilions.

Natural Building Products café
In this café, industry experts will provide demonstrations and information about natural building materials and techniques, including advice on how attendees can incorporate them into their projects.

BREEAM Awards Gallery
Attendees can find out more about BREEAM’s leading-edge thinking and learn about the performance of past winners’ buildings and projects. BRE experts will also be providing 1:1 support with any technical questions.

The Showcases will complement and build upon ecobuild 2018’s wider programme of talks, seminars and activities, all centred around a core objective of developing an action plan for change.

To register for ecobuild 2018, visit www.ecobuild.co.uk/register.
/0 Comments/by

Titon MVHR Systems add high efficiency to London’s latest high rise

A combination of highly efficient HRV Q Plus units and ducting from Titon has been installed throughout 514 newly-built one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, penthouses and townhouses in The Residence, Ponton Road, London. Located within the Vauxhall Nine Elms Opportunity Area, The Residence comprises nine multistorey buildings. The ventilation products fitted include a range of HRV1.25, HRV1.35, HRV2 and HRV2.85 Q Plus Eco HMB MVHR units, as well as Titon’s straight and flared ducting covers.

The development is situated on what was a patch of industrial land on Ponton Road, which sits next to a railway viaduct, and once contained a train station. Construction began in 2015, with The Residence split into two distinct phases, with 190 residential units built during the first period. The second phase – known as the ‘Eastern Parcel’ – is currently well underway, with the remaining 324 aparments scheduled for completion by the end of 2018. The consultants for the project are Kent-based White Associates, while the property developer is Bellway Homes Thames Gateway – the latter of which has a longstanding relationship with Titon.

Commenting on the MVHR products, Neal Gardiner, Director at White Associates, said “We have specified Titon’s ventilation systems many times over the last three to four years, so we are well aware of their qualities. The company has been second-to-none in providing technical advice and support, which included full calculations to illustrate compliance with Approved Document F of the Building Regulations. All the units also benefit from low specific fan power (SFP) and this, combined with up to 92% heat recovery, ensures there is an MHVR units within the range suitable for most residential units.”

Titon’s high capacity Q Plus range of continuously running MVHR units are among the quietest on the market and are independently tested by the BRE to BS EN 13141 – the only standard specific to the residential sector.

Combining extremely low power consumption and a highly efficient heat exchanger, these ultra-compact units also enhance SAP performance via Appendix Q, while remaining versatile enough in size to be installed in either larger apartments or small to medium-sized dwellings.

The Eco versions of these units benefit from Summer Bypass, which diverts 100% of the airflow, and is recognised and listed in the UK Product Characteristics Database. Eco HMB models, such as those used in The Residence development, are also compatible with Titon’s auralite® status indicator and have quick access filter doors as standard.

Furthermore, the HRV Q Plus Ducting Covers can be used for all models of Titon HRV units. Adjustable in height from 300mm to 400mm, they are designed to cover the ductwork running from the unit to the ceiling. The covers are tapered, increasing in area from the top of the unit to ensure the ceiling is large enough to accommodate round to rectangular elbows in the ceiling void. There are three different ducting covers available, depending on the unit used.

For more information about Titon and its comprehensive range of whole house ventilation products and window & door hardware, please visit: www.titon.co.uk
/0 Comments/by

How the life-cycle of a product can reduce its environmental impact

In October 2009, the European Commission (EC) published a framework Directive for energy-related products, thereby extending the scope of application to products that use, generate, transfer and measure energy. This includes products under the previous scope (e.g. electrical appliances) as well as other products such as windows and insulation.

The objective is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other adverse environmental impacts throughout the life-cycle of a product. Emphasis is being placed on the design and development stages of a product with a view to improving its energy efficiency.

Ecodesign regulations require manufacturers to decrease the energy consumption of their products by establishing minimum energy efficiency standards. By setting these standards at European level, manufacturers do not have to navigate through multiple national regulations when launching their products on the market.

The ecodesign requirements for individual product groups are created under the EU’s Ecodesign Directive, a process managed by the European Commission.

From a product perspective, there are really two main aspects that manufacturers need to consider, namely seasonal efficiency of the appliance and the emissions, notably of nitrogen oxide. The regulations establish how these factors are calculated but the essence is to increase efficiency of the appliance whilst reducing its emissions of nitrogen oxide.

The energy-related products directive has already been implemented for washing machines, TVs, kettles, gas boilers and a number of other products and the new regulations will be applying to warm air heaters from January 2018.

There are essentially two critical dates that need to be recognised.

  • For all warm air heaters, the requirements for Seasonal Efficiency must be achieved on the 1st of January 2018.
  • For all warm air heaters, the requirements for Emissions (NOx) must be achieved on the 26th of September 2018.
  • For Johnson & Starley air heaters this means that the standard efficiency Hi-Spec and Economaire ranges will not meet the seasonal efficiency requirement at the 1st of January 2018.

To enable the heaters to be placed on the market they must be fully compliant with the regulation.

However, appliances in the supply chain after the implementation date, can still be sold but they must be covered by an order, written or verbal. In other words, orders would need placing for the non-condensing ranges of warm air heaters, the HiSpec and Economaire, by the end of December 2017 to comply with the new regulation. Providing these orders are in place, Johnson & Starley are able to sell these two models of heaters up until 26th September 2018

Naturally, Housing Associations and Social Housing who currently own, or are looking to upgrade their stock will wonder what the availability of spare parts will be. There is need to worry.

Johnson and Starley has always been committed to keeping spare parts for heaters available for as long as possible and will not be making exceptions for these or any of our model ranges. Parts will be available for a minimum of 10 years after production of these 2 models of heaters has ceased. Johnson & Starley currently supply spares for heaters that are 50 years old as we believe cost of ownership is extremely important to our customers.

We are so confident in our products that we are extending the guarantee period for the Economaire and Hi-Spec heaters from 1 to 3 years

So what will be the Johnson & Starley warm air heater line-up be from 2018 onwards? We launched our highly successful range of WarmCair condensing heaters in 2013 which now come with a 5 year Guarantee. Our market leading QuanTec range of boilers can connect to the Aquair our warm air heat emitter range. Again these come with extended Guarantees of 8 years for the QuanTec range of boilers and 5 years for our Aquair range.

These units are highly efficient, giving customers significant savings on running costs and meeting all future ecodesign regulation requirements, future proofing our market leading products and giving warm air a strong footing for the coming years as Hi spec and Economaire hand over the baton.

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

Waterfall proves hit with consumers

Pegler Yorkshire, the leading UK manufacturer of fittings, valves and brassware is experiencing a continued strong sales rate of its latest tap the ‘Waterfall’.

Sindar Singh, Pegler Yorkshire’s Market Manager for Washrooms, for commented “Since its launch 12 months ago the Waterfall range of taps has certainly struck a chord with consumers. We are continuing to experience a strong sales rate which doesn’t show any signs of diminishing.”

The design led Waterfall Tap range offers an undeniable elegance and panache to any bathroom. Its wider than average spout allows a lavish flow of water to cascade into the bath or basin, offering a sense of splendour. Inspired by deluges often experience in the rain forest this tap provides a controlled and comfortable flow of water to any bathroom.

The five-piece range comprises a basin mixer, mini basin mixer, 3-hole bath filler, H pattern bath filler and H pattern bath and shower mixer. They each benefit from being suitable for both high and low water pressure systems, min 0.1 bar (0.4 bar for 3-hole bath filler), ceramic disc technology and flow restrictors.

Sindar concluded: “Consumers are looking for style, comfort and functionality and this IS obviously what they have found with the Waterfall range. In addition, the inclusion of flow restrictors also offers a more eco-friendly option should they desire.”

Further information about Pegler Yorkshire can be found by visiting www.pegleryorkshire.co.uk.
/0 Comments/by