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

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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Promat Glass delivers fire and acoustic solution for luxurious Trinity properties

A multi-million pound project to create an exclusive residential development in a Cheshire conservation area, which has given a new lease of life to a beautiful unused Victorian church, has demonstrated how Promat UK’s high performance, fire-resistant glass range represents the assured choice for developers.

The Trinity development at Bowdon near Altrincham by Hale Estates has created nine luxury residences in a variety of configurations and sizes from one to three bedrooms. The project has converted the former Trinity United Reformed Church, which dates from 1872 but was last used as a place of worship in 2004. Designed by award-winning architects Ollier Smurthwaite, the new properties sensitively respond to the material and detailing of the impressive Grade II listed building, with new components sitting sympathetically within the volume of the historic structure, taking reference from existing forms and fabric.

One of the building’s key features, given its ecclesiastical heritage, is the 3m wide communal corridor which passes through the centre of the church. This gives views up to the church roof and allows the original clerestory windows to provide natural light into the centre of the building. Maintaining this spectacular communal aspect with its original features and window shapes, whilst delivering superior quality properties with assured levels of fire protection and acoustic insulation, was the brief met by Promat UK, whose Glazing for Life® ethos is centred on delivering assured passive fire protection.

The 45mm glazing units provided by Promat UK were required to achieve strict acoustic and fire protection standards, in numerous shapes consistent with the Gothic style windows. The solution was a sealed unit specification incorporating EI60 fire rated insulated glass units. These are fitted into oak frames to deliver high quality windows which reflect the high-end specification of the development.

This sealed unit specification ensures the windows provide assured passive fire protection to EI60 – 60 minutes minimum for the window’s integrity as well as insulation from the heat of any fire. This protects the communal areas to provide a safe, sufficient window of opportunity for residents and visitors to exit the building safely in the event of a fire.

In addition to the fire protection dimension, the glazing units also work to provide residents with insulation from unwanted external noise in the communal areas. This is achieved through the glass types used and their thicknesses, to deliver windows with an acoustic sound reduction level of a minimum of 43db.

Cath McLean, Segment Manager – Glass at Promat says: “The team at Promat worked with Hale Estates at an early stage to provide specialist guidance through the design and specification stages of the project, and we continued to work closely with them right through to installation. This ensured we were able to provide a high quality solution that met the full specification criteria and stringent fire ratings in what is ultimately a stunning residential development by Hale Estates.”

Promat UK is one of the country’s leading manufacturers of fire, thermal and acoustic solutions. Its extensive range of glazing products are widely used in residential, public and commercial buildings, providing passive fire protection in both integrity only (E) and integrity with insulation (EI) from 30 to 120 minutes. It is also the only company providing specifiers with the assurance of a complete fire-rated system in SYSTEMGLAS®, which is checked for fire safety compliance at every stage; design, manufacture and installation.

Find out more about Promat UK’s fire-resistant glazing solutions at www.promat-glass.co.uk.
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Rinnai to headline sponsor CIBSE Tech Symposium in London

Rinnai – the UK leader in gas-fired high efficiency continuous flow water heating units and systems – is to be the headline sponsor of the forthcoming Chartered Institute of Building Services Technical Symposium being held this year 12-13th April 2018 at London South Bank University.

The CIBSE Technical Symposium 2018 – themed as ‘Stretching the envelope’ will encompass techniques, applications and technologies for healthy and productive environments.

“The uncertainties of climate, resources, environment, and security will mean that there is an increasing need for those with a responsibility to deliver healthy and productive environments to stretch beyond ‘business as usual’, says CIBSE.

The 2018 symposium theme is aiming to provide the industry with a technical insight into the methods, technologies and techniques that are available, or just over the horizon, that will drive the development of increasingly sustainable future environments. This will include presentations and discussions on both the established and proven, as well as the developmental and cutting edge.

Topics presented may include the following: Assessing, assuring and improving occupant health, comfort and wellbeing; Developing and applying leading edge products and systems for a sustainable building future; Moving towards net zero energy and net zero water built environments; Delivering human friendly ecosystems beyond the ‘built’ environment; Fusing passive and active building systems; Designing and operating to meet future climates; Creative technologies and systems for an aging population; Intelligent systems and knowledge based tool; Metering, intelligent monitoring and control techniques to predict and manage energy use; BIM (and other information tools) for improved building development and operation; Case studies and measured performance of buildings in use

Rinnai Managing Director, Tony Gittings said “we are an industry-leading manufacturer of water heating technologies, products and systems for commercial sites and we have been a main sponsor of the CIBSE Technical Symposium, held in the Spring, for the past several years now. We believe it is the best event of its kind.

“We get to speak in a relaxed and informative manner about continuous flow hot water technology with members from all types of consultancies, building services and academia backgrounds. The fact that it moves around the regions makes it even more attractive to Rinnai – yes the South East has the biggest concentration of population but there is a lot more outside of the M25 area!!

“The event is well organised and, more importantly, it is well attended by CIBSE members all looking for new product and practices to improve the industry’s offering to end-users. Rinnai looks forward to continuing our sponsorship of the event well into the future.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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Life Is Sweeter with Advanced Protection

The Chocolate Quarter, one of the UK’s most stylish retirement complexes, is now protected by industry-leading fire panels from Advanced.

Originally the home of Fry’s chocolate, the iconic collection of 1920s buildings has been sympathetically developed by KWL Architects and Andrew Wilson Developments for Bristol-based charity, the St Monica Trust. The result is an impressive complex of high-spec apartments, elegant living spaces and a range of leisure facilities. As well as protecting the multi-tenant retirement apartments and care home, the Advanced system also covers a doctors’ surgery, offices, spa, retail space and car park.

MFS designed, installed and commissioned the Advanced system, which comprises a network of 19 MxPro 5 single-loop, four-loop and repeater panels with Hochiki smoke and heat detectors, multi-sensors and heat detection cable.

The installation of MxPro 5 means that the fire system is also linked to the site’s DECT using an ESPA interface, which allows live fire system status information to be passed to staff pagers.

Speaking about the installation, Rick Coles, Managing Director at MFS, said “The project required complicated cause and effect because of the buildings’ wide variety of uses. The sheltered accommodation and extra care areas needed a completely different approach to the communal areas, shops and restaurants. The complex also has a spa and hydro pool, so we faced an entirely different set of challenges in those areas.

“We chose Advanced panels because of their reliability and the high level of flexibility and ease they offer when programming cause and effect. Although useful for any project, this versatility really comes into its own on large multi-use sites with many different demands. We also had to link the fire system with the site’s DECT, which is very straightforward to do using Advanced equipment and an ESPA interface.”

Phil Calvey, Advanced Sales Manager for the South West, commented “Advanced’s MxPro 5 panels are particularly suited for use in residential and care home settings. The Chocolate Quarter is a demanding site with a wide range of uses. Many of its residents are elderly and false alarms can cause considerable confusion and distress, so the installation had to offer the highest levels of protection and peace of mind.”

The MxPro 5 is the leading multiprotocol fire panel range available and offers high-performance fire detection and alarm control across multi-panel networks and multiple sites. MxPro 5 panels are EN54 parts 2, 4 and 13 approved. They can be used in single loop, single panel format or easily configured into high-speed, 200-panel networks covering huge areas.

MxPro offers customers a choice of two panel ranges, four detector protocols and a completely open installer network, backed up by free training and support. Advanced’s ease of installation and configuration make MxPro customisable to almost any application.

Advanced is a world leader in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. The legendary performance, quality and ease of use of its products sees Advanced specified in locations all over the world, from single-panel installations to large, multi-site networks. Advanced’s products include complete fire detection systems, multi-protocol fire panels, extinguishing control, fire paging and false alarm management systems.

More details can be found on the website at www.advancedco.com.
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