Antislip decking goes back to nature with luxurious woodland cabins

Holiday-makers visiting luxurious log cabins set deep in Scottish woodlands, are able to enjoy the great outdoors more safely after JB Antislip Plus from Marley Eternit was specified to provide the external antislip surface for the cabins’ outdoor decking areas.

The 11 woodland cabins, which are located in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, Strathyre, on the edge of Loch Lubnaig, offer guests a secluded escape in a variety of cabin options, many with a hot tub on the decking area.

It was this unique combination of solid timber cabins against a picturesque mountainous background, which saw project owners Forest Holidays, need to specify a robust decking solution, which not only provided a natural extension to the cabins’ timber exteriors, but also delivered effective antislip properties.

With the hot tubs located on the decking area outside, Forest Holidays needed a product which would ensure holiday-makers remained safe while enjoying the outdoor area. As a result, the company specified JB Antislip Plus, which features grey resin based aggregate inserts injected into the deck board grooves, delivering a durable and effective external antislip surface to minimise the risk of slipping.

Mark Sheppard, procurement manager at Forest Holidays explains why the company is confident in its decision to specifiy JB Antislip Plus. He says: “Having worked with Marley Eternit on a number of previous projects, we already knew its products were capable of meeting our exact requirements.

“So, when we were developing our Strathyre location, it was really important we specified a product which complemented the surrounding forest environment. Yet, our requirements also meant we needed a solution which not only held the antislip credentials to ensure holiday-makers stayed safe, but one which could also cope with the unpredictable Scottish weather! JB Antislip Plus delivers the best of both worlds and also ensured we used the highest quality specialised materials throughout the project.”

JB Antislip Plus timber decking boards are specifically designed to provide a durable and effective external antislip surface, designed to perform even in the most adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, the decking can be treated for extra protection to either Use Class 3 (MicroPro®) or Use Class 4 (Naturewood®) to further suit the project requirements.

Charlotte Hughes, Product Marketing Manager at Marley Eternit, concludes: “JB Antislip Plus is an ideal decking solution for a project of this nature where people are moving in and out of a hot tub, and the risk of trips and slips can be high. In addition, it was also important to take into account the natural surrounding area, and as such, we needed to deliver a solution which really complemented the forest and mountainous backdrop. JB Antislip Plus not only seamlessly blends with the cabins’ exterior, but its antislip properties also exceed HSL slip testing guidelines, ensuring the highest level of protection for visitors.”

For further information on our range of products and services please visit www.marleyeternit.co.uk/decking.
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Kemmlit’s monopoly on quality proves a winner for prestigious Leicester Square project

48 Leicester Square in Central London is a landmark building which has been totally revamped at a cost of over £40 million to provide high end retail and office space over 8 floors.

Dating back to 1920, part of the original façade has been retained by the developers with the addition of an added upper story and an elegant curved roof.

In keeping with the high specification requirements of the building, Kemmlit’s Classic Cell floor to ceiling cubicles with a black finish were specified by Make Architects for each of the eight floors toilet blocks.

In addition, 70 of Kemmlit’s high performance IXOS lockers were also specified and installed in the building’s basement locker room.

Classic Cell has a timeless elegancy and purity of form. The smooth surface door fronts, concealed edges, 42 mm thick dividing walls and doors with bi-colour options and quality of construction make this the cubicle of choice for many architects and building owners.

IXOS lockers are robust, durable and secure, and are available with a choice of two door fronts – 8mm toughened glass or 13 mm solid grade laminate and can be configured to suit individual requirement.

Classic Cell cubicles and IXOS locker systems are part of a comprehensive range offered by Kemmlit including a design and installation service.

For more information please visit www.kemmlituk.com.
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Bright and colourful learning on laminate

Bold and striking Rosso high pressure laminate from Abet Laminati is making a splash in a children’s washing and breakout area at St Helen’s Catholic School in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex.

As part of a beautifully-designed first floor extension by local architects SK Architects, six new classrooms, a studio and a central breakout area has been added in bold and bright colours more than doubling the school’s capacity.

Specialist furniture manufacturer Benchmark FF&E Solutions was employed to create the innovative scallop-shaped wash and utility stations which were cleverly moulded around yellow columns housing sunpipes. Abet’s bright red Rosso colour in a high gloss HR-LAQ finish was used to clad the sides of the stations while compact grade was placed on the top coupling high performance with an attractive appearance. The compact grade on the surface was carefully routered out to allow for under cabinet sinks and drainage lines to be created.

HR-LAQ is a high gloss finish available in 28 bold and bright colours. Its unique finish comes from a unique formula applied to the surface layer that can maintain the level of glossy shine while offering long life cycle performance in terms of durability, scratch and impact resistance; perfect for this kind of heavy use environment where children are playing.

Abet Laminati’s compact grade High Pressure Laminates is also popular for other types of heavy duty application, such as lockers, table tops, vanity units and cubicles. Their finish provides a tactile, hardwearing and attractive surface coupled with excellent resistance to impact, scratches and abrasion.

The compact grade’s solid core construction in 6mm, 10mm or 12mm thickness makes it a perfect choice for areas prone to high moisture and humidity, such as leisure centres, swimming pools and changing rooms, because there is no risk of peeling, cracking or delamination. The fully self-supporting boards are also easy to work with for cutting and fabrication.

As with all Abet Laminati Collections, the laminates meet or exceed all European and British performance standards for resistance to wear, heat, moisture, impact and scratching. In addition, they are widely used in situations where high quality performance and design can be carefully crafted together to create an attractive visual experience.

Samples and technical literature are available from Abet Ltd’s sample line on tel: 020 7473 6915 or visit http://uk.abetlaminati.com/. Benchmark can be found at www.benchmarkproducts.co.uk.
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Rinnai Solo – a specifier’s and installer’s flexible friend

Infinity Solo condensing low NOX water heater is the first Rinnai product for the UK that combines the advanced technology of wall mounted continuous flow water heaters with a stainless-steel storage cylinder in one compact footprint.

When the product was first introduced Solo was adopted as a single installation product for light commercial operations such as small hotels and schools. However, Rinnai is now seeing greater penetration as installers are beginning to use them in multiples on larger projects – one installer has utilised three units for a major school academy installation.

It seems the market is identifying other areas for the Solo, beyond the target market of new build and refurbishment housing projects, where it is proving its worth in larger three/four-bed dwellings where one can expect to find a family bathroom, ensuite and a downstairs cloakroom/shower.

The Rinnai Solo is a versatile product – it is renewables ready so the business/building owner or householder can very easily extend the system to make fuel savings by adding solar thermal later. The 24kW-59.5kW Infinity Solo range is renewables compatible and supplied pre-fitted with a coil, meaning that the primary energy source can be renewable gains such as solar thermal, and the complementary Rinnai water heater will only apply the precise amount of gas to boost the difference in temperature.

Because the Solo cylinder is stainless steel it greatly reduces the weight compared to glass lined models, which makes transportation and installation much easier. As well as the difference in weight, the cylinders available also boast extremely low heat loss figures (as low as 1.41kW/h day), which means the customer pays less to maintain the heat within the tank and the system when fitted to a renewable heat source maximises renewable gains.

Rinnai’s new Solo range incorporates 35kW and 54kW appliances, ensuring that even sites with a smaller gas meter can utilise its advanced technologies. The larger Infinity Solo model will also act as a high-efficiency alternative to other forms of gas fired storage appliances.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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Kee Klamp® expands its range of tubular fittings

Kee Safety, a leading global supplier of safety railing systems, has expanded its Kee Klamp® range with the introduction of 12 new types of tubular fittings. Designed for installation on steeper gradients, the new slope fittings offer builders and specifiers an aesthetically pleasing option.

The latest addition to the Kee Klamp® portfolio is an extension to the current range of slope fittings. The new components have been designed to enhance the building of guardrail along staircases and ramps, particularly when the slope is greater than 30 degrees. The new range introduces single fittings to cater for situations where currently a combination of fittings is required. Not only does this improve the aesthetics of the finished guardrail but it also allows for a quicker and easier installation.

The new range of slope fittings is available in the two most common sizes for handrails; size 7 (outside diameter 42.4mm) and size 8 (outside diameter 48.3mm). The new components form part of an extensive range of tubular fittings, the widest on the market. With so many fittings available, Kee Safety can provide a solution for all handrail designs.

Kee Klamp® is a range of cast iron tubular fittings that can be installed using a standard hex key. Each fitting incorporates an internal set screw to lock the respective fitting safely and securely onto the tube to create a strong, stable and safe structure. This method eliminates the need for time-consuming welding or specialist skills. Since no special tools are needed, workers can change and reconfigure Kee Klamp® structures quickly and easily. The Kee Klamp® system securely joins structural steel tube into almost any conceivable configuration across a variety of angles and is also capable of accommodating on-site variations.

“Kee Klamp® carries over 80 years of expertise in developing safe, secure and cost-effective tubular fittings,” says Vernon Barry, Product Manager at Kee Safety. “Aesthetically pleasing handrails are sought after by specifiers, so we are pleased to have been able to fill this gap in the market with our new range. Not only do the new Kee Klamp® fittings tick the design box, they also provide builders with a quick, easy and cost-effective solution. The fittings are suited for use in a number of applications, including the highway, railways, retail and education sectors.”

Kee Safety provides great customer service to support its Kee Klamp® range by offering technical advice, project drawing and an installation service. For more information, visit www.keesafety.co.uk.
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Gatic’s new high-performance access covers for paved areas

Gatic Civil Drainage, a global leader in engineered surface water drainage and access covers, introduces a new range of high-performance access covers for paved areas. Suitable for up to D400 weight loading, the new Pave range is ideal for urban public places and parking areas.

Gatic® Pave is a comprehensive system of single, duct and multi span access covers and frames for use in paved areas where an aesthetic finish with a paviour infill is required. The components of Pave covers are manufactured from ductile iron to BS EN 1563 and structural steel sections (removable beams) to BS 4-1 which are supplied with a galvanised finish.

The benefits of Pave include non-rocking under slow moving traffic, a watertight joint under normal rainwater conditions, and closed keyways fitted with plastic plugs to prevent ingress of dirt. Pave is also extremely secure and vandal resistant – the covers cannot be removed without the correct lifting key, making unauthorised removal virtually impossible. Locking bolts can be fitted as an additional security feature.

Gatic Managing Director Peter Burnap comments: “With a history of installations dating back more than eighty years, Gatic is without doubt the proven international standard for engineered, heavy duty access covers and drainage gratings. Our access covers are subject to continuous development to meet the ever increasing and diverse demands of our roads and infrastructure. Our wide range of ductile iron and machined access covers in a variety of surface finishes and load ratings ensure we have a solution for every size and specification of project.”

For more information, download our new Gatic Pave brochure at www.gatic.com.
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North Wales RSL standardises on Aico Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm for safer homes

Cartrefi Conwy, a Registered Social Landlord (RSL) in Conwy, North Wales has announced its decision to fit Aico’s mains powered Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm, Ei2110e as standard across its entire housing stock.

Having achieved the Welsh Housing Quality Standard, Cartrefi Conwy is one of North Wales’ foremost providers of affordable, high quality homes. It places the safety of its tenants at the highest priority and has a commendable 100% coverage of mains powered alarms across its 3,800 properties. A long standing Aico customer of over ten years, Cartrefi Conwy had been using Aico Ei160RC alarms, but has upgraded the specification to the premium Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm, Ei2110e.

The Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm, Ei2110e contains two sensor types, optical and heat, to constantly monitor smoke and heat levels, sending and receiving information via its intelligent detection software. This sensor information alters the alarm’s sensitivity and trigger points, automatically providing the best response to all fire types and reduces potential false alarms.

This was a key factor for Cartrefi Conwy as Property Services Manager Wayne Bannister explains: “Due to the combination of smoke and heat working in tandem we expect there to be fewer false alarms. They also offer reassurance to our tenants that they have a device that is cutting edge technology that will keep them safer in their homes.”

Cartrefi Conwy will be installing the Ei2110e to a minimum category of LD3, which requires alarms in all circulation spaces that form part of the escape routes from the premises. For its sheltered flats, it will increase the coverage to category LD2 which sees the addition of alarms in all rooms that present a high risk of fire to occupants. The alarms will be fitted during planned installation programmes and also reactively as required. In addition, they will be fitted as standard in Cartrefi Conwy’s new build development programme.

A feature rich device, the Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm, Ei2110e comes with sophisticated data extraction technology in the form of AudioLINK for single alarm data and RadioLINK+ for whole system data. “AudioLINK is definitely a technology we will be utilising especially where we have an incident” comments Wayne. AudioLINK enables real time data to be extracted from each alarm using its sounder directly to a smartphone or tablet via a free App to create an Alarm Status Report. The Report displays useful information about the alarm, such as battery life, alarm sensors status, number of times tested and removed; and any alarm activations, with details of when it occurred – all in a simple easy to read format.

RadioLINK+ technology will also be used to wirelessly interconnect Aico’s Ei450 Alarm Controller in all sheltered housing schemes and in properties where Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms are present; and the Ei414 Fire/CO Alarm Interface which is installed in properties that are covered by a warden call scheme and have different detection types i.e. smoke, heats CO.

“Cartrefi Conwy use RadioLINK extensively and find it to be a huge cost benefit to us with reducing wiring costs” states Wayne. “The tenants have less or no decoration and the installation process is far less intrusive.”

Wayne is appreciative not only of the technology and sophisticated features of Aico’s alarms and accessories, but also of the customer service: “The service is excellent. Steve Trafford [Aico Regional Specification Manager] is always available to advise and calls in regularly providing me with updates. I’ve always been impressed with the customer focus of Aico and the user-friendliness of their products. I have made a point of standardising Cartrefi Conwy’s domestic fire detection to be solely Aico”.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics, Aico is the market leader in residential fire and CO protection in the UK. All alarms are designed and built in Ireland specifically to meet the UK standards and regulations. With more mains powered domestic smoke alarms installed in the UK’s social housing than any other manufacturer, Aico is tried, tested and trusted.

For more information please go to www.aico.co.uk or contact Aico on 01691 664100 or enquiries@aico.co.uk.
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webertherm EWI by Saint-Gobain Weber slashes U-values for Gwynedd properties

External Wall Insulation by Saint-Gobain Weber has been specified for the thermal upgrade of social housing properties in Bangor and Y Bala, North Wales. They have been transformed with the application of the innovative webertherm XP External Wall Insulation (EWI) with u-values that have been dramatically reduced while the aesthetics of the properties have been changed completely. Residents are praising these improvements, one reporting that their heating thermostat has been turned down to half its normal setting.

The properties, a combination of houses, bungalows and apartment buildings, are owned by Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd, the largest housing association in North Wales. CCG was set up in 2010 to provide good quality, affordable homes and services, as an independent not-for-profit organisation which is registered and regulated by the Welsh Government. CCG has around 6,300 homes and is responsible for their maintenance and management.

Achieving Welsh Housing Quality Standard, in which social landlords are required to improve, meet and maintain their housing stock to an acceptable level before, or no later than, 2020 is an important part of CCG’s work. A total of £136million has been committed to improving homes to meet the needs of existing and future residents since the organisation’s inception.

The houses in Britannia Square, Bangor, are post-war, system-built, non-traditional Unity Structures designed with storey-level precast reinforced panels, metal braced from within the cavity, and poorly insulated offering little thermal performance. In Y Bala the homes are of 1960s non-trad Trusteel frame construction with similar thermal deficiencies. While upgrading properties, Weber’s EWI extends the life of existing buildings, particularly hard-to-treat properties, by keeping the old structure warm and stable.

CCG awarded the main contract to Willmott Dixon’s Conway office who in turn appointed specialist EWI contractor R W Hough & Sons of Flintshire to apply the BBA certificated webertherm XP EWI system with webertherm M1 render. Martin Hough rates the Weber system highly: “The webertherm XP system is a very good product. We have experienced no problems at all with these materials that offer speed and simplicity while protecting tired facades and minimising heat loss.”

Challenging u-value improvements for Britannia and Bala homes were calculated by Weber: properties at Britannia Square, Bangor were slashed from 1.42W/m²K down to 0.28W/m²K whilst an even more dramatic result at Y Bala saw the poor 1.60W/m²K pre-installation U-value reduced to 0.29W/m²K.

To achieve these tough target U-values the webertherm XP EWI system required 90mm of EPS insulation which was mechanically fixed to the external wall surfaces prior to the render application. The Britannia Square properties had an angled corner coin feature and the client required this to be altered to a normal square edge corner profile for a more modern look. R W Hough masked this original feature with an extension of the EPS insulation prior to render application.

The revolutionary webertherm M1 render is a through-coloured, factory-batched, lightweight mineral render formulated for one-coat application. The system was applied with a combination of pump delivery and skilled hand application. The first pass of render is applied at 6mm and the meshcloth laid-in and, as the render takes up, a second 6mm application is made to deliver a total of 12mm of render for durable, low maintenance protection. CCG specified a dash finish to match other properties in the region and Ashton Cream was selected from an extensive colour palette. Over 4336m² of EWI have been applied at these two locations.

Geraint Jones, project manager for R W Hough during the six month program, reports on the success of the project: “Everyone is really pleased with the results here. We had good weather right through the program. The webertherm XP system requires such a straight forward application process and my team are always pleased to be using Weber high quality products.

“The properties now look clean, modern and rejuvenated and already the residents are commenting on the radical change in warmth. I’m sure they will also notice that the internal noise level is also reduced. One resident has told me that their thermostat is now set at half the usual level and they have plenty of heat and are very comfortable. This will mean considerable savings in energy costs.” Gary O’Brien, Assets and Contracts manager, CCG, said: “We are very pleased with the product and the assistance with specification and supervision provided by Saint-Gobain Weber. We look forward to continuing our good working relationship with the company.”

For more information about this project, or for technical support, please contact Saint-Gobain Weber on 08703 330 070, or visit www.netweber.co.uk. Customers in Ireland should call 028 9335 2999 or visit www.weber.ie.
A free download of the new weber.app for iPhone and iPad users is also available from iTunes and from Google Play for Android smartphones and tablet users. Follow Saint-Gobain Weber on Twitter @SGWeberUK for the latest company news and updates.
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GLASSOLUTIONS reaches new heights in Greenwich Peninsula’s latest development

Leading UK curtain walling, window and door fabricator and installer GLASSOLUTIONS has completed an extensive project for Kier Construction as part of the latest transformational development on east London’s Greenwich Peninsula.

Called The Fulmar and Teal, the project is a residential-led mixed use development on the Lower Riverside district of Greenwich Peninsula, a major redevelopment area close to the iconic Millennium Dome – now the O2 Arena – and Canary Wharf. It includes 139 homes in a mix of private, intermediate and social rent tenures across the three buildings, plus 218m2 of retail/commercial space, a car park and bicycle storage area.

Working to a design by architects DSDHA, GLASSOLUTIONS was appointed by main contractor Kier Construction to deliver all curtain walling, windows and doors for the external envelope of The Fulmar’s three blocks, the tallest of which is ten storeys. The Fulmar is part of a collection of buildings within an extensive project by property developer Knight Dragon who are seeking to create a new and vibrant district on the peninsula.

GLASSOLUTIONS played an important role is developing the fenestration specification after a revised approach was sought by the architect. In proposing a combination of Wicona aluminium systems integrating with high performance insulating glass units (IGUs), spandrels and sandwich panels, GLASSOLUTIONS was able to meet the brief to provide superb aesthetics whilst meeting a number of key design factors. These included a maximum pressure in ‘general wind zone’ of 1,200 kN/m2 and air permeability of 3m3/hr/m2 at a test pressure of 600 Pa.

The ‘stick’ curtain walling was fabricated using the range of Wicona Wintec 50 systems, which provide a slim 50mm face width and ensure excellent thermal insulation through the incorporation of a uPVC thermal break. Integrated with the curtain wall structure are windows created using the Wicline 75 Evo concealed sash system. This slim profile helped to maximise natural light transmission into individual properties and outward views, without compromising thermal performance thanks to a polyurethane insulator and an innovative glazing bead design.

A variety of door types were required, with Wictec 50 and Wicstyle 75 evo systems applied to manufacture hinged doors and swing doors accordingly. Ground floor doors were designed to comply with the RC2 European security standard. Lifting sliding doors feature throughout the development which GLASSOLUTIONS manufactured using the Wicslide 160 system. All the doors are fully complementary in terms of aesthetics and performance.

GLASSOLUTIONS’ IGU specification accommodates the requirements for safety, security, thermal insulation and solar control. It also addresses sound reduction to help keep homes quieter, with enhanced acoustic insulation delivering a maximum Rw rating of 36dB (weighted noise reduction).

The outer pane is 6mm SGG Securit, a thermally toughened safety glass, with the inner pane being an 8.8mm combination of SGG Stadip Protect and Planitherm One. The units feature a 90% argon fill 16mm cavity with a black warm edge spacer bar and polysulphide seals. This delivers a U-value of 1.0 W/m2K and a g-value of 0.49 or 0.51 for those units featuring a satin finish.

Spandrels are configured in a 6-16-6 unit, with 6mm SGG Security glass again used on the outer pane and the same cavity, fill and spacer bar and the vision units. The inner pane is a 6mm SGG Emalit glass with 60mm foil backed insulation, a configuration that delivers a U-value 0.45 W/m2K. The building’s design also required sandwich panels with a bronze anodised finish and punched mesh in matching colour for specific elements – all of which were installed by GLASSOLUTIONS too.

GLASSOLUTIONS’ external envelope project took 11 months to complete with The Fulmar handed over on 21.10.16.

Find out more about GLASSOLUTIONS at www.glassolutions.co.uk.
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Forbo launches new Flotex Plank collection

Forbo Flooring Systems has developed a new Flotex Plank collection, allowing users to create stunning, contemporary floor designs for areas where safety, hygiene and well-being are priorities.

Combining the comfort of carpet, the durability of a resilient floor covering and the design versatility of a plank format, the new design collection lends itself perfectly to contemporary workspaces, as well as high traffic areas such as hotels and transport hubs.

Offering six new designs: Triad, Box-cross, Lava, Seagrass, Concrete and Wood, in plank sizes of 100x25cm, the collection provides endless design possibilities, from colourful and complex layouts to minimal, sophisticated aesthetics, which use shape and pile direction to create a stimulating floor pattern.

Julie Dempster, Marketing Manager at Forbo, said: “With people now spending an estimated 80-90% of their time indoors, the industry is now recognising the impact creating healthy interiors can have on the well-being of a building’s occupants. This new collection combines the outstanding indoor air quality performance of Flotex with surprising designs and a modular format, so users don’t have to choose between functionality and high design.”

Flotex has been awarded the prestigious “Seal of Approval” from Allergy UK as, with the correct cleaning regime, it will not harbour dust mites. Thanks to the anti-microbial treatment Sanitized®, Flotex also offers constant protection against mould odours and bacteria, including MRSA and E-coli

Julie concludes: “At Forbo, it’s the company’s ambition to design and manufacture floor coverings that benefit every individual by helping to provide safe, hygienic and comfortable living and working environments. The Flotex Plank collection contains 67% recycled content (by weight) and is 100% waterproof, which means that only water and standard materials are required for an effective clean, using minimal hazardous chemicals that would have a detrimental effect on the building’s environment. “

For more information please telephone 0844 822 3928, email info.flooring.uk@forbo.com or visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/flotexplanks.
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