World famous restaurants enjoy Advanced protection

Two of London’s most exclusive restaurants, including the world-renowned Ivy, are now protected by industry-leading fire panels from Advanced.

Both The Ivy and Sexy Fish in Berkeley Square, which are both owned by Caprice Holdings, have been fitted with MxPro 4 fire panels from Advanced. The Ivy has recently been subject to a full refurbishment, overseen by the Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. The work included a comprehensive overhaul of the building’s fire system by experts from Sussex-based ROC Solutions, who also installed the brand-new system at Sexy Fish, as well as the existing fire panels in The Club at The Ivy.

Dean O’Brien, Director at ROC Solutions, commented: “The Ivy project was not only high-profile, but also logistically challenging, working around the quick refit schedule and interfacing with the neighbouring The Ivy Club, which remained open. In comparison, installation of the new system at Sexy Fish was not quite so complex, but still just as vital.

“For both projects, Advanced panels were the obvious choice, offering the right mix of features, reliability and adaptability to safeguard customers, staff and the fabric of the restaurants. Careful planning was needed to ensure that the fire system components did not encroach on the luxurious finishes in each establishment, while the Sexy Fish system needed to be integrated with the existing network in Berkeley Square House, one of London’s most desirable addresses.”

MxPro is the fire industry’s leading multiprotocol fire solution, offering customers a choice of two panel ranges, four detector protocols and a completely open installer network that enjoys free training and support. MxPro panels can be used in single loop, single panel format or easily configured into multi-loop, high speed, 200 panel networks covering huge areas and controlling up to 254 individual devices per loop

The Ivy system which is integrated with the existing EMS radio system in Ivy Club, covers both the public and private areas of the West End restaurant, including the dining rooms, kitchens and other back of house areas, while the brand new fire system at Sexy Fish covers all areas of the Mayfair restaurant.

Neil Parkin, Sales Manager for the North at Advanced, said: “Advanced panels are already installed in several Caprice Holdings venues, so we were very pleased to supply MxPro-based systems for The Ivy and Sexy Fish. Our products bring with them an enviable reputation for performance and ease-of-use, which has led to their installation in buildings as diverse as The Shard and Iona Abbey. We have worked closely with Dean and his team for a number of years and MxPro is now Roc Solutions’ first choice of panel for all new installations and upgrade projects.”

MxPro 4 is fully compliant with EN54 Parts 2 and 4. The MxPro 5 is Advanced’s highest performance analogue panel. It is EN54 2, 4 & 13 approved and is backward compatible with MxPro 4, offering long-term security for MxPro customers.

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.
/0 Comments/by

Sika-Trocal’s watertight roofing membrane provides sanctuary for stunning new church

The flexible, easy-to-apply, aesthetic properties of Sika-Trocal ’s watertight single-ply membrane proved the ideal solution for a stylish and unusual roof design – the crowning glory of a new, multimillion pound community church.

The £4.5million C3 Centre in Cambridge was built to host community events as well as serve as a place of worship. The two-tier building’s architecturally-striking feature is its ‘fantail’ roof. Tapering to a point at one end, the roof’s design presented a challenge to Farrans Construction, main contractors of the church building project.

The company required a roofing system which not only offered the optimum watertight performance; it had to complement the structure’s eye-catching design. With Cambridge Flat Roofing specified to carry out its installation, the Sika-Trocal SGK system met the contractor’s brief to perfection.

Suitable for both new build and refurbishment applications, in both warm roof and cold roof construction, Sika-Trocal SGK is the best-cost performance bonded membrane for use on all types of substrates. Offering excellent flexibility and high resistance to ageing and weathering, Sika-Trocal SGK ensures a long-lasting, low maintenance roof covering.

Wayne Farrington, Director at Cambridge Flat Roofing, commented “The roof looks pretty spectacular and certainly offered a challenge in terms of its construction. There’s no doubt the Sika-Trocal SGK system’s specification aided the building process.

“It not only looks as good as it performs, it was simple and quick to install. It made a potentially tricky installation, quite straightforward.”

Work on the church roof started in March 2015. As well as the installation of Sika-Trocal SGK on the 1,500m2 main roof, Cambridge Flat Roofing applied Sika-Trocal’s Type SGmA single-ply membrane as part of a sedum roof build-up on a lower area of the building.

The fully-adhered Type SGK roofing membrane is approved by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) to have a life expectancy in excess of 35 years. Its easy application ensured the church’s stunning roof was completed ahead of the client’s strict eight-week deadline to ensure this gloriously-designed building will remain watertight and functioning as a vital community hub long into the future.

For more information please call 01707 394444, or visit www.sikatrocal.co.uk.
/0 Comments/by

Comar Case Study – Park Regis Hotel, Birmingham

International hotelier Park Regis have opened their first European hotel in Britain’s second city Birmingham. Towering over the skyline at 16 storeys the £50 million pound hotel offers 254 rooms, a gym, various bars, business and conference centres and a 2 storey glazed terrace sky bar delivering high end dining to Birmingham.

Comar

Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems were selected to provide the façade with curtain walling, windows and entrances. The key element of design for the Rofuto Sky Bar was to allow diners to enjoy clear uninterrupted views across the city, a double height Comar 6EFT Curtain wall was selected as it offers strength with a sleek 50mm sight-line. This ground breaking system, leads the way by offering a 50mm stick system with the capability to span further as the mullions and transoms have the highest Ix and Iy values on the market today. The design is also in keeping with the hotels minimalist Japanese Interior which echoes the “Byoba” art of Japanese screens. The curtain wall grid was off-set with symmetrically staggered mullions and transoms which create the typical lattice effect found in Japanese interiors.

The profiles where finished in RAL 7016 Matt Grey which seamlessly blends into the mahogany, cream and gold interior. All structural calculations were carried out by Comar’s Special Projects Team who ensured all Comar bracketry and fixings will withstand any sway, dead or live loads.

The cladding to the façade below the Rofuto Sky Bar was a palette of Ruukki panels, polished stone rain screen, and Kingspan Benchmark, A. Comar’s interface range of adaptors allowed the Comar 5Pi Advanced Windows to seamlessly integrate with the differing cladding elements. The design detailing of all these elements ensured that the façade had no thermal bridging and will maintain it’s air and water-tight solution.

Moving to the base of the building, Comar 6EFT capped curtain walling was used. Comar 6EFT interfaces with the dramatic angled cantilevered entrances. For this element of the face design the detailing and installation had to be precise to ensure that drainage and seals create a future-proof water tight solution.

Integrated into the curtain wall the entrances have to provide both a statement of welcome and ensure uninterrupted access. Often the first experience of a hotel is the entrance, which needs to provide form as well as function. The Comar 7P.i Commercial Door system is one of the most comprehensive on the market today. Sections are robust and offer an ideal solution for high traffic entrances. The doors selected were auto sliding which allow uninterrupted passage into the double storey entrance lobby.

APiC, a Comar Approved Fabricator were involved throughout the specification stage with both Comar and the Architect. APiC also worked closely with the Contractor to ensure that the project programme was met to ensure the time critical opening of March 2016 was achieved. Steve Tycer Managing Director of APiC UK, said. “We enjoy working with Comar as I know we can reassure our clients that site deadlines will be met. Comar’s Market Leading delivery is a key factor when we are up against a tight programme.“

Developer: Colmore Tang Construction
Architect: BDG (Building Design Group) Tamworth
Project Value: £50million

Comar: Designed for Performance, Backed by Delivery

For further information about Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems, please visit www.comar-alu.co.uk call 020 8685 9685 or email projects@parksidegroup.co.uk.
/0 Comments/by

Aico releases new features for AudioLINK data extraction technology app

Aico is pleased to announce the arrival of new features to the multiple award-winning app, AudioLINK. The data extraction technology is integrated into all Aico Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms and the Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm Ei2110e.

AudioLINK is a revolutionary alarm technology that allows for invaluable real time data to be extracted directly from the Alarm – all you need is an AudioLINK enabled Aico Alarm, a tablet or smartphone and the free AudioLINK App which converts the data into an Alarm Status Report. The Report displays useful information about the Alarm, such as battery life and details of any activations.

The AudioLINK App update is now available on Android, iOS (iphones and ipads) and Windows devices. The update brings in a number of key enhancements to the Alarm Status Report functionality, following excellent customer engagement and feedback.

Entering data has been made easier through the new App’s ability to scan alarms’ barcodes, automatically adding the alarm serial number to the report. Additional fields have been incorporated into the report to record more information about the alarms and the property including the Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN) and contractor notes. A ‘Use Previous Address’ prompt has also been added to save time when producing reports for multiple alarms in the same property, as is the ability to group these reports by address. Multiple reports can now be emailed to multiple email addresses. The reports can be exported as .csv files as well as pdfs, for easier integration with other software.

AudioLINK is proving extremely popular with landlords and their contractors as it improves the level of protection tenants will receive whilst being more time, budget and resource efficient. It can be used as part of the annual Gas Safety Checks (CP12) and property checks prior to changing over to new tenants. It provides a quick and simple way to test and record the Alarm is working prior to tenants moving in.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics, Aico is the market leader in residential Fire and Carbon Monoxide detection 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/audiolink or contact Aico on 01691 664100 or email enquiries@aico.co.uk.
/0 Comments/by

Define spaces with Forbo’s new award winning Marmoleum Linear collection

Forbo’s new Marmoleum Linear sheet collection enables end users and specifiers to define spaces through intriguing floor designs, by playing with texture, colour and installation directions.

Recently presented with the iF Design Award, recognised as a symbol of design excellence around the world, the collection is divided into three ranges that reflect the latest trends across the office, retail, leisure and hospitality sectors.

Striato Original offers a natural, earthy colour palette of twelve shades that enhance the contemporary linear design that runs throughout the collection. The Striato Textura range amplifies the linear design further still, with two styles of embossing that create more tactile and captivating aesthetics – complementing the shades of Striato Original.

For those wanting to inject colour into an interior, the Striato Colour range has four vibrant tones and four neutral shades that have a flash of bright colour across them.

Julie Dempster, Marketing Manager at Forbo, commented: “The beauty of the new Marmoleum Linear collection is that individual products can be used on their own to create great effects, or can be mixed and matched with colourways from our other solid and patterned ranges.

“By playing with installation angles, a design that is as visually impactful as a chevron effect can be produced using a single colourway. Or, to create a quirky, boutique feel, circular, triangular or hexagonal shapes can be cut into the sheet product. Specifiers can also combine the new textures with smooth finishes to add an extra dimension.”

Marmoleum is a wholly sustainable floor covering, made up of 97% natural raw materials, 72% rapidly renewable and 43% recycled content. The Topshield2 finish provides an easy to clean surface and helps to reduce maintenance costs.

For more information please call 0844 822 3928, email info.flooring.uk@forbo.com or visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/marmoleumlinear.
/0 Comments/by

Saint-Gobain Weber eliminates the leaks in Welsh granary

A combination of remedial products and renders by Saint-Gobain Weber has been skilfully used in a private renovation project in Newport, South Wales. Built in 1820, a brick and stone faced granary at Rogerstone had an attractive olde worlde appearance and had been converted to domestic residency many years ago. The property changed hands 18 months ago and a survey of the premises confirmed extensive levels of damp. Further specialist inspection attributed this to the high level of water ingress transferring through the external fabric of the building where pointing had failed over time. This had been compounded further by the previous owner who had removed some surface render.

The new owner’s building advisor invited Saint-Gobain Weber to examine the property and recommend a solution as, by this time, internal plaster was failing and the level of damp was destroying furnishings as well as the comfort and wellbeing of the owners. Weber identified the technical materials required and recommended specialist applicator M P Plastering of Highbridge in Somerset.

Mark Picktall, of M P Plastering, visited the property with the client and confirmed that the stonework would have to be covered to achieve a sealed surface. The owner was initially disappointed to lose this attractive aesthetic but agreed that making the property watertight was critical. Ultimately, with the application of Weber’s high performance materials, and the skills of the M P Plastering team, an equally attractive visual effect has been created for the granary which now has the benefit of a weatherproof outer skin.

The first operation was to clean the building with weber CL150, a water based anti-fungal wash containing carefully selected biocides that are effective against a broad range of bacterial, fungal, algal, yeast and mould species. It is used to remove green, black and other organic growths on masonry materials, prior to the application of renders and decorative finishes. This process was followed by the application of weberend aid which acts as a preparatory key coat for render. weberend aid is a polymer modified cement and sand mix which includes an integral bonding agent. This equalises the suction performance of various materials ensuring successful bond of the render and also enhances the weatherproofing performance of the finished surface.

Once the preparation was complete weberend OCR base coat render was applied to cover the original stone and brick fascia. weberend OCR is a single coat, pre-blended render formulated from Portland cement, lime and sand. The render, which is factory produced to ensure consistent quality to meet the British Standard mix formulations, only requires the addition of clean water and onsite mixing. It resists the penetration of external water and has excellent weather resistance and durability, whilst at the same time allowing the structure to breathe. It also achieves the same final appearance as traditional sand and cement but in significantly less time. weberend OCR, which can be applied up to 25mm deep for external applications, was applied by trowel and ruled level. Approximately 100m² of external surface was treated by this comprehensive and protective render.

On the recommendation of M P Plastering, decorative brick slips were obtained locally and fixed with weberset SPF to create a traditional soldier course around the windows in order to reclaim some elements of the original aesthetics. The final surface coating was achieved with weberpral M monocouche, a through-coloured, decorative render, which was chosen in Earth from an attractive natural colour pallet. weberpral M is a ready-mixed, cementitious and weather resistant render designed for fast application and has been awarded an A+ Green Guide rating in the BRE Guide to Specification. The surface was carefully scraped to give an attractive, low maintenance, textured final finish.

The property now has a fresh yet traditional appearance and, most importantly, a totally weathertight exterior surface. Counting the layers of material applied, an outer skin of at least 30mm now protects the property from everything the Welsh climate can deliver. “High-tech products from Weber enabled a great technical installation to achieve a watertight property. At the same time we were able to bring out attractive features to mirror the original character of the building. The owner was so relieved to have the granary looking beautiful again that she commissioned us to renovate the adjoining outbuilding, in exactly the same way, to create a fine looking home with great weather protection,” says Mark Picktall.

“The finished product is stunning, I have not lost the beautiful integrity of the historical building that is my home,” comments the satisfied homeowner, “but I have gained a fantastic exterior that is both watertight and fits in with the natural landscape around me. I would highly recommend Weber as a supplier due to their professional but not pushy service, easy to understand clear consultation and communication with me and ultimately the final excellent quality product. Thank you.”

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 weberapp 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.

/0 Comments/by

Getting a kick out of Kalwall®

Kalwall translucent cladding is a key feature in the recently renovated British National Taekwondo Centre in Manchester. The new facility was opened in time to service the needs of British athletes training for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Now for the first time, the entire national taekwondo programme, including 130 athletes, coaches and administrators, can be carried out under the same roof. This state of the art facility was designed by AEW Architects, with Balfour Beatty as the main contractor.

One of the main attractions of specifying high performance Kalwall is its unique influence on both the interior and its external appearance, particularly at night. Internally, rooms are flooded with diffused natural daylight which creates a stimulating and healthy exercising environment which, although translucent, also offers privacy. Unlike conventional glazing, highly insulating Kalwall eliminates shadows and glare and the stark contrasts of light and shade. The system also enhances simplicity by eliminating the need for blinds, curtains or solar control. In addition, the even distribution and deep penetration of light through Kalwall means less artificial lighting is needed thereby reducing energy costs.

Kalwall is a popular choice for sports and leisure environments and is commonly installed around swimming pools and sports halls. It is an ideal solution where an even distribution of light is important so that players can distinguish markings on the floor as well as not being distracted by glare and other interference.

Kalwall is distributed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by Structura UK, a leading supplier, fabricator and installer of glass curtain walling, rainscreens, glass atria, windows and other architectural glass building products.

The company has had all three of its ISO certifications successfully renewed for three years: OHSAS 18001 Health and Safety Management, ISO 14001 Environmental Management certification and ISO 9001 Quality Management certification.

Case studies and technical information are available from Structura UK Ltd, Tel: 01233 501 504 or visit www.structura-uk.com/kalwall.
/0 Comments/by

Top of the class Sika-Trocal roof system ensures primary school extension’s smart delivery

Sika-Trocal’s flexible, easy-to-apply waterproof roofing system ensured the uniform, aesthetically-pleasing delivery of a complex, five-classroom primary school extension in time for the new term.

Kirkliston Primary School has been awarded £5 million to redevelop its site in Kirkliston, Edinburgh. The funding will create eight classrooms, a new gym, dining hall and other sports facilities. Developers have supplied the grant as part of a deal to build 700 new homes in the town. The extended and additional classrooms will enable the school to accommodate an extra 140 pupils.

Hadden Construction, appointed as the project’s main contractors by Edinburgh City Council, is carrying out the redevelopment in three phases. The most recent phase saw sub-contractors, McConnell Roofing, install 700m2 of waterproof roofing to the five-classroom extension.

Smith Scott Mullan Architects required a roofing system which not only offered a long-term guarantee against water ingress but also provided the building with a uniform, aesthetically-pleasing finish – an incredibly challenging task given the complex nature of the application. For these reasons, Sika-Trocal SGK was specified for the project.

An adhered single-ply roofing membrane, Sika-Trocal SGK, is suitable for new-build and refurbishment applications. Its easy-to-fit properties proved an additional benefit during the Kirkliston installation, as the five-classroom extension had to be completed during school holidays to avoid disruption to lessons.

The roofing installation for the extended classrooms was far from a straightforward operation. The buildings contained three roofs up to 70-degrees in pitch. Rooflights, ventilation systems and large vertical upstands also had to be accommodated during the application. The experience and skill of McConnell Roofing’s on-site team, along with the flexibility of the Sika-Trocal SGK system, ensured potential challenges were comfortably overcome.

The school roof had a timber deck which the McConnell roofing team covered with Sika S-Vap 5000E SA, a multi-layer, self-adhesive vapour control sheet made of polymer-modified bitumen with a glass-fibre mat reinforcement and an aluminium foil as top layer. This was followed by thermal insulation board, and then Sika-Trocal SGK membrane with a fleece backing in slate grey, to give the roof a superb, uniform look.

To provide the roof’s sharp, straight edges, Sika-Trocal Metal Sheet Type S was prefabricated offsite and applied to all perimeters, with changes of direction and plane ensuring a crisp, simple detail was achieved. Metal ribbing was also applied, giving the overall roof a smart, standing-seam appearance. The architect also required a standing seam rib profile to give the roof a zinc-effect finish. This was installed to the entire vertical and sloped roofs at 600mm centres. Sika-Trocal was able to provide this detail which was hot-air welded to the membrane.

Despite the roof’s intricate application, McConnell Roofing completed the project – which started in June 2016 – in less than three months, meeting the client’s strict deadline and full satisfaction. Sika-Trocal SGK comes with a guarantee of up to 20 years, providing long-term peace of mind for the client that their building has been long-term safeguarded against the risk of water ingress.

For more information please call 01707 394444, or visit www.sika.co.uk.
/0 Comments/by

Rinnai goes Solo

Now available from Rinnai, the leading continuous flow gas fired water heater manufacturer, is the Infinity Solo Re-Circulator water heater.

The Rinnai Infinity Solo condensing and low NOX condensing water heater is the first Rinnai product for the UK to combine the advanced technology of its wall mounted continuous flow water heaters with a stainless steel storage cylinder all in one compact footprint.

The design parameters of the Rinnai Infinity Solo, enables designers, installers and engineers to benefit from unique Rinnai technology in applications whereby it was not previously possible. For instance the solo range will incorporate both 35kW and 54kW appliances, ensuring sites with a smaller gas meter can utilise such technologies. The larger Infinity Solo model will also act as a high-efficiency alternative to gas fired storage appliances that exist in today’s market.

Rinnai

Because the cylinder is stainless steel it greatly reduces the weight compared to glass lined models, which makes transportation and installation a lot easier. As well as the difference in weight, the cylinders available also have 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.
One other benefit of the Solo utilising a stainless steel cylinder, is that the life expectancy of the material is far greater than that of a glass-lined equivalent as glass suffers from thermal shock causing it to crack after a period of time.

The 24kW-59.5kW Infinity Solo range is renewables compatible and supplied pre-fitted with a coil, meaning that the primary energy source will always be from renewable gains and the complementary Rinnai water heater will only apply the precise amount of gas to boost the difference in temperature. Rinnai manufactures the energy efficient Infinity range of gas fired continuous flow water heaters and space heaters. The Infinity brand carries the widest range of condensing water heaters on the market today with the most impressive efficiencies in operation, leading the field in technological innovation.

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

Armstrong Ceilings showcases European projects in ‘A Book for 2017’

A coffee-table visual delight is published by Armstrong Ceilings.

Proof that ceilings are no longer an afterthought in the design and build process is contained within the glossy new A Book for 2017 from Armstrong.

While they hide unsightly soffits, reflect light, help to control the air quality, acoustics and temperature of a building space, and resist bacteria, ceilings are now all this and so much more – stunning designs guaranteed to inspire no matter the environment.

And those stunning designs, dozens of them, are showcased within the 82-page coffee table-style brochure that snapshots new-build and refurbishments projects from the retail and leisure, education, office, healthcare and transport sectors throughout Europe.

UK projects include metal tiles and baffles at the National Biologics Manufacturing Centre in Darlington, Axiom Knife edge canopies with integrated lighting at CFC Underwriting’s offices in London, wood tiles on a black bandraster grid at Global Mining and Resource Company’s offices in London, and a bespoke orange metal ceiling and wall at The Contact Company’s call centre in The Wirral.

Other European projects include metal baffles and open-cell metal ceilings at Ernst & Young in Poland, Optima canopies at Pitney Bowes in Italy, metal baffles at H&M’s central European main store in Hungary and mesh metal ceilings for multi-media centre Mediathèque de Caen in France.

Armstrong’s office in Prague also features in the book, with, understandably, the complete portfolio – mineral canopies and baffles, metal canopies, wood tiles and the first ceiling system comprising mineral tiles and grid to be awarded Cradle to Cradle certification.

The manufacturer’s 150-year-old pedigree means all this comes with unparalleled expertise so the design process is simplified in a “Less is more” fashion.

A two-minute video presentation of the A Book is available to view via http://www.armstrong.com/commclgeu/eu1/uk/gb/video-library.html?channelId=5227721150001&mediaId=5275657551001.

The A Book for 2017 is available to download from www.armstrong-ceilings.co.uk and also features on the Armstrong Ceiling Systems app available from both the Apple store as well as the Google Play store, or by clicking on one of the links below with your mobile device www.armstrong.com/CeilingDownloads-Apple or www.armstrong.com/CeilingDownloads-Android.

/0 Comments/by