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The construction of two apartment buildings within the ground-breaking Climate Innovation District urban regeneration project in Leeds demonstrates how the EJOT CROSSFIX® substructure system can be used to incorporate rainscreen facades into highly sustainable buildings, without vastly increasing insulation depth.

Developed by Citu in partnership with one of Scandinavia’s leading architectural practices, White Arkitekter, and civil and structural engineers Civic, the scheme is creating an entire new sustainable neighbourhood with high quality urban housing. Over 500 low energy homes with integrated amenities have been created to a design that has been PHPP (Passive House Planning Package) assessed.

The development’s two apartment buildings, known as volumes, feature a mix of private sale and affordable housing in line with the planning consent, with nine social rent apartments and seven sub-market intermediate units incorporated.

Both volumes, named Aire Lofts and District Lofts, are constructed using a steel structure with composite metal deck floors and a light gauge steel framing system. This facilitates a rear ventilated façade (RVF) featuring two types of Swisspearl fibre cement panels externally, providing a consistent aesthetic across both multi-storey buildings, which rise up to 10 floors in height.

EJOT CROSSFIX® was selected to provide the critically important substructure because it enabled the construction of a highly insulated façade without compromising aesthetics, with the added benefit of streamlining installation.

Meeting multiple performance goals

The entire façade of District Lofts was constructed by Hansen Facades using CROSSFIX, in conjunction with main contractor Artium Construction. It was chosen following its successful deployment on Aire Lofts, where the system’s versatility and effectiveness were first recognised by Citu after it was used for secret-fix panels used to demarcate duplex apartments at the ground and first floor levels.

The EWS1 (External Wall System 1) rating of the facades for both volumes meant that the materials used in their construction, inclusive of specified attachments, had to be A1 ‘non-combustible’, signifying the best possible rating with minimal fire risk. Optimising the fire performance included the incorporation of FSi open and closed state cavity barriers, along with RCM Y-Wall A1 non-combustible sheathing boards.

These fire safety objectives were balanced with thermal and ventilation goals. Given the high thermal requirements, the substructure cavity had to be sufficiently deep to accommodate Rockwool Duo-Slab insulation with a thickness of 250mm and maintain the required ventilation for a system of this type.

The deep layer of insulation was one of the most important façade components needed for both buildings from a thermal perspective. The facades had to meet a weighted U Value (based on a typical subframe arrangement) of 0.13 W/m²k, which was key to delivering on the developer’s commitment to providing homes with heating energy demand around five times lower than the average UK house. However, CROSSFIX was also instrumental in making this high level of thermal performance a reality.

 

A sustainable façade enabler

The CROSSFIX substructure consisted of a 220mm Konsole K1 in A2 stainless steel, complete with the Powerkey for enhanced structural stability in the same metal grade, which supported L, Z and T profiles. The EJOT package was completed with five types of stainless steel fasteners to provide secure assembly with consistent performance.

CROSSFIX’s stainless steel composition made an important contribution to meeting the façade’s thermal performance goals given its very low thermal conductivity, which minimises the potential for thermal bridging. Coupled with a thermal stop incorporated into the CROSSFIX Konsole, this meant the facade’s U-value is lower than it would have been if other types of substructures had been used with the same thickness of insulation.

In addition, considering the whole life cycle of the products, CROSSFIX is mainly formed of recyclable stainless steel which requires significantly less energy to manufacture compared to the materials used in other RVF substructure systems – confirmed by an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).

A smart solution for modern construction methods

The multiple sustainability benefits provided by CROSSFIX, enhanced further through the ‘non-flammable’ fire resistance rating of the system and a unique design flexibility that enables it to be used in both horizontal and vertical assembly, means it aligns well with the higher efficiency, safety and quality targets demanded in modern construction.

In addition, at the Climate Innovation District, valuable efficiency benefits were delivered because CROSSFIX does not require special or handed brackets in areas of the façade where space is limited, such as between windows and other openings. The versatility of the substructure also meant that one subframe system could be used for both the secret-fix and face-fixed cladding.


CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

 

  

Mayplas’ Thermal Soffit, just launched in March, has now achieved an A2 Reaction to Fire classification and has been renamed ‘Thermafire A2 Soffit’.  The product is part of a range of insulation that Mayplas, a specialist manufacturer of passive fire protection, acoustic and thermal insulation, offers the housebuilding and construction industries.

Confirmed following testing as Reaction to Fire A2-s1,d0 according to BS EN 13501-1, the limited combustibility slab provides thermal and acoustic insulation within the soffit at the party wall junction.

Available in thicknesses of 100mm and 150mm, permitting the design of thermal performance to suit the construction, the Mayplas Thermafire A2 Soffit facilitates thermal resistance values to Approved Document L.  It is suitable for both masonry and timber frame constructions.

It also provides resistance to the passage of sound, synonymous with stone mineral wool insulation.

Standard 600mm x 600mm slabs can be cut to size on site to ensure an accurate cut to fill the full soffit void at the party wall.  The soffit can be secured through the product to the timber truss or masonry block using the correct length of fixing for the width of the product.  Mayplas can supply appropriate fixings.

In terms of application, the Thermafire A2 Soffit is valid for any wooden-based substrate* and is also valid with or without a cavity to the opposite side.

“Achieving an A2-s1, d0 Reaction to Fire classification for our Thermafire soffit product is proving very useful,” comments Michael Hunter, Mayplas’ Technical Director.  “The test results open up new applications which we look forward to exploring with our housebuilder customers and with the construction industry more broadly.”

The Thermafire A2 Soffit is foil faced to provide an effective vapour barrier and the foil also prevents fibre migration.

A technical data sheet* is available at: www.mayplas.co.uk/housebuilding-solutions

Mayplas is a member of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection and the Structural Timber Association.  Mayplas manufactures a range of fire, acoustic and thermal insulation products at its facility in Bury, Greater Manchester, well located for UK-wide distribution.  Mayplas can accommodate virtually any insulation specification, working with architects, contractors, developers, distributors and merchants.  Mayplas is part of the Performance Technology Group.


CLICK HERE FOR THE MAYPLAS WEBSITE


 

 

Mayplas, a specialist in passive fire protection, acoustic and thermal insulation for the housebuilding industry, has introduced two new products.  The new Party Wall Head Cap System and Therma Soffit add to Mayplas’ comprehensive portfolio of products for timber and masonry frame applications.

 

The new Party Wall Head System provides fire protection compartmentation at the party wall junction.  Installed together as per Mayplas’ Installation Guide, the two-component system – a party wall head cap and a tile batten barrier, achieves 60 minutes fire integrity and insulation tested to the principles of EN 1363-1:2012 and EOTA TR31:2008 and independently assessed in accordance with BS 476-20:1987 and BS 476-22:1987.  The system addresses Building Regulations requirements to maintain the continuity of fire resistance between a compartment party wall and the underside of the roof covering, so preventing the spread of fire and smoke.

 

Mayplas’ new Therma Soffit product also works at the party wall junction providing thermal insulation within the soffit. It is available in two thicknesses, 100mm and 150mm, facilitating required thermal resistance values (Approved Document L) and providing resistance to the passage of sound synonymous with stone mineral wool insulation (Approved Document E).

 

These new products join Mayplas’ MP552 Cavity Stop Socks, MP556 Fire Stop Slab, MP551 Timber Frame Cavity Barriers and MP557 Acoustic Party Wall DPC Cavity Carrier, all recently tested to BS EN 1366-4:2021, to meet a wide range of housebuilders’ specialist insulation needs.

 

“Builders are putting fire safety first and foremost.  Our new Party Wall Head System together with our existing passive fire protection range addresses that need,” explains Michael Hunter, Mayplas’ Technical Director.

 

“We now provide a comprehensive solution for realising passive fire protection, for reducing heat loss and for minimising sound transmission in both timber frame and masonry construction to help housebuilders create protected, energy-efficient and comfortable homes.”

 

 

 


CLICK HERE for the new technical data sheets

 

 

 


 

 

As the Loss Prevention Standard changes to mandate use of compliant fire valves: Keraflo’s Fire Valves first ever to achieve LPCB accreditation

Keraflo’s innovative Fire Valves have become the first ever to receive important accreditation from the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB), a division of the Building Research Establishment (BRE). This significant endorsement highlights the exceptional standards and build quality of Keraflo’s products, setting a new benchmark for the performance of fire safety in commercial buildings.

The path to LPCB accreditation requires products to undergo stringent and rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest safety and performance standards. Keraflo’s Fire Valves have been subjected to these exacting tests, demonstrating their robust design, reliability and efficiency in critical fire safety applications.

 

 

Designed with advanced features to provide reliable performance in emergency situations, the valves are built to withstand harsh conditions and maintain functionality over extended periods, ensuring that they operate effectively during a fire event to manage water flow and pressure. Designed for compatibility with a wide range of fire protection systems, the valves can be seamlessly integrated into new installations or retrofitted into existing systems.

 

Highlighting Keraflo’s commitment to unrivalled quality and assurance, the rigorous BRE testing process has enabled the Fire Valve range to boast an unprecedented 10-year warranty. This is 10 times the industry standard and provides unparalleled peace of mind.

 

 

 

“The accreditation for Keraflo comes at an important time in the industry,” explains Richard Braid, Managing Director of Keraflo. “The LPS 1276 standard, issued in December 2018, mandates that contractors must use valves conforming to LPS 2083. However, until recently, LPS 2083 only existed in draft form, leading to varying interpretations and the use of alternative, , products. This ambiguity ended on May 23, 2024, when LPS 2083 became an integral part of the LPS 1276 standard, prohibiting the use of non-compliant alternatives.”

The integration of LPS 2083 into the LPS 1276 standard is a critical step forward for fire safety. This standard outlines the requirements for the design, installation and maintenance of fire protection systems, ensuring that all components work together seamlessly to provide optimal protection. The inclusion of LPS 2083 means that fire valves used in commercial buildings should now meet these rigorous standards, eliminating the risk posed by alternatives. This change is expected to save lives by ensuring that all fire protection systems are capable of performing their intended functions under real-world conditions.

“Contractors will need to ensure that all new installations are compliant and existing systems are updated to meet the new standards,” continues Richard.

“For building owners and managers, it offers an opportunity to reassess their fire protection strategies and install appropriate systems that provide the highest level of protection. The use of LPCB-accredited products like Keraflo’s Fire Valves will not only ensure compliance but also enhance the overall safety profile of their buildings.”

 

For contractors, building owners and fire safety professionals, the adoption of Keraflo’s Fire Valves represents a critical step forward in enhancing fire protection and ensuring the safety of occupants in commercial and public buildings.


CLICK HERE TO EMAIL KERAFLO

OR TELEPHONE 0118 921 9920

 


 

  

When it comes to constructing schools, colleges and universities, it’s important to balance

aesthetic design with building safety. It’s about creating spaces that are not only safe

and functional but also welcoming and inspiring for both staff and students.

The new Academy Tien in The Netherlands strikes this balance perfectly,

with Pyroguard’s fire safe solutions playing a pivotal role throughout.

 

Designed by Wiersema Architecten and de Architecten CIE, the Academy Tien is a beautiful new school building near the centre of Utrecht. Catering for students between 10 and 18 years old, the academy has been constructed with a contemporary open plan layout, to maximise the building’s natural light transmission.

 

Contracted to deliver the fire-resistant steel interior partitions and frames on the project, was JM Van Delft & zn, a specialist in glazing system solutions. Ruud van Dal, Sales and Operations Manager at JM Van Delft & zn, said:

“Throughout this project, it was important that both aesthetics and safety were considered and well balanced. There was a clear requirement for keeping the school’s interior spaces light and open, while simultaneously providing a safe environment for students, staff and visitors to work and learn in. As a result, fire safety glass was chosen as the perfect material for installation within the building’s internal partitions, doors and central atrium.

“Pyroguard Protect EW60 was installed within the doors, sidelights and designated escape routes. While Pyroguard Protect EI60, offering the highest level of protection, was installed between classrooms and the central atrium, creating a series of fire safe compartments.”

 

This process of compartmentation can form a key part of any building’s passive fire protection strategy, working to split the building up into a series of fire safe zones. As well as helping to limit the spread of a fire, this can also provide both a safe route of escape for occupants and a means of entry for the emergency services.

 

Ruud continued:

“Pyroguard Protect’s high visual appearance helped to maintain the light and open interior that the architect desired, while its multi-functional capabilities proved key in delivering improved acoustic control and impact resistance – something which was a clear priority when designing the new academy.”

 

Pyroguard Protect is a toughened fire safety glass, certified for use in steel, timber and aluminium profiles. Providing 30 to 180 minutes of protection against smoke and flames, 1B1 impact resistance, and UV stability, Pyroguard Protect ensures that both design and safety requirements can be achieved.

 

The Academy Tien opened its doors to students in January 2024.


CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PYROGUARD

 


 

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published its response to the government’s Building a Safer Future consultation, which proposes reforms to England’s current building safety regulations.

The RIBA called for a complete overhaul of the building regulations in the immediate aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy and welcomes many of the proposals, in particular tighter regulation of higher risk residential buildings of 18m or more in height (rather than 30m plus which was originally recommended by the Government’s 2018 Independent Review of Building Regulations on Fire Safety).

However, the institute is concerned that England still lags behind other countries, including Wales and Scotland, in putting in place base line regulatory standards to ensure that high rise and other higher risk buildings are safe for the public. The institute urges the Government to:

  • widen the scope of the new regulatory system to apply to non-residential buildings – the new building regulatory system should apply to other higher risk non-residential buildings at any height, including places where vulnerable people sleep, such as care homes, hospitals, hotels, hostels, prisons, as well as schools and places of assembly, during the design and construction phase.
  • make significant changes to the responsibilities for all dutyholders – dutyholders based on the Construction (Design and Management) regulations model are essential. However, the duties proposed are not clearly defined and are not currently workable as set out in the consultation, particularly on design and build projects.
  • designate the Architect’s Registration Board (ARB) to oversee enhanced competence requirements of architects – as regulator the ARB should be responsible for the accreditation and licensing of architectural qualifying bodies, including the RIBA, who will hold registers for competent architects to work on buildings in scope of the proposed regulatory framework.
  • ensure all technical guidance issued to industry is improved by the new Building Safety Regulator –this should include setting baseline prescriptive requirements for fire safety and reviewing all relevant British Standards guidance documents, particularly those relevant to fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings.

Jane Duncan, Chair of the RIBA Expert Advisory Group on Fire Safety, said “Although a step in the right direction, the government’s proposals do not go far enough to protect the public and more work is needed, particularly to more clearly define the statutory duties of all involved in the industry. There have been many failings in England’s building safety regulations, exposed by the Grenfell tragedy two years ago, but we hope the government will act on their commitment post-Grenfell to ensure residents are safe, and feel safe, in their homes.”

Engineered Panels in Construction (EPIC) has thrown its full weight behind the ‘100% Hackitt’ campaign to help drive the industry to adopt all 53 recommendations from ‘The Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety’.

“EPIC members manufacture highly-engineered, thoroughly-tested building elements which can be relied upon to perform predictably in service,” says EPIC general secretary Chris Pateman. “So Dame Judith Hackitt’s insistence on seeing high-rise buildings as complex systems, selecting materials in the light of proven engineering performance and resisting ‘quick-fix’ solutions, absolutely resonates with everything EPIC has been striving to achieve for the last 15 years.”

‘100% Hackitt’ is an initiative launched in October 2018 by two building specialists, British Board of Agrément (BBA) and Local Authority Building Control (LABC). It aims to bring together individuals and organisations, ranging from architects to fire fighters, to support Dame Judith Hackitt’s vision of “a radical rethink of the whole system”. Within the 159-page report, she argues that an immediate and extended implementation of the whole plan is necessary to create a robust regulatory framework. That, if the industry cherry-picks its actions, it “will fail to achieve the systemic change sought. The framework operates as a mutually reinforcing package and requires the implementation of its interdependent components in order for this to be achieved”.

“EPIC is proud to lend its support to ‘100% Hackitt’ which strives to achieve a proper, balanced, engineering approach,” says Chris Pateman. “We hope to see more companies and organisations joining us to reinforce the importance of this message, to lobby the Government for swift and effective change, and to help support the industry transform the way it works to ensure safe, future-proofed buildings.”

As a major contributor to UK and European consultative groups, EPIC has been actively involved in fire testing and research for over a decade. It contributes important information and proven data about the fire performance of insulated panel systems to specifiers, contractors and fire professionals. EPIC and its management team has consistently advocated for root-and-branch reform and not ‘quick-fix’ solutions.

To read more about ‘100% Hackitt’, or offer your support, visit www.100-hackitt.co.uk

EPIC is the voice of the polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulated panel manufacturing industry in the UK, promoting fire safety, energy efficiency and sustainability best practice. It provides clear guidance, information, support and inspiration for those involved in the design and construction of buildings using high performance insulated panel systems.

For further information, please contact EPIC on Tel:0330 221 0499 Email: info@epic.uk.com Web: www.epic.uk.com

Fire safety start-up company Lite4Life has adopted Aico’s unique Ei414 Fire / Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm Interface into its Multiwatch tower block fire safety system and AlightforLife Directional Way Finder Safety Light. The Ei414 is being used to alert these systems in the event of an activation from Aico Fire and CO Alarms. In the case of AlightforLife it activates LEDS pointing to the nearest exit.

Andy Cunningham, Managing Director of Lite4Life, selected the Ei414 based on its ability and Aico’s reputation in the marketplace: “It is so much more user friendly than anything else on the market. We are finding that using the Ei414 to send messages and signals to report on alarm status at the earliest opportunity gives us valuable minutes in the protection of people and property from a potential devastating fire. The recent Hackitt report for High Risk Residential Buildings (HRRB), recommends that high risk buildings are to be managed and our product, using the Ei414, can provide the solution for many of the points identified by Dame Judith Hackitt. We at Lite4life, feel it archaic to rely on a member of the public to notify the fire rescue services, often after the fire has been alight for some time. A fundamental change must be highlighted in the way we can approach fire protection in high rise residential buildings and Aico go a long way in supporting our vision.

“All of our future projects, including those addressing the HRRB standard, will be using Aico products. We are aligning ourselves with tried and tested companies to deliver demonstrable cost saving with innovation. Working with Aico has been fantastic; with our relationship with Andy Speake [National Technical Manager] and the Regional Specification Managers, why would we use anyone else?”

The Ei414 Fire/CO Alarm Interface from Aico provides a dedicated connection between Aico Smoke and CO Alarms and third party safety systems. It is frequently used to connect alarms to Telecare/Warden Call systems, Sprinkler systems and BS5839 Part 1 panel based Fire Alarm systems. The connection can be made wirelessly with Aico’s award winning RadioLINK Radio Frequency (RF) technology or hard wired directly between the two devices.

The Ei414 can be powered directly from the mains or from a 12-24V DC supply and has built-in tamper-proof rechargeable Lithium Cells which will power the device in the event of any mains failure. Reliable, easy to install and use, it features a ‘test’ setting to test the entire system including a signal being transmitted to the third party system.

Aico, an Ei company, 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. For more information please visit www.aico.co.uk or contact Aico on 01691 664100 or email enquiries@aico.co.uk.

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit ROCKWOOL on stand A285, or visit www.rockwool.co.uk.

Striking the optimum balance between aesthetics and fire safety in glazed partitions is a reality with new additions to the SYSTEMGLAS® range from passive fire protection market leader Promat UK.

Utilising the proven fire resistant material PROMATECT® H, two new Promat SYSTEMGLAS® options give designers and contractors the scope to create frameless, butt-jointed glazed screens that maximise light transmission, whilst offering fire integrity and insulation (EI) fire protection for 30 or 60 minutes.

SYSTEMGLAS® Celare is an EI30 and EI60 rated system that can be concealed in the floor, ceiling and side wall structures to give a virtually frameless result. And for applications where a visible frame is preferred, SYSTEMGLAS® Advenerat provides a solution to the same fire-rated standards whilst allowing for powder coated steel over-cladding or painting.

The fully certified systems – CERTIFIRE CF5452 – provide an alternative to metal or timber framing systems. Dependable fire protection for all products in the SYSTEMGLAS® range is guaranteed through Promat UK’s 360 degree wheel of assurance, where passive fire protection experts work with customers at every stage of the supply chain.

Promat starts by providing guidance on the right approach at the design and specification stage, and manufacturing consistency is assured as the system produced in-house. This ensures all cutting and processing is completed to the correct standard. Finally, Promat inspects SYSTEMGLAS® on completion to check that it has been installed in accordance with its recommendations and provides a certificate of conformity for installation.

Ian Cowley, General Manager at Promat UK says: “SYSTEMGLAS® Celare and Advenerat are innovative in the way we have combined advanced fire resistant materials to provide both integrity and insulation (EI) protection of up to 60 minutes in a system which can appear ‘frameless’.”

“As experts in fire protection, our R&D team leads the market. These new systems stem from our heritage, with our experience in manufacturing PROMATECT® H – a calcium silicate based material with excellent fire resistance properties – applied in a way that to enables architects and clients to benefit from this advanced product. And there’s more to come later in the year, with our timber framed SYSTEMGLAS® Ligna and steel framed SYSTEMGLAS® Ferro set to provide even more passive fire protection options.”

Promat provides assurance because it is in complete control of the design and manufacture process, and it has in-depth knowledge of the installation requirements. This means supply chain risks, such as product substitution or poor installation, can be eliminated. The resulting installation is peace of mind for building owners and users that they are protected as planned, should a fire incident occur.

Part of international building product manufacturing group the Etex Group, Promat UK has been producing fire, thermal and acoustic protection solutions for more than 30 years. In addition to its range of fire resistant glass, the company manufactures market leading high performance solutions which are used in numerous hi-tech, engineering and industrial sectors.

Find out more at www.promat-glass.co.uk.