Home Designer & Architect - June 2020 by jetdigitalmedia

HOME-DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT

MAGAZINE JUNE 2020

The IPG supporting suppliers with a green mission page 6

THE TOP GARDEN INSTILLATIONS

FOR SUMMER 2020

Whilst the summer of 2020 may not be quite what we’d originally anticipated, with unprecedented circumstances and a lack of normality prevalent throughout; it is no doubt more important than ever that garden investment is done in anticipation for the long summer months. The upcoming season is expected to be high in temperature, and with so many people spending their days in the garden, now offers a great opportunity to reinvent the garden space. Here are this year’s key garden instillations for Summer 2020.

Garden Office Updating the garden to include a garden office has quickly become one of the most popular installation for this year. For many, working from home has become an essential entity, and with an office setting not always a practical option within the home itself, a garden office can provide a suitable space and productivity solution. There are various elements to consider when investing in a garden office such as the material choice, with popular options including timber and PVC-u. Roof style is also a variable option worth researching, with so many styles and variations to choose from. The positioning of this instillation is key, as office spaces usually require electricity and WIFI connections, so it’s imperative that suitable positioning allows for easy wiring. It’s also worth noting that dependent on varying factors, planning permission may also be required, so it is important to research this prior to investing in the building itself

Summer house Thanks to their versatility, investing in a summer house can have many benefits for the home, particularly within the warmer months. For those who love an outdoor space for reading or relaxing, summer houses create an area that can be used specifically with unwinding in mind. Alternatively, these instillations are proving particularly popular as playrooms for children, something more and more families are looking to invest in. There are many summer houses on the market in varying styles, with everything from modern buildings with a contemporary finish to corner buildings and even combination options. Different shapes and sizes are an important factor to consider when searching for the most suitable summerhouse for a given space, in order to adapt the outdoor garden areas as efficiently as possible. Much like a garden office, positioning plays a vital role, so it is important that the best location is distinguished in advance of instillation.

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Outdoor BBQ When the weather is beautiful, being out in the garden for a family BBQ is always a popular activity, however many gardens are often not set up with outdoor cooking and dining in mind. A popular instillation for 2020, the outdoor kitchen is building in momentum. Outdoor kitchens offer the opportunity to enjoy a social space throughout the summer months, away from the indoor restraints of the home. Outdoor gardens work most successfully on patio spaces or unkept corners, when contemplating the many materials available to build such a space, ensure that they are tough, durable, and most importantly easy to clean and maintain – concrete is a popular choice and can withstand well under most weather types.

Garden bar

To create a space that brings the holiday home, outdoor bars in the garden are on the rise this year, making them the perfect spot to socialise and enjoy the outdoors. An outdoor bar doesn’t have to involve all-new materials, simply revamping an old shed or outdoor building can be an effective way to make a multifunctional garden bar. Popular designs are usually themed; consider adding a pool table, some sports memorabilia and a television for a “sports bar” style or weave some colourful fairy lights around the building with a tall table and chair set for a contemporary cocktail bar theme. With more garden instillations trending this year than ever before, adapting to the current circumstances by getting the most out of a garden space is a clear way to enjoy the summer. Through some simple structural changes and outdoor garden investments, gardens will be ready for the months ahead and beyond.

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HOME-DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT

CONTENTS JUNE 2020 4 12 20 38 46 54

Industry News Doors & Windows Heating Bathrooms Interiors Paints

62 Sustainability 70 External Works and Landscaping 78 Recommended Suppliers

Publication Manager

Jenna Burridge Editor

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ben@homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk

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Industry news

BAM signs first university pain-gain share alliance deal Sheffield Hallam University has appointed three partner suppliers for the first pain-gain sharing alliance model to be used in the higher education building sector. The Hallam Alliance is made up of the university, design-led consultancy BDP-Arup, contractor BAM and facilities manager CBRE. Over the next five years, the partners will deliver a £220m campus programme aiming to set a new benckmark for “best for project” delivery and building management. This will be delivered through formal cooperative boards which require unanimous agreement. The complex four-way agreement uses the new NEC4 alliance contract and has taken two years to thrash out. Paul Cleminson, construction director at BAM said: “This new type of framework means the clients, designers, construction contractors and FM providers all have the same goals and objectives, with benefits such as transparent open book costs approach, and improved risk management. “This builds mutual trust which will then the drive efficiencies, standardisation and continuous improvement that we are all seeking. “This is a very exciting time for us all. We are all incentivised to work together to create valuable apprenticeships and work placements and provide many

opportunities for students to have real local work-based learning. “The Alliance will also prioritise using the local supply chain, which will boost businesses in the Sheffield City Region and help grow the local economy.” Partners will work collaboratively through all stages of design, construction and operation to maximise transformation and deliver best long-term value. The model provides an opportunity to reform the way major projects are created and designed. The collaborative and cohesive mindset in construction procurement and delivery is designed to better deliver well-

designed, well-built and well-managed buildings. The initial project for the Hallam Alliance will be the delivery of the first phase of the University’s campus plan – with work due to start this month on renovations to the atrium of the University’s Owen Building. The first major new-build scheme at University’s city centre estate will be a 23,000sq m facility due to start next year. Daniel Ladbury, Director of Estates and Facilities at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “The Hallam Alliance approach will not only enable the transformation of our estate, it will also transform how we deliver and manage our estate and our vision to drive industry change while driving efficiency and best practice. “The Hallam Alliance provides a unique opportunity to bring academia, professional services and industry together to solve the current and future challenges currently facing universities, the commercial sector and the construction industry.”

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industry news

Successful Washroom Design in the Age of COVID-19 Arguably one of the most difficult design challenges today may be one often taken for granted: the washroom. With few exceptions, the washroom has emerged as a make-or-break test for business, medical, educational, and manufacturing leaders anxious to put their organization back to work with confidence and safety. If owners, architects, and facility managers get the washroom wrong, workforce distrust and doubt about returning will spread across the enterprise like the virus itself. Dr. Greg Poland, professor of medicine and infectious diseases at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., doesn’t mince words when describing the challenges ahead. Consider washroom water faucet and door handles, for example. “We swabbed them and put petri dishes in the incubator. The handles [were] grossly infected with bacteria and viruses.” Today’s best practices to prevent the spread of infection may be the improvised and ad hoc design solutions developed in hospitals, emergency rooms, and other essential frontline washrooms over the last few months. What’s the best way to inform your design with this hard-won understanding? It’s a question Avi Bar and Paul Kechejian have given a lot of

thought.

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Think Open Source. Some soap and sanitizer companies offer proprietary products that may sound good upfront, but lock the owner into a costly long-term contract. “Don’t specify soap or sanitizer products that tie-up your owner financially. Non-proprietary dispensers accept any qualified product, which can increase availability and reduce costs,” Kechejian advises.

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Collaborate. Our understanding of and the demands placed on us by COVID-19 are constantly shifting. Your supplier should have the manufacturing agility to respond to nearly any design requirement. ASI, for example, supplied and installed metal partitions for an emergency Covid-19 field hospital in Old Westbury, a village on the north shore of Long Island, in 72 hours.

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1% Risking 100%? Don’t underestimate the washroom. It may represent less than 1% of the building cost, but it puts 100% of the occupants at odds or at ease with their employer’s return-to-work decision.

Both professionals live and work in the New York City area. Their proximity to a hotspot and service to medical centers throughout the ordeal may offer highlyinformed, real-world insights available nowhere else. Bar and Kechejian hold national and regional positions at American Specialties, Inc. (ASI), a respected U.S. manufacturer of sanitizer dispensers, partitions, lockers, visual display products, and other washroom supplies. Their national and regional perspective allows them to engage with architects as well as facility owners like New York’s top hospitals. Bar and Kechejian share a few words on the lessons learned: •

Wide Design Freedom. “Identify a supplier that presents you with a large design palette,” says Kechejian. “Don’t limit yourself to a narrow range of material choices just because that’s all the supplier offers. For example, look for a source that represents metal, plastic, and phenolic partitions across a wide array of sizes and colors.”

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Industry News

The IPG supporting suppliers with a green mission Every British business will be under increasing pressure over the next decade to take measures to meet the Government zero emission target in 2050, with the aim to slow down and reverse the effects of climate change. The IPG and its members will be staying alert and moving swiftly to ensure they are able to offer products which will meet the requirements of the installer and their clients particularly in respect of heating our homes efficiently in the years ahead.

arlier this year energy regulator Ofgem stated gas boilers will have to be ditched from all homes or upgraded by 2050 to meet government plans to cut the amount of greenhouse gases being pumped into the atmosphere. All new homes built after 2025 will have boilers installed with a green alternative to gas.

The IPG welcomes the Intergas statement that was released earlier this month by Stephen Zouch, Managing Director. Stephen said “Intergas, is on a mission, to reduce the company’s carbon footprint and to support households using gas to heat their homes.” In 2019 Intergas had already written about the urgency of taking action to combat climate change and how one 15-year-

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Industry News

old schoolgirl was spearheading a youth revolution to shame governments into doing something. I’m not sure any of us realised just how successful Greta Thunberg would be but the rest, as they say, is history. Following Greta’s lead, Extinction Rebellion, a global group of slightly older climate activists, have been protesting to compel the government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025 and to declare a climate emergency. On 1st May the UK Parliament declared a climate emergency. Later that month, the sensors at the Mauna Loa observatory in Hawaii, detected a concentration of CO2 that equalled the amount in the Earth’s atmosphere three million years ago, when trees grew at the South Pole, ‘Climate emergency’ sounds like the perfect way to describe the global environmental fix we’re in. But there’s more and it’s closer to home; in December A&E departments reported an increase in patients with acute respiratory infections and in babies with bronchitis. According to research by King’s College London, cutting air pollution by a fifth could result in almost 4,500 fewer children developing acute bronchitis every year. It’s been clear to most of us for years that whatever we’ve been doing to reduce pollution, it’s not enough and, if we didn’t know it, Greta drew our attention to it. Now more than ever before, households, transport providers, businesses, governments – need to be pushing ourselves and our organisations to help negate our own impact on the environment.

The IPG understands that the Independent heating and plumbing merchants will need to be at the forefront of this movement, ensuring that they use and are supported by suppliers who fully understand and embrace the changes that will happen in this marketplace and that manufacture the products with the technology that installers and the end user will demand to meet the government deadlines. David Cairns, Head of Supplier and Commercial for The IPG said; “This is where being a member of The IPG will benefit the independent, as we will ensure that we partner with companies that have a full understanding of the climate issues that the world and industry faces. And work with the suppliers who are developing their product range to meet government targets.” For more information please visit: www.the-ipg.co.uk www.intergasheating.co.uk •7•

ENJOY SOME EXTRA ROOM BY MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE Spending more time at home has unsurprisingly forced homeowners to rethink their living space and the garden is a place many now regard as another ‘room’ for the household to enjoy. Offering additional space to relax, get some fresh air, or run around, it’s a space that can easily be maintained with a little love and care, or transformed with some clever thinking.

can be let down by hinges that are rusted, bent, loose, or worn. Complete fence and gate projects with a new set of matching ironmongery such as the Gate Hinge Kit with Ring Gate Latch, for a finished look.

Adding a railing to a deck is a great way to enhance its appearance as well as providing a basic safety feature. A glass balustrade is a very stylish addition to the garden, that will create a modern, streamlined finish. The Sabco Aluminium Side Fix Balustrade Rail Kit is a costeffective solution, providing a system that is simple to install which achieves a sleek and minimal look. Suitable for 15mm glass, the kit includes 2500mm length rail, glass clamps, cover plate, seal and side cover plate, and can be easily cut to size or mitred for corners. For a simple yet effective aesthetic, the Balustrade Wire Rope Tension Kit can also be paired with the Balustrade 3 Metre Handrail and the Balustrade Base Plate

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and Floor Post in Brushed Satin as part of a modular solution to create a system to suit the size and shape of your deck and create a new, impactful area of the garden to enjoy. Reviving tired fences and gates can instantly lift the garden. A fresh coat of paint can revive the appearance, but this

To strengthen old existing gates or for construction of new gates, the strong welded construction of the Timber Gate Building Kit prevents gates from sagging and is zinc plated with an epoxy black powder coated finish for hard-wearing resistance to corrosion. Designed to stand up to all elements of the British weather, IronomongeryDirect stock the professionals’ choice of brands. With an array of contemporary and traditional finishes available, including black iron and galvanised steel, and everything from fence post shoes to gate bolts and gate hinges. You can be confident you’re buying quality hardware that will last, to make your garden project stand out. To view these products and see more from our extensive range, please visit: www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk

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The flush sash, with added panache. Eurocell adds stylish new French door design to its Aspect range. Eurocell, the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC-U building products in the UK, is giving installers an even more stylish option to offer customers with a new, flush sash French door.

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he new door design uses the stylish profile, attractive chamfered glazing rebate and patented gasket cover trim of Eurocell’s Aspect bi-fold door system, and offers a perfect complement to the seamless look of its Logik S Flush windows.

The contemporary flush finish and super slim sightlines are only part of the story, though. With no bulky, floating dummy mullion, there’s a truly uninterrupted view to be enjoyed from inside the house. Meanwhile, the view from outside is enhanced by the use of elegant butt hinges rather than the conspicuous exterior flag hinges dictated by a rebated door. This discreet, adjustable pencil hinge design preserves the smooth exterior lines of the frame and sash in keeping with today’s design trends. Plus, it offers the option of inward or outward opening to increase design flexibility where space is limited. The new door will be available double or triple glazed and in the full range of 7 Aspect foil colours. Eurocell have confirmed an Anthracite Grey through-colour profile will also be offered as standard. A highly popular colour trend at the moment, especially in RMI projects, through-grey means none of the white PVC core is visible, even along the edges of the door frame. The result is a door with all the looks and style of an aluminium design, without the premium price. Another new addition is Eurocell’s door restrictor, which can be used with the latest French door and with Aspect bi-fold access doors. This allows the door to be left open in any position up to 90°, preventing it blowing open and damaging the hardware, or blowing shut and trapping fingers. Like all Eurocell products, the latest French door is designed for simple, fast and accurate fabrication. In fact, fabricators who already make the Aspect profile system will be able to start right away with only a couple of additional items needing to be bought. It can even be used to fabricate single entrance doors too. Following indicative testing to BS6375 and PAS24, the Aspect Flush French door is fully compliant with Part Q requirements for security, and in line with Eurocell’s commitment to sustainability that sees it recycle and re-use more PVC-U than any other manufacturer, it is made of at least 50% post-consumer material - Made & Recycled in the UK. Despite the growth in bi-fold door installations in recent years, the French door remains the most popular choice of ‘lifestyle door’ among homeowners, with over 200,000 expected to be fitted this year alone. By introducing this new take on a design that has changed little in the last 30 years, Eurocell are hoping to galvanise sales still further and give their installer base another great product to take to their customers. Ian Kernaghan, Eurocell Head of Product Design and Development, said the flush French door was one more example of Eurocell’s commitment to helping installers capitalise on emerging trends in the market: “The new door design meets a need among homeowners for a flatter frames and less of the detailing that comes with more traditional profiles. It can also be installed with two threshold options – our standard frame, or a lower aluminium version for compliance with Part M regulations on building access. “And of course, it offers complete peace of mind in the usual 10 year guarantee and 5 year hardware guarantee we provide with all our products.”

Find out more at Eurocell.co.uk/aspectflush •11•

Architect Embraces the Health Benefits of Titon’s NO2 Filters Two Titon HRV10 Q Plus units with Trimbox NO2 Filters® have been installed as part of unique self-build project in East Dulwich, London. When architect Jake Edgley began building his own six-bedroom house, he included a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system as part of the design, alongside other ‘green’, environmentally-friendly measures, including non-toxic paint and flooring. The 400m2 house was constructed in two halves, each built around a tree, with one MVHR system covering each half of the property. As Jake designs and specifies homes as part of his job, he often experiments with different products on his own property. Having included Titon’s ventilation systems on a number of projects during the last ten years, he was already fully aware of the company’s product offering. Commenting on the decision to have nitrogen dioxide filters added, Jake said: “We noticed if a neighbour lit a bonfire or a barbecue, the smell would still enter the house. Fortunately, I had seen the Trimbox NO2 Filter® on the Titon website, so I made enquiries into the possibility of adding one to the ventilation system.” The bedroom area had the Trimbox NO2 Filter® added first, and the Edgley family were so impressed with the results, a second unit was installed to the other half of the house six months later. Jake explained: “The Trimbox filters work amazingly well, they have completely eradicated any smells coming in from outside. In fact, if we smell smoke outside, we just close all the doors and windows, and there is no trace of any odour indoors. The

MVHR unit is already a good dust filter and this is improved by the Trimbox, and we’ve also noticed the Trimbox acts as an excellent attenuator to any noise from the MVHR unit. Then there’s the added benefit of knowing the units are filtering out any pollutants so, despite being located about 60 metres from a road, the air inside the house remains clean and healthy.” Jake now certainly practices what he preaches, as his positive first-hand experience has led him to include the Trimbox NO2 Filter® as part of every new build domestic ventilation system specified by his company, Edgley Design. “The Trimbox is a great product, particularly in London areas,” he concluded. “Given the rise of environmental toxicity over recent years, we always encourage domestic clients to put MVHR systems into new build homes. Including the Trimbox as part of the system should make perfect sense to homeowners, especially given its capacity to remove diesel particulates and filter toxins from indoor air.” Titon developed the Trimbox NO2 Filter® to complement its extensive range of HRV Q Plus Eco MVHR units and combat the high levels of nitrogen dioxide found in exhaust gases from diesel engines. The filter incorporates balanced flow technology to provide class leading absorption of NO2 and is available in two duty sizes (depending on the duty required). The product is effective in reducing NO2 to an acceptable mean annual concentration level of 40µQ /m3, while vastly improving indoor air quality (IAQ). Independent tests have demonstrated the Trimbox to absorb 98% of NO2, not only in normal, continuous ventilation mode but also at ‘boost’ or higher ventilation rates.* For more information about Titon and its range ventilation systems, visit: www.titon.com For further details about Edgley Design, visit: www.edgleydesign.co.uk

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Whether your project is big or small, we can help you achieve your glazing vision; you dream it, we’ll deliver it! Call us on 0208 997 2448, or email marcus@1stfoldinslidingdoors.co.uk

1ST FOLDING SLIDING DOORS • 26 Wadsworth Road, Perivale, UB6 7JZ | 141 Hook Road, KT6 5AR • marcus@1stfoldingslidingdoors.co.uk • T: 0208 997 2448 | F: 0208 997 0611

Doors & windows

Home renovators: should you choose French, sliding or bi-folding doors? Renovation can be an exciting project to undertake, but sometimes guidance is needed when it comes to choosing the right fixtures to ensure your completed renovation is perfect. hen it comes to choosing windows and doors, it can be a difficult task weighing up the pros and cons of each – so how do you know which to choose for your home? Here we will look at the choice between installing French, sliding or bi-folding doors in a renovation.

French doors are classic For a timeless design that suits any home, French doors are ideal. This design allows easy access in and out of the home without taking up or requiring too much space. They’re ideal for small to medium sized openings in the home, so are perfect for smaller homes too. French doors allow for more light to enter the home than a single

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door, which can be opened to maximise light and heat in the warmer weather. Many people assume that French doors compromise on security, however they can be easily customisable with locking systems for maximum security, making them great for many types of homeowners. Aesthetically, they’re also a great option as they are available in an array of materials, depending on your budget and style, from aluminium, PVCu and timber. Consider a chic and functional sliding door If you choose sliding doors, your indoor space will instantly feel bigger and brighter. Sliding patio doors consist of large panes of glass that allow for wonderful views to be enjoyed from inside your home as well as a fantastic breeze on a warm summer’s day when opened. Featuring clean minimalistic lines, patio doors offer both value and versatility. Just like classic French doors, they are available in both PVCu and aluminium in a range of different configurations and colours. Consider sliding patio doors from Quickslide if you’re looking for a wide garden door with a large glass area and minimalistic features to really open up your downstairs social space.

Bifolding doors can fit any size space If you’re looking to create a seamless transition between the outside and inside, bi-folding doors are the ultimate way to transform your home because they are visually stunning, whilst still featuring the best of modern-day double glazing. The doors are versatile and made to measure to fit the aperture. They’re also available in configurations of 2 panels to 8 panels, making them a suitable option for small, medium and large openings and great to incorporate into any size home. Due to the weight of the glass panels, bifolding doors are usually only available in aluminium to guarantee strength whilst also being lightweight and smooth to transition open and close. They are considered a contemporary and modern product in a classic heritage colour but can easily fit in with a more period home. Before choosing the right doors for you to complete your renovation, ensure that you consider your house type, project type (new build or refurbishment), size of the opening and the budget that you’re working with.

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Doors & Windows

New Specification Guide

- VEKA UK is on same page as installers, fabricators and specifiers Industry-leading PVCu systems supplier VEKA UK has launched a brand new specification guide providing manufacturers, installers and specifiers with comprehensive information on all the products within the VEKA UK portfolio. or a brand that is world renowned for both its heritage and its commitment to innovation, the timing of the launch is particularly apt; it coincides with the global VEKA Group’s 50th anniversary, and a cutting edge new www.veka.co.uk website.

System 10 FlushSash Casement Window

System 10 | FlushSash Casement Window

Features

Technical Drawing

Maximum sash size Side hung: 620mm (w) x 1270mm (h) Outer frames 56mm, 72mm and 84mm outer frames Mullions 70mm or 95mm mullions Sash

Marketing Director Dawn Stockell explains: “Here at VEKA UK, we know our products are perfect for every project, because they are tested to all expected quality and safety accreditations - but more importantly - they must meet our own exceptionally high standards. “Furthermore, as a customer-centric company, having the ‘perfect product’ is just one part of the service; the second part is presenting all that product information within the ideal package, and that’s exactly what we’ve done with both our new specification guide and the new VEKA website. These resources have made it even easier to specify our industry-leading PVCu systems. “The guide is over 100 pages and contains everything you need to know about all systems and products within the VEKA, Halo and Imagine brand ranges. From in-depth technical data, technical drawings, and performance results, to information about our technical support services. “And, for those that prefer a ‘pick and mix’ approach, individual pages can be downloaded by product through the new veka.co.uk site, so customers can effectively put together a bespoke reference guide for their most-used systems. “The specification guide itself is a joy to read. I’m really proud of how we’ve managed to fit so much valuable content into such a clear and straightforward

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61mm flush sash Finishes Available in a large assortment of colours and woodgrain options from the Variations range and SPECTRAL* Glazing beads 28mm bevelled 28mm sculptured 32mm bevelled 36mm bevelled Ancillaries Frame extensions, cills and weathering trims Range of coupling options Range of bay pole options Thermal performance** Achieves U-values as low as 1.3 W/m2K using double glazing Achieves U-values as low as 1.1 W/m2K using triple glazing

Test Results * SPECTRAL is only available on bevelled or flat surfaces. ** Figures can vary dependent on specification.

document. And, I believe the support that complements the spec guide is second to none. Our technical team are only a phone call or an email away and can assist with CAD design, as well as BIM, and wind load or energy calculations (to name just a few of our services), in order to help you specify the perfect system for your project. “The new specification guide comes following the launch of SPECTRAL; the innovative ultramatt finish, unveiled at this year’s FIT Show and shortlisted for ‘Product of the Year’ at the G19 Awards. This means details can be found throughout the guide of all systems that can be specified with the new finish, as well as full details of SPECTRAL on page 14-15. This extraordinary product can be used to elevate the look and even feel of a window or door frame. “VEKA UK systems offer immense yet intelligent choice. In developing the Variations colour range, we not only focused on getting the colour and texture

Window type

Max sash sizes (wxh)

Air permeability

Water tightness

Side hung reinforced

620mm x 1270mm

Class 4

Class 9A

Resistance to wind Exposure category

1600

of every foil just right, we also looked at how we could deliver these choices with swift lead times that work for your project. It may be a small detail - but one that means we carry the largest UK stock holding covering 4000 SKUs. “The guide’s combination of line drawings, photographs of products in situ, test reports and results, alongside foil options, specification and sizing - with real life case studies - mean the reader has the information and the inspiration needed to perfect every project. “Putting together such a comprehensive guide was a challenge to say the least, but one that was well worth it; this ‘specification Bible’ is the ultimate reference guide to everything VEKA. It is both exhaustive and easy to use, and I’m looking forward to hearing what customers have to say about it.” Sign up or log in to download your copy at veka.co.uk

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eveloped on his family’s 210-acre ranch, David Wersebe, who works in the mineral royalty business in Houston, designed the nearly 6,000 square-foot project himself and hired an architect to draw up the plans for construction.

The residence, which is currently on the market, blends elements of its original pecan orchard site with materials complementary to the environment. Hand-cut Texas limestone and hand-hewn beams from a 200-year-old Amish barn frame the expansive entry, and largescale custom metal windows open to the native landscape. Kebony, a global leader in the production of sustainable modified wood, was carefully selected to clad all four facades, reflecting the organic but modern feel of the house. The home is arranged in four distinct “pods”: the center pod houses the living room, kitchen and other common areas; the north and south pods comprise the guest rooms and master suite, respectively. A separate air-conditioned garage can accommodate four cars and features a hangar door that opens

into an awning as well as two elevated workspaces and a rooftop observation deck. All four structures are roofed in metal with custom-designed awnings with irrigated trellises; the center pod features a two-story white oak living room cathedral ceiling; its back porch includes a cantilevered deck overlooking Lake Lucille with a covered patio and woodburning fireplace. A glass-walled steel frame bridge with unobstructed views leads to the master suite. This one-of-akind home is surrounded by polo fields and equestrian facilities. Developed in Norway, Kebony’s revolutionary technology is an environmentally friendly and patented process which modifies sustainably

sourced softwoods by heating the wood with furfuryl alcohol - an agricultural byproduct. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall, the softwoods permanently take on the attributes of tropical hardwood including high durability, hardness and dimensional stability. This unique process also provides Kebony with its characteristic appearance, which only grows more beautiful with time. David Wersebe explained: “I built this house for me, so if it doesn’t sell, I might move into it. We’re trying to attract a $3 million buyer, and it’s dialed-in for the equestrian culture that’s big down here. The Kebony cladding worked extremely well for this project and as it weathers into its grey patina over time, it will blend beautifully into this environment.”

An expansive four-building modern residence recently completed construction on a former pecan farm a few miles outside of Houston •19•

Heating

Panasonic celebrates making the shortlist in the 2020 H&V News Awards Panasonic is pleased to announce that its Aquarea J-Series Air Source Heat Pump has been shortlisted in the Domestic HVAC Product category of the 2020 H&V News Awards. The winners will be announced at a glamorous dinner at the prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane on 30th April 2020.

flexibility to cater to a range of building sizes. The 3kW and 5kW capacities now have a total piping length of 25m, also providing an increased elevation difference between indoor and outdoor units from 5m to 20m. Meanwhile 7kW and 9kW units reach a higher limit up to 50m, ensuring users can adapt the system to their needs. A 30m elevation length also increases installation options for professionals. The Aquarea J Generation can reach an output water temperature of 60˚C and there is also a new chiller function which can provide cooling down to 10˚C – the perfect solution for flexible environmental control. Furthermore, the new J Generation delivers optimum performance when outdoor temperatures are extremely low, even down to -20˚C. There are two new sensor positions available for DHW control, which can be selected to improve efficiency or comfort levels. Users can select an option for improved efficiency and the most effective DHW COP when operating in part load capacity, or for greater comfort simply select an option to reduce heat-up time when operating in full load.

The H&V News Awards are highly regarded within the industry and celebrate technology and solutions designed to meet today’s environmental challenges through innovative products and projects. Tony Nielsen, UK Marketing Manager of Panasonic commented “We are honoured to be shortlisted in these prestigious Awards. High standards and innovation are a priority within Panasonic. Reaching the shortlist confirms Panasonic’s achievements and highlights the commitment that the company has to create innovative, sustainable and resourceful solutions to meet today’s HVAC requirements.”

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To support a more environmentally friendly approach, the Aquarea J-series uses R32 refrigerant. R32 is easy to recycle, has zero impact on the ozone layer and 75% less impact on global warming[1], helping to lower the carbon footprint of a building. It is also a more economical alternative with higher efficiency2 and 30% less refrigerant used, so customers can enjoy cost savings as well as significant environmental benefits. The design of the new Panasonic Aquarea J Generation models was an important consideration in order to enhance the range for both installers and end users. Extended piping lengths provide further

As a global leader in pioneering product design, Panasonic has created a network of production and R&D facilities on a global level, ensuring the distribution of cutting-edge technologies that set the standard for energy efficient heating and cooling solutions worldwide. Tony Nielsen further added “Panasonic products focus consistently on innovation, reliability, ecological respect and connectivity. It’s great for the brand to be recognised for this through the Domestic HVAC Product category at the H&V News Awards.” For more information on the above please do get in touch with our team via email, uk-aircon@eu.panasonic.com or telephone 01344 853182.

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Heating

RINNAI HOT WATER ON DEMA

– FUEL, ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND FINANCE EFFIC

AND NOW EASY TO CHOO •22•

AND

CIENT –

OSE

Heating

Rinnai – makers of units delivering limitless, on demand supplies of hot water – are offering end-users an easy-to-choose facility via online interface. The end-user simply visits the www.rinnaiuk.com website for instant assistance on choosing the right products to deliver fuel, energy and environmentally efficient hot water, reliably and constantly. Says Chris Goggin, “Whatever your industry we have innovative products and systems that give your site or sites limitless supplies of temperature-controlled hot water which are designed with the environment in mind, with low emission technology and high efficiencies, as well as a host of other great features, as well as costing you significantly less than any other mode of hot water supply.” We recognise that every application is unique and that choosing the right product can be a little daunting so we invite end-users to visit our website www.rinnaiuk.com and find the ‘Help Me Choose’ facility and we will do everything else from there,” adds Mr Goggin. Rinnai recently completed the installation of 2 x HDC1500i continuous flow hot water heating units at a busy laundrette serving businesses and the public in Stafford. Rinnai products were chosen on the recommendation of another laundrette owner, in Lancashire, who praised the efficiency and major cost savings because of switching to cascaded continuous flow

hot water units as they guarantee almost unlimited supplies of hot water at peak demand whilst savings on fuel costs. Word of mouth is the best possible marketing and a site survey was duly arranged and completed to confirm the best solution in controlling operational costs and efficiencies. The existing system was a heated stored water system – this meant that the site was paying to heat water it was not instantly using. It was clear from the site survey that Rinnai units configured to maximise both space and energy efficiency – and critically – the system’s reliability – would yield seriously large cost savings to the owner. Given that the Rinnai units were being wall mounted and externally flued, this gave extra storage space to the premises as there was no need for a dedicated plant room. Comments Ray Gallimore, proprietor of the Weston Road Launderette, “The old storage system had become completely impractical, inefficient and needlessly expensive to run. “For example, the washers tend to be used sporadically. During a busy weekend there could be a demand for eight to ten people battling to use the machines at •23•

Heating once, during the week there might be one or two. That meant we had to store a decent volume of hot water ‘just in case’ in the form of a storage water heater. Needless to say, keeping the stored volume at optimum temperature 24/7 was often wasted energy, a really bad, expensive idea all round.” Clearly the site needed to change the system to one that could cater for these fluctuations without running up huge energy bills and the solution wasn’t hard to find. “I was made aware of Infinity water heaters installed in similar applications to mine and in general their experiences with their products and their personnel, such as the local Rinnai sales consultant, were consistently positive and professional.” “The beauty of working with Rinnai is the service they offer. We presented the project to Rinnai’s Technical Sales team who came up with the design, configured the sizes of unit required and delivered the system complete and to a very tight timescale – this was key as the existing water heater had developed a leak and I was extremely mindful that the business had to remain operational to satisfy local demand. We are very happy with Rinnai and will be spreading the word,” adds Ray Gallimore. Now two HDC1500i internal mounted water heaters with secondary circulation provide hot water for 12 commercial machines, plus a sink and a wash hand basin. “The Rinnai system has resulted in an energy reduction and gas saving due to higher efficiencies and because we are no longer maintaining large amounts of stored hot water. It’s not rocket science to work that out!” “In terms of gas usage running costs compared to the old wasteful storage system, our bills have virtually been halved since the Rinnai system went live five months ago which is absolutely tremendous,” says Gallimore. Rinnai’s heavy-duty condensing range uses two heat exchangers to capture residual heat from flue gases to pre-heat incoming water, with the HDC1500i turning •24•

in 105% net efficiencies*. These figures add up to considerable on-going energy savings when compared with traditional gas fired stored water systems. With a Rinnai condensing unit, temperature is regulated to within +/-1ºC via ‘smart’ internal controls without any variation of temperature at the outlet even when water is drawn off elsewhere. All models have full electronic ignition, no pilot light and operate on demand only, so there is no gas consumption when the unit is idle. The units are easily configured in a manifold arrangement, ensuring there will never be a shortfall of instant hot water whatever the demand. Rinnai, the UK’s leading manufacturer of the ErP A-rated Infinity range of continuous flow condensing gas-fired water heaters, supplies the best energy efficient range of low-NOx water heating units currently on the market. Advanced condensing heat exchangers combined with innovative burner technology ensures that every cubic metre of gas is used to the maximum on HDC 1500i. Legionella proliferation is answered by Rinnai: the company has developed additional ‘SMART’ controls for secondary return DHW systems in the form of an advanced temperature control system which allows for safe running of water at 42°C core temperature during the day and 60°C at a time when the building is closed. By the time the building reopens, core temperature is 42°C for safe use. Another Rinnai innovation addresses an age-old industry problem with hot water delivery - lime scale build-up. The company’s integrated scale control system is an innovative solution and comes in the form of an LC (lime check) code on the display of the controller. Almost all water-fed appliances, including plate heat exchangers, boilers and water heaters will accumulate scale deposits when used within hard water areas over time. Lime scale consists of calcium carbonate (calcite) with lesser amounts of other calcium salts such as the sulphate. Sometimes lime scale deposits contain corrosion debris and this scale build-up can

Heating To alleviate the very real problems of noise, keeping sound and air pollution outside, Vectaire has three new models in its vertical whole house heat recovery range. The Midi, Maxi and Maxi Plus are now available with integral acoustic attenuation lined with superior sound deadening materials for really low sound levels and tested by BRE. Sound pressure levels are down to <5.0, <5.0 and 6.9 dBA respectively. They are easy to install – nothing extra is required other than the unit itself – they are the quietest, lightest and smallest on the market. Efficiency, performance and economy remain the same as the standard models. “BY-AT” models incorporate summer bypass and frost protection, and commissioning is via an integral LCD. Windows can be kept firmly closed while these MVHRs provide energy efficient ventilation and a comfortable environment. Products are SAP PCDB Listed and manufactured in our own factory in the UK to ISO 9001. Vectaire offers a design service ensuring units are installed in the best possible way to provide efficient, effective, low energy and very economic ventilation. Vectaire can also organise installation, commissioning and maintenance of these products and can supply all necessary accessories. All Vectaire’s residential ventilation is detailed in the latest Low Energy Catalogue.

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You can have it all with Speedheat Creating an airy, open space for living calls for clean lines and minimum fuss – but you also need to keep cosy. Speedheat electric underfloor heating can help to achieve it all. Installed with minimum disruption and no noticeable build up in floor height, Speedheat’s system is invisible under your choice of final floor finish. It is ideal for new build, renovation and redesign projects and comes complete with state of the art, unobtrusive controls. Speedheat spells the end to ugly radiators or trailing cables, with nothing to spoil the view. info@speedheat.co.uk

The renewable heating alternative

Serious about sustainability The Ultra Quiet Ecodan range of air source heat pumps from Mitsubishi Electric are some of the most advanced heating systems available. Designed specifically for UK conditions, Ecodan provides renewable, low carbon alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-burning heating systems. With an A++ ErP Rating label across the range, homes can be heated for less while cutting CO2 emissions.

ecodan.me.uk/hda

Heating

THE IS NO

Chris Goggin o UK with some the inevitabilit the urgent ne

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ENERGY QUESTION OW A ’TRILEMMA’

of Rinnai looks, in detail, at the future of energy supply in the e of the likely outcomes and possible scenarios in response to ity of changing consumer habits and behaviour in the face of eeds to conquer climate change.

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Heating heating industry and the UK government have a vested interest in preventing the potential impact of this macroenvironmental theme. There appears to be an urgent need for awareness campaigns that aim to change our perception and habits of using energy in the home environment. These campaigns should be driven by the UK heating industry whilst calling for support from the UK government to assist in changing the energy consumption behaviors of consumers nationwide. There is substantiated evidence from other areas of the globe that change can happen and take effect with the strategic response of social marketing in the form of “nudge” based campaigns.

here is now a consensus that climate change must be halted now by a whole raft of changes to our behaviour and habits unless we wish to play chicken with irreversible global consequences.

Climate change affects all of us, unless, of course, you happen to be the 45th President of the USA, in which case you can carry on Twittering. Or maybe he has a point? Are the claimed dire consequences overplayed and overstated for wider political purposes? Well, if you accept the logic that even fake news can be genuine sometimes then we need to look at the facts. The simple, accepted facts. This article identifies the emerging theme of the “energy trilemma within the UK” and critically discusses the three main tenets of the energy trilemma: • energy security • sustainability • affordability. 66% of energy used (officially verified figures) domestically in the UK is for heating, so both the UK

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A key element of the energy trilemma is related to the security of energy supplies which is crucially important if the UK are to produce a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (Spataru et al, 2015). It is noted by many sources that North Sea oil and gas reserves are in decline, a point highlighted by Lovell et al (2009, pg.12) who states that “the UK’s North Sea oil and gas reserves appeared to have peaked”. This statement is supported by Macalister (2010) who states that “the UK will find itself on the brink of losing its energy self-sufficiency” The UK had previously been a major exporter of energy however, it is again a major importer of fossil fuels (Pollitt, 2017). This reduction in fossil fuels is coupled with several of the existing coal and nuclear sites coming ‘off system’ in the coming decade (DECC, 2012). This is leading to significant fears over the threat of the lights going off (Abdo & Kouhy, 2016, pp 20). This point is supported by (Spataru, et al 2015, pp 95) and the UK energy regulator has stated that the statistical probability of severe power black outs would increase. The lack of energy sustainability coupled with a loss of energy security leads to the final element of the energy trilemma - affordability. The UK energy agenda is dominated by concerns regarding affordability of energy supplies, unambiguously related to domestic heating needs as noted by (Day, Walker and Simcock, 2016, pp, 256) UK agenda has always been dominated by concerns about the affordability of heating specifically, linked with anxieties about public health. These anxieties stem from an increase in deaths during cold weather mainly due to poor insulation of UK housing stock, official statistics for the UK show every year a peak in the number of deaths during winter months that run to the tens of thousands (Office for National Statistics, 2014).

Heating This presents the government with the issue noted by (Bolton & Foxon, 2015, pp 169) UK government is reluctant to let prices rise to a level required for new low carbon investment because of concerns over the impact on the affordability. This policy hiatus is further enhancing the potential impact of the energy trilemma and presents significant potential to impact the UK heating industry as 66% of energy used domestically is used for heating and hot water (appendix.1.). In the works of (Hamilton, 2005) on the impact of oil prices on the macro economy, he notes that a key mechanism whereby energy price shocks affect the economy is through disruption in consumer spending on goods and services other than energy (Hamilton, 2005, pp. 10). This point is further supported by (Beranke et al, 1997) who discovers that an increase in energy prices slows economic growth through its effect on consumer spending. Industry and government action will need to focus on changing normative and social actions, a point supported by (Chan, 1999) who found that green consumption behavior is significantly related to concern for the environment and behavioral intentions, and that green consciousness and the promotion of environmental protection and green consumption by the government are both effective predictors of green consumption behavior. This points to the need for educating the consumer base to change the normative behaviors as noted by (Wu & Chen, 2014, pp. 119) education of the consumer can lead to changes in consumption behavior and the incorporation of green choices into his/her daily life. To avoid the outcomes of the energy trilemma, the UK must transform its energy sector, this transformation is hindered by great uncertainty as to the central policy objectives and agendas which are driving UK governance (Bolton & Foxon, 2013). Therefore, it appears that one of the most rational avenues of action be that the heating industry, supported by national government, undertake a program of social based “nudge” campaigns to allay and reduce the impact of the energy trilemma by reducing long-term consumption. It is pleasing to see such “nudge” techniques happened with smart meters but more can be done.

The UK government has failed with policy approaches that have sought to incentivize energy reductions in light of the issues stemming from the energy trilemma. For example, the green deal aimed at incentivizing more energy efficient behavior. The failings of the green deal are described by (Rosenow & Eyre, 2016. Pp. 141) “poor policy design, limited financial appeal and narrow engagement with consumers.” The heating industry, supported by national government, can utilize a social marketing agenda to reduce energy consumption and subsequent costs, through education and “nudging”. The expertise of the industry and its knowledge of the consumer supported by government regulation and incentives could create the winning formula. The key failings of the ‘green deal’ and other government approaches was its inability to truly understand the audience benefit. These benefits need to be elicited to tap into and satisfy the underlying motivation of groups as discussed by (Lefebrve, 2011, pp.58) and these benefits may not be health, a cleaner environment, access to services or even money. This step change away from monetary incentives towards energy reduction programs could focus on audience benefit, with an educational approach to changing and evoking social norms related to energy consumption. Sounds drastic? Many would argue that we are in drastic times requiring drastic measures. Or we just go on Twitttering….

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.RINNAIUK.COM

‘Nudge’ techniques are described by (Thaler and Sunstein, 2008, pp.6) as actions that alter people’s behavior in a predictable way without forbidding any options or significantly changing their economic incentives.

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Heating

Combining cutting-edge radiator design with sustainability If ever there was such a thing as the perfect marriage between heating and design, then aluminium is the ideal match-maker. Vasco’s 100% recycled aluminium radiator collections: Oni, Beams, Bryce, Mono, Alu-Zen and Zaros deliver unique technical advantages including excellent heat conduction, high output in low temperature systems, light material and eye-catching designs – not to mention they’re sustainable too. asco process, melt and extrude aluminium waste to create unique new designer radiators, such as the aluminium Oni and Beams Mono collections, which are also now available as electronic versions -EL. These provide an alternative cost-efficient and user-friendly solution to traditional hydronic heating solutions and save money as they operate on a Plug & Plays-system which is not linked to a central heating installation.

Vasco’s innovative portfolio of designer radiators, which have been honoured with internationally renowned design awards, such as the iF award, combine energyefficient heating and functionality into state-of-theart design, suitable for all rooms within the home or commercial environment. Comfortable, stylish design combined with sustainable manufacturing to deliver an innovative 360 degrees approach. Oni remains Vasco’s thinnest radiator even in its new electric models with a depth of just 8mm, whilst Beams Mono combines all the benefits of electric heating with purity of design - a real must- have for those who love a minimalist look! During the development process of the Beams Mono-EL, Vasco designers had to pull out all the stops to be able to integrate an electrical resistance

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in the sleek vertical profiles (width 150 mm). Beams Mono-EL designer radiator can be displayed as a single profile up to three vertical profile installations. The profiles have been fitted with additional fins to increase the heat output. Both the Oni-EL and Beams Mono-EL meet strict European Ecodesign standards for electrical appliances. Oni-EL models provide an impressive heat output of 750 watt at 1400mm height or 1000 watt at 1800mm height and the Beams Mono-EL delivers 950 Watt per 150mm wide profile. Aluminium designer radiators save energy in 3 ways: Fast reaction time – The core of an aluminium radiator contains only two litres of water, whereas a classic radiator will easily contain ten litres. As a direct result, an aluminium radiator will react almost instantly to the heating temperature set on the thermostat, yielding a much higher efficiency. Maximum heat output – The optimal conductivity characteristics of aluminium radiators ensure maximum heat output, even in low temperature systems. A low water temperature setting automatically reduces energy consumption.

LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGNER ALUMINIUM RADIATORS Apollo Radiators is a Gloucester based independent distributor of European designer radiators and towel rails. The Apollo Magenta range is available in Flat and Curve in 4 stock colours, White, Anthracite, White Aluminium and Black Metallic. Available for delivery throughout the UK in 2 days. All colours are available in vertical, horizontal and low level. The Flat range is also reversible with a smooth side and a corrugated side. The Curved style is ideal where children and elderly are living.

Visit www.apolloradiators.co.uk for more info or email info@apolloradiators.co.uk

heating

RINNAI HOT WATER – RELIABLY INSTANT, energy EFFICIENT and lower fuel costs FOR UK HOMEOWNERS Rinnai’s range of ErP A-rated continuous flow gas-fired hot water heaters now includes models specifically aimed and designed for the UK domestic market. he units guarantee high efficiencies and low running costs combined with consistent water temperatures seven days a week.

Rinnai’s range of continuous flow water heating units are being specified and installed in the whole range of domestic properties – studios, flats, houses, high-end residential houses - as installers and end users become aware of the ease of installation, and the energy & cost saving benefits. Rinnai manufactures over 2million water heaters every year and as such is at the forefront of creating unit cost advantages for installers. Competitively priced, the units offer all technological advances and innovations, all at a similar cost to lower specification competitor models. The reason for the increase in popularity is that continuous flow heating systems are proven to

be more energy efficient than conventional ones and are now the preferred method of hot water provision. Rinnai units meet the demands of any size of home and are ideal where high volumes are demanded at intermittent times of the day, delivering safe temperature useable hot water. Rinnai’s multipoint 17i water heater, for example, eliminates the problem of sudden changes in water temperature, resulting in cold showers or scalding hot baths – the water temperature you set is the water temperature you get. So, if somebody is happily showering at 42°C and a tap is turned on to draw a bath elsewhere in the property, the temperature does not vary, and there is no chance of either user running out of hot water. The Rinnai 16i interior model measures just 675 x 370 x 139mm and weighs in at 18kg - a one-man lift. The room-sealed unit has a temperature range of 35°C to 60°C

with direct electronic ignition. Gas consumption ranges between 4.7kW6.5kW for Natural Gas and 4.9kW36.8kW when using propane. Hot water delivery flow is an impressive 16ltr max flow. Nominal operation pressure is 1-7 bar and it uses a 230V AC 50Hz 1ph power supply with an electrical consumption of 68W. Meanwhile, where an external installation is required, the Rinnai 17e external multipoint water heater offers greater flexibility at the design stage and offers a viable solution where flue runs are problematic or internal space is not available. Capable of flow rates of up to 510 litres per hour at a 50°C rise, the 17e is suitable for multiple applications and can be specified for use with Natural Gas or propane. The 17e has full frost protection and is available with a range of external ancillary items, including pipe cover box – and security cage where necessary. For smaller properties, the Infinity 11i interior unit differs from the 17i as it weighs 2kg less at 16kg and consumes 6.10kW-21.60kW of Natural Gas and has an 11-litre maximum flow. Key features of the 24kW Rinnai 11i are: Compact & lightweight unit for easy installation; Robust, durable heat exchanger; User friendly digital controls; In-built frost protection; Ideal replacement for large obtrusive and bulky cylinder; Compact design to fit a limited space. For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com

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heating

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arrow House at Hatcliffe was built by Lincolnshirebased firm, Belvin Construction and designed by ID Architecture in Grimsby.

The home is one of 11 properties to be shortlisted in the regional heat of the most prestigious architectural awards in the country, organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Barrow House is a bespoke, contemporary family home that’s partially subterranean. Resembling a modest, modern barn from the roadside, the lower storey is concealed beneath a wildflower meadow. When viewed from the valley however, the house opens up to reveal a contemporary glass, concrete and metal structure which seems to defy gravity. Steve Turner, managing director of Belvin Construction said: “I’m absolutely gobsmacked. When we started our business a little over two years ago, we never would have imagined that one of our first projects would be shortlisted for a RIBA award. “ID Architecture’s designs were stunning and we were honoured to have been chosen to bring their

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Lincolnshire Wolds home shortlisted for RIBA architectural award A family home in the Lincolnshire Wolds has been shortlisted in the RIBA Yorkshire Awards 2020.

drawings to life. Barrow House was a challenging build, making use of new materials and new techniques to create a one-of-a-kind property that’s genuinely beautiful. “We’re very proud of Barrow House and I couldn’t be happier that it’s been shortlisted for this prestigious award alongside so many magnificent buildings.” Andy Inch from ID Architects said: “Barrow House gave us an opportunity to work for some wonderful clients on a truly interesting site. It was our first Paragraph 55 house and we are truly grateful for the ongoing success and recognition the whole team has received for this fantastic project. For it to be shortlisted for an RIBA award is the icing

on the cake. Belvin did a great job on this project, managing the budgetary requirements and design quality on what was a very unique build.” RIBA Yorkshire Judging Panel Chair, Peter Cartwright, said: “This year’s shortlist of potential RIBA award winners in Yorkshire covers a wide range of sectors with many schemes reinventing existing buildings rather than building new, which is great to see. We are very interested in the operation and performance of buildings, as opposed to purely how they look – their beauty must be more than skin deep. We believe awards should go to buildings which will continue to look good for years to come, taking into consideration their low carbon strategy and approach to whole life cost.”

Barrow House has already won the title of ‘Best Individual New Home’ in the LABC Building Excellence Awards 2019 and has been featured in Grand Designs magazine, which described it as: “A masterpiece of camouflage; walk around it and the house opens out into an exciting arrangement of contemporary forms that both revel in the ancient landscape and respect it... an exceptional build.” Other properties shortlisted for the RIBA Yorkshire Awards are: Leeds Playhouse, Manor Ridge Barn in North Yorkshire, Doncaster Enterprise Market, The Longhouse in York, Park, St Albans Place in Leeds, Nexus in Leeds, The Old School in North Yorkshire, Engineering Heartspace at the University of Sheffield, Thorney Barn in Calderdale and the Barbara Hepworth Building at the University of Huddersfield. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 4th June 2020. Properties which win at the regional RIBA awards will be considered for a highly coveted RIBA National Award. Last year’s winners in the Yorkshire region included Mercia School in Sheffield, Merrion House in Leeds, The Great Barn at Bolton Abbey, The Hollis Building in Sheffield and The Weston at Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Barrow House was designed by ID Architecture and Belvin Construction managed the construction of the project. Groundworks were carried out by CLS Engineering, steelwork was by P&D Engineering, plumbing was by Andrew E Barnes, ground source and underfloor heating was installed by Trusted Energy and decorating was by Richard Betts; all of which are based in Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire and North Nottinghamshire. Find out more about the RIBA Yorkshire Awards at architecture.com

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100% Stainless Steel Towel Rails 25 Year Guarantee 01825 722988 www.sussexrange.co.uk info@jiseurope.co.uk

n response to the recent Covid 19 outbreak Managing Director at JIS Europe, Richard Thelwell, discusses their policy of stockholding and how it is even more relevant today.

Firstly, our staff and customers wellbeing is of paramount importance to us and we are following all current government guidelines. We have instituted further measures to further protect our staff and customers. We are operating with a skeleton staff in place maintaining all hygiene practices and implemented increased social distancing with singular operation office isolation and reduced operating hours with twice a week dispatches’” “We are able to dispatch twice a week and maintain this chain of supply due to our longstanding

policy of stockholding thereby providing further financial stability to our customers whose projects do not need to see any unnecessary further delays” “As always the Sussex Range is 100% manufactured from stainless steel including our recently introduced Black Edition of powder coated rails” “Stainless steel is 100% recyclable, and manufactured from over 90% recyclable material. It does not rust, flake or corrode. It is the sustainable, durable choice and can be used in all systems including open” “We source our rails ethically and take our social responsibility seriously, from our sourcing to our manufacture to our charity initiatives” “We offer 3 formats of rail throughout the range: Electric, dual

fuel and central heating only and we offer both a polished and satin finish as well as the Black Edition Range” “The cornerstones of our business are quite simply quality, stockholding and ultimately customer service. The three work hand in hand” “We offer an extensive range of sizes and accessories to further complete your project” “We have a large selection of gallery shots, showing the visual diversity of our rails, on our website www.sussexrange.co.uk do have a look and should you wish any further details, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01825 722988 or info@jiseurope.co.uk” “Thank you and above all else wishing good health to all and their families” Richard

Entries now open for The UK Bathrooms Design Awards 2020 UK Bathrooms, the leading online store for premium designer bathroom products, has launched its very first UK Bathrooms Design Awards and entries are now being invited. The UK Bathrooms Design Awards 2020 is open to homeowners and professionals whether architect, interior designer or trade entry. Homeowners can choose to enter for either best design where the prize is £500 Love 2 Shop Vouchers, best traditional bathroom or best contemporary bathroom and win Villeroy & Boch Tableware worth £500. Whilst professionals can enter to win best architect/interior designer bathroom, best hotel/guest house/restaurant bathroom or best trades bathroom and enjoy the prize of £500 worth of products from www.ukbathrooms.com. Graeme Borchard, Managing Director at UK Bathrooms explains “As the leading online store for premium designer bathroom products we sell to thousands of homeowners and professionals and decided that it was time to give something back and to recognise some of the stunning bathrooms that are being created in homes and businesses across the UK. The UK Bathrooms Design Awards have been launched to recognise innovation in bathroom design, we’ll be looking at sources of inspiration, clever use of spaces, product choice, overall design and lifestyle features.” Graeme continues “We

are extremely grateful to our manufacturers and distributors for their help and support, these currently include Bayswater, Barwicks, hansgrohe, Keuco, Perrin & Rowe, Victoria+Albert, Villeroy & Boch and VitrA.” The expert panel of incredibly talented judges include: Amy Moorea Wong ex-Features Editor of Elle Decoration, Interior Design & Lifestyle Journalist and Writer; Darren Paxford National Sales Manager of VitrA UK Ltd; Sarah Evans Head of Channel Marketing at Hansgrohe UK and Graeme Borchard Managing Director of UK Bathrooms. Graeme added “Entries are now invited for all categories and this presents an excellent opportunity for professionals to showcase their projects in the media and build up awareness of their own brand. To enter simply visit designawards. ukbathrooms.com and complete the online entry form.” The panel of judges will carefully consider all entries before making their decision In June 2020.

Bathrooms

Premium end shower manufacturer, Kanth, has pioneered a new way of making shower systems and accessories which will give customers more freedom than ever before to choose the shape and size of their brass products.

LUXURY SHOWER CREATOR INTRODUCES INDUSTRY FIRST INVENTION Karl Kanth — the inventor, engineer and designer behind Kanth’s 11 key product innovations — has introduced a sustainable way of creating solid brass showerheads of any shape and size, giving customers more choice, and interior designers, retailers, and architects the ability to tailor their approach. Karl explained: “Thanks to continued research and development, I’m thrilled to now be able to offer the industry’s first bespoke manufacturing of solid brass showerheads. Previously, the only way to create a bespoke product was to first create very expensive tooling for the showerhead and rubber nozzle gasket — and once you make this, you may never use it again. “Unique designs from solid brass have never been a viable option for manufacturers or their customers, or even for companies that use brass casting because of the very high initial cost it takes to create just one design mould.

“We’ve been able to successfully bypass this old way of working and create the opportunity to make bespoke products without the wastage and expensive tooling or stock made from that one design. So, whether it’s a hexagonal or heart shaped showerhead, we can make it once in the sustainable way that we create everything else.” The Kanth team prides itself on innovating just 11 products which make up its core lines, with each available in either round or square, and five different finishes. Its Wall Mounted Mixer taps for example, is one of these inventions and is made from just six components — which can be used to create 28 different configurations to suit every possible taste. Karl added: “Many business models are focused on profit first and on designing products that have no innovative qualities, which ultimately means they compete entirely on price.

“There are many reasons why competing on price is an issue but the main for me is that it’s worsening the already worrying ‘throwaway culture’. Our new invention now means that we can still continue to make products based on all eight core principles we live by, but without the wastage and consumption usually associated with creating one-off products,” he concluded. Kanth is a principle-led business proud to create high-quality CNC machined solid brass shower systems for the architecture, retailers, interior design, sustainable luxury, and specifier and installer markets. The Kanth brand comprises three distinct companies — Kanth Manufacturing, which houses all its British-based manufacturing operations, Kanth London which is led by innovator and founder Karl Kanth, and Smiths Metal Centres, suppliers of highquality raw materials. For more information, please visit www.kanth.london.

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bathrooms

The IPG congratulate Roman for hitting record breaking numbers at KBB 2020 Europe’s leading shower designer and manufacturer, Roman, has revealed its delight at hitting record breaking numbers at the UK’s main bathroom event, KBB, earlier this month. he IPG, the largest and fastest growing membership group for plumbing, heating and bathroom specialists was one of the first to share in their delight. Roman Showers are one of The IPG suppliers who made an impressive impact at KBB with record numbers hitting their stand. Visitors were able to view Roman’s British manufactured

products, including new launches and a range of innovative developments, demonstrating the company’s full range of capabilities and vast experience within the UK market. Roman were also thrilled with the news that their newly launched Liberty Fluted Glass Wetroom Panels had been selected by Designer Magazine as one of the most innovative products at KBB 2020

and featured in the event’s Design Trail. Glenn Fisher Managing Director at The IPG said “Roman has been designing and manufacturing showering solutions for over 35 years, and are known in the industry for their quality, precision and craftsmanship. Their stand at KBB demonstrated beautifully their diverse, versatile and innovative products which offer a

range of options for every style of bathroom. Roman’s Liberty Fluted Glass Wetroom Panels clearly deserved one of the ‘most innovative product’ titles at KBB, awarded by Designer Magazine.” Roman also introduced Innov8 Sliders and Innov8 Curved Quadrants which have extremely clever running systems and fast fix installation design - the obvious visual aspect is their availability in a matt black finish as well as silver chrome, this shows how mainstream matt black is now becoming in the market. The range features 8mm thick glass on the sliding doors and the large one door curved quadrants. Another featured launch on the Roman stand was their new Liberty Black Grid Hinged Door with an In-Line Panel which slots into the stunning Liberty range and is available in four colours: matt black, silver chrome, brushed nickel and polished nickel. David Osborne, Managing Director at Roman said: “It was a tiring but very enjoyable 4-day event seeing so many customers; old and new. We hope the event will be a great kick start for 2020.”

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Discover our 2020 collections

Novellini UK offers a full range of bathroom products; including bespoke shower enclosures, wet-rooms, steam rooms, spa baths, furniture and much more. All our products are designed and manufactured in Italy ensuring quality and availability. We have an extensive showroom facility at our HQ in Italy to support specifications and technical needs., If you are interested in talking to us about future projects or visiting us in Italy, for more details and availability, please contact our contracts manager Steve Shirley: s.shirley@novellini.com. Products available nationwide via our merchant partners. Why not visit our website or contact us directly for more details on our products and services. FOLLOW US

Info-uk@novellini.com tel: 01727-229922

ADV Architects Datafile 10-19.indd 1

www.novellini.co.uk www.iotti.com

16/09/19 09:34

New electric Esse can be installed almost anywhere

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Innovative new 990 ELX range cooker provides extra space and versatility for creative cooks

SSE’s exciting new 990 ELX electric cooker combines the convenience of electricity with the performance and versatility demanded by passionate foodies. The new induction hob offers fingertip control for precision cooking while the large rectangular hotplate opens up a whole world of new possibilities. It can be installed in any kitchen with a double plug socket and because it does not require a chimney or flue, the 990 ELX can be positioned almost anywhere – including as a free-standing ‘island’ unit. The ELX incorporates a three-zone induction hotplate for instant heat on demand and a large plancha-style steel hotplate. Rectangular heat-conserving ‘weightless’ hotplate covers incorporate

recessed hinges to maximise usable hob space while doubling as easily cleaned splashbacks. The 990 ELX will boil, braise, simmer, roast, fry, griddle and sear simultaneously – there’s no need to juggle a host of secondary appliances like griddles or steamers to get the results you want – the 990 ELX takes care of it all. Both top and bottom ovens feature patented wraparound elements and a ‘wall-to-wall’ grill element and all ESSE electric range cookers incorporate a moisture control vent which maintains humidity for baking or vent moisture for dry roasting. In line with the rest of ESSE’s electric product range, the 990 ELX offers rapid heat-up times (less than 20 minutes from Slumber mode to 200˚C) and a programmable timer for the ultimate in efficiency and control.

And in day-to-day use, the 990 is reassuringly energy-efficient thanks to the performance of the patented oven’s fast heatup time from slumber mode and power share technology – which directs energy only where it’s needed.

ESSE is the first choice for professional chefs, food writers and enthusiastic amateur cooks around the world. You’ll find our cookers in Michelinstarred restaurant kitchens and cookery schools where reliability and consistency really matter. ESSE continues to innovate and lead the market with a commitment to high quality product design, British manufacturing and performance at ESSE. The 990 ELX is a true all-rounder; a modern classic that’s ready to plug in and get to work in any setting – from country farmhouse kitchen to contemporary open plan studio diner. The 990 ELX is available in a choice of 20 beautiful colours including contemporary Matt finishes. RRP: £7950. For further details, visit www.esse.com.

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Taking a leaf out of nature’s book Figurative knots and distinctive woodgrain configurations are both authentic and much loved wood characteristics, that are admired and sought after by specifiers everywhere. This desire for irregularity and a closer affinity with nature, has led leading interior timber door manufacturer, Vicaima to introduce the new Naturdor® Heritage Oak finish. With its open grain and randomly mixed real Oak veneer, it takes a leaf out of nature’s book. As a leading exponent in the use of trendsetting designs and with over 60 years’ experience in the manufacture of real veneered products, Vicaima’ s Heritage Oak doors present figured oak veneer that entices the senses of true rustic wood lovers. This new wood veneer treatment has been inspired by authentic influences of nature and reflects a more recent market trend towards wooden doors that embody

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materials made from more genuine and under refined materials. Naturdor® Heritage Oak reflects the unexpected harmony of nature, with veneer mixed randomly in a choice of either vertical or horizontal designs. These can have either a matt or standard sheen surface depending on taste. Heritage Oak can be enhanced yet further by the potential collaboration of decorative face grooves, or the option of deep texturing. Introduced for 2020, Deep textured allows real veneer to take on a more rustic feel for an even greater tactile experience. Other combinations are afforded by a choice of available frame finishes, ranging from Naturdor® Oak and Stained Ash

to Dekordor® foil or Lacdor paint, creating a unique style to the whole door assembly. This fusion between a rustic oak veneer appearance, optional face grooves and choice of frame finishes, allows Heritage Oak to blend in and accentuate modern living and working space for a multitude of applications. Emphasizing its commitment to the planet and to the sustainable use of natural resources, Vicaima Heritage Oak is covered by FSC® certification. Where performance criteria are demanded, Heritage Oak is also available in fire, acoustic and security solutions. In addition to door only and door and frame assemblies, matching wardrobes and wall panels can also be provided. Visit the Vicaima website www.vicaima.com. For further inspiration and trend-setting ideas.

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Interiors

Painting made easy with innovative new interior door The practice of painting doors on site has been getting harder over the last few years. A lack of skilled resource to carry out such finishing work is one factor, but also the spiralling labour and materials costs associated with this, not to mention the drain on time involved, all contribute to concerns for Housebuilders and Contractors throughout the industry. Now a solution has been presented by leading interior timber door manufacturer Vicaima. With the introduction of its innovative Primed 2 Go doors.

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ainting doors just got easier with new Primed 2 Go from Vicaima. With its revolutionary new surface finish, Primed 2 Go reduces time on site and saves money by removing the need to sand or prime the face of doors before painting. This development has been achieved with the addition of a specially formulated ultra-smooth and opaque polymer face. The new surface means that even for less experienced painters, a professional finish can be achieved more easily. Developed

to accept a wide range of modern paints, and tested to EN ISO 2409/ DIN 53151 – grade 0-1, the surface ensures excellent paint adhesion with the majority of commercially accepted paint systems, including water based applications. The face surface of Primed 2 Go flush doors only require a wipe clean to remove particles and dust, before painting can commence, thereby saving time and money on site during the installation process. As a Vicaima product, Primed 2 Go is manufactured to the same high standard as all of their doors. Examples of which include: Hollow core doors with lock blocks on both sides making installation fully reversible and for performance applications Primed 2 Go doors are also available in both half-hour FD30 and one-hour FD60 fire rated. Both hollow core and FD30 doors have timber rails and are lipped on two edges, although these edges would of course require recommended treatment after fitting. Primed 2 Go doors are also available in both glazed options and with decorative grooves where desired, for added design flexibility.

Make life easy for yourself with Primed 2 Go: • Reduces site time and cost • Less materials required to complete finishing • No face sanding required • Easier to achieve a professional surface finish • Ultra-smooth and opaque surface • New polymer face will accept wide range of paint types • Tested to EN ISO 2409/ DIN 53151 – grade 0-1 • All Primed 2 Go products are FSC® Certified For further inspiration and trend-setting ideas from Vicaima download a brochure today or visit the Vicaima website www.vicaima.com.

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Interiors

50 Shades of Grey and How to Use Them in Your Home Grey has been having a moment in the world of interiors for a long time now, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. rey is a timeless, yet modern colour which makes the perfect neutral background for almost any other colour as well as being a statement of its own accord.

Shades of grey can be utilised alongside other colours to create a complex colour scheme, it offers a neutral, reduced glare backdrop which allows accent colours to come to life. You can pick the shade of grey based on the accent colours you plan to use; warmer greys look best with pinks, yellows and oranges whereas cooler toned greys look best when accompanied by colours such as blue and green as well as purples. There are well over 50 shades of grey available to use in your home, but let’s

take a look at some of the most popular and how to use them. Pewter Pewter used to be one of the most popular metals used in jewellery making. It has a slightly darker grey tone than silver making it a great shade for interior décor. Pewter is a medium neutral grey shade, usually on the cooler side of the spectrum. It works well with any accent colour as it isn’t extremely cool toned nor warm toned making it a very versatile shade. Charcoal Charcoal is a statement grey but can be used as a base depending on how you do it. Probably the closest shade of

grey to black, charcoal can seem scary to some, but it can look extremely chic and modern depending on how it is used. Charcoal can be used as a statement wall or perhaps for accent pieces of furniture but is best used sparingly; it also looks great when paired with other shades of grey for a multi-dimensional effect. Greige Greige is a fairly new shade of grey which can be seen in both interiors and clothing; the warm mix of grey and beige is a great shade for home furnishings as feels softer and less harsh than traditional shades of grey. It is much warmer than other shades and works best with warmer colours such as pink. It can be used on walls as a base for accent colours and looks great in soft furnishings. Slate Similar to charcoal, but slightly lighter in colour; slate works great in kitchens

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Interiors

and bathrooms as the material makes a great choice for tiles and work surfaces. Slate makes for a chic and modern colour scheme and again, can be used as a statement colour of its own or paired with another accent colour. Pair with pastel shades of pink or mustard for a contrasting colour palette. Stone

closest shade of grey to white, this makes a great backdrop for any accent colour and really brightens up a room whilst still being super on trend and staying clear of a more traditional ‘clinical’ white. Eggshell is also a great colour to pair with other shades of grey for a tonal look. Steel

Going slightly lighter again, stone grey can be open to interpretation. For some, it will a cool toned grey whereas for others it could take on a warmer tint of brown or sand. Whatever you prefer, it makes a good shade for use in bedrooms and living areas as it is that little bit lighter and fresher.

Going back to the dark side, steel grey is closer in comparison to slate and charcoal but is slightly more palatable. As with the other darker tones, steel makes a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens as well as living areas; its dark and smoky look means it makes a great statement as well as being easy to pair with other colours.

Eggshell

Silver

If you’re a little wary of grey, eggshell could be the shade for you. The

Silver is probably one of the most popular shades of grey seen in home interiors. It

is bright and easy to pair with an array of other colours including pinks, purples and blues. It is an extremely versatile shade of grey and works well in almost any room; especially living areas and bedrooms as it looks great when used in soft furnishings. As such a versatile colour, grey is bound to stand the test of time as we have already seen; therefore, integrating this chic, modern colour into your home should be no feat. Whether you choose to go all out and create a sleek, slate bathroom, invest in some new pewter bedding or add some chic silver made to measure window blinds; you can be sure that your interior will be on trend for a long time to come.

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NHBC receives RoSPA Gold Award for health and safety achievements

NHBC, the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK, is proud to have received an internationally-recognised award for demonstrating high health and safety standards.

“We are delighted that for the third year running NHBC can be counted amongst some of the world’s biggest brands as a leader in health and safety practices and underpins our commitment to the wellbeing of our employees.”

The RoSPA Gold Health and Safety Award demonstrates NHBC’s commitment to ensuring the highest possible health and safety standards for staff members.

Julia Small, RoSPA’s Head of Qualifications, Awards and Events, said: “The RoSPA Awards scheme is the longest-running of its kind in the UK, but it receives entries from organisations around the world, making it one of the most sought-after global accolades in health and safety.

Organisations receiving a RoSPA Award are recognised as being world-leaders in health and safety practice. Every year, nearly 2,000 entrants vie to achieve the highest possible accolade in what is the UK’s longest-running Health and Safety industry awards. Simon Mantle, NHBC’s Group Health and Safety Manager, said: “It’s a huge honour for NHBC to receive a RoSPA Gold award for our achievements in Health and Safety. •52•

“The RoSPA Award winners are driving up standards and setting new benchmarks for organisations everywhere. Currently, around 7million people are directly impacted by the RoSPA Awards, but the scheme’s influence is even wider.” Click here for more information.

helps the nation get back to work While most of the nation’s workforce has been compelled to work from home or pause working altogether, it’s now time for the working world to get back on its feet. Kärcher, renowned German manufacturer of professional cleaning products, is helping organisations to prepare a safe and hygienic workplace through a series of specially prepared online resources and virtual training available to all. It has never been more important to ensure a clean and safe environment for both employees and customers. Expert in effective cleaning, Kärcher recognises that different working environments require different cleaning regimes and equipment and its newly launched online cleaning resource reflects this. Available at https://www.kaercher.com/uk/ professional/protect-your-people.html it comprises a useful guide, cleaning tips and checklists pertinent to multiple workplace areas. augue augue. velit in arcu Many businesses will Duis haveidpurchased accumsan congue.orDonec at new cleaning equipment increased massa variusteams eleifend the head countidinrisus cleaning to vitae athygiene quam. Vivamus tristique est optimise processes, both routes vitae felis vehicula mollis. Vivamus necessitating training. Kärcher’s new quam dolor, tempor ac gravida virtual training resource answers this sit amet, portadistance fermentum magna. need from a safe through a Aliquam euismodvideos, commodo nisl, series of online training as well vel luctus lorem fermentum quis. Duis quis purus adipiscing mi scelerisque dictum quis vel eros. Nullam eu tempor purus. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat

as live customer consultations for those requiring more tailored instruction https://www.kaercher.com/uk/ professional/academy-live.html Filmed at the Kärcher Academy, using Kärcher Professional machines, these training assets provide direct access to cleaning experts. In these video tools, Kärcher explains how offices are vulnerable to dirt build-up on everyday touch points such as desks, keyboards and telephones. These are critical areas for contamination and need to be hygienically clean. Cleaning with water & detergent is an effective way to remove impurities, dust and dirt, followed by disinfection to destroy pathogenic micro-organisms and leave surfaces hygienically clean. Cleaning teams must also use personal protective equipment (PPE) – disposable gloves and aprons are a minimum standard. It goes on to give specific advice on shared kitchens for employees as a number one priority, to prevent contamination and transmission of germs and bacteria. Ensure pipes have been thoroughly flushed through so the tap water is safe, as water that’s been left sitting in pipes for a long period of time could have accumulated chemicals and harmful organisms such as Legionnaire’s Disease. Deep cleaning and sanitising all kitchen utensils like forks, knives and

spoons at 60oC or above will kill most germs and bacteria. Kärcher has a broad machine, accessory and detergent range to help achieve high hygiene standards. In the last few weeks, Karcher has seen a surge in demand for steam cleaners. In particular for public bathroom facilities, a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, which make exemplary hygiene standards crucial. For hard-to-reach, high-risk touchpoints like sinks, taps and soap dispensers a Professional Steam Cleaner is ideal to disinfect without cloths and chemicals. Steam-cleaning ensures these areas are germ-free. Steam-cleaning is also well-suited to general public areas if you want to avoid chemicals, and it easily reaches the nooks and crannies that can be difficult to reach with a cloth. High footfall public areas, like reception and the canteen, must be kept hygienic to ensure a safe working environment, combining everyday maintenance cleaning with deep cleaning methods. When cleaning matters most, Kärcher delivers. To request a live customer consultation, visit www.kaercher.com

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Paints Widely recognised as one of London’s most perfect villages, full of beautiful shops, prime period properties and green open spaces, Wimbledon is an idyllic location for any family. Therefore, it came as no surprise to Up Architects when they were appointed by a young family, who required more space, to deliver the full refurbishment and extension of their existing home. Kebony, a global leader in the production of sustainable modified wood, was carefully selected by the architects for the exterior cladding of the extension to create something truly beautiful without being ostentatious. fter making the decision to stay in their house, rather than moving to a bigger property in the area, or moving away from the children’s school, the family recognised their pressing need for more space. Up Architects wanted to design an extension that stood out from the run-of-the-mill extensions in the area, and started with the idea of a single large space that could be adapted to suit the family’s needs over time, incorporating dining, living, a playroom, study area, TV room and guest room into the brief. Now their hectic family life could take place in a modern, light filled open-plan living space, all with an enhanced connection to the garden.

In keeping with the client’s brief, the design is simple, un-assuming and honest with two simple roof forms sitting over the main space, formed from an exposed glulam timber structure with Kebony cladding used for the exterior walls and roof. The simple geometry of the twinhipped roofs breaks up the bulk seen from outside and defines the different spaces internally without a physical division. The timber Kebony cladding lines up across the walls and roof, with compound mitred joints, making the whole extension appear to be carved from one block of wood, with no visible gutters to compromise the sharp lines. All the timber used was sustainably sourced and the Kebony cladding is guaranteed for 30 years. Developed in Norway, Kebony’s revolutionary

technology is an environmentally friendly and patented process which modifies sustainably sourced softwoods by heating the wood with furfuryl alcohol - an agricultural by-product. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall, the softwoods permanently take on the attributes of tropical hardwood including high durability, hardness and dimensional stability. This unique process also provides Kebony with its characteristic appearance, which only grows more beautiful with time. Marty McColl, Director at Up Architects commented: “Following our appointment for this project, it was essential that the family felt they had made the right decision in opting for an extension rather than moving house. We were able to create substantially more space, whilst ensuring the extension reflected the brief to build something that was beautiful in design without being ostentatious; we are thrilled with the final product and loved working with Kebony to transform this traditional suburban semi-detached house into a contemporary and more practical family home.” Adrian Pye, International Sales Director at Kebony added: “We are delighted with the growing demand for Kebony extensions, the wood is extremely versatile and can be used for both traditional and modern properties as well as detached, semi-detached or terrace houses. It is evident that Up Architects have carefully considered the brief and created the perfect living space to meet the needs of this young family and the final product is a testament to their hard work.”

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MAKE IT SUSTAINABLE

In order to produce a more even greying process, www.organowood.com OrganoWood has developed surface treatments info@organowood.com OrganoWood® 01 Protection & 02 Repellent. The products offer the surface extremely water repellent (superhydrophobic) characteristics that reduce the risk of the phenomenon and promotes a more even greying process. The water repellent properties result in the timber cracking less and becoming more dimensionally stable.

Paints

Mapei’s high-demand training dates revealed for 2020 Mapei has unveiled its extensive list of training dates for 2020, as part of plans to continually utilise its impressive training facility based in Halesowen, West Midlands. ollowing a successful first year of training courses at the facility situated at Mapei Academy, a total of 51 days have been dedicated to training, covering Ceramic Tiling, Resilient Flooring, EWI, Resin, Ultratop Loft, Concrete Repair and Basement Structural Waterproofing.

each tailored training course. Bookings from distributors, contractors, designers and engineers are welcomed, and can be tailored to specific needs and requirements. All training delegates will receive presentation notes, refreshments, a buffet lunch, a factory tour and Mapei goodies.

EWI: January 23, March 26, May 28, July 30, September 24, November 26

There will be 12 dates dedicated for each of the Ceramic Tiling and Resilient Flooring training courses, 6 dates for both EWI and Resin Flooring, and 5 dates each for Ultratop Loft, Concrete Repair, and Basement Structural Waterproofing. A team made up of Chris Myatt, Adrian Jennings, Neal Perryman, Adrian Jones and Jeremy Mann, as well as relevant product line experts, will be on hand to provide information and expertise at

The dates are as follows:

Concrete Repair: March 17, May 12, July 2, September 15, November 10

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Ceramic: January 7, February 4, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4, September 8, October 6, November 3, December 1 Resilient: January 9, February 6, March 5, April 9, May 7, June 4, July 9, August 6, September 10, October 8, November 5, December 3

Resin: February 25, April 28, June 30, July 28, September 29, November 24 Ultratop Loft: January 21, March 24, June 23, August 25, October 27

Basement Structural Waterproofing: February 27, April 2, June 11, September 17, November 19 To book your place on one of Mapei’s coveted training courses, email ukmarketing@mapei.co.uk or call 0121 508 6970

Paints

BT1 - Ground-breaking technology in resisting E. coli and MRSA In time of heightened health risks and being cautious of what we put into our homes, it is now the time take a more in depth look at BT1, the latest technology from CT1 and making sure we always use the healthiest choice in our homes and new builds. n an era of uncertainty and high tension due to COVID-19, we are concerned about the health of our nation and home dwellers. Not only that, but those in clinics, schools and hospitals where the most vulnerable are.

CT1 which is the UK’s Number 1 Sealant and Adhesive, is the healthiest choice for the home. Boasting over 25 accreditations, this makes CT1 the healthiest choice for your home. CT1 has an EC1 certification for the lowest emissions, A+ Green which is awarded for lowest indoor emissions green rated, Green ISO standard and the most unique accreditation and highly accredited, is The Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association. The NAAF logo is highly sought after and one of the hardest accreditations to receive. The association test and awards products on their ability to reduce asthma and allergy attacks in the home, and CT1 The Snag List Eliminator has been awarded this. CT1 is the only sealant and adhesive globally to achieve this. A label recognised globally as the highest in its authority for advising and testing of products that reduce asthma and allergy in the home. CT1 with a unique TRIBRID® formulation has no solvents and is also the most userfriendly sealant and adhesive to use with no odour. CT1 also has an ISEGA food certificate. But never to rest on their laurels, CT1 who lead the way in research and development for the building industry, realised a massive gap in the market for a unique product for the bathroom only. One which creates a clinically clean bathroom! But on testing and developing the product, the lab tests came back with some unique results. BT1 Bathroom Sealant Number 1, which has been created to completely fight off bacteria, fungus and all pesticides.

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Ground-breaking technology formulated over 4-year period and vigorous testing has created the most high spec sealant on the market to date.

This has changed the way in which clinics and hospitals will now protect their surface areas and indeed for the construction of new builds!

With a guarantee of colour retention, for up to 25 years. Scientifically formulated in a manner in which bacteria/microbes cannot survive, making it easier to maintain a more hygienic surface, is free from solvents and isocyanates making it ideal sanitaryware product and a product for all public health institutions and clinics.

Hospitals such as Solihull Hospital in Birmingham, Good Hope Hospital in Sutton amongst a few other institutions are now using BT1 for facility repair and maintenance work, for creating a healthier environment.

The real breakthrough that is most prevalent at such a time of spread of infections and high risk level contagious disease, is that BT1 has also been proven to resist microbes such as MRSA, E. coli and Campylobacter.

Many factories also in food processing and handling are also now using this groundbreaking product. BT1 from the creators of CT1. Click Here for the BT1 Video

Choosing the right material for a garage Choosing the right material for a garage build takes careful consideration with numerous factors that may influence decisions. s with any build its important to weigh up the core advantages and disadvantages of different materials before finalising any decisions. The materials that are chosen can have huge effects not only on the overall appearance of the build, but also its practicality and usage abilities, so it’s important to carefully

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consider a variety of options before making a firm decision. Here we discuss the key things to consider when selecting the material from which to build a garage. Function The purpose of the garage will determine which materials are required initially. Many garages are used for extra storage and

are not intended to be used as a living space, yet in the few instances where this is the purpose, the materials picked need to be good insulators. Concreate has a low R-value meaning that it stores transferred heat, so when a concreate garage is added on the side of a home, it will almost certainly store heat which has been transmitted from the home.

Cost The cost of the building materials is an important factor and will take prior planning in advance of the build. The budget of the build will help govern the materials being used, with some options proving more costly than others. A brick garage is going to cost substantially more than a simpler cinderblock garage, so this is something to consider when progressing with plans and designs. There are of course cheaper alternatives for more expensive

materials available, for example choosing stone cladding rather than stone, so it’s important to look out for substitutes where budget restraints require. Appearance Garages are much more visually appealing when they appear as an extension of the pre-existing home and because of this, many look for a garage that complements the overarching architecture of their house. By taking note of pre-existing materials utilised across the property and selecting similar ones, you’re able to create cohesion between both the garage and home. This doesn’t just apply to building materials either, details such as roofing selection or doors also need to be selected carefully in order to coordinate successfully. By taking these steps, this will ultimately result in delivering maximum curb appeal. Time Material type can also have differential effects on the build time. It’s imperative that skilled materials, such as bricks and stone, are implemented by professional workers, which can be greatly labour intensive. If you have a tight schedule to keep to then its worth considering a prefabricated garage. Prefabricated garages from Lidget Compton will save massively on build time and thanks to the huge variety of materials and styles that are available, there’s sure to be a look to match the home.

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sustainability

Quality in Construction - New product Development from Leaders in the Waterproofing Industry, Delta Membranes Delta Membrane Systems Limited lead the field in innovations within the waterproofing sector with the launch of the new Delta PT 3mm Membrane.

elta PT 3mm Membrane has been developed specifically for addressing the issues of damp and contaminated walls, or where fast reinstatement of wall finishes is required after chemical damp proof injection.

Delta PT 3mm a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) low profile studded membrane with a heat welded polypropylene mesh provides a key for plasters, renders and dab fixing of plasterboards. Air-gap membranes are particularly useful in projects that require water

proofing, damp proofing or a barrier against contamination, especially in barn conversion projects. Air gap membranes allow for the immediate reinstatement of plastered finishes following treatment. Our Delta PT 3mm membrane can be used in a variety of ways, are easy to apply and offer a long-term protection to buildings and structures. Kevin Dodds, Director said “Achieving sustainability in manufacturing requires a comprehensive view spanning not just the product and the manufacturing processes, but also the entire supply chain, including product

lifespan. We recognise the need to provide leadership, promote quality and add value in all aspects of construction especially the waterproofing sector. We shall continue to invest in technologies and to lead the field.” We specialise in solutions, from the smallest domestic project to high-end residential developments, commercial structures and civil projects which can be tailored to even the most challenging environment – above or below ground. We consider the entire project process from concept to completion to the very finest of detail and can provide solutions for all project requirements. Delta has developed a reputation for offering the best technical and customer support for waterproofing and damp proofing systems in the country. Our technical team offer extensive expertise covering a broad range of specialist systems from concept to installation with troubleshooting and every other step along the way – contact us today on 01992 523 523 or email: info@deltamembranes.com.

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“

sustainability We asked Ecomerchant, supplier of natural and sustainable building products, to give us their take on healthy building.

The Healthy Home?

In our view, a healthy home is ‘one that incorporates healthy design elements, non-toxic building materials, and proper construction techniques. It “breathes”, emits no toxic gasses, and is resistant to mould and decay. Here are our top tips when designing a healthy building: •

Choose a simple build system

•

Use natural and nontoxic materials

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Make the best use of natural light

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Ensure adequate ventilation

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Ensure that all building elements are compatible

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Use a breathable vapour open system

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Make the structure do the work

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Take a whole-house approach to design

•

Include the end user in the design and build process

Without a doubt, it is the control of moisture and the ventilation of the building that sits at the root cause of most building decay. We also have a huge issue with applying healthy principles to the biggest issue of all refurbishing existing buildings. Often in these cases, the prophylactic

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principle should be applied, where some anticipation of problems such as damp penetration can be mitigated by choosing materials that can hold onto moisture and let it go later (drying out) or at least minimise or contain the problem. The issue with a more synthetic and hermetic approach is that such problems can often remain hidden deep within the building structure for a long time and on discovery lead to costly and extensive repairs. To apply healthy principles to any building project you first need to appreciate that the standards by which most UK construction is governed (and built to) do not account for the ‘health’ of a building in all but the most basic ways. So don’t expect a building that meets Building Regulations to be healthy. To describe an unhealthy home can be more effective at persuading us to adopt healthy principles. We will all recognise the description of an unhealthy building as one that fails to control the internal environment leading to partial, then increasing, early decay of the building fabric in turn leading to mould growth,

rot and a failure of the element(s) to physically perform, the description would further include the use of toxic chemicals in materials and the resulting expulsion into the air of these toxins over time, and it would include the use of materials that contain allergens. Now most of us will recognise (and probably have experienced) the symptoms of poor building health but it is surprising how many of the houses built today have this very low on the agenda of considerations. The consequences of damp and unhealthy buildings can mean the aggravation of conditions like asthma, in the UK this is a real problem where 1 in 6 people have asthma a massive increase since the stable base in the 1970s with almost 2000 deaths per annum and 75,000 hospital admissions the cost to the state runs into £billions; most of this is directly linked to dust mite faeces which in turn is directly linked to relative humidity in houses, (as you find in an unhealthy house) other moulds, bacteria and diseases present in the same conditions are also linked to asthma.

sustainability

The main contributors to poor building health are the following: •

Water ingress

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Condensation

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Failure to control internal moisture

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Poor build quality

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The use of toxic materials

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Poor ventilation

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Material degradation over time leading to performance failure (e.g. air leaks)

•

Poor design

You can see that it is not only the absence of harmful environmental characteristics but also the presence of beneficial ones that define a healthy building. Designers should begin by avoiding harmful elements and attempt to incorporate supportive beneficial ones. This is why the inclusion of items such as natural light, ventilation and acoustic

insulation is as important as layout and functionality in the whole house approach. Real progress is only made when the builder and future occupants work closely with the building’s designer to ensure that all these issues are addressed within the context of how the building is intended to be used. Thankfully a lot of the approach to building healthy homes is common sense and can be summarised in a few simple principles •

Choose simpler building systems they are more failsafe

•

Manage moisture by creating a breathable shell to provide a means for managing and buffering variations in moisture

•

Include natural materials in many applications these will outperform synthetic ones. Be involved at every stage

As highlighted by recent events the toxicity inherent in our building materials can be a lethal problem especially in the case of fire, one of the most important materials used in the construction of a building is insulation, but can your choice of insulation really affect your health? A well-insulated house or office will protect your health, comfort and lifestyle but how many of us know and understand how to achieve this? How we select insulation needs to be about having a real choice and for specifiers to be equipped with the right knowledge to compare materials on a likefor-like basis. To design a well-insulated building, you need to make informed decisions throughout all phases of a construction project to ensure your building performs as you envisage as mentioned above. However, selecting the right insulation is about more than just reaching building regulation compliance or ‘keeping in

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sustainability the heat’. It’s about ensuring a building protects its occupants’ entire well-being and comfort in the following ways.

How well does insulation keep the heat out? In the UK, thermal insulation to protect from the cold is essential, particularly given ever-increasing energy costs. However, as demand for usable square footage of buildings increases, basement and loft conversions are the routes many now take. However, these parts of a home or office, are the spaces most prone to extremes in temperature. They, therefore, need more thought – i.e. how do you keep a space warm in winter but, for a loft, how to keep it cool come summer. Compared with synthetic insulation materials, wood fibre insulation has a much higher density. This higher density means that natural insulation makes for a better heat buffer as the high midday temperature will only reach the internal side and be lost at night when the temperature is already cooler outside.

How a building’s breathability is hurting our health A breathable structure is one that allows the passage of moisture. With 90 percent of all building construction problems associated with water in some way, breathability is essential in measuring a building’s performance and preventing the accumulation of harmful water within the building’s fabric. These are fundamental in reducing health risks from mould, mites that those suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are particularly susceptible to. For effective breathability, there are four essential components that need to be considered: •

a moisture pathway

•

a driving force

•

a sorptive fabric

•

vapour control.

Natural fibre insulation is most effective as it suppresses potentially harmful water by binding and releasing moisture which helps regulate humidity levels as the moisture moves.

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Easy-to-fit insulation A well-designed building takes into consideration how a material performs throughout the building’s entire life cycle. This includes ease of installation. Steico’s wood fibre insulation is simple and easy to fit (either packed or friction-fitted), eliminating installer error, keeping construction programmes, tight and costs, low.

How sustainability will save you time and money While all insulation is helping the environment by limiting energy being burnt for heat, natural fibre insulation materials are comparatively more robust. This means that when it comes to disposal, they can be composted – i.e. no specialist waste facilities or landfill. Throughout their lifecycle they will additionally have a much lower, and often, negative carbon footprint.

More than just protecting your home from fire All insulations will meet fire safety standards, but this is a minimum rating. The key differentiator between natural and synthetic is that natural insulations will prevent the spread of fire and if burnt, will not give off toxic fumes such as cyanide as polyisocyanurates (PIR) might. See article link below to ASBP Healthy Buildings or Toxic Buildings?

Will the house be standing in 100 years? Condensation is one of the costliest risks to buildings causing huge maintenance repairs and structural damage. Natural materials are better able to absorb and release water whilst remaining dry meaning it is better able to protect from and buffer moisture thereby becoming a key part of healthy living.

sustainability Comfort for occupants When selecting insulation for a building, there are implications for the health of the occupants, the structure of the building, its impact on the environment, its acoustic properties, durability and carbon footprint.

Cancelling out the noise for a peaceful night’s sleep The higher density of natural insulations - such as wood fibre - makes them better at reducing noise. Sounds external to the building, such as traffic or music, as well as those from within the building, through walls and ceilings are attenuated better by wood fibre than synthetic equivalents. In providing better protection from acoustic pollutants, occupants often report a building as being more restful and relaxing thereby encouraging better mental health.

When a building is well-designed and wellbuilt, occupants should be at their peak comfort. With the average person spending approximately 80% of their lives in enclosed rooms, an occupant’s well-being is imperative. Therefore, the products used to achieve this should cover all the issues affecting a building’s construction, its impact on both its occupants and nature.

Further reading ASBP Healthy Buildings Conference summary of key points, https://asbp.org. uk/asbp-news/healthy-buildings-or-toxicbuildings Read the expert’s view on healthy buildings including Professor Stephen Holgate CBE, Clinical Professor of Immunopharmacology at the University of Southampton and coauthor of The Royal College of Physicians ‘Every breath we take‘ report, who explains why poor quality air is a lethal

problem that affects us all, Consultant, Clinical Psychologist at UCL, Dr Sarah Mackenzie Ross who looks at the rapid rise in new chemical entities in our day-to-day environments and the consequences on our health, CIBSE’s Head of Sustainability Development Julie Godefroy who questions the role of Building Regulations in delivering healthy buildings and Professor Anna Stec, fire toxicity expert from University of Central Lancashire who looks at the potential fatal effects when plastics in the home burn. Visit: www.asbp.org.uk for more on sustainable building products Visit our Protexion campaign page: Ecomerchant and Steico UK have joined forces to launch a protection campaign. It aims to champion the benefits of using natural insulation products, see www.ecomerchant.co.uk/protexion to learn more .

Contact Ecomerchant Ecomerchant: web: www.ecomerchant.co.uk email: info@ecomerchant.co.uk tel: 01793 847 444

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Roofing Sealed With Approval As a leading UK Manufacturer of Hybrid Sealants Bond It have now launched their “next generation” Hybrid Roofing Membrane on to the market. Seal It Liquid Membrane, an easy to apply one coat roof seal, is a modern alternative to traditional GRP, PU and bitumen roof coatings. It is highly reflective, solvent-free, non-flammable liquid membrane formulated for professional roofing applications and requires no special training to apply. Seal It Liquid Membrane is designed to be used on its own, however, in more demanding situations it can be used in conjunction with a primer, accelerator, reinforcement mat and edging and trimming sealer, the system offers a high performance, permanently flexible, watertight, durable, weatherproofing barrier for all existing roof substrates guaranteed for 25 years. Providing primerless adhesion on a wide variety of building and roofing substrates, it has excellent resistance to ageing, ultra-violet and discolouration. It also provides water vapour

permeability, allowing the surface to breathe. Under test conditions, Seal It was shown to have superb cool roof thermal properties outperforming black bitumen by 36% at just 0.8mm thickness. It was also 11.3% more efficient than solar reflective paint all helping to reduce energy costs. Based on advanced hybrid technology, Seal It remains permanently flexible. It does not harden or soften under extreme weather conditions with very high stability to temperature variations (from -500C to +1200C), to UV radiation and to external chemical attack. It offers many benefits including ease of application, fast curing times, no solvent and virtually odourless and can even be applied on to damp surfaces . Available in grey and white in 5L and 20L eyecatching tins.

Coatings, Sealants & Paints 23

Sealed With Approval. Bond It, a leading UK Manufacturer of Hybrid Sealants Bond It have now launched their “next generation” Hybrid Roofing Membrane on to the market. For more information on Seal It contact our Sales Team on 01422 315300 or visit www.bond-it.co.uk

developer-update.co.uk

Bring the glamour of Chelsea to your garden with the ultimate in contemporary features and screens from Kangular Adding a stylish, architectural look to gardens that’s worthy of the Chelsea Flower Show or a Grand Designs makeover has never been easier, thanks to Kangular, the ultimate line-up of affordable contemporary features and structural screens that create instant impact. angular empowers the nation’s gardeners and homeimprovers to quickly achieve a sophisticated, designer look: a piece of instant artwork in gardens that wouldn’t look out of place in a gallery, but at a fraction of the cost.

The leading range of Designer Features encompass stainless steel and wooden slatted structures in Fan, Wave and Pear shapes with heights ranging from one to three metres, as well as a range of

elegant Structural Screens and Wheelie Bin Enclosures. Shapes can be modified with Kangular’s clever, adjustable slot and wedge fixing. Unique, eye-catching focal points Kangular’s designer range provides stunning focal points for gardens, borders and driveways, while privacy screens shield gardens from overlooking properties or neighbours – perfect for hot tubs, swimming pools and al-fresco dining areas, as well as enclosing gardens from passing pedestrians or the din of traffic noise. Not only will screens add architectural structure to garden borders or increase the height of existing walls, but they will stylishly enclose driveways, shielding cars, caravans or motorhomes from view. Owners can ramp-up the wow factor of Kangular structures with uplighters or downlighters that add a new dimension to gardens after dark, while there’s even the option of wine glass holders to safely store drinks. Kangular screens offer a fashionable way to quickly screen-off unsightly areas of gardens – from disguising ugly wheelie bins, compost heaps, water butts and sheds to hiding eyesore utility items such as oil tanks and air conditioning units. Kangular’s Paul Raven said: “To pay a designer and builder to create and install a structure with the high-end look that Kangular offers would rack-up a bill running into many thousands of pounds, not to mention the time and hassle that’s all too often associated with tracking down reliable, trustworthy tradesmen who will turn up on time and complete the job. In contrast, Kangular structures are quick and easy for gardeners to install themselves,

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while the simple process can be completed in just two hours, creating instant impact outdoors.” Patented Kangular systems offer countless practical and visual benefits for gardenowners. As well as creating sight lines and partitions, the contemporary designs come into their own for framing a planted area, or for shielding delicate plants from strong or drying winds. Kangular is rapidly becoming the go-to solution for injecting adventure into bland spaces by dividing gardens up into creative outdoor rooms. Personalised to suit your style Kangular can also be treated as a blank canvass to create shapes that suit varying styles of outdoor living. Screens can be transformed into a Christmas tree design for the festive season, or an eggshape at Easter, for example. A bespoke design service offers the highest levels of customisation, while Kangular can provide Laser marking, enabling special messages

to be engraved into structures to help celebrate a special occasion. In line with current trends for sustainability in gardens, Kangular structures are both eco-friendly and British-made. The hardwood slats that form the backbone of screens are FSC or EUTR-regulated, while structures are 100% recyclable, too. For instant transformations, Kangular features are quick and easy to erect, requiring only a spade, spirit level and a hammer – no nails, screws or glue fixings are needed – and for additional convenience, Kangular offers a home installation service, too. Designed and built to last Kangular structures feature angled, slotted, high-quality stainless-steel columns, strengthened by a patented wedge system, resulting in a robust structure that’s capable of withstanding the worst that the weather throws at it.

The Kangular patented column system is engineered using the latest laser tube cutting technology, while every part of the system has been designed to be aesthetically pleasing. Structures can be placed 1.8m apart and there is no requirement for planning permission. All Kangular features come with a five-year warranty and have a 20-year lifespan, while the Kangular column is warrantied for 10 years for additional peace of mind. Prices for Kangular’s Designer Fan, Wave and Pear structures start at just £860 including VAT and delivery, while Sculptural Screens cost from as little as £460. Prices for screens that provide privacy around hot tubs and swim spas begin at £1,950. Kangular Wheelie Bin Enclosures are available in single, double and triple sizes, with prices starting at just £1,960. Find out more All Kangular products can be purchased directly from www.kangular.com or

email info@kangular.com to find out more. Pull out box Installing the Kangular system is easy Each set comes with detailed, easy-tounderstand instructions, making installation a breeze. Just follow these three simple steps: (note: bolt-down fixings are available, too) 1.

Dig a hole to the correct depth. Around one third of the Kangular upright should be buried.

Place the Kangular column into the hole, make sure it’s upright and level, then wait for the quick-drying cement to set.

Place the Kangular hardwood sets into the column, secure the slats with a Kangular wedge and your stunning new garden structure is complete

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External works & landscaping

Take a Seat: New Season’s Trends in Garden Chairs Spring finally seems to be taking a first tentative peak from behind the winter clouds, which means attention can at last turn to the exteriors of our homes once again. This time of year, is always a busy period in the garden furniture trade, as homeowners begin to plan for how they will make the most of their gardens throughout the longer, warmer months to come. Jo Alexander, an online garden furniture and decor specialist based in Cambridgeshire, said this is the time for landscapers and garden design specialists to get on top of this season’s trends so they can make the best possible recommendations to clients and choose products that really help to bring their plans to life. A spokesperson said: “It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with what’s available, what’s really catching

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the eye out there on the market, then you can add value to your clients by helping them to choose great pieces to complete their garden.” Reclaim a seat Chairs remain a staple of garden furniture, and Jo Alexander says this summer’s stock lines offer a mix of the traditional and contemporary to suit a wide range of tastes. “We expect hardwood garden chairs to continue to be one of our best sellers,” the spokesperson continued. “They are practical, durable and look great. Wood has a special place in people’s hearts when it comes to outdoor furniture, for many it is the go-to choice.

External works & landscaping

“In terms of designs for timber garden chairs for this season, we’re seeing a focus on simple, solid, timeless pieces that are at once understated yet effortlessly elegant. “Another really important trend in hardwood furniture this year is the use of reclaimed timber. If we look at teak, for example, which is probably the most sought-after hardwood for outdoor furniture because it is naturally weather resistant and so hard wearing, there have started to be a few concerns around sustainability centred on issues like overintensive logging in teak’s natural tropical rainforest habitat, or natural habitats being cleared for commercial plantations.

“But reclaimed teak offers a superb alternative. Pre-used teak is readily available in its native countries, places such as India, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Indonesia, where it is extensively used in construction. Because it is so hard wearing and durable, when it is pulled off old timber frame buildings, it is still perfect for recycling to make furniture out of. A reclaimed teak garden chair makes a strong, sustainable, beautiful addition to any garden.” At the other end of the scale from the classic teak chair, Jo Alexander is also seeing an increase in demand for a much more contemporary material for furniture - concrete. “When we think of concrete, we tend to think of tower blocks and big, imposing urban infrastructure, but in recent years some forward-thinking furniture designers have been reinventing concrete as a highly attractive material for our gardens. Polished concrete has a very appealing shine to it and makes a great choice if you want something a little more unusual for our garden. “The concrete garden chair options we are stocking this year also show how versatile concrete can be - from industrial-looking, cubist-inspired stools to beautifully smooth giant polished ‘pebbles’ that look like they have been picked straight out of a mountain stream.”

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ROOFTOP DEVELOPMENT UTILISED ON ENFIELD’S LYTCHET WAY ESTATE Enfield Council had a pressing need for additional homes for social rent, and with no suitable land available for development, they were inspired by the solution offered by Langley Structures Ltd. This was the innovative ‘Upwardly Living’ rooftop development concept, creating new additional dwellings above existing flat roof housing stock. Enfield Council were able to utilise the single source design and supply chain offered by Langley for rooftop extensions, flat to pitched conversions and flat roofing. The council’s Lytchet Way estate, which has a mix of three and four storey blocks, was selected and Langley undertook an in-depth feasibility study. This identified that three of these blocks were suitable for rooftop developments to create new homes on top of existing stock. The site is incredibly well positioned to support densification, having excellent transport links. Philip Pank Partnership were commissioned by the London Borough of Enfield to provide multi disciplinary services on the project, comprising Contract Administration/Employer’s Agent, Clerk of Works and Quantity Surveying. “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to provide these services to Enfield and to have gained invaluable experience in the procurement and delivery of the Rooftop Development concept,” commented Sophie Redding, Associate, Philip Pank Partnership. The rooftop developments, in this case comprising single-storey extensions with light weight pitched roofs, were installed by a Langley Approved Contractor who also carried out extensive flat-to-pitch roof refurbishments on the twelve remaining blocks on the estate. Enfield Council wanted to avoid decanting residents to temporary accommodation, as this would be a costly logistical operation as well as being disruptive to the community. These challenges were successfully overcome to ensure that the 25 new homes were considerately developed with residents in-situ throughout the entire project.

Enabling works included extending the existing stairwells and services to the new fourth floor level. Langley’s off-site prefabricated floor, wall and ceiling cassettes were lifted into position and assembled on site. They were inspected on a weekly basis by Langley Technical Managers and the contract administrators, to monitor and ensure the quality of workmanship. The lightweight, pitched framing system was covered with Langley Roman strip tiles and had sun tubes installed to utilise natural light within windowless kitchens. Photovoltaic (PV) panels were mounted at roof level to provide electricity for communal services. A robust fire protection strategy included internal works to extend fire breaks at all existing party walls within the roof void to the underside of the roof membrane level. New service risers for electricity and gas were constructed at each end elevation, then distributed via the new roof void to the new flats below.

“Rooftop development represented a cost-effective way of adding to our housing stock without the need to acquire new land, which is often in short supply.” - Project Manager at Enfield Council This project supports the Government housing objectives regarding the efficient use of space to deliver new homes by building up rather than building out, using the space above existing buildings to create new homes. Support for this approach was re-iterated by the Housing Secretary in February 2018. (source: Fixing Our Broken Housing Market White Paper, Department for Communities and Local Government).

To discover more information about Rooftop Developments, view Langley’s video case study. The video demonstrates the benefits of Rooftop Development for social housing landlords looking to develop their portfolio. It also showcases the award-winning Lytchet Way Estate, featuring time-lapse footage of the entire project. Visit: www.langleystructures.co.uk Or, to book a feasibility survey for your building estate, contact enquiries@langley.co.uk

BEFORE EXPERTS IN ROOFTOP CAPITALISATION

AFTER

Langley Structures Ltd is helping social housing providers to make the most of their buildings by transforming and redefining the roofscape by providing new dwellings on top of existing flat roofs using their ‘upwardly living’ approach.

Book your in-house CPD seminar today! www.langleystructures.co.uk

T: 01327 704778 F: 01327 704845 E: CPD@langley.co.uk

Langley’s expertise can help clients exploit the space above their buildings and help deal with the chronic shortage of both affordable housing and the lack of new homes. There is no land to acquire and no long term planning consultation process to undertake, plus, the speed of build is considerably quicker compared to conventional construction methods. The Rooftop Development also allows dwellings below to continue as homes with residents remaining in-situ during the build.

Fully glazed Platform Lift for Hanson Hanson Shared service centre based in South Gloucestershire is an international aggregate company, owned by the Heidelberg cement group. he Chipping Sodbury offices, which support the UK business with approximately 350 staff based at this site, required a new lift to be installed in a 1970’s building.

Hanson’s FM company, Bristol based Almeda Facilities Ltd, approached the platform lift experts, Invalifts, for their advice on the best solution to fit a lift inside the existing stairwell. Invalifts recommended their MC2000 platform lift, as they were able to supply and install the lift with a bespoke shaft size of 1150mmx1590mm to enable the lift to fit perfectly within the stairwell. The three floor lift was installed with a small 60mm ramp at the base of the lift which enabled the lift to be fitted without the need for the customer to excavate the normal 60mm pit. The lift was specified with a fully glazed shaft and glazed doors to maximise the natural interior light and match the unit within the surrounding glass lined balustrade. It was also specified with an auto dialler to enable emergency communication. To find out more about the MC2000 platform lift, you can give Invalifts a call on 0845 468 2543 and speak to one of their friendly experts.

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Platform Lifts Our range of platform lifts includes the MC2000 lift (right) - a high quality enclosed platform lift with a unique chain drive, and the option of glazing on all 4 shaft sides. With a fantastic guarantee, and small footprints available, this is a premier platform lift. We also offer stair platform lifts and a range of platform lifts for both internal and external use.

The Platform Lift Experts

Tel: 0845 4682543 Web: www.invalifts.com

HOME-DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT

MAGAZINE

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Rinnai is a global leader in gas appliance manufacturing, striving for reliable and consistent quality. Rinnai specialise in the development of Commercial and Multi-point water heaters.

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk

Leaders in the electric heating and hot water industry for 15 years. Electric Heating Company Unit 40 Block 5, Third Road Blantyre Industrial Estate Blantyre Glasgow G72 0UP

www.electric-heatingcompany.co.uk

With more than 30 years of experience, selling to more than 120 countries around the world, Panasonic is unquestionably one of the leaders in the heating and cooling sector. SAiGE Longlife Decking Ltd Vicarage Barns, Lower Quinton, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom, CV37 8SG

Home Designer & Architect - June 2020

Articles inside

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