architects choice

THE UK’S LEADING MAGAZINE FOR ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS, TECHNOLOGY AND TRENDSTHE UK’S LEADING MAGAZINE FOR ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS, TECHNOLOGY AND TRENDS

£3.75 NOVEMBER 2009

ArchitectsChoiceIN ARCHITECTURE

WE HAVE GATHERED A SELECTIONOF OUR TOP COMPANIES IN THIS

SPECIAL FEATURE

EARLE ARNEYTHE DIRECTOR AT WOODS BAGOT

DISCUSSES PILOT PROJECTS FORGREEN BUILDINGS

HEATING & VENTILATIONSCONTRACTS AND PROJECTS

INTERIORS AND DESIGN

THE GAZPROM

TOWEROUR EXPERTS TAKE ON THE ISSUE OF THE PROPOSED TOWER AND ITS INFLUENCE ONTHE FUTURE OF ST PETERSBURG AS A WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Plus

TOP TEN

Secured By Design – Only from Sliders UK

Architects Choice 3

22 TOP TEN SPOTLIGHT

24 HEATING AND VENTILATIONHot spots and chilled out zones

26 FEATURE: PORTICO

27 INTERIORS AND DESIGNReflecting on the inside

29 FEATURE: SELECTAGLAZE

30 PRODUCT INNOVATIONSTop products for the month

34 THE LAST WORDBy Denise Freeman

25 WEBGUIDEAn architectural guide to the world wide web

THIS MONTH 4An architecture news update - all the latest devel-

opments by some of our most respected designers

QUESTION TIME 6We discuss: the race to the top

INDUSTRY NEWS 8

EARLE ARNEY INTERVIEW 14AC talks to the Woods Bagot Director

CONTRACTS AND PROJECTS 16Commercial projects with planning permission

and product savvyness

FEATURE: SLIDERS UK 21A spotlight on the company activities

Discussion points in recent newshave surrounded the subject ofwomen and skyscrapers and theessence of true Architecture. BothThe Times and The Guardian investtime and column inches in report-ing on the ever-changing world of

architecture; its substance, its integrity and its fu-ture. The Times recently held an interview with glob-al architect David Chipperfield. The purity of hisarchitecture and simplicity that is at the heart of hisdesigns has always mirrored the form of nature andChipperfield tells the reader that his designs alwaysintend to evoke what is at the heart and in the veryfoundation of the buildings he creates. A compellinginterview and a beautiful reminder of what designreally means to the architect at the root of it all.

Rifling through my stack of papers and TheGuardians’ ‘Arts’ section catches my eye, the image is

of Chicago’s newest skyscraper and the headline al-ludes to a discussion point of female architects design-ing skyscrapers. Familiar names and faces crop up todiscuss why they think that female architects designingour lofty buildings is so rare and what Jeanne Ganghas accomplished in the stunning Chicago scraper. Ofcourse the phallic connotations of a skyscraper lead thediscussion on to a question whether that has an affecton the decision and how more and more female archi-tects are now stepping into the realm of the steepingstructure, taking their place amongst the most power-ful practices and lending their design expertise to thegargantuan projects of today.

In this issue of Architects Choice we have plenty toprovide you with in terms of innovative products. Weturn up the heat in our ‘Heating and Ventilation’ sec-tion and draw inspiration from our ‘Interiors andDesign’ pages. Our panel of architects are back in an-other issue, this time to argue the case of the Gazprom

Tower in St Petersburg or for Unesco and the risk of theWorld Heritage Site. Earle Arney from Woods Bagot hastaken time out of his hectic schedule to talk to us aboutbeing given the green light on building projects in NewZealand. In a special feature, Architects Choice has cho-sen a selection of our top companies to feature in ourTop Ten article. The choosing process was no easychoice as we work with so many outstanding construc-tion-based companies, however, we have chosen a fewfamiliar faces to tell us what their plans for the future,looking ahead to 2010.

EDITORIAL:Editor: Jade [email protected]

PRODUCTION:Graphic Designer: Kerri [email protected]

SALES:Sales Manger: Donna [email protected] executive: Karen Hill [email protected]

ADMINISTRATION:Accounts: Carole [email protected]: Joanne [email protected]

Published by onecoms, a trading division of Media OneCommunications Ltd. GenevaHouse, Park Road, Peterborough,PE1 2UX. Telephone 01733 756555. www.onecoms.co.ukCopyright 2009, all rights reserved.No part of this publication may bereproduced in any way withoutwritten permission from thepublisher. All views and opinionsexpressed are not necessarilythose of the publisher.

November 09

Cover Photo:Sliders features on

page 21

Jade Tilley, Editor

State-of-the-art learningDevereux Architects haschanged the way childrenlearn in its latest project,Monkseaton High School, af-ter introducing a 360 degreeteaching environment to im-prove performance levels inthe classroom. MonkseatonHigh School has alreadygrabbed the headlines for itsstate-of-the-art facilities andhas been commended for itsgreen, eco-friendly features.But as the new, futuristic, el-lipse-shaped school opens itsdoors for the first time, thepupils will walk into a wholenew learning environment.

The design, beyond the formalteaching spaces, incorporates anumber of learning areas forstudents to study independentof teachers. The light, airyfeeling created throughoutthe school encourages ‘open’learning and is a move awayfrom traditional, ‘institutional’school design. Commissionedby North Tyneside Council, the£22m contract was awarded toDevereux Architects to designa new community high school

in Monkseaton. Ian Lancastle-Smith, Director of theDevereux Architects team,took up this challenge and en-deavoured to create an educa-tion environment whichresponds to the way subjectsare delivered and learned inthe 21st Century.

The innovation carries onthroughout the new school.The interior is open, so you cansee from one side of the schoolto the other, creating ‘passivesurveillance’ to prevent bully-ing and anti-social behaviour.Devereux Architects has alsoincorporated ‘toilet pods’ intothe design, so toilets can onlybe used by one individual at atime, preventing vandalism.

Devereux Architects ensuredthat the building was posi-tioned in the most sustainablearea on site, reducing the ef-fect of heating and cooling.The school has an abundanceof sustainable features, notonly reducing its carbon foot-print but also creating an envi-ronment to maintain optimumperformance levels during theschool day.

The ellipse shape of theschool is very efficient in termsof space and land usage. It isaerodynamic and due to its po-sition, reduces seasonal heatingand cooling impact. On the ex-

HLM Architects has recentlysubmitted the designs forCornwall’s new Brannel Schoolfor planning approval. It ishoped that the new school,which will cost £16.3 million tobuild, will achieve planning ap-proval by October 2009, withconstruction works starting onsite early 2010 and the new fa-cilities completed for the startof the 2011 academic year. It isintended that the school willachieve BREEAM Excellent. Thenew school is needed to re-place existing Brannel Schoolbuildings, which have becomebeyond economical repair. Thenew buildings will provide6,622 square metres (about71,000 square feet).

News brief...

A 32 metre-high ‘lantern’ plat-form, which will allow visitors totake in panoramic views acrossStratford, has been positioned atthe top of the Royal ShakespeareTheatre’s new tower.

The glass and steel viewing plat-form, which will accommodate upto 50 people, was built on theground and lifted into place by a300 tonne mobile crane. It will siton the magnificent new TheatreTower built by eight specialist

bricklayers and six specialist archi-tectural metal workers from over90,000 bricks gently ascending ata three degree angle. The outerwalls have been built by hand overthe last nine months and to dothis the tower has been progres-sively encased in scaffolding.

Helen Holland, former leader ofDescent will be by a steel staircasethat wraps around the central liftshaft, offering views throughmany small windows that are setin the thick brick outer walls orthrough the slit windows thatform the corners of tower. Ontheir descent from the top, visitors

will be able to cross to the theatrewhere they will encounter thethird floor rooftop restaurant,which will have panoramic viewsof the River Avon and the adjacentBancroft Gardens.

The prominent structure was in-spired by the original MemorialTheatre water tower, which wasengulfed in flames when the the-atre was gutted by fire in 1926. Aswell as becoming a significant newfeature for the Royal ShakespeareTheatre (RST) itself and providingstairs and one of two passengerlifts serving all levels of the newtheatre, this structure will create a

november

HLM ARCHITECTSSEEKS PLANNING PERMISSION

DESIGN AWARDS TURNTO NIGHTINGALEASSOCIATESThe Viking Day Unit in Margateand the University of Oxford’sMagnetoencephalography(MEG) Unit have been shortlist-ed in the Turning to Timber cat-egory of the annual Builder &Engineer Awards. University ofOxford’s MEG Unit, shortlistedfor the award, is a purpose-built Magnetoencephalographyscanner unit and was designedby Nightingale Associates forthe department of psychiatry atthe university. The facility ishoused in a single storey build-ing on a magnetically ‘quiet’site. The Viking Day Unit inMargate was also shortlisted.The project transformed an ex-isting day unit of sixchemotherapy chairs. The newbuilding had to deliver spacewithout functional compromis-es and attempt to radically im-prove the patients’ experience.

4 Architects Choice

The landmark‘lantern’ is lifted

November 2009

Leigh’s Labour MP Andy Burnham,Secretary of State for Health offi-cially opened the landmark hous-ing development scheme on LordStreet, Leigh on 4 September in-cluding Rueben’s Court and LeighCommunity Resettlement Service.Adactus Housing and Ark Designand Architecture have workedclosely with Wigan BoroughCouncil and Richmond Fellowship,a specialist provider of mentalhealth services, to provide spa-cious, high quality apartments for14 people living with the effects ofmental ill health. RichmondFellowship is one of the biggestvoluntary sector providers of men-tal health care in England, sup-porting over 7,500 people towardsthe best possible quality of life foreach individual.

The building which is owned byAdactus draws on local historicalcues and expresses its residential

nature in the arrangement of fullheight windows as seen onVictorian terraces in Leigh. IanMoores, Director of Ark Designand Architecture commented atthe time, “The launch marked thebeginning of a positive impact,both to the surrounding environ-ment and certainly to the lives ofits residents.”

Maggie Hysel, Chief Executiveof Richmond Fellowship says, ‘’Thisnew development demonstratesour belief that the highest qualityhousing is at the heart of the men-tal health recovery journey, en-abling each person to makechoices and gain confidence attheir own pace, with the individ-ual support they need to live lifeto the full”. The £1.9m scheme isunder a year old and has alreadyreceived a commendation for itsinnovative design from WiganCouncil’s Urban Design Awards.

november

25 - 26 NOVEMBERCivilswww.civils.com

diarydates

EARLS COURT, LONDONCivils is a fantastic civil engineeringshowcase, which covers all aspectsof the industry. From manufacturersand suppliers of plant, tools and spe-cialist services through to market-leading contractors and consultants,Civils is the ideal opportunity tomeet with key industry suppliers andyour customers under one roof.

4-6 NOVEMBERWorld Architecture Festivalwww.worldarchitecturefestival.com

BARCELONAIncluding live presentations, this

three day event celebrates excel-

lences across all building designs and

functions. A packed menu of awards,

presentations, showcases and festival

gallery, there is inspiration for both

architects and suppliers alike.

8 - 9 DECEMBERSustainability Nowwww.sustainabilitynow.com

ALL AREASSustainability Now is a virtual eventtaking place over two days inDecember. The live event acts as a fo-rum to learn and share best practicein green legislation in the green envi-ronment. The event is an opportunityfor professionals working across archi-tecture, engineering, quantity survey-ing, project management andconstruction to discuss and collabo-rate on cost effective sustainability.

23-26 NOVEMBERThe Big 5 International Buildingand Construction Showwww.thebig5exhibition.com

DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTREThe Big 5 brings together, confer-ences, seminars and events to theWorld Trade Centre in Dubai, alldesigned around issues in the con-struction industry. Over five daysdiscover what’s gong on in thepublic and private sector.

To publicise your event, pleasesend details via email to

[email protected].

The Royal Albert Hall opened itsdoors on 14th October to a newvenue, the transformed ElgarRoom. Steeped in history, theroom will change in both spaceand capacity as state of the arttechnical specifications and amodern redesign help make itone of London’s premier enter-tainment spaces. The Elgar Roomwill now incorporate built in tech-nical facilities and the flexibilityto match any event requirement.From late night and intimate gigsto after show parties, comedynights, cabaret and theatre per-

formances, the redesign has creat-ed a versatile room in which a va-riety of events can beaccommodated. The £1millionrenovation sees the original floorto ceiling windows restored as theroom’s raised flooring is removedto create one large space – in-creasing its maximum capacity to350 standing and to 110 whenused as a restaurant. An impres-sive lighting infrastructure hasbeen installed including 4 LEDcolour changing ceiling panels aswell as a state of the art soundsystem and speakers.

The Elgar room at The Royal Albert Hall

Architects Choice 5

Launch of latest schemefrom Adactus and ARK

terior Devereux Architects hasstrategically installed solar panelsto provide tempered hot water.The school also benefits from nat-ural ventilation, known as E-stack,which controls and maintains atemperate climate within thebuilding. External shades controlthe impact of the sun on thebuilding and spaces within.

new landmark for Stratford-up-on-Avon. It also forms one sideof the new entrance to thecolonnade, which will link theRST and the Swan Theatre to-gether for the first time.

Companies involved in theconstruction of the TheatreTower and lifting of the TheatreTower ‘lantern’ include BuroHappold, Gardiner andTheobold, Drivers Jonas (RSCProject Team), plus Mace(Construction Managers) andCMF, Lesterose, Elliot Thomas(trade contractors).

6 Architects Choice

THE INDUSTRY ‘BIBLE’ FOR DESIGNERS AND SPECIFIERS

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Architects Choice 7

question time

This month’s question: What ultimate changes would theGazprom Tower in St Petersburg bring to the city?

uestiontimePHILIP RICHARDSARCHITECT AT WOODS BAGOT

Cities should be allowed to takeon board new and exciting de-velopments and not be shroud-ed in a protective historicalshield. We should respect histo-ry, but not linger in it. Modernstructures can be built, whichare in harmony with the histori-cal fabric and respect the histor-ical architectural traditions. Newmodern developments are al-lowed to be built in WorldHeritage Cities but they have tomeet the high quality standards.

Apart from the aestheticsand the design of the tower, themain concern, looking at the im-ages, is the size, scale and height,which is obviously being built inthe wrong location and is com-pletely out of context with thehorizontal proportioned histori-cal City of St. Petersburg. The 400meter tower will be four timeshigher than the maximum heightof 100 metres permitted by exist-ing planning rules in the city.

If the development was fur-ther away from the city, it wouldbe good to see a cluster of tow-ers; slowly rising up to the maintower element, that would then

reflect and mirror the historicalcity of St. Petersburg with itsprotruding domes and spires.Apart from being in the wronglocation, the solitary tower scaleand height is even more accen-tuated by low base develop-ment, which appears to havemore of an impact on the city.

If this development goesahead and UNESCO withdrawsSt. Petersburg from the list ofWorld Heritage Sites, the impli-cations could be disastrous andopen the flood gates to morecontroversial tower develop-ments which will be dottedaround the periphery of the city

comparable to the machines inHG Well’s War of the World –poised for their final attack onthe city. This development couldbe the catalyst for the future andSt. Petersburg will become in-fected with the Dubai syndrome,an extremely vicious disease.

In an ideal world RMJMshould not withdraw its plansbut go back to the drawingboard and convince the clientto the redesign and still createa fantastic scheme which willconform to City Planning andUNESCO’s requirements. In thereal world, Gazprom is Russia’sbiggest and most powerful

company, with close ties to thehigher echelons of Russian gov-ernment – Guess who’s wearingthe ‘trousers’ in this situation?

The other question is howwill the building be perceived inyears to come? Will it standproud representing the era itwas conceived in, the symbol ofRussia’s wealth and rebirth, com-parable to the current historicalmonuments of St. Petersburg,such as the churches, Cathedralsand the neighbouring classicaland baroque architecture withprotruding spires and domes? The building should be a time-less icon of this era, an ‘AudreyHepburn’ of buildings.Unfortunately, this building hasno relation to the HistoricalCity of St. Petersburg, and looksas if it could be situated in anycity in the world! Currently thescheme looks like a ‘BritneySpears’ of buildings - PerhapsWill Alsop can put his Super ar-chitects suit on, and save theday. Hoorah!!!!

“If this development goes ahead andUNESCO withdraws St. Petersburg fromthe list of World Heritage Sites, theimplications could be disastrous. ”

Architect Will Alsoprecently misled thepublic with his an-nouncement that hewas leaving the archi-tecture profession.After revealing thetruth, it has beenfound that Alsop hasin fact moved campsto work for RMJM andwould continue hislove of painting,merging abstract de-signs into new build-ings. With Alsop’smove to RMJM basecomes more conflictthough, with the con-troversy that sur-rounds RMJM andtheir plans for theGazprom Tower to bebuilt in St Petersburg.The design of thetower will mean that,if approved it will be-come the tallest struc-ture in Europe oncecompleted. The con-flict comes, as withapproved permission,Unesco will withdrawSt Petersburg from thelist of World Heritagesites, ultimatelychanging the image ofthe city.

What, in your opinionis the right thing todo? Should RMJMwithdraw its plans orshould Unesco allowfor the Tower con-struction to commencewithout removing itfrom the World Her-itage List? What ulti-mate changes wouldthis structure bring tothe city?

Our panel of architects areexperts in their field andhave experience in a vastarea of architectural designincluding; landscape, publicsector and privateresidencies. If you wouldlike to contribute as apanelist email:

[email protected]

PHILIP RICHARDSARCHITECT AT WOODS BAGOT

Philip has been involved in a diversearray of architectural projects includingseveral high profile mixed-usedevelopments. Most recently, Philip wasincolved from design through todevelopment of the TFL site inHammersmith and was joint co-ordinator of the Gateway buildings tothe National Stadium, Olympic Way,Wembley. Currently, Phil is working on aGrade II landmark hotel and residentialscheme in the City of London.

WOODS BAGOT

With over 500 staff across five re-gions, operating across three sectors;Education and Science, Lifestyle andWorkplace, Woods Bagot operates asone global studio. Enabled by globaltechnology solutions and a commit-ment to working without boundaries,their clients benefit from their inter-national expertise, supported by a lo-cal studio that understands theregional cultural context.

industry news

8 Architects Choice

The Schüco brand ambassador team,which tees off for sustainable climateprotection around the globe, recentlyannounced that Colin Montgomerieis the latest star to join their team.The high profile Scotsman, ColinMontgomerie, who will be captain ofEurope’s Ryder Cup team next year, isone of the most successful Europeanplayers of all time. He has won arecord eight European Tour Order ofMerits, played in five victoriousEuropean Ryder Cup teams and won40 tournaments around the world.Monty is now a key member of theSchüco brand ambassador team,

Quantec call system at primary care centreC-TEC’s innovative Quantec address-able call system has been installed atBlackpool’s first-ever Primary CareCentre (PCT). The exciting new devel-opment was built by Eric WrightGroup and aims to be a one-stophealth shop for the growing popula-tion of Blackpool. Providing state-of-the-art healthcare facilities includingclinical care, screening and GP surger-ies in a modern and spacious environ-ment, the new PCT will ensurepatients are diagnosed and treatedquickly. Bowker Ltd commissionedLancashire-based BAFE SP203 ac-

Schüco Brand Ambassadorswhich also includes Spain’s top progolfer Miguel Ángel Jiménez, whowon the 2008 BMW PGA champi-onship among others in 2008. OtherSchüco brand ambassadors are golflegends Bernhard Langer, Germany’snumber one golfer Martin Kaymer,and French pro Grégory Havret.Theywill all represent Schüco’s corporatemission “Energy2 – saving energyand generating energy” worldwide onthe global golf tour. For further information telephone01908 282111, e-mail: [email protected] or visitwww.schueco.co.uk

CALL FOR ACTION ON ILLEGAL AND DANGEROUS METER CONNECTIONSTwo business executives are con-cerned about industry estimates that90 percent of connections to thirdparty UK primary gas meters are ille-gal. Martin Wardell of MWATechnology Limited, an independentmetering supplier and Steve Lewis ofApex Engineers are worried that thenational gas industry standard is beingignored and have combined to launcha service to offer site surveys. Wardellexplains: “Real time monitoring of gasconsumption means that companiesare turning to energy monitoring com-panies – many not from the gas indus-try - to install equipment whichenables them to connect to the thirdparty fiscal meters and send consump-tion data directly to a central point. Inorder to do this they connect to apulse output socket in the meter, butmaking this connection is regulatedand should only be undertaken by anauthorized person,” Lewis comment-ed, “A major consequence of ignoringthe standard could at worst be a fatalexplosion or disconnection and re-moval of equipment”. The partner-ship between meter equipmentsupplier, MWA Technology and powerand energy consultancy, ApexEngineers, provides a site survey serv-ice to ensure that gas connections aresafe, in accordance with regulationsand logged by the meter asset manager(meter owner).

MWA TECHNOLOGY LIMITED TAKE ACTION IN THE INDUSTRY

credited company Solid State to installthe Quantec system. Quantec is now atthe heart of communications at theprestigious new three-storey develop-ment. Also installed by Solid State atthe Centre is a wealth of C-TEC’s UKmanufactured disability equipment, in-cluding a SigTEL Compact disabledrefuge system, a total of thirteenPDA102C counter induction loop sys-tems, one for each reception desk anda site-wide public address system. For further information telephone 01942 322744 or visit www.c-tech.co.uk

NEW ANTICORROSION TAPES AVAILABLE FROM MWA TECHNOLOGYMWA Technology is offering Anticoranti-corrosion materials for passiveand active protection, and a largerange of self-adhesive industrial tapes.Anticor manufactures materials thatprovide stable and hermetic anticorro-sion coatings for pipelines, tanks andsimilar applications. This involves athree-layer protection including aprimer, an anticorrosion layer and amechanical protection layer, which

provides effective operation for morethan 30 years. Anticor coating prod-ucts can be used for pipelines, weldedjoints, fittings and rehabilitation ofcoatings in a variety of markets in-cluding gas and water pipelines andthe civil engineering and petrochemi-cal industries. The systems includeprotection for; welded joints, flangejoints, socket joints, pipe bends, seal-ing of casing pipes and coating re-pairs. Anticor’s self adhesive ZincTape for overground pipelines, tanks,posts, pilings etc. and Anticor Plast, a

modern plastic material for fixture in-sulation, are also now available fromMWA Technology.

Keymer’s commitmentto the environment

Hanson sets theresponsible standard

management, including all the processes from theorigin of raw materials, through all stages of themanufacturing process to point of sale. For theclient, specifier or end-user, RSM accreditation pro-vides assurance that products conform to environ-mental impact specifications. Responsible sourcing isrecognised within the Code for Sustainable Homes(CSH) and BRE Environmental Assessment Method(BREEAM), counting towards the credits requiredto assess the code level of a building. QSRMC(Quality Scheme for Ready-Mixed Concrete), whocarried out the accreditation assessments, was evalu-ated for the first time by BRE on this scheme to be-come a BRE RSM accredited assessor. For further information visit www.hanson.com/uk

Hanson has been certified with the ResponsibleSourcing of Materials (RSM) standard for two com-plete product lines – ready-mixed concrete and ag-gregates – covering nearly 300 UK production sites.The BRE Environmental and Sustainability Standard(BES) 6001:2008 has been awarded to Hanson’squarry products division, which encompasses 212ready-mixed concrete plants, 72 quarries and 40 percent of the company’s UK workforce. The RSMstandard covers the environmental and social issuesfor organisational management and supply chain

industry news

Architects Choice 9

DORGARD HELPS KEEPBRIGHTON GYM FITOne of the South Coast's leading fitness cen-tres has installed Dorgards to hold open firedoors safety and legally, and improve access.Cheetahs Gym, located at the King AlfredLeisure Centre in Brighton, is spread over fourfloors and offers 12,500sq ft of pure gym thatcombines the latest state of the art equipmentwith more traditional methods of training.Wireless Dorgard is the simplest, most cost-ef-fective way of legally holding open fire doorssafely in any position; automatically releasingthem should the fire alarm sound. It requiresno wiring and can be installed in minutes.Features include an automatic night-time re-lease facility and fail-to-safe technology. Withover 300,000 Dorgards installed across the UK,the Dorgard range is the solution to the illegallywedged open fire door problem in any environ-ment. Dorgard complies fully with all relevantBritish Standards and EU Directives. For further information telephone 0845 2417474, e-mail [email protected] or visitwww.firecoltd.com

Following the success of its operations inFrance and Spain, Rigidal Systems has recentlysigned a Worldwide Licensing Agreement witha major construction materials supplier for themarketing of its flagship standing seam pro-files, Ziplok and Lokroll. As part of this agree-ment, in order to avoid confusion with othercompanies that have licenses to use the namesRigidal and Ziplok in the Middle East andChina, Rigidal Systems Ltd has changed its

name to RigiSystems Ltd and the Ziplok productwill be re-branded as LokZip during the courseof the next twelve months. Commenting on themove, Managing Director Peter Taylor said, “ Wefeel we are now in a position to create a trulyglobal presence, and the subsequent increase inproduction that this will generate will enable usto maintain, and indeed strengthen, our competi-tive position in the UK market.” For further information telephone 01905 750 500.

Keymer has recently attained certification to theISO 14001:2004 internationally accepted standardof environmental management. This is the resultof its commitment to producing and distributingenvironmentally friendly hand made clay rooftiles. It means that Keymer’s customers can be atease when using their products, as they are as-sured to the highest eco-friendly standard. Localauthorities, for which the certification is mandato-

RIGIDAL SYSTEMS INCREASES GLOBAL PRESENCE

ry, can now see the company’s green credentialsare of the highest order. To ensure efficiency,Keymer uses a holistic approach. Clay waste fromthe workshop floor is recovered to be reused inthe tile making process, lessening the need forquarrying. The use of energy, water and gas is alsocarefully limited to ensure minimal environmentalimpact. Now that the company has been awardedthe certification of excellence in EnvironmentalManagement it can focus on the next four hun-dred years of successfully producing high qualitycraft tiles to the greenest standards. For further information visit www.keymer.co.uk

industry news

10 Architects Choice

Visit London, the official visitor organisation for thecapital, has renewed its contract with ProteanDesign after successfully tendering through the‘Compete For’ website. The company will be devel-oping the Form system for Visit London’s up andcoming renowned worldwide event programme. Anew modular design was developed by ProteanDesign that provided an effective solution across theentire marketing programme. As well as being a sus-tainable, flexible and adaptable system, Form pro-

vides few restrictions to design layout concepts, inte-grates the latest in audio/visual hardware and will meetthe challenge of storage during periods of non-use bybeing fully demountable. The Form walling systemprovides a fully re-usable and re-configurable robustaluminium framework, which is clad with in this in-stance with recyclable composite aluminium panels. For further information telephone 01280 706060,email [email protected] or visitwww.protean.uk.com

Specially designed digitally printed high pressurelaminates from ABET LAMINATI are being usedfor the innovative new ‘Curiosity’ interactive exhi-bition at Bristol’s City Museum and Art Gallery.‘Curiosity’, a mini-museum for the Under-7s, is afascinating interactive play space based aroundmany different activities. Features such as the‘crystal cave’, where stories can be told, the stagesurround, where children can put on puppet shows,and the ‘animuddle’ game are all created usingAbet’s Digital Print technology. The exhibition wasdesigned by Simon Fenn and Polly Lewis with in-house graphic designer Becky Sheppard. DigitalPrinting is a medium, which offers architects anddesigners unparalleled freedom to realise uniqueand unusual concepts, by using the technology inconjunction with Abet’s wide range of high-pres-sure laminates. This method of reproducing photo-graphic images directly into laminate hasrevolutionised the way in which laminates are usedin interior design and introduced a completely newmedium for expressing ideas and images. For further information email [email protected] visit www.abetuk.com

Making an exhibition

White light solutionfor Cenotaph

ward by Stainton Lighting Design Services was toensure that the luminaires were unobtrusive duringthe daytime whilst providing a subtle, energy effi-cient, illumination of the memorial by night keep-ing light pollution to a minimum. As a result, theformer 150 W high-pressure sodium periodlanterns were replaced with new matching heritagestyle lanterns, which incorporated good opticalcontrol thereby improving the general illuminancelevel of the area. To replace the single 150 W high-pressure sodium lamps, special decorative doublebrackets with new twin lanterns were employedeach fitted with 60 W CosmoPolis lamps. For further information telephone 01483 293 061or email [email protected]

Royal Philips Electronics’ (NYSE:PHG, AEX:PHI) has provided a white light solution using theaward winning CosmoPolis lamp and gear systemto illuminate Middlesbrough Cenotaph. Part of alarger renovation scheme, the lighting brief en-tailed the refurbishment of the existing periodlighting columns to improve the lighting level ofthe pedestrianised area around the monument aswell as floodlighting the Memorial itself. One ofthe main criteria for this new scheme as put for-

The perfect partnerfor timber windows The demand for the use of timber in housingprojects has been recently revived due to archi-tects, builders, the local authority and homeown-ers starting to fully appreciate its low carbonfootprint, aesthetic appeal and environmentalcredentials. As a result, PDS worked alongsidelong established supplier, Quantum ProfileSystems LTD, to develop a high performancebead system that was as equally environmentallyfriendly and respectful to its surrounding areas asthe timber window. The result was an engineeredtimber composite pinless glazing bead systemand bonded bar made from recycled wood dustand PVC – U. This offers an extremely stableand high performing alternative to traditionaltimber components. Q Wood is a rigid profileextrusion of PVC blended with wood fibres.The wood used is derived from enduringforestry of new spruce and beech wood fibres,which are sourced from sustained PEFC certi-fied forest stands. Q-Wood profiles reflect thenatural appearance and feel of wood whilst stillretaining the beneficial properties of PVC. For further information email [email protected], [email protected] [email protected]

FORM WALLING

industry news

Architects Choice 11

To celebrate Yorkshire CopperTube’s long history of manufactur-ing tube in the UK, the company haslaunched an exciting new promotion.Yorkshire is giving away £300 worthof vouchers to use at one of over 40Macdonald Hotels located across theUK. Plus, 300 runners-up will win aspecially designed ‘Proud to beBritish’ winter scarf. To enter, allyou have to do is answer a simple

Corcoran Products Limited is cele-brating 40 years of importing anddistributing STYROFOAMTM insula-tion to the Irish construction market.Corcoran sold its first load of STY-ROFOAM to developers of a mush-room farm in the 1960s, where acontrolled, regular temperature wasrequired. Since then the business hassold an estimated 15 million squaremeters of STYROFOAM productsto help insulate the floors, walls androofs of countless office blocks,apartments, hotels and public build-ings across the country. STYRO-FOAM – or foamed polystyrene –was invented in 1941 by The DowChemical Company, and has devel-oped to become one of the leadingmethods of building insulation today.

Take a Yorkshire copper breakquestion in the latest edition ofTube Talk, Yorkshire’s twice yearlynewsletter. If you would like to re-ceive a copy of Tube Talk, email [email protected] or call 01772679383. Yorkshire Copper Tube hasbeen manufacturing copper tube atits Kirkby site since 1950 and its fac-tory, which has received continuousand sizeable investment over thepast twenty years, is on of the

Insulation to weather the stormProducts such as ROOFMATETM,FLOORMATETM and PERI-MATETM – all in the familiar blueof the original STYROFOAM – arenow familiar sights on constructionsites all over the world. CorcoranProducts is part of CorcoranChemicals, established in 1939 as anindependent distributor of chemicalsin Ireland. Corcoran Products wasset up in 1999 to deal exclusivelywith finished products, includingbuilding insulation and packagingproducts. Corcoran also supplies theIrish market with FROTH-PAK™, apolyurethane spray foam kit and IN-STA-STIKTM roofing adhesive. For further information email [email protected] orvisit www.styrofoam.co.uk

WindowMaster has launched an inno-vative new indoor climate solution forsmall and medium-sized buildings.Called NV Comfort™ the new controlsystem enables an optimal indoor cli-mate through consistent pure naturalventilation. At the same time it cansave enough energy to significantly re-duce CO2 emissions. NV Comfort™is based on WindowMaster’s estab-lished NV Advance™ system for man-agement of natural ventilation in largerprojects, such as schools and offices.Control system NV Comfort™ regu-lates and adjusts internal air quality us-ing an intelligent, computer-controlledsystem that harnesses the naturalforces created by temperature differ-

ences outside and inside the buildingand by the effect of wind around thebuilding. It has fewer features than NVAdvance™ and is therefore ideal forsmaller projects with a limited numberof zones. NV Comfort™ controlsfaçade and roof windows so that theyautomatically open and close by incre-mental amounts on the basis of indi-vidual fixed values for the desiredroom temperature and CO2 levels, aswell as measurements of external tem-perature, rain and wind speed.Patented MotorLink™ technology en-ables the NV Comfort™ system toregister the opening distance of eachwindow as well as quietly opening andclosing them.

WindowMaster has posted record-breaking figures in the UK for the firsteight months of 2009 despite the reces-sion. The company has seen growth ina number of sectors but particularly inschool buildings. WindowMaster hassecured a number of contracts in theeducation sector in the UK. In the firsteight months of 2009 WindowMasterhas signed 50 new contracts in the edu-cation sector. Local authorities, whichare building schools under the govern-ment’s Building Schools for the Future(BSF) programme are driving thegrowth. They are incorporating increas-ingly sophisticated technologies intotheir projects to achieve savings in ener-gy use and CO2 emissions. Amongthese are natural ventilation systems,which not only save energy comparedto air conditioning and traditional me-chanical systems but also deliver bene-fits in terms of improved learning as aresult of fresher air in the classrooms.WindowMaster’s window automationsystems have the ability to provide acomplete installation. In addition to themotors, window actuators and sensorsthe system includes a weather station.The weather station monitors externalconditions around the building, includ-ing wind direction and speed, tempera-ture and rain fall. Changes in windpressure on the facades are also mod-elled. These parameters are pro-grammed into a computer controlsystem where they are analysed along

with readings taken from the weatherstation and sensors fitted internally.Windows around the building are thenprecisely controlled and positioned tokeep air quality within rooms fresh andthe temperature constant. In addition,WindowMaster’s NV Advance™ win-dow automation system is the only sys-tem in Europe that intelligentlymonitors windows to prevent entrap-ment as an integrated function of themotor and control system.For further information visitwww.windowmaster.co.uk

IN THE COMFORT ZONE

biggest and best equipped in theworld. Yorkshire has one of thelargest sales and technical teams ofany copper tube manufacturer sup-plying the UK market, and its cus-tomer support is second-to-none.The winner can use the vouchers inone of over 40 Macdonald Hotelslocated across the UK. For further information visitwww.yct.com

Breaking the mould

industry news


Wienerberger has achieved a BES 6001 ResponsibleSourcing Certificate. All of the bricks currentlymanufactured at Wienerberger's Warnham factoryin West Sussex have achieved the accreditation. TheBRE Global Environmental and SustainabilityStandard (BES 6001) provides a framework for as-sessing the responsible sourcing of constructionproducts. To meet the Standard, organisations mustsatisfy a number of requirements relating to organi-sational management, the supply chain, environ-mental issues and corporate social responsibility. Anumber of environmental initiatives at theWarnham site were recognised as part of the certi-fication, including the use of 100 per cent renew-able electricity and 30 per cent recycled water. Thebricks are also made with a significant amount ofrecycled material content. Details of the

When top legal firm Addleshaw Goddard decided tobring all of its London-based staff together underone roof at Milton Gate, Overbury plc invitedLevolux to help with one of the most demanding fit-out contracts to be completed in the past 12 months.Levolux devised a comprehensive internal SolarShading solution incorporating its 760SX RollerBlinds, 790 Electric Room Darkening Blinds andCord Drawn Curtains. Levolux also fitted almost

Everbuild catalogue

Levolux sealslandmark contract

1400 sq metres of fabric walling on three floors, appliedto flat and curved wall surfaces, creating a visually strik-ing design feature, with excellent acoustic control. Likeall Levolux systems, the blinds, curtains and fabricwalling installed on this project are backed by the com-pany’s design, manufacture and installation package,along with a three-year warranty. The occupation ofMilton Gate by Addleshaw Goddard ends a five-year va-cant period and completes one of the most significantlettings in the City this year. For further information telephone 020 8863 9111,email [email protected] or visitwww.levolux.com

Wienerberger sets the standard

Access atDoncaster’s Hub

Wienerberger bricks which have been approved toBES 6001 can be found onwww.greenbooklive.com - the online database de-signed to help specifiers and end users identifyproducts and services that can help to reduce theirimpact on the environment. For further information telephone 0161 491 8200or email [email protected]

tems ideal for high traffic areas. At just 7cm high,the SL operator is extremely slim, complementingthe surrounding glass curtain walling, which has a5cm frame, and blending seamlessly into the façade.At the busy entrances to the food hall and learningresource centre, GEZE UK has installed TSA 160s,automatic swing door systems. At the food hall, thedouble door is fitted with industry leading infraredsensors, opening the door safely and automaticallyas people approach, helping ensure the installationconforms to BS 7036 (Safety at Powered Doors forPedestrian Use). GEZE’s electro-hydraulic SD Ser-vos have been specified throughout the college forinternal corridor single swing doors, recommendedfor areas with medium traffic. For further information telephone 01543 443 000.

Doncaster College’s multi-million pound Water-front campus, The Hub, scores top marks for ac-cessibility with more than 50 automatic doorsthroughout its facilities, supplied and serviced byGEZE UK. From installing sliding entrances tosupplying swing doors, GEZE has supplied a widevariety of doors, giving students easy access tosome of the best educational facilities in the coun-try. The main atrium, reception area and publicseating areas within the Hub feature five sets ofSlimdrive SL operators, electronic sliding door sys-

Everbuild Building Products Ltd havelaunched their brand new catalogue – packedfull of the entire Everbuild range, includingthe Purimachos and Kwikgrip productranges, as well as all of the products thathave been launched within the last year, in-cluding the market leading Geo-Fix PavingJointing Compound. The catalogue also in-troduces new products including Exact GapFoam, Firespan Intumescent Pads, Roll &Wrap, Kwikgrip Tape and Draughtproofingproducts, and many, many more. All of thenew products are highlighted with the intro-ductory section of the catalogue, and manyof them have highlighted features through-out the catalogue. The new silver covered232 page catalogue is the biggest ever to beproduced by Everbuild, and as such theyhave made it easier to navigate, with a con-tents page at the beginning, and handy con-tents lists at the start of each section. It alsocontains recent and new Everbuild advertsand new product interest features, which aredesigned to be an informative insight intoEverbuild and current market trends. Thesefeatures also highlight the unique features ofsome of Everbuild’s products. For further information telephone 0113 2403456 or email [email protected]

To celebrate its 75th anniversary this year, TRADA haspublished Timber in contemporary architecture - a de-signer’s guide, written by leading experts in timber ar-chitecture and engineering Peter Ross, Giles Downesand Andrew Lawrence. The beautifully illustratedbook, co-branded by RIBA Publishing, is a celebrationof timber and its contemporary uses for designers,combining sound technical expertise with inspirationalconcepts. It includes more than 300 photographs anddrawings. Timber is a flexible and aesthetically appeal-ing material, which allows designers to develop cre-ative, high quality, innovative and robust solutions fortheir clients. The range of potential uses has beengreatly extended by significant technical innovationsover the last 25 years. In addition, timber is often pre-ferred for its low environmental impact. Timber incontemporary architecture investigates materials, con-nections and applications. Excellence in timber designis demonstrated in the last section of the book, devot-ed to highly illustrated case studies, some award-win-ning, some groundbreaking, all of which have beenchosen for their inspirational qualities. For further information telephone 01494 569622or email [email protected]

Royal Philips Electronics has unveiled four newOLED lighting concepts created for high-designhospitality, residential and retail environments at therecent 100% Design show. All of the concepts arebased on Philips’ Lumiblade technology, incorporat-ing glowingly radiant OLED light panels. Theseunique light sources are a key focus of Philips’ cur-rent solid-state lighting research and developmentactivities, and are making it possible to create com-pletely new types of lighting experiences. The fourconcepts represent widely varying types of imple-

Palm powerfrom AEG

THE OLED CONCEPT mentation ideas that use OLEDs in uniquely differentways. The Lumiblade Markerlight is specially designedto ‘lead’ people on a voyage of discovery. In theLumiblade Reflections concept, your own mirror imageinteracts with light in utterly unexpected ways.Lumiblade Mr Ed illustrates how OLEDs can give dec-orative images an extra dimension of high-design im-pact. The Lumiblade Glow concept presents light as anelement that actually responds to you. All of the con-cepts can be used to create highly distinctive effects inhospitality and retail environments, as well as in homes.For further information telephone 01483 293061 or visit [email protected]

TRADA: timber incontemporary architecture

Hardware online panies actually use the product themselves. Glyngaryare different. All the products on the site are usedwithin the factory on a regular basis. There are noproducts on the web site which Glyngary have nottried and tested in the factory and would not behappy using on their own windows and doors. An-other major difference is that Glyngary are happy tosell the quantity people need rather than insisting onyou purchasing ‘box quantities’.” For further information telephone 01925 763 836or visit www.glyngaryhardware.co.uk

Joinery specialists Glyngary have recently launched anew website as another channel to sell their hardwareproducts. Glyngary’s core business is manufacturinghigh quality sash windows, timber casement windowsand doors, however, the Glyngary team have decidedto take a step in the online direction. Glyn is the SalesDirector and commented on the move, “My BrotherGary saw a gap in the market While there are numer-ous companies selling hardware, none of these com-

industry news

AEG Powertools have re-branded for the sec-ond half of 2009, with its new vibrant bold or-ange colour giving the brand and the range adynamic new look. The new range of compact12v Drilling, Screwdriving and Impact Drivingproducts are convenient palm-sized tools pro-viding compact, high-productivity performanceto meet the needs of today's professionaltradesmen. The BS12C2 two-speed drill driverfeatures a single-piece chuck and transmissiondesign, which delivers an extremely compactmachine at only 171mm in length. The twospeeds of 300 RPM and 1200 RPM means theBS12C2 has the versatility to effectively carryout screwdriving applications and drilling up to20mm into softwood. The 17-step torque ad-justment provides the right torque for everyscrew size ensuring that screwdriving consisten-cy can always be achieved. The lightweight de-sign is extremely well-balanced and its compactsize makes it ideal for fitting into tight spacesand for use over longer periods thanks to the12v 1.5Ah Lithium-Ion battery. The BS12C is asingle speed drill driver using the same batterypack. This unit has all of the same features ofthe 2-speed model but has a single-speed gear-box and measures only 160 mm in length, mak-ing it a comfortable product to use. TheBSS12C Impact Driver, with its industrial metalgearbox, delivers an impressive 113 Nm oftorque at up to 2400 impacts per minute, result-ing in superb productivity for the user. For further information visit www.aeg-pt.com



Earle Arney is Woods Bagot’s Director of Work Place and is a Global Board Member of Woods Bagot.Earle is considered by his clients and peers to be a global leader in workplace and sustainable design.Here, Earle talks to Architects Choice about the direction of sustainability.

NAME: Earle Arney

PROFESSION: Architect

POSITION: Director of Work PlaceARAIA, M.Arch.(Harvard),B.Arch.(Hons)

“Creatingworkplace environmentsthat are highlyeffective andproductivewithin oftenstrict commer-cial parametersis a good disci-pline that canbe employed incivic and educationalprojects. ”

interview: Earle Arney

The green light on sustainable Architecture

As Director of Work Place,Earle is well respected inhis field. His position at

Woods Bagot has earned himmuch deserved praise for his ef-forts in innovative design. As oneof Earle’s major roles, he is posi-tioned as Design Director for theGrosvenor House Redevelopmentin Central London as well as theDesign Director for the Bank ofNew Zealand project in Auckland,New Zealand. Earle is based inLondon and currently worksacross Europe, Australasia, USA,and the Middle East. He has lec-

tured extensively and is a regularspeaker on the subject of sustain-ability internationally. Who betterto answer our questions…

How long have youworked for Woods Bagot?I’ve been at Woods Bagotfor 10 years, starting off

my career in Australia. I’m nowWoods Bagot’s Director ofWorkplace and a Global BoardMember. I’m currently based inLondon and work on projectsacross Europe, Australasia, USA,and the Middle East.

QA


Woods Bagot

For more information...CONTACTWoods Bagot

020 7637 [email protected]

WOODS BAGOTOxford House76, Oxford StreetLondonW1D 1BS

142 West 57th Street8th FloorNew York, NY10019

228 Grant Avenue5th FloorSan Francisco, CA94108

Level 3, Suite 313Emarat Atrium SheikhZayed RoadPO Box 58041Dubai UAE

Level 1017, York StreetPO Box N19Grosvenor PlaceSydneyNSW 1220

interview

What is your earliestmemory of becoming

an Architect?My father was an architectand my mother an accom-

plished artist. Both were avidreaders and our family homewas stacked with art and archi-tectural books. Accordingly, myintroduction to architecture wasby osmosis. We regularly dis-cussed architecture, visited artgalleries and reviewed articlesin journals.

What is your career highlight so far? How

important is research to architecture and what researchare you engaged in?

I am fortunate enough to bepart of an organisation that

encourages and values researchthat can be applied to our craft. Icontribute to many of WoodsBagot’s research publications,most recently Work Life, which ex-amined a number of topical issuesfacing workplace design today, in-cluding sustainable practices andinnovations. I have a particular in-terest in sustainability and havepublished research papers on TheBusiness Case of EnvironmentalSustainability and a global per-spective of What’s Next inSustainability?

What is your favourite sector to work in when

working on a project?I work across all sectors butI am the global Director of

Workplace at Woods Bagot andhave a deep specialty in this sec-tor. Creating workplace environ-ments that are highly effectiveand productive within often strictcommercial parameters is a gooddiscipline that can be employedin civic and educational projects.Similarly, transferring the ideasof an unfolding guest experiencecommonly applied to hotel proj-ects is a great way of elevatingworkplace environments.

Take us through some ofthe innovative projects

that you are leading forWoods Bagot?

We are currently exploringbio-mimicry on a project,

which learns from Butterfly wingsand how they reflect and absorblight and how this can create ahighly effective skin of a building.Light emitting diodes have pro-gressed in recent time by a simi-lar technological transfer andhave been applied to making vi-sual displays on mobile devisesmore efficient.

What do you hope toachieve through the BNZ

project?This project is focused oncreating a workplace, which

is a business enabler of culturalchange. The client is currentlyhoused in three different loca-tions and this project brings themtogether in a connected verticalcampus that is transparent to thepublic and the customers theyserve. The project also aims to bea good urban citizen by being themost advanced sustainable build-ing in a country, which enjoys along history of caring for theearth. The building was also a pi-lot project for the introduction ofthe Green Building Rating Systemin New Zealand.

How have clients briefschanged and evolved in

the recent years?

Clients have become in-creasingly more sophisticat-

ed over the past two or threedecades. The value of the work-place to be an instrument to at-tract and retain the best andbrightest is now understood as isthe value of sustainability.

What do you consider tobe one of the best ‘green

buildings’ built so far?I am fascinated by tradition-al mosques in the gulf re-

gion. These sacred buildingsoften employ wind towers thatdraw in hot air, channel it over acistern of cool water and allow itto dramatically reduce the ambi-ent air temperature of the prayerhall by way of convection. I alsobelieve the most sustainable ma-chine is the tree. When youthink about it, what other ma-chine can pump water 40 metresinto the sky, all fed from sunlight,enriches the soil and convertscarbon dioxide into oxygen?

How do you see the fu-ture of sustainable

buildings evolving? Are weon the correct course or doyou feel that there is a bet-ter way of promoting a sus-tainable approach througharchitecture?

I do not believe that we willrely on technology to be the

silver bullet of sustainability. Weare seeing an increased aware-ness on learning from the past,alignment of building response toplace and harnessing the powerof nature to create environmentsthat touch the earth lightly.

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contracts and projects

Galliford Try recently tasked Mtech Consult to pro-vide their OSM expertise to identify time and costsaving alternatives to the conventional specificationfor the redevelopment of St Pancras station. By us-ing Mtech Consult to identify suitable Offsite prod-ucts and systems, the company was able to securesupply at guaranteed delivery lead times, giving it thecertainty it needed. Mtech offered a complete serv-ice, from highlighting all the Offsite options, identi-fying the best suppliers and arranging initial sitemeetings, through advising on the tender documen-

SEAMLESSSOLAR SHADING

On-track at St Pancras tation and analysing tender returns, right to actual proj-ect installation support. Exploiting Mtech’s knowledgeand understanding of UK Offsite suppliers to matchsystems with its needs in terms of finish quality, buildtime and project costs, Galliford Try selected bath-room pods, a unitised zinc faced cladding system forthe new wing and considered a panelised bathroomsystem for the refurbishment of the old building. Theproject is progressing well, with Mtech providing on-going support to ensure compliance, seamless integra-tion and the maintenance of quality levels. For further information telephone 01743 282282 or visit www.mtech-consult.com

EDUCATION QUARTER INITIATIVE

seaside resorts, sit securely upon the 2.5m x 3.5mtimber decked huts protected from the wind by JuteNetting and provide over 250m2 of green space.The high-performance, durable and natural root re-sistant nature of the Evalon Single-ply waterproof-ing membrane, (manufactured by Alwitra® the samecompany that introduced the award winning EvalonSolar building integrated photovoltaic membrane), isideal for standing up to the harsh seaside conditions,whilst the foliage in the green roofing has beencarefully selected to thrive in the sea air. For further information [email protected] or visit www.icb.uk.com

and potential issues on site. The holistic approach andclear communication and support from the Fermacellteam was both professional and timely.” The develop-ment is Suffolk’s first University and is a joint initiativebetween the Universities of East Anglia and Essex.The scheme has established a new ‘Education Quarter’in Ipswich through the relocation of the existing col-lege of further education and the creation of a newuniversity student hub and administration HQ. Maincontractors on the scheme were Willmott Dixon Con-struction, with Essex-based BG Contracts sub con-tractors and installers of the Fermacell boards. For further information visitwww.fermacelldrylining.co.uk

The University Campus Suffolk (UCS) waterfrontbuilding – located alongside the Orwell Key – was de-signed by architects RMJM. Environmentally friendlyFermacell board was recently specified for the internalwalling because of its durability and robustness – keyin a building that will endure heavy footfall and likelyto be subjected to the knocks that come with this.Martin Lardner Burke from RMJM commented: “Thesimplicity and flexibility of the Fermacell system al-lowed us to easily meet and overcome requirements

When designing the new extension to NottinghamTrent University’s Chaucer Building, local architect,Maber Associates chose to incorporate an innova-tive new external Solar Shading system, developedby Levolux. To ensure a clean, uncompromisedaesthetic, which could be achieved in a short time-frame, Levolux installed its new ‘Infiniti Fin’ SolarShading system (patent pending), featuring aunique, revolutionary design. The ‘Infiniti Fin’System has unique ‘invisible’ fixings that create anincredibly stable and seamless arrangement of Finsthat appear to float in front of a building. Theconcealed fixings incorporate a patented stainlesssteel locking plate, which is engineered to accept arange of Fins, with widths of up to 480mm.Levolux installed 24 rows of 300mm wide hori-zontal aluminium Aerofoil Fins around the en-trance of the Chaucer Building extension.Compared to alternative ‘bird mouth’ type fixings,the ‘Infiniti Fin’ system’s revolutionary design re-duces weight, has greater structural integrity andcan bring significant cost savings to clients. For further information telephone 0208 8639111, email [email protected] or visitwww.levolux.com

Bespoke beach hutBlyth Valley Borough Council has turned beach hutsinto beach gardens in a way never seen before; with20 dwellings featuring a design so unique it couldtransform Britain’s seafronts. ICB working alongsidearchitects Ian Brown Partnership, designed a be-spoke Diadem® green roof, complete with anAlwitra® Single-ply waterproofing membrane forthe 20 pitched roofs to produce a stunning beachscene, which has grabbed the attention of locals andvisitors alike – and even the BBC. These greenroofs, which have also attracted interest from other



Castle Quay is a contemporary devel-opment in the heart of Bedford’snew cultural quarter, an area that in-cludes a number of bar/cafe/restau-rant units. To reduce the impact ofthe development on the environment,a proven green roof system was se-lected using the Sika-Trocal Concept.Architects and specifiers are increas-ingly constrained by planning regula-tions that limit discharge consents

A Victorian primary school in SouthLondon has been given a new leaseof life thanks to an exciting modernextension that features vibrant poly-chromatic glass set into an alumini-um façade supplied by leadingbuilding envelope specialist, SchücoInternational. The striking newbuilding is at Clapham ManorPrimary School for the LondonBorough of Lambeth. Four storeystall, it utilises Schüco FW 50+ SG, asystem designed for constructingfaçades that while large, are also ele-gant in appearance with only slendershadow joints visible from the out-side. In addition, Schüco FW 50+SG delivers excellent thermal insula-

Everything’s gone greenand require protection of biodiversityin urban areas. Green roofs are pro-viding an interesting and environ-mentally conscious solution to theserequirements, meeting high prioritylocal authority concerns, while creat-ing colourful and vibrant develop-ments, such as this one at CastleQuay. For the green roof on CastleQuay, the main contractor turned toexperienced Sika-Trocal licensed con-

TOP OF THE CLASStion and, with an optional stainlesssteel spacer in the glazing, it canachieve a Uf value down to 1.6W/m²K. The recently completed ex-tension is Phase 1 of a two-phase re-development aimed at ensuring thatClapham Manor Primary School canaccommodate the doubling of pupilnumbers that has resulted from itsgrowing reputation for educationalexcellence. Phase 2 will be the re-modelling of the Victorian buildingto bring all the classrooms up to cur-rent DCSF space standards.For further information telephone01908 282111, e-mail: [email protected] or visitwww.schueco.co.uk

factures access hatches to suit alltypes of internal and external uses.Ranging from FACTA Class A to Floadings, their hatches are available

in standard sizes or can be custommade to suit your needs. They alsoprovide floor ducting, handrail fit-tings, smoke release dampers, rooflights and offer a comprehensiverange of ladders, which can all bebuilt to order. In addition, their‘Jakdor’ range of ceiling and wall ac-cess panels is designed to cover alltypes of internal voids.

Roof hatches for student accommodation

tractor CA Single Ply, who workedwith Greenfix SkyGarden. This en-sured that both experts in roofingand horticulture would work togetherto install a growing medium-basedgreen roofing system over a Sika-Trocal Type SGmA membrane in awarm roof construction.For further information telephone01707 394444 or email [email protected]

For further information telephone01922 711185, email [email protected] or visitwww.surespancovers.com orwww.jakdor.com

New student accommodation atLoughborough University has bene-fitted from specially designed roofhatches from Surespan. Surespanwas chosen by Laing O’Rourke, whoconstructed the £68 million project,to design and install a SRH roofhatch for each of the 23 new build-ings, which provide accommodationfor 1,300 students at the university.Consisting of a double lockableSRH hatch with drop down zip re-tractable ladder, they allow mainte-nance staff access to the roof forinspection purposes and to carryout statutory tests. BusinessManager at the university SeamusO’Neil commented: “We are reallypleased with the work carried out bySurespan. We have recently used thehatches to gain access to the roof inorder to carry out an inspection ofthe lightening conductor, and foundthem very easy to use. I would rec-ommend their hatches to anyonewho is looking for a similar solu-tion.” Surespan designs and manu-



KONE, an official National Partner for Finland’s“Kirnu” pavilion at the 2010 World Expo inShanghai, is supplying the pavilion with a one-of-a-kind elevator inspired by the basic elements ofFinland’s landscape and four seasons. The elevator,traveling vertically across the pavilion’s three floors,will be a highly visible and integral part of theFinnish pavilion as an exhibition piece. Specially pre-pared by KONE’s Design team in conjunction withthe pavilion’s architects the elevator and its shaft

structure were designed to replicate the effects of aChinese lantern but with a Finnish twist. A sight in it-self, the custom-built elevator cabin will include finelydesigned materials such as handmade ceramic artworkfor the floor designed by well-known Finnish ceramistKarin Widnäs and a high quality semi-transparent glassfrom German glass experts, Schott. The elevator willalso feature the latest in RFID (Radio FrequencyIdentification) technology, which will enable the pavil-ion’s VIP guest to access the top floor.For further information visit www.kone.com

Walls, windows and doors from the UK basedLitchfield Group of Companies have been chosen tocreate 12 of the UK’s most eco-friendly homes atBrookwood Farm in Woking. An integrated externalbuilding envelope, delivered by ICF-Tech walls,Sheerframe windows and Masterdor doorsets from theUK zero-carbon building systems group is deliveringnew Code five low-carbon homes for WokingBorough Homes. When completed it will providehomes with one of the smallest carbon footprints in

Walls and windows for zero-carbon homes

ENERGI FOR ASDA comprised Kingspan’s KS1000 RW Trapezoidal Systemin Goosewing Grey, Merlin Grey and Sapphire Blue.All of the panels were supplied in Kingspan’s XL Fortécolour range. Kingspan EnergiPanel is an innovative in-sulated solar air heating system designed for roof andwall applications, acting to supplement the main heatingsystem. The system offers a low cost and reliable re-newable energy source, which can provide a rapid pay-back on investment and can help to deliver up to threecredits in BREEAM 2008 assessments. For further information telephone 01352 717 251or email [email protected]

Asda’s new £42 million ‘eco-depot’ at Sutton Courtenay,Didcot is the latest project to benefit from KingspanEnergiPanel. Designed by Architects Chetwoods, this‘eco-depot’ which serves 33 stores across the South ofEngland has replaced the former distribution centrethree miles away, providing an extra 250,000 sq ft ofspace, making a total development of 424,000 sq ft, aswell as a whole host of energy saving technologies. TheKingspan EnergiPanel in Merlin Grey integrated easilywith the rest of the wall cladding of the depot, which

Curtain walling for Phoenix PlacePhoenix Place located in Basildon, Essex isthe head quarters of the local NHS primaryhealth care trust. Dovetail Architects de-signed the building selecting W.A. Hills asthe contractor with Comar Approved fabri-cator Anglia Fixing Limited complete theglazed element of the facade. ComarArchitectural Aluminium Systems was a nat-ural choice as they have designed theirComar 5Pi interfaces range, a set of bespokeprofiles that mimic the edge of claddingpanels so a window can be installed as if itwere a panel. In this project the KingspanOptimo range of cladding panels were se-lected in a light dust blue, at every storey rib-bon windows were incorporated from theComar 5Pi thermally efficient range. Comar5Pi tilt and turn windows were selectedwhich can be tilted to allow ventilation aswell as, when unlocked, open in to allowcleaning from the inside. To the perimeterof these windows Comar CS486 and CS487Kingspan cladding adaptors were fittedwhich allowed the window to be directly in-tegrated into Kingspan without the need foradditional flashings or packings. The ComarCladding Interface creates peace of the mindfor the client through the reduction in main-tenance of flashings and the aesthetic appealof the invisible integration. To create featureand contrast to the Kingspan claddingComar 6 curtain walling was installed. For further information, telephone Comaron 020 8685 9685 or [email protected]

NATURE-INSPIRED ELEVATOR

the UK. The 12 homes are being constructed using in-sulating concrete formwork (ICF) –offers exceptionallevels of acoustic insulation; plus the system is quick,clean and low cost to construct. With U values as low as0.11 W/m2K and air infiltration as low as 0.74m3/m2/hr @ 50Pa and a Y value of just 0.04, CodeLevel 6 and PassivHaus standards are made possible,and repeatable, using the ICF-Tech System. The systemis designed to accommodate high performanceSheerframe HED casement windows with a U-value of0.8 w/m2K, using a unique fixing technique, also devel-oped for the ICF-Tech system by the Litchfield Group. For further information telephone 01773 852311 or email [email protected]



The former home of Rowe Printersin Hayle, Cornwall has recently under-gone major refurbishment. The oldprint room has been converted into aproduction area for computer repairsand refurbishments, requiring signifi-cant alterations to the ceilings, servic-es and light fittings. Knauf AMFLight Boxes were specified for theproject with 120 units being installedthroughout the 500m2 area. Where an

Sika Watertight Concrete is provid-ing the solution to keep OceanPoint, a prestigious new holiday de-velopment for Coast Group atSaunton Sands in Devon, free fromwater ingress. Structural engineersClarkebond specified BBA certifiedSika Watertight Concrete, which wassupplied by Hanson Concrete, forthe basement slab and retainingwalls. With a 50-year successful trackrecord, use of the Sika Watertightsystem will ensure a dry basement,meeting the requirements of BS8102Grade 3 (Habitable Space) wherepeople are living or working and no

Knauf AMF sheds light on production facilitiesopening is made in a fire-rated ceilingto install recessed light fittings, thefire-protecting capability of the ceilingis compromised. AMF Light Boxesare designed to seal the penetrationsand maintain the fire integrity of theceiling, offering a minimum of 60minutes fire protection. AMF’s LightBoxes have been tested under mezza-nine and timber floors as well as steelbeams, with full certification from the

Sika Ensures Dry Development at Saunton Sand

water penetration is acceptable. 300cubic metres of watertight concretewere supplied to the project. UsingSika Watertight Concrete is a highperformance, cost effective solutionin comparison to membranes andother systems. To complete the sys-tem, construction joints were sealedwith the SikaSwell® jointing system,which consists of joint sealing pro-files that expand on contact with wa-ter to seal any voids betweenadjoining concrete slabs.For further information telephone 01707 394444 or email [email protected]

The Forticrete Gemini Tile is often thepreferred choice of Local Authoritiesand Housing Associations. Forticrete'sGemini maintains the appearance of atraditional plain tiled roof, thereby al-lowing the original architectural style tobe retained. When compared withConcrete Plain tiles, the amount ofCO2 produced in manufacturing thelatest Forticrete Gemini tile, factoringin the difference in weight (75kg/m² v45kg/m²) and quantity of tiles on theroof (60/m² v 16.3/m²), produced re-sults – 40 per cent less. Forticrete’sGemini roof tile was specified for theSouth Yorkshire Association’s 71 homedevelopment at Canklow Woods inRotherham. The cost-effective alterna-tive, provided a stylish and economical

alternative to Natural Slate, which wasconsidered but rejected because of thecost implications. To satisfy the localplanning requirments, the buildings hadto fit in with the local vernacular andCartwright Pickard looked at severaldifferent options and ideas before se-lecting Foricrete’s Gemini roof tiles.The tiles were cost effective and pro-vided a close match in colour to theplanners’ needs. Gemini is a large for-mat interlocking tile that looks like twosmall format tiles when laid.Approximately 4000m2 of Slate GreyGemini Tiles were used for the project. For further information telephone 01525 244900, email [email protected] or visit www.forticrete.co.uk

A NATURAL APPEARANCE

Warrington Fire Research Centre.The Light Boxes also reduce soundleakage through the light fitting andfeature pre-mitred slots for side panelintegration and location on the gridsystem. Lightweight and self-support-ing, they are available in a range ofsizes, formats and heights. For further information telephone 0208 892 3216 or email [email protected]

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Sliders UK


The fact that the govern-ment is committed to sus-tainable housing and to

the development of millions ofaffordable homes is a well pub-licised fact, much used politi-cally and warmly welcomed bythe UK construction industryoverall. The strings to whichthe glazing industry is becom-ing acclimatised to, in the formof WER’s, are already beingforced through for social andpolitical reasons as the govern-ment rolls out its commitmentto a sustainable future andlower CO2 emissions. There areother strings too which havebeen developing in the back-ground and have a somewhatmore tangible social and politi-cal context. Make no mistake,the very significant effect onthe window and door industrywill soon be apparent.

Secured By Design An initiative of the Association ofChief Police Officers, SBD has beenincreasing its influence for severalyears. Initially a two page referenceguide for house builders it has be-come an all encompassing designbrief of some 37 pages which de-signs crime reducing products intobuildings and site layout. The ini-tiative works. Secured By Designdevelopments are proven to reducecrime and now The Departmentfor Communities and LocalGovernment (Home Office) is firm-ly backing the initiative. In thewords of a senior designer at amajor national house builder“Since April 2009 everything haschanged - Secured By Design hasgot teeth!” As another developerput it “The future for planning per-mission for social and private newbuild developments will increasing-ly be dependant on SBD compli-

ance” – the implications of thisshould not be underestimated.This is hardly surprising given thesuccess of the initiative, the credi-bility of its owners, and the in-creasing motivation ofgovernment. House builders, de-velopers and progressive windowand door manufacturers and in-stallers should have nothing tofear from the accelerating changein planning restrictions but shouldbe making plans to manufactureand source properly accreditedproducts as soon and as competi-tively as possible.

Ready To Fit Sliders UK have been manufac-turing the UK’s first and onlySecured By Design patio doorsince July 2008. The “Ultimate”patio door was a long time in de-velopment in conjunction withmajor hardware suppliers andthe result is tried and tested,easy to use and simple to fit.Already specified by major housebuilders and developers it alsotakes pride of place in manyprestigious window and doorsshowrooms throughout the UK.After all; who would expect asliding patio door to have beenmade so secure as to achieve therecognition of the Police? Othersare sure to follow as the marketrushes to SBD compliance. Few ifany though will have Slidersunique pedigree; an alreadyhighly specified SBD patio doorwith well over 12 months reliableservice, made to stringent BBAspecifications in one factory withISO 9001:2008 compliance, dis-tributed nationally to over 600customers and at prices whichmake SBD very affordable. Acompany growing stronglythrough the recession and poisedto offer maximum benefit to itscustomers in the future.

InvitationSliders UK’s hugely successful FreeShowroom / Show house door of-fer has been extended due to itsunprecedented success. The com-pany now extends an invitation toinstallers in the social and newbuild housing sectors – join theever increasing number of in-stallers who fit the “Ultimate”door and solve at least one SBDcompliance issue with ease!

All This And In Colour!Whilst security is increasingly a majorissue, competition amongst develop-ers and builders also keeps designand colour at the forefront of our in-dustry. Making in excess of 400 patiodoors per week, Sliders UK are ableto take advantage of economies ofscale and stock a huge range of ex-citing options for specifiers andhome-owners. With two shades ofwhite and two sash options (fea-tured and chamfered) the companycan offer an aesthetic match for vir-tually any profile system. Standardfoil options of mahogany, oak androsewood are complimented by arare stock of black, grey and cream,along with short lead times on newRenolit “Prestige” foils such asAntique or Irish Oak and Rustic orSoft Cherry. Currently the only patiodoor which meets even the mini-mum BBA requirements, colour fromSliders UK is backed by a uniquequality mark which assures perform-ance and longevity.

For further information tele-phone 01772 698 222. or visitwww.sliders-uk.com

Sliders UKUnit 232, Oldfield RoadWalton Summit, Bamber BridgePR5 8BG

Secured By Design gets teeth!Ian Longbottom of Sliders UK highlights the far-reaching changes in security requirements for local authority planning

ARCHITECTURAL INNOVATORSArchitects Choice has deliberated over an array of companies that have been at the forefront of innovative architectural design. Here is our pick of the bunch.

1. Comar 2. GEZE UKJames Latham states it isthe UK’s longest estab-lished timber business andis committed to offeringthe ‘Natural Choice’ to cus-tomers. The directors ofJames Latham recognisethat the company has a re-sponsibility to the environ-ment, as well as to itssuppliers and customers, tobase its commercial activi-ties on well-managedforests. With the growingpublic awareness of issuesof sustainability and withmany customers specificallyrequesting certified timber,they have taken steps toensure its environmentalpolicies are up-to-date. www.lathamtimber.co.uk.

4. Kingspan 5. Levolux

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The construction industry is full ofnew innovative products beinglaunched at a constant pace. Withthe onset of the eco agenda; nowa pre-requisite for many buildingapplications, it is imperative thatour specified products are to thestandard required for a more sus-tainable future. This does notmean to say that every product we

now utilize will be made of hempand recycled hemp, but that ourinnovators in the industry aregoing to further lengths to cleverlycreate products that are more effi-cient. It is the subtle changes insome areas that contribute to thebigger difference and many of thesuppliers within Architects Choiceare leading at the front with these

changes. We are very proud towork with companies, whoseethos and ultimate agenda is toprovide the very best for the in-dustry and for the future of archi-tectural design. Whether it is aninternal system, a protectivefaçade or a supporting block inthe foundation of a design, build-ing a better future has never been

so important to us and it is vitalthat we implement these newtools and resources now. Archi-tects Choice has selected ten topcompanies who we work with ona regular basis and who we feeldeliver an outstanding standard ofproduct and innovative conceptsto our readers- the architects.

COMAR designs, extrudesand distributes over 700 in-tegrated profiles to a na-tionally approved fabricatornetwork for use in alu-minium ground floor treat-ment, window, door andcurtain walling applications.Comar has built a reputa-tion on delivery: over £3mof mill, white polyesterpowder coating, silver,bronze and anodised pro-files are kept in stock.Comar can powder coat thealuminium system to yourRAL, BS or Syntha Pulvincolour. Their integrated sys-tems ensure a cost effective,aesthetic façade with secu-rity and safety as standard. www.comar-alu.co.uk

GEZE UK is at the fore-front of cutting edge tech-nology, working closelywith international archi-tects to ensure its range ofdoor systems combine ele-gance and style with func-tionality, efficiency andreliability. Customer fo-cused and constantly in-novating, GEZE UK aimsto offer the latest adviceand best solution possible.GEZE UK will be focusedon developing new prod-ucts and expanding itsservice offer in 2010. www.geze.co.uk

3. James LathamKingspan Insulated Pan-els aims to deliver on allaspects of a demandingmarket, promoting archi-tectural choice, environ-mental sustainability andhealth and safety. Anongoing programme ofresearch and develop-ment ensures a steadyflow of new productsand innovative solutions,as well as providing aplatform for lobbying onindustry issues. The com-pany is also fully commit-ted to developing andmaintaining sustainablepractice across the board.www.kingspanpanels.com

“Designed to control” cap-tures the essence of theirmission and has helped Lev-olux become world leadersin the development of stan-dard and custom built solarshading solutions. Levolux isrenowned for its ability tosatisfy the diverse demandsof modern buildings, usingcurrent capabilities and theemerging possibilities ofbuilding technology. Levoluxis committed to offering a‘complete’ range of solarshading products and sys-tems and a comprehensiveservice from design to man-ufacture and maintenance.www.levolux.com

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architectural innovators


Schüco is a market leaderin aluminum, steel and so-lar products for innovativebuilding envelopes. Thecompany provides state-of-the-art window and façadetechnology, energy effi-cient solar technology andindividual consulting for ar-chitects, builders andclients. Schüco aims to fur-ther its competitive edgewith a global strategy de-signed to protect naturalresources by continuouslyimproving the energy bal-ance of buildings withoutcompromising on modernarchitectural demands.www.schueco.co.uk

The Sika-Trocal RoofingDivision of Sika Limitedprovides flat roofing mem-branes for the new buildand refurbishment mar-kets. Throughout its histo-ry the company hasmaintained high standardsof training and quality in-stallation, building a loyalspecialist sub contractor,specifier and client base.Today Sika-Trocal provideshigh levels of specificationgeneration, site support,straightforward guaranteesand quality in construction,making Sika-Trocal thecontractor’s choice in flatroofing solutions. www.sika.co.uk

Philips Lighting's approachis to simply enhance lifewith lighting. Their philos-ophy is to integrate the lat-est in lighting design andtechnology into people-centric solutions. Philipshas lit 65 per cent of theworld's top airports and 30per cent of hospitals, of-fices and landmarks. In ad-dition 1 in 4 lamps usedworldwide is a Philipslamp. As trusted and re-spected lighting solutionprovider, Philips Lighting isnow well equipped tocompete in the new land-scape of LED lighting.www.philips.co.uk

Surespan Limited designsand manufactures the high-est quality access productsfor customers across theworld. Recent projects haveincluded the Burj Dubai inDubai and the Halley VI re-search station in Antarctica.Surespan offer innovativeand bespoke design tomatch their clients’ exactspecifications and their ex-perienced engineers ensuretheir manufacturing is of thehighest standard. Surespanare committed to improvingtheir existing products anddeveloping new and excit-ing access solutions. www.surespancovers.com

As a responsible lightingcompany, Kingfisher Light-ing acknowledge the im-portance of encouragingsustainable lighting solu-tions and recognise theimportant role LED tech-nology will play in exteriorlighting. LED-in from King-fisher Lighting sets abenchmark for the pro-gression of LED technologyand certainly widens thepossibilities of LED for ex-terior lighting. With arated power of 136w, the108 LED version of LED-inoffers equivalent lightinglevels to 100w SON.www.kingfisher-light-ing.co.uk

6. Schuco 7. Sika Limited 8. Philips Lighitng 10. Surespan9. Kingfisher Lighting

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architectural innovators


heating and ventilation

Aliva is the architect behind the Alucovering rangeof wall cladding products. Produced by IMOCO, thisnew system is the most comprehensive and techno-logically advanced architectural solution for ventilatedfacades using aluminium panels. Alucovering’s qualityreflects the company’s commitment to research,knowledge of materials and performance to deliverthe ultimate system and the finished product offersexcellent reliability against climatic and environmen-tal changes. New build projects such as the Aviator

Hotel at Farnborough Airport needed Alucovering’sversatility to respect the aesthetic qualities of a luxuryhotel with the demands of its location. Alucoveringprofiles are extruded from aluminium alloy of approxi-mately 2mm to 2.8mm thickness, 200mm to 300mm inheight and up to six metres in length and either an-odised or powder coated to a minimum of 60 micronsfrom a choice of over 250 RAL colours. For further information telephone 01189 635900 or visit www.alivauk.com

Advancements in underfloor heating

Thermo-Floor work with Housing 21 in Walsall

floor heating at both the Northgate and MossleyExtra Care Facility. Specifying underfloor heatingfor a project of this type makes sense. It is themost energy and cost efficient way of creating acomfortable inner climate – an important considera-tion in an Extra Care Facility. Also, no radiatorsmeans considerably fewer dust traps which is a hugebenefit for people vulnerable to allergies or bronchi-tis. More people are choosing underfloor heatingfor its superb energy saving performance, as well asits environmental and health benefits. Thermo-Floor is determined to continue leading this trend.”For further information telephone 01455 203205or visit www.thermo-floor.co.uk

Thermo-Floor, the supplier of next generation en-ergy efficient underfloor heating and cooling solu-tions, has partnered with Housing 21 – a leadingprovider of retirement housing, care and supportservices for older people – on the development oftwo new Extra Care Facilities in Walsall. “The maincontractor, responsible for the £165m re-provisionproject, brought us on board for our expertise andnext generation products,” explains Neil Evans,General Manager of Thermo-Floor. “We wereasked to design and install over 4000m2 of under-

THE PERFECT BACKUP AT MADANIWessex ModuMax condensing and high effi-ciency boilers from Hamworthy Heating areproviding the perfect back up for a biomassboiler at Madani High School in Leicester. Thedecision to use biomass and gas boilers reflectsthe current trend for using renewable and tradi-tional products in tandem. The two WessexModuMax boilers were installed by RobertPrettie and Co Limited, to the design perform-ance specification set out by Pick Everard’sbuilding services engineer, Philip Johnson.Heating is distributed using radient panels,which prefer the higher temperatures beinggenerated, with radiators only used in the stair-wells. The boilers supply all the heating and hotwater via a Hamworthy Powerstock Calorifier,and the entire system is controlled by a BMSsystem to ensure each room is kept at a con-stant temperature and monitored on site by thefacilities team. The school has achieved a ‘VeryGood’ BREEAM rating. Wessex ModuMaxboilers are compact floor standing boilers,which offer a choice of high efficiency con-densing or non condensing models. For further information telephone 0845 450 2865, email [email protected] or visit www.hamworthy-heating.com

VENTILATED FAÇADE SOLUTIONS

In response to the significant development of underfloorheating systems in the UK, leading European water treat-ment specialist Sentinel has launched a brand new sanitis-er and biocide product to add to its well known ‘X’ rangeof products. The new product is called X700. X700 killsbacteria and fungi and removes blockages caused byslimes whilst additionally providing protection against there-growth of bacteria and fungi in underfloor heatingsystems. Most underfloor heating systems utilise flexibleplastic hosing to carry heated water around under thefloor and the surface of such piping in contact withwarm water is particularly conducive to bacterial growth.During periods of warmer weather and in summermonths, when the heating is turned down or off, the wa-ter ‘sits’ fairly motionless in the pipes allowing the growthof bacteria and fungi to take place which can cause ma-jor problems when the system is next started up. For further information telephone 01928 588330,email [email protected] or visitwww.sentinel-solutions.net


The facilities management firm, Beacons BusinessInteriors (Bbi) has sent out a warning to UK busi-nesses that they have only six months left to pre-pare for government legislation on reducing itscarbon emissions. Significant fines will be orderedif facilites managers fail to comply with the newlegislation surrounding air conditioning units. Bbihas sent a warning out to businesses about failingto update their old format air conditioning sys-tems, which use ozone-depleting gas HCFC R22.For further information visit www.bbi-uk.com

Swindon Borough Council’s Central Library hasbenefited from Passivent’s natural ventilation andhas been recognized as a top example of sustain-able design in the UK, according to the firm. Thelibrary, in its newly developed state has won theBespoke category in this year’s BREEAM awards,with the Passivent ventilation scheme as the key el-ement in the £10m development. The library waspreviously a single storey building; now it is a four-storey build and very much makes a feature of the

QUIETLY DOES IT

Clever venting natural ventilation, boasting a series of brick-cladservice and ventilation ducts around the main facade.According to Passivent, the systems are proven to beone of the building strategies to attain “up to an Arating” in the new Energy Performance Certificate.The principles of Physics are applied to the Passiventsystem. Natural variations in air temperature andpressure cause air movement. In this instance theAircool window inlets draw fresh air from the court-yard into the building without the problem of sur-rounding noise also getting in. For further information telephone 0161 90505900or email [email protected]

Time tocomply

When ventilation is key to successthree ‘Quietflow’ twin fans, one Elta ‘Skyflow’ SSFroof unit, four domestic SE fans and two SCE fans.The 22 larger fans were supplied complete with allrequired ancillaries and accessories such as mount-ing feet, silencers, speed controllers and sensors.The system is powered by renewable energy and au-tomatically controls the ambient environment ineach classroom. The main contractor for the devel-opment was Wilmot Dixon, with Fans and SparesNottingham (Elta’s local distributor), providing theElta equipment to Derry Building ServicesFor further information telephone 01384 275 800or visit www.eltafans.com

When Forest Way Special Educational NeedsSchool was opened recently, 35 Elta Fans were in-stalled as part of the system to provide a comfort-able, effective and well-ventilated learningenvironment for the pupils. The school, situated inthe National Forest in Leicestershire, is a new co-educational special school for 138 pupils aged 3 –19 years old with a wide range of special needs. De-signed with sustainability in mind, the school incor-porates several integrated, eco-friendly systems,added to which is the low energy ventilation systemthat utilises the Elta fans. The ventilation system in-corporates eighteen Elta ‘Quietflow’ single fans,

heating and ventilation

Keston has entered the air source heat pumpmarket with the introduction of Airgen; it’sextremely quiet, highly efficient range of airsource heat pumps, designed specifically forUK applications. The Airgen has been de-signed with British conditions in mind, bring-ing domestic hot water up to 65°C, with noneed for the support of an immersion heateror direct resistance heater. At the same timeAirgen provides space heating for radiatorsand under floor heating systems at variabletemperatures from 35°C to 55°C. The Airgencomes in three models, which include a 4.5kW system designed for small flats, 9kW and12kW for larger properties, giving a completespectrum of choice for the domestic market.The 9kW and 12kW versions can be bankedtogether, with bespoke designs available forlight commercial applications. To optimise ef-ficiency, all units have dual temperature oper-ation. Larger units incorporate twin scrollcompressors to further maximise efficiency.Despite the fact that the Airgen operatesfrom as low as -15°C, with functionality in-cluding a heated drip tray and four minutefrost cycle enhancing its capabilities, as withall air source heat pumps, efficiency is com-promised when the temperature drops. For further information telephone 0208 462 0262 or email [email protected]


By Jon GoughA Sliding Success

Jon Gough is the MarketingDirector of Portico Midlands.www.porticomidlands.co.uksales@porticomidlands.co.uk01922 743211

Although we are apparentlyseeing those all-important greenshoots of recovery in theeconomy, the property marketremains highly competitive.When designing and fitting outproperties, architects andspecifiers must strike a balancebetween maximising appeal tobuyers with the need for thecost-effective sourcing ofmaterials and products.

Of course, the internalappearance and layout of aproperty is critical in

persuading potential buyers tomake the purchase, and evenrelatively small details can have animportant effect on look and feel.With this in mind, choosing theright internal doors - includingthose for wardrobes and cabinets -should be done carefully. What’smore, selecting the right productscan offer better use of space andmore efficient storage – a bigattraction for a home of any size.

Fitted wardrobes with slidingdoors offer an effective way toachieve a sleek, modern look andas such are proving an increasinglypopular option. There is also theimportant added benefit of the factthat they eliminate the need forspace otherwise taken up to allowhinged doors to swing open freely.

With a wide variety of styles andfinishes available, both new buildprojects and refurbishment work torevive a tired looking property canbenefit from attractive andfashionable storage. Furthermore,other bedroom furniture such asbedside cabinets can now bemade-to-measure with matchingfinishes to give a really high-endlook without the hefty cost.

In fact, with all units available asmade-to-measure, an effectivesolution can be found whatever thesize and shape of space you haveto work with. In new properties,units can be specifically fitted forfull floor to ceiling storage and thatall-important “wow” factor, whilstfor high-end projects they can betailor-made for each plot. Inrefurbished properties they arebringing a new edge to an old feel,cost effectively adding an up-to-date look with the minimum ofeffort, regardless of the shape ofthe space you have to fit them into.

Importantly, sliding doors cannow be made in widths of up to1000mm, as opposed to the300mm-500mm offered by hingeddoors, meaning that they can offer agreater degree of design flexibility.What’s more, new systems with anapparently frameless door, wherethe wide panels appear even largerdue to the lack of a visible

surrounding frame, are soon toappear on the market.

The same broad scope for designand style can also be applied tointernal doors, which not only offera versatile way to separate openplan areas, but can also provide areal design boost. It is a similar casefor open plan rooms, where asliding room divider allows theoption of splitting a room whenthey are shut, or having an openplan space when they are drawnopen. A room divider can add a realelegance to a room whilst alsooffering the appearance of morespace. There are dozens of uses forroom dividers – you could separatea bedroom from the en-suite,create a walk-in wardrobe or evenadd an optional spare bedroom bysplitting the living area.

The versatility of these systemsmeans that they can be used tomeet a range of design demands,from simply offering an attractivefeature in a room, to making surethat smaller properties andrefurbishment projects make themost of the space available.Importantly, they are cost-effective, too – making them aviable option for both high-enddevelopments and those with amore modest budget. ■

feature: Portico

The internal appearance and layout of aproperty is crucial in attracting a buyer.

Fitted wardrobes with sliding doors from PorticoMidlands, alongside matching tailor-made furniture,are proving an increasingly popular option not justwith the trade but also with TV design shows.

interiors and design


In a major new initiative, taps, fittings andvalves specialist Pegler Yorkshire islaunching a new range of CommercialValves. Known as Pegler CommercialValves, the range will be marked by awide selection of products and will incor-porate the company’s latest advances ininnovative end-connection technology.Traditionally, the commercial valves mar-ket has been dominated by screwed steeland compression connectors and whilethe new Pegler range will offer these triedand trusted versions of valve technology,the excitement will come from the com-pany offering its Push-Fit and Press-Fitknow-how into a sector historically domi-

Dry-Deck 20 is a trusted pump sys-tem designed specifically to solveshower drainage problems in mod-ern shower rooms where gravitydrainage is not an option. Designedand made by Whale, Dry-Deck 20has a number of unique benefits. Itis perfect for locations where thedrainage down pipe is remote fromthe shower and gravity drainage isnot an option; or for loft conver-sions where height constraints applyand it is not desirable to raise thefloor level. Dry-Deck 20 is designedto handle a maximum flow rate of20 litres a minute to cover most

PEGLER COMMERCIAL VALVESnated by more staid products. The intro-duction of this new range means speci-fiers will now be able to take advantage ofPegler Yorkshire as a ‘one-stop shop’ forall their commercial valve requirements,which will have the added benefit of en-suring product compatibility, no matterwhat valves or pipes are selected. Therange will include a comprehensive selec-tion of valves, from the traditional to themore innovative plus a selection of brandnew product launches within the range asthe year progresses. For further information telephone0870 1299 284 or visit www.pe-gleryorkshire.co.uk

modern mixer and power showers.It also has a number of additionalfeatures: its flow rate adjusts tochanges in the shower’s flow rate; itis almost silent when running; nocleaning is required because there isno filter in the waste system; valvesprevent odours escaping; its testedreliability means it requires no regu-lar maintenance and its compacttransformer, control unit and pumpcan be easily concealed. For further information telephone028 9127 0531 or visitwww.whalepumps.com

IGLOOS Washrooms is a specialistcontractor in washroom design, man-ufacture, refurbishment and newbuild in all venues. Their innovativeuse of products and materials an-swers technical, ecological and designdemands. IGLOOS has developedits own line of cubicle systems, which

Washroom re-design by Igloosis has recently been used to completesome exciting projects including a70’s Rollerdisco, a sophisticatedrestaurant, and a multi-storey YMCAbuilding in the heart of London. TheCentral London project at the YMCAinvolved re-designing an existing uni-sex washroom area on the 14th floor

into separate male/female facilities,whilst overcoming the problematicdrainage and plumbing connectionsand replacing baths with showers.The brief for the restaurant includedkeeping an industrial feel whilst creat-ing a sleek, easy to maintain wash-room. The design of the rooms madeuse of the high curved ceilings andexposed ventilation pipes with aseamless cubicle system with addi-

tional height. Hot pink cubicle doorswith a wavy white pilaster were in-stalled at the Rollerdisco, in keepingwith the brief. To complement thedisco atmosphere in the main hall a“disco ball” effect was created with amirror mosaic effect surrounding themain vanity mirror. For further information telephone01438 861 418 or visitwww.iglooswashrooms.com

SHOWER PUMP SOLUTION

interiors and design


Francis Pegler is renowned for pro-ducing fantastic taps, showers andgeneral water control products. Anew range has been developed withthe end consumer in mind who stillopts for that minimalist style. TheHaze range combines smooth, simplecurves that give a feeling of eleganceand style to the product. The singlelever handle offers a graceful yet pre-cise flow control. The Haze portfolioconsists of 12 models, all offering thesame, simple and stylish design. Theminimalist designed pieces includehigh neck sink taps, monobloc basinmixers and a monobloc bath/showermixer. The new range also conforms

Real fresh airHuddersfield based Westin manu-facture and supply custom-built do-mestic kitchen extractors, providinga bespoke service without the de-signer price tag. Recently, Westinproduced an entirely mirroredhood, for customers of kitchen de-sign specialists, Mowlem and Co.John Reed, MD of Westin, said:“The customer knew what theywanted to, but initial enquiries ledthem to believe that cost would beprohibitive. We took them throughthe same steps as we do with all ourcustomers, listening, establishingneeds and wishes and any technical

Steam and styleto Francis Pegler’s water conservationpolicy, meaning that as well as beauti-ful design and high quality, the cus-tomer is buying into a moreeco-efficient product. For further information telephone0870 1299 284 or visitwww.pegleryorkshire.co.uk

A winning combination for wet-rooms, new to the UK after 2 yearsdevelopment, resolving the issue ofhigh quality & value.

Maxxus wet floor facilities level-accessshowering, relieving floor space & offer-ing mobility with freedom & easy access.Easily the stongest product of its kind,Maxxus sustains a 470kg load over400mm joist centres. Only 22mm thick,it reduces installation time to one hour.No under- boarding required. No re-

lease agents to inhibit bonding of adhe-sive, tanking or vinyl. The uniqueMinimax drain, for vinyl or tilling, proj-ects only 62mm below Maxxus yet flows48 litres/min. Has the patented NOODno- odour trap without a water seal, be-ing well-received by the NHS. BBA ap-proved. 25yr warrenty on both products.

For further information telephone01629 815500, email: [email protected] or visitwww.wetroomsinnovations.com

Maxxus and Minimax

constraints then marrying the twotogether. This is ‘custom-built’ – it’sthe art of re-creating the client’s ex-act design and at Westin that is allpart of the service.” The mirroredhood incorporates fine details suchas mitred corners and a recessedbase plate giving a good collectionarea and enhancing performance ina design that blends seamlessly intoits surroundings. For further information telephone 01484 421585.

Selectaglaze


Established since 1966 and aRoyal Warrant holder since2004, Selectaglaze is at theforefront of research anddevelopment and their unitshave undergone rigorousindependent testing for energyefficiency, noise insulation andsecurity.

Keeping historic buildings inactive use can be a massiveundertaking and one of the

biggest headaches is often causedby the most defining feature andcharacter of a property - its windows– which can be cold, draughty;provide little protection against noiseand minimal resistance to burglary.

Proposals by Governmentadvisors to financially penalisehomeowners who do not fullyinsulate their property have beenput before Ministers ahead of theUK Low Carbon Transition Plan, theGovernment’s white paper setting

out its plans to cut carbonemissions by 34% by 2020. This,together with research undertakenby the Halifax Building Societyindicating that fuel efficiency andenergy saving measures areconsidered to be the homeimprovements, which add mostvalue, serves to demonstrate howimportant it is to raise the thermalefficiency of windows.

Owners of heritage buildings willbe aware that English Heritage isclear that traditional windowsshould not be replaced with doublegazed units and other solutionsmust be found. These includeSecondary Glazing, a reversibleadaptation that can providethermal insulation in line withBuilding Regulation Part Lstandards together with the addedbenefits of high levels of acousticinsulation and improved security -and one that is included withinguidelines produced by English

Heritage, Historic Scotland, SPAB,The Victorian Society and TheGeorgian Group.

With this in mind Selectaglaze,the UK’s leading designer andproducer of secondary glazingsystems, offers a wide range ofsympathetic designs including unitsthat slide horizontally, vertically orhinge as well as fixed panels. Awelcome new development is aminimalist “Heritage” hingedcasement unit, which is ultra slim,shutter friendly and offers verydiscreet lines. It will fit into thestaff bead and blend imperceptiblywith the original window,providing easy access for cleaningand ventilation and allows shuttersto remain fully operational.

Horizontal sliding systems areideal for treating timber and steelcasements and Yorkshire sashes.Panels run on glide pads or rollersto provide easy access to theexternal windows. Vertical slidingsystems suit sash windows of allsizes and pre-tensioned balancesallow widows to be opened toany position. Heavier duty hingedunits are particularly suited toFrench windows and sash andcase windows where full access isrequired and can also be glazedwith sealed units to achieve tripleglazing. And finally most stylescan be sympathetically shaped toaccommodate designs fromGothic to Art Deco.

The systems are made fromaluminium which is an idealmaterial to use in traditionalbuildings as it is strong,lightweight and can be extruded

to form the slender, complexshapes needed to accommodateseals, fixings and specialisthardware. A permanent finish,normally paint, is easily maintainedand available in a multitude ofcolours to blend with the interiordécor. Aluminium sections can alsobe factory curved to follow theexisting window design.

Shown here is The Old Smithy, abeautiful thatched listed building inBedfordshire dating back to the17th or early 18th Century.

Still operating as a smithy in1925 at the time of the ratingValuation Act, it was described ashaving a “parlour, kitchen, pantry,scullery and office, with threebedrooms upstairs in the attics.Outside were the wood and tilesmithy, shoeing room and store inaddition to a two bay open hovel.At this time the horse was rapidlygiving way to the internalcombustion engine and the valuernoted ‘very little trade now’.”Some time after this entry theproperty became a family home.However, the current owner foundit to be draughty and, beinglocated on a busy main road, wasin need of noise insulation.Selectaglaze treated a total of 17windows in an assortment ofshapes and sizes, some of whichwere finished in brown to matchthe existing windows.

For further informationtelephone 01727 837271, email:[email protected] orvisit www.selectaglaze.co.uk

Secondary glazing for heritage windows

product innovations


Hanson Formpave, manufacturers of specialistconcrete paving products, has further expandedits offering of the market’s favourite standardblock pavers with the introduction of the RoyalForest™ Olden range for a rustic look and feel.Ideal for a wide range of domestic and commer-cial applications, the block provides a weathered,traditional appearance to all external paved sur-faces. A quality, durable and cost effective option,Hanson Formpave’s attractive 60mm Royal

Forest Olden range is available in the distinctive redbrindle colour and olden finish. The blocks can belaid in a traditional 90º or 45º herringbone patternfor an aesthetically pleasing finish that is ideal fordriveways, paths and patios and also provides ahighly robust solution for all car-parking areas. For further information visitwww.formpave.co.uk.

Set to rock the competition, Milwaukee has un-leashed a new M18 Heavy Duty Impact Wrench(HD18HIW) onto the market, delivering profession-al users with a huge torque of 610Nm. The smallesttool in its class makes it ideal for use in those harderto reach places thanks to its compact and lightweightsize. Tough, durable and user-friendly, the M18Impact Wrench weighs just 3.0kg, measures 226mmin length and features a variable speed trigger, 1/2”Chuck and delivers a speed of 0-1900rpm. With itshigh performance four-pole frameless motor, and3.0ah Lithium-Ion batteries for maximum runtime,the M18 Heavy Duty Impact Wrench retails at£319.00 (excluding VAT). Rigorously tested accord-ing to Milwaukee’s stringent programme, the M18range is guaranteed to be ‘Nothing-But-Heavy-Duty’qualified and is now offered with extended warrantyconditions to three years, at no extra cost, makingthe M18 Impact Wrench a powerful new addition toany serious professional’s tool collection. For further information telephone 01628 894400 or visit www.milwaukeetool.co.uk

Unleashing Milwaukee

Mobile high-frequency single-station converters

tion, shipbuilding and foundries. The FEIN HFsingle-station converters can be connected to any230 volt socket with a 16 ampere fuse without theneed for installation and convert the mains fre-quency to a high-frequency connection at 300hertz. The FEIN HF single-station convertersHFS 17-300 and HFS 27-300 have power outputsof 1700 and 2700 watts, respectively. They can al-so be used on the construction site thanks to theirlight weights of 5.9 and 8.3 kilograms. The hous-ing is particularly robust and all of the construc-tion elements are sealed. As they feature nowearing parts, FEIN HF single-station convertersare maintenance-free and have a long service life. For further information visit www.fein.com

FEIN is adding the two mobile FEIN high-fre-quency single-station converters, the HFS 17-300and the HFS 27-300, to its high-frequency range.They enable high-frequency grinders to be used atworkstations without an HF mains connection.Only a 230 volt electrical connection is needed onthe construction site or in smaller operations. TheFEIN high-frequency angle grinders and straightgrinders deliver considerably higher grinding ca-pacity than standard-frequency machines. Theyare particularly suited to continuous use in metalconstruction, steel construction, tank construc-

Premium brandperformanceTyco Fire Suppression & Building ProductsTOTAL® brand portable extinguishers areavailable in the UK through Manchester-basedExpress Fire and from a country-wide networkof approved TOTAL supply partners that aretrained to advise, install and maintain the rightextinguishers in peak condition. The TOTALoptions include foam, water, dry powder andCO2 [carbon dioxide] extinguishing agents. Therange comprises models that are suitable forClass A, B, C, D and F fires. The TOTAL of-fering also includes several unique specialityportable extinguishers, each of which is de-signed to satisfy particular fire safety challengesor market needs. These special-application ex-tinguishers include powder portables for metalfires that, typically, can reach temperatures inexcess of 2000 degrees C, and coal and coaldust fires where even the smallest amount ofkinetic energy can result in an explosion. OtherTOTAL special portables include antimagneticCO2 extinguishers for hospitals and clinics,where magnetic interference could potentiallydamage sensitive equipment, and specially-for-mulated water portables for sawdust and otherdust fires. Special wet chemical portables arealso available for the high-risk Class F cookingoil and fat fires, as are purpose-designed foamportables for challenging polar liquid fires.For further information telephone0161 875 0402.

NEW AND OLD PAVER

product innovations


SARINA is a proven product in Jaymart’s well-estab-lished range of floorcoverings. It is a superior, envi-ronmentally-friendly system comprising studded andtextured synthetic rubber floor tiles, rolls and acces-sories, offered in a wide palette of colours. SARINAis extremely hardwearing, with anti-static and flameretardant properties. It is safe, durable, flexible, lowmaintenance, anti-slip and aesthetically appealing. Thephoto shows an installation of Jaymart’s SARINAZERO round-studded design in 4mm gauge tiles incolour 703 Light Blue at Imperial College, London. For further information telephone 01373 864 926or visit www.jaymart.net

Superior flooring

The Omega Flow paving range from BrettLandscaping is designed to address the issue ofreduced natural drainage due to growing levelsof urbanisation. Suitable for all types of pavingprojects, the Omega Flow concrete block pavercan be used as a proven component withinSustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS). Giventhe increased volume of impermeable hardlandscaping in our urban areas and ongoing

The eco-friendly headquarters building of archi-tects Watson Batty in Guiseley, Leeds, employs alighting scheme comprising a variety of energy-efficient luminaires from Cooper Lighting. Forthe lighting scheme, the firm of architects recog-nised the importance of minimising energy con-sumption while at the same time creating awell-lit working environment, and different lumi-naires were selected according to the require-ments of each individual area. Because thebuilding utilises a geothermal heating and cool-ing system, there are no conventional suspendedceilings, so it was decided that the main open-plan offices would be illuminated by Cooper’sCrompton Synthesis range of suspended fluo-rescent luminaires. These attractively styled lumi-naires aid compliance with the CIBSE LG7guide by providing the requisite balanced lightingusing a wide-distribution lens for uniform up-ward illumination, combined with a choice oflouvres for direct downward illumination. In ad-dition, Synthesis luminaires use twin T5 lamps(28W or 35W) and high-frequency control gearto maximise energy efficiency.Featuring an ele-gantly curved, slim-line profile that measures on-ly 66mm in depth, Synthesis luminaires areconstructed from extruded aluminium with achoice of finishes. They are supplied with two1.5m-long yoked suspension wires, which areeasily adjusted to length by means of an ingen-ious yet simple clutch mechanism. For further information visitwww.cooper-ls.com.

Omega pavingencourages water flow

changes in rainfall patterns there is going to be acontinual growth in the volume of surface waterrunoff. Brett Landscaping’s Omega Flow concreteblock permeable paving product can offer a solu-tion to the problem of flooding by attenuatingrainwater runoff. This is achieved by engineeringblocks that maintain a larger gap between eachblock to allow surface water to pass between theblocks and into the sub base. This serves to bothslow the flow of water from the site, thereby re-ducing the peak loading on the drainage network,but also to improve the water quality. For further information visit www.brett.co.uk

Paxton Access introduces The PROXIMITY LCDreader. The LCD reader is the unique and stylish read-er that will change the face of access control entirely.The design-led reader comes with a modern LCDscreen and customisable images. Marking the comple-tion of Paxton Access’ architectural range of aestheticreaders, the PROXIMITY LCD reader is designed tomake a great first impression. The modern LCDscreen displays four images of your choice. You can

Proximity LCD reader by Paxton Access

Masonry reinforcement for collar-jointed walls isthe latest new product to be added to the Anconrange. Ancon AMR-CJ is used to tie the twoleaves of thin masonry together, so it acts as a sin-gle unit. The product consists of flat ties weldedto flattened longitudinal wires. Manufactured instainless and galvanised steel, AMR-CJ is suppliedin a standard width of 175mm to suit a wall widthof 215mm comprising of either standard bricksor 100mm blocks. Ancon offers a free masonrypanel design service. A standard design sheet is

Masonry reinforcement

available to download from www.ancon.co.uk,which allows engineers to summarise the individ-ual wall panels requiring Ancon’s attention. For further information telephone 0114 275 5224or email [email protected].

Energy-efficient lighting

create whatever look you want, whenever you want,in-keeping with the design of your specific site. Thereader comes pre-loaded with four default images,which correspond to a particular action. A differentimage is shown when the reader is idle, when access isgranted, when access is denied and when a card andPIN verification is required. You can customise thereader by uploading the images of your choice, wire-lessly, using a USB device and a laptop or PC. Use theimages on the reader for advertising space, to givecommands or directions to end-users when access isgranted or denied, or simply to aesthetically please. For further information visit www.paxton.co.uk

product innovations


Polypipe Building Products has launched a uniqueaddition to its simple to install Overlay™ low profilesystem that itself revolutionised installation of un-derfloor heating systems in renovation projects. NewOverlay™ Lite is a high compressive strength light-weight, insulated panel ideal for retro-fit installationwhere lightweight floorcoverings, such as laminates,carpet and engineered woods, are to be used. Thiscomplements the original system, which is ideal foruse with heavyweight floorcoverings such as ceram-ics and solid wood floor coverings.While bothOverlay ™ and Overlay ™ Lite are suitable for mostunderfloor heating installation projects, builders andheating installers are advised to consider Overlay ™Lite as their first choice wherever possible, as it isthe quickest and easiest to install and handle, there-fore the most economical option in terms installa-tion time and money. Additional features of the newrange include ease of cutting and jointing, makingthe Overlay Lite system more suitable for use inlarger areas and multiple room applications. For further information telephone 01709 770000or email [email protected]

ECO® by CosentinoThe National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), hascertified ECO® by Cosentino as a safe materialfor direct contact with any kind of food and liq-uid. With this certification ECO® by Cosentino isindustry approved for installations in commercialprojects including hospitals, schools, restaurantsand hotels. Composed of 75 per cent recycledraw materials, including mirrors, glass, porcelainand crystallised ashes, ECO® by Cosentino is arevolutionary new decorative recycled surfaceavailable in an array of beautiful colours.Achieved through state-of-the-art technology, theworktops are extremely durable with a high stain,scratch and scorch resistance and unlike moretraditional materials, they are non-porous and donot require sealing. ECO® by Cosentino is com-posed of 75 per cent post-industrial and post-consumer recycled raw material.For further information telephone 08700 118 788or visit www.ecobycosentino.com orwww.cosentinogroup.net

Polypipe Make Litework of retrofitunderfloor heating


product innovations

Leading supplier of electrical wiring accessories,Hamilton Litestat, has launched a new range of stylishdoor furniture to complement its comprehensive rangeof switch plates, sockets, hotel card switches and lightingcontrols. Designed by Tupai of Portugal exclusively forHamilton Litestat, the ‘Perfect Partners’ collection oflimited edition door handles is available in a variety ofdesign-led finishes including piano black, bright chrome,satin chrome, satin steel, and bright chrome and black to-gether. These contemporary finishes are also featuredthroughout Hamilton Litestat’s range of wiring acces-sories, making them ‘Perfect Partners’ for a completelyco-ordinated, sleek residential or commercial interior. For further information telephone 01747 860088,email [email protected] or visitwww.hamilton-litestat.com

Perfect Partners furniture door range

The “Open Metering System” initiative of themanufacturers’ associations figawa, KNX andZVEI has published an open, manufacturer in-dependent, interoperable device and interfacedefinition called an “Open Metering SystemSpecification”. At present, the OMS specifica-tions are being reviewed by the EuropeanCommittee for Standardisation (CEN), asEuropean new work item proposal TC 294. TheOMS specification is available on the internet atwww.openmetering.org. From May 2007, several

With suppliers to the building trade comingunder intense pressure to supply all productsat much keener prices, Glasgow basedStrongwood Flooring has responded to thisdemand and can now offer a comprehensiverange of hardwood flooring at the most com-petitive prices possible. Especially manufac-tured for the UK market, the Strongwoodrange includes the species, stains, sizes andfinishes that meet the particular collectivetastes of the British people. Strongwood’sproducts offer developers and builders alikethe opportunity to use hardwood flooring tocreate a stunning look to interiors within limit-ed budgets. In order to meet the anticipateddemand for the new range, the company hascommitted major investment to stockingStrongwood products to try to ensure that se-lected product is always readily available to or-der. The Strongwood solid range is availableunfinished or prefinished with a variety ofstains, lacquers and oils, with processes suchas brushing and handscraping used on someproducts. Strongwood flooring’s new pricelistis now available, and free samples of all prod-ucts are on hand for immediate dispatch. For further information visit www.strongwoodflooring.com

Open Metering System working groups of the Open Metering initiativechecked the use of existing standards and definedsupplements or concretions where necessary. Forthe data transfer between the actual meters and thedata concentrator MUC – defined as primary com-munication – the EN 13757 standard was identi-fied as the only current standard applicable tometering devices. This standard defines the M-Busas a physical interface (wired and wireless), as wellas a data protocol. EN 13757 also complies withthe KNX standard. The remote communication isdefined by approved internet standards.For further information visit www.knx.org

The companies behind the ultra-efficientTurbomiser chiller have achieved a double win forthe technology in the UK’s most prestigious industryawards. UK distributors Cool-Therm and Klima-Therm worked closely with Italian manufacturerGeoclima to develop Turbomiser, acclaimed as“probably the most efficient HFC-based chiller inthe world.” They received the awards forEnvironmental Pioneer – Air Conditioning andEnvironmental Collaboration of the Year at the glit-tering finals of the Cooling Industry Awards, held atThe Hilton on London’s Park Lane. The Turbomiseruses between a third and a half of the energy re-quired by conventional screw or reciprocatingchillers. This is made possible by the ground-break-ing combination of a compact centrifugal compres-sor with virtually frictionless magnetic bearings,floating head pressure design, LPA low energy freecooling, flooded evaporator and fully integrated dy-

Turbomiser chillerwins double accolade

Litter bins over-flowing with unsightly waste are un-welcome and unhygienic – and they need constant at-tention. Otto’s Underground Waste System (UWS)tackles the aesthetic problems as well as the need toimprove waste streams segregation. Access to the un-derground storage is via neat surface receptacles and asunderground temperatures tend to be lower than thosein surface containers, odour levels are reduced.Typically, a UWS may hold the equivalent of between15-20 240ltr wheeled bins, so there’s an environmentaladvantage in vehicles making fewer collections. Thelarge underground containers reduce the amount ofdiscarded waste lying around a full litter bin, and as un-derground temperatures tend to be lower than those insurface containers, odour levels are reduced. The con-tents of a UWS can be collected in about two minutesby a vehicle with a single operator. The collection vehi-

Underground solution cle, with crane and receiving hopper, stops by theUWS and the driver uses a remote control to guide thecrane to the hooks on the UWS. For further information telephone 01530 277900.

namic control system. A recent installation at TheDorchester Hotel is saving the client some £10,000per month in energy costs. Receiving the awards onbehalf of the development team were Ken Strong,managing director of Cool-Therm, and RobertoMallozzi, managing director of Klima-Therm. For further information telephone 0117 961 0006or 020 8947 1127.

Meeting market demand


By Denise FreemanThe possibilities are endless

The lastWORD

�

Sto has beendistributinginnovative,performanceproducts andsystems for thebuilding industryin the UK andIreland for over 25years. Researchedand manufacturedin the GermanHeadquarters, theSto range includesmarket-leading,impact-resistantexternal wallinsulation systems;thin-coat, crack-resistant,through-colouredacrylic renders; arange of ecologicalpaints includingthe innovative,self-cleaningfacade paint asshown on GrandDesigns; glass,stone and renderrainscreen claddingsystems and arange of seamlessand modularacoustic ceilingsystems.

Denise Freeman is the Head ogMarketing for Sto Ltd.

External wall insulation systems (EWI)are used to create thermally efficientbuildings, but they also have thepotential to make a huge contributionto the aesthetic of a building, howeverwild or extravagant that may be. Atthis year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Showthere was a fantastic example of asystem being used exclusively for itsdecorative potential in the CancerResearch garden. While this use doesnot in anyway exploit the practicalperformance of an EWI, it is a greatdemonstration of its aestheticpossibilities.

Think external render systems andwhat comes to mind? A clean,minimalist, white façade? Think again

– external renders are moving on from arestrained and elegant aesthetic to revealtheir potential for flamboyance, colour andimagination: characteristics that areproving to be appealing to landscaping aswell as the architectural sectors.

‘Impact’ was the theme of the garden,with the landscaping and plantingrepresenting ripples emanating throughoutthe garden to reflect the gentle, pervasiveimpact of Cancer Research in all of ourlives. The feature wall constructed usingthe Sto external wall insulation (EWI)system StoTherm Classic, beautifullyshowcased the system’s design possibilitiesand provided an aesthetic, imaginative,curved perimeter for the garden that madea positive contribution to the design as awhole. Offering exceptional impactresistance the Sto system was ideal for thislandscape project.

The system is made up of a series ofdifferent products with an EPS layerproviding the insulation. For thisapplication, the EPS was carved withcomputer-controlled precision toincorporate the flowing curved motif priorto delivery on site. Once it had been fixedto the timber frame the EPS wasstrengthened with the highly flexible,cement-free render and reinforcing mesh

and then finished with a hand-applied Stolitacrylic resin render in two colour shades togive a truly three-dimensional effect.

The muted colour of the render finishand the organic shapes carved into thesurface combined to create a structurethat is both functional and sculptural. Thisfinish to the perimeter made a dramaticpoint of difference to the traditionalfences and walls used to produce themandatory boundaries that surround eachshow garden..

Although it is still a relatively newconcept, Landscape architect Robert Myerstells us that he has used our systems in anumber of his designs. There is hugepotential for external render use inlandscape and external works designs andwith new innovative products on the marketthey have a real opportunity to succeed.

As a durable, functional and versatilechoice for landscape architects its useintroduces structural elements intoprojects that can make strong, bold,aesthetically pleasing statements. Thecrack-resistant Sto render system alsooffers a superior finish that cannot beachieved with the use of traditional sandor cement render systems.

Evidently, render systems are beginningto capture the imagination of architects andspecifiers alike. Maybe one-day thesesystems will begin to be used in landscapingprojects just as frequently as they are usedon buildings, creating interesting, large-scalefeatures at a low cost.

Designers like it because of the ease andspeed with which they can be installed andthe design freedom they offer to specifiers.Render systems, of course, are suitable fora wide variety of projects, from public toprivate developments and both housingand non-housing.

The Cancer research Garden wasawarded the Silver-gilt Flora medal.Designed by Robert Myers and constructedby Willerby Landscapes, the StoThermClassic system was installed by RegencyPlastering Ltd. ■

the last word

Web GuideYOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE WORLD WIDE WEB!

To feature your web site in the web guide, please call Karen Hill on 01733 311261 or email [email protected]

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