Building Innovations, December 2022

Some of the colour photography used in Building Innovations is provided and paid for by contributors. The publishers do not accept liability for errors that may appear in the publication. This edition is dedicated to our much-loved friend and colleague, Mike Mahon. Always one of us. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the consent of the publisher. Published by L2 Media Ltd, Parkfield Business Centre, Park Street, Stafford ST17 4AL Tel: 01785 223253 Fax: 0845 862 8639 www.l2media.uk

RecordBreaking Design and Build Project In The UK

Originally built in the 80’s, One Portsoken Street is 233,000 sq ft of premium office space for a range of tenants; located on the edge of the City of London, the iconic brutalist building is connected to both London’s financial sector and creative industries.

The UK’s largest design and build project is recently completed and now ready for occupation. Leading office design and build company, Oktra, have delivered the record-breaking project, redefining the boundaries of design and build by gutting the nine-storey building and filling what was once one of the largest atriums in Europe. The interior optimisation has led to a 20% increase in lettable space.

“We’ve fused the defining characteristics of design and build with comparatively traditional delivery and management processes in order to deliver the largest project in UK design and build history,” explains Craig Smith, Oktra’s Chief Development Officer.

“The result is a redefinition of what’s possible in design and build: One Portsoken is a ground-breaking project for Oktra and for the London design and build market. It’s a great thing to be involved in.” The refurbishment includes restoration of One Portsoken’s original design elements in order to preserve the building’s history, with all modern finishes kept neutral in order to complement the design.

Standout elements include circular turrets, exposed concrete, terracotta floor tiles, exposed steel beams and sweeping London views from the top floor featuring the original atrium’s glass ceiling. One Portsoken Street is in the process of achieving a ‘Very Good’ rating from BREEAM, the world’s leading sustainability assessment method. 100% of site waste was diverted from landfill; 99.35% of waste was recycled, while the other 0.65% was incinerated to produce energy.

These recycling efforts reduced the project’s carbon emissions by 73%. The new One Portsoken features a lively public ground floor and landscaped open space. Floorplate sizes range from 10,000 to 30,000 sq ft and are designed to accommodate up to three separate tenants.

The building features impressive ceiling heights ranging from 4-10 metres and improved destination control with nine new lifts and a striking lobby space with a twoand-a-half-storey atrium. www.oktra.co.uk

Atelier Alain Ellouz / Édition Collection Alabaster Pendant Lights, A Warm Addition To Any Space

The Edition collection alabaster pendant lights from Atelier Alain Ellouz exude a warm, delicate character to add charm to your interior. With their sober, aerial, striking or sleek design, one element above your table offers graceful décor, or you can compose them to set the tone in kitchens, dining rooms or restaurant settings.

In an expression of contemporary elegance, they defy the laws of gravity. These pieces give the alabaster stone a weightlessness due to their well-balanced and harmonious floating shapes.

They share simple alabaster design and subtle geometrical contours. As direct light or diffused radiance, they adapt to any room thanks to their easy installation.

Handcrafted by the artisans at Atelier Alain Ellouz, these lighting elements express the stone’s vibrant richness. Whether the stone is back-lit or natural, alabaster diffuses a delicate yet resonant light ideal for contemplation.

The light is set at the core of the stone and passes through its deeply-ingrained patterns. edition.atelieralainellouz.com

£5.4M Museum Extension Housing Iconic WW2 Plane

Celebrated

Thousands of visitors have now visited the £5.4 million extension to the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent, which now houses an original Spitfire aircraft thanks to specialist project management from national property, construction, and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard.

The project comprised the design and construction of a new 3,800 square foot, double height exhibition space with mezzanine and the alteration and refurbishment of the existing café space within the art gallery and museum, alongside extensive external landscaping. Utilising a steel frame and rainscreen cladding, the new exhibition space has been designed with specialist structural glazing to allow the main attraction, the city’s iconic RW388 Spitfire Aircraft, to be exhibited.

The area also houses a flight simulator, model Hurricane aircraft and other exhibitions. Seeking an expedited project process to ensure scheduled delivery, Pick Everard – operating under Perfect Circle’s unique collaboration – was appointed as Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s multi-disciplinary construction consultant through SCAPE’s Built Environment Consultancy Services (BECS) framework.

Stoke-on-Trent is internationally renowned for its ceramics. The area has a history of coal mining, so specialist geotechnical design input was critical. In conjunction with the Coal Authority, an approach was agreed to backfill existing mine workings beneath the proposed building, which allowed construction to proceed.

Matt Hall, national director for project management at Pick Everard said: “We are delighted to have delivered such a historically significant development, which creates a lasting legacy for the city of Stoke-onTrent. Our expertise, combined with that from tourism and leisure architect Glancy Nicholls, has created a spectacular display space for the iconic Spitfire – a centrepiece the city can be proud of.”

The new spaces, constructed by Morgan Sindall Construction, allow the exhibition space to be enjoyed by people both inside and outside of the Potteries Art Gallery and Museum.

Cllr Daniel Jellyman, cabinet member for infrastructure, regeneration and heritage, said: “We are really happy with the outcome of this project. Not only have we managed to pay homage to one of Stoke-on-Trent’s true icons – Reginald J. Mitchell, the designer of the Spitfire plane – but we have also improved the aesthetics and accessibility for those walking to and around the site, through our new pedestrian links. The site will add tangible value and energise the community, providing them with a new landmark the city can be proud of.” www.pickeverard.co.uk

A. PROCTOR GROUP RIBA APPROVED CPD SEMINAR COLLECTION

The A. Proctor Group, synonymous with technically advanced thermal, acoustic and membrane solutions for the construction industry, has further extended its RIBA Approved CPD seminar collection. Aimed at architects, specifiers and contractors, attendees will receive technical advice from A. Proctor Group technical experts, providing the latest guidance on British and European Standards, compliance with Building Regulations, and learning on how to maximise performance and avoid potential failures.

Each seminar is available as an in-person seminar provided within practice or as in-depth Online Learning material to support individuals with their Continuing Professional Development. Iain Fairnington, the Technical Director at A. Proctor Group adds, “our CPDs have proved invaluable to professionals involved in the design and construction of buildings. Through the CPD series, we aim to provide technically accurate learning based on best practices, innovation, and project examples to help individuals make informed choices when specifying product solutions for their projects.” To book a CPD visit www.proctorgroup.com/riba-cpd-seminars.

NEW PROGRAMMABLE ROOM THERMOSTAT LAUNCHED BY ESI

ESi has responded to the current economic climate with the introduction of its latest quality heating control –the RTP4 Touch programmable room thermostat. This latest introduction is capable of controlling heating and hot water systems via combi, system or heat only boilers.

When installed with the ESi WIFI hub, homeowners and tenants heating and hot water can be controlled via Alexa or the ESi Centro App. Vitally, the load compensation functionality, available via OpenTherm technology, modulates the flow temperature dependant on the desired room temperature, saving up to 15% on gas usage – a benefit not to be overlooked in the current situation where energy prices have leapt to a huge new high in the UK.

The RTP4 Touch offers optimum start/stop and delayed start functions offering additional cost savings for users, 7 day, 5/2 day or 24 hour options to suit the homeowner or tenants lifestyles, automatic summer/winter change settings and has home, manual, away, sleep and holiday modes long with its popular landlord service interval reminder which makes it a perfect fit for social housing providers looking for a compliant heating control. www.esicontrols.co.uk.

STELRAD CPD PROGRAMMES AVAILABLE ON LINE

Stelrad Radiators popular CIBSE and RIBA accredited CPD programmes are still available for face-to-face presentations, but they are now also available conveniently online. You can simply go to the Stelrad website at www.stelrad.com/cpd-onlinetraining/ open the programme at your convenience, digest the information and take the test at the end of the presentation and submit your answers.

If you’ve passed, Stelrad send a certificate for you to add the CPD points to your running total for your professional body. For more information, call 01709 578950 or email marketing@stelrad.com

TYDE LAUNCHES THE WORLD’S FIRST FRONT ACCESS SYPHON CISTERN

The new OSMO® F1 concealed cistern from TYDE is the first ever front access serviceable syphon cistern designed for use with WC furniture & IPS panelling.

OSMO® F1 is a new innovative concealed cistern designed to be stylish, versatile and easy to fit and service with minimal disruption to WC furniture or panelling. Fitted with Turbo Edge®, the world’s most compact syphon and guaranteed to be leak-free and Hydroflo® quiet fill type AG inlet valve.

Type AB weir overflow makes the cistern fluid category 5 compliant; the only way to be compliant to water regs in standard height furniture. Factory assembled for easy install with front access for effortless service and maintenance, comes with a 10 year warranty. www.thomasdudley.co.uk/tyde

ACOUSTIC PANELS CAN EMBRACE THE EXTREME

Recent tests have shown that Troldtekt acoustic panels withstand moisture levels up to 98%, even when combined with high temperatures up to 40°C. These latest tests were carried out by the accredited Danish Technological Institute to the European product standard for suspended ceilings (EN 13964). While the composition of the panels has remained unchanged, this new round of stringent testing reinforces the fact that the panels are suitable for the most demanding of wet, warm and humid environments.

They do not warp over time, giving them a life span in excess of 50 years. The panels are inherently robust and durable because the combined strength of the cement coupled with the breathability of wood means the structure does not rot and acts as an antimicrobial surface resisting fungal growth and other microorganisms. www.troldtekt.co.uk

SEAL IT WITH ENERGY EFFICIENT TAPES

Improved energy efficiency of the whole window installation, not just the frame, can be provided this winter with ISO BLOCO 600 self-adhesive sealant tapes from ISO-Chemie. The pre-compressed tapes, which have been independently tested and are both BBA and Passivhaus certified, can be used on joints up to 42 mm, providing a high-performance weather tightness and thermal/acoustic insulation seal for fenestration applications.

ISO BLOCO ONE 600 are energy rated weather tight thermal and acoustic tapes which reduce heat loss and noise ingress to a U value better or equal to the frame. This assures property and homeowners that a comprehensive ‘A’ rated installation can been completed rather than just an ‘A’ rated window supplied. www.iso-chemie.eu/en-GB/home/

NEW HYDRAULIC DESIGN SOFTWARE FOR HAURATON SURFACE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

HAURATON’s new web-based application ‘DesignSoftware’ provides quick, simple hydraulic analysis, channel sizing, project design and product specification for the company’s range of surface drainage systems.

Immediate access for registration and use of this new hydraulic design software is achieved through the link: www.hydraulicdesign.hauraton.com

User-friendly and free-of-charge, it provides engineers with the flexibility to create their own drainage designs and project specifications, with just three clicks to a hydraulic calculation. www.hauraton.co.uk

ITP Ltd Celebrates Win In Façade 2022 Design And Engineering Awards

Yorkshire-based building membrane specialist, Industrial Textiles & Plastics (ITP) Ltd, celebrated a major award win when the Stamisol Safe One breather membrane scooped Product of the Year in the Façade 2022 Design and Engineering Awards. As the exclusive UK suppliers of Stamisol Safe One, ITP attended the finals at Hilton Park Lane, London, to accept the award alongside the product’s manufacturers, Serge Ferrari.

Safe One’s innovative design has been at the forefront of membrane development, representing the first breather membrane in the UK to combine a Euroclass A2 fire safety rating with W1 water repellence. Marc van der Voort, Managing Director at ITP, said: “This award reflects the huge impact which Safe One has had in the UK construction market, recognising the product’s advanced technology which is setting standards in breather membrane performance. Safe One’s Euroclass A2 rating has been a key reason for its widespread adoption by façade specialists and the wider construction industry."

"Our sector is increasingly concluding that breather membranes should meet the same fire safety standards which are required by law for other external wall elements such as cladding. Along with its Euroclass A2

credentials, a range of other performance attributes make Safe One stand out in the market, including exceptional breathability, W1 water repellence, waterproofing of 7000mm and UV resistance of 5000 hours.”

Organised by the Society of Façade Engineers (SFE), the Façade 2022 Design and Engineering Awards recognise and reward excellence and achievements in façade design, engineering and application. The SFE and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineering (CIBSE) joined forces with Zak to co-locate the Façade 2022 Design and Engineering Awards with the Zak World of Façades London conference held on 3 November.

The conference brought together close to 1,000 professionals from across the globe, representing one of the largest gatherings for the sector. Safe One is one of an extensive portfolio of protective membrane solutions supplied by ITP. The company also manufactures a wide range of products at its own factory in Easingwold, North Yorkshire, including breather membranes, vapour control layers, roofing underlays, house wraps and ground barrier membranes. www.itpltd.com

AWARDS SUCCESS FOR TILLYMINT COMMUNICATIONS AND ADSA

PR company Tillymint Communications scooped a cluster of wins at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) PRide Awards – including one which highlighted the benefits and achievements of the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA). Tillymint Communications won: Best Independent PR Practitioner of the Year (gold award), Best Low Budget Campaign (silver) and Best Publication (silver).

ADSA’s Conversation Campaign picked up silver for the Low Budget award. It is an integrated campaign highlighted member benefits delivered through display advertising, social media content, events and marketing collateral. Aimed to get members and industry professionals talking about the issues that matter, a hashtag device #bepartoftheconversation was used across all channels. Output included an animated graphic, which to date, has received more than 40,500 views. https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=xDTV_K8K4AY

The campaign underpinned a wider communication strategy for ADSA as the leading voice of the industry, representing its members interests by establishing and maintain standards, increasing competence levels and boosting membership opportunities. As a consequence. ADSA membership grew by more than 25 per cent during the first phase of the campaign. Said Tillymint founder Alison Gallagher-Hughes: “It is such an honour to be recognised by fellow professionals within the communications industry which neatly coincides with our anniversary. It is just two years ago this month that Tillymint was established and it’s great to look back at how far we have come and what we have achieved for our clients.” For more information on Tillymint’s PR and marketing services visit: www.tillymint.co.uk and for information on ADSA membership view www.adsa.org.uk/membership

OPENING DOORS FOR GEZE UK

GEZE UK has demonstrated its commitment to supporting customers with technical advice and product guidance with the recent appointment of Ian Prince, who joins the renowned manufacturer of door and window control systems as Area Sales Manager for supply and fit of automatic doors covering the East Midlands and East of England. Ian will be focusing on building strong business relationships with customers supporting them by analysing their requirements and proposing technical solutions from the company’s extensive range of automatic operators.

With a strong track record of B2B sales and over 20 years’ experience in account management and business development across 5 different industries Ian brings with him a wealth of knowledge to assist customers make the right choices for their projects. Ian has a BA (Hons) Degree in Marketing, is ADSA accredited and has won the Yellow Pages award for performance several times. Said Ian, ‘I am delighted to join GEZE UK, they are an industry-leading company that offer a complete service of design, supply and fit of automatic doors.

Andy Iredale, National Sales Manager for Automatic Doors and Window Technology added ‘It’s great to have Ian join the team; he has vast experience across several sectors and will be a great asset to the company. He will be an important part of the company’s continued growth.’ For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door and window control products visit www.geze.co.uk

Troldtekt v-line is Cutting Edge

Troldtekt’s award-winning ‘design solutions’ range has been extended with the addition of the new v-line variant. v-line 1way and v-line 2way both comprise panels with either 6 or 10 longitudinal grooves milled into the surface of standard 25mm Troldtekt panels.

The v-line 2 has the addition of transverse grooves every 1200mm where the ends of the panels meet giving an added character to the pattern on the ceiling and the ability to create more intricate designs. Cut into a V shape, the grooves in the panels have a more discreet look than that of the traditional deeper-cut offerings in the ‘design solutions’ range which are more pronounced and distinctive and use a thicker 35mm panel.

The ability to have milled lines in a classic, thinner Troldtekt panel means they are easy to handle and competitively priced but still have the same aesthetic and visual appeal. They are a perfect accompaniment for retail, office and residential environments where acoustics need to be controlled.

Certified Cradle-to-Cradle at Gold level, Troldtekt’s natural and inherently sustainable panels offer high sound absorption and tactile surface, coupled with high durability and lowcost lifecycle performance.

Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme fine to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour. Panels can be supplied in the FSC ® 100% category (FSC ® C115450) contributing to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB and LEED rating.

In addition, because the panels are a natural, breathable material that can absorb and release moisture they are allergy friendly and have been awarded an Allergy Friendly Product Award by Allergy UK. www.troldtekt.co.uk

Howe Green Supports Successful Specification At Bond Street Station

As one of nine new stations developed as part of the construction of the Elizabeth line, Bond Street Station will facilitate up to 137,000 passengers per day, with up to 22 trains passing through the station every hour at peak times from November 6 this year and up to 24 trains per hour from May 2023.

Providing interchanges for the Central and Jubilee lines, the newly constructed Bond Street station will significantly improve accessibility for travellers, whilst simultaneously increasing capacity at one of the busiest shopping districts in the UK.

The development of the station included the specification of 200 Howe Green stainless steel floor access covers as part of the structural and architectural design process to provide secure and concealed access to under-floor services. Installed throughout the entire station, which includes two newly constructed ticket halls at street

level and all underground passenger platforms that can be as long as 255 metres, the medium-duty 7500 Series Floor Access Covers were manufactured to meet the project’s extensive requirements.

With over 50 kilometres of communications cabling, 200 CCTV cameras, 66 information displays, 200 radio antennas, 750 loudspeakers and 50 help points, an essential element of the specification process was ensuring the covers were tamper proof, without preventing contractors from gaining quick and easy access to the services below.

Manufactured with unobtrusive barrel cover lifting points that can only be accessed with unique lifting and securing keys, the access covers are protected from unauthorised access, without impacting the overall design scheme, as only the securing bolt and barrel edge are visible.

The method of removing the covers also ensures the products can be handled easily and safely by contractors, eliminating any potential strain or harm, regardless of the covers’ combined weight with the hard flooring finishes. This is due to the lifting blocks being anchored to the inner frame. Throughout maintenance-only areas, the lifting mechanisms of the floor access covers are mechanically assisted with pistons so engineers can securely lift the covers from underneath.

Installed in conjunction with terrazzo flooring across the platforms, and Portuguese granite throughout the ground floor public areas, the 7500 Series Floor Access Covers seamlessly blend with the architectural finishes of the station for a streamlined visual effect. This sleek aesthetic is further enhanced by the tiling modules, which create a unified and cohesive finish, simultaneously eradicating any potential trip hazards, as the access covers are

installed entirely flush with the hard flooring. The minimal profile of the edges also reflects the dimension of the joins between the tiles to create a perfect finish, even when working with the radial sections of stone tiling on curved passages and walkways, which required individual access covers constructed of curvilinear profiles to deliver a high quality, bespoke finish.

Each of the covers withstand up to five tonne pneumatic tyre wheel loads. Manufactured to BS 476: Part 22: 1987, the covers’ ability to eliminate the potential transmission of smoke and fire from the underground services in the event of a fire was another key consideration of the specification process. www.howegreen.com

Photo credits above and below - Darren Almond Artwork for TfL

Keeping The Leisure World Secure And Safe

Ojmar, the world-leading European manufacturer of innovative high performance electronic and mechanical locks, is delighted to introduce OTS® PULSE, the latest addition to its well-known family of locks. Specifically designed for the Corporate and Leisure markets, OTS® PULSE is the ultimate touch-free, wireless networked locking solution that operates in highly secure cloud software.

It uses the latest battery technology providing a life of up to 10 years before needing a simple battery replacement. This makes it one of the most efficient, longest-lasting systems available on the market. Lockers play an integral part of the user experience in the leisure market. In both wet and dry areas and whether it’s for gyms, leisure centres, swimming pools or spas, having good lockers and locking systems gives visitors comfort and peace of mind that their belongings are secure.

As Covid infection rates continue to rise, so the use of keyless and keypad-free lockers has become more important in the battle to reduce crosscontamination and infection. Smart touchless locking systems provide maximum flexibility and safety for the user. OTS® Pulse is a perfect solution for this type of application. Fully plug-and-play, online, selfmanaged and wireless, OTS® Pulse will help your leisure facility be adaptable and flexible at minimal cost. It is designed to minimise the risks of crosscontamination for areas with a high turnaround of visitors and for quick and easy installation without complex and costly hardwiring.

It does not require any expensive servers, just a simple standard internet connection managed through a PC, tablet or smartphone. OTS® PULSE is simple to operate with no keys or codes, while each user’s App makes it easy for them to reserve, open and lock their lockers directly from their own device via Bluetooth or using RFID cards.

The cloud-based management system allows administrators to monitor and manage users and locker usage and occupancy while providing instant reports in real-time. It integrates with existing technologies and platforms and is designed to operate with no downtime, to work through power outages and to utilise next generation technology. Samples, case studies and technical guidance are available from ojmar.com or look for Ojmar on NBS Source

VICTORIAN HOUSE IN BALHAM CLASSIC CONFIDENCE OSMO® T1 CATEGORY 5 CISTERN WITH AXIS TECHNOLOGY™ MULTIPLE INLET & OUTLET OPTIONS ~ Fluid category 5 certified; the only way to achieve a water regulations compliant cistern ~ Unique reversible cistern body due to AXIS Technology® ~ Flush Pipe Stability System (FPSS™) with SureLock™ Bracket ~ Multiple flushing volumes ~ Compatible with our simple yet contemporary in design Drift™ pneumatic dualflush push plate. Several NEW finishes are available to ensure you get the best result

Warwick-based surface design specialist – BaSE (www.baselifestyle.co.uk) - has completed a stunning ‘trowel effect’ floor installation using Mapei’s Ultratop Loft. The installation forms part of a kitchen renovation project within the basement of a period property in Balham, South London. Home of interior designer Charlie Nunn and husband, Richard, the large Victorian property has an eclectic style owing to the owner’s creative nature, with colours and artwork adorning the walls. As well as providing a city base for Charlie and her family, the home is used as a location for TV shows and photoshoots and has recently featured in Amazon Prime adverts.

BaSE’s use of Ultratop Loft spans the 50m2 extended kitchen, providing a striking contrast to the red gloss kitchen cabinets and satin wall finish. Ultratop Loft was trowel applied under the existing units and around the cabinet legs; it was applied with a Nuvolato (cloudy) texture in a warm grey called Venezia. The micro-cement based finish replaced a seamless resin floor which had faded in sunlight. A rapid-drying, micro-cement based system, Mapei Ultratop Loft is built up in layers made up of special primers, cementitious layers and hard wearing sealers.

FULLY REVERSIBLE CISTERN Discover More

EASY TOP ACCESS WITH SNAPLOCK LID™

MAPEI ULTRATOP Drift™ Available in Chrome, Silver, Brushed Nickel, Matt Black, Soft Touch Grey & Brushed Brass

Rundum Meir Façade Doors Uniquely Reflect Manchester Landmark’s Heritage

A bronze façade featuring integrated Rundum Meir garage doors for two new townhouses in central Manchester has been uniquely designed to reflect the architecture of the nearby John Rylands Library, one of the city’s most famous neo-Gothic buildings.

The duo of four storey, high specification private dwellings designed by Snook Architects for regeneration specialist Watch This Space have given new purpose to an unused site nestling between two post-industrial buildings close to Deansgate. Their full height bronze façade delivers a striking external appearance that takes a distinctive visual cue from the library, located opposite.

The houses are designed around an inverted living approach, enabling the architects to maximise the footprint of the site and use the space to its full potential. Above the garages are floors accommodating the bedrooms, with the living, dining and kitchen areas on the upper floors, and a rooftop courtyard/garden completing the arrangement.

Photos © Andrew Haslam Photography (andyhaslam.com)

The aluminium façade of both townhouses features laser cut and acid-etched lacy blind tracery patterns that match those in the windows of the library, a late Victorian neo-Gothic building which opened in 1900 and is now part of the University of Manchester. The lacy pattern extends over the full height of the façade which includes large folding/sliding shutters.

These balance privacy with natural light requirements for residents during the day whilst being eye-catching at night as internal light shines through the laser cut pattern. This design extends into the twin side sliding sectional garage doors manufactured and installed by Rundum Meir, which effectively deliver a sliding façade at street level.

Working closely with architect Neil Dawson, Rundum Meir’s designers were able to replicate the design with total consistency and manufacture in Germany using acid etching across the six aluminium sections. Neil Dawson of Snook Architects said: “Watch This Space approached us to look at how they could transform this

city centre site and we immediately saw the potential to take design inspiration from the nearby John Rylands Library. The resulting façade is unique, and through the movement of the shutters and garage doors during daily life it is constantly moving and changing."

“The laser cut pattern means that the building really comes to life at night as the internal light makes the intricate façade design a stunning feature. To be able to match this styling in the garage doors was crucially important and the result reflects the bespoke craftsmanship provided by Rundum Meir.” The twin Rundum Meir sliding garage doors each provide a clear opening of 3.8 m for easy vehicle access from the street.

Hand made using extruded aluminium, the fully automated bespoke garage doors have an automated pedestrian door as well as the side sliding door that demonstrate the design flexibility offered by Rundum Meir, who create every garage door to meet project requirements. www.rundum.co.uk

Aluprof Support The UK’s Building Awards

by Wojciech Brozyna MD of Aluprof UK

Aluprof UK has supported the Building Awards held in London since 2018. The event continues to be the Construction Industry’s premier event and is attended by the main construction companies in the UK to celebrate the best of the UK’s Construction. At the event, the Aluprof team and their guests were delighted to see that three of the prestigious project awards on the evening used Aluprof aluminium systems to complete their facades.

Held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Mayfair on the 1st of November, the event this year was hosted by Jimmy Carr and was attended by more than 1,100 people. Chloe McCulloch, Editorial Director at Building, said: "The judges felt truly uplifted by the quality of the submissions this year, pointing to the resilience of this industry in the face of unprecedented headwinds."

Sponsoring the ‘Building Magazine Project of the Year’, Aluprof UK was delighted to present the award to the Houlton School project in Rugby by the team Urban & Civic, Morgan Sindall Construction and van Heyningen and Haward Architects. The project uses Aluprof’s MB-70 window system which was installed by Dotcom Glazing. The former Rugby Radio Station building was redesigned with further listed buildings on the site to form the new state school delivered by the private sector.

The ‘Refurbishment Project of the Year’ winner was the Bodmin Jail Hotel entered by CField Construction. This project takes a grade two listed derelict and dilapidated 18 th century Cornish Prison which is then converted into a seventy bedroom, boutique four star hotel. Each of the bedrooms has been formed using three former cells and retains many of the building's original features, such as the window bars, stone floors, walls and ceilings, with many further features of the original prison woven into the building fabric.

Aluprof UK supplied their MB Slimline window system used for the cell windows which is a slim sightline aluminium system which looks like a steel window system but incorporates a full thermal break.

The ‘Digital Excellence Award’ winner, entered by Sir Robert McAlpine and Mace, was The Forge in south London’s Southwark. Designed by architects Bryden Wood, introducing a raft of digital technology proposals which enabled Landsec to achieve its innovative ambitions for the scheme. The Forge aspires to be the first commercial building constructed and operated in line with the UKGBC’s net zero definition and energy reduction targets. It comprises two new office buildings and a public courtyard.

Located on Sumner Street, The Forge is a Landsec office development located just behind Tate Modern in London and is one of the most innovative construction sites in London, pioneering several new construction methods fit for the decades ahead.

Breaking new ground, the project will be the world’s first large-scale office scheme to be built using a standardised “kit of parts”, in an approach known as ‘platform design for manufacture and assembly’ (P-DfMA), which applies the advances made by the manufacturing industry to construction.

The unitised curtain wall used on the project was designed in close collaboration with Bryden Wood, which allowed Aluprof to develop a highly-efficient facade unit.

The full-size units have been rigorously tested in Aluprof’s Research and Innovation Centre in Ogrodzona where they passed air leakage, impact, wind resistance, and water penetration tests. The units were manufactured in Poland and transported in purpose designed, reusable stillages which were then lifted to the floor plates using a combination of large material hoists and tower cranes for installation by specialist installers NACWL.

A key feature of the stillage design was to protect the units from any stress and impact during transportation and lift. The new bespoke system has been named as MB-SE120 and has a UW value of <1.3 W(m2K).

Aluprof UK are proud to supply facade systems to a wide range of new and refurbished construction projects across Great Britain and Ireland, with Head Offices in Altrincham in the North West and with an architectural specification support office in the Business Design Centre in London, the company has rapidly grown their specification influence in the UK with their high-performance architectural aluminium systems.

Further expansion of the company’s headquarters in Altrincham now provides specifiers with meeting facilities and an extensive showroom of commercial systems to view. Further information is available on the company website at aluprof.co.uk or direct from their UK head office in Altrincham on 0161 941 4005.

Cheers! Crittall Boosts Brewery Transformation

Described as Dorchester’s most iconic building, the Brewery – once the source of the much-quaffed Eldridge Pope ales – has been transformed into a high-end residential setting with Crittall windows playing a central role in retaining the heritage aesthetic of this historic structure. For nearly a century and a half the building, with its tall chimney, towered above the Dorset town as a symbol of local industry and prosperity.

Designed by architect WR Crickmay the brick building was completed in 1880. At a staggering 13% the brewery’s Thomas Hardy Ale once featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the strongest commercially brewed beer in the country.

The brewery eventually closed in 2003 and the site remained unused until, in 2007, planning permission was granted for a new public square overlooked by the impressive building, restored to its former glory containing 29 one, two and threebedroom apartments.

LMA Architecture of Bournemouth has retained many of the unique

features of the original building including riveted steel beams, cast iron columns and exposed brickwork.

Crittall Corporate W20 steel windows and doors were a natural choice, glazed in small panes to replicate the original configuration of the tall brewery windows.

www.crittall-windows.co.uk

A Truly Smart Solution For Windows And Doors

It’s no secret that today’s consumer is getting smarter. We’ve all been using ‘smart’ phones for several years and homes are getting smarter and smarter with the likes of video doorbells, heating control systems and leak detection sensors. With security being so high on people’s priority list, surprisingly, adding Smart technology to windows and doors has never really taken off - generally due to it being expensive, ugly and unreliable. That is, until now.

Kubu Smart have developed a range of Smart sensors that monitor the security status of doors and windows in real time and will alert you if there’s anything to worry about. Most contact sensors will tell you if your door or window has been opened or closed, but Kubu is much more sophisticated, being able to report: open,closed, locked, unlocked, partly secure, night vent, and even if it’s under attack. In addition, the Kubu App can send smart notifications when they are needed most, ensuring the homeowner is always secure. The SureSecure geofence feature will notify you if you have inadvertently left your home unlocked when leaving; the timed notification feature can remind you at bedtime (or any other time for that matter) if you’ve forgotten to lock your door; and the family sharing feature allows you to see the security status of your friends and family’s homes - ideal for elderly relatives or sheltered housing.

Designed to be completely concealed (so as not to spoil the aesthetics of the home), Kubu sensors work hand-in-hand with specially designed Avantis hardware - the most respected high security multi-point locking systems available - which are both PAS24 and Secured by Design accredited. By co-designing the hardware and smart security technology together, Kubu has been able to overcome all the issues and obstacles that other systems are yet to solve, in order to create extremely high

levels of accuracy. For example, the Kubu window sensor has been developed with patented ‘floating-sensor technology’, which allows the sensor to move with the window over time, helping to avoid many common issues such as sash-drop and thermal movement. This means it will always provide 100% accurate status reports without the need for repeated setup or calibration.

Kubu also provides many lifestyle benefits including smart home integrations, air quality monitoring and even weather warnings to remind you to shut those windows before it rains. By seamlessly integrating with the Internetof-Things, Kubu is able to interact with many other smart devices within the home: get status alerts through your smart speaker; automatically turn off the heating if your windows have been opened; turn off the lights when the front door is locked; or switch on a camera if the window is being attacked.

The scenarios are endless. Not only is Kubu extremely Smart, it is cost effective too. The manufacturer of the windows and doors makes their products ‘work with Kubu’ by simply fitting locks that are compatible with the Kubu technology, which are then fitted as normal by the installer or property developer. For no extra work, and no extra cost you can provide a differentiator when designing a property and can help your developers offer something different.

For the price of a “Smart Lock” for just one door, the homeowner can then upgrade the entire property with Kubu sensors, creating a full perimeter security system that can help to improve the home's green credentials too. If you would like to find out more about Kubu and how it can add value to your next project, visit: getkubu.com/trade or email: sales@kubu-home.com.

Profab Access Adds A Five Star Finish To Cardiff’s Newest Luxury Hotel

Leading riser door and access panel solution supplier, Profab Access, has proven its first-class credentials once again as part of the recent completion of a major specification at Cardiff’s new 5-star Parkgate hotel. Located next to the Welsh Capital’s famous Principality Stadium, the Parkgate hotel has been designed to provide a luxurious experience for rugby fans, in addition to city dwellers visiting the country all year round.

Widely coined as Cardiff’s most lavish new location, the hotel includes 170 guest bedrooms and suites, a signature restaurant and bar, a traditional tea lounge and a rooftop spa overlooking the city skyline. As part of the prestigious build, a unique collaboration between the Welsh Rugby Union, property developer, Rightacres, and The Celtic Collection,

the hotel required an extensive riser door specification, with safety, high performance and aesthetic appeal key considerations.

In total, 310 Profab Access VEGA 1500 Fire Rated Riser Doors were specified for installation by Hazelwood Carpentry throughout every part of the building, including communal areas and the hotel’s vast range of luxury guest rooms and suites. The VEGA 1500 Series Riser Doors offer the highest standards of fire safety, extensively tested by Efectis in France and Ireland to provide a bidirectionally fire tested product that is available in both single and double door configurations.

This means the riser door sets are fire tested from both sides to 60 minutes, providing the specifiers, contractors and hotel guests residing within the building with confidence the critical fire integrity products offer the highest standard and most up to date evidence for fire safety performance. The range also features a slimline, neat construction, whilst its proven technology ensures permanent, safe access to mechanical and electrical services housed within the riser core.

This provides first class functionality and safety, without compromising the overall interior concept. The steel riser doors also streamlined the installation process, as the quick release pivot hinge and light weight enabled easy handling, allowing Hazelwood Carpentry to complete the job quickly and optimise overall project efficiencies.

In the event of a fire, the VEGA 1500 Series Riser Door sets will maintain the frame and integrity for up to 60 minutes, preventing the spread of fire throughout the property for this period of time. The riser doors are

31dB acoustic rated, smoke sealed and airtight to Part L, whilst also featuring intumescent smoke seals that enable occupants to safely exit the building. By specifying bidirectionally fire tested VEGA 1500 Series Riser Doors, the development is actively future proofed as the comprehensive testing certification provides a complete and transparent audit trail of due diligence that evidences the products are not only fit for purpose but meet the duty of care required to ensure legal compliance.

Profab Access’ diverse portfolio of riser doors and access panels are supported by a wide range of BIM Level 2 and CAD files to aid the specification process and streamline the initial design stages. Manufactured at Profab Access’ Atherstone headquarters in accordance with ISO 9001, the 1500 Series Riser Doors can be specified and installed in a range of configurations to meet each project’s measurements and requirements. www.profabaccess.com

SELECTAGLAZE CURVED

ON PLAN UNITS

CREATE A SPLASH AT KIDDERPORE HALL

Working with Mount Anvil, a swimming pool area in a Grade II Listed home has been restored to its former grandeur, with the assistance of Selectaglaze sealed units and curved on plan secondary glazing. Kidderpore Hall sits looking over North London, in what was referred to as the Childs Hill neighborhood of Hampstead; once a relatively rural area. It has been beautifully reimagined through extensive refurbishment and brought back to a livable state as a single family home.

One of the areas of the house which needed particular attention was a new pool and spa area in the basement. The original single glazed sash windows did little to provide heat retention. Selectaglaze secondary glazing was chosen to assist in upgrading the thermal insulation in this Grade II Listed building. To ensure maximum U-values were gained in this exposed corner of the building, 24mm double sealed secondary glazed units were required with obscure glass to provide privacy. Six window and one door were treated with Series 41 side hung casements, glazed with 4-16-4 gas filled sealed units. However, to match the sightlines of the bay window framing the jacuzzi, curved on plan units were specified. www.selectaglaze.co.uk

HELPING TO PRESERVE AN INDUSTRIAL LANDSCAPE

Two former furniture factory buildings in East London have been transformed into high-end apartments with the help of Crittall windows. Long Street in the Hackney conservation area was a key component in Shoreditch’s industrial heritage.

The four-storey structural steel-framed blocks were built in Long Street in 1959 with plenty of natural daylight and generously sized lifts for transporting uncut sheets of plywood to the upper floors. The two blocks now form part of a luxury residential development, Long and Waterson. Architects Fletcher Priest have taken their design cue from the industrial lineage of the area, retaining original external brickwork and window settings and adding two rooftop penthouse levels creating a total of 71 apartments.

Crittall Corporate W20 and MW40 systems were specified, in fixed and opening format together with Crittall cold form tubular doors that meet the RC3 burglary resistance security standard; a choice that preserves both the original appearance and the industrial heritage of the area. www.crittall-windows.co.uk

NHS GP PRACTICE IMPROVES PATIENT ACCESS

As part of a significant re-development project, Derwent Practice has improved patient access from the carpark by installing a smart new TORMAX automatic bi-parting entrance system. Giving clear and easy access to all users, the sliding doors are fully compliant with current legislation. Powered by the in-house designed Win Drive 2201 operator, a long and reliable working life can be expected thanks to the sophisticated design of the motor which benefits from almost wear-less operation. As with all TORMAX operators, the Win Drive is tested to significantly more than current industry requirements of one million cycles and can be found installed in busy locations throughout the world.

A significant local service, Derwent Practice is the only GP practice in Malton, North Yorkshire. As well as the newly positioned automatic entrance, patients also now benefit from the addition of new consulting rooms, extending the clinics and services that can be offered. “With heating bills set to rise even further, an automatic entrance is a sound financial investment,” comments Simon Roberts, MD for TORMAX. “Not only do our door drives feature low-energy operation but an automatic entrance can itself significantly help reduce heat loss from a building.

“Sophisticated movement sensors combine with straight-forward, two-key programming to allow the opening and closing speed, hold open time and opening width all to be altered to match how busy the access point is at any time of the day, as well as to reflect the outside weather conditions. “Used efficiently, the new entrance for the Derwent Practice will significantly improve the ambient temperature in the reception area, as well as helping to cut energy bills.” www.tormax.co.uk

HIDDEN BENEFITS

Health and beauty retailer Boots UK is well known for offering beauty products to enhance the stylish good looks of its customers, so the entrance to their brand new store in Kensington High Street in London, just had to step up to the mark. The busy store needed an entrance to complement its glass and bronze-anodised façade and GEZE UK had just the answer – the UFO NT. The UFO NT is an underfloor operator that is completely hidden from view, so perfect when installed with glass doors.

Extremely quiet in operation and complying with the demands of the Equality Act and BS EN 8300 ensuring access for all, the UFO NT can be used on any type of doors – glass, metal or wood, and can operate doors with leaf widths up to 1250mm on external doors and 1600mm on internal doors and up to 125kg in weight. GEZE UK worked with façade solutions specialists Colorminium to design and install double doors with two UFO NT automatic operators to the store entrance.

The Boots store is part of a mixed use building on the corner of High Street and Wrights Lane, the 1970’s building was remodelled and extended, to completely transform it and includes office space, a new retail arcade and connection to the London Underground. Said Andy Iredale, GEZE UK’s national sales manager for automatics and window technology: ‘The UFO NT was the perfect solution for this busy store, the operator is concealed beneath the floor giving designers the freedom to create aesthetically pleasing entrances yet still provide automatic access’. www.geze.co.uk

SMOKE EXTRACTION SOLUTION

Fire safety remains a top priority for all involved in the construction industry, with many manufacturers offering many solutions. GEZE, a leading manufacturer of door and window control systems, offers one more, which they believe is a unique solution for smoke extraction systems in the market place.

The RWA K 600 retractable arm drive can be fitted to emergency exits on escape routes and in the event of a fire it can be used as a fresh air supply which when the fire alarm is sounded the door opens automatically allowing a large amount of air to flow into the building and forcing smoke out. The powerful drive with high torque opens a door to 90 in less than 60 seconds. Yet the door remains readily accessible due to the freely positioned activation of the lever by means of a pressure roller.

The RWA K 600 is perfect for use in supply air systems where large opening angles are required, it is suitable for single and double leaf smoke and heat extraction fresh air doors and can be installed on both the hinge or opposite hinge side. Said Andy Iredale, National Sales Manager for Automatic Doors and Window Control, “The RWA K 600 is a unique solution in the extraction of smoke from a building in the case of fire. It’s suitability for use in a variety of situations makes it perfect for use on escape routes.” www.geze.co.uk

DOMUS VENTILATION MVHR SYSTEMS PROVE IDEAL RETROFIT SOLUTION FOR LONDON RENTAL DEVELOPMENT

Domus Ventilation’s HRXE-HERA® Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems have been specified for the be:here Hayes build-to-rent residential development in West London. When the building was designed, Domus Ventilation’s Silavent MVHR ceiling mounted units were installed. These are now being gradually replaced with Domus Ventilation’s latest MVHR model, HRXE-HERA®. As a retrofit solution, HRXE-HERA® has proven ideal for be:here Hayes as they readily use the existing Domus ducting.

Domus Ventilation’s HRXE-HERA® MVHR have proved an ideal solution. It filters and pre-warms fresh air drawn into the apartment using the heat from waste stale air extracted from the kitchen and bathroom using a heat exchanger. It’s advanced heat exchange proficiency enables up to 95% of waste heat to be recovered. It comes with 100% thermal (summer) bypass which automatically activates when the air temperature reaches a pre-set level, allowing in cooler, fresh, filtered air without warming it through the heat exchanger. The smart design of the HRXE means there is no reduction in airflow when operating in bypass mode. www.domusventilation.co.uk

ESI SUCCESS WITH LATEST 6 SERIES HEATING CONTROLS

ESi Controls is seeing significant success with its new, top of the range, 6 Series WiFi Programmable Room Thermostat, offering the latest in heating control for homes and commercial premises here in the UK. Fully OpenTherm compatible, this new range of controls allows full control via the room thermostat or via a mobile phone or tablet, with a range of features to impress even the most demanding specifier, installer or homeowner.

It includes Optimum Start/Stop, Domestic Hot Water (DHW) setpoint, Hot Water time and temperature control when working in conjunction with a wireless cylinder thermostat, full 7 day, 5/2 day or 24 hour programming options, a boost facility, a helpful Holiday Mode and is an ERP Class 5 Product. The new controls are available in white or grey. “This is the ‘Rolls-Royce’ of our range,” says Head of Sales and Marketing Jon Tedstone. “It has all the latest features and benefits you could want and it looks good too – it really is an impressive addition to our range.”

The new 6 series complies with all relevant directives, incorporates the latest in energy efficiency technology and is OpenTherm compatible for installers using OpenTherm in their installations. It comes with a three year warranty and is available now from your local merchant.

www.esicontrols.co.uk

CAST IRON CERTAINTY FROM STELRAD…

The latest addition to the Stelrad Radiator Group portfolio is the new Cast Iron Column range. Traditionally Stelrad has supplied steel radiators and continues to do so with more than two and a half million radiators manufactured each year. But in the past few years, cast iron column radiators –which were first around in Victorian times - have come into vogue again and as always, the company aims to meet the demands of its customers at every level, so it has added a selection of Cast Iron Column radiators to its ever-widening range.

The new Stelrad Radiator Group Cast Iron Column radiator is available now and adds undoubted charisma to any modern or period home with its distinctive, ageless look and its Natural Cast finish. With the added options of either Antique Brass or Brushed Nickel TRVs to provide the ultimate in modern heating control. The classic, clean lines suggest a genuine piece from yesteryear whilst offering the very best in quality and craftsmanship to enhance the very latest in heating technology as it slips effortlessly into the superior elegance of today’s most fashionable of décor. www.stelrad.com

Revised Building Regulations

Part F: What You Should Be Doing Differently And Why

By Paul Williams, Domus Ventilation Product Manager

The world is a very different place since 2010, the year that Building Regulations ‘Ventilation: Approved Document F’ was previously revised. In the years that have elapsed we have learnt considerably more about Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), have had to contend with a pandemic, and have the Future Homes Standard to meet in 2025 which requires average new homes to have 80% less carbon emissions.

Building Regulations is the method being used to achieve the Future Homes Standard. Set amongst this context, it is without doubt that Building Regulations Part L (Conservation of fuel and power) and Part F were ripe for an update. These were published in December 2021 with the immediate aim to ensure new homes built from 2022 produce 31% less carbon emissions compared to current standards. A further revision will take place to come into force in 2025. The revisions to Part F are a direct response to this requirement. So, what has changed?

Air Tightness Testing - Under the previous Regulations, smaller developments were exempt from air tightness testing. Now, air tightness testing is mandatory in all new build dwellings.

Mechanical Ventilation Systems - Mechanical ventilation systems in the form of Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) are recognised in Building Regulations as the

most proficient means of ventilating a dwelling. To ensure incoming air reaches all parts of a home – especially the bedrooms - the minimum ventilation rates have been increased as follows:

For larger properties, this increase is substantial and will mean choosing mechanical systems with greater fan power. In a much welcomed move, predicted occupancy rates have been removed from the ventilation calculations, making them far more straightforward.

Background Ventilation - Two key changes have been introduced here. The first is the guidance on sizing background ventilators, including intermittent extract fans, trickle vents in windows and airbricks in the wall. These are to be done on a room-by-room basis rather than the whole property. The second applies to extract only systems, such as MEVs, where the background vents must be increased in size from 2500mm2 to 5000 mm 2 . This may well impact on the property’s façade and window sizes.

Natural Ventilation - Natural ventilation systems, such as background vents, remain an option although only for less airtight homes with a design air permeability of ≥ 5. However, with the background ventilation to be determined on a room by room basis, rather than based on the whole property, this will probably mean much larger grilles are required.

No matter how well designed the grille is, it is likely to compromise the aesthetics of the property from both inside and out. Ultimately, natural ventilation isn’t an efficient means of ventilating a home as heat will be lost and there is no guarantee of moisture or pollutants migrating outside.

Air Pollution Guidance - With air pollution now firmly on the news agenda, and our increasing understanding of its dangers to our health, the revised Part F addresses both internal and external air pollutants more thoroughly. Useful indoor air pollution guidance has been added, covering exposure limits and times for Carbon monoxide (CO), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Formaldehyde (CH2O) and TVOC.

In areas with high level of outdoor pollution, advice has been provided on the location of intake grilles, primarily away from the direct impact of the sources of local pollution. Where urban traffic is a source of pollution, the air intakes for dwellings next to busy urban roads should be as high as possible

and located on the less polluted side of the building. Ventilation intakes should not be located in courtyards or enclosed urban spaces where air pollutants are discharged.

Reporting - With many homes unable to comply even with the previous Building Regulations Part F requirements, either through confusion and a lack of understanding of the requirements or through deliberate flouting of them, the reporting procedures have been tightened up under the 2021 revisions.

Now a new style commissioning sheet featuring a compliance report and photographic evidence must be provided to Building Control Bodies and the building owner, along with a Home User Guide specifically for householders. So much has changed in the eleven years since Building Regulations ‘Ventilation: Approved Document F’ was last revised. The changes made to Part F are both a reflection on this, but more importantly look to the future and how we as an industry can meet Net Zero and provide housing fit for purpose.

Domus Ventilation is a manufacturer of marketleading ventilation systems that save energy and improve indoor air quality. www.domusventilation.co.uk vent.info@domusventilation.co.uk

Why Modular Building Systems Are More Valuable Than Ever

At a time of soaring energy costs and global supply chain issues, the value of using prefabricated modular building systems has never been clearer. Alan Green, Managing Director of Neaco Ltd, explains their many advantages.

The term modular building is commonly used to describe a self-contained structure or unit - sometimes for temporary use - but another important definition relates to architectural solutions assembled from a range of standardised modular components which are individually manufactured to a finished state at a factory.

Finished components are delivered and assembled on site to form an installation, usually connected with a fixing standardised system which uses dry works rather than hot works.

Modular construction represents an alternative to traditional methods in which materials are fabricated and finished on site, rather than in a factory.

With components already manufactured and finished, modular systems dramatically reduce the time required on site in comparison to using traditional construction methods.

The precise combination of components, angles and dimensions required for a scheme is either a standardised, off-the-shelf design or defined and specified through consultation between the architect/designer and the manufacturer’s technical support. This means that survey, assembly and installation is the only time spent on site.

Carrying out fabrication in factory conditions avoids exposure to delays on-site caused by adverse weather. The shorter construction period allows a quicker return on investment for the client, and reduced overheads. Time efficiency is an especially valuable advantage in where build schedules are subject to time constraints.

In comparison, solutions fabricated on-site involve much more noise, dust, and light pollution. Off-site manufacture of complete modular solutions means that all materials arrive on site in a single delivery in contrast to traditional construction methods, which often require multiple separate deliveries.

For example, a modular balcony is supplied preengineered and pre-assembled in a completed state, ready to be fixed in position on delivery. In contrast, a balcony fabricated on site will often rely on different suppliers for the decking, glass and rails/stanchions. If just one of these suppliers is delayed, the completed installation is pushed back, which could have a knock-on impact on the rest of the construction schedule.

Carrying out construction in safer, more controlled factory conditions enables better risk management. In contrast, solutions fabricated on site increase onsite activity and therefore increase risk, especially if they involve hot works such as welding. Preengineering components in a factory environment enables higher degree of quality control with testing, prototyping and checking for uniform standards.

Solutions fabricated on site are much more variable in quality, largely determined by the individuals involved in carrying out the work. Without the shelter of a factory, exposure to the British climate

often presents working conditions which adversely affect quality. Manufacturing in a factory allows far better management of the waste stream. Standardised finished components mean minimal or zero off-cuts and waste materials.

Any waste or off-cuts that occur in a factory can be more easily collected and reused or recycled. Managing waste at factory stages reduces financial and carbon costs of waste disposal on site. Dry works consume less energy and involve far less noise and atmospheric pollution than hot works. Modular construction involves less on-site activity, reducing the environmental impact on the locality and reducing carbon footprint from lighter site traffic.

The importance of energy savings has further increased amid a global energy crisis. Global supply chain problems are impacting a huge range of sectors. Companies relying on products and raw materials from overseas are suffering sharp increases in import costs and lead times. Prefabricated modular systems can be held as stock, bypassing supply chain delays and enabling faster lead times.

Neaco source all our raw materials from UK suppliers, which means we can avoid international supply chain obstacles and supply domestic projects with maximum speed and efficiency. Modular systems perform better in every key category, from sustainability, site impact and energy consumption to speed, safety and quality control.

Where possible, the construction industry should opt for modular solutions to improve the quality, efficiency and carbon savings of each project. Neaco manufacture a wide range of modular building systems including architectural grilles, decking, adaptive bathing aids, balustrade and balconies. www.neaco.co.uk

Powering Up More Sustainable, Healthier Outdoor Public Spaces

Many of the UK’s town and city centres are being redefined to ensure they fit more closely with today’s urban lifestyles and the expectations of tourists. The changing retail landscape, driven by the growth of online shopping, more people working from home and an increasing number of people choosing to live in city centres, means that previous models for the design of streetscapes, public parks, plazas and other pedestrianised spaces are needing to undergo significant change. But it is not just reaction to social change that is at the heart of redesigns – sustainability and a growing movement to capitalise on the health benefits of being outdoors, in whatever form that takes, are also part of this fresh thinking to redesign our public spaces.

There is extensive evidence to show that providing safe, secure and attractive outdoor spaces is important to help people be more active and maintain and extend social interaction to benefit their mental health. Flood prevention and ensuring that water is managed efficiently in urban areas is becoming increasingly important due to climate change. Hence, SuDS (sustainable urban drainage systems) are being integrated and there is an increased use of planters in spaces that were previously dominated by tarmac, pavers and concrete, encouraging biodiversity in the process.

But there is also another important consideration in making these new outdoor public spaces as popular and versatile as possible to maximise their potential – access to on-demand power sockets.

Events can play a big role in increasing the use of outdoor spaces and attracting local people as well as tourists. Food and drink fairs, children’s fun days, market stalls, music gigs and light shows – events such as these can be a major draw and help strengthen local communities and they are easier to stage (even at relatively short notice) when easy access to power sockets is provided.

This is why a power infrastructure is a must for any redevelopment scheme or new development, and Pop Up Power Supplies® can help through a range of pop-up, in-ground and bollard power units. By incorporating a power access where there is an opportunity for events at all times of the year, there is no need to hire generators, which can be expensive and may not fit with the local sustainability agenda. The pop up (retractable) and in-ground power distribution units are permanently submerged in the ground, discreetly installed with a lid that matches surrounding surfaces so they are barely noticeable when not it use.

When a power connection is needed, such as to provide electricity to a street food kiosk, the lid can be unlocked by an authorised user to allow power leads to connected. The pop up unit is raised up using a turning handle, whereas the in-ground unit stays below the surface, accessed via a flip lid. As soon as vendors finish serving, or when events are over, the power leads can be simply disconnected and the power unit can be securely locked again to prevent unauthorised access and vandalism.

The third option from Pop Up Power Supplies® is the power bollard. This elegantly designed bollard will integrate with other street furniture as part of an attractive streetscape, whilst providing the benefit of access to electricity when required through its sockets behind a locked cover. www.popuppower.co.uk

SureSet On A Mission!

Founded in 1987 with what was originally a reasonably sized house with over 14 acres of land, The Anoopam Mission soon became a beautiful Swaminarayan Temple located in a quiet and secluded part of Uxbridge in South Buckinghamshire. It opens its doors to help those who need it the most, without any discrimination of other faiths and the non-religious, of their class, creed, colour or gender.

Since 2016 SureSet have been working with the Anoopam Mission alongside MEB Design and Beard Construction to complete their project vision of creating the biggest multicultural campus in the United Kingdom. It would have been easy to implement a traditional paving surface but it was decided to use SureSet for all of the pedestrian surfaces.

Using SureSet guarantees no loose stones, because its resin bound system completely infuses the raw material whilst leaving voids for permeability, which also influenced its specification. The project included a total area of 1180m using SureSet resin bound paving materials on the steps and pedestrian entrance to the tranquil Temple.

The colours chosen were from a natural earthy terracotta and uplifting light sandy marble palette. The areas were prepared using permeable open graded asphalt as the base, ideal for SuDS (Sustainable urban Drainage Systems). SureSet's most recent

visit back to the premises of the Swaminarayan Campus, just off the A40, was for another approved building phase at Anoopam Mission. It was originally applied for in 2019 to build a Hindu Crematorium.

Anoopam Mission continued to use SureSet for this phase for it was an easy to maintain surface that was accessible. The aggregate colours were kept the same for consistency, creating a continuous flow around the new crematorium building, it was important to continue the same colours used in the first phase of installation as it gives a sense of connection. A fully permeable 14mm open-graded asphalt base was prepared prior to SureSet's arrival. The SureSet paving team completed a full installation of 717m with BBA Approved resin bound materials at a 16mm depth.

The main resin bound colour used was a natural warm red 3mm aggregate known as Tuscan Barley Butter. The chosen warm terracotta colour was perfect to feature around the grounds as it matched the redwood window frames and exterior building features beautifully. The second area of materials SureSet installed was 105m of 3mm luxury resin bound marble, named Buttermilk, a light white sand colour. It was used in the design as a striking decorative border around the crematorium outlining the shape of the building, blending in well with the surrounding colours. www.sureset.co.uk

Hauraton Channels Drain Blue Badge Scheme Parking Bays At RHS Wisley

The first phase of The Welcome Building and surrounding landscape at Royal Horticultural Society gardens, Wisley, Surrey has transformed the experience for visitors to the gardens with buildings including a spacious arrivals hall, café, shop, plant centre and a 100 seat restaurant. There are now three large car/coach parks including Blue Badge scheme easy access bays for visitors in park two.

One hundred metres of Hauraton RECYFIX® PRO 100 channel system, fitted with FIBRETEC® C250, 9mm HEELSAFE slot gratings, was used by groundwork subcontractor GPB Construction Ltd to drain the asphalted Blue Badge parking bays for visitors. The channels were installed between the bays and the path leading to the entrance of the new arrivals hall.

The material, PA-GF used to make the FIBRETEC® grating, was especially developed by Hauraton; the tough, UV resistant, fibre reinforced moulding offers high stability and huge strength for its weight. Complying with loading category Class C250 (BSEN 1433) the grating can easily take the weight of cars and commercial delivery vehicles.

The design is a real innovation as its non-corrosive material provides a visually appealing surface finish that retains its black colour.

The FIBRETEC® C250 HEELSAFE slot grating was specifically designed by Hauraton R&D engineers to enhance the flow of water into the channel. The slots are super smooth, elliptical openings with the moulded bars having slightly raised triangular bosses along their outside edges.

As well as providing an elegant appearance, the feature ensures surface water is directed into the slots. This configuration also helps eliminate any cross-flow over the grating.

The RECYFIX® PRO 100 channel component is made from 100% recycled polypropylene (PP). The six sizes offered are 160mm wide and range in height from 75mm to 250mm with the FIBRETEC® grating factory fitted on all models. As the largest unit is only 5.8kg, the channelling is easily handled and quickly installed on site. www.drainage-projects.co.uk

Bilco UK Sets The Standard For Safety At Glasgow Housing Development

Glasgow’s latest redevelopment project, located on Langside Road, is built upon the former site of the city’s Victoria Infirmary and consists of a large housing development that includes 413 flats, offices and retail space.

The 3.75 hectare site, which is situated next to Queen’s Park on the south side of the city, forms an important part of the Battlefield area’s character, with the buildings’ exterior reflecting and complementing the surrounding heritage by using the city's traditional blonde coloured sandstone. As part of the construction process,

Bilco UK was commissioned to supply six ESW-50REM Smoke Vents, in addition to seven E-50TB Roof Access Hatches, to provide the highest standards of safety and efficiency, whilst being sympathetic to the project’s overall design. Installed onto the roof areas of four blocks of flats by Scottish contractors, Procladd Small Works Ltd, Bilco UK’s ESW-50REM

Smoke Vents were specified to provide essential ventilation in the event of a building fire. Featuring a linear actuator operating mechanism that opens the cover to 140 degrees within 60 seconds, the smoke vents ensure compliance with Building Regulations Approved Document B, BS9999 and EN12101-2.

The built-in wind deflector also provides protection against smoke being blown back into the vent in the event of a fire., whilst the newly-designed closedcell EPDM sponge gasket helps meet Building Regulation air leakage targets by providing a better seal of the cover to the curb. With the addition of a fixed vertical ladder, the smoke vents can also be used by maintenance engineers for roof access.

Billy Baillie, Managing Director at Procladd Small Works Ltd, said: “We have a longstanding relationship of over 20 years with Bilco UK, and will continue to do so over the forthcoming years, due to their impressive product quality and outstanding service. Bilco UK’s Roof Access Hatches and Smoke Vents were incredibly easy to install, and knowing they’re engineered to meet the highest industry standards, it provided both ourselves and the client with the confidence that the installation would set the standard for performance and longevity.”

Constructed with corrosion-resistant materials, Bilco UK’s E-50TB Roof Access Hatches were also installed to provide engineers with safe, regular and convenient access to the roof to conduct essential maintenance. Engineered with compression spring operators to provide easy one-hand operation, the roof access hatch meets the requirements of Manual Handling Regulations, whilst the automatic hold-open arm locks the cover in the open position to ensure safe egress.

The overlapping cover design, fully welded corners and insulated cover also ensure weathertightness and energy efficiency to deliver the highest standards of resilience.

Mark Baird, Sales Operations Manager at Bilco UK, said: “Drawing on our longstanding relationship with Procladd Small Works Ltd, it was fantastic to work together on this project, which has been designed to positively impact the city’s culture. The products installed were manufactured with fire safety and efficiency in mind, delivering assurance of the durability and suitability of the installation for years to come.” www.bilcouk.co.uk

Cupaclad Provides The Natural Solution For New Coastal Home

CUPA PIZARRAS’ CUPACLAD 101 Logic was recently installed as part of a striking new-build project, located in Aberystwyth, Wales. The natural slate cladding was chosen because it could complement the coastal surroundings as well as provide outstanding resistance to the harsh weather conditions. The site was purchased by homeowners, David and Shirley Harries who looked to extend the pre-existing bungalow but after finding significant issues with its structure, opted instead to erect a new build on the same plot.

“We really wanted a home that utilised a range of materials to create a modern look as opposed to building a glass palace that could look too ostentatious in the rugged seafront location,” said David. The couple approached Arwyn George from George + Tomos Architects who put together a design, which included CUPA PIZARRAS’ natural slate cladding system, CUPACLAD 101.

“The CUPACLAD system allowed the new home to blend into the surrounding cliffs beautifully,” said Arwyn. “In addition, I had to consider the high winds that the project would be exposed to and select something that would have the appropriate durability.”

High quality natural slate is a very resistant material – its deterioration is unnoticeable to the human eye, meaning its colour does not change across its 100 year lifespan, even in the coldest environments.

Natural slate also has a permanent sheen, unlike other roofing materials which can decrease up to eight times superior. “We really loved the proposal,” the couple commented. “The slate would blend seamlessly with the local landscape – both the cliffs behind the property as well as some of the other houses in the area, which also utilise natural slate. What’s more, the material is sympathetic to its environment.”

CUPACLAD is constructed using specially selected slates, which are dark in colour, creating a bold and dramatic look, particularly when utilised alongside lighter materials such as glass, timber and render. CUPACLAD 101 Logic is made up of 40x20cm slates installed horizontally using fixing systems that are completely invisible once installed to avoid impacting the design.

As with the rest of the CUPACLAD 101 series, it is BBA certified, verifying that it has an incredibly low level of water absorption, test results show a value between 0.16 and 0.17%. This ensures that the material is not susceptible to frosting or hypothermal ageing.

Furthermore, the BBA certificate demonstrates the slate is very resistant to high winds, fire and impacts. Rhys Ben Wright from RBW Carpentry was then selected to install the

slate system. A process made easier, thanks to the quality of the slate, with pre-drilled holes and self-drilling fixings.

What’s more, natural slate has a number of environmental benefits. According to research carried out by the University of Glasgow, it produces a limited amount of atmospheric carbon (1KgCO2/metre2 over its lifetime) and has a low water and energy consumption rate. Furthermore, by sourcing natural slate from CUPA PIZARRAS, a carbon neutral company, David and Shirley’s cladding solution is verifiably sustainable.

Once the project was completed, David and Shirley were over the moon with their new home: “The cladding fits the landscape seamlessly, which is due to the properties of the slate, as well as Arwyn’s design. He was able to shape the building in such a way that it really fits with the outlines of the hilly surroundings.

“We were concerned that some of the slates would be lost in recent strong winds; however, the cladding remained completely intact. We would definitely recommend CUPACLAD.” CUPA PIZARRAS’ slate is exclusively distributed by Taylor Maxwell to the UK market.

www.cupapizarras.com/uk/rainscreen-cladding

Sto Render System Specified For New Passivhaus Development

Sto’s StoRend Flex render system was specified for use on a high-profile development of luxurious and sustainable homes built in Norfolk. Located five miles from Norwich city centre, the six new Octagon Park homes are designed to meet the requirements of the Passivhaus Plus standard, while delivering outstanding quality and a high level of sustainability.

“In order to minimise energy consumption, the Passivhaus Plus standard sets out very specific criteria for construction, insulation and ventilation systems,” explains Sto’s head of sales, Ashley Wainwright. “This meant that the materials specified had to satisfy extremely demanding performance standards, and the StoRend Flex render system was certainly able to achieve this.”

The Octagon Park development was created by JR Cozens Wiley Ltd, and the properties feature a timber-frame construction, which had a direct bearing on the specification of the StoRend Flex system. “An alternative render system was originally considered for the project,” adds Ashley.

“However, this would have required the inclusion of many vertical and horizontal movement joints at every door and window aperture. Fortunately, these weren’t necessary with the Sto system, so it was ideal for this purpose as it helped simplify both the design and construction processes while still

“The

delivering the performance and high level of finish required.”

The StoRend Flex synthetic render system provides a highly flexible, rugged and crack-resistant exterior render finish which was in-keeping with the highquality nature of the Octagon Park development. The render itself was applied to Sto’s own StoVentec render carrier boards, which were fixed to the timber frames of the buildings.

Being made from recycled glass granulate, the StoVentec render carrier boards are dimensionally stable, so thermal movement is minimized and the need for movement joints can be reduced, and often eliminated completely.

Widely regarded as an industry benchmark solution, StoVentec board has been specifically developed for use with Sto render products.

“They can also weigh up to 50% less than other render boards which makes them easy to handle and install.” The addition of StoArmat Classic Plus, a cement-free, acrylic resin-based reinforcing coat –which is up to 15 times more flexible than traditional cement-based reinforcing coats when embedded with Sto Glass Fibre strengthening mesh - provided exceptional levels of crack resistance.

The system was then finished with a stippled StoSilco render and StoColor Dryonic façade paint that promotes fast and efficient drainage of water, allowing the surface to dry rapidly and greatly inhibiting the appearance of algae, fungus and unsightly marks. www.sto.co.uk

boards can be installed quickly and easily and can be cut without the need for power tools,” comments Sebastian Slomkowski of Passivhausapproved S.I.R.S. Ltd of Norwich who installed the Sto materials.

CURVED MARMOX MULTIBOARDS FACILITATE CYLINDRICAL FAÇADE FOR KENT

PROPERTY

The developer building a private property in the beautiful Kent town of Westerham, near Sevenoaks, has made full use of the flexible version from the Marmox Multiboard range in creating a two storey, drum-shaped elevation that is being finished using a proprietary render system.

While standard Marmox Multiboards are formed from rigid sheets of extruded polystyrene (XPS) faced on both sides with a layer of polymer modified concrete encapsulating glass fibre reinforcement, the Curved version features 2mm wide slices through 75% of their depth, at 20 mm intervals.

This enables the 1250 x 600mm boards to be bent down to radii as tight as 200mm if fixed

WRAPTITE® SELECTED FOR ZERO CARBON AFFORDABLE HOMES

The Wraptite® external air barrier system from A. Proctor Group has been selected as part of a new zero carbon affordable homes project at New Ferry on the Wirral. The project at Windsor Close is a new development of three bedroomed terraced houses to be constructed by Property Development Group Starship at its off-site manufacturing facility in Deeside.

The superior airtightness performance of the Wraptite membrane from the A. Proctor Group is the perfect solution, delivering significant benefits to the combination of in-factory manufacture and on-site housing construction. Karl Ventre, Director at Starship, explains why Wraptite was chosen to achieve the airtightness solution and how it benefits off-site construction. “We have specified this product within our system offering for the last three years, and it has always performed well and helped contribute to good airtightness test results."

STO ACOUSTIC SYSTEM HELPS RESTORE HISTORIC LONDON ART GALLERY

so that the slices close together. Even tighter radii can be achieved by folding the boards so that the ‘teeth’ open up.

They can either be fixed against a blockwork of other solid surface using a continuous coating of tile cement or secured to timber battens at 300mm centres using screws and the special Marmox washers. This flexibility makes Curved Multiboards ideal for creating archways, curving partitions and cubicles or even moulded tiled seats. www.marmox.co.uk

The acoustic performance of a major London landmark building was upgraded using the StoSilent Distance acoustic system. Hayward Gallery at London’s Southbank Centre underwent a complete refurbishment, and the StoSilent Distance system helped create a new and dramatically improved acoustic environment for this worldrenowned art gallery.

The 66 pyramid-shaped skylights which originally featured on the building had become damaged over time, while internally, a series of impractical sound-absorbing baffles and a translucent suspended ceiling had been used below them. The aim was to remove the suspended ceiling, reclaim the original height of the gallery spaces, and allow more natural light to enter. The pyramid roof lights were reconstructed using modern materials, and this meant that reliable acoustic treatment needed to be fitted into the coffer spaces below them in order to create the required acoustic environment.

Unlike conventional acoustic treatments which use exposed grid and tile systems and offer limited design possibilities, the StoSilent Distance solution allows the creation of modern, clean, monolithic and seamless solutions, and can accommodate unusual design features such as the gallery ceiling and its pyramid-shaped skylights. StoSilent Distance was installed in the deep acoustic coffers which sit below each of the pyramid skylights. www.sto.co.uk

“The self-adhesive membrane is easily applied in the factory, bonded externally to the substrate, and ensures that the membrane is held firmly in place, even during transportation, maintaining the quality of the system from installation to build and completion. Wraptite is an excellent quality product, and the self-adhesive backing gives a very neat finish."

“The spacious 1,200 sqft homes offer the lowest running costs of any property in the immediate area and deliver more affordable living for local people. These Carbon Zero homes provide over 105m2 of modern, affordable living space and were installed in seven days, ready for internal fit-out. “Starship’s unique panelised model means that a new home can be delivered and installed anywhere a refuse collection vehicle can fit, with no special arrangements or unnecessary disruption to the community.” The Wraptite air barrier system offers a safer and simplified membrane system. It is a fully self-adhered vapour permeable air barrier certified by the BBA. www.proctorgroup.com

AFFORDABLE HOUSING GIVEN SUPERIOR VAPOUR BARRIER AND AIRTIGHTNESS SOLUTION

A series of 10 newly built affordable Council houses in Montrose, Scotland has been fitted with a highperforming variable-permeability vapour control layer from the A. Proctor Group. Procheck® Adapt is designed to protect the building fabric from the potential risks of condensation and act as an effective airtight barrier.

Contractor, Andrew Shepherd Construction, proposed the use of the Procheck Adapt available from the A. Proctor Group. Thanks to its unique design, the Procheck Adapt membrane offers variable permeability which adapts to changes in humidity levels and allows the structure to dry out in the summer and in sunny days during spring and autumn while protecting it from moisture overload in the winter. This is possible because the membrane adapts its vapour resistance to the environment i.e., vapour tight in the winter and more vapour open in the summer.

This ensures that the building fabric is protected from damaging moisture levels during cold, wet winter months, and allows the fabric to dry out effectively in warmer, drier months. Procheck Adapt has a translucent structure which eases fixing to structural frames and in combination with its integral tape allows for a fast installation time. Procheck Adapt is suitable for a variety of commercial and residential applications and provides airtightness to the structure as well as vapour control. www.proctorgroup.com

MARMOX THERMOBLOCKS CUTTING CARBON FOR SOCIAL HOUSING RESIDENTS

Work is well underway on the first phase of an affordable housing project for Somerset West and Taunton Council, where the use of Marmox Thermoblocks was put forward by specialist developer, Equans Regeneration which is leading the work on the site in Taunton. Phase A of North Taunton Woolaway Project will see the construction of 47 new one, two and three bedroom properties with energy saving and the reduction of environmental impact both being given full consideration.

The issue of thermal bridging, in particular, is being addressed through the decision to utilise the highly insulating Thermoblocks around the perimeter of the ground floor slabs. With over 200 homes to be built in the next few years, the total number of Thermoblocks required will run into the thousands. Each length of Thermoblock is comprised of ultra-high performance XPS insulation, encapsulating miniature epoxy concrete columns, while the top and bottom are covered by alkali resistant glass-fibre mesh, retaining a surface of fibre reinforced polymer concrete to facilitate bonding.

The concrete columns have a very low conductivity, so do not present thermal bridges themselves and when coupled with the highly insulating XPS insulation core, a combined thermal conductivity of 0.47W/mK is achieved. Crucially, being able to employ a defined, very low thermal transmittance – derived by thermal modelling or measurement – offers a far more advantageous result than adopting the ‘default’ figure offered in SAP, which can often result in non-compliance under Part L. www.marmox.co.uk

LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS RECEIVES AIRTIGHT SOLUTION

The Marshall Building, part of the renowned London School of Economics has been fitted with the Wraptite external air barrier system from the A. Proctor Group. Part of a winning design created by Grafton Architects, the impressive 10-storey building features pale stone cladding and is home to a series of educational facilities including lecture theatres, offices, classrooms, and a sports hall. Specialist contractor, I & S Construction, Dartford consulted with the A. Proctor Group’s technical team and selected the Wraptite air barrier to be incorporated within the external wall cladding system. Wraptite is the only self-adhering vapour permeable air barrier certified by the BBA and combines the critical properties of vapour permeability and airtightness in one self-adhering membrane. This approach saves on both the labour and material costs associated with achieving the energy efficiency demands in buildings. Wraptite is Class B1-s1,d0, compliant with Approved Document B Building Regulations for use in the external wall systems of buildings over 18m in height, both as a continuous layer on sheathing board, behind fire classified insulation, and for use to tape joints in insulation behind rainscreen. www.proctorgroup.com

STO

INSULATION AND RENDER

SYSTEM MAKES ITS MARK ON THE BOURNEMOUTH SKYLINE

One of the tallest new buildings recently added to the Bournemouth skyline has been completed with a combination of external wall insulation and render products supplied by Sto. The company’s StoTherm Mineral M system, with Sto-Rotofix Plus mechanical fixings and StoSilco exterior render were all used on the new Skyline student accommodation building, which achieved a BREEAM ’Very Good’ rating.

StoTherm Mineral is a highly durable external wall insulation system which uses mineralfibre boards that provide outstanding thermal performance and unrivalled fire protection. The dense nature of the materials involved also provided a considerable degree of sound insulation for this student accommodation building, while the efficient single-leaf construction and external location of the system allowed internal space to be maximized.

After a Sto cement-free reinforcement layer had been applied, the insulation system was completed with the application of the company’s StoSilco silicone resin render. This provides the finished surfaces with a highly water-repellent surface that is ideal for buildings such as this where a coastal location may subject them to unusually harsh weather conditions. With excellent CO2 and water-vapour permeability this render allows moisture transfer to occur at a high rate, enabling the wall to breathe and encouraging the evaporation process.

The StoSilco render is available in an extended range of 764 colours from the StoColor System, and this provided extra benefits for this particular project. A dark grey RAL 7016 colour was used for the render between the windows and across the top two floors, and this was then overcoated with StoColor X-Black façade paint. A contrasting RAL 31437 cream colour was used in other areas. www.sto.co.uk