ONSITE

Highlights of this issue's Xtra Onsite include:

An experienced builder and roofing contractor has made use of some 300 standard and tapered Marmox Multiboards to complete a complex refurbishment of a large, top floor balcony on an apartment building in North London. A new energy centre in the heart of west London has been given a dramatic and eye-catching appearance thanks to the use of a portfolio of façade products provided by Sto. CUPA PIZARRAS’ CUPACLAD 101 Logic was recently installed as part of a striking new-build project, located in Aberystwyth, Wales. A new case study explores recent urban realm regeneration projects in Tottenham, London exemplifying the synergy of concrete block permeable paving and street trees to address climate change while delivering SuDS. Bradite One Can has helped a small Suffolk village to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a giant Union Jack painted on the end wall of their village hall.

The specification of a StoVentec Glass cladding solution at London’s new Paddington Elizabeth line station has highlighted the growing popularity of this system for use at transport hubs such as rail stations and airports. Paddington is the latest in a growing list of transport sector projects where StoVentec Glass has been installed, and it underlines the system’s ability to satisfy the very specific and demanding requirements of this type of application.

Specified by Weston Williamson + Partners, the StoVentec Glass system was installed in a large public area which leads onto the main station concourse, and the StoVentec Glass panels were screenprinted with a circular, patterned design. “Transport infrastructure projects impose a fairly rigid set of requirements on any construction material, and that is particularly true of glass,” comments Sto’s Product Manager, Greg Astill. “Safety, sustainability and the ability to accommodate a wide variety of design requirements, especially on refurbishment projects where existing structures are involved, are just some of the key requirements, and StoVentec Glass is able to satisfy all these, and many more.”

Recently relaunched, the next generation StoVentec Glass A is suitable for use either as an external rainscreen cladding system or as part of an interior design scheme, and is the only UK system with a BBA certificate for all standard applications. This includes independent assessment of wind loads, reaction to fire, safety and durability.

Rigorous testing under extreme conditions has proved that StoVentec Glass A meets NHBC standards and Building Regulations, including a reaction to fire classification of A2-s1, d0, and has a minimum durability of 30 years - an important factor for high profile projects such as Paddington Station.

“The system is perfect for use in high traffic areas as the glass has passed all industry standard soft-body and hardbody impact tests, in accordance with CWCT requirements,” adds Greg.

It also has excellent impact performance and has passed stringent bomb blast tests in accordance with the latest ASIAD, SIDOS and CPNI requirements. In terms of sustainability, StoVentec Glass A façades are extremely hard-wearing and weather-resistant, with the panel carrier boards manufactured using natural perlite.

From a design perspective, the ability to specify any RAL or custom colour, bespoke sizes and shapes, and to screen-print logos and designs onto the glass provides the sort of versatility and flexibility that is often desired for transport station projects. The manufacturing process includes the fusing of colours on to the back of the glass, before the toughening process. The colour melts into the glass providing permanent coloured glass panels that will not wear, scratch, fade, or incur water damage.

“Sto’s technical and design team offer great support, right from the initial stages through to the completion of the projects,” adds Graham Chadwick of Craft Interior, Sto’s authorized applicator who installed the StoVentec Glass system at Paddington station. “

As everything is manufactured on a bespoke basis, including the subconstruction design, joint detailing and penetrations, this helps remove any problems before they arise and ensures that the projects run smoothly.”

Craft Interior have extensive experience of the StoVentec Glass system, having installed it on a wide range of transport sector projects ranging from internal ticket halls to external lift shafts. www.sto.co.uk

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 preset 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

An experienced builder and roofing contractor has made use of some 300 standard and tapered Marmox Multiboards to complete a complex refurbishment of a large, top floor balcony on an apartment building in North London. Lightwood Construction carries out work for mainly residential clients right across the capital and has used Marmox Multiboards on many occasions in the past for both interior and exterior applications.

In this instance, long term exposure to the weather and ponding had caused the original waterproofing system to deteriorate, and leaks to occur. Having stripped off all of the rotten felt and boarding, Lightwood Construction’s operatives installed 90 sheets of 20mm thick standard Multiboards, along with 200 of the cut-to-falls variant enabling subtle gradients to be created in draining the balcony to multiple outlets.

Equally suitable for wet room applications, Marmox’s Sloping Boards are made from the same waterproofing products as Multiboard - thermally insulating XPS sandwiched between two layers of Marmox’s patented polymer-concrete. The boards have undergone rigorous tests to ensure they are suitable for external use so can be used on the most exposed balconies, as well as inside a wet room. The board is produced in just one size, 1200 x 1200mm, with the edge thickness tapering from 33mm down to 10mm at the opposite side. They can be combined with layers of 20mm thick Marmox Multiboard to extend the slope indefinitely. www.marmox.co.uk

Built on brown-field land located on the edge of the main shopping district in Hull and adjacent to Princes Quay, the Bonus Arena – Hull Venue and its associated multi storey car park were opened in August 2018. The £36 million development progresses the legacy of the social and economic impact generated by Hull’s 2017 UK City of Culture status.

The Arena, designed by AFL Architects, is a state-of-the-art music and events complex with a flexible capacity of up to 3,500 people. The facility can provide a venue for concerts or corporate conferences in an 800 seat auditorium. A 2000m² adaptable space can be utilised for sporting events or exhibitions and trade shows. Surrounding the Bonus Arena is a public realm laid with grey stone paving and landscaped by re-form Landscape Architecture Limited with trees, lawns, flowerbeds and permanent stone seating.

An effective surface water drainage system was essential to ensure all weather access to the venue. 140 metres of Hauraton RECYFIX® PRO 100 channels with FIBRETEC® heel-safe gratings were chosen for the job which blended well with the stone paving and would resist damage from applied grit rock salt in freezing weather. The material, PA-GF used to make the FIBRETEC® grating, was specially 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 commercial delivery vehicles.

The design is a real innovation as its non-corrosive material provides a visually appealing surface finish that retains its colour. 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. The RECYFIX® channel component is made from 100% recycled PP. The PRO 100 model is factory fitted with the FIBRETEC® grating and only weighs 4.6kg, so the unit was easy to handle and quickly installed on site. www.drainage-projects.co.uk

A new energy centre in the heart of west London has been given a dramatic and eye-catching appearance thanks to the use of a portfolio of façade products provided by Sto. The company’s StoVentec R rainscreen system, with StoVentec A render carrier boards and bespoke 3-dimensional StoDeco profiles have been used to focus attention on the new Olympia London’s Energy Centre, which forms part of a major urban regeneration project in the capital.

Designed by SPPARC, the Olympia London’s Energy Centre building sits on a central London site. “It’s also an industrial building, and the architectural design needed to reflect both this, and the location, yet still deliver a striking appearance which made a strong statement,” comments Sto account manager, Jo Ebel.

The StoVentec stainless steel and aluminium sub-construction was installed onto the substrate of the new multi-storey building by specialist contractor, Craft Interior Ltd, before some 1400 2 m of StoVentec A render carrier boards were fixed to this sub-construction. StoVentec render carrier boards are ideally suited to rainscreen applications and consisting of 96% recycled glass, provide an environmentally-friendly solution.

Stolit K1.5 acrylic render was then applied to the boards to provide a rugged and resilient exterior finish. To complete the façade design, custom-made StoDeco profiles were fixed to the StoVentec system to create a unique, 3-dimensional shell-motif pattern for the elevation of the new energy centre.

Some sections of the building incorporate ventilation louvres, and the shell-shaped profiles had to extend over these areas to maintain the façade design. Said Jo Ebel, “We couldn’t obstruct the air flow through the louvres by installing the StoVentec boards over them, so we worked closely with the louvre manufacturer to design a series of aluminium plates which replicate the shell shapes.”

Available in both standard and individual designs, StoDeco profiles are manufactured from Verolith – a unique, lightweight and easily workable, natural material which is then machined to create custom shapes or decorative panels.

They allow the architect to exercise their creativity by adding individual detailing to a façade. Because they are lightweight, this makes them easy to handle on-site, and they have excellent resistance to damage and the effects of weathering.

A final surface coat of StoColor Maxicryl façade paint was applied to the render finish and StoDeco profiles in a dark StoColor 37100. This acrylate paint combines a high covering power and reliable colour-fastness, ensuring that the building will retain its attractive appearance well into the future. www.sto.co.uk

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

A specialist contractor undertaking all of the fireproofing within a new medical research building in Surrey has been making use of two well proven, flexible fire barrier products from the TBA’s FIREFLY™ range, to provide 30 minutes protection within the majority of the ceiling voids throughout the four-storey structure. CLM Fireproofing has established a reputation as a leader in the fields of both passive fire protection and fire-stopping.

CLM is employing Apollo Lite and the Collaroll product in tandem to protect the ceiling voids. The spaces which typically house pipework, power cables and air conditioning units above the suspended ceiling grid, are provided with 30 minutes integrity and insulation through the installation of the flexible Apollo Lite barrier.

The Apollo Lite 30/30 has been developed for use in vertical separation or compartmentation situations, offering both 30 minutes integrity and insulation, thereby exceeding the minimum requirements of the Building Regulations. It is widely specified to form fire barriers within roof voids in many different property types. The flexible woven material is easy to cut and fix and is chemically treated to improve its cooling properties, and therefore prevent temperatures rising in adjoining areas. The system has been fully tested to BS 476 Parts 6.7, 20 & 22 and is third party certified by IFCC. www.tbafirefly.com

The conversion of three stone-built agricultural buildings near the beautiful Devon town of Totnes is employing a full selection of renewable and low-energy technologies from the range of Exeter based manufacturer, OMNIE, to create a comfortable living environment for the new occupants. The hundred year old buildings at Ritson Farm are being renovated and turned into highly desirable rural retreats.

Each of the luxury homes is to be heated by an LV air source heat pump, which will be connected via multibranch manifolds to OMNIE’s Staple underfloor heating system across the ground floors with the company’s LowBoard being specified to warm the upper levels. Then to maximise fuel efficiency and help guarantee a healthy indoor living environment, a constant supply of pre-warmed and filtered fresh air will be supplied via one of OMNIE’s Zehnder ComfoAir mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) units.

The Totnes conversions vividly demonstrate how high efficiency heat pumps, combined with underfloor heating developed to bring the best performance from them, can heat any home and keep fuel consumption to a minimum. Coupled with the ComfoAir MVHR units, the development also illustrates OMNIE’s capabilities to design and deliver its ‘Whole-House” concept, with a nationwide service able to assist clients with any type of application. www.omnie.co.uk

Forming a fresh element to the UK’s critical food supply infrastructure, a new distribution warehouse in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, is near to completion with the specialist suspended ceiling installer making use of Zeus Lite 90:30 from the range of TBA FIREFLYTM , to create vertical fire barriers at intervals within the roof-space across the footprint of the building.

The 15,300 m2 facility at Headways in Stanley, on the outskirts of Wakefield, has been built by GF Tomlinson for the Kitwave Group. FIREFLYTM ZEUS Lite is ideally suited to this type of application, comprising a flexible woven fabric fire barrier that has been specifically developed for the vertical separation and compartmentation of extensive concealed spaces within buildings.

By offering 90 minutes integrity and 30 minutes insulation, FIREFLYTM ZEUS Lite 90:30 exceeds the minimum requirements regarding fire barriers under the Building Regulations’ Approved Document B (Fire Safety). The specially treated glass fibre fabric is strong and resilient as well as flexible while, crucially, the system’s certification covers the inclusion of service penetrations which many alternative products do not. www.tbafirefly.com

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 selfdrilling 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/rainscreencladding/

The Anzeiger-Hochaus in the centre of Hannover, built in 1928 and 51 m high, with its characteristic facade in the style of ‘brick expressionism’, is a unique example of German skyscraper construction. The city’s planetarium was once located under the 17 m high dome, and subsequently the highest cinema in Germany. The 2019 renovation included a completely new Nordic Copper Special Patina dome roof meeting strict listed building protection.

Although considered to be a thoroughly modern material offering limitless possibilities for contemporary architectural design, copper is also – of course – one of our oldest building materials, traditionally covering the domes and spires of city skylines. Nordic Copper Special Patina has been developed specifically to help with repairs, restoration or extensions to historic buildings. Copper’s unique architectural qualities are defined by its naturally changing patina – which cannot be successfully replicated using other materials with surface coatings.

Within a few days of exposure to the atmosphere, a copper surface begins to oxidise, changing from the ‘bright’ mill finish to a chestnut brown, which gradually darkens over several years to a chocolate brown. Continued weathering can then result in development of the distinctive green patina – or blue in coastal locations. This process is an expression of the metal’s propensity to revert to mineral compounds that resemble the ore from which it originally came. Some rainwater is needed for the patina to form and its rate of development will depend on the water “dwell time” on a surface.

As a result, vertical cladding and sheltered surfaces will take much longer to patinate naturally than exposed roofs. Airborne pollution also increases the rate of patination, which therefore takes longer in more remote, cleaner environments than in cities or industrial areas. The complex combination of factors determines the nature and speed of development of patination, giving copper unique, living visual characteristics developing over time in response to local conditions. Natural Surface Treatments - All these naturally developing surfaces can be provided straightaway with the ‘Nordic Copper’ range. The factory processes involved are generally similar to those taking place over time in the environment utilising copper mineral compounds, not alien chemical processes. The surfaces form an integral part of the copper, generally continuing to change over time, and are not lifeless coatings or paint.

The architectural range includes Nordic Standard ‘mill finish’ and Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper, offering lighter or darker shades of brown determined by the thickness of the oxide layer. Copper alloys include Nordic Bronze and Nordic Brass, which can also be supplied pre- weathered. The innovative Nordic Royal is an alloy of copper with aluminium and zinc, retaining its golden colour and simply losing some of its sheen over time with exposure to the atmosphere to give a matt finish.

But of particular interest to architects and conservation specialists working with historic buildings are the extensive Nordic Blue, Nordic Green and Nordic Turquoise ranges. They have been developed with properties and colours based on the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas all over the world. As well as the solid patina colours, ‘Living’ surfaces are available for each with other intensities of patina flecks revealing some of the dark oxidised background material

Individually Developed Special Patinas - Copper’s patina film provides impressive protection against corrosion and can repair itself if damaged, defining the exceptional longevity of copper cladding – counted in hundreds of years.

Suomenlinna Church, built in 1854, is on the Unesco world heritage list as a unique example of military architecture. The presence of the church on the Helsinki skyline is significant and patination of the master tower – which doubles as a lighthouse – particularly important. The new Nordic Copper Special Patina roof does not just resemble the old one but was actually made from recycling the original copper

Suomitalo is a major, unique office building in the heart of Helsinki dating back to 1911. Its complete roofscape has been replaced using Nordic Copper Special Patina to match the original material which has been recycled for new applications.

But repairs and restoration – following substrate or structural failures, or other damage – or extensions to historic copper buildings may still be needed. The Nordic Copper Special Patina system is designed specifically to help architects with restoration projects. Aurubis has several decades of experience of developing unique patinated architectural copper products, successfully applied on historic – including listed – buildings in the UK and abroad. With Nordic Copper Special Patina, unique pre-patinated copper material can be produced to match naturally patinated copper, especially for historic buildings.

An original sample from the building is used but initial development can be started with the help of a Special Patina Tool (which can be downloaded from www.nordiccopper.com and printed). The card is simply placed on the original copper surface and photographed. Once a specific patina mixture has been established and product supplied, the project mix is retained in case of follow-up orders.

100% Recycled Material - Aurubis can also recycle the original copper removed from a project. All of our architectural copper products are manufactured using 100% recycled raw-material. Copper’s ability to be recycled repeatedly, without any loss in performance, is an important sustainability benefit. Aurubis is part of the world’s leading integrated copper group and largest copper recycler. For more information and to read project stories visit: www.nordiccopper.com or email: g.bell@aurubis.com

by Wojciech Brozyna MD of Aluprof UK

Our digital transformation continues to pervade our lives in virtually everything we do. BIM’s use in construction has revolutionised our industry, offering real time collaboration across businesses offering us the ability to design a ‘digital twin’ of a building before work begins on site. A recent survey by Dodge Construction Network concluded that in 2021, 60% of architect practices confirmed that over 50% of their work was being completed in a BIM workflow, with 89% of practices forecasting that 50% or more projects will be completed in BIM in the next two to three years.

Architects are clearly leading the way with BIM implementation, engineers and contractors are not far behind. Whilst the report covers countries around the globe, the UK is reported as leading the field in the adoption of BIM. So why BIM? What is the advantage? - Overwhelmingly for architects and engineers, using BIM improves the ability to manage complexity, helps in achieving quality in design, reduces errors and rework, offers an improved ability to meet design requirements and increases stakeholder buy-in.

For contractors, the benefits include reduced defects on site, reduced costs and greater efficiency. Not only does the BIM model offer a design element, but it also offers data on the product source, product specification, finish and maintenance requirements. Furthermore, the ability of having a ‘digital twin’ allows for further ‘what-if’ scenarios to be reviewed during and after construction. Clearly, if you have products that you wish to have specified today in commercial construction, you need to offer these in a BIM format.

What is special about Aluprof’s BIM? - In 2019 Aluprof established their ‘BIM Technology Department’ to offer BIM models of all its fenestration products with a full set of BIM libraries.

It is crucial that BIM model construction is undertaken in a consistent way which is why it is based on the international standards ISO 19650. The ISO 19650 standard is an international standard for building information modelling (BIM) over the complete life cycle of a construction project. The standard contains the same high-level requirements as the ‘UK BIM Framework’ and is closely aligned with the current BS 1192 standard. BIM models and libraries are available directly through Aluprof UK’s website and available online in third- party libraries such as bimobject.com . Aluprof systems are also available through the UK’s leading NBS Source system which many practices use as their trusted source of BIM data. Should assemblies be required which are not currently in a BIM library, Aluprof’s BIM department creates the model to suit the application for the specifier.

How does this work in practice? - Aluprof creates libraries in five software formats: Autodesk AutoCAD®, Autodesk Revit®, Autodesk 3DS max®, Archicad®, Sketchup®. A special feature of the models is their interoperability and compatibility between different programs. All models are based on real parameters and technical drawings of the physical product. The ISO 19650 standard provides a consistent way of presenting and classifying data, including the naming of files, folders and libraries. This is a major benefit when updating libraries, where folders with standardised naming can be easily overwritten instead of manually added, or when duties are taken over by another person unfamiliar with the contents of libraries. Standardisation makes it easier to navigate and manage files.

Katarzyna Aleksandrowicz, BIM Modelling Specialist at Aluprof states that “A key element when creating the Aluprof product libraries is defining a set of parameters that will accompany each model. We strive to offer the best usability of our libraries in every aspect of the project including construction, planning and facility management. This is made possible by standardised sets of parameters, some of which are filled in during modelling and some of which remain to be completed by the designer. These include technical parameters, visibility parameters, COBie, IFC parameters, together with, Uniclass, Omniclass, MasterFormat and UniFormat classifications.”

Can Aluprof provide bespoke BIM object production and integration service for architects and specifiers if Aluprof systems are to be specified in projects? - Katarzyna goes on “Yes, we provide bespoke BIM object production and integration service. At the request of architects, we create models of individual system solutions or provide assistance in their design work. If required, we can generate schedules for facades, windows and doors. We also export models in IFC format, which can be opened in free browsers. In this way, customers can easily and quickly check the most important parameters, measure the object or simply view it in 3D.” Another strength of the Aluprof models is the defined levels of detail. Magdalena Płocica, Head of the BIM Technology Department says “We realise that an object that has rich geometry but a low level of information is not a valuable object from the point of view of BIM methodology. A non-geometric layer of the model is also needed. Any geometric, as well as non-geometric information, is an additional load on the model which is also important from the designer's point of view when working on a project, so here at Aluprof we try to optimise our solutions.”

Aluprof provides additional material with their libraries that are helpful when using the models. The folder containing Aluprof models contains tutorials, as well as a welcome page explaining the contents of the folder without having to open the files individually. The tutorial shows the most important information about using the models and their functionality. Specifiers wishing to learn more about the libraries can attend training courses organised by Aluprof's BIM Technology Department, during which the product BIM libraries are discussed in detail.

Aluprof pride themselves as being an architects’ ‘trusted advisor’ at the very start of any project that may use aluminium windows, doors and facade systems. Involving Aluprof early will ensure that the correct system is chosen for the correct application ensuring cost efficiency later down the design process. BIM objects for each of our systems can easily be downloaded from our website following a simple registration process.

Since setting up the Aluprof Office at 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. www.aluprof.co.uk

A Cornish brewery has moved into renovated premises that give visitors a whole new experience of watching the creation of their favourite beers with Crittall Windows playing a crucial role in the new concept.

Verdant Brewery took over a rundown warehouse on a Penryn industrial estate and, in addition to installing the brewing vats, created 400 sq. metres for staff offices and a space for public use, dubbed the Taproom.

The new interior was created around a steelframed installation with Crittall Corporate W20 windows providing a light and contemporary area where visitors can have a beer and something to eat while enjoying views through to the working brewery, a paramount consideration of the client.

In addition, The Taproom provides a mezzanine balcony overlooking an area that can also be used for entertainment from a DJ or with live music. The design was produced by locallybased architects Zelah Studio.

Said architect James Collins; “We used the W20 system as it allowed great flexibility and a quality industrial look that the client wanted. Large expanses of the glazing allowed us to create views of the brewery from all spaces.” www.crittall-windows.co.uk

Images courtesy of Robert Bray Associates

A new case study explores recent urban realm regeneration projects in Tottenham, London exemplifying the synergy of concrete block permeable paving and street trees to address climate change while delivering SuDS. It demonstrates important new techniques with permeable surfaces applicable to all urban areas. Completed in 2018, the regeneration of White Hart Lane in north Tottenham, by muf architecture/ art, was a pilot designed using ‘Healthy Streets’ principles.

These aim to create: ‘streets that feel pleasant, safe and attractive. Streets where noise, air pollution, accessibility and lack of seating and shelter are not barriers … streets with seating, shade and greenery, and reduced dominance of vehicles by designing for slower vehicle speeds.’ The project delivers these aspirations and was one of the first to use the ‘Healthy Streets’ indicator as a metric.

Multifunctional Permeable Paving - But it also applies innovative sustainable drainage (SuDS) techniques introduced by design collaborators Robert Bray Associates. This approach reduces flooding and pollution of the hidden Moselle River through the integration of bioretention raingardens to collect and treat polluted road runoff. In addition, extensive concrete block permeable paving (CBPP) surfaces not only act as SuDS elements – attenuating and treating rainwater runoff – but also enable essential air/CO 2 exchange and optimised water supply for tree roots, using a range of techniques. A focal point of the scheme is a new Pocket Park, enabled by relocation of a bus stop and removal of extensive asphalt paving.

The park is separated from the road by bioretention raingardens, intercepting runoff from the whole width of the ‘side-hung’ carriageway which acts as a catchment. It also includes long planters to accommodate mature and new trees, and other green infrastructure, incorporating seating. This also enabled de-paving around a mature but suffocated and asphalt-locked Plane tree. Love Lane, which runs perpendicular to White Hart Lane in front of the new landmark Underground station, is now a concrete block permeable paved, adopted highway.

CBPP can also accept runoff from White Hart Lane and other impermeable surfaces. At two points, structural tree pits span the full width below the road surface connecting road-narrowing tree planters on each side, in readiness for future planting. Based on the ‘Stockholm Solution’ for urban tree planting, the deep structural soil zones form sumps which are hydraulically connected to the coarse graded aggregate sub-base of the permeable paving.

Healthier Resilient Street Trees - This means that in heavy or prolonged rain, once percolated runoff begins to move laterally along the interface between the sub-base and subgrade, it moves toward the structural tree pits where it begins to be attenuated. Once the pits fill to the level of the base of the road sub-base, the attenuation and infiltration spread out over the whole road zone.

This pattern of flow and attenuation means that trees benefit from rainwater collected from an extended catchment, making them healthier and more resilient to drought. Although initially unfamiliar with the structural tree pits, with support and advice the installation contractors soon became comfortable and are now installing them elsewhere.

At the renovation of Broad Lane Square in south Tottenham, the same designers take forward these principles with further innovations. In particular, ‘inverted raingardens’ protect existing trees and new green infrastructure, supplied with a gradual supply of clean water from extensive CBPP catchments.

Permeable Paving in Harmony with Trees - Concrete block permeable paving and street trees have been proven to work together in synergy. CBPP – whether full-construction with subbase or applied as an overlay on an existing impermeable road base – can collect rainfall away from the canopy and convey it to the tree. It can then simply discharge horizontally into a raingarden, with overflow into existing adapted gulleys. The raingarden stores water during heavy rain for SuDS, retains soil moisture during dry weather and provides additional water quality ‘polishing’, as well as irrigation.

Alternatively, CBPP can be used over standard tree pits, proprietary tree planters, Stockholm System or other structural soil installations, enabling irrigation and simple air/carbon dioxide exchange essential to trees – without additional

reservoirs or pipes. CBPP also avoids tree root disruption common with other paved surfaces. Concrete block permeable paving technology will prove invaluable in delivering the street trees now demanded by planning policies for new developments as well as regeneration. More information and case studies are available via: www.paving.org.uk

Structural tree pits connect road-narrowing tree planters on each side, based on the ‘Stockholm Solution’.

A theatre seating 200 people, study bedrooms for students, teaching rooms, kitchens and ancillary space have been created in the new three-storey building whose stone-faced elevations have been finished in honey coloured ashlar limestone to complement its heritage setting. The building also features a pitched, slate covered roof.

The T60 windows are set within stone surrounds and finished in an attractive bronze coloured Duralife polyester powder coating. Many are fitted with trickle ventilation. Triple glass is installed in the windows of the theatre auditorium for improved sound attenuation.

T60 features an advanced high-density polyurethane isolator as a thermal barrier that together with double or triple glazing surpasses the requirements of current regulations. The cold formed steel profiles nevertheless retain Crittall’ s hallmark slender sightlines that ensure maximum light ingress. The Levine Building project also features cold form doors and internal fire screens on ground and first floors. www.crittall-windows.co.uk

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

An exclusive collection of high-end apartments in the heart of London, Chimes offers luxurious homes coupled with a wealth of amenities within a dynamic local community. Providing automatic access to the main entrance of this exclusive development, TORMAX installed a double set of swing doors that are automated by iMotion 1401 operators that are recessed into the floorspace.

The in-house designed TORMAX iMotion 1401 door operator is entirely maintenance-free thanks to the unique design of the powerful synchronous motor. The drive is certified protective class IP67, making it resistant to water, humidity and soiling. TORMAX developed the iMotion 1401 door operator to allow discreet automation of swing doors for locations where a minimalist finish is required or in historic locations where maintaining the original aesthetics is essential.

With none of the elements that usually wear out, such as gears and brushes, the iMotion 1401 motor does not even require periodic replacement or overhaul of its’ parts, making it entirely feasible to situate the drive within a steel box, 125mm under the floor. Acting directly on the rotational axis of the door it can also serve as the lower pivot bearing. The iMotion control unit incorporates the latest hi-tech sensors, delivering obstacle recognition on both opening and closing. Simplifying operation for Chimes’ staff, the opening movement and the door held-open time can be saved as two separate, pre-defined settings. www.tormax.co.uk

Bradite One Can and a local builders’ merchants have helped a small Suffolk village to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Residents of Thorpe Morieux voted for a giant Union Jack to be painted on the end wall of their village hall.

A design of a flag fluttering in the breeze was worked up by Tony Sheppard, and a team of keen helpers was assembled to take on the task. Then it was off to Kent Blaxill, Bury St Edmunds to seek some paint advice. “Knowing the properties of Bradite One Can … this made it the go-to product for this project,” said the store’s decorative branch manager, Mark Levett.

“After contacting Bradite about the project, they came back with an offer to supply the paints which was very gratefully received by those in Thorpe Morieux.”.

Paint was provided – of course in a colour scheme of red, white and blue – and the community got the job underway, finishing in good time for the festive celebrations. www.bradite.com

With reinforced concrete construction, minimising linear thermal bridges at the wall connection to the floor, or floor slab, has been a perennial problem for the building industry. However, Schöck has introduced a dedicated new solution – the Sconnex type W. It is a product that offers outstanding insulation performance, combined with an exceptional load-bearing capacity.

Around 40% of all thermal bridges in a building are caused by walls and supports, which in turn are responsible for about 10% of heating energy losses. Schöck, the market leaders in the development of structural thermal breaks for balconies and other cantilever constructions, has now also applied its Isokorb expertise to reinforced concrete wall and support. Thereby offering an application-friendly and high-quality solution that contributes to a permanently sustainable building concept. The first major project to incorporate the new product is the Aylesbury Estate regeneration in the London Borough of Southwark.

Extensive regeneration required - The Aylesbury Estate, completed in 1977, was planned to house over 10,000 residents, with a design embracing concepts of modernist urban planning. During the 1990s however, despite its ambitions, the estate was considered one of the most deprived areas in the country. With deteriorating buildings and disillusioned residents, the estate was in need of extensive regeneration and Southwark Council considered the possibility of refurbishment.

However, in 2005, having assessed the overall cost and benefits, it was decided that the best option was to demolish the existing estate and build new, better quality, mixed tenure homes. Various remedial developments have taken place since, but more recently the regeneration has escalated and currently there is a phased demolition and redevelopment programme which will see the Aylesbury Estate transformed into one of the most significant urban renewal projects in London.

Aylesbury Square is at the heart - Due for completion in 2036, the overall masterplan envisages 3500 spacious new homes in a combination of terraced housing, a contemporary update of the London mansion block and a series of taller buildings. Improved open spaces will also be a major feature. Pivotal to the scheme is Aylesbury Square, which is one of the earliest sites to be delivered. It consists of two separate blocks, from four to fifteen storeys, situated around a new public square forming the civic heart of the Aylesbury Estate regeneration.

The North Building will provide 122 new homes on the square and it will also incorporate a community facility, which includes a public library and commercial space at ground level. The second block, the South Building, accommodates a Health Centre with a Primary Care GP Medical Centre and a Community Health Care facility.

A serious source of linear thermal bridges - The construction of the two blocks is of reinforced concrete and the wall connection, to the floor or floor slab, has traditionally been a serious source of linear thermal bridges. The result being not just serious energy loss, but also the high risk of condensation. This can easily lead to mould growth, resulting in possible structural damage and worse, posing a health risk to the occupants. There is a sustainability strategy in place for Aylesbury Square, which is to ‘create a place which meets or exceeds the highest quality standards for new development in London.’ This is to be achieved by delivering highly energy efficient buildings as part of a London Plan policy compliant strategy using the BREEAM Communities sustainability standard.

Sconnex is a unique Schöck solution - The new Sconnex type W thermally insulating connection for reinforced concrete walls is unique in its ability to help to meet these criteria. This new Schöck product minimises the thermal bridge between the exterior wall insulation and the insulation above the floor slab, increasing the energy efficiency of the entire building. Thermal losses are greatly reduced and the surface temperature in the room increases to considerably more than the critical dew point temperature.

Heating costs are lower, a pleasant room climate is created and the linear thermal transmittance (Psi) of the connected reinforced concrete wall is reduced by up to 90 percent. The outstanding insulation performance is combined with an excellent load-bearing capacity, which transmits very high pressure, tensile and shear forces in the longitudinal and transverse direction. This is made possible by the use of a pressure buffer consisting of ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete.

A material which achieves compressive strength levels in excess of 175 N/mm 2 , but with extremely good flexural strength as well. A further important benefit is the generally significant cost reduction involved when compared to installing insulation beneath the floor slab. www.schoeck.com

A new state-of-the-art business incubation building in Dorset has been completed with the use of an integrated package of Sto thermal insulation and external render and paint products. The company’s StoTherm Vario and StoTherm Classic insulation systems were specified for the new Innovation Studio at the Arts University Bournemouth, along with StoSilco exterior render and StoColor Dryonic façade paint.

The new Innovation Studio now provides a base for digital and creative start-up businesses, providing support with their research, innovation and development initiatives. “This is an important building, part-funded by the Dorset LEP,” explains Tim Culverhouse of project architects, CRAB Studio. “It needed to combine a very specific mix of internal facilities with a modern, dramatic, external appearance that reflected the creative nature of the occupants.” The cost-effective StoTherm Vario system installed onto this unique two-storey building has an efficient single-leaf construction that provides excellent thermal performance whilst also protecting the external wall surface from weathering.

A mineral bonding and reinforcing mortar was used to adhesively fix the insulation to the cement particle boards and lightweight steel frame, and the system was able to accommodate the curved substrates which feature in the building’s design. Although an alternative insulation system was originally considered, it was decided that Sto solutions could provide the same thermal performance, but also deliver cost benefits.

StoTherm Classic K insulation was also specified for certain parts of the building. “We needed a different solution for some areas,” adds Tim Culverhouse. “These sections carry painted murals, and we wanted those to extend right down to the bottom of the walls, so the insulation had to extend down below the damp-proof course."

"The StoTherm Classic K was perfect for this. It didn’t require any additional expansion joints, and so created a smooth surface onto which the murals could eventually be added. The murals now appear to ‘flow’ down into the ground and create a striking visual effect.”

A reinforcing coat with embedded reinforcing mesh was applied to the insulation, followed by the StoSilco K1.0 silicone resin render, to add extra protection. This genuine silicone resin-based render is robust, durable and provides a very high degree of

CO2 and water vapour permeability, to reduce the risk of interstitial condensation. The overall external façade system was completed with the application of Sto’s innovative StoColor Dryonic façade paint in yellow and orange shades.

This unique paint uses principles borrowed from nature to create a surface which simultaneously repels water and channels it away, to encourage the surface to dry more rapidly and protect against the growth of algae and unsightly staining. The façade will look exactly the way the architect had planned, and will go on looking that way for many years to come, with far less maintenance than any conventional alternative would require. www.sto.uk