Xtra Build magazine, May 2023

BUILD XTRA

BUILDING DESIGNS, VIEWS, CONCEPTS & PROJECTS

MAY 2023

DESIGN XTRA

Highlights of this issue's Xtra Design include:

LLI Design recently completed a total redesign and refurbishment of a 5 storey, period terraced townhouse in Highgate, North London.

The Gateway Central and Gateway West buildings at the White City Place business campus in west London are now completed.

Stanhope is announcing the completion of 1 Wood Crescent at Television Centre in West London and its availability for letting to prospective tenants. The award-winning architects and interior designers at Marchini Curran Associates, have led on design services for the expansion of the independent Phoenix cinema and art centre in Leicester.

Award Winning, Victorian Terraced Townhouse, Highgate LondonLLI Design

LLI Design recently completed a total redesign and refurbishment of a 5 storey, period terraced townhouse in Highgate, North London. LLI Design’s work was commended with an award in the Residential Interior Private Residence London category, of the United Kingdom Property Awards in association with Rolls Royce.

The award’s judging panel was chaired by Lord Caithness, Lord Best, and Lord Waverley, members of the House of Lords in the UK Parliament. Historic Highgate is filled with beautiful period family homes and this one was no exception. Perched at the top of Highgate Hill commanding enviable views across London this 1860s house forms part of a terrace.

The townhouse sits within the Highgate Conservation area, so any architectural amendments had to be approached in a sensitive manner. Although the brief was to keep the period feel of the building, it also required that a contemporary individual aesthetic should be overlaid in order to create easy open plan living spaces that worked for a modern lifestyle. (cont...)

(cont...) The house was tall and narrow but had the advantage of being quite long front to back. A major design problem which had to be addressed in the overall scheme was how to make the property feel visually more expansive laterally.

To answer the brief, the existing layouts required a total redesign, with careful consideration required to how the dynamics and flow of the spaces would feel. The direction adopted throughout was eclectic with elements of mid century, contemporary, industrial and traditional styling all coming together.

By way of reconfiguration, clever use of colour and lighting together with bespoke joinery elements, this property was completely transformed from a traditional layout 5 storey Victorian townhouse into a contemporary family living space. The design stayed true to the Victorian bones and features of the original.

At the same time it was able to offer the elements so desired of 21st Century living, being open plan, multi-functional spaces with large windows offering inside / outside living.

LLI Design offers a comprehensive design service, taking projects from briefing through to Handover; creating beautifully crafted interiors for discerning clients. The creative team is led by Design Director Linda Levene. Her background as a fashion and textile designer is reflected in her love of form, texture and colour.

Recent projects include the interior design and modernisation of properties in Hampstead, South Kensington and Highgate including a 10,000 sqft Victorian residence, a 12,000 sqft new build home and the cojoining and re-planning of two apartments to provide a single luxury penthouse. www.llidesign.co.uk

Gateway Central And Gateway West Buildings Completed At White City Place

The Gateway Central and Gateway West buildings at the White City Place business campus in west London are now completed. Both Gateway buildings have a Platinum WiredScore, the highest certification for pre-enabled connectivity. Gateway Central is an eleven-storey building comprising 280,000 square feet of total floor area, including two outdoor terraces at Levels 4 and 8. L’Oréal UK and Ireland have taken the five upper floors of the building for their new UK Headquarters and are currently fitting out the new space. The design of Gateway Central with its solar-control glass with shading from external fins and shelves – enables the building to use less than half the energy a comparable building requires to cool.

The building is targeting BREEAM Outstanding and an energy efficiency EPC ‘A’. The building will provide a unique opportunity post-COVID for L’Oréal to build a workplace for tomorrow, designed around modern working methods that encompass L’Oréal’s ethos of creativity and innovation.

The new HQ will also feature a training academy, a flagship training hub which plans to upskill 10,000 hair professionals from across the country each year. Gateway West is a four-storey building comprising 25,000 square feet which offers the rare opportunity to accommodate a stand-alone headquarters while also being flexible for a multi-tenanted occupation.

It is a distinctive, angular brick and ceramic building, accessed via a new, landscaped public garden.

A collaborative approach to sustainability has resulted in a low level of embodied carbon in the building. It has also achieved 20252030 energy performance targets and the site now supports twice the previous levels of biodiversity, prior to its redevelopment. The building is targeting BREEAM Outstanding and an energy efficiency EPC rating of ‘A’. www.whitecityplace.com

1 Wood Crescent Completed At Television Centre

Stanhope, on behalf of investors Mitsui Fudosan and Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), and some of their clients, is announcing today the completion of 1 Wood Crescent at Television Centre in West London and its availability for letting to prospective tenants.

1 Wood Crescent is a new nine storey building comprising 112,247 sq ft of prime office space located on the west side of the Television Centre campus which includes multiple terraces, all with views over Hammersmith Park and the surrounding White City area and beyond. The building is designed by architects Morris+Company and constructed by Laing O’Rourke. PVH Corp., parent company to brands including Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, has already leased the top five floors of the brand-new building as its new UK headquarters, totaling 50,000 sq ft of office space.

Jonathan Trout, Property & Commercial Director, Stanhope said: “We are looking forward to welcoming PVH Corp. to the completed 1 Wood Crescent building, providing the fashion and lifestyle powerhouse a Grade A, BREEAM ‘Excellent’ building as the base of its UK operations. The creative giant is an invaluable addition both to Television Centre and White City Place which attract global brands as occupiers across the media and sciences sectors.”

Tomoo Nakamura, Managing Director, Mitsui Fudosan UK said: “We are proud of the delivery of 1 Wood Crescent only two years following the start of construction. It is another successful milestone in the redevelopment of Television Centre. Mitsui Fudosan are delighted to be offering worldclass facilities to creative companies looking to move to a growing innovation and business hub in West London.”

1 Wood Crescent will take its place at Television Centre, a thriving estate at the heart of an £8 billion regeneration of White City. The unique mixed-use site has rapidly become one of the UK’s most forward-thinking hubs for creative industries, café and restaurants, apartments and a hotel attracting some of the UK’s best creative talent and businesses, alongside the neighbouring business, creative and life sciences innovation district at White City Place.

www.stanhopeplc.com

Marchini Curran Associates Delivers Landmark Design Works For £6.7M Expansion Of Leicester Cinema And Arts Venue

The award-winning architects and interior designers at Marchini Curran Associates, have led on design services for the expansion of the independent Phoenix cinema and art centre in Leicester. The pivotal scheme, funded by Arts Council England, Leicester City Council and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), alongside independent funding organisations, has transformed the city centre venue with an extension of the Midland Street site, which has been the cinema’s purpose-built home since its relocation to Leicester’s Cultural Quarter in 2009.

The project, which started in September 2021 under the Scape National Construction Framework has involved adding two new cinema screens, a large digital art gallery, extended café bar, a multi-purpose events space and rooftop terrace bar, to accommodate more visitors and expand the programme of this much-loved independent cinema and arts venue which has been part of Leicester’s cultural scene for 60 years.

The client design brief was a fully inclusive environment catering for the diverse spectrum of user groups, staff, and visitors - to create a multi-functional space that changes its personality from the day into the evenings. The integration of spaces was key and the concept of the building was designed to counterbalance the enhanced box office within the existing building with a new café bar space, forming a bookend within the new extension, to create a seamless harmonisation between old and new.

To achieve this Marchini Curran introduced a new two storey spine wall that runs from the two existing cinema screens through the building to link the gallery, café bars and new screens together. A feature staircase runs up the side of the spine wall giving visual access to the upper floor roof terrace, allowing natural light to penetrate the centre of the ground floor dining area.

Andrew Bull, Director at Marchini Curran Associates, said: “Phoenix is an integral part of the city, offering invaluable space for the independent film and arts scene to thrive and we’ve treasured delivering architectural and interior design works for such a renowned cultural arts space in the city of Leicester.”

John Rance, Phoenix Chief Executive, said: “People love the new spaces. The reactions of our diverse customer groups and stakeholders has been very positive.” To find out more about Marchini Curran Associates and Marchini Interiors please visit: www.mc-a.co.uk and www.mc-a.co.uk/interiors

XTRA

NEWS

Highlights of this issue's Xtra News include:

Haddonstone is a trusted, established specialist, with an enviable heritage, in the design and manufacture of architectural and garden stonework

The Sash Window Workshop are proud to announce the launch of their new ‘A’ rated timber windows.

The award-winning York Handmade Brick Company has invested £1.5 million in brandnew machinery which will transform how the company makes bricks. Sussex Handmade Brick has joined the Brick Development Association (BDA).

Steel windows and doors manufacturer Crittall Windows is offering architects a unique chance to win a rare original lithograph poster that celebrates the work of the famous Swiss architect Le Corbusier.

Flowcrete are pleased to announce the launch of a new RIBA approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminar, The Importance of Protecting Car Park Structures.

Haddonstone's

Specialist Architectural And Garden Stonework

Haddonstone is a trusted, established specialist, with an enviable heritage, in the design and manufacture of architectural and garden stonework. The ranges comprise cast stone architecture in traditional, classical and contemporary designs for residential and commercial projects; and beautiful formal and informal garden, home and landscape products. All products are made to order in Northamptonshire with UK-sourced materials and are available in both standard and bespoke designs and colours. Stunning Show Gardens are located in East Haddon, near to the manufacturing facility.

Since the company's conception 50 years ago, the company has grown to become an international market leader, with factories across the UK and US and distribution to over 15 countries.

Bespoke designs to almost any specification can be produced, with unique moulds, in three different materials which cater for all requirements including large structural units or light-weight retro-fit units. The colour and material matching service, alongside a combination of the latest 3D technology and more traditional techniques, create exact replicas of original components. Haddonstone is the perfect choice for Grade II, II* and I restoration and extension projects. www.haddonstone.com

York Handmade Unveils

The award-winning York Handmade Brick Company has invested £1.5 million in brand-new machinery which will transform how the company makes bricks. York Handmade, who are now the UK’s leading small independent brickmaker, is confident this investment will open a new chapter in the company’s illustrious history.

David Armitage, chairman of York Handmade, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, commented: “Over the years, we have undertaken significant technological improvements, culminating in this £1.5 million overhaul and renewal of our manufacturing process, which will speed up production, facilitate two brand-new products and increase efficiency. This is a transformational move, by far the biggest and most significant in our history. Our revolutionary new manufacturing line will combine three different types of brick - the Handmade Style, as currently produced, together with Water Struck and Pressed Bricks."

“Most of the Water Struck Bricks, which are currently very popular in London, are imported, so we are fulfilling an important demand and supporting the sustainability agenda. We have an impressive track record in London, with iconic projects across the capital, and we can now build on this. More generally, this investment will enable us to manufacture high-quality, UK-made bricks for many years to come and it reflects our commitment to the brick industry and the astounding architectural projects using bricks,” explained Mr Armitage. www.yorkhandmade.co.uk

“Transformational” £1.5M State-Of-The-Art Machinery

The Sash Window Workshop Launch ‘A’ Rated Timber Windows

With the increasing focus on how to improve energy efficiency within UK homes, The Sash Window Workshop are proud to announce the launch of their new ‘A’ rated timber windows. The windows are designed to improve energy efficiency while also being period appropriate. New windows are double-glazed and draught proofed, with excellent attention to detail to ensure that the traditional appearance is retained.

The company use Accoya wood, which comes with a 50-year anti-rot guarantee and is known for its stability and durability. The Sash Window Workshop has previous carried out work replacing and draught proofing timber windows and doors on a wide range of properties, including prestigious properties such as Buckingham Palace and The Royal Academy of Music. Where necessary, they can comply with Conservation Area and listed building requirements. The company were contacted towards the end of last year to upgrade the windows in a property in Berkshire. Their sales surveyor arranged to visit the property to discuss the work and provide a quotation. The order was placed, and six pairs of new double-glazed sashes were manufactured and installed for the customer by The Sash Window Workshop’s specialist craftsmen. After completing the work, the customer commented “the finished windows cut down noise, are excellent insulators and look exactly like our remaining original Victorian ones.” www.sashwindow.com

Leading Sussex Brickmaker Joins The Brick Development Association

Sussex Handmade Brick, one of the most successful independent brickmakers in the south of England, has joined the Brick Development Association (BDA). The BDA is the national authority on clay bricks and pavers, advising and promoting the interests of its members, who comprise all the leading brickmakers in the UK. Harry Harrison, director of Sussex Handmade, based at Three Oaks, near Hastings, explained: “We have been considering joining the BDA for the past couple of years now. We will now have the opportunity to enter the BDA’s prestigious Brick Awards, the Oscars of the brick industry, and to showcase our products and skills to the right customer base, especially architects and housebuilders.” The company, established in 1896, produces 2.25 million handmade bricks a year in 14 different styles.

Bespoke bricks can also be created for customers. Keith Aldis, the chief executive of the BDA, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Sussex Handmade Brick as a new member. The company has an illustrious history and has recently completed some absolutely stunning projects of which they are rightly proud. “We look forward to working with Sussex Handmade to promote their products, look after their interests and to engage with them on two of our key campaigns - one on sustainability and one on anti-slavery."

“We are committed to a sustainable future for the brick industry and we have launched an anti-slavery campaign to combat the terrible conditions in which bricks are made in S-E Asia and then sold over here as British bricks. Sussex |Handmade have already indicated they will support both campaigns.” Mr Harrison commented: “Joining the BDA is a significant new chapter in the proud history of our company. As we continue to successfully restore and to renovate existing period buildings as well as creating sensitive new builds, it will be very reassuring to have the support of the BDA.”

Sussex Handmade have recently completed three prestigious projects. They are: Athlone House in Highgate – formally known as Caen Wood Towers - was built in the 1870s and has been the home of several important industrialists. It has recently been transformed from a derelict house to the impressive grande mansion, estimated to be worth in excess of £130m.The company provided over 200,000 handmade bricks and 40,000 bespoke handmade brick specials and worked with another BDA member, Marshmoor Bricks on this magnificent project.

Winchester College is an all-boys private school with approximately 700 pupils. This modern housing project, which was undertaken by architects Cowper Griffiths presented many challenges. Located close to the Kings Gate area of the college, the development comprised 11 beautifully designed terraced houses. Sussex Handmade Brick manufactured over 70,000 bricks and specials in a bespoke blend of Guestling Red, Waverely Orange and Westfield Bricks to echo the area’s rich history. 

The Galleries, Brentwood, Essex. Originally built in the 1850s as a hospital, it closed its doors in 2001. After standing derelict for 14 years, City & Country painstakingly and sympathetically restored the buildings. After helping with several of City and Country’s projects, Sussex Handmade was approached to assist with this particularly challenging project and provided in excess of 150,000 bricks in a blend of Guestling Red, Waverley Orange as well as blue glazed headers to restore and renovate the existing period buildings onsite as well as creating sensitive new builds.

Mr Harrison concluded: “We are very proud of our part in these three projects and our role in keeping the art of handmaking bricks alive. All our bricks are hand thrown into traditional hardwood moulds, sanded and cut and turned by hand. Now, thanks to our membership of the BDA, our story is going to reach a much wider audience.” www.sussexhandmadebrick.co.uk

Rare Le Corbusier £1K Lithograph Poster To Be Won With Crittall

Steel windows and doors manufacturer Crittall Windows is offering architects a unique chance to win a rare original lithograph poster that celebrates the work of the famous Swiss architect Le Corbusier, one of the pioneers of modern architecture and design. Valued at £1000, “Tapisseries en L’eglise de Chateau Fellentin Creuse“ is a rich and beautiful traditional stone lithograph exhibition poster printed in 1963 by Atelier Mourlot. “We wanted an idea that engaged the architectural community after what has seen a pretty traumatic couple of years for the profession “, commented Russell Ager, Crittall Managing Director.

”The Crittall aesthetic was favoured by the originators of the Bauhaus Movement to which Le Corbusier’s name is indelibly linked, so offering as a prize an original lithographic poster celebrating the iconic designer seemed to fit the bill “ “We are all very proud of our unique Crittall heritage, its links to some of the 20 th Century’s notable architects and designers, and how that continues to be reflected in the products we offer to meet 21 st Century demands”. The free, simple-to-enter competition, which closes on 20th June 2023, is open to all UK registered architects. The entry form and full terms and conditions and can be found here

CPG’s Flowcrete Launches New RIBA Approved Car Park CPD Seminar

Flowcrete are pleased to announce the launch of a new RIBA approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminar, The Importance of Protecting Car Park Structures. The newly launched CPD covers some of the common methods of waterproofing car park structures such as polyurethane, asphalt and polymethyl methacrylate along with their benefits and pitfalls. Participants are also provided with key guidance when specifying resin waterproofing for multi-storey car parks such as slip-resistance and fire safety which are important factors in the design of construction projects such as car parks. The presentation goes further to break down the different considerations depending on whether it’s a new build or refurbishment car park project, and how this makes a difference to how much remedial work is required and the overall costs.

Finally, the seminar discusses what manufacturers can do to assist in sustainable architecture to minimise environmental impact. The 60-minute session can be delivered virtually or face to face by one of Flowcrete flooring experts. Rejoice Chikosi, Flowcrete PR and communications manager says, “Though car parks might look like solid stable constructions, they are quite vulnerable due to several issues and our new CPD has been designed to help you make informed product and system choices on your upcoming car park projects. “Training and development are cornerstones of our business, and we are pleased to expand our CPD portfolio to building professionals.” To book a CPD seminar, please click here

INSIDE XTRA

Highlights of this issue's Xtra Inside include:

Sliding and folding door hardware manufacturer, P C Henderson, has demonstrated a continual improvement ethos by introducing three new products to the market.

Combining large, glazed panels with high quality slim steel profiles, industrial loft style doors from Hörmann UK offer specifiers and consumers endless opportunities to create modern doors and room screening for a feeling of space and light.

A sophisticated and stunning choice of worktop for any kitchen décor, marble- inspired surfaces continue to be on-trend, with Palermo, the latest launch in the CRL Quartz range from CRL Stone being no exception.

Silestone® by Cosentino introduces its new series Urban Crush, a collection full of colour and design inspired by the heartbeat of the city and new urban trends.

New Product Launches At P C Henderson Limited

Sliding and folding door hardware manufacturer, P C Henderson, has demonstrated a continual improvement ethos by introducing three new products to the market. With over 100 years’ experience in the design, development and manufacture of door hardware systems, P C Henderson has demonstrable experience in the builders merchant sector.

Working creatively from a foundation of robust market research, the business operates on an agile model able to adapt and enhance its products to deliver exceptional finishes for domestic, commercial or industrial applications. With a strong focus on innovation, the market leading company strives to exceed customer expectations in both product and service.

All products are rigorously tested, in excess of industry standards, to maintain their market leading position. Each component undergoes Finite Element Analysis, a process that applies virtual forces to the product, to guarantee the very best solution.

Certified to ISO 9001, the manufacturing centre of excellence in the UK ensures all aspects of each door hardware system delivered is of the very highest quality. Customer service and technical support teams are always on hand to offer advice for door hardware projects and have exceptional product knowledge and capability.

Further support is offered by comprehensive fitting instructions and installation videos, all available on their website, and training provided when required. The company has delivered projects across a range of sectors to customers globally and as such can provide advice for the most complex and ambitious of projects. The team can support at any point, from the initial planning stages to the implementation of the system. Their versatile systems, cater for wooden doors in internal and external applications.

Perfect for residential and light commercial projects, the newly launched Husky 120 Pro is a straight sliding system with low initial friction for a smooth door glide and has a range of enhancements such as simultaneous action and a soft close feature. For flexible living,

Roomflex 40, is an interior folding door hardware system for doors weighing up to 40kgs that is perfect for dividing rooms and is available in a range of door configurations. Pocket Door Pro has been redesigned and updated to include a smooth-running track with low initial friction. Suitable for wooden doors weighing 120kgs, kits can be enhanced with a dual soft close mechanism. www.pchenderson.com

Dorma Divides Battersea Power Station Offices

At SharkNinja’s flagship offices within the iconic Battersea Power Station development, partitioning expert Style worked with Bowman Riley architects, and contractor, Ben Johnson Interiors, to create flexible internal space to meet the working needs of this forward-thinking company.

A Dorma Hüppe Variflex glass moveable wall divides a section of the café, creating a large meeting room. A solid Variflex wall allows the space to be further divided into two smaller areas.

This chic solution perfectly complements the contemporary décor whilst the impressive acoustic ratings of the walls of 52dB and 55dB respectively, provides exceptional privacy when the café is busy. The semi-automatic operation of both systems ensures the acoustic seals are always applied to exactly the correct pressure whilst improving ease of manoeuvrability for

staff. SharkNinja, is the maker of class-leading Shark® vacuums and the innovative line of Ninja® kitchen appliances, positively impacting daily life in homes around the world. The new offices at Battersea Power Station spread over 25,000 square feet and forms a key part of the company’s continued expansion.

Style is the UK’s sole distributor for both Dorma and Skyfold partitioning walls, offering specialist solutions for all requirements and budgets across multiple market sectors. In addition to the two Dorma Hüppe Variflex walls, Style also installed a simple, yet highly effective manually operated folding wall in the demonstration room, allowing the space to be divided into two separate areas, when required. www.style-partitions.co.uk

New Dorchester DR-SG Stainless Steel Water Heater From Hamworthy Provides A Durable And Long-Lasting Solution

Hamworthy Heating, a trusted British manufacturer and supplier of commercial heating and hot water products, is pleased to announce the introduction of its new Dorchester DR-SG range of stainless steel condensing water heaters with enhanced durability and large continuous outputs. The Dorchester DR-SG is available in ten power outputs over three storage capacities and features a durable stainless-steel tank, heat exchanger and coil for enhanced performance, efficiency, and increased service life.

Suitable for both renovation and new build projects, including locations with substantial and continuous hot water demands such as hotels and sports facilities, the Dorchester DR-SG meets all of the latest Building Regulations and offers significantly improved efficiency and performance when replacing a non-condensing water heater. Featuring a robust design, the Dorchester DR-SG is designed to offer outstanding performance under challenging water conditions and cope with the extremities of soft and hard water. Suitable for retrofit into a vast number of installations due to being approved for multiple flue system types, all Dorchester DR-SG models are convertible to run on LPG. www.hamworthy-heating.com

Price Reduction On Stelrad K3 Radiators

Great news for installers and housebuilders from leading radiator manufacturer Stelrad Radiators with the news that their sector leading K3 radiators will be reduced in price by over 30% from 1st May 2023. The K3 radiator range offers three panels and three sets of fins to increase the heating capacity of a radiator with the same radiator footprint as a K2 by an additional 50%.

“Our K3 radiators have become hugely popular for all new heating systems powered by renewable heating systems – in particular the explosion of sales of air source heat pumps for both new homes and replacement heating systems in existing properties,” says Stelrad’s Head of Marketing, Chris Harvey.

“It’s clear that heat pumps will be paired with a large proportion of the heating systems installed over the next thirty years – its proven technology with vastly more installations in mainland Europe than we have seen so far in the UK, but with the Government looking to support the installation of heat pumps, and in recent research 70% of all heating installers in the UK looking for training to install heat pumps, the future for them in the UK is looking extremely bright as we continue the march towards Zero Carbon by 2050 or earlier.” As a further part of its programme of providing radiators to operate well with renewable heating systems, Stelrad has announced that it has launched a range of 900mm high radiators in a variety of widths. www.stelrad.com

Geberit Launches Innovative Flowfit Piping System

Geberit has launched a new multi-layer supply piping system to the UK market after eight years of intensive research and development. Geberit FlowFit is the manufacturer’s biggest product launch to the UK in recent years and will combine the versatility of Geberit’s multilayer piping system together with the installation benefits of Geberit’s unique press-fit method. FlowFit is suitable for both potable water and heating applications. The pipe consists of three layers, a central aluminium layer which makes the pipe strong yet flexible, with a plastic (PE-RT) layer either side of this to prevent corrosion and ensure a smooth internal bore.

Geberit FlowFit also marks a huge step in the manufacturer’s sustainability journey. Geberit has developed new facilities with injection moulding technologies at the manufacturing stage to reduce energy intensity and cut journeys throughout production processes to help minimise carbon footprint of the new product. In addition, the manufacturer has also incorporated a bag to collect discarded pressing indicators into the design process for the first time to make it simpler for teams to return plastic parts and reduce waste on-site.

www.geberit.co.uk/FlowFit

Domus Ventilation Expands HRXE MVHR Range With Zeus

Domus Ventilation, manufacturer of market-leading ventilation systems that save energy and improve indoor air quality, has expanded its HRXE range of Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) units with the launch of HRXE-ZEUS. HRXE-ZEUS has been introduced to meet ventilation requirements for large residential properties, which require a more powerful system to deliver the airflow required to meet Building Regulations Part F. HRXE-ZEUS high performance MVHR system combines supply and extract ventilation in one system. Using an advanced heat exchanger, up to 95% of the heat typically lost in waste, stale air is efficiently recovered and used to temper the fresh air drawn into the building.

The filtered, pre-warmed air is distributed to areas of the home such as living rooms and bedrooms, effectively meeting part of the heating load in energy efficient dwellings. The system features two independent fans which have full-speed control for background and boost ventilation rates. HRXE-ZEUS comes with 100% thermal 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 – ideal for increasingly air tight properties that are prone to overheating in summer. The smart design of HRXE-ZEUS means there is no reduction in airflow when operating in bypass mode. www.domusventilation.co.uk

Industrial Loft Doors From Hörmann UK Glass And Steel In Perfect Harmony

Combining large, glazed panels with high quality slim steel profiles, industrial loft style doors from Hörmann UK offer specifiers and consumers endless opportunities to create modern doors and room screening for a feeling of space and light. The loft door range is an internal glazed door system which has been developed in response to the growing trend for slimline, heritage-style doors and screening in the interior design market.

The range will be exhibited for the first time in the UK on the Hörmann stand during the FIT Show - Stand no. P21, Hall 9, 23rd–25th May. The loft doors can be designed as single or double leaf options and can be either hinged or sliding. The addition of side elements and transoms means that large opening spaces can be created to provide an unobstructive view between living areas.

Glazing is available in either Clear or Clear white, with the steel profiles supplied in RAL 9005 Jet black matt as standard, five preferred colours including Traffic white and Anthracite grey or RAL colours of choice.

Textured and pearl-effect finishes together with the addition of handles and fittings from the Hörmann black.edition provides further opportunity for creativity and style. David O’Mara, Marketing Manager at Hörmann UK comments, “Our loft door system is the ideal product for creating bespoke interior glazed doors, partitions and dividers. This all culminates in helping to separate living spaces whilst maintaining optimum levels of natural light.

Whilst particularly suited for domestic properties the system can also be used in commercial situations such as entrances, offices and studios. Hörmann can now offer the market an interior glazed door system which combines creativity and flexibility with the Hörmann guarantee of quality.” www.hormann.co.uk

Creating The Perfect Backdrop For Showing CuttingEdge Commercial Interior Design

In the heart of Clerkenwell - acknowledged as the global epicentre for design - is the newly-refurbished Brunner showroom. Here, Armourcoat’s sustainable luxury finishes are creating an elegant and sophisticated backdrop to Brunner’s progressive, multifunctional workspace pieces. The London showroom occupies three floors of a former Victorian warehouse that in its lifetime has also been a brewery and cinema.

The space has enabled the formation of a sophisticated hospitality ambience for receptions and presentations, with vaulted bays providing vignettes of today’s modern, agile workspaces whilst allowing more intimate areas for meetings. To blend the industrial heritage of the building with its progressive design particularly in the lounge space,

Brunner chose its collaborator Armourcoat. Armourcoat Acoustic Plaster, Polished Plaster and cast panels combine to enhance the stylish, relaxed environment aesthetically, physically and psychologically, optimising the health & wellbeing of the occupants.

This has been complemented by sculptural Cast Panels in Corinth with a concrete look- a design of finely contoured linear scallops and flattened peaks. Observes Oliver Shinegold, Brunner Sales Director: “We have partnered with Armourcoat for more than a decade. Its reputation precedes it as being the leading supplier of polished plaster

Armourcoat’s Acoustic Plaster applied to the curved ceilings allows sound to be absorbed, reducing echo and reverberation and making the space calm and relaxing. To achieve the blend between the Victorian warehouse with a modern yet industrial finish, Armourcoat applied its Polished Plaster in Granite finish for a roughhewn, coarse texture. Lightly polished flat areas contrast with organic texturing to give a bold natural granite effect.

and concrete surface finishes. The Armourcoat team's exceptional and dependable service, extending from the installation process to the final outcome, has consistently met and exceeded our expectations. Their commitment to sustainability, durability, and longevity is second to none."

"For our refurbishment, Armourcoat's skilled artisans were able to craft a prefabricated fluted polished plaster tile that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding space. The result is a dual-aspect textured wall finish, with inset framed images and dramatic shadowing that embellishes the space that we are confident will become a ‘go to’ venue for the commercial design industry.”

www.armourcoat.com

Bold Design Takes On A Dramatic Effect With Palermo

A sophisticated and stunning choice of worktop for any kitchen décor, marble- inspired surfaces continue to be ontrend, with Palermo, the latest launch in the CRL Quartz range from CRL Stone being no exception. Opulence and luxury in interior design is defined with Palermo. A crisp white background is the perfect setting for bold, veining that adds instant character and eye-catching detail to any setting. Inspired by nature, the quartz surface elevates any interior into a fresh, sophisticated space. Bookmatch options are also available, to create the glorious look of marble in large spaces.

This CRL Quartz surface features dramatic patterning, inspired by stones found in nature, designed with modern trends and modern lifestyles in mind. CRL Quartz is an ideal material for use in any setting, including kitchens and bathrooms. Highly resistant to knocks and impacts, it is heat, scratch and stain resistant, and no extra care or special products are needed to clean it.

Stains can be removed with water or mild cleaning products and, because it is a non-porous surface, the build-up of bacteria or mould is prevented, making it hygienic and easy to maintain. As such, CRL Quartz Palermo is the ideal way to offer consumers the durability and style they are looking for from a worktop. For more information call CRL Stone on 01706 863 600 or visit www.crlstone.co.uk

A Washroom Work Of Art At The Courtauld Gallery

The Courtauld Gallery reopened its doors to the public at the end of 2021 following the most significant modernisation project in its history. Its much-loved collection of works – ranging from the Renaissance through to the 20th century - have been completely redisplayed and reinterpreted, and enhanced spaces will allow The Courtauld to give visitors greater insight into its collections, teaching and research and enable inspiring encounters with its great works of art.

Kemmlit's Classic Cell Cubicle was installed in the male and female washrooms. In keeping with the overall feel of this prestigious building, brushed bronze stainless steel finish was applied to the doors. A bespoke leg height was used to suit the building measurements along with a bespoke door height. Duct panels were also used to the same materials.

www.kemmlituk.com

Introducing The New Pressalit Matrix Height And Sideways Adjustable Washbasin

The MATRIX MEDIUM AND MATRIX DEEP ANGLE washbasins both feature integrated handles for additional user support. With both hygiene and aesthetics in mind, the discreet MATRIX bracket’s operating panel fits tightly against the wall and snugly against the washbasin, preventing dust and dirt from settling in hard-to-reach places. All surfaces are large, smooth and easy to wipe.

Andrew Lowndes, Sales Director for Pressalit in the UK says, “Some people need a lot of help in the bathroom, others little or none. The new MATRIX basin bracket is a flexible solution, taking into account the specific needs of the user at any given time. By simple adjustment for height, or to create space sideways for greater access to the shower or toilet for wheelchairs, this helps create situations that boost self-reliance and help provide a greater degree of freedom.”

In any accessible bathroom, space is key, and with Pressalit’s new height and sideways adjustable MATRIX washbasin, creating space quickly and hygienically has just got easier. The world leading manufacturer and designer Pressalit has introduced the MATRIX washbasin bracket with a choice of integrated basin styles, the MATRIX MEDIUM, or MATRIX ANGLE DEEP, featuring a new, simple to use, discreet adjustment for both height and sideways movement.

The MATRIX washbasin makes the best use of space in the bathroom whilst accommodating the changing needs of both users and caregivers. Supporting selfreliance, space optimisation and a sense of security in the bathroom, the new adjustable washbasin has been designed for use in a wide variety of installations, from a private home, care setting, institution or a hospital. Whether for a seated or standing user, or when a carer is assisting, the new MATRIX washbasin offers a flexible solution and safe working environment, offering the commitment to quality, practicality and design that Pressalit makes its priority.

The easy-to-move washbasin can be adjusted smoothly sideways to a range of 500mm, to create greater access when using the shower or toilet for a wheelchair user and carer, by means of a discreet handle located underneath the basin. Adjustment can be carried out safely with one hand, and requires very little hand strength to operate.

The vertical rise and fall allows for a variation of 300mm, with options available for either a manual handle or intuitive electric power button. The latter is recommended for a care or hospital setting where frequent adjustment is required, offering huge time saving benefits and improved working conditions for staff, whilst the manual solution is suitable for a bathroom where there’s only one user, or multiple users with the same needs.

Pressalit has many years of experience and expertise in the field of designing accessible bathrooms. The

company will provide advice on everything from space optimisation to rules and guidelines for design and the choice of solution and installation, creating the best conditions for the user, and where needed a carer or health professional. https://pressalit.com/en-uk/ products/matrix-adjustable-washbasin-solution/

Adaptable Meeting Space For St Modwen Head Office

St. Modwen is a logistics and housebuilding developer with a rich 30-year history. At the head office in Birmingham, partitioning expert Style worked with contractor, Claremont, to offer flexibility in the meeting and training room. Separating the space, a Dorma Hüppe Variflex solid moveable wall was chosen as the best solution. Creating an impressive 55dB acoustic divide, meetings and training sessions can take place either side of the wall without any sound interference. With a chic, white finish, the wall complements the simple, clean interior décor and, thanks to the quality of all Dorma Hüppe moveable wall solutions, it can be opened and closed smoothly and effortlessly to divide the space when required.

St. Modwen has over 700 employees and operates across two dedicated business units: St. Modwen Homes is an award-winning housebuilder whilst St. Modwen Logistics, deliver and manage future-proofed warehousing and logistics spaces where businesses can thrive. Aiming to support their core values, the refurbished head office embraces modern workplace principles, offering a variety of flexible and productive spaces perfect for collaborative endeavour. Style is the exclusive UK partner to Dorma Hüppe, Skyfold and SWG and is a 12 times winner of the prestigious FIS Contractors Gold award. Essential for anyone seeking solutions for BREEAM, LEED and SKA, Style leads the way with sustainable moveable wall solutions and is the only UK partitioning specialist that is accredited under the ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System. www.style-partitions.co.uk

Bradite Floor-It On The Menu

Bradite’s versatile, high-performance floor coating, Floor-It, rose to a number of challenges encountered by Norwichbased JB Decorating Services on bars and restaurant projects across the country. Floor-It is a low odour acrylic paint suited to medium traffic areas. It provides an extremely durable surface which is mark, stain and petrol resistant. Its quick drying abilities – touch dry in just 30 minutes and re-coatable after an hour – mean it is highly recommended for business or commercial use, where speed of completion is a major consideration.

“We were after a floor paint that was quick-drying and hard wearing.” Said Jake Bygrave from JB Decorating Services. His regular supplier, Brewers’ South Norwich branch, recommended the Floor-It product. “I was very impressed with it. The application was fantastic.” says Jake, who decorated the floors of three bars in London, Plymouth and York, each with different substrates.

One floor was a non-porous concrete floor and another had been previously painted. As a versatile floor paint suitable for a range of internal or external surfaces, Floor-It was the ideal topcoat for a smooth, durable finish. The third premises had a floor newly fitted with plyboard, and here Bradite One Can was used as a strengthening primer. Making use of the range of products available from Bradite has ensured a firstrate finish for three demanding jobs. www.bradite.com

Modern Materials For Modern Schools

A new 74 million 23,500 square metre school has been built in Freising, Germany as a showcase of how modern design and educational requirements can be designed in harmony to create a lively and vibrant learning space filled with space and light. Designed by architects Fuchs and Rudolph Architecture, the combined primary and secondary SteinPark-Schulen school comprises 44 classrooms and ten specialist learning centres along with triple-field sports hall, auditorium, outdoor classrooms and playing fields. Linked via a central atrium, daylight floods the interior through large windows. To control the acoustics and the problems of reverberated sound from the large windows and hard floors, Troldtekt’s wood wool acoustic panels were specified across the ceilings in the classrooms, open spaces and dining halls to ensure optimal acoustic performance and to create a pleasant, relaxed learning environment for staff and students.

Finished in a white 101 colour, the ultrafine panels complement the window frames and furniture of pale wood and the light- coloured floors. Founded on the Cradle-to-Cradle design concept and recently attaining Gold certification, Troldtekt’s natural and inherently sustainable panels are available in a variety of different surfaces and colours and contribute positively to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB and LEED ratings. In addition to their high sound absorption and tactile surface, they offer high durability and low-cost lifecycle performance. Available in various sizes and in four grades, from extreme fine to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in almost any RAL colour. www.troldtekt.co.uk

Photo: Olaf Wiechers, architect MAA

Reveal The Texture Of Light With IVC Commercial’s

New Carpet Tile

Light Art is the affordable new carpet tile from IVC Commercial, with designs that express the interplay between natural light and woven textiles. The changing hues and balances of cast daylight bring new meaning to the woven organic textiles that inspire Light Art, the new carpet tile from IVC Commercial that’s available in two mix and match designs. In Flare, flashes of bright highlight give structure to its woven effect. Striated highs express light’s influence broken by shadows that bring depth to a floor design with dynamic texture.

Reflect is a design where light casts organic flows across its woven-like texture, expressing light’s ability to expose and conceal, for a sense of natural movement. Flare and Reflect are available in eight mix and match colourways, so you can design layouts which respond to the needs of today’s agile office interiors in a carpet tile that’s affordable. With grey, blue, green and natural tones, Light Art’s colours are highly functional and adaptable to most design schemes.

Made from solution-dyed nylon, Light Art is colourfast and lightfast, as well as stain- resistant. TIVC Commercial has been able to create the designs in a low pile weight that still delivers impressive performance, with both achieving a Class 33 wear classification. The low weight reduces the amount of yarn and so the environmental footprint of the carpet tile – nylon yarn is the most significant material contributor to environmental footprint. www.ivc-commercial.com

Schlüter® KERDI-BOARD Offers Versatile, Lightweight And Waterproof Tile Backerboard Option

As one of the most versatile and widely specified products from Schlüter-Systems, Schluter-KERDI-BOARD finds applications for both retrofit and new-build installations, with different thicknesses of the extruded polystyrene (XPS) panel providing a stable and waterproof substrate for natural stone and ceramic tiling. The panels are available in thicknesses of 5, 9, 12.5, 19, 28, 38 and 50mm and are easily installed across existing masonry, concrete, timber stud frames or lightweight metal framing, with panels featuring parallel grooves also available for creating rounded surfaces.

With all thicknesses available in 1.25 m or 2.6 m lengths, both by 62.5 cm wide, KERDI-BOARD is frequently used to create work-surfaces, breakfast bars, islands and vanities. A handy guide can be downloaded from the Schlüter-Systems website which can assist both specifiers and tradespeople in picking the right panel for an application. For instance, 12.5 mm is the minimum thickness recommended for use where a stud frame is constructed to 400 mm centres.

The largest three thicknesses should be considered for construction purposes, while there are also special L-shaped and U-shaped panels for use as pipe boxing, and prefabricated niches in different sizes - with or without lighting - to create storage within walls. KERDI-BOARD is BBA certified. www.schluter.co.uk

Yeoman Shield Extend Lifecycle Of Walls At Pinderfields Hospital

Yeoman Shield engaged with Equans and The Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust to continue to improve the lifecycle of wall coverings in key areas of Pinderfields Hospital. Previously Yeoman Shield Imagery wall protection panels had been installed on the lower section of walls in the gate areas of the hospital. These panels perfectly replicated the design of the wallpaper which was becoming damaged and starting to look unkempt. Showing to be successful in fending off impact damage, scratching, and marking the decision was taken to repeat the same process to the upper part of the wallpapered walls. Yeoman Shield’s team copied images and dimensions from the printed pattern on the original wall covering taking care to align the top and bottom graphics.

The designs were programmed into Yeoman Shield’s in-house CNC machine then cut from Yeoman Shield’s 2.0 mm Falmouthex protection panels and fitted together to emulate the design and colourways. The panels were installed by Yeoman Shield’s fixing operatives to provide a decorative, hygienic, and impact-resistant covering that remains true to the original design brief.

Minimising future redecoration and repair requirements, the panels will assist in reducing maintenance budgets providing a long-lasting, durable solution to impact damage.

Richard Bebb, Equans Lifecycle Manager commented, “The Yeoman Shield fixing team were great and worked well and with respect in live areas and we are very pleased with the product and finished installation.” For more information on how to protect walls from impact damage using Yeoman Shield’s decorative Imagery Wall Panels go to www.yeomanshield.com

Silestone® Introduces New Urban Crush Collection

Silestone® by Cosentino introduces its new series Urban Crush, a collection full of colour and design inspired by the heartbeat of the city and new urban trends. Lime Delight, Concrete Pulse, Brass Relish and Cinder Craze make up this collection of dusty tones that creates an ideal industrial backdrop, the perfect partner for raw and eclectic spaces. 

Urban Crush is produced with HybriQ+® technology, which uses a more sustainable manufacturing process with 99% recycled water, 100% electric energy from renewable sources and a minimum of 20% recycled materials in its composition. (cont...)

(cont...) Two years since its last release, Silestone® by Cosentino, the world’s leading hybrid mineral surface for architecture and design, returns stronger than ever to present its new collection: Urban Crush. A commitment to elegance, colour and innovation, the new collection has been designed to suit new urban spaces with its modern, vibrant aesthetics. Contemporary and understated, Urban Crush introduces dusty tones to create an ideal industrial backdrop; a natural complement for raw, eclectic spaces.

When you look closer, the Urban Crush designs burst with intensity, breathing life into spaces. Recreating the look of limestone and sandstone, the stylish collection comprises four colourways - Lime Delight, Concrete Pulse, Brass Relish and Cinder Craze - inspired by the textures of the city.

Lime Delight: The textured beige tones of Lime Delight provide a versatile base for any interior, from calm and minimal spaces to unexpected, bold looks. Warm and bright, it replicates the beauty and luminosity of the renowned Marbella limestone.

Concrete Pulse: Cool and refined, Concrete Pulse is ideal for eclectic interiors, helping to create a vibrant show of contrasts. Its natural raw grey tone brings the effects of light and shadow play to any setting.

Brass Relish: The grainy brown of Brass Relish blends seamlessly with the colours and design elements of modern vintage style. This sophisticated elegant colourway embodies finely grained sandstone.

Cinder Craze: A modern reinterpretation of black sandstone, Cinder Craze brings style and personality to industrial-inspired interiors with its dark and dramatic tone. www.cosentino.com/en-gb/silestone

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 bi-directionally 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 specific measurements and requirements. www.profabaccess.com

VIEWS XTRA

Highlights of this issue's XtraViews include:

Adding a power supply infrastructure to an outdoor public space, such as a courtyard or enclosed garden, is an excellent way to unlock the potential for holding events and creating more revenue-generating space, according to Pop Up Powers Supplies.

As differing responses to the need for a decarbonised future for domestic heating has swept across the UK, there has been an unhealthy willingness to chase the spectre of new technology and a dreamlike, instant future, heralded by the arrival of hydrogen as the answer to all our problems says LG...

How To Specify Outdoor Power Distribution Units To Meet Anticipated Demand

Adding a power supply infrastructure to an outdoor public space, such as a courtyard or enclosed garden, is an excellent way to unlock the potential for holding events and creating more revenue-generating space. But how can you ensure that the proposed power supply will meet the demands and needs of the site given the versatility that comes when an outdoor space is power-connected?

Over-specifying the services infrastructure and distribution units could be a costly mistake. But under-specifying could result in the need to hire temporary generators or run lengthy trailing cables from adjacent buildings, creating avoidable trip hazards.

Whether you are a site owner or an architect or landscape architect working to enhance an outdoor space, the starting point is to ask three basic questions about demand and needs:

1) How do you envisage that your proposed power unit or power distribution system will be used?

2) How many power sockets will be needed?

3) Would the location also benefit from a supply of water or data connectivity?

Designing-in versatility - Equipping any outdoor space with a power infrastructure is going to add a great degree of flexibility of use to the location. But when designing the power supply, it is important to have a picture of the typical and maximum usage that will be required.

Going back to basics, why is the site going to benefit from a power infrastructure? For a business such as a restaurant, bar, café or hotel, the outdoor space could add additional areas for eating and drinking primarily. Such uses would typically require the power distribution to provide access to sockets for lighting, till points, AV equipment or outdoor serving points

The type of power unit you choose will depend on how the site will need to look or be used when the space is not being used for events, catering, etc. Both the pop-up and in-ground units can be hidden away when they are not in use, with the only evidence being a cover which can be designed to match surrounding surface materials.

A power bollard has a permanent presence, but the designs available from Pop Up Power Supplies® are elegant to avoid the utilitarian appearance that would be expected with a typical feeder pillar.

What should each power unit provide? - Consider what the electricity demand will be for the equipment that is to be connected to ensure the power supply units can handle the load. This is an area where Pop Up Power Supplies® has a wealth of expertise to help, given our experience of providing power units for a diverse range of sites across the UK, from Caerphilly Castle visitor centre to Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge pitch.

The retractable power units available from Pop Up Power Supplies® can be specified to provide a total power supply from as little as 63 amps right up to 600 amps. In ground units offer the option of 63 amps or 125 amps and power bollards provide up to 125 amps. The sockets in all can be configured to suit usage requirements.

such as mobile counters or drinks dispensers. But is that the limit to such a site’s potential? Could it also be used as a stage are for outdoor music performances and other entertainment, for example. And if so, would your proposed power supply solution accommodate these requirements too? Also think about the location of the power units in relation to how they will be used.

If the site is to be used for market stalls, where will the stalls be set up on site and where will the main pedestrian routes be? Installing power units in the correct locations will help reduce the risk of trip hazards as cables trailing across the main footfall areas can be minimised or avoided completely.

Once you have a picture of how the site could be used, it is time to consider how you feed power to the locations across the space. This can be achieved with the installation of a Pop Up Power Supplies® power distribution unit in one of three forms:

1) Pop up, retractable power unit – this is submerged in the group until it is needed, and raised/lowered using a turning handle.

2) Flip-lid, in ground power unit – this is permanently submerged in the ground with access provided via a flip-lid which can be used while the lid is locked down.

3) Power bollard – a street furniture element which has power sockets integrated, accessible as required behind a lockable cover.

These units can also be designed to provide a water supply or data connectivity. Access to water can be particularly useful for ground maintenance and cleaning purposes, so consider that too and the units can become extremely useful assets. www.popuppower.co.uk

Heat Pumps – Ignore Them At Your Peril….

As differing responses to the need for a decarbonised future for domestic heating has swept across the UK, there has been an unhealthy willingness to chase the spectre of new technology and a dreamlike, instant future, heralded by the arrival of hydrogen as the answer to all our problems. And all whilst the proven technology and comforting energy efficiency offered by heat pumps has been shuffled away as some kind of black art technology that simply cannot work. Or if it can, it won’t work in a large percentage of homes in the UK.

With hundreds of thousands of heat pumps being installed in Germany this year, and hundreds of thousands already installed and operating very well across Scandinavia and North America as well as across mainland Europe – it’s amazing it’s taken this long for the penny to drop. At last, the UK heating industry – in the form of its installers at any rate – is making the decision to welcome heat pump technology with open arms with research undertaken by Registered Gas Engineer highlighting that as many as 70% of all installers in the UK are looking to be trained to install heat pumps in 2023 – up from just 19% this time last year.

Installers operating at the sharp end of the industry are adopting the sensible approach that with heat pumps clearly being encouraged by the Government, increasingly being accepted by the new homes sector and offering a very clear option for replacement heating systems despite what the boiler lobby is saying, it’s clear that heat pumps – in particular air to water heat pumps - are gaining significant ground when it comes to acceptance as the key technology for renewable heating and hot water in the UK. The increasing sales and installations of heat pumps simply cannot be ignored. The heating sector is voting with its feet. Of course, there will always be room for alternatives on a local scale but there is no sensible, proven alternative to heat pumps across the country – whether on or off grid any more.

Stepping up training opportunities and providing facilities will be key to providing the resources that the heating industry is saying it wants and there has to be a role for Government to provide the levels of training we will need to be able to accommodate 600,000 heat pumps a year being installed by 2028. The relatively conservative investment being made in the Boiler Replacement Scheme needs matching and more in supporting training of the cohorts of installers lining up to be trained on the new technology.

As with other heat pump manufacturers, LG is contributing to the new wave of heat pump ready installers and specifiers with a range of excellent highly efficient heat pumps offering at least four times the levels of energy efficiency that the most efficient boiler can.

Almost monthly, new developments are unleashed that see the heat pumps getting more efficient, less expensive and even easier to fit. It’s not a static market – it’s a constantly improving one that sees every aspect of the heat pump revolution driving the heat pump market onwards and upwards.

A visit to the LG stand at Installer Live will allow installers to see the latest version of the leading Therma V Monobloc air to water heat pump unveiled, available to install in this country in June or July. A future-ready HVAC solution, LG’s Therma V R290 Monobloc adopts R290 refrigerant, which comes with a GWP of just three, to pre-emptively respond to refrigerant regulations that will come into force across Europe in 2025.

The new Therma V R290 Monobloc offers easy management with convenient remote service. Software updates and installer settings can be quickly taken care of via remote support, offering customers a hassle-free user experience. Remote system diagnosis is also available via LG’s Building Energy Control (BECON) cloud.

Unveiled for the first time at the recent ISH Show in Frankfurt, the new ASHP delivers improved water heating performance and reliable low-temperature operation. Along with providing a leaving water temperature of up to 75 degrees Celsius, the Therma V R290 Monobloc dependably operates at full capacity in temperatures as low as negative 15 degrees Celsius.

LG also presented the newest addition to its Therma V R32 Split line up, the Therma V R32 Split 4 & 6kW series, at ISH 2023. The new models are more compact in size and lighter in weight than those from the original line up, which makes them a good choice for smaller spaces and easier for HVAC technicians to install, as well. Because they have small capacities, Therma V R32 Split 4 & 6kW series solutions do not require a large amount of refrigerant to operate.

As a result, the products’ indoor units are exempt from the minimum floor area requirements typically imposed on solutions employing R32 refrigerant. This translates to greater design flexibility and can further simplify the installation process. Heat pumps work. They are available and they are delivering. Already. The potential for heat pumps is immense. With an investment in more renewable electricity generation –onshore and offshore wind, solar PV – the dream of Zero Carbon by 2050 is in danger of becoming a reality in the UK.

It needs broad minds and a new realism. A willingness to believe the possible and make it happen step by step. And it needs to see the heating industry talking to each other about the best way forwards, rather than hiding heads in the sand and hoping that the Government will extend the deadlines for fossil fueled boilers to be used in UK homes for a little longer…. partner.lge.com/uk

ONSITE XTRA

Highlights of this issue's Xtra Onsite include:

Spatial Design Architect, Sharron Dobrev, when renovating the exterior of her late Victorian home, chose Yeoman Rainguard rainwater systems for both functionality and design capabilities to achieve a desired finish.

One of the York Handmade Brick Company’s most acclaimed projects has won the prestigious 2022 RIBA Stirling Prize. York Handmade, based at Alne, near Easingwold, in North Yorkshire, provided more than 300,000 bricks for the magnificent new Magdalene College Library at Cambridge University.

The world-renowned Roofshield membrane from the A. Proctor Group has been installed as part of a multi-year restoration project that aims to restore and preserve the historic legacy and heritage of the Boleskine House Estate.

Heavy 3 slate has been specified as part of a unique self-build residential home in the Scottish countryside. Showcased on the latest series of Channel 4’s Grand Designs, Heavy 3 was selected to renovate the roof of a Grade II listed bothy that had to be incorporated into the property’s overall design.

Architect Chooses Yeoman Rainguard For Home Renovation

Spatial Design Architect, Sharron Dobrev, when renovating the exterior of her late Victorian home, chose Yeoman Rainguard rainwater systems for both functionality and design capabilities to achieve a desired finish. Having started by completely gutting and refurbishing the home’s interior, attention was turned to the fading grandeur of the property, which was originally built c.1910.

The addition of an attractive bright white rendering brought vivacity back to the house where Yeoman Rainguard’s gutters, pipes and soil pipe products were chosen. Colour matched in harmony with the white wall finishes, Yeoman Rainguard XL aluminium 125 x 100 mm MOG gutters and 75 mm dia. downpipes were installed by the Yeoman Rainguard team to the majority of the house.

A high functioning system, the XL is light weight with a powder coating, offering a traditional looking product with modern benefits, such as robustness, long lifecycle, very low maintenance and recyclability. GRP guttering was bespoke manufactured in the MOG profile to accommodate a radius required over a bay. This, being compatible to the XL range, was able to feed into the XL Aluminium run of guttering at either side.

Cast iron TX Soil Pipes in the same white colour to maintain aesthetics were also installed. Experience, skills and a comprehensive range of products, enabled Yeoman Rainguard to accommodate all the specific requirements for this older property renovation project. Ms Dobrev commented “The installation team not only did a great fit but were very tidy and considerate in cleaning up afterwards.

“I would certainly use the product again and have already recommended them and the team to others.” With over 40 years in the industry Yeoman Rainguard are specialists in providing the right rainwater systems for renovation projects on historical, listed and heritage buildings. www.rainguard.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 closed-cell 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

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

No Risk Of Punching Shear

Failure With The Schöck Bole System

The Beckett, a new retirement village scheme, close to the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent, comprises three luxury apartment buildings of three, four and six storeys, with the primary building located on the main St Johns Road. The contemporary design collectively provides 89 quality appointed apartments with a landscaped courtyard garden.

The upper floors are set back from the primary façade providing generous terrace areas and a communal ‘sky lounge’ with expansive views . The apartments are arranged around full-height atriums which allow natural light to reach the centre of the buildings.

Internal circulation areas are generously proportioned and have been designed to maximise opportunity for social interaction. The buildings are concrete frame and the Schöck Bole shear rail system has been incorporated to counter any possible risk of punching shear failure with the flat slab construction.

Up to four times faster installation with Bole - As with any reinforced concrete slab design, The Beckett scheme is at risk of punching shear failure, which traditionally has been resolved by adding further concrete, such as the use of downstand beams, or localised thickened column heads.

However these measures require complex formwork and significantly reduce the benefits offered by the flat slab design. By incorporating the Schöck Bole shear rail system, installation is cost-effective and significantly faster than traditional loose links – as much as four times faster in fact. This is because when using traditional links it involves far more ties to the reinforcement matt than when using the Schöck Bole.

Quicker, safer and easier - The ready-to-install reinforcement element consists of double-headed studs with spacing bars to ensure correct positioning. Spacers allow installation on the formwork and as a result, installation on the construction site and in the precast plant is therefore quicker, safer and easier to achieve.

Two spacer bars are welded to the vertical studs, which ensure the correct distance between uprights. The forged stud heads guarantee a perfect finishing bond with the concrete. The dramatically reduced fixing time far outweighs any additional material costs that may be involved with a prefabricated system. Schöck offers two other variants - Schöck has developed two other punching shear reinforcement variants.

The type U, designed for installation before the lower mat and type O for installation after the top reinforcement layer. All products in the range are designed to Eurocode 2 and supplied ready for installation. There is downloadable user- friendly Schöck design software available too, which enables fast and simple dimensioning of the product. www.schoeck.co.uk

A Stella Sea View Next To The Home Of Golf

Standing proudly on one of St Andrews’most desirable streets, Gillespie Terrace, Step Rock House is understood to date back to 1850 and was originally the residence of Lady Playfair, wife of the first Baron of St Andrews. The stunning Grade B Listed property is among a key group of buildings listed as ‘significant’ within the St Andrews Conservation Area. The property enjoys a unique location overlooking West Sands beach, (famed for the opening scenes of the film Chariots of Fire), and backing onto the oldest and most iconic golf course in the world, St Andrews Old Course.

Following a major renovation project recently undertaken by renowned local contractor, Alpha Projects, Step Rock House has now been divided into two separate apartments over two floors. All works were completed to an exceptionally high standard, ensuring appropriate materials were used to maintain the many period features throughout. The complete internal refurbishment of the property involved the installation of a new staircase, improved insulation, new flooring, cornices, kitchens, bathroom and ensuites.

Externally, the sympathetic renovation works to this distinctive building involved the complete removal and reforming of the existing roof to provide increased head height and floor area. A major part of the external works included the refurbishment and replacement of the existing sash and case bow windows which extend the full height of both storeys, along with the installation of a genuine conservation rooflight, sitting flush to the roof tiles in between two tall curved slated parapets.

Preserving the original character of the building and surrounding Conservation Area was of hugely significant architectural importance. As such project architects, Muir Walker Pride, specified a bespoke Stella conservation rooflight, constructed using316L stainless steel with a self-clean high performance glazing unit. This would not only provide maximum protection against the harsh coastal elements, but due to the rooflight’s slender steel sight lines, genuine glazing bar and original Victorian design, it also satisfied the strict requirements of the Local Conservation Officer.

The Stella rooflight not only looks magnificent from the outside, but provides a stunning internal feature, which floods the space with natural daylight and makes the most of the spectacular views across West Sands beach and inland across the golf courses. www.stellarooflight.co.uk

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 neoGothic 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

York

Handmade Project Wins Prestigious Stirling Prize

One of the York Handmade Brick Company’s most acclaimed projects has won the prestigious 2022 RIBA Stirling Prize. York Handmade, based at Alne, near Easingwold, in North Yorkshire, provided more than 300,000 bricks for the magnificent new Magdalene College Library at Cambridge University. The library beat five other projects to triumph in this year’s Stirling Prize, the highest accolade in architecture.

It is awarded for the UK’s best new building of the past 12 months. The contract was worth £300,000 for York Handmade, one of the leading independent brickmakers in the UK. The prize-winning architects for the new library at Magdalene College were London-based Niall McLaughlin.

David Armitage, chairman of York Handmade, commented: “It is a tremendous honour to have played a pivotal role in creating a building which has won the Stirling Prize. There is no more significant or coveted prize in the architectural world. We were so proud when we were asked to provide our bricks for such a prestigious project. Magdalene has a rich cultural heritage and this stunning new building reflects this. The finished building is absolutely magnificent and provides a wonderful place for Magdalene students to work. It is one of our flagship projects over the past few years and we are proud of what we have achieved.”

The Stirling Prize judges praised the new library, called it "exquisitely detailed and solid and confident, yet deferential new kid on the college block". Simon Allford, president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), commented that: “It had been a significant challenge to create a building that would last at least 400 years, but that the architects had managed it with 'the utmost skill, care and responsibility'. Well-designed environments hugely improve student success and wellbeing. They should be the rule for all students and teachers in all places of learning, not the exception".

York Handmade was selected primarily for the colour and the character of its brick, but also because of it's ability to manufacture a wide range of intricate specials and sizes to fit in with the design specified by the architect. Mr Armitage explained: “We supplied no less than 40 different sized or special-shaped bricks for this scheme and the quality of the brickwork is outstanding. We must pay tribute to the contractor and especially Julian Redpath, who is the site manager for Cocksedge Building Contractors Ltd."

Tim Allen-Booth, associate with architects Niall McLaughlin, commented: “Our design for the new library was for a bold, modern building,

while also having a settled quality that fits with the mediaeval character of the original college buildings. The character of the new brickwork is central to this aim.

“We chose York Handmade’s bricks for their texture, range of colours and ability to produce the range of special shapes and sizes required. The colour mix was developed in close collaboration with York Handmade’s team. The end result echoes the tapestry-like quality of the college’s mediaeval walls and is a key part of both the interior and exterior of the new building.”

Mr Armitage added: “This commission continues our strong relationship with colleges and university buildings at Oxford and Cambridge. We have provided bricks for Christchurch College in Oxford, as well as Oxford’s Said Business School, and Jesus College, Cambridge. It is an immense privilege to be associated with such important buildings and projects in historic and sensitive environments. It is also testament to the renaissance of brick as the building material of choice for significant and prestigious developments.” www.yorkhandmade.co.uk

SterlingOSB Zero’s Shear Strength Leads To Selection For Wikihouse Switch

A programme of testing being carried out by one of the country’s leading research universities is expected to verify the team’s early findings around the WikiHouse offsite building system – indicating that West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero panels offer superior performance benefits for the production of their large format blocks, beams and other components. The material’s compressive and shear strength have proved key to the successful outcomes. WikiHouse has been developed to provide an economic and sustainable means of constructing low-rise housing and other accommodation which is straightforward to manufacture and erect.

WikiHouse is a zero-carbon building system, maintained in the UK by Open System Lab, and offers a comprehensive selection of key components which can be shared as code and produced in small local workshops, rather than a large factory. Crucially, the WikiHouse blocks are produced to an accuracy of 0.1mm and can be rapidly assembled by a small site team, requiring none of the traditional trade skills. SterlingOSB Zero has outstanding environmental credentials. Both the 18- and 22-mm thick panels are strong enough to meet most load-bearing applications, are BBA Approved and recognized under the NHBC Technical Standard for housing applications. SterlingOSB Zero T&G also bears the coveted UKTFA Q-mark. https://uk.westfraser.com

Roofshield® Aids The Restoration Of The Boleskine House Estate

The world-renowned Roofshield membrane from the A. Proctor Group has been installed as part of a multi-year restoration project that aims to restore and preserve the historic legacy and heritage of the Boleskine House Estate, located on the shores of Loch Ness. The manor in the Scottish Highlands was once home to Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page.

The Roofshield roofing membrane has long been recognised as one of the highestperforming roofing membrane solutions, providing a pitched roof underlay that is air and vapour permeable. The exceptional performance of Roofshield has been successfully incorporated in many of the most demanding locations worldwide. Its characteristics allow even very complex pitched roofs to breathe without the need for air gaps or secondary venting. A unique performance characteristic of Roofshield is its patented SMS (Spunbond Meltblown Spunbond) structure, which allows high levels of airflow and the transport of moisture vapour, making the formation of condensation in the roof space virtually impossible.

Numerous vapour permeable underlays use an airtight VP film layer to achieve their performance. However, the exceptionally high vapour permeability and air permeability of Roofshield means that it can perform in conditions in which air tight alternatives will not. The exceptional air permeability performance of Roofshield means that the roof space will result in similar air changes to that of a roof using traditional eaves/ ridge ventilation. www.proctorgroup.com

Balustrade Manufacturer

Urges Diligence In Meeting New Staircase Regulations

Balustrade manufacturer, Neaco, is urging construction companies to be wary of compromising safety in managing the extra cost of new regulations requiring a second staircase on tall buildings. The government has been consulting on a plan to force developers to include two staircases in their designs for all new residential blocks above 30m in height, a proposed step which has already been adopted by London mayor, Sadiq Khan, for planning applications in the capital. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said the extra fire safety measure could cost developers around £1.6bn over a decade, prompting concerns that some companies will use cut-price solutions that are not reliably tested to meet fire safety compliance.

With the government consultation envisaging a very short transition period, new developments are being encouraged to prepare for the change now. Having worked on balustrade specifications for high-rise buildings throughout the UK, Neaco believes that time and cost pressures could lead to flawed decisions in the design of staircases.

Ryan Bainbridge, Technical Lead at Neaco, said: “The direction of travel appears to be heading towards a mandatory two staircases and a coalition of industry professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Building, have joined fire chiefs in calling to extend the rule to residential buildings above 18m in height. Many developers will be busy revising their designs and assessing the cost of the change. In some cases, there could be an incentive to reduce cost with economy solutions, but that carries a risk as many of these

solutions are not rigorously tested with third-party data and supporting documents. “For example, balustrade and other staircase elements must achieve the required fire classification to BS EN13501.Those credentials must be certified by a credible third party – in other words, an independent and authorised testing body. If a balustrade manufacturer has not invested in third party certification and instead tests its products in-house, it cannot be relied upon to supply a genuinely compliant solution.”

The introduction of more robust oversight under the Building Safety Act will throw a spotlight on decisions made at the design stage whenever safety issues arise. In that context, a lack of diligence in specification could expose developers to costly remediation measures.

Alan Green, Managing Director at Neaco, said: “Under the terms of the Building Safety Act, the new Building Safety Regulator will apply evidence-based regulation of high-rise buildings, so everyone in the supply chain should be mindful of the importance of data which is independently sourced and documented. We all have a responsibility to maintain standards and compliance, particularly in relation to fire safety. Credible and reliable product testing is vital to that collective cause.” neaco.co.uk

BP & Centrica Plan Huge

Northern England Hydrogen Projects

Multiple hydrogen projects, valued into billions of pounds, are being pursued in northern England by large global energy companies such as BP, Centrica, Lhyfe and Equinor. UK energy policy revisers have increased Britain’s hydrogen target production aim of 5GW to 10GW. Widening the role of hydrogen in UK decarbonisation efforts signifies that it could potentially be used as a source of heat for commercial and domestic properties across certain regions in England.

Comments Rinnai’s Chris Goggin, “Northern England could be linked by a chain of hydrogen production facilities that produce carbon reducing energy resources. It is therefore feasible that hydrogen will be used as a source of heat for domestic and commercial properties across northern England and North Wales – and this could be kickstarting a potentially greater UK wide hydrogen network” UK international energy companies BP and Centrica as well as several other large global energy companies are planning on several huge hydrogen projects across northwest and northeast England.

Northern England will be connected to various high output hydrogen production facilities increasing the likelihood of widespread consumption in domestic and commercial capacities. Norwegian stateowned oil and gas company Equinor has submitted a bid for UK governmental funding of £16 million with the aim of constructing a blue hydrogen facility in the Humber region of England.

A final investment decision will be made in 2025 on the Hydrogen to Humber (H2H) Production 2 site. Equinor also plan to install a further blue hydrogen facility close to their H2H project. The Saltend project will begin operations in 2028 if construction and approval processes are not complicated by unforeseen events.

Both Saltend and Humber projects will use natural gas to produce blue hydrogen and utilise CCUS technology (Carbon Capture & Underground Storage) that will detain a vast majority of created emissions. Equinor also received £8.4 million in government funding, a figure matched by private investments to begin Saltend construction. BP (British Petroleum) is pursuing an additional blue hydrogen facility in northeast England. H2Teesside will target

1GW of hydrogen production by 2030 with a final investment decision being made in 2027. BP is further planning a green hydrogen facility located in northeast England - HyGreen Teesside. Production aims to be operational by 2025. Initial capacity will be around 80MW. BP will pursue a future planned expansion of up to 500MW. Other notable hydrogen projects include Centrica transforming their offshore gas storage facility – Rough, into a hydrogen and natural gas storage installation. Centrica’s Rough facility consists of a partially depleted gas field in the Southern North Sea, 18 miles off the east coast of Yorkshire.

Once modifications are complete Rough will be the world’s largest hydrogen storage facility and is a further example of hydrogen’s potential prominence in northern England’s future energy mix. Investment by Centrica to convert their storage facility is thought to be around £2 billion. A final hydrogen project located in, or around north England is a collaboration between French hydrogen company Lhyfe and Centrica. Both companies will work together to produce offshore wind generated green hydrogen. The initial pilot project will be located in the southern section of the North Sea.

Northeast and northwest England will soon have multiple hydrogen clusters and large hydrogen production projects becoming operational, including HyNet Northwest, a £750 million blue hydrogen joint venture project that includes big companies such as Cadent, Essar Oil UK and Eni UK. The north of England will be linked by a chain of hydrogen production facilities that produce carbon reducing energy resources. It is therefore feasible that hydrogen will be used as a source of heat for domestic and commercial properties across northern England and North Wales.

As part of Rinnai’s H3 range of products that have been adapted to suit modern decarbonising customer requirements, hydrogen ready boilers that accept hydrogen blends and 100% hydrogen are available for purchase. Rinnai will continue to provide customers with detail regarding potential future energy shifts that may affect customer options. www.rinnaiuk.com

Windmill Restoration Turns To Bradite

A 300-year-old windmill that now provides luxury accommodation for short-break holidays has been refreshed with Bradite paints. The structure sits atop Blackthorn Hill at Bicester in Oxfordshire.

The Grade II-listed building is a stone-built tower mill that was first converted into a house in 1999. In recent years it has been transformed into a luxurious holiday let by its new owner, Alan Chapman. Looking for help and advice for the protection of the exterior, he turned to Bradite.

“The Bradite team recommended using Bradite One Can for external walls, due to its quick-drying abilities and longevity”, Alan explains. Both were important considerations, especially as Alan painted the external window frames at the top of

the tower himself, which he described as “not an easy job and not for the fainthearted.”

A durable coating was required so that the finished result would stand the test of time. Bradite One Can was the ideal choice for the project, as it provided an easy-to-apply yet tough and professional finish.

Alan explains, “Bradite has been used on masonry, iron, wood and is a joy to work with, due to quick-drying times and being water-based”. www.bradite.com

RMIG Brings The Countryside To The Town

Dorset County Hospital is located just outside Dorchester town centre. This modern hospital provides a full range of district general services, including an accident and emergency department, and links with satellite units in five community hospitals. As the main provider of acute hospital services to a population of around 300,000, ample parking space is required at all times. It was decided that a multi-storey car park (MSCP) should be built to keep pace with demand. Due to new and stricter public regulations combined with the desire for aesthetic freedom, the task presented several challenges. The design and construction of multi-storey car parks are receiving a lot of attention in the UK. It gives status to develop aesthetic garages and prizes are awarded every year for the best MSCP architecture – RMIG Solutions has contributed to many significant projects within this field. At the same time, the regulations and legislation for MSCPs are being tightened all the time in the UK.

This applies to the guidelines for light and ventilation, and to a large extent to the rules for fire safety. RMIG Solutions joined the project at an early stage and their experience and expertise within this field was a great advantage, enabling those involved to find the best possible solution. After a public vote, three images from the beautiful Dorset countryside had been selected for illustration on the facade, and had to be processed so that the perforated pattern creating the images could meet the requirements for open areas for light and ventilation. The images were successfully processed and the results were remarkable!

Through a bit of wizardry, it was possible to change the photos to landscape format and at the same time let in light and air for the users. This made it possible to merge the creative wishes of the architects with what was technically possible. It is always a compromise when it comes to MSCPs, but even though ventilation requirements reduce the contrast in the images, they still stand out and give residents a great impression of the Dorset landscapes. Finally, numbers could be stamped directly on each element in the production line so there was never any doubt as to where and in what order they should be installed. This made the on-site mounting process much easier. www.rmig.com/en

Cupa Heavy 3 Slate Provides The Key To Scottish Bothy’s Grand Renovation

Heavy 3 slate has been specified as part of a unique self-build residential home in the Scottish countryside. Showcased on the latest series of Channel 4’s Grand Designs, Heavy 3 was selected to renovate the roof of a Grade II listed bothy that had to be incorporated into the property’s overall design. The slate was the ideal solution to replicate the aesthetic of the original Scottish slate. Architect Iain Shillady, Director at Staran Architects, decided to carry out an ambitious conversion of the bothy – a form of basic accommodation for gardeners working on country estates – and walled garden, turning it into his ideal family home.

However, planning permission dictated that the architectural heritage of the property must be maintained, meaning that the bothy and garden wall had to be preserved to allow the project to take place.

As a result, Iain developed an innovative architectural design that divided the family home into two separate sections, split by a 13-metre skylight. In this design, the bothy, which was positioned against the garden wall, would be restored to house several bedrooms and act as an entrance to the property, with the rest of the house built within the large garden, hidden on the other side of the wall.

Due to the bothy’s lack of upkeep, the original roof slates were damaged beyond repair and several sarking boards and head ends had succumbed to rot. However, the main ridge was salvageable. Iain approached Allan Liddell, CUPA PIZARRAS Technical Sales Manager for Scotland, to work with the project team and find a slate solution that would maintain the bothy’s original aesthetic.

Allan recommended Heavy 3, a popular choice for projects needing a durable building material and a similar aesthetic to traditional Ballachulish Scottish slate. “Once we replaced the sarking boards and head ends, installing the Heavy 3 slates was a very straightforward process,” commented John Carey, Director at Carey Roofers. “CUPA PIZARRAS offers the best slate on the market so I’m happy to install its products whenever possible.”

Approximately 6,000 Heavy 3 slates were nail fixed to the bothy’s roof. Produced in two thicknesses, in this case the extra thickness and weight of the 7-8mm variant provides the strength to withstand the high wind speeds and driving rain that is common throughout Scotland. Also available in a number of sizes, Heavy 3 size 300 x 200mm slate is widely used on conservation projects and comes with a 100-year warranty as standard.

“I’m very pleased with the final result,” commented Iain. “The quality and the aesthetic of the slate were essential. I was already familiar with Heavy 3 as it is a common choice for our listed building work, so I was confident in the product. We opted for a slightly smaller format to closely replicate the Scottish slate originally removed from the bothy.” The project is now complete and has recently aired on the latest series of Channel 4’s architectural housebuilding programme Grand Designs, presented by Kevin McCloud. www.cupapizarras.com/uk

Britannia Brick Slips Contributes To Sustainability

Brick is the traditional building material in the UK and although architectural styles may come and go, brick seems to be a constant. There are however limitations to the use of whole bricks, particularly as they require a lot of energy to manufacture. The increase in the cost of energy has had a dramatic impact on brick manufacturers and led to significant price increases. The need to improve sustainability means alternatives to whole bricks are being sought to reduce the embedded energy of projects.

One such alternative to whole bricks is extruded brick slips. Made from natural clay and fired like traditional bricks, extruded brick slips are manufactured as thin slips or tiles requiring only 30-40% of the energy used to manufacture whole bricks, which is quite a substantial reduction in energy consumption. Furthermore, manufactured brick slips are usually around 15mm thick and are packed up to 3000 slips to a pallet as opposed to up to 600 whole bricks to a pallet. This means fewer pallets of brick slips will be

required to cover a given area compared with traditional bricks, reducing associated transport costs. Their Britannia range is a selection of kiln fired natural clay brick slips that provide excellent quality and great value, offering a wide range of colours and textures. The smooth finish and clean edges of some brick slips in this range complement contemporary designs while others offer the more traditional aesthetic that is always in demand.

Manufactured in standard UK metric sizes, the nominal size of the Britannia range brick slip is 215mm in length by 65mm height with a thickness of just 14-15mm. Corner pieces are also available and nominally measure 215 x 65 x 100 x 14-15mm. Eurobrick also have a specially formulated pointing mortar called Europoint which is designed for bag or gun injection into the joints of its brick slip cladding systems. Europoint is available in 8 colours to contrast with or complement the brick choice. www.eurobrick.co.uk

Modular House Builder Opens

The Window To New ISO Chemie WINFRAMER Specification

ISO Chemie’s thermal insulating and load bearing bracket support system has been specified by a leading modular house builder for installation in its new designs. The development sees WINFRAMER units along with WIN2WALL multi-level sealing tape supplied to CoreHaus, as part of the company’s five-year plan to produce around 1,000 precision engineered units a year built using modern methods of construction (MMC) to deliver long term energy cost savings.

Passivhaus certified and fire rated to up to 30 minutes, WINFRAMER is a prefabricated installation frame, manufactured to accommodate cavities up to 250mm that allows windows to be supported independently from the face of the wall regardless of any external cladding being in place. ISOBLOCO WIN2WALL enables window and door gaps between 2 mm to 8 mm to be easily sealed from inside the property.

Available in two widths to give the extra thermal insulation equivalent to A Rated (40mm tape) or A+ and A++ windows (65 mm tape), the tape is able to accommodate the vast majority of UK window installations. Among the key advantages of WIN2WALL are not only its thermal performance, but it is also weather tight to 600 Pa (Violent Storm Force 11) and has excellent acoustic insulation properties. www.iso-chemie.eu/en-GB/home/

Automatic Access Upgrade For Cumbrian Business Park

Offering an inspirational business environment, Westlakes Science Park, West Cumbria, is home to over 2,000 professionals working from a selection of high-quality buildings. As part of a recent refurbishment to Kelton House and Galemire Court, TORMAX worked with Evolve Conservatories and WM Services Ltd to replace the existing manual door to the main entrance with a highly functional, automatic sliding door system.

Providing reliable and continuously smooth operation, the single door leaf is powered by the TORMAX iMotion 2202 operatorone of the most advanced motors on the market today. Featuring unique AC motor technology and state-of-the-art microprocessor control, door movement is permanently monitored, making automatic adjustments as necessary to maximise performance. “Delivering clear and open access for everyone, the Westlakes entrance is also certified for rescue and escape routes,” confirms Simon Roberts, MD for TORMAX. “Since completing this installation, we are delighted to have been specified to install a further automatic entrance at the Park.”

Developed in-house at the TORMAX headquarters in Switzerland, all iMotion operators deliver unparalleled life expectancy thanks to the motors having none of the parts that generally wear out, such as gears and brushes, ensuring ongoing performance well into the future. www.tormax.co.uk

● Elegant partitioning with maximum transparency

● Single- and double-leaf doors and fixed glazing up to 5000 × 4000 mm

● Sliding doors for a space-saving way to link two rooms