February Refurb and Renew magazine

February 2O16 issue 8955
refurb
and
RENEW
Intergas
Remote
management
The latest generation of Combi Compact ECO RF highefficiency
boilers has integrated technology that
enables smart Remote Management. Now servicing
and maintenance appointments can be determined
by boiler condition and use, and not by the calender,
resulting in increased efficiency and first-time fixes.
In this issue...
SPV News Today
Latest projects and industry news from
one of the leading façade refurbishment
contractors in the country.
Dig out the onesie
Juliet Woodcock draws some tongue-incheek
comparisons between the fashion industry
and the housing sector
False Alarms: burning issue
The Fire Industry Association estimates that
false alarms are costing the UK taxpayer in excess
of one billion pounds every year.
page 11
page 12
page 18

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We created one of those successful
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www.gutterliners.com

R
and
refurb| RENEW
Dear Reader,
What a great start to 2016 for the construction industry,
especially the news that the Government is releasing public land
to build 60,000 homes over five years – see the full article in this
issue of the magazine, entitled Welcome boost for building.
Although the UK’s skills shortage will be a problem if we
continue to opt for traditional build rather than modern
methods of construction, whereby building elements are
produced in the factory environment and thus short circuit the
need for labour intensive operations on site – walls, floors and
other aspects of the building envelope are covered in this
edition of R&R, many of which will have been manufactured
offsite.
One also hopes that the Government’s scheme to introduce
200,000 public sector apprenticeships will further help the
construction industry, as well as encourage the private sector to
invest more in training schemes. Hopefully cutting the total of
some one million NEETs. We would certainly welcome any news
stories from readers and advertisers on how the initiative is likely
to impact on their businesses over the coming months, as many
fear the idea of a levy is going to do little to close the skills gap.
Articles
Welcome boost for Building 16
For the first time in 30 years, the Government has initiated a
drive to get Britain building. Juliet Woodcock investigates.
Refurbs offer flexible opportunities to
focus on fabric to meet Part L 22
Successive revisions to Part L of the Building
Regulations have raised the bar on energy efficiency
for refurbishment projects.
It’s a cover up! 26
Although modern renovation plasters are a superb
alternative to tradional types; don’t overlook the
possibilities of impervious coverings – along with hybrid
and insulated plasterboards. So says Hudson Lambert,
director of Safeguard Europe.
Juliet Woodcock
Air source energy gains critical mass 38
Juliet Woodcock considers the potential of a new
addition to Mitsubishi Electric’s already successful
range of air source heat pumps.
Front Cover: Remote management
For more information
please go to page 34
The latest generation of Combi
Compact ECO RF high-efficiency
boilers has integrated technology
that enables smart Remote
Management. Now servicing and
maintenance appointments can
be determined by boiler
condition and use, and not by the
calender, resulting in increased
efficiency and first-time fixes.
Consulting Editor - Juliet Woodcock - juliet@wavcoms.co.uk
Advertising - Paul Barstow - paul@wavcoms.co.uk
News Desk & Press Releases - Gemma Spilsbury - press@wavcoms.co.uk
Production - Di Smith - di@wavcoms.co.uk
- Ellie Rich - design@wavcoms.co.uk
Circulation - circulation@wavcoms.co.uk
Telephone Enquiries 01827 311800
Publisher’s Statement.
r&r is a bi-monthly publication. Printed in England. All rights reserved. No part of r&r may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form without prior permission of the publisher. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of editorial
content, the editor and publishers do not accept responsibility for errors or loss and damage caused by any statements, claims or
observations made by contributors, authors and their agents.
Waverley Communications Limited Registered Office: Waverley House, 11 Galena Close, Amington Heights, Amington Industrial Estate,
Tamworth, Staffordshire. B77 4AS. Reg. No. 4805329
Slimmming down for modrn living 40
Juliet Woodcock reports on the latest innovation
from a British manufacturer of water heating products.
16 22 26 40
Special Features
18 . . . . . Fire and Safety Systems
22 . . . . Building Envelope
34 . . . . Heating & Ventilation
42 . . . . Interior Refurbishment
46 . . . . Energy Saving
38
January 2O15 issue 8955 refurb| RENEW 05

News |
NEWS
British and Chinese firms agree landmark zero-carbon homes deal
Up to 8,000 zero-carbon homes are set to be built in the UK thanks to a £1.1bn deal between UK solar developers WElink Energy and British Solar Renewables
(BSR) with the China National Building Materials Group (CNBM).
The agreement will see an initial tranche of 4,000 pre-engineered homes built between 2016-2018, complete with rooftop solar panels, energy storage systems
and waste-to-energy technologies. A further 4,000 units are set to follow.
The Renewable Energy Association (REA) welcomed news of the deal, saying in a statement: “That solar and storage technologies are now being incorporated
into new building developments demonstrates that despite ongoing government actions to slow the growth of highly efficient green homes, there is still
robust demand.” The latter observation referring to the Government having scrapped the so-called zero-carbon homes standard back in July last year.
Investors snapping up homes before buy-to-let
tax comes in
Estate agents are reporting a rush of interest from property investors trying
to buy homes ahead of the government’s new stamp duty surcharge on
second homes.
From 1st April, anyone buying a property for more than £40,000 to let or use
as a holiday home will pay stamp duty on the purchase at a rate three
percentage points higher than the standard rate.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors recently reported that the
housing market had seen an “unusually buoyant” December, and suggested
that this was in part a result of investors trying to beat the tax change. Those
involved in the market suggest that this has continued into 2016.
A quarter of agents are reporting uplift in interest from landlords looking to
snap up a buy-to-let property in time to beat an increased tax bill.
White van man is back
Internet retailing has driven the return of ‘white van man’, with annual sales
of commercial vehicles climbing to their highest ever total.
The rise of online shopping has fuelled growth in the courier industry as
consumers’ purchases are delivered to their doorsteps, boosting demand
for delivery drivers and appropriate vehicles.
Official data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
showed that 371,830 vans were sold in the UK in 2015, a rise of 15.6pc on
2014, and beating the previous record set in 2007 just before the financial
crisis struck, when 337,741 were sold.
“White man van is definitely back,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief
executive. “Demand for vans is growing inexorably as the economy
continues to grow.”
House builder reaction the Spending Review
Housebuilders broadly welcomed announcements by Chancellor George Osborne the Spending Review to boost house building.
Over the past two years, the Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme has been a driver for demand for new homes and as a result housing output has risen at the
steepest rate for decades. Latest figures show the number of new homes delivered in 2014/15 was up 25% year on year to 171,000 homes a year up from around
124,000 just a few years ago.
The extension of Help to Buy Equity Loan to 2021 will provide greater certainty for house builders buying land and planning for future production.
The additional £2.3bn to fund 60,000 Starter Homes over and above units included within Affordable Housing will help the industry deliver, and expanding the
range of brownfield land defined within the exception sites policy will provide a further boost to supply. However, much detail needs to be agreed before it
can deliver the projected 200,000 homes over the next five years.
06
refurb| RENEW January 2O15 issue 8955

News |
The imposition of Council Tax on unbuilt homes could increase the risks of
bringing forward new developments by small house builders. The measure
could deliver the opposite of what it hopes to achieve by reducing the
number of smaller housing developments
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB,
Council Tax proposals could damage house building,
warns FMB
Charging Council Tax on unbuilt developments could decrease house building numbers
by deterring SME house builders, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in
response to proposals made by the Local Government Association.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The imposition of Council Tax on unbuilt
homes could increase the risks of bringing forward new developments by small house
builders. The measure could deliver the opposite of what it hopes to achieve by
reducing the number of smaller housing developments.
“SMEs already face serious challenges in terms of access to finance and scarcity of small
sites. For small house builders to be liable for Council Tax on properties which can’t be
built would add yet another layer of risk and act as a further deterrent to smaller
developers. It is already commonplace for local authorities to start charging council tax
on homes that are incomplete – sometimes before even the basics, such as plastering,
have been finished.”
Over 100,000 jobs created by surge in house building
Over 100,000 new jobs were created in England alone last year as a result of the big
increase in house building, a report released in January revealed. Analysis by the
Home Builders Federation shows that the house building industry is now supporting
around 667,000 jobs, and details how local economies the length and breadth of
the country are benefitting from the thousands of additional homes now being
developed.
Improvements to the planning system and the highly successful Help to Buy Equity
Loan scheme have helped house builders increase output by around a third in just
two years. The most recent Government figures show that there were 170,690 net
additions to the housing stock during 2014/15, an increase of almost 25% on the
previous year. The main component of this new stock was from 155,080 new build
completions.
Study demonstrates value of green spaces to society
Every pound invested in parks and nature reserves contributes £30 towards health and
wellbeing benefits and £23 towards community safety.
Those are the findings uncovered by national land management charity, the Land Trust,
which commissioned an independent study to assess the value of the green spaces in
its portfolio. The study also found that for every £1 spent by the Land Trust in
maintaining its parks and nature reserves; people apparently value this as two and a half
times higher. The study measured the impact of Land Trust services to identify the
value that people place on their local green space as well as to estimate the financial
value it contributes to the health and social sectors.
Among those surveyed, nine out of 10 people visiting Land Trust’s spaces felt that they
play a positive part in their happiness and wellbeing. The study revealed that people
using Land Trust green spaces have higher levels of satisfaction and wellbeing and lower
levels of anxiety compared to the national averages (the perceptions survey as part of
the study used the same wellbeing questions as those from the Office for National
Statistics annual household survey).
The most popular reasons for spending time in parks were for exercise, leisure and
recreation, at 56 per cent. 25 – 30 per cent of park users also saw the value in using
open space to “relax and get away from work”, spend time with their family, relieve
stress, "let off steam" and "feel refreshed".
UK's first affordable rent-to-buy homes to
be built in Devon
In a national first, Plymouth-based housing companies Persimmon
Homes and Rentplus have signed an agreement to develop 19 new
affordable rent-to-buy homes in Plymouth to help tackle the
region’s housing shortage and help people into home ownership for
the first time.
Rentplus aims to build 5,000 affordable homes by 2020 and has
backing from senior business figures in the country, including John
Gildersleeve. This is Rentplus’ first development and shows the
innovative model being put into practice. More developments are
coming in the New Year.
There has been strong demand for the homes already, with Devon
Home Choice, the lettings agent responsible for allocating homes,
receiving 100 bids for just one property in its first 24 hours of
availability.
Half a million homes waiting to be built
New research published in January revealed there is a record 475,647
homes in England, which have been given planning permission, but
have yet to be built.
The study, commissioned by the Local Government Association
and carried out by industry experts Glenigan, shows this bumper
backlog has grown at a rapid pace over the past few years.
In 2012/13, the total of unimplemented planning permissions was
381,390 and in 2013/14 it was 443,265.
The LGA said that the figures underline the need for councils to be
able to invest in building more homes and also for the skills
shortage affecting the construction industry to be addressed.
The UK's first private housing scheme for
family renters in Greenwich
An innovative private rental scheme is set to create a strong sense
of community for family renters in Greenwich, while new rental
options across London offer fair contracts and more.
“The buildings are built for rent and managed professionally onsite,”
says Quentin Keeble, director of developer Essential Living.
About 50,000 private sector rental homes are in the pipeline.
These new landlord companies aim to provide a “branded” service
so renters know in advance what they will get — fair, flexible and
transparent contracts, on-site property maintenance, free Wi-Fi and
super-fast broadband, furniture packs and a porter supervised
building.
Typically, rents start at £250 a week and rise to more than £600 a
week for townhouses for sharers and families.
A similar organization, Fizzy Living - an offshoot of Thames Valley
Housing - has unveiled schemes in Stepney Green, Lewisham,
Poplar and Finchley. It targets the Facebook generation and markets
properties through social media rather than estate agents.
Tenants log into their account via an intranet site, giving them
access to phone, TV and broadband packages, furniture options
and links to local businesses offering deals and discounts. Potential
sharers are able to post their profile on the sharers’ forum. Longerterm
tenancies — up to five years — are available at reduced rates.
January 2O15 issue 8955 refurb| RENEW 07

Product | NEWS
A cool solution from SE Controls for Sydney’s Netball Central
Netball Central, Sydney Olympic Park’s state
of the art netball complex, is using a natural
ventilation solution from SE Controls’
Australian systems partner, Unique Window
Services (UWS), to deliver precise, energy
efficient control over indoor air quality and
temperature at the centre.
The natural ventilation system uses four
compact SE Controls NVLogiQ zone
controllers, which constantly monitor a range
of indoor air quality parameters, including
carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature and
humidity to maintain a comfortable
environment for teams and spectators.
Air quality in each of four zones in the
centre’s upper and lower levels are monitored
by the NVLogiQ units and if it exceeds any of
the pre-defined environment set-point limits
the controllers trigger the automatic opening
of high and low level louvres to provide
ventilation or cooling.
In normal operation, the principle of thermal
stacking is used with warm stale air being
vented through the high level vents, which
has the effect of drawing cooler and fresher
replacement air into the building via the low
level louvres.
In addition to the
NVLogiQ controllers, 10
dedicated SE Controls
PSUs were also installed
as part of the system,
which ensure each
louvre responds
precisely to the signals
received from the
controller and provides
the correct level of
ventilation.
The system is also configured to provide
night purge cooling at the end of each day,
which not only helps reduce the internal
temperature, but by fully opening the vents it
also ensures that stratified air is removed
along with any airborne pollutants that have
built up during the day.
Shane Grice, UWS Managing Director,
explained: “As an SE Controls technology
partner, we have access to their advanced
monitoring and control systems, which allow
us to design and install highly effective and
efficient ventilation solutions, which have
proven to be of significant benefit on this
Netball Central, Sydney Olympic Park’s state
of the art netball complex
and a number of other key projects.”
He added: “The demand for highly energy
efficient building is an essential part of
managing the global environment, and for
prestige buildings, such as Netball Central, it’s
important that they set the standard for low
energy cooling and building management
solutions.”
Further information on SE Controls’
products, solutions and projects can
be obtained by visiting
www.secontrols.com or calling
+44 (0) 1543 443060.
08
Lugano Paving completes clubhouse
at yacht club
The cool, contemporary lines of
the Lugano flag paving from
Brett Landscaping have helped
to create an impressive yet
welcoming exterior to the
prestigious Royal Southern
Yacht Club in Hamble,
Southampton.
The Lugano flag paving range
helped to create the required
modern, elegant, and clean
space around the yacht club.
With a high level of slip
resistance, helping to keep
visitors safe, as well as
exceptional durability, Lugano also met the functional requirements in
an area with a high level of pedestrian traffic.
A combination of 600m² of Silver Grey and Graphite Grey Lugano
paving has been used. The light Silver Grey is the predominant colour
covering the majority of the area producing a light and spacious feel,
whilst the darker Graphite Grey has been used to denote walkways as
well as creating a striking contrast to the rest of the terrace.
refurb| RENEW Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955
www.brettpaving.co.uk .
SFE façades2015 competition
winners announced
The winners of
FAÇADES2015, the
second
competition of the
Society of Façade
Engineering, have
been announced.
With the Awards
presented during
the recent ‘Glass
Supper’ - the
prestigious international gathering of façades-focused architects and
engineers - RIBA President Jane Duncan presented prizes for three
categories. Winner of the Façade of the Year 2015 - New Build category
was Flynn Group for the Ryerson Student Learning Centre in Toronto;
Façade of the Year 2015 - Refurbishment was awarded to Arup Façade
Engineering for the Guys Hospital Tower; and Outstanding Façade
Innovation 2015 was awarded jointly to Arup and Bellapart for the
Bombay Sapphire Distillery.
“The judges believe that the winners have significantly raised the bar in
terms of imagination, execution and vision with some exciting projects
that are World Class by any standards,” said Chris Macey FSFE,
Chairman of Wintech Group and Chairman of the Judges.
www.cibse.org/Society-of-Facade-Engineering-SFE.

To get ‘fit’, go to Telford in April
| Article
The full benefit of this workout will be for window and door specifiers, producers and installers…
It’s a B2B exhibition and seminar in Telford.
The FIT – ‘Fabricator Installer Trade’ - Show is the UK’s only specialist event for anyone
involved with the £4.5 billion + fenestration industry, or what was known in another age, as
the double-glazing business.
For in addition to the hard core of manufacturers and installers of windows, doors and
conservatories for the private home improvement sector the event provides a fertile buying
ground for housebuilders and public sector landlords, who may be looking for that extra touch
that will sell more private homes, or bring public sector estates up to scratch. The options for
both are simply staggering….
The FIT Show, launched in 2013 and taking place for the third time at The International Centre
Telford, takes place in its third iteration in April this year. And no less than 175 exhibitors will be
taking part in four sizeable halls at this modern and airy exhibition centre, just a few miles
north of the NEC.
On show will be quite literally thousands of products in a showcase that provides evidence of
the relative health and vitality of a sector that, despite almost 90% of UK homes now having
been fitted with double glazing of one sort or another, continues to thrive. The fact of the
matter is that the latest windows and doors offer levels of performance that were simply not
a twinkle in the eyes of the most ardent home improver or estates manager twenty years ago.
Security and especially energy efficiency have taken giant leaps forward whilst costs, in real
terms, have fallen significantly.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that professional specifiers, particularly those involved in public
service, have failed to keep up with the breadth and depth of the products that are available
to them. Replacing windows now will bring a significant improvement in performance over
frames and glass that have almost certainly not been changed for at least a quarter of a
century in most public sector properties. In addition to thermal performance of course,
security will be enhanced with the latest shoot bolts and locks and of course, such issues as
condensation and safety will also require attention. Thinking relating to the environment has
also shifted substantially in the past decade or so, with PVC-U and aluminium now eminently
recyclable and with traceable provenance.
One of the biggest growth areas within fenestration has been the emergence and rapid rise in
the popularity of the composite door. Having its beginnings ironically in the public housing
sector, the choice of suppliers let alone product options has to be seen to be believed. And
with the ‘front door’ offering, quite literally, the most important opening into a home, around
40 exhibitors will be offering the biggest collection of such products ever seen in the United
Kingdom.
Similarly, whilst house builders at every level understand the ability of windows, doors and
even conservatories to dramatically alter the style and perception of a property how many
realise the range of options that are available? The answer is ‘very few’, especially if they
haven’t visited The FIT Show previously.
In this sector style is often the dominant factor but these days the highest energy ratings are
available in combination with the most stylish windows and doors. Vertical sliding sash
windows, for example, are now available in abundance from a range of suppliers, offering
reliable operation, low maintenance and the highest energy ratings.
The fact is that high quality windows, doors and, where appropriate, conservatories are
amongst the most important elements of a home to the occupants, irrespective of whether
they are local authority or privately owned. A visit to The FIT Show in April will enable a year’s
worth of buying and specification decision-making in just three days.
The Fabricator Installer Trade (FIT) Show takes place at The International Centre Telford on
12th, 13th and 14th April 2016. For more information including FREE registration go to:
www.fitshow.co.uk.
For details of the FREE Seminar programme go here: www.fitshow.co.uk/seminars
Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955 refurb| RENEW 09

Product | NEWS
Friston Building Refurbishment – University of Sussex, Brighton
As a designer and supplier of flooring systems, Quadrant Carpets has the expertise to
provide solutions that reduce reverberation and impact noise transmission.
Recently, Quadrant Carpets won the contract to supply 2500m2 of carpet for the
refurbishment of the Friston Building at the University of Sussex, Brighton.
Previously the building’s acoustic condition had been rated as poor, in particular with
regards to reverberation and noise transfer between floors and wall partitions.
After site visits and consultations with the contractors and building users, Quadrant
proposed a multi-layer flooring approach. Utilising a specialist acoustic underlay – InstaLay
30 - together with Quadrant’s Resolute carpet tiles, the outcome was a 30dB weighted
reduction of impact sound levels measured in accordance with BS EN ISO 140-8:1998.
In the Friston Building project, the result of the Quadrant flooring solution, together with
other sound proofing, have resulted in a significant improvement in the acoustics of the
building making it a more productive learning and working environment.
www.quadrantcarpets.com.
10
Eaton Expands LED range
DONCASTER … Power management company
Eaton is aiming to improve the quality and
efficiency of lighting in industrial buildings by
expanding its range of robust LED luminaires.
The new additions to Eaton’s comprehensive
lighting portfolio are the Tufflite and Linergy
LED luminaires. Additionally, its existing Litex
family of products has been updated with the
addition of next-generation LED technology.
Andy Gallacher, lighting product manager at
Eaton, said: “There is huge potential for
industrial buildings to increase energy
efficiency by switching from older fluorescent
or high intensity discharge luminaires to the
latest LED technology. This can not only
reduce running costs but also saves on
maintenance due to its longer lifespan. In
warehouses, for example, lighting can account
for up to 70 per cent of energy usage, while
the figure is around 35 per cent for
manufacturing sites. However, while the
potential savings are significant, there’s also an
urgent need to improve the quality of lighting
in many industrial buildings, which have
traditionally suffered from poor performance
in this regard. Better lighting can have a major
impact on the general wellbeing, productivity
and safety of building occupants. Eaton’s latest
Linergy, Tufflite and Litex LED luminaires have
been purpose-designed to help those
responsible for industrial buildings meet these
objectives.”
www.eaton.com.
refurb| RENEW Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955
Winter Wrapped Up!
To help you prepare for the colder months
we’ve got winter wrapped up with our
comprehensive range of winter safety
products. Turbocast 800 towable grit
spreader can be used as a broadcast or
drop spreader. Turbocast 800 will hold
approximately 10 x 25kg bags of rock salt
and gives controlled, accurate coverage up
to 8 metres width at speeds from 5-20mph.
Turbocast 300 manual grit spreader
spreads to a width of between 3 and 7
metres with minimum effort and can be
easily pushed along, even when fully laden.
Nestor 400 grit bin has a double skinned lid for supreme strength and durability. The weight of
the lid is sufficient to minimise the risk of it opening in strong winds and therefore protects the
contents from adverse weather conditions.
www.gritbins.co.uk
Pasquill achieves ISO50001
Pasquill, the largest supplier of trussed rafters in the UK, has
succeeded in achieving accreditation to ISO50001 Energy
Management Standard. The attainment demonstrates Pasquill’s
commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
ISO 50001 provides a framework of requirements for
organisations to do the following: develop a policy for more
efficient use of energy; fix targets and objectives to meet the
policy; use data to better understand and make decisions
about energy use; measure results; and continually improve
energy management.
Commenting on the achievement, Philip Pointon, Pasquill’s EHS
and Sustainability Manager, said:
“Once again Pasquill is ahead of the game with achieving the
ISO50001 Energy Management Standard. This, along with our
other achievements in quality, health & safety, environment
and chain of custody demonstrates our commitment to
providing a safe, high quality product and service with least
impact to the environment.”
www.pasquill.co.uk

www.spv.co.uk Refurbishment and Maintenance of Buildings Issue No. 4
Continuous Investment
SPV are delighted to report that during 2015 our continuous investment in both
safety training and plant has exceeded all previous years.
During 2015 SPV Management have completed the Institute of Roofing Management
and Technician Course, IOSH Training, Human Resource Training and Contractual Law
training. Investment in safety training has been equally as important in all levels of the
business with training ongoing throughout the year including SSMTS, First aid, Pasma,
Ipaf and Asbestos awareness.
In addition to this 6 operatives have completed the pilot Liquid Waterproofing Specialist
Up skilling Programme with a further 4 individuals already enrolled on the next course.
We have also enrolled 3 operatives on a cladding Specialist Apprenticeship Programme at
the Derbyshire Construction College to further their knowledge and skills set.
We have recently enrolled 16 of our supervisors for Level 3 supervisor training and
assessment which on completion will ensure they obtain a Gold CSCS Card and we have
furthermore enrolled our administrative staff for a Level 3 NVQ in Customer Service.
During the year we have also heavily invested in new plant and equipment.
Kate Whatley, Company Secretary at SPV commented; “At SPV, we tailor our training to
ensure that all individuals within the business are fully qualified and trained to fulfill
their roles to the highest standards.
This ensures we can deliver our mission statement and achieve the targets set out within
our business plan and also ensures the continuity of the business in a challenging market
place.
As a company our continual investment in both training and equipment allows us to
operate at the highest standards and safety levels and we are continually working towards
best practice to achieve the utmost levels of both service and workmanship for our
valued Clients.”
Randolph Hotel, Oxford
SPV are currently undertaking the fire
refurbishment works at the 5*
Macdonald Randolph Hotel, Oxford.
e works which are due to be completed in
early 2016 involve the rebuilding of the
heritage tower to the Hotel and
refurbishment works both internally and
externally to the gothic 19th century listed
building which is a known institution in the
heart of Oxford town centre.
We are delighted to report that the site has
achieved compliance with the considerate
constructors scheme scoring good or very
good in every area.
e assessor commented that the
challenging project is being run in a very
professional manner.
It was also commented that Excellent
working relationships has been developed
with the hotel which has ensured minimal
complaints and numerous compliments.
Million pound month
SPV are thrilled to announce our first ever
million pound month.
In October 2015 we turned over in excess of
£1,000,000, the first time in the company’s history
SPV are looking forward to further increase in
growth in 2016 and our aim is to continually
develop our targeted business growth strategy
Institute of Roofing
SPV are proud to announce that all
individuals within the SPV Management
team Howard Evans, Adrian Chapman,
Kate Whatley, Michael Stephenson, Phil Dunn,
Michael O’Donoghue and Adam Harris have
been accepted as either Fellows or Members of
the Institute of Roofing strengthening both our
professional
: David
standing
Cameron
and
has
reputation
‘rebooted’
within
Margaret
the
industry. Thatcher’s Right to Buy of the eighties
e Institute of Roofing is the only organisation
in the UK offering professional qualifications
within the roofing industry
Double Tree by Hilton
SPV have recently completed the flat roofing
works at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel,
Chester.
e specification involved a 2 layer high
performance built up felt roofing system
complete with Sitek Recovery Board. Access to
the area was limited due to large amounts of
plant on the roof however SPV expertly installed
the waterproofing underneath.

Article |
Dig out the onesie
Juliet Woodcock draws some tongue-in-cheek comparisons between the fashion industry and the housing sector
12
Inspired by reading the Telegraph’s round-up of
style in fashion, I thought it was about time we
had a good look at our homes and how we
design, decorate and live in them them. So for a
light-hearted look at domestic development,
I’m going to employ the same sub-headings as
used by Lisa Armstrong in her end of year
review entitled “10 things we learnt about style
in 2015.”
So to start things off:
Piercing got a fashion makeover
Apparently, it is now chic for the older
generation to have their ears pierced, and
multiple piercings are ‘ultra-cool.’ Well, being 50-
something is not now considered to be that old;
and it’s this age group with the most disposable
income and the ones doing a lot of the property
alterations: not just putting in the odd new
window, but making buildings open plan or
digging new basements. Indeed, pensioners are
now better off than almost 60 per cent of the
entire population, while young people have
suffered a slump in their fortunes.
Regarding the construction industry, we are
seeing the rise of retirement villages, with
amenities ranging from swimming pools to walkin
baths and lift access throughout, with care
: Gender-fluid was the buzzword of 2015
refurb| RENEW Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955
packages ranging from private flats to full nursing
facilities – and all the DDA compliant equipment
that goes with it.
Not quite as trendy as a Prince Albert, perhaps,
but it does mean that the silver surfer generation
are leading a more independent life than
previously, when the choices were limited to
sheltered flats or nursing homes.
He? She? Who Cares! Gender-fluid was
the buzzword of the year
Gucci’s new creative director, Alessandro
Michele, put male and female models on his
catwalk in interchangeable clothes. Meanwhile
for the homeowner, the kitchen has turned from
the female domain to gender aspecific; the sleek
lines and stainless steel appliances, cooker
hoods, taps and furniture appealing to the male
too, who is often to be found cooking in the 21st
century.
Kitchens are now also bigger, and seen as
entertaining spaces for the whole family; no
longer being tucked away in the darkest corner
of a house, refurbishment projects include
knocking walls down and putting in patio doors
to access the outdoor living spaces – and, of
course, that typically male domain – the
barbeque.
Trainers for work, athleisure and
pajamas as daywear: the new casual
Hard hats and Hi-Viz may be compulsory on
most building sites, but once the places are
occupied it seems anything goes, whether it’s
the home or office. “Athleisure” meaning “a
heightened approach to casual dressing:
cashmere jogging bottoms for all your long haul
flight and in-between-yoga-class needs.”
No more formal entertaining in the dinning
room; in fact, the kitchen is the casual approach
to everyday living, the family hub where comfort
is key – no dressing up here, please, get those
jimjams on; if you’re bang on trend, a onesie will
do nicely.
Ukrainian fashion wars
As one of the most fashionable new brands to
land here, Ukrainian label Vita Kin takes up to
three weeks to hand craft items that are
delivered when they are ready; while they sold
out on Net-A-Porter within an hour.
For the UK construction industry, especially in
the field of social housing, integration of
influences from abroad goes far beyond any
fashion statement and has become enshrined as
a KPI for their day-to-day work. The boom in
BME housing organizations has seen developers
having to include items such as gas-fired woks
and toilet or washing facilities appropriate to
specific religious practices, within project
specifications.
Meanwhile RMI contractors are forced to spend
huge sums on interpreter services and producing
multi-lingual versions of tenant information
literature; and even have to avoid calling at some
households on a Friday. Many councils and
housing associations are also now including
larger properties, with four, five or more
bedrooms in their developments to
accommodate families from other cultural
backgrounds.
The size of modeling
As Conservative MP Caroline Nokes chairs a
parliamentary committee looking to regulate the
size of women in the modeling industry, one
could not help but apply parallel thoughts when
it comes to housing.
As size zero girls are favoured on the catwalk, it
seems that developers favour skinny houses too.
A while back, I reported the fact that one young
couple had to store their hoover in their car
because their house lacked any cupboard space;
while building services specialist, Heatrae Sadia
has just launched a slim-line version of its
Megaflo tank to beat the squeeze.
Long may they reign
In the year the Queen overtook Victoria as
Britain’s longest ruling monarch, women of
substance became a talking point with Dolce &
Gabbana using three grandmothers as models.
And so they should do, being that older women
want to make the best of themselves. What is
worrying for most of their age group, though, is
that the Climate Summit wants us to get rid of

: The Bamboo Papers are an exotic pattern adapted from an iconic 19th Century Japanese
print recreated by Farrow & Ball as a two-colour block-printed collection
Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the UK’s
construction industry is facing its greatest skills
crisis since 1998. Over half of respondents (53%)
reported difficulty sourcing labour, with 71%
saying they had struggled in recruiting
bricklayers, and 64% highlighting a dearth of
quantity surveyors.
Hair watch: Adele and The Duchess
Bad bobs and the Duchess of Cambridge’s subtly
changing hair. For me, the parallel has to be the
return to the interior décor of the seventies;
although, thank goodness, without the avocado
bathroom suites. Hotel rooms all seem to favour
the dirty brown carpets, green wallpaper with
brown and yellow stripes – I’m just waiting for
Del Boy wallpaper to come back in fashion,
which I actually quite like – oh, hang on; Farrow
& Ball has come to my rescue: it’s called Bamboo;
which in fact has been adapted from an iconic
19th Century Japanese print.
Everyone went mad for new label Self
Portrait
“If you’re still not up to speed on this brand you
need to know what everyone else clearly does –
a) they make feminine event dresses and b) they
sell them at a magic price of no more than £350,”
said Lisa Armstrong in her article. If only we could
‘conjure up’ a little more affordability to curb the
spiraling cost of buying a house in the UK.
gas by 2035 – with fuel poverty already killing
around 30,000 elderly people per annum, one
does wonder if this number will increase and what
the affordable, practical alternative might be.
Naked ambition, saved by TH DRESS
Boobs, bums and miniscule outfits were the
weapons of choice at many red carpet events in
2015; even, ironically, at the launch of the film
Suffragette, while at the Met Gala, Beyonce wore
a Barely There dress in gold.
Despite being seriously under-valued by Gordon
Brown, the precious metal is also the choice for
Akzo Nobel, in its ColorFuturesTM 2016 color
trend guide.
"Gold exemplifies the overall theme of duality,"
explained Heleen van Gent, Head of AkzoNobel's
Global Aesthetic Center. "It's bright enough to
attract attention, while subtly referring to history
and heritage. So it represents a fusion of our
past, our present and our future."
The creative director chasm
This year Alexander Wang, Raf Simons and Alber
Elbaz all left their top jobs at, respectively,
Balenciaga, Dior and Lanvin – apparently, down
to the huge commercial demands placed upon
designers in these roles; though it’s not just the
posh end of the rag trade that’s facing huge
pressures. According to the Royal Institution of
: Heatrae Sadia’s ultra slim Megaflo
is ideal for today’s smaller houses
Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955 refurb| RENEW 13

Article |
New phase for Electric Heating
R&R Magazine examines an innovative new approach to maximising the benefit of photo-voltaic installations already gaining
considerable traction with RSLs which gives energy benefit back to the tenant and helps tackle fuel poverty.
The new EHC Solar PV Electric Radiators feature an adapted thermostat which will
provide background warmth using electricity generated from Solar PV panels.
14
Describing the Government’s stance on
electricity as contradictory would be generous –
either in relation to the way it is generated or
how they would like us to consume it. In fact
schizophrenic would be a better word.
Wind is good, but infinitely more predictable
tidal power threatens the marine environment.
They ask the big suppliers to build new gas
turbines to replace coal fired power stations,
then say gas has to be phased out. Electric cars
are eco-friendly, but electric heating is punished
under SAP and consequently Building Regulations.
Go figure.
What must be remembered, however, is that
millions of homes are off the gas grid and a large
proportion of older social housing properties
remain reliant on outdated style, monolithic night
storage heaters. Now, though, a UK company
with over 10 years experience supplying electric
heating has developed a completely new
approach: one that can optimize the output from
PV panels, along with the Feed-in Tariff, and even
turn a house into a hybrid - a static version of a
Toyota Prius.
The Electric Heating Company is already well
known to Housing Associations and Councils
across the country for supplying its very
economic and easily controllable electric
radiators. They feature ceramic panel technology
offering rapid response and far greater comfort
levels than old night storage models.
refurb| RENEW Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955
What EHC is launching now, though is a very
different approach to PV which will ensure the
tenant will benefit from every watt of power
their panels produce, while improving the heating
characteristics of their home, and still allowing
the Landlord to keep the full export element to
the FIT payments. What’s not to like?
Managing Director for EHC, Bill Walters explained
how it works: “Our new system makes use of an
intelligent controller to ensure that if the
occupant is not using any of the energy being
generated by the PV panels on their roof, it is
diverted to either their hot water tank, or to our
new ceramic panel radiators.
“If there is sufficient Solar PV gain from the
panels the radiators will take approximately half
an hour to warm up and continue to modulate
and provide warmth whilst Solar gain continues
to be achieved.
“We advocate them being used to provide a
background warmth for Free for a property
benefitting from Solar PV gain during daylight
hours until the main central heating system is
required. It will save the Tenant money on their
gas or other energy costs and make the occupied
space a more comfortable place to live.”
“Importantly the controller can prioritize
whether power is diverted to the radiators or the
hot water cylinder, however in an all-electric
property there is normally an Off-Peak tariff
meter which should ensure the hot water
cylinder is fully charged during Off-Peak hours.
The choice is yours.”
Potentially of real significance to all the Social
Housing Landlords who have already installed
Solar PV panels on their stock, the EHC system
radiators and intelligent controller can be easily
retrofitted, with no need to alter the panels or
inverter.
Bill Walters continued: “We are currently
cooperating with several UK Local Authorities
who have previously installed Solar PV with a
view to having the system monitored by an
Independent Specialist who have experience with
other renewable technologies.
EHC would welcome an approach from any other
Social Landlords interested in our innovative new
system who would like to participate in a trial
and form part of the study. It is our intention to
share the results of the study to all energy
stakeholders and the wider audience.”
On another note we are informed by EHC that
there has been a significant increase of 28% in
demand for its electric flow boilers partly due to
the difficulty that many apartment owners are
experiencing over new rules on the location and
inspection of gas flues; with the electric boilers
providing a real and affordable alternative.

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Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955 refurb| RENEW 15

Article |
Welcome boost for building
For the first time in 30 years, the Government has initiated a drive to get Britain building.
Juliet Woodcock investigates.
16
In a daring plan to kick-start building on a scale
not seen since the Thatcher years with the
Docklands development, the Prime Minister
has announced that public land will be made
available to construct 60,000 homes over five
years, of which half will be affordable starter
homes.
Land banks held by the
biggest housebuilders
have been seen by
critics as a major
hindrance to
meeting
growing
demand
in the
UK,
though
the
Prime
Minister,
David
Cameron
intends to sell
limited acreages to
small or medium sized
developers with planning
permission already in place, in an attempt to
speed up the delivery process. Additionally,
the Prime Minister has committed £1.2 billion to
help detoxify brownfield land.
Initially, more than 13,000 homes will be ‘fast
tracked’ on four sites of publicly owned land.
Officials claimed the £1.2billion fund will lead to
the creation of at least 30,000 starter homes
for new buyers under the age of 40, and up to
30,000 homes for general sale.
Commenting on the proposals, Andrew
Carpenter, Chief Executive of the Structural
Timber Association, said: “David Cameron’s
announcement that the Government will
directly commission the construction of 30,000
homes - effectively turning the Government
into a housebuilder, - is a positive start to 2016
for the housebuilding industry.
“Actively promoting the use of small and
refurb| RENEW Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955
medium size contractors, the Government has
shown a clear desire to reach the 2020 target of
400,000 new affordable homes which was set
at the end of 2015.”
The first wave of new homes will be on four
sites outside London this year. They are the
Connaught Barracks site in Dover; the new
town of Northstowe in
Cambridgeshire, which is
being built on the
Oakington Barracks
site; Lower
Graylingwell, a
former hospital
site in
Chichester,
West Sussex;
: Andrew
Carpenter, Chief and Daedalus
Executive of
Waterfront in
the Structural
Timber Gosport,
Association
Hampshire.
The new approach
will also be used on
the Old Oak Common
site in north-west London,
where up to 24,000 homes could
soon be built near the planned
interchange for HS2 and Crossrail.
Communities Secretary Greg Clark said: “Our
radical new approach will mean the
Government will directly commission small and
up-and-coming companies to build thousands
of homes on sites across the country.” This will
be of great relief to smaller firms, as Brian Berry,
of the Federation of Master Builders,
confirmed: ‘When it comes to building new
homes, the availability of small sites is the
single biggest barrier to small and mediumsized
housebuilders increasing their output.”
Britain's biggest contractors are sitting on
enough land to build 600,000 homes - more
than four times as many houses as were built in
the past year; though they reasonably claim
that this “buffer” is needed to allow for the
slow speed of gaining full permission, including
all the environmental obstacles to be dealt
with.
Research by The Guardian in December studied
land bank declarations by nine firms, all in the
FTSE100 and FTSE250 stock market listings. The
top four companies, Berkeley, Barratt,
Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey, are holding
450,000 of the plots and several of the firms
blamed slow planning decisions for the backlog
in building.
As a Taylor Wimpey spokesman explained to
the Guardian: “Whilst it is improving, the
planning process is slow and complex and a
number of conditions need to be fulfilled
before development can commence on our
sites.
“A shortage of resources in planning
departments also often means that delays
occur in this process. We therefore need to be
patient and constructive on all sides of the
debate; in order to sustainably build the homes
that the country needs.”
Communities Secretary
Greg Clark said: “Our
radical new approach will
mean the Government
will directly commission
small and up-and-coming
companies to build
thousands of homes on
sites across the country.”
I know for a fact that my local council has made
cuts in its planning department, as has the
nearby Dartmoor National Park authority – and
probably other such bodies across the country.
While it is admirable that the Government is
making a real effort to tackle our housing crisis,
perhaps it should also be looking to direct the
‘savage Tory cuts’ to quangos and overpaid
public sector executives rather than allowing
them to degrade departments doing essential
work.

Fire & Safety Systems |
False alarms: A burning issue
The Fire Industry Association estimates that false alarms are costing the UK taxpayer in excess of one billion pounds every year.
As well as this financial burden, high levels of
unnecessary alerts also have other negative
consequences for both fire services and
businesses.
A recent Government report suggested the
average response time to non-domestic building
fires in England and Wales in 2014-15 was 8
minutes 28 seconds, an increase of 21 seconds
from the previous year.
Not only do false alarms distract fire and rescue
teams from attending genuine incidents, they can
also cost businesses significant amounts of
money from lost worker productivity and, in
some cases, fines.
There are a number of simple actions that
organisations can take to reduce false alarms in
their premises.
According to Government figures, nearly two
thirds of false alarms are due to apparatus issues.
In England and Wales alone, faulty equipment
accounted for more than 141,000 incidents in
2015. In most cases, this is due to improper
maintenance or installation, as even the most
high-spec fire safety equipment can malfunction
if neglected or fitted incorrectly.
By choosing a reputable installer to fit intelligent,
high integrity systems, building owners and
managers can help minimise any potential issues
from the moment of installation.
During the lifecycle of the fire safety system,
regular inspections and servicing of equipment
must be undertaken and recorded in a logbook
according to recommendation BS 5839. By doing
this, building owners and managers can accurately
build up a pattern of false alarms, as well as stay
on top of the required maintenance processes,
ensuring compliance.
By taking simple steps to confront the issue of
false alarms, building managers and owners can
help increase occupant safety and avoid the legal
and financial ramifications.
“In 2014-2015 Fire &
Rescue authorities
attended 215,600
false alarms
counting for call-outs
every 2 minutes!”
For more information, including a
free-to-download white paper on
the subject, visit
www.hochikieurope.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
58%
FALSE
ALARMS
In 2014-15:
Fire & Rescue authorities attended 215,600
counting for call-outs every 2 minutes!
false alarms
29% 58% of installers encounter false alarms at customers’
of all fire related emergency call-outs were false
alarms
sites
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aerosols
Humidity
Dust
Steam
Insects
s
Poor installation
Faulty device/ poor
communication
Cooking fumes
Tobacco smoke
£ £
. . . .
1 BILLION
POUND LOSS
False alarms
can:
•
Reduce productivity of employeesees
•
Create negative customer
experiences
• Divert genuine emergencies
In 2014 the London Fire Brigade
became the first authority ty to introduce
charges for false alarm call-outs.
If the charges had been in place in
London in 2013 it would have cost:
Colleges & universities -
Hospitals - £499,380
£73,660
18
refurb| RENEW Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955

Rental Regulations
Compliance Clarified
Kidde Safety makes sense of the complicated new requirements for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in private rented housing.
“Back-up throughout the
whole alarm life at a
much lower price than
rechargeable products”
New Regulations apply to all private rented
premises in England occupied on or after 1st
October last year. They call for a smoke alarm on
each floor and a CO alarm in any habitable room
with a solid fuel appliance. The landlord must
check that alarms work at the start of each
tenancy and replace any that do not, highlighting
the need for long-term reliability.
The new Regulations do not specify the type,
location or power-source of smoke alarms.
However, these aspects are covered in the Code
of Practice BS 5839-6:2013. For most existing – as
well as new – houses up to 3 storeys and
individual flats, the Code recommends smoke
alarms in any areas where fires might start, such
as living rooms, heat alarms in all kitchens and
smoke alarms in all escape routes.
Hard-wired Alarms
The Code also recommends Grade D hard-wired,
interconnected smoke and heat alarms with
back-up power, excluding Grade F battery-only
alarms from all rented homes. This is already a
legal requirement for rented properties in
Scotland. With hard-wired alarms, there is a
growing interest in energy saving and Firex smoke
and heat alarms from Kidde offer substantially
lower, maximum mains energy consumption of
less than 15mA – in the order of just 3.5W. This is
less than many household items left on standby
and represents a 70% energy saving over previous
models.
Another Firex innovation is the introduction of
long-life lithium battery back-up options for all
three sensing technologies. This offers back-up
throughout the whole alarm life at a much lower
price than rechargeable products, enabling
landlords and their agents to meet legal
requirements for working alarms at the start of
every tenancy and avoiding low-battery warnings.
Carbon Monoxide
The same requirement for a working alarm at the
start of every tenancy applies to CO alarms as
well under the new Regulations for England. But
these only require a CO alarm with solid fuel
heating appliances. In contrast, the latest rules for
rented properties in Scotland require a CO alarm
wherever there is a combustion appliance,
including in inter-connected spaces such as
integral garages. Appliances include a boiler, fire,
heater or stove – whether using gas, oil, wood or
other fuels – although, unfortunately, it does not
cover fittings used solely for cooking, despite
recent deaths from misused gas cookers. A CO
alarm is also needed where a flue passes through
a bedroom or main living room.
For peace of mind, all Kidde CO alarms are BSi
Kitemarked and comply with the latest edition of
BS EN 50291:2010. Kidde also manufactures its
own sensors, allowing tighter quality controls to
be applied. They use safer, environmentally
friendly de-ionised water rather than acid-based
electrolytes as well. Kidde’s self-contained
10LLCO and 10LLDCO carbon monoxide alarms
enjoy a full 10-year guarantee covering both the
alarm and sealed-in lithium battery, helping
landlords meet their obligations, cost-effectively
over the longer term.
Smart Interconnect
Alternatively, Kidde’s 4MCO and 4MDCO hardwired
CO alarms can not only be interlinked with
each other but also Firex hard-wired smoke and
heat alarms, using Kidde’s unique ‘Smart
Interconnect’ feature. Importantly, all the hardwired
alarms have different, distinct alarm
sounder patterns for carbon monoxide and fire,
supported by different display messages on the
4MDCO model. So, without the need for any
further operation of the system, Smart
Interconnect automatically alerts occupants of
the specific hazard, allowing them to make the
right choice for either fire or carbon monoxide.
For more information
01753 766392
sales@kiddesafety.co.uk
www.kiddesafetyeurope.co.uk
Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955 refurb| RENEW 19

Fire & Safety Systems |
Coastal hotel stops false alarms
Nittan's Evolution EV-DP Dual Wavelength Photoelectric smoke detectors have
been installed into The Cliff Hotel & Spa in Cardigan, West Wales by Fire and
Security Alarms Ltd. (FAS) Carmarthen.
As part of a hotel-wide refurbishment project, the existing fire alarm system has
been replaced with a sophisticated Nittan Evolution system featuring 260 Nittan
devices, including over 200 EV-DP smoke detectors. The system runs on four loops
controlled by an Advanced Electronics control panel.
Nittan Dual Wavelength Photoelectric smoke detectors were selected by FAS to
prevent further issues of false alarms. Nittan Evolution EV-DP smoke detectors have
been designed to reduce false alarms caused by non-combustion products such as
steam, dust and aerosols; the EV-DP effectively measures the actual particle size in
the chamber via its combined IR and blue LED technology. As steam and dust are
much larger particles than smoke, the detector won't false alarm.
www.nittan.co.uk.
20
Renaker blazes a safe
trail in manachester
with wes+
Ensuring the safety of staff and visitors has
always been a priority for Renaker Build,
which is living by this maxim on its latest
development in Manchester by specifying
a fully EN 54 compliant WES+ wireless fire
alarm system.
Their Water Street project comprises a 28
storey building and three further
interconnected blocks. The site has quickly
progressed into one of the largest
construction projects in Manchester, which
meant that the fire alarm system had to be
scalable. WES+ has been designed to offer
simplified on-site setup and allows
activation, addition or cloning of up to
several thousand units with just a few
button presses as the build progresses.
Renaker specified a WES+ wireless fire
alarm system for Water Street. Adam said:
“We’ve used both wired and wireless fire
alarms and there’s no comparison – wireless
wins hands down, every time.”
“We have a reputation for safety, high
quality build and efficiency. WES+ has
quickly become an integral part of helping
us deliver these objectives,” concluded
Adam.
www.wesfire.co.uk
refurb| RENEW Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955
Prysmian vital to fire safety in Tulip factory
A substantial volume of Prysmian’s FP200
Gold fire resistant cable has been specified
and installed for the fire alarm systems in a
significant refurbishment of food-producer
Tulip’s factory in Redruth, Cornwall. The newly
refurbished site opened in August 2015 and is
now a base for over 700 employees. With the
safety of hundreds of employees as a priority, Prysmian’s FP200 Gold cables were an essential
specification to the extension of the factory.
FP200 Gold is a tough, durable and dressable essential systems cable, and is easy to install and
terminate. The cable has excellent data and signal transmission characteristics, the ideal choice for
voice alarm, addressable and networked systems.
Thanks to the installation of Prysmian cables, the 1990s building is now equipped with fire detection
and fire alarms which will perform to the highest standard.
Prysmian’s FP range is the original, easy to install and fully compliant fire resistant cable range,
approved by engineers, installers and regulators.
www.prysmian.com
Gent helps Bield Housing & Care take the lead in fire
detection system monitoring
Bield Housing and Care’s Bield Response24 alarm receiving centre
(ARC) is one of the first facilities of its kind to provide fire detection
system monitoring and management from multiple sites using Gent by
Honeywell’s pioneering WINMAG software.
Unwanted alarm activations are a big problem in Scotland and cause a
great deal of disruption. In March 2015 the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service announced that it will no
longer silence or reset systems after a call out to grouped housing developments, as doing so wipes
any data that could provide reasons why it was erroneously asked to attend.
Glasgow based Rapid Fire Services was consulted to see if it could suggest some ideas to address the
issue. The company’s Operations Manager, Neil Wilson, comments, ‘we knew that Gent’s innovative
WINMAG graphics management system would solve this particular problem, while also offering
other advantageous features.’
Asked to explain what makes the Gent solution different, Stuart Brown, Gent’s Business Manager
Scotland, replies, ‘WINMAG software allows BR24 to give precise location details within the dwelling
when placing a 999 call, eliminating search time delays. Furthermore, manual call points or smoke
detectors can be silenced whilst awaiting attendance, reducing anxiety levels to other tenants within
the grouped housing development. This poses no threat to system functionality if a smoke is
detected from another device.’
40 per cent of Bield Housing and Care’s developments is now remotely accessed and monitored for
fire and operational issues.
www.gent.co.uk.

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Tel: 01473 240055
Email:sales@sgsystems.co.uksystems
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t our
Clients
needs”
e
S entinel - stainless steel bal
- structural glass b
Glassrail
- warm to the touc
St targard
New affordable fire alarms
for construction sites
This month sees the launch of two new site fire alarms from Bull
Products, the specialists in safety and security for construction sites.
The Bull Site Siren systems are designed as stand-alone temporary fire
alarms on construction sites. These affordable alarms are fully selfcontained
and can be used separately as a stand-alone device, linked
by cable or linked with a radio connection.
The alarms have the benefit of an extremely robust ABS casing for
maximum durability. They have a very high noise output of 115dB,
more than adequate to be heard over the general noise on
construction sites. No mains electricity is needed as the units
operate from 9V PP3 batteries and they can be used for internal or
external use with their IP65 rating. The alarms feature a flashing
strobe as well as the siren.
www.bullproducts.co.uk
Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955 refurb| RENEW 21

Building Envelope |
Refurbs offer flexible opportunities
to focus on fabric to meet Part L
Successive revisions to Part L of the Building Regulations have raised the bar on energy efficiency for refurbishment projects. Such
schemes present an opportunity to focus on improvements to the building fabric which mitigate the need to incorporate renewable
technologies, and which can be more straightforward to achieve than in new builds. Graham Suttill, Energy Assessor at Darren Evans
Assessments reports.
Graham
Suttill
Aircrete wall
with brickwork
22
The revision to Part L of the Building Regulations
in 2013 raised the bar for the industry
significantly, requiring an additional 6%
improvement required on CO2 emissions over
that required by 2010 Part L. However for
domestic refurbishment projects there is no
Building Regulation requirement to meet the
Target Emission Rate (TER) which is required for
new builds, although depending on the Part L1B
route to compliance followed the emissions can
play an important role.
The most straightforward way to achieve Part L1B
compliance is to meet the U-value requirements
for retained and new thermal elements of the
dwelling. The U-values for new thermal elements
under Part L1B are in line with the requirements
for a new build house with the exception of the
external wall which requires a slight improvement
under L1B.
The retained thermal elements are slightly
different, having a ‘threshold’ U-value. If the
element U-value is below that of the threshold
before any work begins, then improvement is not
required. However if the retained element is
above the threshold the thermal efficiency must
refurb| RENEW Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955
be improved. The improved U-values required are
again almost in line with new build standards with
the exception of cavity walls where a target U-
value of 0.55 is required; this can normally be
achieved through retrofitting blown cavity
insulation.
The challenge in meeting the target U-values can
arise in the refurbishment of historic buildings. A
common issue that arises is the solid walls of
these period buildings should be insulated to
achieve a U value of 0.30 - typically achieved with
60mm+ insulated plasterboard. Where original
features are required to be retained this is not an
option. In this instance there are two options
available: a 15 year payback calculation or a
notional and proposed SAP calculation. The
payback calculation involves a feasibility study to
see if cost savings from the proposed measure
would cover the cost of purchase and installation
within 15 years.
The second and most preferred option in our
experience is to provide a notional and proposed
calculation to demonstrate a CO2 reduction is
being achieved. The notional calculation is of a
Building Regulations-compliant dwelling which is
modelled in SAP with the CO2 emissions
calculated. Then the proposed dwelling is
calculated which might for example have an
external wall U-value which is failing Part L but
other improvements elsewhere which go beyond
the Building Regulations standard, for example
improved heating efficiencies or controls. If the
CO2 emissions are less on the proposed
calculation than the notional, the building passes
Part L. In effect, this allows the extra CO2
emissions from a failing element to be offset
elsewhere in the calculation.
In addition to the targets on U-values for the
building fabric which are required to be met by
for Part L when undertaking a refurbishment,
there are also minimum efficiencies required for
heating systems and certain standards for heating
controls. These are outlined in the Government’s
Domestic Building Services Compliance Guide.
In essence it is much easier to achieve
compliance for a refurbishment than a new build
property, primarily due to the lack of CO2
emissions targets but also the degree of flexibility
in offsetting emissions that Part L1B allows.
www.darren-evans.co.uk

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Building Envelope |
‘Aluprof Listens to Specifiers’
In all forms of new and refurbished building
construction, Specifiers today are seeking to
reduce window frame sight lines to increase
light transmittance. Aluprof, one of Europe's
leading systems companies, have designed a
system with the slimmest of sight lines, the
new 'MB Slimline' system.
With a fixed light and opening light
aluminium face width of just 32.5mm
Aluprof’s new ‘MB Slimline’ window offers
both good looks and high thermal
performance - something steel window
systems cannot offer. U values of below 1.00
are achievable, as the new system will accept
both double and triple glazing options
coupled with aluminium profiles which use
wide polyamide thermal break. With a wide
range of profiles available, the ‘MB Slimline’
system can offer high inertia ratings and slim,
deep profiles, offering the specifier the ability
to use the system in any large, or small,
window spaces.
Ideally suited to both new and replacement
projects, in both residential and commercial
environments, where slim lines are crucial to
the aesthetic appearance of the building, the
‘MB Slimline’ system offers a complete
solution.
‘MB Slimline’ is further proof of Aluprof’s
innovative approach to fenestration
solutions, establishing itself as one of Europe's
leading systems companies. The new system
joins a wide portfolio of aluminium systems
which includes curtain wall systems, doors
windows and high performance aluminium
fire rated systems.
Aluprof UK head office and extensive
distribution centre is located in Altrincham,
Cheshire. Aluprof systems increasingly being
specified on a wide range of residential and
commercial projects across the UK. Systems
are designed, fabricated and installed by
selected, specially trained companies, to
ensure each fabricated product meets
Aluprof exacting standards. Further
information is available on our company’s
website at www.aluprof.eu and specialist
advice is available directly from Aluprof on
0161 941 4005.
Further information is available on our
company’s website at www.aluprof.eu
and specialist advice is available directly
from Aluprof on 0161 941 4005.
GEZE doors help create a dramatic
entrance
Like many Victorian
buildings, Glasgow’s
oldest theatre
suffered from limited
accessibility and
cramped, poorly
functioning space.
Designed to enhance
the audience’s
journey from ‘street to seat,’ the stunning new elliptical foyer
extension by Page\Park Architects has brought the Theatre Royal
Glasgow firmly into the 21st Century.
As part of the solution to make the theatre accessible to all, GEZE UK
was commissioned by Gray and Dick to install automatic sliding doors
to create an entrance lobby on either side of the new foyer, with
GEZE’s Slimdrive SL NT single operators with ISO doors and pocket
screens being specified, and a further set of automatic sliding doors
were installed to access the city’s only public roof terrace.
Throughout the rest of the foyer, internal doors have been fitted with
GEZE’s range of Boxer manual closers, including the standard closer,
electro mechanical hold-open closers, and units with sequential
closing.
www.geze.co.uk
Prater secures contract on major
refurbishment contract in city of
London
Specialist contractor Prater has secured a
contract and will play an integral part in
the redevelopment of the Angel Court
Tower in the City of London. The £125
million renovation of the 25-storey tower
will increase the total floor space from
18,000 sqm to 28,000 sqm and include the
complete replacement of the façadewith
floor to ceiling glazing.
The redesign of the 1970’s tower by
Fletcher Priest Architects for Mitsui
Fudosan is part of a wider redevelopment that will also see the
creation of new public spaces in the Bank Conversation Area.
In a contract worth in the region of £1.4 million, Prater has been
appointed to work on both above and below ground waterproofing as
well as the plant room facades and access hatches. Prater will also
install the limestone paving and underlying structures on the new
rooftop terraces.
The Angel Court Tower project, which is already underway, has been
designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating and is due to be
completed in summer 2016.
www.prater.co.uk
24
refurb| RENEW Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955

Building Envelope |
It’s a cover up!
Although modern renovation plasters are a superb alternative to tradional types; don’t overlook the possibilities impervious
coverings – along with hybrid and insulated plasterboards. So says Hudson Lambert, director of Safeguard Europe.
Installation is relatively
straightforward: waterrepellent/salt-disrupting
silane
cream is applied to wall and
plasterboard applied in the
traditional way.
‘Synergistic’ chemistry ensures
a high strength chemical bond
between the silane cream and
the MS-polymer adhesive
26
Impervious coverings come in a few varieties, yet
easily the most popular are meshed cavity
drainage membranes. These are attached to walls
using special fixing plugs, and then can be
plastered over using traditional gypsum, lime or
other plasters. Effective as they are, it should be
remembered that despite a notional air gap
behind the membrane, these systems are not
breathable and will drive rising damp further up
the wall unless controlled at source using a high
specification remedial damp-proofing cream or
rod.
More recently, fleeced DPMs are a natural
development from meshed cavity drainage
membranes. First, a flexible waterproof adhesive
is applied to wall, then the fleeced DPM applied
over adhesive and, finally, traditional plasters can
be applied on top.
These have the same disadvantages as meshed
cavity drainage membranes; yet are faster to
refurb| RENEW Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955
apply and their lower profile makes it easier to
blend them in with existing plaster finishes.
Beyond these two types of membrane are new
systems based around ‘hybrid’ plasterboard. The
design intention of these is to utilise the
convenience of plasterboard, yet enhance it to
reliably allow its on walls susceptible to damp.
This is especially useful in situations where speed
is important (e.g. tenanted properties where
decanting may be inconvenient) and decoration
can take place as soon as the system is installed
(when using dry joints rather than a plaster skim)
Although they are not suitable where wall
surfaces are particularly uneven, they are
Breathable (except where foil-backed or insulated
plasterboard is used) and BBA approved types are
available – which acts as reassurance to clients
such as local authorities.
Installation is relatively straightforward: waterrepellent/salt-disrupting
silane cream is applied
to wall and plasterboard applied in the traditional
way (although water/salt resistant MS-polymer
adhesive is used instead of traditional gypsumbased
plasterboard adhesive). ‘Synergistic’
chemistry ensures a high strength chemical bond
between the silane cream and the MS-polymer
adhesive (due to covalent bonding between the
silane components of both materials).
While a plaster skim is usually applied over the
plasterboard, using a ‘dry jointing’ method allows
the fastest results – and means walls can be replastered
and re-decorated in less than 24 hours.
If required, the system can be used in
conjunction with insulated plasterboard.
However, as is always the case when using
internal wall insulation, certain precautions are
required to minimise condensation risk and it will
hinder drying out of the wall compared with
when standard (porous) plasterboard is used
www.safeguardeurope.com

SPART
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Based in Colchester, Essex, we have had the pleasure of working with hundreds of businesses,
Custom price based
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01206 230 553
Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955 refurb| RENEW 27

Building Envelope |
Kingspan OPTIM-R checks in at the Premier Inn
Visitors to Harrogate’s International Centre don’t have far to go for a good night’s
sleep thanks to the construction of an adjoining Premier Inn, featuring Kingspan’s
optimum performance OPTIM-R Roofing System, which combines modern features
with a traditional York stone façade, complementing the surrounding architecture.
To maintain drainage, a wide channel was incorporated into the building’s flat roof.
At 18m long and over a metre wide, it was essential that this was properly insulated
whilst still providing the required fall.
Kingspan OPTIM-R panels use vacuum insulation technology to achieve the required
thermal performance with a far thinner thickness than would be possible with
conventional insulation. The 30mm thick Kingspan OPTIM-R panels were fitted
within the channel along with OPTIM-R flex infill strips of a matching thickness.
These strips can be cut or penetrated to account for all design requirements. A
25mm overlay of Kingspan Thermaroof TR27 LPC/FM was then fitted to receive the
adhered single-ply roof membrane.
www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk/optim-r
A final coating to put
others in the shade
The first new building to open in
Northampton's flagship Waterside Enterprise
Zone is the £8.5m University of
Northampton Innovation Centre, seen as a
hub for organisations that deliver social
impact. Locally-based Powdertech Corby
Ltd powder coated the solar shading system
on the exterior of the striking six floor cubic
building, a contract worth £11k.
"We coated over 1800 individual sections
comprising fins, end plates and brackets, in a
premium quality Valspar architectural
powder, RAL 9010 white matt,” explained
Richard Besant, Powdertech Corby Sales
Director. “When we viewed the completed
building at the end of the job, we could
appreciate the fabulous visual effect these
solar shades create, in addition to being part
of a highly functional design."
Architectural powder coatings are especially
suited for use on solar shading systems. The
powders have excellent gloss retention,
resistance to corrosion and UV light, and will
last for up to 40 years without significant
colour change.
www.powdertechcorby.co.uk
Sika Sarnafil specified for tourist attractions
The National Gallery and the Science Museum, two of
London’s major and iconic visitor attractions, have benefitted
from a planned roof maintenance programme, using Sika
Sarnafil membranes and specialist contractor, Delomac
Roofing.
Working with the National Gallery since 1995, a programme of
roof replacement and thermal upgrading has seen in excess of
12,000m2 of Sika Sarnafil membranes installed, together with
insulation, roof lights and walkways in a series of over 30
completed projects – including the complete Sainsbury Wing
in 2008. At the Science Museum, ageing and poorly insulated
roof coverings were targeted for upgrade and replacement.
At both sites, environmental and whole life cost
considerations were key in material specification, with a target
to reduce energy use. Equally, the lightweight membranes and
considered planned specifications allowed system overlays with an entirely flame-free cold
application, ensuring minimal internal disturbance to visitor experience.
www.sarnafil.co.uk
A new Antique!
Leading roof tile and component
manufacturer Redland is adding a brand
new colour to its Fenland Pantile range.
‘Antique’ is a sanded tile, with a rich
velvety dark brown colour and appealing
texture. The distinctive heritage look is
achieved through coating the top surface
and leading edge of the tile with a clear
acrylic coating and fine granules during
the manufacturing process; this is the
first colour in the Fenland Pantile range
to have a sanded finish.
To accompany the new tile Redland is manufacturing Half and Third Round fittings for ridges,
monoridges and hips along with a ThruVent and Ridge Vent.
The classic single pantile shape combined with the modern interlocking concrete format of the
Fenland Pantile range guarantees robust, weather tight performance in all conditions. The range is
a natural successor to the distinctive single clay pantiles that characterise so much of the southwest
and eastern parts of England.
www.redland.co.uk
28
refurb| RENEW Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955

Crittall helps maintain ‘industrial heritage’
of striking London landmark
A new landmark headquarters building in West London has been created using Crittall windows to reflect its historical context and
satisfy conservation requirements.
184 Shepherd’s Bush Road is a striking
redevelopment of a Grade II listed garage and
showroom originally constructed for the Ford
Motor Company. Erected in 1915-16 the building
was designed by Manchester-based architect
Charles Heathcote who drew on contemporary
American practice utilising what was then a
pioneering engineering solution to structural
framework. The resulting reinforced concrete
frame and modular plan of the three-storey
structure influenced strongly architects Collado
Collins in their design for the new building.
The character of the building’s broad frontage has
been retained – an important consideration
because of its listing and its location in a
conservation area - with Crittall large form
Berkeley windows providing a significant visual
aspect in the street scene. The Berkeley was
originally created in order to replace existing
1920s and 1930s steel windows that were
predominantly single pane leaded glass, exterior
putty glazed. With the Berkeley, Crittall
developed an entirely new series of hot rolled
sections where a solid steel chamfer replicates
exterior putty glazing, whilst the interior glazing
improves access for reglazing and security.
Berkeley offers an ideal solution for both
replacement projects and new construction
where minimum sightlines, maximum daylight,
and fine detail are desired. The system is suitable
for high-end residential, institutional and, as in
the case of Shepherd’s Bush Road, commercial
applications.
In complete contrast with the traditional
frontage, the redevelopment - which was
completed in June - has added three further
storey’s beneath a glass dome completely
enclosing the roof.
Roy Collado, Partner of ColladoCollins, said: “This
is an exciting reimagining of an important local
landmark. The designs sympathetically maintain
the industrial heritage of the building and the
surrounding area, whilst proposing a sleek and
contemporary aesthetic … The use of innovative
techniques to inform and influence the design is
something that we believe could really enhance
the site.”
In order to meet the requirements of the project
Crittall Windows tackled a number of challenges
associated with the physical size and weight of
the Berkeley units specified. So as to optimize
capacity to deal with the quantity required by
the contract the company utilized a newly
installed piece of equipment – its 4 axis CNC
Machining Centre – which ensured that
consistently accurate machined components
could be produced with short lead times assisting
the flow of the product so as to meet the
stringent on-time needs of the installation
programme.
The 115,000 sq ft office building has now been
occupied by customer science company
Dunnhumby as its European headquarters.
Credits:Main contractor: McLaren Construction
Architect: ColladoCollins
www.crittall-windows.co.uk
Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955 refurb| RENEW 29

Building Envelope |
Cheltenham Ladies choose Mumford & Wood
Replacement like-for-like period style timber windows from the Mumford &
Wood Conservation range have been installed in the thermal upgrade programme
of St Margaret’s junior girls’ boarding house at Cheltenham Ladies’ College. Other
boarding houses at the school have also been refurbished in recent years with
window replacements by Mumford & Wood.
The completed front elevation required over 80 casement and sash windows, and
the remaining elevations, requiring a further 250 made-to-order Conservation
windows, have been surveyed by Mumford & Wood for staged deliveries from July.
Manufactured entirely in Great Britain, Conservation windows and doors are
made from clear grade and engineered Siberian Larch, a slow growing and robust
species, for maximum strength and stability in fine joinery. They carry the BSI
Kitemark and are Energy Saving Trust listed. Products are supplied to site with
three coats of high quality, spray-applied, micro-porous paint or stain as standard.
Heritage paint colours and a dual-finish are also available.
www.mumfordwood.com.
Energy savings with EWI
weber.therm XM External Wall Insulation (
EWI) has been installed on a two-storey end
of terrace, privately owned property in the
Brislington area of Bristol. The owners
achieved Green Deal funding comprising 75%
of the £9,000 cost of the project with the
help of M P Plastering, a Green Deal certified
applicator.
The BBA accredited and Energy Saving Trust
listed weber.therm XM EWI system included
90mm thick expanded polystyrene (EPS)
insulation, mechanically fixed to the outer
skin of the wall substrate. The render
process requires two passes of weber.rend
LAC, a cementitious render into which the
fibreglass reinforcement meshcloth is
embedded to give a robust render coat.
When dry the surface is primed with weber
PR310 in preparation for a 1.5mm coat
decorative finish of weber.plast TF, an acrylic
based, pre-mixed, textured finish, in Winter
White.
weber.therm XM EWI is capable of
substantially improving the U-value of a
property in a retrofit project, and produces
exceptional levels of energy efficiency on
new builds.
www.netweber.co.uk
Salford spruces up with Kingspan Insulation
Nine 1970s residential blocks in central Salford are being given a new
lease of life with both the inside and out being revitalised, thanks to a
major retrofit scheme which incorporates premium performance
Kingspan Kooltherm K15 Rainscreen Board in the over-cladding of
external walls.
The £650m ‘Creating a new Pendleton’ scheme, a
partnership between Salford City Council and
Pendleton Together (Together Housing), is well
underway and will include the refurbishment of
1,253 dwellings along with new public spaces, roads
and landscaping. The tired brick facades of the mid
and high level apartment blocks are being replaced
by modern aluminium rainscreen cladding with the
first tower, the 12 storey ‘Whitebeam’, completed in
July, soon to be followed by the 23 storey ‘Spruce’.
The insulation holds the highest possible BRE Green Guide summary
rating of A+ and with thermal conductivities as low as 0.020 W/m.K.
www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk.
Sika Sarnafil creates stunning roof for London pub
Specialist roofing contractor Hambro
Roofing has recently completed works to a
new JD Wetherspoon pub in London,
known as ‘The Mossy Well’, which now
boasts 500m2 of Sika Sarnafil Self Adhered
membrane.
The refurbishment included complex work
on the existing pitched roofs, lead flashings,
guttering and renewal of the flat roof. A
section of new barrel roof was also required in the centre of the building, comprising flat, vertical
and soffit detailing.
The client required the new roof area to look like a traditional zinc roof covering. Sika Sarnafil
G410-15 FSA was specified for the job, with décor profiling to match the surrounding roofs. Ideal
for the job, the system is lightweight, cost effective and offers a flawless finish. The barrel roof
was also fitted with SarnaTherm insulation over a SarnaVap vapour barrier. Sikalastic Liquid
Applied Membrane was used on the detailing around the guttering to achieve a seamless
waterproof finish.
www.sarnafil.co.uk
30
refurb| RENEW Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955

Lock Down for Winter
House security is big business
these days…but not everyone gives
the same attention to the garage.
Yet when you consider the
valuable equipment often stored
in a garage, from expensive DIY
tools to fitness and gardening
equipment, it is no surprise that garages can be key targets for burglars.
Ensuring a secure garage door in any build is a big selling point for
builders and a big plus for home owners – and the best choice has to
be a door from Garador’s specialist Guardian range.
The Guardian range is Britain’s first range of Up & Over doors that are
Secured by Design accredited (a UK police security initiative). It has
been engineered specifically to offer an extra level of security without
compromising design and functionality. The doors have additional
back braces on the inside of the door for greater rigidity, improved
and reinforced locking systems and a unique anti-snap cylinder with a
sacrificial front to prevent entry even after an attack.
The Guardian range offers comes in three different styles, Carlton,
Horizon and Salisbury, each available in a range of fresh, vibrant
colours.
Guardian range
Nationwid de Windows has been providing
high qualit y design, manufacture and
installatio on of windows and doors to the
social hou
using sec tor for
almost 30
y ears
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Windows & Doors
WORKING IN
W N
PA ARTNERSHIP
to help raise social
housing standards
Carlton steel blue
Garador
Salisbury blue
Comar offers curtain
walling solution
Horizon clay brown
Tel: 01935 443797
Website: www.garador.co.uk
Commitment
to Quality
WITH US YOU CAN BE SURE OF:
Thr
ee Decades National
of Design,
partnering and
Manufacture
frameworks
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with the UK’s
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Charter Driven Staff Training
by KPIs
Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems, with their approved fabricator
Window & Door Solutions (WDS), completed a striking and memorable
new entrance and reception area at Ashton 6th Form College, featuring a
series of dramatic fins which bring together the old and new architecture,
creating a dynamic and naturally lit space.
Comar 6EFT stick build curtain walling provides a capped curtain walling
solution and offers architects the opportunity to maximise large glazed
areas as it has the slimmest sightlines available - making it the perfect
choice for the quirky glazed facade of this new reception and entrance.
Comar 7 doors sets are available in swing, pivot, sliding, auto-sliding and
sliding folding, designed specifically for applications where high traffic
solutions are required. For safety, the Comar 7 doors were fitted with antifinger-trap
stiles, Axim soft touch panic exit devices, and Axim concealed
transom closers which were hung directly from the Comar 6EFT frame and
complied with the Equality Act 2010.
www.comar-alu.co.uk
Tel:
017888 569 228 | Fax:
01788 546 558
Email: enquiries@nationwidewindows.co.uk
www.nationwidewindows.co.uk
Trust Natio
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Nationwide Windows | Nat tionwide House | 74-88 Somers Road | Rugby | Warwickshire CV22 7DH
Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955 refurb| RENEW 31

Building Envelope |
New Scottish Standards guides from Kingspan Insulation
The updated Section 6 (energy) of the Scottish Building Standards is now in force,
bringing with it significantly tightened carbon emission targets. To help simplify the
process of achieving compliance, Kingspan Insulation has released two guides, freely
downloaded from their website, covering domestic and non-domestic buildings.
Section 6 offers a great deal of flexibility providing the property meets the target
emission rate and limiting fabric performance factors, which can make it difficult to
identify the best route to compliance. The ‘simplifying the complex’ section
provides clear advice, and recommended U-values to enable a fabric-first
construction which minimises costly renewables.
To help make the most of the available space, the guides also look at some of the
most common insulation applications, offering a comparison of the construction
thicknesses required to achieve a compliant U-value with different insulation
materials, including ultra-thin Vacuum Insulation Panels.
www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk/buildingregs.
New brochure for
Helifix Dixie micro-piles
Helifix has produced a new 12 page technical
brochure giving full details of its versatile,
high performance, Dixie micro-piles, which
are used to rapidly and cost-effectively
stabilise buildings suffering from subsidence.
The brochure looks at the benefits of using
the innovative, simple, but extremely
effective Dixie micro-pile system, such as
minimal disturbance to occupants and no
spoil removal, and full technical specifications
are provided. The main causes of subsidence
are also examined and how, following
detailed investigations, appropriate repairs are
designed based on the damage, the weight of
the individual property and the local ground
conditions. A step by step installation process
is included in the new literature,
complementing Helifix’s recently launched
animation on the micro-pile system.
Backed by International Code Council (ICC)
certification and conformance to AC358, the
International Standard for helical foundation
underpinning systems, these well proven and
technically advanced micro-piles are the ideal
solution for the problem of foundation
settlement.
www.helifix.co.uk
CMS helps deliver flats transformation
Leading window, door and curtain walling
manufacturer and installer CMS Window
Systems has delivered an extensive housing
upgrade programme at the 50-year old
Broomhead Flats in Dunfermline. The building
fabric of the 216 properties, housed within three
12-storey blocks, has been brought up to a high
thermal standard that primarily involved the
£5.1m CMS contract for the replacement of
windows, doors and curtain walling, application of EWI and replacing balconies.
Every flat now benefits from A-rated, highly insulating windows, and CMS also manufactured and
installed aluminium curtain walling which spans up to eleven floors on each block, enclosing all
communal walkways – equating to more than 2,000m2 of curtain walling. A third component to
the structural elements was the replacement of 1,700m2 of balcony enclosures.
CMS was also contracted to over-clad the external walls with a mix of render and insulated
render, improving the insulation level of all walls to complement the performance of the
windows, doors and curtain walling.
www.cmswindows.com
Canterbury handmade range is first choice for
standout roof design
Marley Eternit’s Canterbury premium
handmade clay plain tiles are available
in three colours to achieve truly
unique roof design.
Loxleigh boasts an antique
appearance due to its semi-sanded
finish in red and grey shades, Burford
is a rich red-brown tone in a fully
sanded texture and Chailey offers a
vibrant orange tone and can be used
on the main roof or as a contrast tile
for vertical tiling.
The authentic blend of colours means all three tiles can be mixed on the roof to create their own
unique design or replicate a patchwork of colour often seen on traditional roofs in Suffolk,
Sussex and Kent. Canterbury clay plain tiles are also available with a complementary range of
traditional handmade fittings and decorative accessories to achieve the perfect finish.
www.marleyeternit.co.uk/handmade
32
refurb| RENEW Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955

DELIVERING ROOFING EXCELLENCE
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ROOFING PARTNER
YOU NEED
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end-to-end approach to each project, from initial consultation
and design through final installation and after sales care.
With our reputation cemented over five decades, we’re the
roofing specialist both specifiers and contractors choose
to work with, again and again.
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For more information:
please call: 01327 704778 | email: enquiries@langley.co.uk | or visit: www.langley.co.uk

R&R Magazine examines how wireless connection, built into the PCB of Intergas Heating’s new boiler offering
can significantly increase their value to landlords.
Saving’s in the air for social housing
While the revolutionary design of Intergas
Heating’s two-in-one heat exchanger has made it
ultra-reliable, as well as offering 100 per cent
efficiency in both heating and hot water modes,
the manufacturer continues to strive for
improvements, manifested most recently when
it launched the ECO RF range to offer customers
the advantage of wireless connectivity.
This significant advancement enables up to 240
properties to be linked together into a local
network – or ‘cloud’ - perhaps across an estate
or a sheltered housing scheme, communicating
via a single Internet connection. This
functionality is facilitated through the
incorporation of an RF module into the boiler
management system, using software that is being
incorporated into every printed circuit board
(PCB).
The move adds another level of reassurance for
RSLs who are already benefitting from the range’s
build quality and innovative engineering, while
residents are set to gain in terms of their
landlord’s improved ability to target maintenance
calls.
TOTAL RELIABILITY
Furthermore there are less moving parts to wear
out or malfunction as there is no diverter valve,
valve motor, DHW plate heat exchanger, air vent
or air pressure switch. Significantly Intergas
Heating can now demonstrate 18 years of service
without a single failure of the heat exchanger.
Now local authorities and housing associations in
the UK who have specified Intergas are issued
with a simple “First Aid Kit”. This kit contains
components common to the entire range and
enables the service engineers to complete a
repair on a first visit.
Crucially, though, service contractors or direct
labour organisations (DLOs) can prioritise their
engineers’ time even more effectively by making
use of the new wireless interconnectivity. Issues
of gaining entry to homes for mandatory safety
checks can be addressed more effectively, hoax
calls eliminated without a visit and the wellbeing
of vulnerable residents safeguarded.
Another benefit of the remote monitoring
facility is that should a boiler require a repair the
problem will be identified, prior to a visit, and
the contractor/DLO alerted by email, allowing
the repair to be fixed first time. This minimises
maintenance costs and the time spent on a
particular job.
All ECO RFs are fully 2015 compliant ready for
the implementation of new legislation under the
Ecodesign Directive, due next September. They
are fitted with the latest A-rated energy efficient
pumps to ensure fuel consumption is minimised
along with carbon dioxide generation. In
addition, with all Intergas ECO RF boilers
installations in social housing properties, there is
now an option to have a 15 year warranty, with
five years on parts and labour plus a further ten
on parts.
Referring to the new warranty, Stephen Zouch,
the Managing Director for Intergas Heating,
explained: “We haven’t taken this decision lightly,
and it is one founded on absolute confidence in
our precision engineering, quality of materials
used, the durability of the boiler – in particular
the heat exchanger – and the effectiveness of
our remote monitoring system. These energy
and labour-saving benefits are already helping
local authorities and housing associations in the

UK to save millions of pounds.
“We are ambitious about producing high
efficiency boilers which are as uncomplicated as
they are reliable; that can meet the future needs
of our communities while keeping lifetime costs
as low as possible. All of these goals have been
achieved in the development of the ECO RF
range.”
Present at the launch of the ECO RF was Stuart
Mansfield, the Senior Gas Supervisor for
Redditch Council, who has been fitting Intergas
boilers for some time now and who believes the
switch could save the authority some £16 million
over the authority’s 30 year programme plan.
This is due to the fact the boilers will only be
replaced once instead of twice or more, while he
also now expects to improve his maintenance
and servicing regime through the use of the
wireless technology.
There have already been 40,000 Intergas boilers
linked up via the wireless interface in clouds
across the Netherlands, during the three years
since the system was launched there. It could
well be that the numbers in the UK will rapidly
overtake that figure as managers like Stuart
Mansfield warm to the technology.
“We are ambitious about
producing high efficiency boilers
which are as uncomplicated
as they are reliable; that can
meet the future needs of our
communities while keeping
lifetime costs as low as possible.
All of these goals have been
achieved in the development
of the ECO RF range.”
www.intergasheating.co.uk

Heating & Ventilation |
Mix & match with new Valor ranges
Valor has launched two ‘mix and match’ ranges of inset gas fires; the new
Trueflame and Airflame ranges.
The Trueflame mix and match range offers a choice of full depth convector
engine or high efficiency full depth Homeflame engine, each available with either
full trim or half trim in brass or chrome. Both engines offer a generous 4.0kW
heat output and Fireslide control for easy operation. The convector engine offers
64% efficiency, whilst Homeflame offers an impressive 89% efficiency.
The new Airflame mix and match range also offers unrivalled choice, pairing
Valor’s popular Airflame engine with the same great choice of frets and similar
flexibility on trims. For the first time, mainstream customers can choose from
manual and remote control Airflame engines, which lead the market thanks to
the unique ceramic burner and unbeatable realism. Both come with a choice of
full trim or inlay trim, available in brass or chrome.
www.valor.co.uk
ZIP through your HVAC installation
Providing a versatile
and convenient
solution to indoor
climate control in
factories, warehouses
and showrooms, the
Zehnder ZIP radiant
heating and cooling
panel is the ideal
addition to any high
ceilinged building.
Key to the convenience of the Zehnder ZIP radiant panel is its
modular design, dual functionality, ease of use and energy saving
capabilities. Benefitting from radiant technology the Zehnder Zip
offers an energy saving potential of over 40% on alternative
technologies, and being suitable for heating and cooling purposes
operates a year-round indoor climate solution.
Fitted either flush or close to the ceiling, suspended straight from
the ceiling or tilted at an angle, and available in five differing lengths,
its flexible fitting system offers numerous configuration possibilities
to accommodate any building size or shape. Lightweight, easy to
handle and complete with press fit connections the panels can be
assembled quickly and easily, saving time and money on site.
www.zehnder.co.uk
ATAG help store cut energy costs
by 12%
When the Co-op
decided to replace
the heating and air
conditioning system
at their Stockbridge
store, the key
objectives were to
achieve significant
reductions in both
energy and maintenance costs while being able to monitor energy
usage 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
After a comprehensive tendering process they decided on a system
based around two high efficiency ATAG XL140 gas-fired boilers.
Featuring ATAG’s tried and tested 316 stainless steel heat exchanger
technology currently used throughout their boiler range, the XL140
gives a class leading efficiency of 109.3% (EN677) achieved through
seamless upwards modulation. NOx emissions have been reduced to
below 30ppm, which ATAG believe is the lowest in its class.
The boilers will deliver hot water to a new LPHW air-handling system
serving the main store area and a new LPHW warm air door curtain
above the main entrance.
To enable monitoring and adjustment, an RDM (Remote Device
Monitor) control system was installed.
www.atagcommercial.co.uk.
36
refurb| RENEW Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955

OVERBOARD
Introducing Overboard from Maincor:
Designed for retrofit underfloor heating installation into virtually any property.
Perfect for complete property renovations and projects such as extensions or kitchen refurbishments:
only 18mm thick - low profile underfloor heating system
Minimal disruption when installing into existing buildings
panels cover the entire floor surface providing high heat output
fixing points to locate the pipes for ease of installation
- saving time and money on site
Call us on 01455 555930 or visit www.maincor.co.uk for more information
OVERBOARD
OVER ANY FLOOR
*
*See website for applications
Cost benefits for council and
elderly residents
The new Fernox TF1 Delta
Filter has been installed to
clean out the existing
system of a 1960s
retirement housing
development in Norwich,
prior to a heating
equipment upgrade. It will
then be retained as part of
the new heating scheme to
ensure a more efficient,
effective and wellprotected
system.
The renewal of the
communal heating system
at Brewers Court is a joint venture between property service
manager NPS, Norwich City Council and local heating contractor
Gasway Services Ltd. Having discovered a leak on the system, the
first task was to undertake the groundworks and replace the heating
mains. For the next phase, the team installed the Fernox TF1 Delta
Filter onto the existing 2” pipework to help flush out debris from the
system that services bungalows and flats on the development.
The TF1 Delta Filter also offers the ability to automatically or
manually deaerate the trapped air in the system depending on the
system design or preference.
www.fernox.com .
Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955 refurb| RENEW 37

Heating & Ventilation |
Air source energy gains critical mass
Juliet Woodcock considers the potential of a new addition to Mitsubishi Electric’s already successful range of air source heat pumps.
The heating and renewables industry has long
accepted that the best efficiencies are to be
gained from heat pumps if they kept running for
long periods, preferably with the system
achieving a large delta T between flow and
return temperatures.
38
Now, though, the UK’s largest supplier of air
source technology to the domestic market has
introduced a new concept to its range which
virtually guarantees optimum performance within
well insulated properties; and which offers
developers a financially attractive alternative to
laying in gas mains across sites where none exists.
“We believe that air
source heat pumps
are the only
mainstream
technology that can
be rolled out throughout
the UK due to a wide range
of property types – the
other technologies have
certain challenges.”
Jordan Jeewood,
Ecodan Technical Expert
Mitsubishi Electric has already secured a
dominant share of the UK market for air source
heat pumps with its range of Ecodan domestic
and commercial scale units, but now the QUHZ
model adds the extra dimension of a carefully
matched thermal store, with optimized control
logic boosting efficiency. And while it is primarily
aimed at the 70% of new-builds where ‘Fabric
First’ design cuts space heating loads to less than
that of the hot water demand, similarly insulated
refurbishments could also benefit from the new
model’s multiple benefits.
In terms of commercial logic, it is difficult to
dispute Mitsubishi Electric’s assessment of the
way the housing market is developing which,
despite the ditching of the Code for Sustainable
Homes Level 6 ambition, still sees developers
working to the very tight energy demands within
Part L.
Mains gas boilers have been favoured by SAP
over oil or electric heating for a long time, but
the cost or running new gas services to sites
refurb| RENEW Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955
: The Ecodan QUHZ combines a thermal store to deliver hot water with a
highly efficient 4 kW air source heat pump which uses CO2 as the refrigerant.
where none exist can be very high. Meanwhile,
other alternative such as ground source heat
pumps, biomass or communal CHP can have
present punishing capital costs as well as
technical challenges.
Jordan Jeewood, Ecodan technical expert for the
company, explained: “What is needed is a new
way of delivering energy efficient heating and hot
water. We have engineered the Ecodan QUHZ
monobloc system to meet this need by providing
exceptionally high efficiency in the production of
hot water, along with renewable space heating
for the home”.
Significantly from the specifier’s point of view,
the QUHZ is suitable for most sizes of dwelling
from a starter home or city flat up to a four bed
detached with multiple bathrooms.
Essentially a zone valve either directs flow from
the monobloc unit to the property’s heating
circuit, but prioritizes keeping the 200 litre glycol
filled thermal store at close to 700 centigrade.
Then when a tap is
opened, mains
water passes
through the
store’s plate
heat exchanger
to be
instantaneously
heated.
Like its
predecessors,
the Ecodan
QUHZ is MCS
approved and
will appear fully
familiar to the
manufacturer’s nationwide network of welltrained
installers. The thermal store, meanwhile,
comes as a packaged unit with the minimum of
connections to make, and the user interface
controls have been made as simple as possible.
The building occupants just have to choose when
they want their heating to be on and at what
level.
The QUHZ launch coincided with the climate
conference in Paris where the world’s politicians
were lining up to agonize about cutting CO2
emissions. Ironically though, the new Ecodan uses
carbon dioxide as its refrigerant in order to
achieve the high delta T that ensures the
enhanced efficiency of the system. Using small
amounts of a toxic substance to cure a worse
malady has a ‘homeopathic’ resonance to it.
Maintenance, though, will be straightforward
while installers can call on the 24/7 technical
support offered by the manufacturer. And thanks
to Mitsubishi Electric’s MEL Cloud wi-fi
technology, it is even possible to
allow the company’s own
engineers to oversee and
fine tune the way units are
performing.
: QUHZ Outdoor Unit
Jordan Jeewood reflected:
“We believe that air
source heat pumps are
the only mainstream
technology that can be
rolled out throughout
the UK due to a wide
range of property types
– the other technologies
have certain challenges.”

Evinox Energy to exhibit at Ecobuild
Evinox Energy will be
exhibiting in the District
Energy Pavilion at Ecobuild.
The District Energy Pavilion
will provide visitors with the
opportunity to meet with a
selection of suppliers and
industry experts all in one
area, and includes a
comprehensive, informative
seminar programme,
featuring the latest
information about efficient heat networks.
Evinox Energy specialise in communal and district heating systems,
and manufacture their own range of modern heat interface units
(HIUs), designed with efficiency and end user comfort in mind. They
will also be presenting a seminar at the exhibition, discussing efficient
heat network design and management.
Visit Stand E4280 to find out more about metering and billing
solutions for communal and district systems, and smart control
technology. Evinox Energy’s systems combine effective HIU control
with excellent after-sales end-user support and flexible metering and
billing services, ensuring the building owner has a hassle-free, efficient
development, and residents enjoy a comfortable and relaxed place to
live.
www.evinoxresidential.co.uk
Wilo offers high efficiency small circulator pumps in the UK and provides more
pumps for boiler manufacturers to install in combi and system boilers than any
other manufacturer in Europe. It’s strength lies in its huge research and
development programme that sees it constantly developing ever more efficient
solutions and improving the ease and speed of installation – highlighted by its
Wilo Connector – a simple ‘push together fitting’ that allows for simple, rapid
installation – no fiddly screwdriver attachments required. Wilo’s series of
glandless pumps - Wilo-Yonos PICO, Wilo-Stratos PICO and Wilo-Stratos – are
seeing increasing popularity across the board. They are relevant for nearly all
applications for heating, air-conditioning and cooling in the building services area
– from the family home to small commercial buildings.
The EU ErP Directive has begun to make significant inroads
in the energy consumption
figures, and as a result the
emissions figures. There’s a long
way still to go to hit the targets
being demanded by
Government. But the age of the
energy efficient pump is very
much here.
To find out more about Wilo’s
highly convenient, reliable family
of high efficiency, ErP compliant
small circulating pumps, just click
on to www.wilo.co.uk
Wilo-Yonos PICO
High efficiency?
Look for Wilo!
Envirovent set for new releases at
Ecobuild 2016
EnviroVent, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of sustainable
ventilation systems, will be launching
its exciting new energiSava 200 heat
recovery product at Ecobuild 2016.
The new energiSava 200 offers a neat
and innovative solution for
housebuilders to meet System 4 of
Building Regulations Part F
requirements. It is a high performance
heat recovery unit that delivers up to
90% thermal efficiency. The energiSava
200 is SAP Appendix Q eligible, making
it an attractive choice for
housebuilders. The compact, lightweight design of the energiSava
200, plus its energy efficiency properties, mean it is ideal for small to
medium size houses and apartments. It is extremely straightforward
to install and capable of being fitted on the wall, floor or ceiling.
The energiSava 200 works by extracting moisture laden air and resupplying
clean, fresh air into a property to ensure a property is
correctly ventilated at all times to control condensation and
improve indoor air quality. Incorporating Intellitrac®
For more information on improving the air quality in your home, find
your local EnviroVent Specialist Ventilation Advisor, via the website
www.envirovent.com or by calling 0845 27 27 810.
www.envirovent.com
Rinnai new stylish space heater design
and impressive energy savings
performance
Rinnai Energysaver fanned convection
powered flue gas fired space heaters
are designed specifically for use in
schools, community centres, libraries,
conservatories and churches and
other large spaces where they offer
fastest heat up at lowest running cost.
The Rinnai Energysaver 309FT has had
a stylish makeover to offer
contemporary cabinet styling that
matches its superior energy saving
performance. The new, sleek good
looks of this popular model bring it in line with modern minimalist
tastes in interior aesthetics.
Rinnai Energysaver units are very easy to install as they do not need
expensive (and extensive) ductwork, nor do they involve the necessity
to run domestic heating circuits for radiators or pipework to boilers.
This cuts down dramatically on cost and time at the point of
installation.
Rinnai Energysaver 309FT delivers energy-efficient and consistent warm
air powered by Natural Gas and LPG options and is built with fully
modulating burners so heat output and energy input is reduced as the
space warms up – a valuable cost saving benefit.
www.rinnaiuk.com
Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955 refurb| RENEW 39

Heating & Ventilation |
Slimming
down for modern living
Juliet Woodcock reports on the latest innovation from a British manufacturer of water heating products.
According to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), 60% of people
questioned would not buy a house that had been built in the last decade because
the rooms are too small. RIBA also reported in its paper, The Case for Space, that
consumers in Ireland could expect new homes to be 15% bigger, in the Netherlands
they were 53% bigger and in Denmark, the average newly built home was 80% bigger
than in the UK.
Then, in another article I wrote recently, I reported that one couple had to keep their
vacuum cleaner in the car; another stored groceries in their boot. While apparently
we’re ‘going off’ brown antiques, preferring instead light coloured Ikea type furniture.
The truth is, most new homes are too small for big Victorian wardrobes and tallboys;
while large, dark coloured furniture dominates a small room.
However, R&R can happily report that one British company is trying to make life
easier for new build owner/occupiers as well as developers and social housing
providers. In fact Heatrae Sadia, the UK's largest manufacturer of electric water
heating products, is in the process of launching the Megaflo Eco Slimline, a compact
version of its successful Megaflo Eco, which has been designed for homes where
space for a hot water storage cylinder is limited.
Taller than the Megaflow Eco, the slimmer version heats the same amount of water
and will fit into airing cupboards or, in modern apartments, within built-in cupboards;
thus allowing space for, perhaps, a Hoover.
Whereas usually an unvented hot water cylinder would need an external expansion
system, the Megaflo Eco Slimline features an internal expansion system, facilitating a
faster and neater installation. Megaflo Eco Slimline is available in capacities from 100
to 190 litres, as well as offering direct and indirect versions. Crucially it still delivers
the same high performance and quality that installers and consumers have come to
expect from the market leading Megaflo Eco range.
Jon Cockburn, head of marketing at Heatrae Sadia, said: “Our homes are undoubtedly
getting smaller; RIBA suggests the average UK new home is now 76m² – half the size
of the houses built in the 1920s. So, with space at a premium, finding an adequate
amount of room for a hot water storage cylinder can be problematic, even in older
properties.
“In line with our strategy to continually evolve the Megaflo Eco range to meet
market needs, we identified a demand for a slimmer version to fit into non-standard
sized airing cupboards and other compact storage areas.”
Importantly, the Megaflo range is compatible with all types of heating and hot water
systems, including conventional stand-alone boilers, biomass and district heating
systems. The twin coil versions are also often specified for installations featuring
input from solar thermal panels.
Megaflo Eco Slimline’s internal cylinder will have a lifetime warranty, which includes
on-site parts and labour. It will be available from April 2016.
: The Megaflo Eco Slimline hot water cylinder has been designed
for homes where space for a hot water storage cylinder is limited
40
refurb| RENEW Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955

Industry responds to Prime Minister’s
pledge to transform ‘sink estates’
| Article
Prime Minister David Cameron has announced that some of the country’s most run-down housing estates will be replaced with
attractive and safe homes.
David Cameron described the post-war social
housing estates in the UK as a "gift to criminals
and drug dealers." He also pledged to spend £140
million for the country’s worst housing estates to
be removed and replaced with safe and
attractive homes for residents.i
In an article written by the PM for The Sunday
Times, Cameron said "Step outside in the worst
estates, and you're confronted by concrete slabs
dropped from on high, brutal high-rise towers
and dark alleyways that are a gift to criminals and
drug dealers."
"The police often talk about the importance of
designing out crime, but these estates actually
designed it in. Decades of neglect have led to
gangs, ghettos and anti-social behaviour and
poverty has become entrenched, because those
who could afford to move have understandably
done so."
RIBA President Jane Duncan said “We welcome
the Government’s decision to look at improving
the built environment in the most deprived
communities in our country. We believe
passionately that everyone has a right to enjoy
and benefit from well-designed architecture.
These community improvements, however, can’t
come at the expense of existing residents and
see further reductions in the number of social
rented homes at a time where there is already a
desperate shortage.”
Commenting on the proposals, Neil Marshall,
CEO of the National Insulation Association (NIA)
said: “Whilst we support the Prime Minister’s
proposals to improve housing estates in England
we are concerned that the plans appear to focus
purely on demolition and rebuilding. Housing
estates can be regenerated and transformed by
upgrading the existing properties including the
installation of attractive external wall insulation.
The cost of upgrading estates is significantly less
than demolition and rebuilding which means
more households could be helped with the
money. In addition, upgrading the existing
buildings avoids the hassle and disruption of
having to re-house the occupants which is
associated with demolition and rebuilding.
“We would therefore
urge the Prime Minister
to reconsider the
proposals and focus
more of the investment
on upgrading existing
properties.
Neil Marshal, CEO of the
National Insulation Association (NIA)
Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955 refurb| RENEW 41

Interior Refurbishment |
Altro total solution helps transform
Newcastle landmark
An extensive package of Altro flooring and wall cladding products has been used top to bottom in the £18 million refurbishment of one
of Newcastle’s most striking landmarks — the 11-storey Parsons Tower, which is part of Newcastle College.
42
The refurbishment project was the brainchild of
Redbox Design Group in Gateshead. Associate
Sean Gallagher explains how specifying the right
flooring and walling products for the new-look
Parsons Tower was a vital part of the project.
“Parsons Tower is a physical beacon for
Newcastle and the college, and therefore it had
to satisfy a broad range of strict criteria both
internally and externally,” Sean says. “We chose
Altro flooring and wall cladding for the building
for a number of reasons; we know Altro products
very well, they are reliable, durable, superb
quality and very cost effective against their
competitors.
Perfect for creating a comforting and familiar
look, but without compromising on safety, Altro
Wood Safety offers 16 wood-look designs,
including classic, contemporary and on-trend —
to vary moods from cool and classy to warm and
nurturing. The flooring features Altro Easyclean
Maxis PUR Technology for long term cleanability
and easier maintenance.
Elsewhere, Sean specified Altro Suprema for the
retail area, corridors, stairs, toilets and hospital
ward; Altro Wood Safety in the breakout area on
the top floor; Altro Designer TM 25 safety
flooring for the refectory back of house; Altro
Unity 25 for the laboratories; Altro StrongholdTM
30 safety flooring and Altro Whiterock hygienic
wall cladding for the kitchen;
refurb| RENEW Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955
Altro Designer 25 is engineered with quartz,
silicon carbide and aluminium trioxide for longterm
durability and slip resistance, making it great
for heavy duty environments with moveable or
wheeled furniture. Available in practical, dirthiding
colours featuring decorative coloured
quartz, the product incorporates Altro Easyclean
Original Technology for a lasting attractive
appearance and savings in time and cleaning
costs.
Ideal for commercial kitchens, canteens, and food
service and preparation areas, Altro Stronghold 30
achieves Altro’s highest rating for slip resistance
and is designed to minimise risk in wet and greasy
conditions for the lifetime of the flooring. As well
as helping to keep staff safe from slips, it also
helps reduce their fatigue, thanks to its 3mm
thickness, which provides noise reduction and
comfort underfoot.
Altro Whiterock White is the hygienic alternative
to tiles that’s impact resistant, grout-free and
easy to clean. Its smooth white surface and
classical purity make it a timeless choice for any
interior. Made from a high-quality, food-safe
PVCu polymer, Altro Whiterock can handle
temperatures up to 60°C. It meets all current
European Union (EU) Directives on health and
hygiene.
Northern Floorcraft installed the Altro flooring
within Parsons Tower. The company has been
working with Altro for 45 years, installing their
flooring in a wide variety of applications such as
education, healthcare and retail.
Director Warren Pearson says: “This project was a
significant size, and with 11 storeys to finish we
had to work in very close co-operation with a
number of other trades and the site manager to
ensure we stuck to the schedule and produced a
perfect result. Good communication skills are
essential on projects of this size. We were on site
for five months, with a team of between two and
six fitters.
The main contractor for Parsons Tower was BAM
Construction.
Steve Johnson, General Estates Manager at
Newcastle College’s parent company NCG
comments: “We were very impressed with every
aspect of the Altro flooring and wall cladding
range. The wide variety of colours, designs and
finishes gave the architect the flexibility to create
an overall design theme within Parsons Tower,
but with subtle variations that gave a different
look and feel to each individual area.
“In terms of cleaning and maintenance, we have
had nothing but positive feedback from our team
about the Altro products throughout the
building, so in terms of practicality it’s proving to
be the right choice.
www.altro.co.uk

Interior Refurbishment |
Forbo maps out the floor at Manchester Science Partnerships
Taking full advantage of Forbo Flooring
Systems’ high quality, digital printing
capabilities, The Sheila Bird Group has
helped Manchester Science Partnerships
(MSP) to create the wow factor in the
refurbished social space of their client’s
Greenheys building. Their custom-designed
A to Z map of Manchester, reproduced on
Forbo’s durable Eternal vinyl floor covering,
has created an eye-catching and engaging
focal point.
As one of the UK’s leading science park
operators, MSP wanted an events and
community space on the park that would
encourage its group of scientists, innovators,
investors and entrepreneurs to connect with
one another.
Chris Naughton at The Sheila Bird Group
commented: “The interior of MSP’s
Greenheys building has a lot of exposed brick
and we wanted to retain the industrial feel of
the building, but also to install a completely
unique floor covering to inject a stand-out
feature in the area. So, we created a custom
A to Z map, pinpointing the various MSP
buildings dotted around Manchester in
different colours, enabling visitors to immerse
themselves into the map and orientate
themselves in the city by just looking at the
floor covering.”
Chris commented : “We’ve used Forbo on
many projects as they offer good quality
products at a competitive price and have the
ability to deliver custom floor coverings –
something we definitely desired and attained
for this project. Indeed, the interior of the
building could not have looked this great
without Forbo. This project has been very
successful and it has led to us developing a
great relationship with MSP.”
For more information please call Forbo on 0844 822 3928
or visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/eternal
44
Knauf AMF’s acoustic know-how
creates calm learning spaces
Knauf AMF ceilings
and Heradesign wall
panels were specified
to provide
outstanding acoustic
control and visual
appeal for the £2.4m
Essa Primary School, a
new free school in
Bolton.
Long reverberation times are a problem in schools, particularly
classrooms, where the noise level can build up making it difficult for
teachers and children to understand one another. Heradesign wall
panels and Thermatex Antaris ceilings offer the highest Class A sound
absorption to control reverberation, and high sound attenuation to
reduce the amount of unwanted noise in the classroom, creating
calmer, more productive spaces for learning.
Heradesign was also chosen for its aesthetic qualities. The panels can
be matched to almost any colour including those from popular
systems such as RAL, NCS or StoColor. In addition to its Class A
sound absorption, the white surface of Thermatex Antaris ceiling tiles
provide light reflection of over 80%, helping reduce energy bills.
www.amfceilings.co.uk/heradesign
refurb| RENEW Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955
Add shine to your wood with Osmo
Osmo UK, the eco-friendly
wood and finishes expert,
has introduced Polyx®-Oil
Clear Glossy which provides
a gloss finish, defines the
grain of the wood, and
accentuates its natural
colour. It is the ideal finish
to use on all wooden floors,
solid or plank wood, strip
parquet, OSB or cork
flooring, and wooden
furniture.
Polyx®-Oil Glossy is
extremely easy to apply. Simply brush on to the wood surface to
achieve deep, long-lasting penetration. After treatment the wood is
strengthened from within and retains its elasticity. It becomes water
repellent, stain resistant and hard-wearing, because it meets the wood’s
natural demands and does not crack, flake, peel or blister.
Osmo Polyx®-Oil is resistant to water and dirt, is very durable, and
smoothens wood surfaces. The natural vegetable oils and waxes allow
for even colouring. Another key benefit of this wax-oil is that Polyx®-
Oil has a reduced solvent content making it virtually odourless.
www.osmouk.com

ELLEN UPVC
DOOR AND
WINDOW SEALS
RENOVAT
TION SILICONE SEALS
PEELABLE UNIVERSEAL PLUS
A SERIES OF HIGH-GRADE SILICONE
SEALS FOR RENOVATION PROJECTS
OF UPVC DOORS AND WINDOWS
A UNIVERSAL SOLUTION TO REPLACE
PERISHED OR WORN WEATHERSTRIPS
ON UPVC DOORS AND WINDOWS
6 PROFILES FOR THE MOST COMMON UPVC
WINDOW AND DOOR SYSTEMS
SEALS GAPS UP TO 8 MM
LARGE HOLLOW CHAMBER FOR BETTER SOUND
INSULATION
OFFERS LOW CLOSING RESISTANCE
HIGH RESISTANCE TO AGEING
SUPERIOR DURABILITY
RESEAL DOORS AND WINDOWS, MAKING THEM
AIRTIGHT AND WATERPROOF AGAIN
HAS A SERIES OF PEELABLE LAYERS
DOES THE JOB OF MORE THAN 100 STANDARD
PROFILES
DON’T WASTE TIME SEARCHING FOR THE EXACT
PROFILE
AVAILABLE BLACK, BROWN AND WHITE
QUICK AND EASY TO INSTALL
Zero Seal Systems Ltd
Units 43 - 45 Ladford Covert, Seighford, Stafford, ST18 9QG, United Kingdom
Tel : +44 (0)1785 282910 E-mail : sales@zeroplus.co.uk
WWW.ZEROPLUS.CO.UK
NEW ELECTRIC SHOWER
RANGE IN DEMAND...
MX Group’s new electric shower range is very much in
demand
in particular with social landlords. Since its introduction,
the Intro range – the 850 and 950 – have been flying off
the shelves in
response to the demand for a very
reliable, high quality but inexpensive
electric shower option. Just part of a
much wider range of electric shower
options from MX, the company also
offers the widest range of shower
trays available in the UK and an
impressive selection of thermostatic
mixer
showers, enclosures and now taps and
mixers as well. In fact, it’s become
something of a one stop shop for
quality, competitively priced shower
equipment, including possibly the
widest range of
accessories on the market.
Go to www.mx-group.com for more
information or call on 01684 293311
for help and advice.
The Intro 950
from MX Group
Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955 refurb| RENEW 45

Energy Saving |
Chapter House of St Paul’s Cathedral becomes a more ecologically
efficient office
Grade II* Listed Chapter House is a striking
building sitting adjacent to the iconic St
Paul’s Cathedral, it was designed by
Christopher Wren and his son and built
between 1712-1714.
The building was originally used as
accommodation for the Dean and other
members of the Chapter. However, after
suffering severe damage during the Second
World War it was refurbished in the 1950s
into offices, and has since been viewed as the
administrative heart of the Cathedral.
Recently Chapter House underwent a major
revamp to bring it up to modern and
ecological office standards. A key
requirement was to improve the thermal
insulation throughout the building, retaining
the buildings heat and reducing energy bills.
As a specialist in the design, manufacture and
installation of secondary glazing, Selectaglaze
was specified as its tested products can
reduce heat loss by up to 50%. This can be
achieved by the bespoke fitting of the
secondary glazing alongside the use of high
performance seals.
A number of Selectaglaze slim line products
were used to suit the various window styles
and sizes. These units were mainly chosen as
the units are discreet, a reversible adaptation
and are accepted by heritage agencies across
the UK
Over 120 units have been installed in six
: Recently Chapter House underwent a major revamp to bring it
up to modern and ecological office standards
different colour finishes to match the existing
frames.
Established in 1966 and Royal Warrant
holders since 2004, Selectaglaze has a wealth
of experience working in all building types, as
well as an extensive range of products to suit
all projects.
For further information, literature and test results, please contact
Selectaglaze on 01727 837271/e-mail:enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk or
visit: www.selectaglaze.co.uk
46
Trend Energy Services provides a
24/7 solution
Trend Control Systems,
the leading international
manufacturer and
supplier of state-of-theart
Building Energy
Management Systems
(BEMS), has announced a
significant investment in
its Trend Energy Services
Division. The company is now able to tackle demand side energy
management even more effectively by remotely managing a
customer’s BEMS so that it works more efficiently, thereby creating
greater energy savings and lowering CO2 emissions.
Trend has successfully provided BEMS Bureau facilities for the last 20
years to answer alarms and deploy maintenance contractors. In
addition to these facilities, Trend Energy Services can now create a
centralised solution that allows building services to be investigated
and controlled remotely, not just by making time and setpoint
changes, but also by carrying out remote diagnostics, configuring
temporary fixes, addressing any energy related problems and
predicting ways that equipment could be used more efficiently.
refurb| RENEW Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955
www.trendcontrols.com
www.honeywellnow.com
DANLERS ControlZAPP – More than
an Energy Saving Control
• Real Time scheduling for
switching, lux control or
function changes
• Programmable by Android
phone or tablet
• PIR occupancy switching and
adjustable photocell for
daylight control
• Switching/dimming functions
can be controlled by sunset and
sunrise prediction
• Automatic time adjustment for
BST
• Innovative twin level time lag
function with short visit
mode for even greater
energy savings
• Versions for
switching only,
DALI Dimming
and 1-10V
Dimming
www.danlers.co.uk

Goodlight helps
Writtle College achieve
£18,000 annual energy
savings
LED Eco Lights has helped Writtle
College achieve almost £18,000 in annual
energy savings with an installation of its
Goodlight retrofit LED lighting. This
massive saving, plus reduced maintenance
costs, equates to a very positive ROI with
the initial £57,000 investment being repaid
in just over three years and more than
£191,000 saved during the lifespan of the
installation.
The lighting upgrade was funded by SALIX
and the estate roll-out phase of the
project was funded by HEFCE (Higher
Education Funding Council for England).
www.ledecolights.com
Thermoblock premieres in Leicester Square
project
The refurbishment of a landmark listed
property on London’s Leicester Square has
seen Marmox Thermoblocks specified in very
large quantities for an unusual application.
Number 48 Leicester Square is being
completely redeveloped behind the retained
1920s stone façade, with Make Architects
leading the design team on behalf of client,
Linseed Assets, while Pacific Construction is
the main contractor.
Pivotal to this radical reconstruction has been
the need to stabilize and strengthen the outer
elevations which had been badly weakened by
previous alterations over the past century.
With a full facade retention structure in place
and the basement area framed by a retaining
wall, the project team's solution involved
raising an internal inner blockwork wall using
aerated concrete. This is intended to improve
the thermal performance of the exterior
elevations as well as their regularity and
soundness, while taking up the minimum
interior space.
Marmox
The 600 mm long insulation units incorporate
mini columns of high strength, low
conductivity concrete to support the load of
the wall above while the low lambda value
insulation virtually eliminates the path for
cold-bridging.
In total over 1000 of the 640X140X65 mm
Thermoblocks were supplied by the Islington
branch of Travis Perkins, helping create a
continuous horizontal thermal break beneath
the new wall rising from the basement of 48
Leicester Square: ensuring it will meet the
current Building Regulations and that the
structure will endure for many decades to
come.
Tel: 01634 835290
Website: www.marmox.co.uk
Jan / Feb 2O16 issue 8955 refurb| RENEW 47

Settin ng the Standards
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Stormk
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certifica
stormking.co.uk
Amington Point, Sandy Way
y, Amington Industrial Estate, Tamworth, Staffordshire B77 4ED
Tel: 01827 3111001100 Fax:
01827 311200 e-ma ail: contact@stormking.co.uk