MMC 5542 48 Feb '16 cc

MODERN METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION
> issue 5542 | Feb | 2016
Whatever the exposure
– EJOT ® has the anchor
MMC Magazine offers an insight into service
and fixings solutions.
Taking a property’s pulse
The University of Nottingham has developed a
novel and easy-to-use test for measuring the
airtightness of buildings.
Cross code project nears completion
MMC reviews a highly energy conscious, mixed
tenure social housing development down near
the Bristol Channel.
> See page 34

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CONTENTS
issue 5542 | Feb | 2016
Dear Reader
Welcome to the first edition of MMC for 2016 and
what promises to be a seminal year for the uptake
of offsite technologies; thanks to commercial
pressures and impending legislation.
The Government’s much heralded BIM
requirement for public contracts will come into
force before our next issue appears, quickening the
changeover to the advanced 3-D design tools and
the availability of manufacturers’ product ranges
as BIM objects.
Then fresh ‘forward guidance’ from the Bank of
England and other central banks would have us
believe that base rates will remain at their historic
lows for at least another couple of years: keeping
mortgages cheap and underpinning demand for
new housing. And as long as we have no control
over who comes to our country, the pressures on
all areas of the residential market can only
continue to grow.
Unlike our stagnating neighbours in continental
Europe, hamstrung by the calamitous single
currency project, Britain has a steadily
strengthening economy. In fact I believe Brexit
would only be a disaster for our alleged EU
partners who continue to plunder our public
finances and hamper small businesses with
bureaucracy, while constantly plotting ways to
undermine the City as a world business centre.
As long as our economy remains vibrant, all
sectors from commercial and retail to student
accommodation and the wider residential market
will clamour for more capacity, and Modern
Methods of Construction will be essential to
feeding that hunger. Furthermore, moving more
construction into a clean and safe factory
environment can also help attract more of our
young people into the industry, helping to bridge
the skills gap and cutting the stubbornly high
unemployment rates amongst so called NEETs.
Yours sincerely
Bruce Meechan
10 Sweat equity
Technical Editor, Bruce Meechan, reflects on
the new impetus from Government that could
dramatically increase the number of self-build
projects being completed across the country.
18 Could offsite construction
attract new home grown talent?
Ministers have just today announced that they
want the construction industry to focus efforts
on attracting, developing and retaining home
grown talent into the industry and remove
barriers currently preventing more young
people from entering the sector.
34 Bigger, Better, Faster, Stronger
Are you looking to build a new house? Do you
want a house that surpasses current building
regulation requirements? Look no further,
Thermohouse low energy building system can
offer this and much more!
10
20 Taking a property’s pulse
The University of Nottingham has developed a
novel and easy-to-use test for measuring the
airtightness of buildings. MMC reports
24 BSRIA backs ‘AI’
Juliet Woodcock reports on the latest offering
from the UK’s foremost research and testing
organization covering building services
Editorial Enquiries Tel: 01827 301190
Press Releases, Advertising, Production,
Design & Circulation Enquiries
Tel: 01827 301198
Features Editor Bruce Meechan
News Editor Juliet Woodcock
Press Co-ordinator Gemma Spilsbury
press@wavcoms.co.uk
Advertising Nasser Agha-Khan
mmc@wavcoms.co.uk
Design Ellie Rich and Di Smith
Circulation
circulation@wavcoms.co.uk
Publisher’s Statement
MMC is published quarterly. Although the editor and
publisher make every effort to return photographic
material, it is sent at owner’s risk. Printed in England. All
rights reserved. No part of MMC may be reproduced or
stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form
without prior permission of the editor. 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 Ltd.
Waverley House, 11 Galena Close,
Amington Heights, Amington Industrial Estate,
Tamworth, Staffordshire. B77 4AS.
42 Smartply offers sustainable
solution to long-term energyefficient
housing
Wood panels are the natural choice for
developers and house builders looking to
utilise the time, cost and quality benefits of
off-site construction
< Front cover
Are you looking to build a new house?
Do you want a house that surpasses
current building regulation
requirements? Look no further,
Thermohouse low energy building
system can offer this and much more!
See page 34 for more info...
www.theromhouse.co.uk
MMC February 2016 3

NEWS
Levy causing concern
MPs are right to criticize Government
over Apprenticeship Levy, says
FMB: backing the BIS Select
Committee which was unhappy about the
Government’s lack of consultation on the new
Apprenticeship Levy.
Sarah McMonagle, Head of External Affairs at
the FMB, said: “The findings of today’s report
(1st February) by the BIS Select Committee
reflect widespread anxiety within the
construction sector that the new
Apprenticeship Levy is being implemented
without sufficient consultation. With little
over a year until the Levy will be introduced,
construction SMEs are still in the dark over
how the new levy will work alongside the
existing Construction Industry Training Board
(CITB) levy. Given that the Levy is about
enabling more apprenticeship training, and in
construction it is SMEs that do the vast
majority of training, this lack of clarity is
distinctly unhelpful.”
Government tax
avoidance measures
could cost
development industry
£660m a year
The British Property Federation (BPF)
has warned that Government
proposals to restrict the tax
deductibility of interest – which will
essentially increase the price of debt - could
have a disproportionate effect on debtreliant
industries such as real estate and
infrastructure.
Ion Fletcher, director of policy (finance) at
the British Property Federation,
commented: “While we are wholly
supportive of the Government’s plans to
clamp down on tax avoidance, the current
proposals go much further than is
necessary and are particularly punitive for
capital intensive industries like real estate.
Almost a million jobs around the country
rely on sustained investment in commercial
and residential property and the proposals
put these at risk.
New website hosts wealth of data on energy
efficient buildings
The Digital Catapult has created the Building Data Exchange to stimulate
innovation and help constructors build more efficient properties.
A wealth of information on best practice and pitfalls in construction of modern,
energy efficient homes, offices, shops and public buildings is to be shared through a
new Building Data Exchange.
The Exchange has been created by the Digital Catapult centre to allow designers,
developers and constructors to take advantage of the wealth of information gathered
over the last six years by Innovate UK’s £8 million Buildings Performance Evaluation
programme.
The full data set will be available for a hackathon on 5-7 February. It will be made
available to the public shortly afterwards as part of a three-year Catapult programme
to encourage interaction between the construction industry and digital innovators.
Housebuilding jobs bonanza
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, ‘Building
Communities, Boosting Employment,’ 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 built.
House building rates have rocketed over the past few years. 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.
50 contractors appointed to £836 million New
Build Housing Framework
Re:allies, the strategic collaboration of three of the largest social housing
consortia in the UK, Procure Plus, Efficiency North and Central Housing
Investment Consortium (CHIC), has awarded contracts to 50 construction
companies of all sizes over the four lots of its New Build Housing framework.
Managed by Procure Plus on behalf of Re:allies, the framework offers options for
innovative offsite manufacturing as well as traditional new build, and has an
estimated total £836 million demand pipeline over its four year lifetime.
In line with the Government’s agenda for the sector, which recognizes the need for
more investment in affordable new housing and an increase in training resources to
deliver it, the Re:allies New Build framework offers not only a swift, flexible and costeffective
route to providing new homes, on both a small and large scale basis, but also
the added benefits to local communities of employment and training opportunities.
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Product News >
Airtight sealing and ventilation
explained
Is an airtight seal just an
airtight seal?
Vision London Returns with over 160
Speakers in its Second Year.
Launched in 2015, Vision is the event for architects, specifiers,
clients and suppliers. The place where these communities come
together to discuss, debate and showcase the latest innovations and
developments in architecture, design and the built environment.
The event focuses on new and innovative building products and
materials, providing ideas and solutions for new and inventive ways
to achieve better building design solutions and comply with ever
changing legislation.
Building on the huge success of last year’s launch event, Vision will
return to London Olympia on 7 - 8th June 2016, and promises to
deliver even more educational content, practical solutions and
innovative products for today’s busy specifier.
Through a series of seminars and case studies delivered by over 160
leading international speakers, alongside a carefully curated
exhibition of cutting edge products and solutions, Vision is the ideal
meeting place for professionals connected to the built environment
and a unique opportunity for suppliers to showcase their products.
In Vision’s second year, over 200 organisations will be exhibiting
their new and inventive solutions that facilitate the creation of
better building design. The event also boasts an extensive CPD
accredited seminar programme where over 160 influential industry
figures speak on a range of topics covered under the themes, Future
Materials & Systems, Technology Talks, Innovation in Architecture &
Design, Building for Health & Wellness, Smart Buildings, Building
Information Modelling (BIM) and Offsite Construction.
Vision has also agreed later opening hours for 2016 – as some busy
Architects would like to visit the event in the early evening. Opening
hours on the 7th June will be 10am until 9pm, and will incorporate
the incredibly popular drinks reception and Pecha Kucha sessions
organised by the NLA, open to both Exhibitors and Visitors. On the
8th June the event will run from 9am until 4.30pm.
Vision 2016 takes place at London Olympia
on 7th and 8th June.
Peter Thompson, General
Manager of ISO-Chemie UK, gives
insight into the trade-off between
airtightness and ventilation in
sealing products.
The legal requirement to consider
airtightness in building designs
has been around since the 2006
changes to UK Building
Regulations.
When designing to Passivhaus standards, this gets a little more
complicated as they refer to airtightness as so many changes of air
per hour.
However, the more airtight we make our buildings the less fresh air
we get into them through random unwanted gaps within the building
fabric. Such problems can cause other issues for people with
respiratory problems or young children, so proper ventilation is
crucial.
How is ‘Build Tight and ‘Vent Right’ achieved? Put simply, with
natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation.
An airtight seal therefore needs to be more than just an adhesive
tape. ISO-Chemie has seen a bewildering range of options on the
market. ISO-Chemie has a regional network of field-based Technical
Advisors, as well as an office based technical hotline, designed to
discuss particular customer requirements
www.iso-chemie.co.uk
Portakabin Hire announces £22m
investment
Portakabin Hire has announced a £22m investment in new modular
buildings available for hire. This is in response to the rising demand
for accommodation for interim use in both the commercial and
public sectors and will make the Group’s hire fleet among the
newest in the UK. It will also give customers the benefit of even
shorter lead times.
The £10m first phase of the investment has already been
completed and included £3m for new double classrooms which are
already helping schools and LEAs to address the urgent shortfall in
teaching accommodation for primary education across the UK. The
second phase of new modular buildings will be manufactured and in
stock before the end of this year.
In addition to the fleet expansion, Portakabin has an ongoing
programme of
investment in its Hire
Centre estate. This will
enable it to service the
needs of local
organisations and
businesses more
effectively, and the
requirements of major
projects nationwide.
Register for your FREE visitor pass today at:
www.visionlondon.com/register
.
www.portanews.co.uk
6

Whatever the exposure
– EJOT ® has the anchor
MMC Magazine offers an insight into the service and fixings solutions offered by EJOT ® UK Ltd.,
the Yorkshire based specialist.
The EJOT ® range encompasses mechanical and
chemical anchors applicable to all types of building
substrate for diverse installation challenges
New EJOT ® Trio ideal for
general insulation
applications
EJOT's new HTK2G 75mm diameter
tubewasher, designed to meet SPRA guidelines
for part-adhered membrane installation
The Met office may be regretting
deciding to individually name every
new weather front that approaches the
UK – at the current rate Storm Zebra should
be with us before Easter – though it does
underline the frequency with which high winds
and driving rain affect the country. Which is
why specifiers require the technical support
and general savvy of a company like EJOT ®
UK.
Those attending the recent RCI show at
Coventry’s Ricoh Arena will have witnessed the
diversity of fixing solutions for flat roofing,
rainscreen systems and other construction
challenges offered under this global brand; but
the products are really only part of a holistic,
service based technical offering.
We are all familiar with the map detailing the
different exposure conditions to which
structures are subjected, but it requires real
expertise to translate wind speeds into the
right fixing patterns and types. Crucially the
EJOT ® range encompasses different options for
mechanical and chemical anchors to suit all the
common exterior substrates: including plywood,
metal sheeting, brick or blockwork masonry
and cracked or uncracked concrete.
By engaging with EJOT ® , contractors and
consultants can access the company’s testing
capabilities which will confirm the suitability of
certain solutions to the location, the height or
configuration of the building and the material
which a rainscreen system or built –up roofing
system is being secured into.
Brian Mack Technical Business Development
Manager for EJOT ® UK Ltd said “Globally
EJOT ® is expanding its product offering relating
to concrete, brick and block substrates: by
consolidating our existing brands, through
research & development, and from consultation
with OEM’s and engineers. We have the
products within the range to meet all
installation issues into the different substrates,
to tackle a wide variety of applications and
performance criteria”
A further example of the latter would be the
Trio ‘general application’ anchor for insulation
materials, which is aimed at sub-contractors
tasked, say, with securing insulation as part of a
rainscreen installation. Described by Brian
Mack as versatile and reliable as well as being
very cost effective, Trio comprises two types of
fixing pin, both of which combine with the same
high quality sleeve.
Meanwhile, the three Trio components can be
used to fix into concrete or clay bricks including
perforated types and aircrete blockwork. The
10mm diameter sleeve itself is manufactured
from high density polyethylene to create a
variable anchor zone, from 30 to 60 mm depth.
The glass-reinforced nylon pin is intended to be
used for securing lighter weight insulation such
as expanded polystyrene back into brickwork or
concrete. Then the metal pin will normally be
used for heavier insulation types, though still
being suitable for lighter EPS material. EJOT ®
Trio then presents a generic, non-system
specific product solution
Also prominent amongst the products
showcased on EJOT ® ’s stand at RCI the
company was introducing its new HTK-75-2G 75
mm diameter tube-washer, for part-adhered flat
roofing installations. Importantly it meets SPRA
guidelines for bonded/mechanical hybrid
installations and is suitable for securing
insulation back into either ply or profiled steel
decks.
EJOT ® ’s technical sales engineers will advise on
the correct fixing centres in relation to windload
calculations, while the tube-washer and
threaded fastener not only address coldbridging
concerns, but the telescopic design
provides resistance to imposed loads. With the
insulation and membrane permanently secured
using EJOT ® ’s hybrid solution, the job is
completed by folding and heat welding the laps.
With such a comprehensive collection of fixing
products to choose from, and technical
resources including site testing available to
back them up, potential customers need to
investigate the EJOT ® offering fully.
For more information email info@ejot.co.uk
or call 01977 687040
08

The Quality Connection
New products for 2016
Now available from EJOT UK
New EJOT® TRIO
The general-purpose
insulation anchor
Versatile:
One sleeve, two pins! Combine
to suit varying insulation
thicknesses and densities
Universal:
Suits all common masonry
substrates
Reliable:
Variable embedment depth
Economical:
Intelligent purchase for smarter
stock and logistics
Concrete, Brick & Block
New ‘through-bolt’ to
chemical anchoring systems
EJOT® Anchor Bolts BA
and MMS Concrete Screw
For embedment in cracked
and non-cracked concrete
EJOT Multifix VSF:
Styrene-free ‘low odour’ two-part
chemical anchoring mortar, based
on a high reactivity vinylester resin
EJOT® Resin Stud:
Approved for polyester and
vinylester composite mortar
New HTK 2G 75
The solution for part-bonded
membrane systems
SPRA guidelines:
75mm diameter tubewasher for
use where membrane is bonded
to the insulation. Meets SPRA
guidelines for resistance to
imposed loads
Efficient:
Combines with HTK or TKR
fasteners to secure insulation to
steel profiles and plywood decks
Limits cold bridging:
Suitable for new build and
renovations
Our Sales Engineers work across the UK providing full on-site technical support and testing.
Product samples available: Call EJOT customer service on 01977 687040.
Visit EJOT UK online
www.ejot.co.uk

Sweat equity
Technical Editor, Bruce Meechan, reflects on the new impetus from Government that could dramatically increase the
number of self-build projects being completed across the country.
This photo (courtesy of Exeter based building services specialist Omni) shows a PassivHaus
project in Devon and what can be achieved by accessing the right products and services
Most of you I am sure will have felt
some pang of nostalgia or sorrow
when moving out of a property which
holds good memories, or perhaps one you
have invested a lot of time and effort into
refurbishing. For my part I haven’t moved
house for 25 years and have no current plans
to do so, but my wife and I are in the process
of selling a large bungalow which we originally
built for my father back in 2001..
Even though, due to failing health, he never got
to live in it, and I personally have never spent a
night in the place, there is a real connection
with the building because it represents the only
full self-build we have ever been involved on.
Despite the major alterations we have made to
our current home, having designed and
coordinated a series of trade packages – not to
mention having invested a large amount of
sweat equity into the work – leading to a
10
Andrew Carpenter Chief
Executive of the STA
successful completion, creates a different
perspective on ownership.
This is why I believe the current moves to
encourage self-build projects and the
Government’s legislation on Custom
Housebuilding, which was passed last year, has
the potential to not only help ease the UK’s
current, seemingly worsening housing
shortage, but might also generate an enhanced
sense of pride amongst occupants. And
hopefully this can also work through into a
stronger sense of community. Basically if
people invest their own skills, hard work and
money into a dwelling, this will be reflected in
their taking much greater personal
responsibility for its upkeep and protection.
Although the 1700 square foot, room-in-theroof
bungalow which we have rented out for
the past 15 years, is built on land adjoining our
granite cottage, I was involved with a self-build
group in the mid-1980s which searched
unsuccessfully for a site. And a cursory glance
at the estate agents or other plot finding
websites reveal that the search for land is only
getting harder in most regions. “They’re just
not making it any more” as the line goes.
Having listened to some impassioned debate
during last autumn’s Build Show at the
Birmingham NEC, including some measured
contributions from MP Richard Bacon as well as
other panel members, I feel encouraged that
local authorities and other bodies are now on
board with the agenda.
The Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Act
Passed into law last March, the act came about
as the result of a private members’ bill
sponsored by Richard Bacon, MP for South
Norfolk. It is summarized as follows: “To place
a duty on local authorities to keep a register of
individuals and community groups who have
expressed an interest in acquiring land to bring
forward self-build and custom-build projects
and to take account of and make provision for
the interests of those on such registers in
developing their housing initiatives and their
local plans; to allow volume house builders to
include self-build and custom-build projects as
contributing towards their affordable housing
obligations, when in partnership for this
purpose with a Registered Social Landlord; and
for connected purposes.”
If one probes into the sparsely punctuated
pronouncements of Parliament, the act’s
primary purpose is to try and drive volume, and
to move away from what is often perceived as
private mansion developments for the very
wealthy. An image which is generally reinforced
by Grand Designs and other TV programmes.
What these television shows do demonstrate in
often agonizing detail is how badly elements to
the work, and the budget in general, can go
wrong due to unforeseen circumstances and
hidden problems, as well as people’s own lack
of planning.
The idea of making serviced plots available will
protect participants from some of the more

daunting aspects to progressing a build. In
particular having navigable access and the
essential services of power, water and drainage
within easy reach is a real boon. Actually
getting out of the ground is another matter;
and as the proportion of brownfield to pristine
Greenfield sites offering good ground
conditions continues to worsen, many will be
looking to piling and sub-structure specialists
such as Roger Bullivant.
While the company has the heavyweight plant
to sink the size of contiguous piles which retain
basement car parks beneath commercial office
buildings, Roger Bullivant’s domestic house
base systems offer low on-site costs while
creating insulated oversites; often supported by
mini-piles or some method of ‘ground
improvement’.
How people proceed from oversite level
depends very much on personal preference, as
the various system solutions – such as steel and
timber frame, reinforced concrete including ICF
and traditional brick and block – are all
nowadays capable of providing the structural
strength and exceeding Part L requirements.
For the bungalow we were early adopters of the
Celcon thin-joint aerated concrete or aircrete
block system which offers enhanced thermal,
acoustic and other performance benefits as
well as being very rapid to erect. For the upper
floor we employed goal-post timber trusses as
a very economic means of facilitating loft living,
but delaying the fit-out for some years until my
in-laws moved in. And timber frame is of course
the dominant form of offsite construction.
Andrew Carpenter, Chief Executive of the STA
commented: “We see the custom build model as
an excellent opportunity for timber frame and
the members the STA, because most people
who are deciding on their own property decide
to go down the structural timber route. This is
for a number of reasons and because they are
more discerning about construction methods
than those simply buying off plan on a new
development. The association therefore
supports the direction of travel towards custom
build.”
Referring to timber engineering’s wider
potential for easing the country’s housing
crisis, Andrew Carpenter added: “At the STA we
fully support the RIBA’s campaign to encourage
the (Lords Economic Affairs) committee to look
at the barriers to speeding up new housing
projects and focus on better design of homes in
the UK.
“Moreover, we are suggesting that the
committee takes the time to connect with us at
the STA to help research the benefits of timber
frame houses in the UK. As the most cost
efficient, fast and sustainable method of
construction, timber frame has the potential to
help developers meet the demand for more
houses and speed up projects whilst
maximizing profits and safeguarding future
work.
“At this crucial time for the UK construction
industry, the focus needs to be on building
more homes and building better homes and we
firmly believe that more timber frame houses is
the first step in achieving this. As such, we will
be submitting some evidence to the inquiry to
support an increase in timber frame houses
and look forward to assisting the committee
with its research moving forward.”
If we are ever to see the supply of housing
catch up on demand it will take not just medium
sized regional developers to up their game, but
also the much smaller housebuilders and selfbuilders
to step up to the plate. Increasing the
supply of suitable plots and simplifying the
service provisions will be a very good starting
point.
“We see the custom build model as an excellent opportunity for timber frame and the members of the STA,
because most people who are deciding on their own property decide to go down the structural timber route. This
is for a number of reasons and because they are more discerning about construction methods than those simply
buying off plan on a new development.” Andrew Carpenter, Chief Executive of the STA
Celcon’s Thin-Joint system provides a rapid
build and high performance structure.
MMC February 2016 11

How off-site construction can beat the
housing crisis and maximise on investment
We have all seen the reports on the on-going housing crisis. The prediction is that at least 200,000 new homes will
need to be built year on year until 2020 to avert this situation.
Despite some upturn in house building
output last year; many analysts believe
the industry remains at least some
100,000 houses a year short to meet demand.
76% of house builders themselves have said
that 180,000 or less is achievable with only
6% saying that 200,000 could be achieved on
a regular annual basis.
A number of house builders now state that skill
shortage has overtaken planning and land
availability as the biggest constraint on their
businesses.
To add to this growing crisis the removal of the
cap on student numbers in UK universities has
seen a 3% rise in university enrolment across
the country. This has meant a shortage of
accommodation with some students having to
share bunk bed rooms in halls - whilst others
have been given reduced rate hotels with two
weeks to find alternative accommodation.
In 2015 around £2.5bn was spent on additional
student accommodation with around a 14%
yield on investment. These figures are expected
to rise.
To answer this gap in the market Premier
Modular developed an innovative modular
building system. This highly efficient light
gauge steel frame based, factory engineered
product is constructed by skilled assembly
teams in the company’s 22 acre site in
Yorkshire.
Director, David Harris, points out that the
modular apartments, rooms and houses are
assembled not by traditionally skilled
tradesmen but rather by manufacturing and
engineering trained factory operatives. This
opens up the possibility of significantly
contributing to the shortage without the need
for finding more scarce traditional resource
that is clearly not available in the UK.
These engineered and factory assembled
products offer significant advantages in many
areas.
Foremost are the time benefits, as
manufacturing is done on a flow line there is no
risk of late delivery from outside forces such as
the weather. David commented ‘Rooms can be
manufactured at a rate of 25 per week and
complete houses at a rate of 20 per week, with
minimal onsite time’
This speed of construction not only reduces
labour rates and prelims but gives a much
faster return on investment whether clients are
selling or gaining a monthly rental income.
Modules are constructed to exacting quality
levels in the controlled factory environment
and with as much as 75% of the buildings
manufactured offsite, the risk of accidents on
site is greatly reduced.
Premier completed a 5 storey 206 bedroom
student accommodation block in September
2015. Located in Newcastle Upon Tyne city
centre it consisted of a mixture of 54 studio
flats, 105 en-suite bedrooms and 2 accessible
en-suite rooms with associated living spaces,
kitchens and study areas. Premier were the
preferred supplier due to speed of programme
and the high quality finish that could be
provided.
Premier Modular has completed their first code
5 sustainable housing development in Hull.
They have now started a number of projects
across the UK. To ensure houses are fully
mortgageable Premier offers an insurance
backed warranty package.
The housing product meets all 5 main elements
to achieve a BRE Green Guide Rating of B or
above and is designed to achieve a Code for
Sustainable Housing Level 3 or above. The
dwellings also meet the requirement of Life
Time Homes.
In a market where an increased rate of build is
required, building standards are increasing, a
reduction of accidents and incidents is
expected despite the increase in activity and we
have a diminishing pool of skilled tradesman.
Offsite construction can be the only answer.
Why not follow us too?
@premier_modular
Linkedin.com/company/premier-modular
www.premiermodular.co.uk
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Exeter campus contract for
Lowfield Timber Frames
MMC Magazine reports on a major new student accommodation complex under construction for the
University of Exeter.
Aconstricted site in the centre of
Exeter has presented offsite
specialist Lowfield Timber Frames
with a challenging first contract in the
booming student accommodation market:
with the need to address fire risk during the
construction phase as well as logistical and
structural demands. .
The H-shaped five storey apartment building
is being developed for Downing Students
Exeter Ltd by locally based Dawmus
Construction, to provide over 200 bed-spaces;
all with en-suite shower rooms.
Lowfield, which already has a long track
record in the care home and other volume
markets, was approached by Dawmus to
manufacture and erect the wall panels and
floor cassettes. Work on the site in Western
Way began last summer and is progressing
well.
Darren Jarman, a Director of Lowfield Timber
Frames, told MMC Magazine: “One of the key
aspects to this project was the building’s
proximity to neighbouring properties; and as a
result of the fire report carried out by our
structural engineer, Milner Associates, we
switched from using OSB to Euroform’s
Versaliner board, which offers category C and
B1 fire resistance as well as the necessary
racking strength.”
Although Lowfield can offer a full range of
factory installed insulation solutions the client
in this case wanted to carry out the process
on site, after the 140 mm thick wall panels
were delivered and lifted directly into position
around the four zones to the floor layout. This
was facilitated by Lowfield’s careful
sequencing of deliveries and provision of
integral lifting strops. Then as the floor
cassettes, measuring up to 2.4 metres wide
and nine metres long were installed,
Lowfield’s erection team were also
responsible for positioning the bathroom pods
and packs of plasterboard to ensure even
weight distribution.
In total just over 500 floor and roof cassettes
have been required for the Exeter project,
with the majority of those intended for the
corridor areas having to be altered in depth to
respect the routing of building services.
James Rae, Lowfield’s project coordinator for
the job explained: “We have decreased depth
“As with other sectors we have
expanded into, our developments
have been led by the requirements
from our clients to ensure we meet
their needs. Be this providing the
fire protection during construction,
utilising floor cassettes to reduce
construction time to the factory
fitting of windows as just a few
examples. As with the residential
care and hotel markets where we
have done so much work, speed is
of the essence across the education
sector as well as maintaining the
quality of the product.”
Darren Jarman, Lowfield Timber Frames
timber joists in the corridor areas to allow
mechanical and electrical services to be
located within the floor zone; and to avoid the
need for any below ceiling boxing. This proved
more challenging in the large open communal
areas.
“Meanwhile there are several areas where
extra design input was required in order to
transfer loads from windows that cantilever
14

The Lowfield system’s wall panels for the Exeter accommodation building are
sheathed with Versaliner to provide extra fire resistance as well as racking
strength while the elevations are to be finished with a render system.
ensures the party wall continues up into the
floor zone and greatly reduces sound
transmission from one room to another.”
Then to combat cold bridging Lowfield
avoided using lintels in the external wall
panels: increasing the area of panel void
available to take insulation. The I-beam roof
system selected helps with the cold bridging
issues, as little space is taken up by the
reduced thickness webs of the joist. This
means more insulation can be placed in the
roof zone as opposed to a solid timber joist.
Typically less joists are used in the I-beam
construction as opposed to solid timber joists,
thus increasing the void for insulation.
out from the building line. In such cases, steel
beams were introduced. We’ve also provided
support for the curtain walling within the
timber frame structure.”
Sound transmission is always an issue on a
building of this nature and James went on to
describe some of the measures taken there:
“To ensure we meet acoustic requirements,
we’ve had to look closely at several junction
details and make provisions where required. A
good example of this is the extra solid
blocking between joists where a floor cassette
flies over a party wall. The blocking effectively
Darren Jarman concluded: “As with other
sectors we have expanded into we have been
led by recommendations from our clients. And
as with the residential care market where we
have done so much work, speed is of the
essence across the education sector - as well
as quality and performance. We see a very big
opportunity in providing student
accommodation for campuses around the
country.”
As a specialist in timber frame manufacturing
Lowfield offers a bespoke TRADA accredited
design, fabrication and erection service to
clients, including varying panel thicknesses
and a choice of insulation types which
includes rock mineral wool and PIR foam. It is
also a supplier of the Kingspan Tek structural
insulated panel (SIP) system, adding a further
dimension to the adaptability.
MMC February 2016 15

Cross code project
nears completion
Technical Editor Bruce Meechan reviews a highly energy conscious, mixed tenure social housing
development down near the Bristol Channel which is drawing on two of the industry’s best
proven design standards.
The continuing relevance of the Code
for Sustainable Homes to the social
housing sector has been
demonstrated by the development of 25
new homes near to Minehead on the Bristol
Channel, which is making use of both the
points based system and the even more
energy sensitive PassivHaus Standard..
Known as Townsend Farm, the project for
Hastoe Housing is seeing Halsall
Construction Limited build a total of 20
houses to full PassivHaus requirements,
while a further five for market sales also
offer excellent energy performance.
Significantly, the project team which includes
Bristol based architectural consultant, gcp
and WARM Associates as the PassivHaus
certification specialist, is also being specified
to meet Code Level 4 in order to address
wider sustainability issues.
Beyond this site by the Bristol Channel,
Hastoe is constructing all of its new housing
to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 as a
minimum standard, while 20 per cent of its
developments are set to achieve the
PassivHaus Standard.
Design and Sustainability Manager at Halsall,
Nicola Thorogood has been involved with the
Townsend Farm project from early on and
commented: “It’s a site that has been
identified for a long time for housing and has
been a challenge to get to this point, but
pleased we are now moving forward
providing high quality, low maintenance, low
energy cost homes for local people in and
around Carhampton.
“This design and build project is an exciting
challenge for Halsall building on the
knowledge and experience of low energynear
PassivHaus design, Code for
Sustainable Homes levels 5 and 6 housing
the company has successfully completed
over the past few years.”
The construction, while featuring a highly
insulated timber frame system from Taylor
Lane, brings together a selection of other
products in order to achieve the required
standards of airtightness and insulation
across the building envelope.
For example, at the critical floor/wall junction
the designers have incorporated a course of
Thermoblocks; manufactured by Marmox.
These feature miniature columns of concrete
encapsulated within high performance XPS
insulation. They can be used at upper floor
levels and other locations as well as around
the perimeter to the oversite.
The Site Agent for Halsall Construction
Limited, John Gray, explained: “The
PassivHaus properties feature the use of 150
mm wide Celcon aircrete blocks up to floor
level then the course of Marmox
Thermoblocks and another single course of
blocks above, which ultimately carries the
timber frame. The elevations to the buildings
then features either local stone or render
outside a further 200 mm thickness of
insulation. The Thermoblock is employed to
help achieve the very low U-value, while the
airtightness figure required is 0.6 (m 3 /
m 2 /hr)”.
In fact the 140 mm timber frame is factory
insulated with Kingspan Kooltherm insulation
and then encased externally by 200 mm of
Rockwool. The latter has the twin benefits of
offering very good fire protection and sound
reduction while remaining vapour permeable.
Internally the frame has an Intello Smart air
barrier to restrict movement of moisture
vapour into the structure where it could
cause interstitial condensation. Then there is
also a batten cavity for the routing of
building services.
Although gcp Chartered Architects has
designed past PassivHaus projects with slabs
of high density polystyrene beneath the
oversite, the challenging ground conditions
on the former farmland did not lend
themselves to a raft solution. As a result, the
mix of one, two and three bedroom homes
are raised on conventional footings spanned
by a beam and block ground floor. This then
has substantial insulation over and is
protected against cold-bridging by the
Thermoblocks and very energy efficient wall
construction.
Project Architect Colin Powell commented:
“In order to maintain the very good
airtightness and insulation offered by the
fabric of the walls, roof and floor, the
contract to supply the windows was awarded
to TRC, an eastern European manufacturer.
These are timber to respect the village
setting of the development and triple glazed
to keep heat loss within PassivHaus
guidelines. The entrance doors were supplied
by IG.
“Then the properties all feature Zehnder
mechanical ventilation with heat recovery
systems which are ideal for PassivHaus
requirements. In terms of the overall primary
energy the places are heated with a couple
of convector radiators in the bathroom and
hall; while Baxi solar thermal systems will
provide the domestic hot water through
much of the year.
“Overall the aim of the project was to design
it to be as conventional as possible –
adapting standard materials and techniques
to keep the cost down and the appearance
traditional.
“Then of course the PassivHaus performance
gives you a very good starting point in terms
of energy standards to go onto achieve Code
for Sustainable Homes Level 4, where the
houses will be provided with facilities such as
bike stores and water butts.”
As well as the private market sale properties,
the homes at Townsend Farm will offer the
opportunity for both shared equity and
affordable rent. The project is expected to be
completed before the summer.
16

“Marmox Thermoblock is being used to break
the thermal bridge between the sub-structure
blockwork and the superstructure above -
achieving a psi value of 0.007 W/mK”.
“Overall the aim of the project was
to design it to be as conventional
as possible – adapting standard
materials and techniques to keep
the cost down and the appearance
traditional.”
The type of MVHR unit from Zehnder
chosen for Hastoe’s PassivHaus project
Colin Powell, Project Architect, gcp Chartered Architects.
MMC February 2016 17

Could offsite construction attract
new home grown talent?
Ministers have just today announced that they want the construction industry to focus efforts on attracting,
developing and retaining home grown talent into the industry and remove barriers currently preventing more young
people from entering the sector.
This involves looking at how companies
recruit and train, but also at how
adopting modern technologies and
methods could help to keep our sector
interesting, up-to-date and attractive to the
next generation of budding construction
professionals.
Housing Minister Brandon Lewis and Skills
Minister Nick Boles have stressed that they
want the construction industry to re-evaluate
their current business models to see if there is
enough attention being paid to recruitment.
The ministers suggested that businesses should
also consider other methods of construction -
such as offsite manufacturing - to help diversify
the industry.
The Construction Leadership Council has been
called upon to review what skills the
construction industry need to provide enough
homes to meet national demand and tackle the
housing crisis effectively.
The Council has asked Mark Farmer, of real
estate and construction consultancy Cast, to
identify actions that will help bring more
workers to the industry.
Views are being sought on how to best train a
workforce which has a high level of selfemployment
and bring about greater use of offsite
construction. The review will also look at
how the industry can introduce measures that
encourage more investment and new ways of
working.
Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said “The
number of new homes is up 25% in the last
year – and this is further proof we’ve got the
country building again and delivering the
homes the nation wants.”
“This means thousands of jobs are now up for
grabs and we’re determined to make sure that
there are enough skilled workers to get the job
done.”
“Construction offers an exciting and rewarding
career and we need to build a new generation
of home grown talented, ambitious and highly
skilled construction workers.”
Skills Minister Nick Boles commented “The
government is committed to getting Britain
building. We are investing in measures to cut
red tape and increase the number of young
people doing apprenticeships and traineeships
to ensure we have a pipeline of skilled
workers.”
“As leaders in the industry, the Council is best
placed to advise on how to boost productivity in
the sector and build the houses and
infrastructure our nation needs.”
Mark Farmer, chief executive officer at Cast,
“...thousands of jobs are
now up for grabs and we’re
determined to make sure
that there are enough
skilled workers to get the
job done.”
Housing Minister Brandon Lewis
added “I’m delighted to be asked to lead this
review. The construction industry’s skills
shortfall has been growing progressively and its
ageing workforce now means affirmative action
needs to be taken to avoid more acute issues in
the future.”
“A healthy and robust construction sector is
vital to underpinning the government’s
commitment to delivering critical new housing
and infrastructure projects. It will also ensure
the unrivalled economic multiplier effect
related to construction activity continues to
play its part within the wider UK economy.”
“The industry needs to seize the opportunity to
celebrate the vital contribution it makes and, in
partnership with government and other key
stakeholders, ensure it overcomes the current
barriers to fulfilling its potential.”
18

Taking a property’s pulse
The University of Nottingham has developed a novel and easy-to-use test for measuring the airtightness of buildings.
MMC reports
The University of Nottingham’s handy
new airtightness tool, termed the
PULSE test, has been extensively
researched and developed over 14 years and
works by releasing a short burst of air that
creates a low pressure pulse throughout the
whole building. Taking just seconds to
conduct, this can then be used to measure the
flow through leakage pathways.
Dr Ed Cooper, lead developer of the PULSE test,
from the Department of Architecture and Built
Environment at The University of Nottingham,
said: “The gap between design and
performance of airtightness in buildings can at
best cause discomfort for occupants, and at
worst create significant energy wastage and
health problems.
“The new test, which is quick and easy to
operate, could help mitigate these problems by
enabling tests that can be conducted by anyone
with minimal training. It could have a big impact
on improving the performance of buildings.”
The latest version of the PULSE test comprises
a composite compressed air tank and control
20
box mounted on a compact and portable trolley
which can be wheeled into a building for
testing. It is also easy to operate and requires
no specialist training to use.
The results are calculated inside the PULSE
unit, which has a user-friendly graphical
interface for analysis, and could have the
potential to automatically upload to the
Internet — removing any potential for results to
be doctored.
The test also offers accurate and repeatable
results, by measuring at typical infiltration
pressures and accounting for changes in
background pressure levels caused by the wind
or outside temperature.
The PULSE test has attracted over £1m in
funding throughout its development, including
an EPSRC First Grant which helped to secure
proof of concept; and an InnovateUK grant for
further software and product development with
industry partners.
The University is currently in negotiations to
license the technology to a joint venture,
consisting of Elmhurst Energy, National Energy
Foundation and Absolute Air and Gas — to make
the PULSE test a commercial reality.
The alternative to door “blowers” has also
recently secured funding to be a pilot project
for the £4.5m ‘Built 2 Specification’
(Built2Spec) initiative, which aims to
revolutionize the way green buildings are
delivered.
Funded by the Horizon 2020 programme,
Built2Spec aims to use innovative new
technologies to transform the construction
industry and help the EU countries hit 2050
carbon targets.
Working alongside 20 partners in eight
countries, such as the PassivHaus Institute,
Lakehouse, BSRIA, VRM Technology, OHL,
Nobatek and TNO, the PULSE will be developed
for integration into the Built2Spec Virtual
Construction Management Platform to help
reduce the gap between design and
performance of buildings.

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Shackerley’s ceramic granite adds
‘civic qualities’ to Consett
development
Shackerley has supplied over 900m 2 of SureClad ® ceramic granite ventilated façade cladding in
different styles for Consett Academy and Consett Leisure Centre, adding premium quality external
finishes for both parts of this £44 million regeneration project in the North East which aims to inspire
the local community into active living and learning.
From the outset, the new academy and
leisure centre were to be constructed
as a single building with many shared
facilities, but it was always deemed
important that each part of the development
should have its own very clear identity and
sense of purpose. The specification of
ceramic granite façade panels in different
colourways and surface textures has helped
to clearly differentiate the educational
establishment from the adjoining sports and
leisure facility.
Seymour Harris, architects for the main
contractor Carillion, had previous experience
of using SureClad ® in the education sector and
had no hesitation in specifying Shackerley’s
patented façade system when developing the
detailed design for this scheme.
Multi-format polished and unpolished black
façade panels from one of Shackerley’s most
popular ceramic granite ranges have been
installed ‘broken bonded’ to form a key design
element of the main frontage of Consett
Academy.
The main frontage of Consett Academy, clad in polished
and unpolished black panels, drawn from one of
Shackerley’s most popular ceramic granite ranges
22

The versatility of the SureClad ®
system allowed multi-format
façade panels to be installed
‘broken bonded’
The lighter stone colourway
of the cladding on the leisure
centre has given the facility
its own fresh identity
Leisure Centre is open to the whole
community, offering state of the art
swimming and sports facilities.
...The SureClad ® ceramic
granite just gave us
everything we were looking
for... excellent clean lines,
stunning appearance of
quality, robustness with long
term low maintenance and
confidence that it would
perform on all counts...
“Using premium black materials normally
associated with the high end commercial
sector underlines the message that the
Academy is a place of work and that learning
leads towards a bigger world,“ commented
Seymour Harris Director, Tim Johnson. “The
Academy also has a technology specialism and
the use of an advanced technical cladding
system seems appropriate as it serves to
emphasise the focus of the school.”
The adjoining Leisure Centre is open to the
whole community, offering state of the art
swimming and sports facilities. Here,
SureClad ® ceramic granite façades in a lighter
stone colourway have been used to clad
external elevations, contrasting starkly with
black detailing at the main entrance. “The
cladding material has given the Leisure Centre
the civic quality required, and maintained
design continuity with the Academy, whilst the
less imposing, brighter colour has given the
facility its own fresh identity,” said Tim.
The SureClad ® ventilated cladding system has
been specifically developed to give maximum
flexibility in terms of façade styling, design
and installation. Undercut anchorage is
employed to securely attach façade fixing
brackets and straps to every panel, with all
undercut drilling carried out in Shackerley’s
quality controlled, ISO 9001 accredited factory.
This allows for a wide range of bracketed
reveals, returns, soffits and corner units to be
pre-fabricated by Shackerley off site, a service
appreciated by specifiers and contractors
alike.
“The SureClad ® system gave us the design
flexibility we needed,” said Tim,” It allowed us
to manipulate the coursing on the façade to
employ both matt and polished layers of
different heights and to interface effectively
with entrance features and glazing elements.
The ease of forming the junctions with other
materials was an added bonus.”
He concludes: “The SureClad ® ceramic granite
just gave us everything we were looking for...
excellent clean lines, stunning appearance of
quality, robustness with long term low
maintenance and confidence that it would
perform on all counts. The range of aesthetic
choice available to us also meant that we were
able to reflect very effectively the natural
local materials of stone buildings, slate roofs,
and strata and outcrops of the surrounding
landscape in our designs, whilst maintaining
the civic quality demanded and continuity of
detailing”.
For further details please contact
Shackerley on 0800 783 0391 or
visit www.shackerley.com
MMC February 2016 23

BSRIA backs ‘AI’
Juliet Woodcock reports on the latest offering from the UK’s foremost research
and testing organization covering building services
Until quite recently the concept of
artificial intelligence or AI remained
the stuff of science fiction films; yet
now computing power has multiplied to the
point where driverless cars are being tested
on our roads and there is an App to control
virtually everything in modern homes. All of
which increases demand on the organizations
we rely on to guide our industry. .
As always, the Building Services Research and
Information Association (BSRIA) is continuing
to keep its clients and followers well informed
about the latest information and research
surrounding the construction industry, having
launched a White Paper on ‘Future Building
Trends – Impacts - Solutions’ in December, and
then ‘At a Glance’ – Smart Technology’ in the
middle of January.
For the paper, the specific questions asked
were, ‘what do you think are the biggest, most
relevant changes in buildings now and over the
next 10 years; what will be the impact on our
industry; and what products and services will
be required in the future?’ Although the
participants were from mainly North American
organizations, the paper examined how
buildings can improve productivity and
wellbeing – touching on all aspects of building
design, construction, use, and maintenance.
Perhaps most interestingly, though, was the
last question, regarding which Julia Evans,
Chief Executive at BSRIA, explains: “With
increasingly complex buildings and the use of
more technology to run them more efficiently,
the whole service and maintenance of buildings
could change and a new type of company
evolve. The whole life cycle cost approach will
become more popular. Building controls
suppliers must have professional knowledge
and competency in energy management, being
able to predict building energy expense and
remove risk.
“Smart technology, in the form of self-learning
and self-diagnosing products is emerging as
well as software based analytics, all of which
are setting the industry on the path towards
increasing artificial intelligence and new
business opportunities. Clearly, there is a lot
changing in this industry and “the players”
need to be aware of this and decide how they
will respond. They need to evolve, move up the
value chain, embrace new technologies,
develop the necessary processes, and build the
necessary skills.”
Leading us very neatly onto BISRA’s launch of
its Smart Technology guide, an ‘at a glance
publication’ introducing readers to key industry
topics and suggesting further reading.
The guide is aimed at those looking for
introductory information about smart
technology including trends, smart products, the
Internet of Things (IoT) and recent
developments. There is also guidance on the
standard open protocols for intelligent buildings.
The new guide was written by Jeremy Towler,
BSRIA’s Senior Manager – Energy and Smart
Technologies, as well as a leading expert on
‘smart’. He said of the guide: “With so many
new products incorporating sophisticated hard
and software appearing in the market and with
the majority of people now toting a
smartphone, it is not surprising that IoT is
forecast to grow at a phenomenal pace. It
promises to deliver a plethora of new
applications and benefits. This topic guide lays
out some of the most important developments
in smart technology and is designed to help the
reader navigate this rapidly evolving area.”
BSRIA is a non-profit distributing, memberbased
association, providing specialist services
in construction and building services. Both the
paper and guide can be downloaded free of
charge from its website.
The White Paper can be downloaded here:
www.bsria.co.uk/file-depot/28d5ff78062f486c9
The Smart Technology Guide can be
downloaded here:
www.bsria.co.uk/informationmembership/information-centre/bsria-topicguides/
BSRIA has launched a guide to smart technology
Julia Evans
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“...With so many new products
incorporating sophisticated hard
and software appearing in the
market and with the majority of
people now toting a smartphone,
it is not surprising that
IoT is forecast
to grow at a
phenomenal
pace...”
Jeremy Towler
24

Article >
Precast Concrete Modular
Building System
CASE STUDY
Swansea Bay New Student
Accommodation
Client:
Swansea University
Regeneration Partner:
St Modwen (Part of a multi
partner public/private funding
initiative)
Main Contractor:
Galliford Try
Precast Modular Building
Installation Contractor:
FP McCann
Value:
£50 million
with hidden tie rods. Joints are finished with
a high-strength non-shrink grout, fully
conforming with Building Regulations. Walls
and ceilings are to a quality fair face finish
allowing for a simple gypsum wash prior to
final decoration. 541 individual bathroom
pods are also being installed as part of the
build.
The precast modular building system offers
excellent acoustic and thermal mass
properties as well as fire resistant qualities
associated with precast concrete.
Project Overview
St Modwen, the regeneration specialist
behind the new £450 million Swansea
University Bay campus, is delivering an
additional £50m of student accommodation
and student facilities at the site which
opened its doors in September. The
accommodation agreement will see 545
additional student apartments for
occupation during the first quarter of 2016.
Main building contractor Galliford Try was
appointed to the contract in 2014 and work
commenced on land formerly a BP
distribution hub in autumn last year.
Project Details
FP McCann (Bell and Webster) successfully
tendered for the supply and install contract
on student accommodation buildings 15 & 16
and commenced deliveries of the precast
concrete modular building system late last
year. Based on a process where walls, floor
and ceiling slabs are linked together to form
a unique cross wall construction, the precast
panels are factory formed to suit design
requirements.
In total some 2400 individual precast units
are being installed consisting of walls, floors,
stairs and landings. Gable walls and party
walls are 160mm thick with each room floor
slab 175mm thick. Window and door
openings have been accommodated and
each bedroom has four conduits cast into
the walls for electrics and communications
networks.
All horizontal and vertical sections are
designed for ease of build, linking together
To date, over 33,000 precast concrete
rooms have been manufactured by FP
McCann and erected on a variety of projects
with one of the most prestigious being the
788 room University of East London campus
at Royal Albert Docks. 30 student
accommodation projects have been
completed nationwide providing nearly
19,000 rooms. On-going contracts include
Southampton University and the student
accommodation on part of the huge
£1billion North West Cambridge
development.
The new Swansea campus is a major
highlight of St. Modwen’s ongoing 3,500
acre regeneration programme across South
Wales. The on-going development of the
university will create a world-class
educational establishment that will benefit
students, staff and the local community for
generations to come.
MMC February 2016 25

BIM >
BIM objects for roof
slates and ridges
from Cembrit
Following on from a successful launch
for natural slates, Cembrit has added
BIM objects for its fibre cement slates
and fibre cement ridges to its growing
portfolio. This is part of an ongoing
process that will see the whole
Cembrit product portfolio available as
BIM objects.
The Cembrit range of fibre cement
Mumford & Wood introduces NBS BIM product
library
Mumford & Wood, manufacturers of Britain’s finest timber windows and doors, have
announced compliance with NBS National Building Information Modelling (BIM) Library Data
for core Conservation entrance, balcony, bi-folding, single and French doorsets as well as
Conservation casement windows, box sash and spring sash windows, in accordance with the
Government’s mandate on all publicly-funded new-build projects by spring 2016. Architects,
specifiers and contractors can now visit the Technical page at their website and download the
full Mumford & Wood NBS BIM Library Data.
In this 3D modelling of the company’s core and standard
Conservation products, detailed specification parameters are
shared in relation to thermal performance and U-values, acoustic
specifications, PAS24 compliance, product design details, paint,
glass and warranties. Non-standard products can be analysed on
request using the same criteria.
Mumford & Wood has currently achieved BIM Level 2 approval which
sets an industry benchmark in the timber window and door sector.
www.mumfordwood.com
Metsec in the frame for
Moneypenny’s HQ
Light gauge structural steel specialist voestalpine
Metsec plc has provided its Steel Framing (SFS)
products to support leading UK telephone
answering service and outsourced switchboard
company, Moneypenny, with the development of
its new £15m headquarters in Wrexham.
As part of the first phase of the project, main contractor Pochin Construction brought Metsec
on board to provide SFS continuous and infill walling across all three floors of the new office
block; Pochin Construction will be installing the Metsec products once they have arrived onsite.
slates includes Westerland, Moorland,
Zeeland, Jutland and Diamond, all
offering their own unique appearance.
The slates are ideal for use on
conventional pitched timber roofs with
a rafter pitch of 20° and over, or hung
vertically as cladding on external walls.
The slates are complemented by
matching fibre cement ridges,
ventilation solutions and fixings.
Cembrit holds five BBA Certificates for
its fibre cement slate range, ensuring
that whichever system is chosen,
architects can be confident in the
specified product. To achieve this
status, Cembrit fibre cement slates
completed a comprehensive testing
process and successfully met all the
requirements set out by the BBA.
Compatible with both, Revit and IFC
software versions, Cembrit’s Building
Information Modelling (BIM) objects
for fibre cement slates are hosted on
the NBS National BIM Library and are
available to be downloaded and
integrated into any BIM software
programme.
26
www.cembrit.co.uk
Metsec’s design team reviewed the structural external wall options initially and produced
construction principles in Revit (BIM), utilising specially designed dead load cleats at first floor
level to support a continuous external SFS walling system. Infill walling was utilised on the
ground floor areas, Metsec was then able to complete the design in Revit and provide a quick
turnaround on the drawings, and issue these to Pochin for its review.
www.metsec.com
Practical approach reaps
benefits
Used to having to adapt to an ever-changing
industry, established formwork and civil
engineers Mitchellson Formwork has opted to
use Tekla Structures 3D modelling software
from Trimble, to bring time and cost
efficiencies throughout the business and
future projects.
Priding itself on being able to deliver
innovative thinking, excellent technical skills, and state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment to
solve a wide range of complex formwork problems for clients, customers have come to expect a
certain level of service. By choosing to integrate Tekla Structures 3D modelling and
information management software into its operations, a more intelligent way of working is
unfolding, that will not only benefit Mitchellson Formwork as a business, but also support
customers efficiently.
Tekla offers a purpose-built solution for concrete construction. With features such as Organiser,
the software allows the user to extract quantities of concrete and formwork for estimating
quickly and efficiently.
www.mitchellson.co.uk
www.tekla.com/uk

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BIM > N e w s
Preparing for April 2016 BIM
mandate
Ajoint initiative between the Construction Products
Association (CPA), BIM4M2, the Chartered Institution of
Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and NBS has been
formed to provide consistent product data parameters and
templates to enable manufacturers to prepare their product
information in line with the Government’s ambitions for the uptake
of BIM.
With April 2016 and the Government’s Level 2 BIM requirement
looming large on the horizon, there is a real and urgent need for
accurate, accessible and consistent digital product information.
The manufacturer community needs a single and unified approach
to product data, using a common language. Manufacturers already
have the required information, but a simple and industry-wide
approach to product data parameters and templates has until now
been a challenge.
Now, through this initiative, building and infrastructure
manufacturers will have free and ready access to product data
parameters and templates that are relevant to their products and
have been developed through a defined consensus process. By
using these templates manufacturers will be able to supply product
information in a form that aligns with the UK’s Level 2 BIM
requirements. Each template defines the minimum information
about a product that is required for UK Government BIM projects.
EU BIM Handbook
Members of the EU BIM Task Group have committed to
producing an “EU BIM Handbook”, a guide to using BIM in
public sector projects that could help to create a consistent
approach across the EU.
While the handbook is not seen as the director precursor of an EUwide
BIM mandate or legal requirement, aligning the approach to BIM
across the region could make it easier for more countries to enshrine
BIM in public procurement.
The project will be funded by the EU Commission and will be the main
focus of the existing EU BIM Task Group, which now consists of a 40-
strong advisory “general assembly” and a smaller steering group.
Knauf reinforces the BIM revolution
with contractor training
In response to the needs of its customers, Knauf – one of the UK’s
leading manufacturer of lightweight building materials and
systems – is delivering one-day courses introducing the Building
Information Modelling (BIM) to first and second tier contractors.
Knauf believes that the course is urgently needed because the
Government has stated that all projects should be adopting BIM from
April 2016 – yet there is a lack of training or support being offered
through accredited training bodies. Knauf also notes the lack of
understanding in the market place from second tier contractors and
so has invested in supporting its customers to understand BIM and
how it will affect them.
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www.handrailsuk.co.uk/illumine
Tel: 01473 240055
E mail: sales@sgsystems.co.uk
Stargard - warm to the touch handrail
- stainless steel balustrad
Sentinel
MMC Feb 2016 27

Is drive for greater thermal
efficiency leading to overheating?
The drive for greater thermal efficiency in the building of new homes has led to a new problem according to a survey
and report published by the Zero Carbon Hub – namely overheating in homes.
Rob Panell
information as to what the impacts of using
them together will be”.
“It is an interesting story without a doubt”
agrees Mike “like many other suppliers over
the past few years we have constantly been
tasked to provide ever more energy efficient
products to the market”.
“In our role as a supplier over that timeframe
though and in our role as a supporter
of the Fabric First Academy which is designed
to provide some of the much needed
education to architects and specifiers, there
is one thing that we have constantly
championed – to be included from the outset
as a part of the design team on major
projects”.
“The issue of over-heating in homes simply
reinforces our belief that we – and the other
major suppliers to the fabric on a project
need earlier involvement in the design
process so that we can play a part in
discussing the interface of materials and the
effect of using certain products in
combination with one another”.
“Particularly important is addressing the
issue of air-tightness and the impact of it on
the performance of the building when using
certain materials and products”.
“Equally we have a role to play in advising
about the ‘as built’ performance of products
against ‘as claimed’ and what is needed to
balance the effect they have on the overall
energy footprint of a dwelling”.
Rob Pannell Managing Director of the
Zero Carbon Hub and Mike
Stevenson Development Director for
offsite fenestration specialists Sidey and
founding partner of the Fabric First
Academy consider the implications.
“It might seem like an odd subject” says Rob,
“considering that for years’ architects,
designers and specifiers have all been
pushing as hard as they can to deliver the
most thermally efficient homes they can”.
“But the reality is that there is an estimated
20% of homes currently overheating with the
potential for more in the future”.
“The implications to home owners of their
buildings over-heating are numerous – it can
have a very negative effect on their physical
well-being as well as there being negative
consequences for the physical structure and
the individual components within it”.
“We are clearly now seeing homes with inside
temperatures beyond those highlighted as
comfortable in the government’s ‘Housing
Health and Safety Ratings System’.
“It is perhaps an unforeseen consequence of
the problems which architects and specifiers
face when trying to include a suite of energy
efficient products in their designs without
necessarily having recourse to the
KitFix-lifting windows
in panels-small
28

“A big thing for us at the minute when
designing windows is ventilation and the
positive and necessary impact it has on the
overall picture. So often the importance and
the effect of ventilation is underestimated; it
is increasingly important”.
Mike Stevenson
“The same is true of glass specification and
balancing the desire for large apertures with
proper measures to counter solar gain (as
well as u-value and acoustics). Indeed, this is
one of the issues raised in the Zero Carbon
Hub report”.
“The bottom line is that as with most things
in life, prevention is better than cure, and
working together with design teams is the
surest way to ensure that the problem of
over-heating does not occur in the first
place”.
“It is a really valid point that Mike makes in
terms of design team involvement and a
proper assessment of the properties of
products which are specified for use
together” concludes Rob.
“It is incredibly important that those who are
building homes, commercial bed space and in
fact any building for occupation have a
proper process in place to assess the
impact of the products they
choose and the potential for
them to cause over-heating
in buildings”.
“When we carried out the
survey there were close to
40% of those who responded
who did not have any process
in place to assess the potential
for over-heating, while many of
the others relied on the
experience of their staff to
make a judgement rather than having a
formal process”.
“Over-heating in homes is a real issue; it
won’t go away by chance; it needs proper
processes to ensure that it is designed out
before the build process takes place”.
The full report along with other key
documents from the Zero Carbon Hub can be
downloaded from the Fabric First Academy
website www.fabricfirstacademy.co.uk
More information on Sidey in the offsite
market is available from www.kitfix.co.uk
Zero Carbon Hub www.zerocarbonhub.org
MMC February 2016 29

Be a hero with Zero!
Powerwall Group, to deliver a step change reduction in the cost of zero
energy bills homes whilst providing fixed price development solutions.
The idea is to provide a one stop
shop for potential clients. The
intention is to provide both
individuals and developers with fixed price
standard house types and development
solutions, with economies of scale clearly
available offering the best possible
specification for the price. The
Powerwall system will meet Code 6
EN01 and can meet full Code 6 when
tailored to fit each unique site context.
The Powerwall factory will fix its fees at
competitive rates based on the contract
value, and will be employed by Powerwall.
We would seek to offer multi-disciplinary
services and include Engineering, M&E and
QS Cost Management services in all
appointments where appropriate.
Powerwall has a fixed supply chain and
fixed costs for many items (with all
installation and site based labour provided
by the main contractor). These items
include the Energy Roof rain screen
including BIPV roof, Power Wall heat hub
with integrated ASHP, ancillary compressor
driven hot water production and storage
and MVHR ventilation supply unit plus
proprietary air ductwork distribution, and a
Viking Foundation system, triple glazed low
E Windows and Doors, and an external
insulation system and stud timber frame
system.
Powerwall is able to procure items on a
project by project basis, tendering for local
products and services, and achieving best
value without compromising the low impact
environmental credentials, durability,
performance, or embodied carbon
footprint. Items would include the 140mm
stud timber frame system filled with Knauf
Ecose frame bat insulation; all mechanical,
plumbing and drainage services; external
works, landscaping, bin stores, log stores,
garages with pre-grown sedum roofs and
timber clad doors; electric vehicle charging
sockets; all roads, pavements, bollard
mounted external lighting; full responsibility
for commissioning the completed buildings
and achieving sign off from NHBC, LABC,
Premier, BuildZone or Global Home
Warranties insurance backed, which meet
mortgage companies’ lending
requirements.
This split of responsibilities should be
workable, and clarifies which items and
specifications are fixed, and which are
flexible to allow the
Powerwall procurement
purchasing initiatives.
The share/profit split to
Powerwall and the local
contractor must reflect the
total services input of all
parties as a direct ratio.
This should ensure
sufficient motivation for
the local contractor to
maximise their profit
without devaluing the
Powerwall brand.
A supply agreement with full specification
and volume discounts is now set up,
including an audited compliance model
demonstrating that the non site specific
building fabric and energy systems meets
Code 6 EN01 with the optional capability for
site specific contextual masterplans, and an
audited building physics model setting
energy load targets applied to a range of
standard house types.
The agreement also includes a set of
standard construction details already with
SAP thermal bridging and NHBC, LABC,
Premier, BuildZone or Global Home
Warranties insurance backed sign off,
foundation and insulation systems, heating
and energy systems and many more –
check the website for the full supply
agreement.
What is most important is that we build,
register and protect the standards of the
Powerwall Brand on every project. The
plan is to set up a new standard for zero
energy bills housing that becomes the
market leader.
We are looking for contracting companies
who will take the above kit of parts and
give clients fixed price turnkey solutions
without Powerwall taking contracting
risks. We supply the Powerwall
ingredients, do the design and supervision
plus site inspection, and the contractor is
responsible for sourcing and installing the
rest of the scope of works. The joint
venture contractor can be chosen to suit
the size of project.
The Powerwall Group supply multiple
zero energy systems such as Timberframe,
Sips, light Gauged Steel (LGS), Insulated
Concrete Formwork (ICF), Cross Laminated
Timber (CLT) and traditional building
systems.
Contact Powerwall on 0203 824 0600 -
mobile 077108 22196 or email
jpm@powerwallgroup.com
30

A division of the
Powerwall Group
www.powerwallgroup.com
Tel: 0203 824 0600

Article >
Ashmole Academy
MTX were awarded the contract to design, manufacture and install a new flagship
6th form centre for Ashmole Academy, Southgate London.
From the
outset
the aim
was to
produce a
vibrant,
modern building
and environment
for students
entering higher and
further education who
would be using the
building daily as their hub
for studies and relaxation. The
building was also to cater for an influx in
additional student numbers and increase
capacity from 150 to 320 pupils.
A bespoke building comprising of multi
coloured multi textured facades to all
elevations encompassing entrance lobby area
with access to 1st floor via staircase or platform
lift, ground floor lounge and seating area, 2 no
staff offices, toilet facilities and a in house café
catering to staff and pupils. A 1st floor area
state of the art electronic library/study area
with 3 staff offices and servers room. Finishes
within the building are bright and specifically
designed around the brief to instil a sense of
place for all users of the facility.
The building and sub structure too have been
specially designed for this project and take into
account the many challenge’s this site
presented. Internally the ground floor main
area is finished with all mechanical and
electrical services left on show along with the
steel framework of the modules. This creates a
modern, industrial look further complemented
with additional features such as feature walls,
reclaimed brick wall and suspended lighting of
various types.
The installation was earmarked for a weekday
installation over 3 days and whilst the school
remained fully operational to pupils and staff.
The location of the school within a residential
area, meant that meticulous planning would be
needed to ensure that the vehicles carrying the
modules could be delivered safely, without
impedance or disruption to a very busy suburb
of London. MTX successfully closed of a
number of residential roads to ensure this took
place and with minimal disruption to road users
and residents alike with all 18 modules being
installed over a 3 day period. The project has
been a great success and entered into service
at the beginning of the new school term. The
project was completed in just 25 weeks.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank
MTX Contracts Ltd for delivering this project, to
...The MTX team have
demonstrated a high level
of competency, and worked
closely with everyone to
complete a ‘fully fit for
purpose’ solution.
We are proud that our new
building has already
received so many positive
comments and
congratulations...
a very high standard and in compliance with
budget and timescale deadlines.
The MTX team have demonstrated a high level
of competency, and worked closely with
everyone to complete a ‘fully fit for purpose’
solution.
We are proud that our new building has already
received so many positive comments and
congratulations.” Daniel Powell – Finance
Director – Ashmole Academy.
www.mtx.co.uk/mtx-education
32

Speed up
setting time
Yara NitCal for cold
weather concreting 3
Yara NitCal ® passes corrosion
inhibition ASTM certification
Yara supply NitCal ® , a calcium nitrate based
multi-function admixture, to the worldwide
concrete using industry. The product is a setting
accelerator as per BS-EN934-2 and is used
extensively for cold weather concreting to
prevent delays due to slow set. In cold weather
Yara NitCal ® ensures your specified mix will set
in your timescale whereas use of heated mixes
or heated sites is often a costly and ‘hit and
miss’ solution. An added benefit is that the
concrete takes longer to cool down due to the
exothermic nature of the accelerated reaction
thus reducing the loss of workability, the risk of
freeze damage, and a sub-standard set.
Corrosion inhibition
In 2015 Yara submitted Yara NitCal ® to ENCO for
certification as per ASTM C1582/C1582M-11 ‘The
Standard Specification for Admixtures to Inhibit
Chloride-Induced Corrosion of Reinforcing Steel
in Concrete’ following on from previous research
by SINTEF and UCLA. Using test method G109,
which is an accelerated test that measures the
efficacy of an admixture in reducing or
preventing chloride corrosion, Yara NitCal ®
passed and is certified for use as a chloride
corrosion prevention admixture. Initial research
also indicated that Yara NitCal ® reduced
carbonation by 40% in an accelerated test.
A simple admixture
Yara NitCal ® is a simple compound, fast acting
and easy to use. It dissolves rapidly without
residue or side effect. Also it has a low dose
requirement – no more than 4% of cement
weight.
Ask your admixture company about Yara NitCal ®
for your specified mix or admixture. Or contact
Adam Reid at adam.reid@yara.com or 07768
866452.
Yara have over a 100 years of chemical
production and industry experience and are a
global supplier of industrial chemicals, technical
support, research and development, and
expertise.
Yara NitCal for cold
weather concreting 2
MMC February 2016 33

Bigger, Better, Faster, Stronger
Are you looking to build a new house? Do you want a house that surpasses current building
regulation requirements? Look no further, Thermohouse low energy building system can offer
this and much more!
Thermofloor
Thermowall
Thermoroof
Thermohouse became a subsidiary of the
MC Group in 2006. The MC Group was
formed in 1994 and is one of the largest
independent family run quarry operators in
Ireland. With MC Group’s wealth of experience
in the construction industry, the company
developed the Thermohouse building system
which combines the inherent strength of
concrete with the thermal benefits of
expanded polystyrene as an energy efficient
method of housing construction. Since its
inception, Thermohouse has gained
considerable momentum across Ireland and
over the past 2 years has expanded into the
UK market.
The Thermohouse wall, floor and roof system
can provide solutions to problems all new home
builders now face. With the introduction of the
amended building regulations across England
and Wales it is important to choose a building
system that is cost efficient and compliant with
these regulations. The Thermohouse system
currently exceeds the expectations of the
amended regulations. With a proven track
record across the UK and Ireland, at
Thermohouse, we manufacture and install a low
energy building system consisting of Insulated
Concrete Formwork (ICF) walls together with a
low energy floor and roof system giving you a
complete airtight, thermal envelope. With
Thermohouse, you can expect a system
34
certified to build up to 6 storeys, full technical
support, excellent thermal performances (to
meet passive standard if required), elimination
of all cold bridging, more creative innovative
design opportunities, superior structural
strength and an easy to install lightweight
system with a substantially reduced building
time.
Thermoroof
• Roof insulation to the highest standard
• No roof trusses, therefore full attic space
available
• Made with two steel beams to take all design
loads
• Fast, versatile and easy to install
• Takes all types of roof covers, tiles and slates
Thermofloor
• Increased speed of construction
• Can be cut on site to meet individual lengths
• Spans up to 8 metres
• Improved control of the thermal insulation
and air tightness between floors
• Light & easy to handle
Thermowall
• Allows accurate and rapid construction
• Efficient sound insulation that improves
internal living environment
• Superior insulation significantly reduces
energy bills
• Meets and exceeds new building regulations
• Lifetime guarantee, no rust, no rot, no
condensation, no mould, no draughts, no leaks
We are passionate about providing a solution
that suits the home owner by providing a
healthier and more environmentally friendly life
style and the industry professional by providing
them with an opportunity to be part of a new,
innovative and modern method of construction
that is easier to build, has unlimited design
opportunities and is structurally superior to
other methods of building. The professional
involved in a Thermohouse can expect:
• Speed of build
• Competitive build cost
• High performance dwellings
• Certified to build up to 6 storeys
• Flexible design opportunities
• Complete system from foundation to roof
• Fully approved system
• Full technical support
• Speed of build
• Availability of materials
• Ease of handling and installation
• Limited waste
• Full technical onsite support
• U-Values that exceed current building
regulation requirements
www.theromhouse.co.uk

HTC
The industry leader
HTC Sweden AB has more than 15 years experience of
grinding and polishing of different types of floors, and for
the last 12 years we have been market leaders. To be able
to offer the best there is on the market, our tools and machines
are constantly being developed. HTC’s patented
grinding systems consist of both tools, machines and
floor solutions.
Machines, tools
& Floor solutions
HTC floor grinding machines are appreciated by thousands
of customers all over the world. Machines are available
in several different sizes and versions depending on
your needs and demands. HTC machines cover everything
from edges to huge areas of thousands of square
meters.
Based upon substantial research and development, testing
and experience, HTC produces a unique range of
tools to cover all the different type of procedures possible
with the HTC grinding machines. There are tools suitable
for anything from very rough grinding equal to scarifying
to high gloss polishing of natural stone or concrete.
Are you in the process of installing new floors or renovating
existing surfaces? HTC will assist you in choosing
the best available treatment for your floor. HTC will
give you the best arguments to help you select the best
HTC-method for your specific flooring needs.
HTC Floor Systems Ltd.
Unit 4 Kingston Business Park, Dunfermline Court
Maidstone Road, Kingston
Milton Keynes, MK10 0 BY, Great Britain
Tel: +44 (0) 845 460 2500
Fax: +44 (0) 845 460 1500
E-mail: info@htc-europe.co.uk
Read more about
HTC Superfloor
and Twister at:
www.htc-europe.co.uk
www.htc-twister.com
HTC
Professional Floor Systems
www.htc-europe.co.uk

Debunking the myths of modular construction
Modular buildings are still something of an unknown quantity, both inside and outside the construction industry.
Wernick Group Marketing Manager, Leigh Fennell discusses some of the more prevalent misconceptions about
modular offsite construction.
LRI-Hospital Uppingham Community College Weald of Kent entrance
Goals Football Centre
Hillingdon Cycle Circuit
St Giles on the Heath
Are modular buildings of high quality?
Many people’s perceptions of modular buildings
stem from their experience of old leaky
prefabricated classrooms. These were often
supposed to be temporary but often had to be
endured for use by schools across the country
for decades. Before I worked in the offsite
construction sector this was certainly my own
opinion. I have now come to understand this
presumption that modular buildings are of low
quality is a misconception that is easily dispelled.
Firstly, modular buildings follow the same set of
regulations as traditional construction and must
therefore meet the same standards of quality.
Building modules are manufactured in tightly
controlled factory environments meeting ISO
9001 quality management standards and often
IS0 14001 environmental standards. In the
healthcare sector modular building facilities are
constructed to the latest healthcare standards,
including HTM (Health Technical Memoranda),
HBN (Health Buildings Notes), SHTM (Scottish
Health Technical Memoranda) and HAI-SCRIBE
(Healthcare Associated Infection System for
Controlling Risk in the Built Environment).
Another comment I would make on this point is
that many the materials used in modular
building, such as the steel frame, are exactly the
same materials used for a traditional build. The
only difference being that the construction takes
place off site in a more controlled factory
environment.
As testament to their quality many offsite
construction companies will now offer a 25 year
warranty as standard with their buildings which
also have an expected design life of over 100
years!
Are modular buildings just temporary
structures?
While modular buildings can be used as a
temporary solution the quality of build, as
mentioned, means they are built to last. Just like
a traditional building, modular buildings are
steel-framed in construction and can provide
permanent accommodation solutions, including
purpose-designed schools, hospitals, office
blocks, police cells and even nuclear power
station accommodation. The end product is often
a building that its hard to imagine was
manufactured in a factory.
Is modular construction a proven concept?
The first recorded use of modular buildings as we
know them today was in the 19th century. Some
leading offsite manufacturers have been in
business for over 80 years and there are many
examples of their buildings still standing today
that were manufactured many decades ago.
Are cost savings (when compared to traditional
construction) exaggerated?
It’s commonly stated by offsite specialists that a
modular building is far more economical when
compared to traditional construction, with a
saving of around 50% achievable. Let’s look at
the facts. A report by Laing O’Rourke, who
developed a modular system with an engineering
company, suggested it could build a 1,300 pupil
school for £14.3 million, £6 million cheaper than
an equivalent school under the Building Schools
for the Future Programme (BSF).
The fact that much of the modular construction
process is carried out offsite in a controlled
factory environment means projects can be
completed much faster than traditional
construction methods with no delays due to bad
weather.
Is modular construction as sustainable as
claimed?
By process, offsite construction is also far more
environmentally friendly when compared to
traditional construction. This greatly reduced
programme inevitably minimises the impact on
the environment.
Modular buildings are produced in a controlled
factory environment, in which all waste including
steel, aluminium and timber is separated for
recycling with almost nothing ending up as
landfill. The process is not subject to bad
weather, and subsequent delays this may cause.
As the time on site is reduced, so is the impact of
the construction process on the site and
surrounding environment. Modules can also be
designed to a specifically optimised size in order
to match the supplied sizes of the building
materials, further reducing the amount of waste.
Typically, the end product is a building, which
achieves an Energy Performance Asset rating
(EPA) of B, as standard. An ‘A’ rating is easily
achieved when sustainable options, such as solar
panels are incorporated.
Are modular buildings all the same?
Although modular buildings lend themselves to
standardisation, clients are increasingly looking
for buildings that cater to their specific needs
and are quite understandably less interested in a
‘one size fits all’ approach.
In terms of providing ‘traditional’ finishes, we are
increasingly being asked to provide extensions to
existing buildings while maintaining a continuous
external appearance. This can be done so
effectively that often you cannot tell which is the
old traditional building and which is the new
modular extension.
Increasingly architects are also bringing their
designs to life in a modular environment and I
would encourage anyone looking for a new build
project to seek out the possibilities offered with
offsite construction by reflecting on the finished
product.
www.wernick.co.uk
36

Relieve the pain of rising
patient numbers
A rise of patient numbers means hospitals and
clinics could face a facility shortfall putting
pressure on healthcare management to
provide more space quickly and economically.
Modular buildings from Wernick provide a modern, spacious, energy
efficient environment for patients and medical staff which are fully HTM
and HBN compliant. What’s more, while the building is being
manufactured, the foundation is being prepared on-site. This makes it
possible for us to deliver a building of exceptional quality very quickly
and with a saving of up to 50% when compared to a traditional building.
Modular buildings can form permanent buildings with traditional
features such as a brick finish and a pitched roof.
Why Wernick Modular Buildings?
✔ Speedy completion
✔ Lower cost than traditional build
✔ More dependable build programme
✔ HTM and HBN compliant
✔ 25 year structural warranty
✔
✔ Full project management
✔ Sustainable form of building
✔
✔ HIRE and LEASE options available
Planning and building regulation service
Choice of traditional or contemporary finishes
Sustainable construction without compromise
Sustainable construction without compromise
For additional information visit www.wernick.co.uk/healthcare
0800 18 18 22

Build with Confidence
Magnesium Oxide Board Corporation enters the UK construction industry with the opening of new offices and warehousing facilities in
Harlow Essex.
MgO Corp has established a strong global foundation over the past 7years based on attention to detail and performance of our products,
strong industry hands on knowledge and the highest professionalism aptitude in the building industry regarding mgo based composite
products.
Peace of Mind with The World’s Highest Level of Compliance
ResCom ® building products and our manufacturing facilities are thoroughly audited by independent third party inspectors to assure the
highest compliance for use in building and construction under multiple global building codes including but not limited to:
United Kingdom: BS EN Standards 2015 - Australia: BCA Standards 2015 - New Zealand: NZBC Standards 2015 - Sweden: SWEDAC Standards
2015 - Malaysian Standards Authority 2014 - Guatemala: FHA Standards 2015 - USA: ASTM - NAMI 2015.
Lifetime Benefits
MgO Corps ResCom ® building products greatly benefit us in all aspects of life by immediately
decreasing global greenhouse gasses, lowering carbon footprint of developments and offering
our families safer, stronger, healthier and more sustainable protection from the elements of
water, wind, fire and the cold.
ResCom ® Building Products are a direct replacement for traditional gypsum / plasterboard and
FC linings. ResCom ® delivers revolutionary composite materials that are above FRL60 and
reduce the use of fire rated wall lining from 67% to 50% without any reduction in
performance (tested and proven). For further detailed information or to arrange a meeting
contact: 01279442831 or email info@mgoboard.co.uk
Mgo will stock their full range of board products from 4mm boards up to 25mm in lengths and
widths of 1200 to 3000 and also their 18mm-22mm flooring products.
Mgo will supply their quality Residential and Commercial ResCom ® boards to Builder’s
Merchants Modular House Manufacturers, Construction Companies and other end users in the
UK.
wwwmgoboard.co.uk
Inta goes HIPER for HIUs
Inta has introduced its ‘HIPER’ high performance heat interface unit
(HIU), designed to deliver heating and hot water whilst improving
energy efficiency and minimising costs in multi-dwelling
developments.
Installed in shared residential buildings, the HIU distributes heating
and domestic hot water from a central plant system to individual
properties. By removing the need for each area to have a
conventional boiler, gas flue, and hot water cylinder, the interface
units dramatically reduce build costs for developers.
Inta has worked to develop a product that has more features and
benefits than any other HIU on the market. HIPER HIU boasts a
factory-set, non-electric
temperature control valve which
prevents risk of scalding in the
event of a power supply failure,
as well as featuring the most
advanced dual-speed PID
control (patent pending) of any
unit, intelligently controlling the
heat into the plate heat
exchangers by electronic
modulation of a PICV (pressure
independent control valve).
www.intatec.co.uk
Young academics see the future of
student accommodation rise in
Aberdeen
Alumno Developments, the
award-winning UK-wide
provider of bespoke, highstandard
accommodation in
university cities such as
Glasgow, Edinburgh, St
Andrews, Birmingham, Durham
and London is mid-way through
construction of its first facility
in Aberdeen.
Kier Construction, as main
contractor on the build at
Powis Place, is working
alongside Alumno to welcome groups of students onsite – giving
them the chance to see key elements of the engineering,
construction and design work which is rapidly progressing.
Veronika, of Veliko Tarnovo, said: “Site visits like these are very
important for us – they give us an opportunity to really visualise
problems and potential solutions in a situation similar to what we
will face when we graduate and become professional engineers.”
Brian McGuinness, senior project manager at Kier Construction,
said: “It’s a real pleasure for us to be able to meet the engineers
who we will work alongside as colleagues in the future.”
38

Article >
EOS Facades on a roll!
One of the UK’s leading specialist metal roll-forming companies, EOS Facades, is expanding its section capability
with a significant investment in new roll-forming machinery that has been specially commissioned and shipped
halfway around the world to the manufacturing facility in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.
Airframe
Flatpack modular components
Originating from New Zealand, this
Howick machine along with four
others already owned by EOS Facades
currently roll sections ranging from 65mm,
100mm and 150mm deep in a range of gauges
from 1mm, 1.2mm and 1.6mm thick .
Current outlets for the multi-award winning
EOS Facade sections include SFS infill walling
and cladding markets plus the interior fit-out
market. The introduction of the new machinery
will significantly complement the range of
sections available and this will expand EOS’
target market with a particular focus on the
opportunity to supply the volumetric modular
building industry with sections now ranging
from 150mm deep to 250mm deep and in
gauge thicknesses ranging from 1.2mm to 2mm.
Sections provided by EOS Facades can be
supplied in ‘loose’ bundles to make up in situ
installation or as fully made up infill wallings
produced offsite as pre-fabricated cassettes or
lattice beams for both roofing and flooring
applications. The prefabricated elements can
also be fitted with insulation, lining boards and
decking boards or even assembled in to
volumetric modular space frames.
The flexibility of the EOS Facades approach
means that the company now has the ‘full
gamut’ of sections to suit the requirements of
the offsite manufacturing industry – from
panelised washrooms and bathroom pods to
full volumetric module structures. The degree
of value-added componentry to the
sections/frames is completely customised to
suit client requirements.
Design detailing is supported by a team of CAD
engineers who will optimise section sizes for
the required application and ensure that
maximum value-engineering is obtained. This
is a key part of the customer-focused service
that EOS Facades offer.
...The introduction of
the new machinery
completes the
section range that
we have been
aspiring to offer for
some time now...
Steve Thompson, Managing Director of EOS
Facades comments, “The introduction of the
new machinery completes the section range
that we have been aspiring to offer for some
time now. Being able to offer a complete range
of section and gauge sizes now ensures that we
have become a ‘one stop shop’ for metal
sections within the offsite manufacturing
sector.”
All of the section range offered by EOS Facades
provide the unique swaging technology and
dimpling characteristics that come as standard
with Howick machines. This means that panels
and cassettes that require boarding are
presented with completely flush faces, negating
the requirement for packers and shims. It also
means that tight tolerances can be provided as
the stud and track sections effectively selfalign,
thereby ensuring that dimensional
parameters are achieved without the need for
complex jigging or clamping.
Thompson comments, “As we see a groundswell
of activity within the offsite manufacturing
arena again there has been no better time for
us to make our investment in new machinery.
We have analysed the needs of the downstream
offsite suppliers and now feel that we have the
perfect range of section and service offerings
to meet their exacting requirements.”
To support the specification of light gauge steel
sections EOS Facades offer a range of CPD
sessions. The company will also be holding
Open Days in the Spring in order to
demonstrate the range machinery and services
on offer. If you would like to register to for a
CPD session or to attend an Open Day then
please visit www.eos-facades.co.uk/enquiryform/
and submit your details or call 01325 303 030
Full details of the EOS product and service
range plus a comprehensive portfolio of
award-winning project case studies are
available online www.eos-facades.co.uk
40

portable
foundations for
portable
buildings
Designed to support single, double or triple storey
modular buildings
Leaves playground/car park surfaces undamaged
Accredited by Building Control and chosen as sole
suppliers for temporary classroom foundations for
local authorities around the UK.
100% recycled materials
www.jackpad.co.uk or call
Neil Appleby Business Development Manager
07436 037 818
F ully Finished
Solutio
ons
The W.Howard Group
provides fully finished
door frame, skirting
and architrave
solutions to speed
up your build.
Please contact our sales team on
01942 881900 or at sales@whoward.co.uk
whoward.co.uk
MMC February 2016 41

Smartply offers sustainable
solution to long-term energyefficient
housing
Wood panels are the natural choice for developers and house builders looking to utilise the time, cost and quality
benefits of off-site construction. In particular, engineered wood panels offer specifiers, timber frame manufacturers
and contractors the enhanced flexibility, improved quality and superior safety to ensure the industry continues to
build for the future. SmartPly Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is an environmentally-friendly panel produced by Coillte,
a leading timber panel manufacturer which has access to sustainable, well managed and fast growing softwood
timber. It’s enabled the company to produce a range of materials for use in an array of structural and non-structural
projects.
resistance are paramount. At the new £5
million Wilkinson Primary School in
Wolverhampton, SmartPly OSB3 panels proved
ideal for the timber frame building’s internal
walls and ceilings with the school named as the
winner in the ‘Large Projects’ category at the
UK Passivhaus Awards 2015. The school sets
new standards for low carbon education
buildings and the project demonstrated how
SmartPly OSB3 can play a vital role in the
design and construction of super-insulated
timber frames at industry leading passive
developments.
Progression
SmartPly OSB is manufactured from
locally-grown sustainable forest
resource in an energy efficient process,
giving it a lower carbon footprint than many
types of plywood. It is manufactured by
compressing precisely engineered strands of
wood with exterior resins at high temperature
to create an incredibly strong and versatile
panel. SmartPly is made from sustainable,
fast-growing timber from forest thinnings of
new-growth pine and spruce, including the
tops which are not used to make any other
wood-based product. This is in contrast to
plywood, which uses large logs cut from old
growth forests. SmartPly uses less energy
and resources to make than steel, concrete
and other building materials. Over 75% of the
energy used in the manufacturing process
comes from wood residues and recovered
wood. Burning wood by-products as an energy
source instead of fossil fuels increases the
CO2 benefit further. Manufactured to
European Standard EN 300, SmartPly
satisfies BS5268 Part 2 (Structural use of
Timber- Code of practice for permissible
stress design, materials and workmanship).
SmartPly products are also approved by the
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Innovation
Driven by market demand, shifting trends and
changing legislation, SmartPly is continuously
innovating by creating new products and
technologies which are at the forefront of
42
wood-based panel products and beyond the
standard OSB. SmartPly developed a new
SmartPly VapAirTight OSB with vapour control
properties and airtightness engineered into
each panel. As a result, it performed six times
better than PassivHaus standard. The rigid
panel is a sustainable, robust and cost-effective
alternative to specialist AVCL membranes. Fire
safety is another essential building regulation
and SmartPly Flame Retardant OSB3 has been
developed to combine strength and durability
with outstanding fire performance, whilst the
innovative SmartPly SiteProtect is a durable
pre-primed coated panel specifically for
temporary site hoarding and long term security
applications. It is designed to save both
installation time and money and a perfect fit
for housebuilders and developers with a
sustainable strategy.
Versatility
Due to its easy, fast application, durability and
environmental credentials, SmartPly has
provided the solution to a variety of high profile
projects. In December 2015, two pallets of
18mm SmartPly OSB3 were specified by
Greenpeace UK for the design and fabrication
of flat pack emergency weather-proof buildings
in Calais. A highly engineered, moisture
resistant, wood-based panel designed for use in
humid conditions, SmartPly OSB3 was the ideal
choice for the emergency project as it is
suitable for floors, roofs, walls and many other
applications where strength and moisture
Ahead of this year’s Ecobuild exhibition, a
design competition was launched to encourage
the nation’s future architects to showcase
forward-thinking construction. It involved
creating a ‘distinctive oasis’ within the
DISCOVER stand which is sponsored by Medite
– SmartPly and will provide the show’s social
hub. The aim of the winning design, which was
chosen by a panel of judges, was to maximise
the use of sustainable materials including
Medite MDF and SmartPly OSB, whilst
minimising environmental impact and
demonstrating how materials will be disposed
of responsibly after the event. For the winning
students from Bartlett School of Architecture it
created a unique opportunity to hone their
design skills in a real life application whilst
providing exposure for their work.
Vapairtight house
www.smartply.com

Product News >
Raising the bar with composite windows at
Ecobuild
Record year for
Vortice ventilation in
2015
Vortice has seen double digit growth
year on year since 2009, and 2015 was
a record year for its ventilation system
business, with interest in energy
efficiency heightened once more by the
Paris climate summit in December.
Product development at the company’s
Milan headquarters has been focussed
on energy efficient ventilation systems
New, innovative window types and a wider range of timber finishes are all on display at
Ecobuild, on Uniform Architectural’s stand E3200. A wealth of truly original ideas and
benefits to meet architects’ and clients’ requirements are the central theme of their stand for
2016. Every imaginable opening type and the smoothest of Patio gliders are all awaiting your
inspection!
Slender profiles, invisible corner joints, face drainage, trickle vents, hinges, handles, etc., make
the uni_one® Timber/Aluminium Composite Window one of the best designed – and thus,
increasingly popular in London and beyond.
Call Uniform Architectural Ltd. or visit their website
for further information or to request a copy of the
2016 uni_one® brochure
www.uniform-arch.co.uk
Changing shopping habits impact on warehouses
With online retail sales growing at 12% a year
and now accounting for more than 12% of all
spending in the UK, retail chains are investing in
more warehouses to meet this demand from
online shoppers. This growth has a direct impact
on companies like Metsec, that play a key role in
building warehouses.
“At Metsec we use light gauge cold-formed steel
roof purlins on a wide range of building types
including warehouses and distribution depots,”
explained Kevin Jones, Sales Director for
Metsec’s Purlins Division. “By using our MetSPEC
design software we’re able to calculate the most
efficient purlin and side rail design that optimises
the use of steel on a project, as well as saving the engineer time. Due to our bespoke
manufacturing software and flexible rolling mills, we’re able to offer short lead times for our
products, which helps us deliver to projects with tight lead times.”
www.metsec.com
McAvoy Group lines up new school projects
for many years now, thus mirroring the
trend for energy efficient products in
many global markets. This trend
combined with creating better ‘indoor
air quality’ is definitely the focus of
Vortice product development.
“Vortice fans are easy to install, less
obtrusive and well designed – all of
these things go together with their
energy efficiency ratings to make them
an obvious choice for the specifier,”
explained General Manager Kevin
Hippey.
Vortice launched a new commercial
kitchen fan and two new heat recovery
systems, the HR350 Avel and the
HR250 Neti, towards the end of 2015.
www.vortice.ltd.uk
Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy
Offsite modular construction
specialists The McAvoy Group have
confirmed they have signed an
£18m contract to build Goresbrook
School, London in the Borough of
Barking and Dagenham which was
awarded through the Crown
Commercial Service (CCS)
Framework and secured preferred
bidder status for an £18m project
at Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy Trust, Slough, awarded through the Crown Commercial
Service (CCS) Framework for Modular Building Systems. Both projects will be funded by the
Education Funding Agency (EFA).
Goresbrook will be a 10,381m2 Wave 3 Free School founded by United Learning. When complete
it will be an all-through school for pupils from nursery to sixth form.
Meanwhile McAvoy are the preferred bidder for a new 8,050m2 build project at the 1100+ pupil
Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy which will be a secondary school for 11-19 year olds.
www.mcavoygroup.com
44

Concrete
considerations
for offsite
construction
7-8 JUNE 2016
THE EVENT FOR ARCHITECTS,
SPECIFIERS, CLIENTS AND SUPPLIERS.
The versatility of concrete
means that it can be
designed and constructed to
deliver high performance buildings
through a spectrum of solutions
ranging from onsite cast concrete,
onsite build using factory made
blocks, through to offsite manufactured two dimensional panels
and volumetric units. When considering offsite solutions there
are additional benefits offered by the use of precast concrete for
offsite construction compared to other systems.
The robustness of concrete, for example means that it can be
delivered and erected without the need for wrappings and covers
to protect it from the elements. Care is required when handling
prefabricated elements made of any material to prevent damage,
but with robustness comes less risk of damage. Quite apart from
the resource and wastage saved, the structural integrity of
concrete is not compromised by weather, a significant advantage
for construction. Less durable structures will be particularly
vulnerable to delayed installation of building enclosure.
Another advantage during construction is concrete’s inherent
resistance to fire, avoiding the need for special measures to be
installed to reduce the risk of fire spreading during build
programmes.
WWW.VISIONLONDON.COM
@VISIONLDN
Precast concrete for housing in the UK historically suffered from
an image problem, due in part to the poorly maintained ‘brutal
aesthetic’ of much of the mass housing put up in the 60’s and 70’s.
While new housing is still more likely to be built from concrete than
any other material, the concrete is likely to be hidden on the inside
of the building, with concrete constructed to higher structural and
quality standards. The range of finishes available in concrete is
very broad, so it is wise to establish the required standard of finish
and tolerances required with manufacturers before tender in order
to align the clients and designers expectations with the right
product or specification.
Improved thermal performance requirements have also lead to an
evolution in the detailing of housing. To achieve the low air
permeability required of current building regulations or passiv
haus standard, designers and constructors now need to pay closer
attention to the joints and junctions of a buildings enclosure. This
is facilitated by the solid, straight edges of precast panels, around
window openings for example. Windows can also be pre-installed
and tested in the panels. Since concrete itself is effectively airtight
a precast concrete inner leaf offers a simple and durable solution
for long term airtightness.
The Concrete Centre will be launching a new publication at
Ecobuild this year, explaining the CO2 saving of concrete through
every stage of construction, including manufacture and demolition.
Using thermal mass is an excellent way to optimise the use of
precast concrete for sustainable construction, but there are also
other many sustainability issues worth considering. These include
long life, climate change adaption, flood resilience, recyclability
and recycled content, local manufacture and local, responsibly
sourced materials.
So concrete is a great starting point when considering material
selection for new buildings. It provides advantages during
construction as well as offering long term performance benefits
for occupants and building owners.
www.concretecentre.com
ATTEND VISION AND ACCESS:
• Over 200 cutting edge exhibitors
• International Meeting Programme
• Interactive Show Features
• Networking Receptions
• 100+ CPD Accredited seminar sessions covering:
- Future Materials
- Building Health & Wellness
- Offsite Construction
- Technology of Today
- Innovations in Architecture & Design
- Smart Buildings
- Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Sponsored by
Register your interest today at
www.visionlondon.com
New for 2016: 7th June -
Extended opening hours 1000 - 2100
MMC Feb 2016 45

Product News >
Knauf know-how
accelerates school
construction
Innovative fixing systems combined
with top class design and technical
support from Knauf – the UK’s leading
manufacturer of lightweight building
materials and systems – has
accelerated and simplified the
construction of Hampshire’s first ‘allthrough’
school. The drylining
sub-contractor, MTEC Walling, believes
Senior’s class act
Leading fenestration manufacturer and designer Senior Architectural Systems has helped
deliver a dramatic new design scheme for a new performing arts centre in Newcastle-under-
Lyme.
The new state of the art centre, which is part of Newcastle-under-Lyme College, features
various glazing solutions from Senior that have been installed by Aire Valley Architectural Ltd
for main contractor Bardsley Construction.
The slim sightlines and aesthetic flexibility of Senior’s SMR800 curtain walling made it the
ideal choice to create the modern entrance to the building and the system has been used
throughout to maximise the flow of natural light into the dance studios and communal areas.
The centre’s bright and spacious design has been further
complemented by Senior’s SPW600/E windows and the use
of Senior’s SD automatic doors.
The exceptional thermal efficiency of Senior’s SMR800
curtain walling and SPW600/E windows also met with the
scheme’s stringent sustainability targets which has led to
the centre achieving a BREEAM rating of ‘excellent’.
www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk
Project delays continue to worsen
According to the latest construction industry data, 60% of projects were delivered to clients
late in the past year, with just 69% of overall projects delivered on cost or better. This is in
sharp contrast to figures just released by the Portakabin Group, which has now completed
99.7% of projects on time and on budget every year since 2003.
The UK Industry Performance Report is compiled by the Department for Business, Innovation
and Skills, Constructing Excellence, Glenigan, and the CITB. The research uses key performance
indicators to allow construction companies to
benchmark their performance against the
rest of the industry.
“Off-site construction is highly predictable,
which helps construction clients reduce risk
with far greater assurance of completion on
time and on budget – often to extremely
challenging deadlines and on complex, fully
operational sites,” explained Simon Ambler,
Director of the Portakabin Group.
www.portakabin-group.co.uk
that using Knauf’s simple but
ingenious Linear fixing system to
install Cleaneo Akustik perforated
plasterboard in the new school hall
shaved around 15% from this element
of the construction schedule.
“The specification pack from Knauf
really simplified matters, not only in
terms of making sure that the design
met the acoustic criteria but also in
reducing the number types of boards
required to meet the various
requirements,” said project lead,
Simon Alford from Hampshire County
Council property services.
The same board was used throughout
for the walls and partitions, and
Cleaneo Akustik for the ceilings, to
achieve the robust finish and to meet
the acoustic standards set out in
Building Bulletin 93.
www.knauf.co.uk
46
A much-needed youth centre in
Romsey
Foremans Relocatable Building Systems has started work on a
contract worth in the region of £500,000 to construct a muchneeded
Youth Centre in the Hampshire market town of Romsey.
Designed by Hampshire County Council’s Property Services team
and built by Foremans, the centre will be all on one level, making
it fully accessible, and will offer facilities for wider community
use.
Foremans is constructing the building from recycled steel
modules fitted out with all-new fixtures and fittings – a faster and
highly sustainable alternative to site-based construction methods
but with no compromise on quality. This innovative approach will reduce work on site to just 10
weeks so the new facilities will be up and running for use by the local community at a much
earlier stage – and with a lower carbon footprint.
The refurbishment of modular buildings is one of the most environmentally-sound methods of
construction – helping to reduce carbon emissions, waste sent to landfill, and improving a
building’s carbon footprint, with no compromise on quality or design flexibility.
www.foremansbuildings.co.uk

The Problem
Delivering the right amount of ventilation
to the right rooms in the right location.
The Solution
The Outstanding Joist System
The Posi-Joist open web floor system will allow
you to deliver the right amount of ventilation
to the right rooms in the right location in the
simplest of ways.
The advantages are clear:
• Open web design provides easy access for the
design and installation of services
• Improved quality of service fitting, eliminating
costly remedial work
• Greater clear spans for design flexibility
• Clear profit from savings in labour, time,
materials and call-backs
• The largest network of licensed manufacturers
throughout the UK and Ireland
CPD Now available for Posi-Joist
Contact MiTek today or visit
www.posi-joist.co.uk for full
details and an on-line presentation.
MiTek House
Grazebrook Industrial Park
Peartree Lane
Dudley
DY2 0XW, UK
Telephone: 01384 451400
www.mitek.co.uk

Setting the Standards
RTstack
O
RME
fs
Stormk
through
certifica
stormking.co.uk
Amington Point, Sandy Way
y, Amington Industrial Estate, Tamworth, Staffordshire B77 4ED
Tel: 01827 3111001100 Fax:
01827 311200 e-mail:
contact@stormking.co.uk