Refurb Projects April 2017

REFURB PROJECTS THE JOURNAL OF REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND RETROFIT APRIL 2017

Contents 

Vol. 28 No. 183 APRIL 2017 

20 

12 

21 

24 

10 

19 

30 16 

Managing Editor 

Tony Prior 

Editor 

Peter Ashmore 

Editorial Assistant 

Sue Watson 

News Editor 

John Grant 

Advertising / Marketing 

Caroline Warby 

Design / Graphics 

James Kennett 

Kay Miall 

Ian Purves 

Co-Publishers 

Tony Prior and Carole Titmuss 

Printed by Manson Group 

Front Cover: 

When the owners of one of 

Plymouth’s most iconic building 

were looking to refurbish and 

upgrade the derelict office 

within weeks instead of months, 

they needed a team of installers 

able to hit the ground running, 

and a flexible heating, ventilation 

and air conditioning (HVAC) 

system that would still deliver 

the energy savings needed. 

Full story page 12. 

This journal includes editorial photographs 

provided and paid for by suppliers. 

Refurbishment Projects incorporating 

Refurbishment Products is published by 

Sheen Publishing Ltd 

50 Queens Road, 

Buckhurst Hill, 

Essex, IG9 5DD, UK 

Tel: 020 8504 1661 

Fax: 020 8505 4336 

Web: www.refurbprojects.com 

Email: editor@refurbprojects.com 

Twitter: @RefurbProjects 

Refurbishment Projects is available on 

subscription annual rate UK £25. 

Europe £36 Overseas £40. 

Single Copies £3.50 UK £6 Overseas. 

ISSN 1475-1135 

REFURB PROJECTS CONTENTS 

2 CIF Funding 

and reduce your schools energy consumption. 

3 College Expansion 

4 Prison Redevelopment 

RP looks at two new prison projects. 

10 Superdrug unveils new headquarters 

14 Latest Trespa news 

16-17 Preview: The National Stone Show 

18 Vision 2017 

The event for architects, designers, specifiers and 

their clients. 

19 University Project 

Cambridge University’s building gets a new look. 

20 Stone solution in Edinburgh 

23 Modern Methods of construction 

A look at brick-faced concrete cladding. 

26 Historic Art Gallery upgraded 

32-35 Fire and Safety Feature 

REFURBISHMENT PROJECTS, April 2017 1

CIF FUNDING 

How to apply for CIF 

and reduce your schools energy consumption 

Schools, academies and sixth-form colleges can obtain funding to improve the quality of 

buildings and premises via the CIF. Short for the Condition Improvement Fund, this 

government financial incentive is available annually via an online application process. 

The fund itself is designed to assist schools and colleges with health and safety issues, 

building compliance, improving energy efficiency and expansion projects. 

HOW DO SCHOOLS QUALIFY FOR 

THE CIF? 

For primary schools to be eligible for 

this grant, they need to have a 

minimum project demand of at least 

£20,000. 

This figure rises to £50,000 for 

secondary schools and colleges and 

the maximum that the government 

will assign to a project is £4 

million. 

Any money offered to successful 

applicants is ring-fenced solely for 

the improvement works, but the 

energy savings can free up 

additional financial resources for 

other demands within the school. 

APPLYING FOR THE CONDITION 

IMPROVEMENT FUND 

Applicants apply for the CIF online 

via the Education and Skills Funding 

Agency (ESFA) and attach 

supporting documentation as 

evidence to make their case as 

strong as possible. 

Each year, the application 

process consists of four main stages: 

1) Online application forms are 

available to complete on the ESFA 

website in October 

2) Applicants create an account on 

the ESFA CIF portal before 

November 

3) Application forms are submitted 

by December via the online portal 

4) Successful applicants are 

announced in March once they’ve 

been assessed 

Unsuccessful applicants can try 

to obtain private funding or go 

through the ESFA appeals process. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR CIF 

APPLICANTS 

The three core areas that are used to 

determine whether a project is 

successful in its bid to obtain 

funding are: 

Project need (70%) – the 

evidence provided and a condition 

survey are the main factors in 

determining how funding is allotted, 

and health issues, such as heating or 

gas safety, take priority for the 

distribution of funds 

Project planning (15%) – 

applicants should detail the risks 

involved and showcase how the 

financial resources offered will 

resolve them 

Value for money (15%) – the 

breakdown of costs is assessed to see 

whether they meet the demands of 

the project 

RENEWABLE ENERGY IN 

REFURBISHED SCHOOLS 

Many schools use gas-fired systems, 

but a mixture of new technologies 

assisted by the fund can help to 

reduce energy consumption and 

carbon footprint levels significantly. 

EXAMPLES OF RENEWABLE 

ENERGY IN REFURBISHED 

SCHOOLS CAN INCLUDE: 

CHP (Combined Heat and Power) – 

this converts single fuel into both 

electricity and heat, which provides 

financial and environmental 

benefits. 

Its potential to be used as an 

efficient, complete heat source is 

greatest in bigger schools that 

require large volumes of hot water. 

In addition, schools can connect 

to district CHP schemes and it’s even 

possible to generate income from 

electricity tariffs when CHP is used 

on site. 

Air source heat pumps – heat is 

absorbed from the outside air and 

this can be used to heat radiators, 

underfloor heating and hot water. 

Ground source heat pumps – 

heat is extracted from pipes buried 

in the ground to heat radiators, 

water and air-heating systems. 

This method is ideal for reducing 

your carbon footprint and is even 

more powerful when used in 

conjunction with other solutions, 

such as improving insulation and 

windows. 

USING PROFESSIONAL 

CONTRACTORS 

If you’re looking to improve your 

own carbon footprint and make 

your school more energy-efficient, 

speak to professional contractors 

first. 

They will understand your project 

need and work out the correct path 

to take based on your individual 

project need. 

For more information about the 

school Condition Improvement Fund 

visit 361 Degrees. 

Web: www.361degrees.co.uk 

2 APRIL 2017, REFURBISHMENT PROJECTS

College expansion 

in Cork 

High performance External Wall Insulation (EWI) 

by Saint-Gobain Weber has been installed in two 

new buildings that form part of the new 

extensions to St. Angela’s College in the city 

centre of Cork. 

SCHOOL BUILDING 

St. Angela’s is a longestablished 

500-pupil girls’ 

secondary school, dating 

from the late 19th Century, 

situated on a steeply sloping site on 

St. Patrick’s Hill in Cork. Local 

award-winning architectural practice 

O’Donnell & Tuomey were first 

commissioned to consider the 

development possibilities of the site 

in 1999. The transition from initial 

feasibility studies to eventual 

completion of construction works 

was a slow process lasting sixteen 

years. Over this period O’Donnell & 

Tuomey worked closely with the 

school community, making the case 

for its continued existence on its 

inner city site and resisting the 

pressures to relocate city centre 

schools to the suburbs. 

The existing school acquired the 

neighbouring convent site, allowing 

it to expand on this restricted urban 

plot. A continuous external route 

from top to bottom negotiates the 

18 metre drop in site levels, 

connecting orchard garden, 

courtyards, classrooms, and 

playgrounds. 

Four nineteenth-century 

buildings were refurbished and two 

new purpose-designed buildings 

were added. The biggest challenge 

was to incorporate a full-size sports 

hall on this confined hillside, and 

the decision was made to locate the 

concrete structure on the lowest 

part of the site. Its roof makes new 

ground on the site and provides a 

sunny terrace and ball-court with 

views out over the city below. 

The specification of the new 

structures included the installation 

of webertherm XM EWI which has 

been finished with webersil P to 

deliver efficient thermal 

performance together with an 

attractive and decorative finish. 

The BBA, NSAI certified and Energy 

Saving Trust listed webertherm XM 

EWI is a lightweight external wall 

insulation system incorporating 

thin-coat polymer render with mesh 

cloth reinforcement. The highly 

energy efficient webertherm XM has 

achieved a U-value of 0.16W/m²K. 

Suitable for both new-build and 

refurbishment projects, webertherm 

XM EWI can extend the life of 

existing buildings, by keeping the 

old structure warm and stable, and 

it is being used more and more to 

simplify wall construction within the 

new-build sector to provide cost 

effective, fast-track build 

programmes with attractive facades. 

The ever increasing thermal 

requirements of current regulations 

can be met, and exceeded, by using 

high performance webertherm EWI 

systems, to provide a weather-proof, 

durable architectural façade which 

conserves energy, minimises heat 

loss and reduces CO emissions. 

Applicator Novin Consultants 

Limited, Limerick, was awarded the 

contract for the installation of 

1900m² of EWI. Kevin O’Grady of 

Novin was delighted to have been 

involved with this highly prestigious 

project. “It was most interesting to 

see the architects vision come to life 

and the webertherm XM system has 

contributed to the sustainability of 

these new buildings. We fixed 

150mm of EPS insulation onto a 

board substrate and then pump 

applied weberrend LAC a polymermodified 

base coat render. The final 

decorative finish of webersil P 

silicone enhanced paint looks great, 

especially in Welsh Slate.” 

webersil P is a high quality 

mineral paint suitable for masonry 

substrates to provide a lowmaintenance 

finish to external wall 

insulation systems; it can also be 

used to rejuvenates existing 

rendered substrates. webersil P is 

available in 160 attractive colours. 

Refurbished to conservation 

standards and with its services 

designed to high-performance 

environmental and energy-saving 

principles, the school matches the 

aesthetic of its surroundings and is 

integrated within a conservation 

area of the city centre. 

St Angela’s College is an example 

of sustainable urban development 

and resilient community life. It is an 

energy efficient and compact design, 

equipped to survive into the future 

on its historically established site 

challenging the tendency towards 

urban sprawl. The school has been 

enabled, by the rigorous application 

of sustainable principles, to continue 

its educational mission as a local 

resource in the city of Cork. 

For more information about this 

project, or for technical support, 

please contact Saint-Gobain Weber 

on 08703 330 070, or visit 

www.netweber.co.uk. Customers in 

Ireland should call 028 9335 2999 or 

visit www.weber.ie 

A free download of the new 

weberapp for iPhone and iPad users 

is also available from iTunes and 

from Google Play for Android 

smartphones and tablet users. 

Follow Saint-Gobain Weber on 

Twitter @SGWeberUK for the latest 

company news and updates. 

IMAGE © O’DONNELL & TUOMEY ARCHITECTS & ALICE CLANCY 

REFURBISHMENT PROJECTS, APRIL 2017 3

N E W S • N E W S • N E W S • N E W S • N E W S • N E W S • N E W S • N E W S 

Prison Redevelopments 

Planning permission has been granted for architect Purcell’s two prison redevelopments for City & Country. 

Dorchester prison in Dorset and Shepton Mallet prison in Somerset will be restored and converted into high 

quality homes. 

The proposal to develop the 

former HMP Dorchester was 

granted planning consent by 

West Dorset District Council 

on 16th February 2017. Planning 

permission was secured from Mendip 

District Council to develop Shepton 

Mallet on 18th January 2017. 

Prior to its closure in 2013, 

HMP Shepton Mallet was the 

oldest working prison in Britain 

with a colourful list of infamous 

inmates including the Kray twins. 

The Grade II and II* listed 

buildings, including the cell blocks, 

treadwheel house and workshops, 

will be refurbished and converted 

into 96 apartments. Within the 

prison walls, new apartments 

located on the site will comprise a 

new 23 unit residential block and 

27 apartments within terraced 

‘mews’ style housing. 

The former visitor’s centre and 

part of B-Wing will be transformed 

into a heritage space and a 

community café. The site will also 

provide parking and high quality 

landscaping. Within the historic cell 

blocks the quality of the top-lit 

atrium spaces will be retained and 

the historic features refurbished, 

with new apartments created 

through linking the former cells 

together. An opening will be created 

in the prison walls to allow 

improved pedestrian access into the 

historic site. 

Also closed in 2013, HMP 

Dorchester is where the last woman 

was publicly hanged in Dorset. The 

prison, located on the site of a 

Norman castle, has historic links to 

the author Thomas Hardy. While 

most of the buildings are late 

Victorian, its Grade II listed 

gatehouse dates from the late 18th 

century. 

The approved plans will create 

185 homes. The main cell blocks will 

be transformed into 60 one and two 

bedroom apartments, while new 

terraced mansion-style buildings will 

provide 125 further apartments. The 

gatehouse will be converted into a 

heritage interpretative space for the 

public. The designs also include new 

terraced houses and apartments 

outside of the prison walls, 

transforming what is currently a car 

park into an improved public space 

on North Square at the entrance of 

the former prison site. 

Purcell is the architect and lead 

consultant on both projects. Both 

sites are owned and are being 

developed by City & Country. The 

project team includes landscape 

designers OPEN, planning 

consultants JLL, multi-disciplinary 

engineers Hydrock, transport 

consultants Calidus and structural 

engineers The Morton Partnership. 

Helen Moore, Managing Director 

at City & Country said: “It is 

incredibly exciting to be charting 

new territory as the first developer in 

the UK to convert prisons of this size 

into residential use and Purcell has 

played an integral role in bringing 

forward these exceptional plans.” 

Alasdair Travers, Partner at 

Purcell commented: “The historic 

prisons at Dorchester and Shepton 

Mallet have been a really significant 

part of the life of both towns for 

over two hundred years. The 

challenge of both sites is resolving 

how to convert the historic cell 

blocks into characterful modern 

apartments and how to create new 

green open spaces within the prison 

walls. Our designs bring out the 

special character of each site’s 

heritage to create a sense of place, 

transforming the prisons into 

attractive places to live.” 

Having successfully secured 

planning permission, both projects 

will commence on site later this 

year. 


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BUILDING SERVICES 

KO for CO 

Developers and housing providers should take the lead in reducing carbon monoxide poisoning in 

housing, in view of conflicting CO alarm regulations, as leading manufacturer Kidde Safety explains. 

water rather than acid-based 

electrolytes as well. 

According to all the Regulations 

and BS EN 50292:2013 alarms can 

be powered by batteries designed 

for the whole working life of the 

alarm or by mains. Hard-wired 

alarms are easily installed in newbuilds, 

refurbishments or re-wiring 

projects alongside hard-wired smoke 

and heat alarms and together can 

offer extra safety features. For 

example, Kidde’s 4MCO and 4MDCO 

hard-wired CO alarms can be 

interlinked not only with each other 

but also with the company’s Firex 

range of hard-wired smoke and heat 

alarms, using the unique ‘Smart 

Interconnect’ feature for extra 

security. 

Building Regulations 

throughout the UK all 

require CO alarms to 

varying degrees with 

installation of some new or 

replacement combustion heating 

appliances – but excluding cookers. 

A much more robust benchmark is 

BS EN 50292:2013 which 

recommends a CO alarm in every 

room containing any fuel-burning 

appliance and also in other wellused 

rooms, as well as all bedrooms. 

Where the number of CO alarms has 

to be limited, flue-less or open-flue 

appliances and rooms where 

occupants spend most time should 

be prioritised, as well as those with 

extended or concealed flues passing 

through. 

BS EN 50292’s more rigorous 

approach contrasts particularly 

starkly with Building Regulations 

Approved Document J applying to 

England and Wales. This only 

requires a CO alarm with installation 

of certain, solid fuel heating 

appliances. The continuing toll of 

deaths and illness resulting from CO 

incidents associated with other fuels 

and types of combustion appliances 

– including cookers – highlights the 

urgent need for a better benchmark 

than this. 

LONG-TERM RELIABILITY 

But apart from the number of CO 

alarms, confidence in the long-term 

reliability of alarms is also essential 

– particularly as there are noncompliant 

products on the market. 

An established manufacturer with a 

reputation for quality, supported by 

third party accreditation, is 

essential for peace of mind. For 

example, all Kidde CO alarms, 

whether hard-wired or battery, are 

BSi Kitemarked. Kidde also 

manufactures its own sensors, 

allowing tighter quality controls to 

be applied. And Kidde uses safer, 

environmentally friendly de-ionised 

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE 

Importantly, with Smart 

Interconnect all the alarms have 

different, distinct alarm sounder 

patterns for carbon monoxide and 

fire, supported by different display 

messages on the digital CO model. 

So, without the need for any further 

operation of the system (such as 

remote switches), Smart 

Interconnect automatically alerts 

occupants of the specific hazard 

that confronts them. It allows them 

to respond quickly, making the right 

choice from the very different 

potential actions for either fire or 

carbon monoxide. 

In many situations, fitting a 

battery-only CO alarm may be 

simplest and, of course, battery 

quality is key to long term, problemfree 

performance. With this in mind, 

Kidde’s self-contained 10LLCO and 

10LLDCO carbon monoxide alarms 

enjoy a full 10-year guarantee 

covering both the alarm and sealedin 

lithium battery. These alarms are 

small in size with a slim profile and 

can be wall-mounted or used free 

standing. 

They are simply activated by the 

slide-on back plate, so preserving 

battery freshness until needed, and a 

tamper resisting self-locking 

installation system avoids battery 

theft. An event activity data log for 

each alarm is also available, upon 

request from Kidde. 

For more information, 

call: 01753 766392, 

Email: sales@kiddesafety.co.uk or 

visit: www.kiddesafetyeurope.co.uk 


Warm roof for social housing tenants 

PROJECTS 

Kemper System’s Stratex warm 

roof system has been used to 

upgrade the roofs of five 

social housing apartment 

blocks as part of an investment 

programme supporting a £20 million 

stock transfer from Gloucester City 

Council to housing association 

Gloucester City Homes. 

Combining Kemper System’s 

Kempertherm PIR insulation board 

and the company’s Kemperol V210 

cold-applied liquid waterproofing 

membrane, the warm roof upgrades 

form part of a £29 million 30-year 

plan, which also includes 

construction of 100 new social 

housing dwellings by 2020; the first 

to be constructed in the city since 

1991. 

Delivered by main contractor, 

Mears Group, the improvement 

works focused on an external 

upgrade to five tenanted blocks; two 

on Sweetbriars Street, two on Union 

Street and one on Columbia Street. 

All works had to be carried out 

while the homes remained fully 

occupied, so the use of Kemper 

System’s cold-applied liquid 

membrane was the ideal solution for 

delivering a robust solution with a 

BBA accredited service life of 25 

years, without causing undue 

disruption or risk to tenants. 

Roofing contractor, Rateavon, 

stripped the existing metal deck roof 

of each block and installed a new 

OSB (oriented strand board) deck as 

part of the strategy for maximising 

the service life of the existing 

accommodation. A Kempershield 

primer was then applied to the roof 

surface and allowed to cure before 

the installation of a Kempershield 

vapour control layer (VCL). 

Kemperfix adhesive was applied 

onto the roof surface and the 

Kempertherm insulation board was 

adhered to the roof, using the 

system’s tongue and groove 

structure to interlock each piece of 

board and provide a uniform finish. 

The Kemperol V210 cold-applied 

liquid waterproofing membrane was 

then applied in a single wet-on-wet 

process involving the application of 

liquid resin to the substrate followed 

by installation of the reinforcement 

fleece onto the wet resin. More 

resin was then immediately applied 

to ensure complete saturation of the 

fleece before the system was 

allowed to cure to form a durable, 

monolithic waterproof membrane 

that cannot delaminate and remains 

permanently elastic and U/V stable. 

Comments Stuart Hicks from Kemper 

System: “The upgrades to the five 

blocks form an important milestone 

in Gloucester City Homes initiative 

to improve social housing in the city, 

enhancing existing assets for both 

current and future tenants and 

maximising their service life.” 

Web: www.kempersystem.co.uk 

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P O W E R W H E N Y O U N E E D I T. . . H I D D E N W H E N Y O U D O N ’ T 


PROJECTS 

Sto provides dramatic opening act for 

refurbished theatre 

Visitors arriving at a recently refurbished London theatre are now greeted by the venue’s dramatic new 

appearance, which has been created by the use of StoDeco Profile panels from Sto. Tara Theatre in Earlsfield 

has undergone an extensive programme of extension and refurbishment, and given a striking new appearance 

which centres on a large Banyan tree motif that has been designed to wrap around different elevations of the 

building. 

The project architects, Aedas 

Arts Team, were looking to 

create an eye-catching 

appearance for the building 

which reflected the multi-cultural 

nature of the events now being held 

there. “In India, the Banyan tree 

often represents a focal point of a 

community where people gather, 

and so it was a very appropriate 

motif to use on the building,” 

explains Julian Middleton of Aedas 

Arts Team. 

“We chose a StoRend Flex Cote 

rendered finish for the building as 

we were looking to achieve a ‘soft’ 

appearance, and then we added the 

raised profile tree motif which 

appears to ‘grow’ out from the 

theatre walls. StoDeco Profile 

seemed to be by far the most 

attractive material to use for the 

tree, as it would allow us to create 

something that was really unique.” 

“This was an unusual project for 

us,” reveals Mark Shepherd from 

Sto Technical Services. “Our 

StoDeco Profile panels are normally 

used to create more traditional 

architectural detailing around 

windows, doors and soffits, but this 

was completely different. However, 

StoDeco panels can be machined to 

match any existing profile or, as in 

this case, to create a custom design 

element. 

“The architects were looking for 

a finished appearance where the tree 

design was prominent, but without 

actually dominating the building’s 

appearance. StoDeco profile is easy 

to work on an intricate design such 

as this, so it was the ideal solution 

to create the desired effect.” 

Although the branches of the 

tree design are straight, many of 

them taper as they cross the 

building and this required careful 

on-site installation work from main 

contractor, H.A. Marks. Construction. 

“The tree design actually stands 

some 25mm proud of the render 

coat, and so accurate installation 

was essential if we were going to 

create the right look and feel for the 

building,” explains a spokesman 

from H.A. Marks. “We used StoDeco 

Coll adhesive to apply the tree 

branches, and these were overpainted 

with StoColor Maxicryl to 

create a uniform finish. 

“Sto had also worked very closely 

with the architect on the design and 

setting out of the component parts 

for the tree. This certainly made the 

installation process much smoother 

than we had anticipated and the 

end result is very impressive.” 

The StoDeco Profile panels are 

manufactured from Verolith which 

comprises 90% perlite volcanic 

stone, making it highly resistant 

weather and other environmental 

factors. Light in weight and easy to 

work on site, the panels are quick to 

install and form a particularly 

durable bond with the various 

renders and paints that are available 

from Sto. 

The new Tara Theatre is the 

country’s first purpose-built multicultural 

venue of its type, housing a 

100-seat auditorium and a separate 

rehearsal studio for up to 30 people. 

Web: www.sto.co.uk 


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INTERIORS 

Superdrug unveils new headquarters 

500 employees have completed their 

move into a new collaborative office 

environment in Croydon, designed and 

built by Morgan Lovell. 

Leading office interior design, 

fit out and refurbishment 

specialist Morgan Lovell has 

completed a project for 

national health and beauty retailer 

Superdrug to transform its new 

55,000 sq ft Croydon address into a 

collaborative workspace that 

supports colleague wellbeing and 

company growth. 

After almost 40 years at its 

previous address in Beddington Lane, 

Superdrug decided to relocate its 

headquarters to better reflect its 

brand and create a more efficient 

working environment for colleagues. 

Morgan Lovell was tasked with 

transforming the new office in three 

phases – defining Superdrug’s 

requirements, designing an inspiring 

work environment, and building the 

office. After being appointed in early 

2016, Morgan Lovell carried out a 

number of workshops, surveys and 

interviews to understand 

Superdrug’s core objectives for the 

new office. Results showed that 

reinforcing Superdrug’s collaborative 

culture and implementing its 

wellbeing philosophy were top 

priorities. 

To create an office that meets 

the needs of all colleagues, Morgan 

Lovell set out to design an ‘activity 

based’ working environment. This 

type of environment gives 

employees a choice of how, when 

and where they work. 

Tim Polisano, senior designer at 

Morgan Lovell, comments: “Activity 

based working is a simple concept. 

For Superdrug, it means offering 

employees a choice of work settings, 

each designed for different types of 

tasks – whether a small team 

meeting, confidential phone call or a 

presentation for a product launch. 

We have used furniture and varying 

colour schemes across the floors to 

designate certain areas for different 

activities including collaborative 

zones, contemplation spaces and 

‘touch-down’ desks. This new 

working style will also help integrate 

teams and make the office a 

destination where employees can 

meet and discuss ideas however and 

wherever they feel comfortable. 

“User experience has also been 

really important – we want people 

to enjoy working in the space and to 

be able to move around freely with 

ease. Whether it’s moving 

somewhere quiet with a laptop to 

focus, catching up with a work mate 

over coffee in the lounge or taking 

advantage of a more formal meeting 

room for an important supplier 

briefing. We’ve focused on providing 

tailored solutions for each team, 

which took months of planning and 

consultations with colleagues, and 

the result is a workspace that 

works!” 

Meeting facilities were another 

key focus. Morgan Lovell’s initial 

research found that 73% of all 

meetings in the old office were 

between less than four people, 

indicating that space was not being 

used to its full potential and that 

smaller meeting rooms and flexible 

breakout areas needed to be 

provided. The design for the new 

office now includes meeting rooms 

of varying sizes across the five floors 

to encourage conversation away 

from the standard work areas. 

Central services on each floor, such 

as printers and tea points, are 

intentionally placed on the 

perimeter of main working areas – a 

simple design tactic to encourage 

taking small breaks throughout the 

working day. 

There are also breakout spaces on 

every level and a large café on the 

ground floor with doors leading to 

an outdoor terrace. The café has 

been furnished with a wide variety 

of seating areas and the healthy 

food that’s provided onsite is freshly 

prepared in the fully-equipped 

catering kitchen. Also on the ground 

floor, colleagues can take advantage 

of the drop-in clinic for free health 

checks and the same healthcare 

appointments that Superdrug offers 

on the high-street. 

The formal reception area has 

been swapped for a concierge desk, 

giving employees and visitors a 

welcoming experience the minute 

they walk through the door. There 

are refreshments in the Business 

Lounge and iPads for guests to use 

while waiting. 

Moving upstairs from the ground 


INTERIORS 

floor, branding remains a key design 

theme. Employees will feel more 

connected to the brand and store 

colleagues through deliberate 

mimicking of the distinctive highstreet 

look and feel. 

Superdrug’s corporate values 

have been incorporated throughout 

using large colourful graphics – even 

acoustic panels (which have been 

installed to make sure that the open 

plan isn’t too noisy or distracting) 

have been branded. In total 2,900 sq 

ft of branded acoustic panels were 

created – the equivalent size of 

Wimbledon’s Centre Court. A mock 

shop with AV facilities has also been 

built, allowing teams to demonstrate 

to store colleagues how new 

products will appear on shelves 

around the country. 

Jo Mackie, Superdrug Customer 

& People Director, comments: “After 

almost 40 years in our previous 

office this is a huge move for the 

business. The new office creates a 

more inspirational work space that 

totally reflects our brand’s culture, 

vision, mission and values and will 

allow us to give our stores and 

customers the support they need to 

ensure we continue to grow and 

continue to offer the best health 

and beauty experience on the high 

street and online. 

“The design of the new office 

reflects every aspect of the 

Superdrug business with images of 

colleagues showcased throughout. 

Our vision is to make beauty and 

health accessible and that’s what the 

new environment does for our 

people both by the design and the 

services we offer.” 

Tim concludes: “Developing the 

designs for Superdrug’s new office 

has been a great experience. The 

business really does live by what it 

preaches and the board’s 

involvement from the outset is 

testament to that. There’s a huge 

focus on recreating the same 

approachable culture Superdrug has 

maintained across its national stores. 

We’ve worked hard to learn as much 

as we can about the business so that 

the new headquarters will meet the 

same impeccable standards found on 

the high-street, while establishing a 

destination for colleagues to work 

creatively and efficiently.” 

Web: www.morganlovell.co.uk 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

PROJECT IN NUMBERS 

55,000 sq ft office over five floors 

40,000 individual carpet tiles 

30,138 sq ft plasterboard 

2,900 sq ft of branded acoustic 

panels – bigger than Wimbledon’s 

Centre Court 

550 sq ft ‘mock’ high-street shop 

500 colleague lockers 

16 week refurbishment 

10 ft laser-cut metal Superdrug 

logo 

9 tea points 

5 miles of electrical cable – almost 

the distance to the old Beddington 

Lane office and back 

1 table tennis table 

1 wellness clinic for colleagues 

1 brow bar and nail bar for 

colleagues 


PROJECT 

All hands on deck 

When the owners of one of Plymouth’s most iconic building were looking to refurbish and upgrade 

the derelict office within weeks instead of months, they needed a team of installers able to hit the 

ground running, and a flexible heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system that would still 

deliver the energy savings needed. 

we first 

decided to buy The 

Ship we knew that 

“When 

the existing HVAC 

system was just inadequate and the 

whole system would need 

upgrading,” explained Rob Monroe, 

managing director of owners 

Burrington Estates. “New tenants 

were keen to move in so we also had 

limited time in which to make the 

drastic changes that were required.” 

What was needed was a 

company that would be able to 

design, install, commission and 

maintain a far more energy efficient 

and sustainable system and be able 

to do this in a very short space of 

time. 

“We would normally expect the 

timescale for completion of a job 

like this to be three or four months 

and we were given 10 weeks,” said 

Kurt Hedgley, managing director, 

JCW Energy Services Ltd. “Not only 

this, the client needed us on site just 

seven days from the date of 

receiving the purchase order.” 

The company was able to build a 

team from a number of its 

nationwide offices and called upon 

the technical and logistical support 

of manufacturer Mitsubishi Electric. 

“JCW Energy Services was a 

perfect fit,” said Monroe, “To finish a 

project of this size in the tight 

timescale given, I applaud their 

speed, organization, engineering 

team and work ethic.” 

Built in 1993, The Ship used to 

be home to The Herald and Western 

Morning News but in recent years it 

has been left empty and was even 

being considered for demolition 

until a leading city property 

development company, Burrington 

Estates, acquired the building 

Now The Ship is being restored 

to its former glory, and has been 

renamed Spirit of Enterprise with 

hundreds of jobs being created by 

the businesses that will take up 

residence. 

“It was clear that reducing the 

building’s energy consumption was 

of paramount importance to 

Burrington Estates, who are 

renowned for their sympathetic 

development of historic sites in the 

region,” commented Kurt Hedgley. 

“We worked within our 

partnership agreement with 

Mitsubishi Electric who provided us 

with innovative support to ensure 

the most suitable system that could 

be designed, installed and 

commissioned within the tight 

deadline specified.” 

For the first phase of this 

impressive project, 12 City Multi 

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) 

outdoor condensing units and four 

Mr Slim split air conditioning 

systems were installed to serve 89 

individual ceiling units. 

City Multi was chosen as it could 

be installed in a modular fashion 

providing JCW engineers with the 

flexibility needed to work around 

the other elements of the 

refurbishment. 

“We chose this VRF system 

because of its high performance and 

that fact that it only uses two pipes 

rather than the usual three which 

was ideal in a job with such tight 

deadlines,” added Hedgley. “It also 

comes with intelligent controls that 

make it easier to interface with the 

Building Management System.” 

As a Business Solutions Partner 

with the manufacturer, JCW is also 

able to offer a seven-year warranty 

on the equipment. 

With the whole building under 

refurbishment, it was also imperative 

that JCW engineers could work 

alongside a large number of 

tradespeople and engineers from shop 

fitters, life system installers to window 

cleaners and even mural artists. 

Working around existing 

equipment was also a challenge with 

regard to integrating systems and 

negotiating new pipework around 

old. The shape of the building and 

also the positioning of the plant has 

added to the challenge with some 

units being fed through over 150 

metres pipe runs, putting added 

pressure on the system. 

“One of our engineers told me 

that this was one of the most 

challenging but also the most 

rewarding projects he’s ever worked 

on,” added Hedgley. 

The final solution needs to 

provide a regular temperature, even 

with the architectural challenges of 

the building. It also demanded a 

system that can be easily controlled, 

provide the best energy efficiency 

and be sustainable. 

“The energy rating will drastically 

improve immediately and our design 

provides effective, simultaneous 

heating and cooling which can offer 

substantial savings on the annual 

running costs,” explained Hedgley. 

A complete planned preventative 

maintenance programme has also 

been prepared to run alongside the 

seven-year warranty. 

The Ship's next phase will include 

the completion of the restaurant 

and gymnasium for the use of the 

staff within the offices. And finally, 

the amazing Board Room with its 

spectacular views. 

This will see the completion of 

the plan to breathe new life back 

into the building and see it restored 

to its former glory and become a 

major hub for business in the area. 

Further details on the services 

provided by JCW can be found at 

http://www.jcwes.com 


COATINGS 

EXTERIOR 

COATINGS 

– demystifying the chemistry of quality. 

Bradite’s chief chemist Sean Tormay cuts through 

the jargon to explain why only the best makes sense 

when it comes to paint formulation. 

chemical bonds during photooxidative 

degradation of coatings. 

DEFINITION OF A PAINT 

Even though we are all professionals 

in the painting and decorating trade 

lets go back to basics for the sake of 

this article and define what we 

mean by ‘ paint ‘! 

Here’s my definition , “A liquid 

material, that when applied to a 

substrate in a thin film, dries to 

form a cohesive, solid film that 

changes the properties of the 

substrate “. 

WHY DO EXTERIOR COATINGS 

DEGRADE ? 

The major requirement of 

interior/exterior protective coatings 

is durability for long term 

protection, this is especially critical 

when products are specified for long 

lasting exterior protection 

Outdoor durability of coatings, 

often called weatherability or 

exterior durability refers to the 

resistance to degradation during 

outdoor exposure. So how does 

degradation occur? 

• Photo-oxidation by the UV 

component of sunlight is an 

important process during the 

deterioration of coatings during 

outdoor exposure. 

• A coating can yellow, crack, lose 

gloss or lose adhesion because of 

degradation 

SPEED OF DEGRADATION 

• The speed of degradation of a 

coating during outdoor exposure 

depends upon two key factors. 

• First, the strength of the bonds 

in the resin system. The higher the 

bond energy, the more difficult it is 

to break the system down. 

• Secondly, the amount of UV 

absorption by the resin governs how 

many radicals can be formed. 

Radicals act as the ‘scissors’ for 

THERE ARE FIVE MAIN 

COMPONENTS IN PAINT: 

• “White pigment – to give the 

paint whiteness, opacity and 

durability 

• “Extenders – to add bulk, reduce 

gloss and boost selective properties 

• “Binders - to stick the paint 

together, form a film and give 

adhesion 

• “Additives – to provide a degree 

of control over the vast amount of 

molecular interactions providing 

stability to complex systems 

• “Colourant tinters - to colour the 

paint, control gloss, prevent 

corrosion, add bulk and other 

properties 

The chemistry and physics of 

each of these components 

determines the role they play in the 

formulation. Paint properties also 

depend upon the ratio in which 

these are combined, the degree of 

dispersion and the order of their 

addition to the formulation. 

There are hundreds if not 

thousands of each component 

commercially available at a range of 

prices ranging from use in ‘value’ 

paints to paints of the highest 

quality . 

It’s always good to remember– if 

you use higher quality baking 

ingredients, you get a nicer tasting 

cake’! 

Fastrac applied on a 

railway bridge. 

HIGH PERFORMANCE 

Let’s take a look at two paints ‘ 

ingredients ‘ that high performance 

coating system incorporate. 

INTRODUCTION TO SILICONE 

ALKYDS 

• The backbone of silicone alkyds 

consists of silicon and oxygen atoms. 

• Two key properties of silicone 

alkyds can be directly linked to the 

excellent outdoor durability of these 

polymers. 

• First, the bonds in the polymer 

are strong, implying that a high 

amount of energy is needed to break 

down the backbone. 

• Secondly, silicone is nearly 

transparent towards UV radiation. 

• Premium technology for top 

quality protective coatings 

• Can be used as a pure polymer 

i.e. 100% silicone 

• Can be incorporated into a more 

traditional alkyd resin 

SILICONE MODIFIED ALKYD 

• Pro’s 

• Superior exterior durability 

• Superior flexibility 

• Superior heat resistance 

• Superior chalk resistance 

• Superior yellowing resistance 

• Superior water repellence 

• Improved solvent/pigment 

compatibility 

• Improved adhesion 

• Con’s 

• Cost - at least 3 x more 

expensive than conventional alkyd 

technology 

Bradite’s philosophy is to look to 

optimise our products based on 

technical performance first, cost 

second so that we actively invest in 

the highest performing technology 

to meet the expectations of our 

customers – helping to maintain our 

commitment to quality 

FASTRAC 

Bradite Fastrac direct-to-metal 

coating is a good example of a 

product based on quality and 

performance, not price. A modified 

silicon and polyurethane alkyd 

product It offers perfect protection 

and decoration for ferrous metals. It 

incorporates enhanced technology 

with silicone resin as opposed to 

competitor products based only on 

polyurethane. This gives exterior 

chalking & UV resistance, better anti 

yellowing properties, excellent 

temperature resistance, improved 

opacity, great flexibility and 

outstanding adhesion. 

Web: www.bradite.com 


PROJECTS 

A VARIETY OF CHOICES WITH TRESPA SUNBLINDS 

For over 55 years, Trespa has been using its experience to provide designers, builders and homeowners with 

solutions on the design and execution of durable façade solutions. 

VERTICAL SOLUTIONS 

These are the result of a new look 

applied to buildings, using the 

maximum length of the slat as an 

expression of verticality and height. 

MOBILE SYSTEMS 

From an energy point of view, these 

are the most effective solutions as 

they change the slat orientation 

angle, depending on the position of 

the sun during the day. These 

motorised solutions can be 

customised on a case-by-case basis. 

SUPERIMPOSED SOLUTIONS 

These are designed with a dual 

aesthetic and energy comfort 

function, thus adding an ingenious 

touch during the design phase 

which affords the building a unique 

singularity. 

FIXED SYSTEMS 

Following a detailed study of the 

building’s location and orientation, 

together with the lighting needs, 

these systems are simple in terms of 

design and application, whilst 

maintaining an excellent summerwinter 

thermal balance 

When it comes to 

designing a building 

and/or undertaking 

renovation work, both 

the treatment of energy comfort 

levels for users and the building 

energy saving effects are key 

considerations. These require 

effective solar protection solutions 

that combine efficiency, 

functionality and aesthetics. 

Sunblinds made with Trespa® 

Meteon® high performance panels 

meet the criteria and can be 

installed with the variety and types 

of systems available, providing the 

perfect solution. 

HORIZONTAL SOLUTIONS 

These are the most common and 

imitate traditional window blinds. 

Clearly related to more traditional 

aesthetic concepts, they are 

somewhat more effective in 

improving a building’s energy 

efficiency. 

Trespa® Meteon® is easy to 

handle and requires no treatment 

for edges as there is no risk of 

delamination. Its closed surface 

practically withstands dirt 

accumulation, keeping the product 

smooth and easy to clean. The entire 

Trespa® Meteon® range has been 

subjected to extensive durability 

testing for weather and UVresistance. 

. This enables Trespa to 

offer a 10 year worldwide limited 

warranty; for details about warranty 

see www.trespa.info. 

For further information and samples 

of Trespa® products, contact the 

Sales Office UK. 

Trespa UK Ltd. 35 Calthorpe Road, 

Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1TS. 

Tel: 0808 2340268. Fax: 0808 

2341377. Email: info.uk@trespa.com 


Energy efficiency of 1960’ homes 

improved with roofshield 

Roofshield, the unique vapour and air permeable pitched roof 

underlay has been specifi ed as part of an exciting new project 

to demonstrate how the UK’s vast stock of 1960’s housing can 

be renovated, retrofi tted and fully upgraded to become 

energy effi cient, healthy, high quality homes of the future. 

The West Wittering Beach House, near Chichester in West Sussex is 

an exciting new project by 50 Degrees North Architects based in 

London. 

The beach house is a typical 1960’s brick and block building, and 

will be completely renovated and upgraded to vastly improve the 

property’s energy effi ciency, and reduce CO2 emissions. 

The property’s owner Leigh Bowen, founder and director of 50 

Degrees North Architects, will lead the project. 

Commenting on the need for retrofi tting as opposed to rebuilding, 

Leigh Bowen says: “Reassessing our built environment is vital in the fi 

ght against climate change as about 45% of CO2 emissions in the UK 

come from energy used in our homes and buildings. 

It is essential that we seek to reduce these emissions. 

1960’s housing is typically poorly constructed with no insulation. 

It is vital that we seriously look at how Britain can reduce these 

emissions from our 1960’s housing stock. 

The project at West Wittering is about energy effi ciency, but it’s 

also about creating high quality, healthy places to live.” Roofshield has 

long been recognised as one of the highest performing roofi ng 

membrane solutions, and has become the preferred choice of 

architects, developers and contractors. 

Leigh explains his reasons for the specifi cation. 

“As we look to create buildings which are better insulated, more 

airtight and more energy effi cient, taking the management of 

moisture into account in the design process becomes more critical. 

I chose Roofshield because of the superior quality and 

breathability. 

It has a extremely high degree of vapour permeability, as well as 

air permeability, so will still perform in conditions in which air tight 

alternatives will not.” The majority of vapour permeable underlays use 

an airtight VP fi lm layer to achieve their performance, whilst 

Roofshield’s patented structure allows high levels of airfl ow, in 

addition to the transport of moisture vapour, making the formation of 

condensation in the roof space virtually impossible. 

It has long been recognised that the correct management of 

moisture vapour within buildings is an important aspect of ensuring 

the longevity of not only the building fabric, but also the health of 

the occupants. 

In addition to Roofshield, contractor Bartos Building installed 

Procheck 500, a strong reinforced, polyethylene, vapour control layer. 

Procheck 500 is a highly effective vapour control layer, for use 

within roof and wall constructions to prevent warm, moist air 

escaping from inside the building and condensing within the 

insulation and also creates an airtight seal. 

The use of Procheck 500 reduces the risks of condensation, 

maintaining the highest level of moisture resistance throughout the 

house, providing protection for many years to come. 

Additional materials built into the energy effi cient design included 

high quality insulation, double glazed windows, low energy lighting, 

intelligent heating controls, solar PV panels to trickle charge the hot 

water heating system, and even an electric vehicle charge point. 

For more information and technical details contact our website: 

www.proctorgroup.com 

The Proctor Group, The Haugh, Blairgowrie, Perthshire PH10 7ER 

Tel: 01250 872261 Fax: 01250 872727 Email: contact@proctorgroup.com 


Add value to your refurb project 

A bespoke bookmatch wall in Palissandro Blue Marble created by STF London (Stand D55) and produced by Nicola 

Fontanili (Stand E54) 

Tremco Illbruck’s (Stand E57) jointing sealant effectively used in this pool surround. 

The 12th UK Natural Stone 

Show takes place at 

ExCeL,London 25-27 April. 

And with over 200 exhibitor 

displays, it provides the perfect 

platform to source new materials 

and pick up fresh ideas for your next 

refurbishment project. 

There is natural stone from all 

over the world – granite, marble, 

limestone, sandstone, travertine, 

quartz, terrazzo, slate and sintered 

stone. Available in tiles, slabs and 

cut-to-size materials in a multitude 

of different finishes ranging from 

honed to polished, riven to bushhammered 

and tumbled to chiselled 

there is a style to match even the 

most exacting client. 

If you are in need of inspiration, 

the Natural Stone Awards Gallery 

will have a pictorial display of the 

projects recently honoured in the 

Stone Federation Awards. 

Categories covered include New 

Build Modern Style Stone Cladding; 

New Build Traditional Style Stone 

Masonry; Repair & Restoration; 

Interiors; Landscaping; 

Craftsmanship; Sustainability; and 

Technology Innovation. 


STONE SHOW 2017 

You can get free advice about 

sourcing, choosing, working and 

designing with stone from a range 

of experts based on the Stone 

Federation Great Britain stand and 

there is also an extensive 

programme of free CPD run in 

conjunction with the Show:The 

opening day (25 April) explores 

European innovation in stone design 

and offers five hours’ worth of RIBA 

CPD credits as well as a 

complimentary three-course lunch, 

perfect for networking. 

Day two looks at Industry 

initiatives including the Ethical 

Stone Register and focuses on a 

number of Natural Stone Awards 

project profiles including a number 

of refurbishment schemes. 

The final day concentrates on 

conservation and is run in conjunction 

with Historic England and The English 

Stone Forum. It examines authenticity 

and appearance when repairing 

historic buildings. 

Choose from 25 seminars at 

www.stoneshow.co.uk/conference 

The renaissance in British stone 

over the past 20 years is reflected at 

the Show with more indigenous 

materials being showcased than 

ever before including Purbeck 

limestone from the Lovell Stone 

Group; Stoke Ground Bath stone 

from the Bath Stone Group; 

Portland stone from Albion Stone; 

Forest Pennant from Forest of Dean 

Stone Firms; Caithness Flagstone; 

the Hard White limestones of 

Creeton; Johnsons Wellfield’s 

Crosland Hill Hard Yorkstone; Welsh 

Slate’s Heather Blue slate from 

Penrhyn Quarry; and many more… 

Wholesalers and importers with 

outlets in the UK will offer a massive 

range of stone sourced from quarries 

overseas too. Beltrami and Stoneasy 

team up to show their new range of 

quartz and marble composite 

products; In Opera partners 

Agglotech to offer Terrazzo for use 

in facades, flooring and tiles; 

Ca’Pietra Stone & Tile looks to 

inspire with its premium interior 

collections; Century Stone specialises 

in stone cladding products, including 

its DecoStone, Eldorado and Mathios 

ranges; Stone Consulting will display 

hand-finished limestone flooring 

from its Moroccan factory; There are 

lightweight honeycomb panels from 

LMC products; the famous white and 

blue-grey marbles of Carrara will be 

displayed by GDA Marmi e Graniti; 

Trans-European Stone will be 

showing its Pierre Bleue Belge 

limestone; Granite Granite will 

promote the American-made 

Cambria range of quartz that has 

more than 100 designs, which you 

can see in the palm of your hand 

through the company’s interactive 

App; For kitchen worktops, 

bathrooms, reception areas and 

Beautiful finishes manufactured by Aquacut (Stand A30). 

other interiors you might like to 

turn to STF London, Tasca Stone, 

Suite Deco and Stone Deco for your 

refurbishment; and the list goes on! 

You can also select from an 

enormous range of consumables 

used for fixing, finishing and 

maintaining your stone 

refurbishment with all the major 

brands represented. Visit our website 

to find out more. 

Whatever your involvement with 

the stone industry, you’ll find 

something at our show that you’ve 

never seen before, something 

innovative that your business will 

benefit from for many years to 

come. 

Large format thin marble effect porcelain tiles from Porcel-Thin (Stand G36). 

Take a fresh look at the stone 

industry and add value to your 

refurbishment project. 

Make a date with the 

Natural Stone Show, 

25-27 April at ExCeL London. 

Register for your free ticket now at 

www.stoneshow.co.uk 


EXHIBITION 

The event for architects, 

designers, specifiers and 

their clients 

6-7 June, Olympia, London 

KME, Vision 2017 exhibitor. 

This year, Vision 2017 will 

merge architecture, design, 

technology and fashion, 

presenting new ideas, 

products and materials to a wide 

range of industry professionals. 

Aimed at architects, designers, 

specifiers and their developer 

clients, Vision is the UK’s premier 

built environment event, with 

technology and innovation at its 

core. With a new team at the helm, 

this year’s event will bring together 

some of the best designs and 

leading figures from across Western 

Europe. The programme and 

exhibition is centred around three 

main themes: Materials Innovations, 

Technological Insight and 

Architectural & Design Evolution. 

Under these umbrella topics a host 

of events and activities will take 

place, helping delegates rethink the 

built environment and the manner 

in which we can shape places and 

spaces. 

In 2017, Vision will host a series 

of international partners from across 

Europe. Representatives from 

Belgium, France, Italy, the 

Netherlands, Luxembourg, Latvia and 

the Czech Republic will exhibit at 

the event through a collection of 

pavilions, each representing a 

different member state. Live 

demonstrations and networking will 

provide opportunities to meet and 

exchange ideas with our continental 

counterparts. 

Major architectural practices 

from the UK and abroad will take 

part in a talks programme designed 

to push the architectural debate in 

unexpected and exciting directions. 

Zaha Hadid Architects will unveil a 

new material inspired by the fashion 

industry for use in architecture, 

while Woods Bagot will demonstrate 

how they are rethinking interior 

spaces for a future dominated by 

the private-rented sector. From 

international shores, UNStudio will 

reveal the findings of a new piece of 

research that explores the impact of 

the circular economy on the built 

environment, and rising star 

Benjamin Garcia Saxe will reveal 

how sustainable architecture is 

being tackled in tropical climates 

such as Costa Rica. 

The exhibitors at Vision cover a 

range of products, materials and 

solutions, including research and 

development into the latest 

software, bringing together industry 

leaders to discuss challenges in 

today’s complex market and ways to 

deal with changing legislation. 

Partnering with key professional and 

cultural organisations – such as the 

RIBA, BRE, the London Festival of 

Architecture and New London 

Architecture – the exhibition is 

designed to educate and inspire, 

with international solutions to local 

problems. In addition, Vision 2017 

will provide a matchmaking service 

to help facilitate meetings between 

companies that can work together 

to create better buildings for the 

future. 

Elliot Gard, Event Director, said: 

“We are very excited about Vision’s 

potential to shape the built 

environment industry by bringing 

together the biggest names and the 

brightest talent under one roof. Our 

aim is to ensure that our exhibitors 

and visitors can use Vision as their 

annual meeting place, to exchange 

ideas and make key connections. 

This year’s partners will help us 

extend our reach further across the 

industry and host talks and events 

that are relevant to today’s 

practitioners.” 

Vision 2017 is a CPD certified 

event and both the Educational 

Programme and the exhibition are 

free-to-attend. 

Register Today for your free ticket 

to Vision 2017 at 

www.visionlondon.com/register 


GLAZING 

Advanced Glazing helps bring Cambridge 

University building into the 21st Century 

Bright, spacious interiors that 

are also quiet, comfortable 

in temperature and efficient 

to heat. These are properties 

that often differentiate modern 

buildings from their historic 

counterparts, and this is largely 

thanks to advances in glazing 

technology. 

A good example of this came 

recently with the opening of the 

David Attenborough building in 

Cambridge. 

The building is owned by the 

University of Cambridge and houses 

the Cambridge Conservation 

Initiative and the Museum and 

Department of Zoology. 

Originally completed in 1971 in 

the brutalist style popular at the 

time, the building has been 

celebrated by architects as an 

outstanding example of the period. 

However, it was also one of the 

poorest energy performers in the 

university’s estate thanks to singleglazing 

and a lack of insulation. 

When refurbishing the building, 

the main goals of the architects 

were to improve the accessibility, 

openness and energy performance of 

the space. Glazing played a key role 

in achieving these aims. 

NATURAL LIGHT 

To help light flood deep into the 

main body of the existing building, a 

new atrium has been created in the 

centre, descending through four 

floors. The roof of the space is fully 

glazed using double-glazed units 

comprising two panes of heatstrengthened 

Pilkington Optilam 

clear laminated glass. 

The atrium contains a stairwell 

surrounding a fully glazed lift shaft, 

allowing light to pass down through 

the space. This helps illuminate one 

of the building’s most striking new 

features – a three-storey-high 

interior living wall. 

The location of the glass in a key 

entry and exit route meant that it 

needed to meet strict regulations for 

fire protection. To address this, 

Pilkington Pyrostop® was used, a 

product which has been tested to 

maintain integrity for 60 minutes 

and provide 30 minutes’ insulation 

rating in the event of a fire. This 

protects occupants from spread of 

flame, smoke and gas, while also 

providing heat protection to allow 

time to safely evacuate the building. 

The way occupants and visitors 

enter the museum has also been 

completely re-designed, with a 

double-height glazed extension at 

the front of the building containing 

the new entrance to the museum. 

Previously, the entrance to the 

museum was largely hidden, creating 

a sense of inaccessibility. 

The new extension space which 

links to a new café also houses some 

exhibits from the internationally 

renowned Zoology Museum, 

including its most striking artefact – 

a 21-metre-long finback whale 

skeleton. 

MODERN ENERGY PERFORMANCE 

The outer pane of the roof light 

features a Pilkington Suncool 

66/33 coating, which reduces the 

amount of solar energy entering the 

building while maintaining a high 

level of clarity for visible light. 

The same coating was used on 

the glass surrounding both the 

existing building and the extension. 

These units, constructed using a 

system provided by Schüco, featured 

an outer pane of 6mm glass and an 

inner pane of 10mm Pilkington 

Optifloat Clear glass, sandwiching 

a 20mm cavity. 

This relatively large cavity both 

helps to deliver excellent thermal 

insulation and improve the acoustic 

performance of the glass. 

Michael Metcalfe, commercial 

sales manager at Pilkington United 

Kingdom Limited, said: “The 

architects on this project have done 

a very clever job of opening up what 

previously felt like a rather 

intimidating building and making it 

much more inviting for visitors. At 

the same time, they have also 

brought the facility up to date in 

terms of its energy performance. 

“Our glazing has played a big 

part in making both of these things 

possible, and really the project is a 

showcase of the many benefits 

Pilkington glass can bring to 

buildings in terms of aesthetics, 

efficiency, structural strength, fire 

safety and acoustic performance. 

“Cambridge University is world 

famous as a centre of academic 

excellence, and we’re proud that our 

glazing has helped deliver a cutting 

edge building for one of its many 

prestigious departments.” 

Web: www.pilkington.co.uk 


PROJECT 

SureClad ® provides Lightweight Engineered 

Stone solution in Edinburgh 

Brian Newell Founder and Chief Executive at ventilated façade specialist, 

Shackerley, discusses the SureClad® engineered stone façade specification for 

The University of Edinburgh’s Appleton Tower. 

Accredited as a World 

Heritage Site by Unesco in 

1995, Edinburgh has more 

than its fair share of 

heritage buildings. The city’s 

architectural legacy reaches much 

further than the traditional sand 

stone edifices that dominate 

Princess Street, however, and 

includes important examples of Post 

War Scottish architecture. 

One such building is Appleton 

Tower, an eight storey facility that 

currently serves as part of the 

University of Edinburgh’s School of 

Informatics. Constructed as part of 

the University’s George Square 

development in the 1960s, the Alan 

Reiach, Eric Hall and Partnersdesigned 

building has been 

controversial since it was first built. 

Indeed, opposition to the stark 

modernism of the George Square 

scheme was such that some of the 

proposed buildings were never 

constructed. It continues to divide 

opinion today: Historic Scotland 

proposed that it should be listed in 

2005, while in the same year it was 

nominated as an eyesore for 

Channel 4’s ‘Demolition’ programme. 

Much of the building’s interior 

was refurbished in 2006 and the 

latest scheme to update and 

upgrade the building has seen a 

complete renewal of the building 

envelope, along with construction of 

an additional storey at roof level 

and a new feature entrance at 

ground floor level. The building’s 

ceramic tile faced, pre-cast concrete 

and aluminium frame glazed façades 

have been stripped out and replaced 

with Shackerley’s SureClad® 

engineered stone ventilated façade 

system 

SLIMLINE AND LIGHTWEIGHT 

The new cladding was specified by 

Edinburgh-based LDN Architects in 

conjunction with Buro Happold 

Engineering. 

As Ross Crichton from LDN 

explains: “We specified Shackerley’s 

SureClad® engineered stone system 

to reference the building’s original 

aesthetic and complement other 

George Square developments, while 

upgrading it to create a sleek, 

contemporary look. 

“As part of the building envelope 

upgrade, which included replacing 

the original single glazing, the 

SureClad® system also formed part 

of a strategy to improve the thermal 

performance, bringing the structure 

into line with current building 

regulations.” 

Specification of a SureClad® 

engineered stone ventilated façade 

system also offered a cost-effective 

route to providing an aesthetic that 

echoed the appearance of the 

façade of the University Informatics 

Forum directly opposite. Meanwhile, 

it satisfied the loading capabilities 

on the remaining concrete structure 

and enabled full insulation of the 

building within a ventilated façade. 

Several approaches to renewing 

the façades were considered and 

LDN Architects worked closely with 

structural and façade engineers, 

Buro Happold, to identify a system 

that would address the limited 

loading capabilities of the structure 

while delivering the required 

aesthetic. A SureClad® system 

comprising engineered stone facade 

panels cut to 1363 x 1200mm and 

1080 x 2123mm formats, with a 

thickness of just 15mm, proved the 

ideal response to these 

requirements. 

Because engineered stone does 

not have the inhrerent flaws and 

defects of natural stone in its 

quarried state it is a hard and strong 

material. This means that 

Shackerley’s SureClad® engineered 

stone panels can be manufactured 

with a more uniform finish and a far 

slimmer profile, resulting in much 

lighter panels. 

LDN specified a white honed 

engineered stone with a very subtle 

fleck from the wide SureClad® range. 

The result is a building that has an 

evolving aesthetic depending on 

your vantage point. 

Ross adds: “From a distance, the 

façade appears to be a clean, almost 

white monolithic surface, which 

complements the edifices of the 

adjacent university buildings. On 

approaching the building, the finish 

of the engineered stone panels 

comes further into focus, revealing 

the subtle variation in surface 

texture”. 

INSTALLATION-READY 

While tests to the concrete 

building envelope revealed that it 

was still structurally sound, it was 

nevertheless coming to the end of 

its design life. Furthermore, there 

were problems with the single 

glazed windows. Some of the 

opening elements were failing and 

the glazing was contributing to the 

building’s poor energy 

performance. 

As a result, the scope of the 

project included removing the tiles, 

stripping out the pre-cast concrete 

façades and replacing the singleglazed 

windows on the North and 

South elevations. An elaborate 

working platform was erected 

around the building to ensure the 

required functions within the 


PROJECT 

building could remain fully occupied 

and operational throughout the 

programme. 

On the North and South 

elevations, the concrete façade has 

been replaced by solid insulated 

panels that have been toggled into 

the new curtain wall façade which is 

supported off the face of the 

existing concrete slab. On the East 

and West elevations where there is 

little glazing, the façade has been 

infilled with insulated structural 

metal frame and board, which 

supports the SureClad® engineered 

stone façade. 

These new super-insulating 

substrates have been enveloped with 

the SureClad® engineered stone 

ventilated façade, which was 

installed using Shackerley’s ‘Hang 

On’ system, a robust and sturdy 

cladding substructure specifically 

designed to cater for larger, heavier 

façade panels. The entire system was 

prefabricated offsite at Shackerley’s 

ISO 9001 quality accredited 

production facility in Lancashire, and 

was delivered to site as an 

installation ready package. The 

individually barcoded large format 

engineered stone façade panels were 

all supplied with installation 

brackets attached to the rear using 

sturdy stainless steel undercut 

anchors to create a safe, secure and 

stress-free fix. 

With such large format 

engineered stone panels, the façade 

system had to be tested specifically 

for the Appleton Tower project. 

Once it had been shown to meet all 

the required performance and 

sustainability criteria, installation of 

the façades commenced, starting 

with the lower floors of the building 

to capitalise on the summer recess 

when the campus was less busy. 

EXTENDED SERVICE LIFE 

The SureClad® engineered stone 

ventilated façade has now been 

installed on all four elevations of 

Appleton Tower, along with the new 

ground floor extension that forms a 

feature entrance to the building. The 

proven mechanically fixed façade 

system with its secure undercut 

anchorage will extend the service 

life of the building for decades to 

come. At the same time it has 

allowed for its thermal performance 

to be greatly improved. 

More than anything else the use 

of Shackerley’s engineered stone has 

transformed the jaded and 

controversial Appleton Tower 

aesthetic. It has given the building a 

contemporary appearance that befits 

its status as one of University of 

Edinburgh core buildings respecting 

the design intent of the original 

architects. 

Tel: 01257 273114 

Web: www.chackerley.com 


ROOFING 

Kemperol cures roof ailments at Poole Hospital 

Kemper System’s Kemperol 

2K-PUR solvent-free and 

odourless waterproofing 

membrane has been used to 

refurbish the roof of Poole Hospital’s 

outpatient department, ensuring 

that the project avoided any odours 

that could become a nuisance to 

staff and patients in the unit or the 

surrounding wards. 

The cold-applied liquid 

membrane was installed by 

contractor, Hi Tec Roof Systems, 

overlaying the existing single ply 

membrane on the 480m2 roof. 

Despite regular repairs to the 

existing roof, the single ply 

membrane had failed due to a 

number of factors, including the 

loosening of mechanical fixings, 

damage caused by seagulls and 

holes in the membrane caused by 

cigarette butts discarded from 

above. 

The Kemperol 2K-PUR membrane 

was selected for the scheme to 

ensure minimum disruption at the 

hospital as it is completely odourless 

throughout the installation process, 

required no strip out of the existing 

roof substrate, no hot works and no 

wait time between applications of 

resin. 

Explains Steve Mulcock from Hi 

Tec Roof Systems: “The outpatient 

department at Poole Hospital is 

based around a central courtyard 

and surrounded on three sides by 

seven storeys containing wards. It 

was vital, therefore, that we used a 

system that would minimise 

disruption while providing a durable 

solution. The cold-applied liquid 

system also helped to ensure we 

could handle the awkward shapes 

and details of the roof’s quadrangle 

layout.” 

Hi Tec Roof Systems cleaned and 

prepared the roof, applying a 

fungicidal wash to completely 

remove any contaminants before 

applying a Kempertec primer. The 

Kemperol 2K-PUR resin was then 

applied in a single wet-on-wet 

process in which the resin is first 

applied to the substrate; 

reinforcement fleece is then laid 

directly on to the wet resin, 

immediately followed by more resin 

on top. This ensures complete 

saturation of the reinforcement 

fleece. Once cured the resin forms a 

seamless, elastomeric waterproof 

membrane that cannot delaminate, 

is UV stable, and bonds directly to 

the substrate. 

Finally, a non-slip maintenance 

walkway was created on the 

completed membrane using tiles 

fabricated from recycles tyres. 

Comments Richard Moremon 

from Poole Hospital: “The outpatient 

department’s location had made it 

especially susceptible to wear and 

tear and this roof refurbishment has 

not only delivered a much more 

robust surface but has also 

addressed some of those issues, 

ensuring that the new Kemperol 

membrane will fulfil its expected 

BBA service life of at least 25 years.” 

Web: www.kempersystem.co.uk 

The perfect match for roof restoration 

When Surrey County 

Council needed 

assistance to restore the 

roof of a historic 

former 19th century school 

infirmary which has been converted 

into a busy youth centre, they 

turned to the roofing expertise and 

product quality on offer from 

Marley Eternit. 

The subsequent specification of 

Marley Eternit’s handcrafted 

Ashdowne clay tiles has ensured that 

the newly restored roof maintains 

the heritage look and feel of the 

previous roof to seamlessly 

complement the style of the 

important building, as well as 

delivering a proven roofing solution 

that will perform for decades to 

come. 

James Bellamy from roofing 

contractor, Breyer Group, who 

undertook the roofing project for 

the council, explains: “Marley Eternit 

was approached by Surrey County 

Council to carry out a roof survey at 

the site in Bisley. The building had 

been converted into a youth centre, 

acting as an important local amenity 

to allow young people to participate 

in a variety of activities ranging 

from football to cooking and art. 

“It is not a listed building, but as 

it dates back over a hundred years 

the original roof was constructed 

with handmade double camber clay 

tiles. Unfortunately, over time, the 

state of the roof deteriorated and it 

has fallen into 

disrepair and needed 

major remedial work. 

While the structure 

required a new roof, 

the finish also had to 

be sympathetic to 

the design of the 

original building.” 

After Marley 

Eternit completed 

the roofing survey 

and provided 

samples of the clay 

tile, the decision was 

taken to select 

Ashdowne as the 

ideal roofing product 

solution to deliver 

beauty, character 

and warmth and 

replicate the building’s original state. 

James Bellamy concludes: “The 

finished roof looks fantastic and is 

truly in keeping with the historic 

building. The Ashdowne tiles are an 

ideal match for what was in situ 

previously. It is very important from 

an aesthetic perspective to have the 

ability to offer appropriate roofing 

solutions for older buildings so we 

maintain the look and attractiveness 

of buildings constructed long ago. 

The Ashdowne clay tile has certainly 

achieved this for the Bisley Youth 

Centre. New tiles with an aged 

appearance were required, and with 

Marley Eternit’s help, this is exactly 

what we got.” 

The Bisley project used the 

Ashdowne clay plain tile in 

Aylesham Mix colours. The tile 

offers a mellow appearance and 

granular texture to provide slight 

random irregularities, giving each 

tile a unique character so every 

project has its own singular and 

distinctive look. The tiles also offer 

excellent environmental credentials 

including BES: 6001 and the BRE 

Green Guide A+, together with a 

complementary range of fittings and 

accessories. 

For more information, visit 

www.marleyeternit.co.uk 


MODERN METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION 

Brick Leeds, others will follow 

PIC COURTESY OF ACME ARCHITECTS 

Arguably, one way of 

describing the use of brickfaced 

concrete cladding is 

‘the best of both worlds’ in 

that it imitates the appearance of 

the very best of hand-laid brickwork 

but without the dependence on 

skilled bricklayers on site and with 

no Achilles heel as far as the 

weather is concerned. Certainly, it 

adds yet another option for 

designers and architects who are 

already able to rely on concrete’s 

increasing repertoire that includes 

board-marked, exposed aggregate, 

and acid-etched panels. One 

example of what can be achieved 

can be seen in Leeds where the new 

Victoria Gate Arcade adjoining John 

Lewis’s store features brick-faced 

cladding at its best. 

Designed by project architects 

ACME to link the old Victorian 

quarter with the entrance to the 

new John Lewis Partnership 

department store, the development 

has some eye-catching details 

realised by Thorp Precast. The 

6000m2 brick-faced façade pattern 

features six different width pleats, 

each with a 250mm overall 

projection. The North Block has 

white ‘recon stone’ (precast 

concrete) columns with an acidetched 

finish at ground-floor level, 

and brick-faced panels above with 

white recon stone pier infills. In 

contrast, the South Block has black 

recon stone columns with a polished 

finish at ground-floor level, with 

brick-faced panels above 

incorporating pier infills clad with 

terracotta tiles. 

Most of the panels were 

designed by Thorp Precast, generally 

stacking the panels so that the only 

restraint was taken off the primary 

structural steelwork frame, with all 

the dead loads transferred directly 

into the foundations. All panels were 

delivered on specially adapted 

trailers, fully finished and factorypointed. 

For this to work successfully 

in the confines of the site, all the 

just-in-time deliveries had to be 

carefully co-ordinated to avoid 

clashing with other activities. 

Installation of almost 550 panels 

was completed in March 2016. 

Early on, there were some critical 

areas of large brick panels that had 

to be installed above the main 

arcades, access being from the 

arcade itself before the roof 

structure could be installed. The 

entire project, which also included 

the adjacent John Lewis Partnership 

department store, was completed on 

time for the highly publicised 

opening on 16 October 2016 with 

project architects ACME receiving 

widespread critical acclaim. 

One of the key issues that Thorp 

faced was sourcing appropriate brick 

material, firstly to meet the 

architectural and planning 

requirements for the Old Victorian 

quarter of the city and secondly, and 

equally importantly, material with 

the appropriate technical 

characteristics to cope with longterm 

exposure to the elements. With 

most brick manufacturers only 

willing to guarantee one stretcher 

face and one good header, Thorp 

had to find suppliers willing to 

guarantee all faces, in particular the 

exposed projecting brick on bed 

faces. A UK-manufactured 

Staffordshire Smooth Red Facing 

brick was selected and proved 

entirely fit for purpose, the extruded 

method used in their manufacture 

allowing Thorp to develop a special 

positive key for casting purposes. 

The usual logic with precast 

cladding in large volumes is to use 

as much repetition as possible but 

here very few cladding panels were 

duplicated. Traditional mould 

materials – such as timber, metal or 

glass-reinforced plastic – would 

therefore have cost too much and 

the company devised a series of 

profiled formers from polystyrene, 

using computer-generated hot-wire 

cutting machinery, which were not 

only cost-effective but robust 

enough to be used several times 

over. 

Above the glass roof of the 

shopping arcade, supported by the 

primary steelwork frame, there are 

some much simpler large spanning 

flat brickwork panels along with 

curved brickwork elevations requiring 

radial moulds. All these were 

produced in conventional timber 

moulds. At lower level, retail areas are 

distinguished by smoother black 

precast concrete cladding panels, with 

a highly polished exposed aggregate 

finish. These are in stark contrast to 

the slender, angular, terracotta and 

recon stone ‘Toblerone’ fins fully 

integrated with the three-dimensional 

brickwork patterns on the upper floor. 

Some of these combine two, or all 

three, materials in the same large 

spanning panels. 

In some cases the terracotta and 

recon stone elements needed to be 

manufactured separately, and then 

placed in the primary mould with 

projecting rebar to act as permanent 

formwork for casting integrally with 

the pleated brickwork. The interface 

junctions where all these materials 

are carefully aligned provide a 

seamless transition between all 

materials. 

The Hammerson Victoria Gate 

Arcade is an outstanding example of 

how modern methods of 

construction bring significant value 

to any project, with a quality of 

finish exceeding all expectations. 

Web: www.thorpprecast.co.uk 


FLOORING 

Forbo’s New Flotex Planks: 

A choice not a compromise 

As modular formats continue to increase in popularity, Forbo Flooring Systems has developed a new Flotex 

Plank collection, allowing users to create stunning, contemporary floor designs for areas where safety, 

hygiene and well-being are priorities. 

Combining the comfort of 

carpet, the durability of a 

resilient floor covering and the 

design versatility of a plank 

format, the new design collection lends 

itself perfectly to contemporary 

workspaces, as well as high traffic 

areas such as hotels and transport 

hubs. 

Offering six new designs: Triad, 

Box-cross, Lava, Seagrass, Concrete and 

Wood, in plank sizes of 100x25cm, the 

collection provides endless design 

possibilities, from colourful and 

complex layouts to minimal, 

sophisticated aesthetics, which use 

shape and pile direction to create a 

stimulating floor pattern. 

Julie Dempster, Marketing Manager 

at Forbo Flooring Systems, said: “With 

people now spending an estimated 80- 

90% of their time indoors, the industry 

is now recognising the impact that 

creating healthy interiors can have on 

the well-being of a building’s 

occupants. With this in mind, the goal 

of this new collection was to combine 

the outstanding indoor air quality 

performance of Flotex with surprising 

designs and a modular format, so users 

didn’t have to choose between 

functionality and high design. 

“Indeed, Flotex has been awarded 

the prestigious “Seal of Approval” from 

Allergy UK as with the correct cleaning 

regime, it will not harbour dust mites. 

This makes the collection ideal for 

office spaces where people are likely to 

spend a prolonged period of time, 

especially at a time when work place 

conditions are understood to be 

responsible for 11% of asthma cases 

worldwide.” 

Forbo’s stated ambition is to design 

and manufacture floorcoverings that 

benefit every individual by helping to 

provide safe, hygienic and comfortable 

living and working environments. The 

Flotex Plank collection contains 67% 

recycled content (by weight) and is 

100% waterproof, which means that 

only water and standard materials are 

required for an effective clean, using 

minimal hazardous chemicals that 

would have a detrimental effect on the 

building’s environment. 

For more information please 

telephone 0844 822 3928, email 

info.flooring.uk@forbo.com or visit 

www.forboflooring.co.uk/flotexplanks 


GLAZING 

Historic art gallery brought into 21st century 

When adding a modern 

extension to a beloved 

historic building, 

creating a sensitive link 

between the two is an important 

consideration. 

This was one of the challenges 

that the architects working with the 

Grade-II* listed Glynn Vivian Art 

Gallery in Swansea needed to 

address when designing a major new 

extension. 

The project involved adding a 

new gallery, community and 

education rooms, a lecture theatre 

and screening room, conservation 

studios and collection stores to the 

existing gallery – a neoclassical brick 

and stone building completed in 

1909. The works also created a new 

street level entrance, welcoming 

visitors with a much larger and 

brighter reception space. 

SEPARATE BUT CONNECTED 

In creating the extension, the 

designers were keen to preserve the 

impressive symmetry of the original 

façade, and this meant creating a 

sense of physical separation 

externally between the extension 

and the gallery itself. 

At the same time, in order to 

deliver the best experience for 

visitors, the two elements needed to 

be well connected internally, with 

people able to flow freely between 

the two. 

The solution was to enclose the 

linking part of the extension, set 

back from the buildings’ façades, in 

low-profile structural glazing. 

This link means that the two 

elements are connected on three 

levels, making the building feel 

unified to visitors while also 

allowing the historic façade to be 

appreciated in isolation from 

outside. 

The glazing also extends at 

ground level around the front of the 

extension, allowing light to flood 

into the new entrance area. 

To the right-hand-side of the 

historic building is a garden space, 

which the gallery intends to allow to 

grow into a green oasis for the city 

centre. The refurbished building 

features a glazed section of wall 

opening onto the garden across 

three floors, allowing light in and 

giving passers by a glimpse of some 

of the artworks on display. 

THE ART OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

In total, 70 sq. m of glazing was 

used. In order to maximise insulation 

of the newly created space, and 

ensure high levels of structural 

strength, double-glazed units 

featuring one pane of 12mm 

toughened glass and another of 

13.5mm laminated glass were used. 

The outer pane was Pilkington K 

Glass, which features a lowemissivity 

hard coating to reduce 

the amount of radiated heat lost 

from the building, further enhancing 

the energy performance of the 

space. 

The frameless glazing was 

supported by a series of laminated 

fins created from 21.5mm-thick 

glass using the Pilkington Planar l 

SentryGlas® system. These are 

connected to the glazing units with 

low-profile stainless steel bolts and 

deliver high levels of structural 

strength while maintaining the 

transparency of the system, 

contributing to its minimal 

appearance. 

Phil Savage, commercial 

contracts sales manager at 

Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, 

said: “Structural glazing is the ideal 

solution for extending iconic and 

historic buildings, as it allows new 

routes in and out of them to be 

created with minimal visible 

intervention. 

“This extension is an excellent 

example of this being done very 

successfully, and it’s clear that the 

two parts of the building, although 

separated by more than 100 years in 

age, really work together as a 

harmonious whole.” 

Jenni Spencer-Davies, curator at 

the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, said: 

“The art gallery building is one of 

the best-loved and most 

architecturally significant in 

Swansea, and it’s important that we 

preserve that heritage. 

“At the same time, the gallery is 

also a living and breathing part of 

the cultural life of the city. The new 

extension enhances the experience 

for visitors without compromising the 

historic façade that has been so well 

known to people in Swansea for 

generations. The glazed link between 

the buildings plays a big part in that.” 

Web: www.pilkington.co.uk 

Project: Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea 

Client: City and County of Swansea Council 

Main contractor: Ide Contracting 

Architect: Powell Dobson 


WINDOWS 

Controlled hospital environments with secondary glazing 

Controlling the environment 

within high dependency 

hospital wards, operating 

theatres and laboratories in 

order to prevent the spread of 

disease and infection is of vital 

importance. In addition, creating a 

quiet and comfortable environment 

for patients can aid and encourage 

faster recovery times. 

Many hospital buildings of 

traditional construction have illfitting 

windows which are not only 

draughty and poorly insulating, but 

admit dirt and dust from outside 

leading to problems of cleanliness 

and discomfort. 

Secondary glazing with high 

performance seals can block the dirt 

and draughts and when glazed with 

a thermally efficient low emissivity 

glass will reduce U-values across the 

window to less than 1.9, a reduction 

of up to 65% against a single glazed 

metal window. This will create 

cleaner, warmer surroundings for 

recuperation, as well as help reduce 

energy consumption. 

Selectaglaze hinged casements 

for healthcare have a flush glass to 

frame feature which minimises dust 

and dirt settling on ledges. Integral 

blinds can be incorporated into a 

sealed unit which are operated by a 

knob control to the side of the 

window, these provide patient 

privacy and as the blinds are internal 

it again reduces dust and dirt, 

minimising maintenance and 

cleaning requirements. 

Selectaglaze secondary glazing 

not only creates a warmer 

environment but achieves very high 

levels of sound insulation, 

considerably higher than standard 

double glazed windows. This will 

reduce disturbance from outside 

noise and help with sleep, an 

important factor in recovery. 

Besides environmental 

improvements Selectaglaze 

secondary glazing also helps with 

secure environments , whether a 

mental health facility using 

polycarbonate glazing and antiligature 

furniture or secure 

laboratories in need of high levels of 

protection to windows or viewing 

panels. A range of products tested to 

PAS 24 and Loss Prevention 

Standard LPS1175 are available. 

With fifty years of experience 

working within hospitals and 

healthcare establishments 

Selectaglaze are the leading 

secondary glazing specialist and 

tailor its windows to each individual 

client’s needs. 

Established in 1966 and Royal 

Warrant Holder since 2004, 

Selectaglaze has a wealth of 

knowledge from working on all 

building types from new to listed. 

The company provides an extensive 

range of literature and guidance 

notes covering acoustics, thermal 

performance and security. In 

addition it offers a technical 

advisory service and a RIBA 

approved CPD. 

Web: www.selectaglaze.co.uk 

Crittall Fabrications to provide specialist glazing solutions 

Crittall Holdings Group, parent company of Crittall 

Windows, has announced the launch of a new 

fabrications division that will create and supply an 

impressive range of specialist steel and stainless steel 

glazing systems, screens and doorsets for both external and 

internal use. This will provide architects and designers with 

bespoke, factory finished solutions to meet the most exacting 

client requirements. 

Crittall Fabrications will typically be dealing with customers 

in the UK and abroad on a supply only basis, direct to trade, but 

a full design and installation service can be provided via Crittall 

Windows, or one of the company’s registered partners. 

From its Witham, Essex, factory the company supplies its 

extensive customer base with specialist steel products such as 

steel entrance doors, steel glazed screens, internal steel 

partitions, steel screen dividers and doors and associated pressed 

metal for a wide range of commercial and residential 

applications. 

Crittall bespoke glazed steel windows and doors are 

extensively specified in both the UK and the US, as well as 

mainland Europe, for corporate refurbishments, the education 

sector, residential developments and retail fit-outs. 

Excellent examples of the type of project which the new 

fabrications division will handle are the Ham Yard Hotel in 

London’s Soho and Addison Crescent high end residential 

development,also in the capital. 

All Crittall steel fenestration and doorsets are known for 

their combination of slim profile elegance and strength . To this 

is added the factory-applied powder coating that provides an 

extremely hard-wearing, highly durable, maintenance-free 

finish. 

Web: www.crittall-fabrications.co.uk 


COATINGS & FINISHES 

Zinsser creates fuss-free ceiling finishes 

Osmo revives aged wood with Power Gel 

The refurb sector is probably the most active sector of the UK Building Industry at the moment. RP’s new website 

will keep you up to date with news, projects, opinion, and also the latest issue that can be viewed on-line. 

www.refurbprojects.com 

ACHIEVING a seamless ceiling is not usually an easy task, but thanks to the 

ground-breaking paint technology of Ceiling Pro 5 in 1 from Zinsser everyone 

can enjoy a perfectly finished ceiling. As with any job when it comes to 

transforming a ceiling, good preparation is still crucial but now the days of 

using multiple products to seal, prime and finish are long gone. Zinsser’s Ceiling Pro 5- 

in-1 is a quick drying, water-based, low odour product which seals, primes, blocks 

stains and finishes, while bridging hairline cracks, all in one application. 

Touch dry within just 30 minutes and with a recoat time of one-hour, this 

specialist paint is suitable for both bare and previously painted ceilings and will 

adhere to any surface. 

With its stain sealing properties, it makes light work of water or smoke damaged 

ceilings, leaving a bright white matt finish. It also contains a biocide that protects the 

dried coating against fungal degradation* to prolong the life of the finished painted 

ceiling. As it dries with zero tension, Ceiling Pro 5-in-1 can reduce the likelihood of 

future cracking, flaking and peeling. 

Paul Waller, Zinsser’s marketing director, said: “Unless you are a contortionist, 

transforming a ceiling doesn’t tend to be anyone’s favourite job, regardless of whether 

they are a professional painter and decorator or a DIY enthusiast. Applying multiple 

products whilst balancing in awkward positions can feel like a never-ending task 

particularly if there are strong colours or damage to the ceiling to cover up. 

“Now thanks to Ceiling Pro 5 in 1 all people need is a single product for the 

ultimate finish to their ceiling thanks to its revolutionary paint technology.” 

Ceiling Pro 5 in 1 is available in 2.5 litres and be applied by brush, roller or airless 

sprayer. For more information on Ceiling Pro 5 in 1 and other products from Zinsser 

visit www.zinsseruk.com. 

* Once dried the paint film is classed as a treated article and contains the surface 

biocide 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one 0.04% by weight. 

Osmo UK, the eco-friendly wood and finishes expert, brings tired looking and aged 

wood back to life with its powerful cleaning agent, Osmo Wood Reviver Power 

Gel. This product has been especially developed to restore exterior wood, 

including wooden decking, timber cladding and garden furniture, back to its 

original colour and character. Osmo Wood Reviver Power Gel is a jelly-like cleaner that 

effectively cleans and refreshes greyed and weathered exterior wood. Made from 

environmentally friendly and biodegradable ingredients, the product is free from harmful 

solvents, chlorine compounds, amines and harmful odours. Osmo’s special cleaning agent 

is also biodegradable and odour free. One coat of Osmo Wood Reviver Power Gel is 

sufficient to revive external wood back to its natural colour and appearance. 

“Exterior wood can often look jaded and old after being exposed to the external 

elements for a long period,” comments Steve Grimwood, Managing Director, Osmo UK. “In 

particular, high UV rays can bleach exterior wood, giving the timber a greyed and lifeless 

appearance. Osmo Wood Reviver Power Gel has a deep penetrating effect that allows 

professionals and end users to achieve remarkable results that will bring exterior wood back to its 

original condition in just 30 minutes.” 

Osmo Wood Reviver Power Gel is ready to apply straight from the tin. After generously 

applying the product along the wood grain, the solution requires just 20 minutes to gently work 

into the wood’s surface before being scrubbed with a hard bristle brush. Once rinsed with plenty 

of water, it is recommended to allow 48 hours drying time before applying a finish, such as Osmo 

Polyx-Oil, Decking-Oils and Country Colour. On average, one litre of Osmo Wood Reviver Power 

Gel will cover a 10m2 area. 

For stockist details and more information on Osmo and its range of environmentally friendly 

wooden products and specialist finishes, call Osmo UK direct on 01296 481220 

or alternatively visit www.osmouk.com. 

NEWS. DAILY 


architects as the only appropriate solution for 

paint removal, where damage to the surface or 

risk to the environment is an issue. The chemicals 

used within the stripping pastes are carefully 

chosen to minimise fumes and odours and are 

biodegradable and environmentally friendly. 

Fast and effective paint and varnish removal. 

BEFORE 

The original, authentic Peel Away ® range is now 

available exclusively through Barrettine Products 

Ltd and approved Trade stockists. 

The Peel Away ® paint removal system is designed 

for the complete removal of accumulated layers 

of paint with up to 32 coats of paint removed 

in one application. Use will not damage profiles 

or other surfaces where multi-layers of paint 

are removed. Peel Away ® is available in two 

different formulations; Peel Away ® 1 and Peel 

Away ® 7. Both are Methylene Chloride free 

(Dichloromethane). 

The Peel Away ® poultice paint removal system 

was first developed in 1981 to deal effectively 

with the problems associated with the removal 

of multiple layers of old lead-based paint, where 

burning, scraping or sanding would allow lead 

particles to escape into the environment with the 

associated health risks caused by such practices. 

The stripping compound is formulated to turn the 

lead into lead hydroxide within the paste, so that 

it can be safely disposed of without endangering 

the environment or user. 

The system is designed to work with the special 

Peel Away ® poultice cover supplied which allows 

the user to extend the time available so the 

stripping process can be as complete as possible. 

This is especially useful where crevices and profiles 

have allowed the build-up of several times the 

thickness of the paint compared to flat surfaces. 

The system will remove paint from many exterior 

and interior architectural surfaces, including 

stone, cement, brickwork, plaster walls and 

ceilings, plain and ornate fibrous plaster cornices, 

plain and carved or turned woodwork, plain and 

cast metal work. Automobile, aircraft and marine 

coatings are also efficiently stripped with the Peel 

Away ® system. 

The Peel Away ® poultice paint removal system has 

been used for very many high profile restoration 

projects all over the world. In the UK these have 

included railings and interiors at The British 

Museum, ornate plaster ceilings at Greenwich 

Palace, ironwork on the London Underground 

and delicate panelling at the Victoria and Albert 

Museum. The system is frequently specified by 

DURING 

AFTER 

THE SAFER, MORE EFFICIENT WAY TO REMOVE ALMOST ANY TYPE OF PAINT OR 

VARNISH IN ONE EASY APPLICATION FROM A VARIETY OF SUBSTRATES. 

STONE BRICK ORNATE PLASTER WOOD METAL 

ARCHITECTURALLY SPECIFIED 

METHYLENE CHLORIDE FREE 

ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFER FORMULATION 

The Poultice Paint Removal System 1 

EASILY REMOVES UP TO 32 COATS 

of Paints & Varnishes containing Oil, 

Lead Polyurethane or water. 

Suitable for Wood, Brick, Stone, Concrete, 

Marble, Decorative Plaster, Cornices and 

Plaster walls. 

Also removes painted wall paper. 

Water-based Alkaline formulation. 

The Poultice Paint Removal System 7 

EASILY REMOVES UP TO 20 COATS 

of Architectural, Domestic, Industrial 

and Marine Coatings. 

No dangerous fumes or toxic particles. 

New modern alternative for PEELAWAY 1. 

Does not require neutralising on application. 

A FREE Peelaway DVD 

is available on request. 


ROOFING 

Relaying of period roof on The Old Vicarage 

Keymer’s Traditional 

Elizabethan and Antique roof 

tiles have been used to 

restore the roof of the Grade 

II listed building and period home, 

The Old Vicarage in Suffolk. The 

project, which is now completed, 

was undertaken by house owner Tim 

Pitt, who was looking to ensure that 

the roof of the period property was 

beautifully renovated with respect 

to its heritage, keeping the age and 

period style of the building feel. The 

new appearance and look of the 

renovated roof is outstanding. 

The building, which has been 

listed since 1961, was in need of a 

complete reroofing, and due to the 

Grade II listing of the property, 

required the tiles used to fit in with 

the overall aesthetic of the property. 

In selecting a 50/50 mix of 

Traditional Elizabethan and Antique 

tiles, the home boasts completely 

handmade heritage clay tiles, which 

the home owner believed were the 

closest match to the peg tiles 

expected to be seen on a house of 

this period and in this location, 

whilst also being a significant 

improvement on the machine made 

plain tiles that were slaking and 

falling from the roof. 

Christine Leadbeater, Client 

Development Manager for Keymer, 

commented: 

“We’re very proud to have been 

involved on such a prestigious 

project – The Old Vicarage is a very 

impressive home, and one that we’ve 

been aware of for over a year, so we 

were thrilled to have been able to 

support. The selection of Keymer 

tiles used by Tim fit in perfectly with 

the historic property and the nearby 

surroundings of the area, and having 

now seen the finished product, it 

truly looks incredible.” 

Speaking about his project, Tim 

Pitt said: 

“I selected Keymer tiles to be 

used for the relaying of The Old 

Vicarage roof as they are the best 

hand made tiles on the market, and I 

was looking replace machine made 

plain tiles that were in place when I 

purchased the property. The 

Traditional Elizabethan and Antique 

tiles were undoubtedly the closest 

match to the peg tiles I would have 

expected to see on a house of this 

period and in this location. I’m 

delighted with the outcome and 

very happy with how the new roof 

looks.” 

For more information on 

Wienerberger please visit 

http://www.wienerberger.co.uk/. 

Follow Wienerberger on Twitter at 

https://twitter.com/wienerbergeruk. 

Kingspan Insulation releases new BIM object 

Kingspan Insulation is helping 

to streamline the 

specification process with 

the release of over 500 new 

flat roof BIM objects. The objects, 

available on Kingspan’s popular U- 

value Calculator app and website 

(www.uvalue-calculator.co.uk), cover 

a wide range of green and warm 

roof constructions, all featuring high 

performance Kingspan Therma range 

products. 

From the intuitive U-value 

Calculator menu, users can specify 

their desired U-value and adjust 

virtually any element within the 

construction. By ticking a request 

box at the end of the calculation 

process, users can now have the BIM 

object for their Therma range flat 

roof construction sent to them via 

email along with their U-value 

calculation. The objects are attached 

as a ZIP file in both IFC and Revit 

formats. 

Kingspan Insulation’s U-value 

Calculator is available as a free app 

for Apple, Android and Windows 

devices. It includes over 8000 

calculations for floor, wall and roofs, 

all pre-calculated by a member of 

Kingspan Insulation’s Technical 

Services Department who is 

approved under the ‘BBA/TIMSA 

Scheme for Calculation Competency 

Part 1 – U-value and condensation 

risk’. Where appropriate, these 

calculations also take into account 

fixings and bridging factors. 

In addition to the new flat roof 

objects, a wide range of Kingspan 

Insulation BIM product objects are 

also available for free download 

from the NBS National BIM Library. 

www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk 


INSULATION 

Appetite growing for Actis insulated container buildings 

A Cornish company which specialises in converting shipping containers into offices, live-work 

units, pop-up restaurants and even a golf club is aiming to expand into residential projects 

during 2017. 

South West Steel Buildings, 

based in Newquay, has been 

insulating its distinctive units 

with two of the three 

products in the Actis Hybrid range – 

honeycomb insulation Hybris and 

insulating breather membrane Boost 

‘R Hybrid - for the past couple of 

years because of the impressive 

thermal efficiency they offer, and 

the ease and speed with which they 

can be installed. 

Recent projects have included 

two 5,000 sq ft office blocks and 16 

self-contained 400 sq ft live work 

units at Prow Park business village 

on the Treloggan Industrial Estate in 

Newquay, and a 2,000 sq ft golf club 

at Whitsand Bay. 

The company is hoping to carry 

out a pilot residential project later 

this year. The homes, whose wall and 

roof U-value will be around 0.17, 

would be let at a fair rent or 

purchased through shared equity or 

ownership and would form part of a 

mixed-use development of homes, 

offices, retail units, community hubs 

and workshops to create a varied 

social environment. 

If successful, SWSB hopes this 

will pave the way for further 

projects in Cornwall and elsewhere 

in the UK. 

“All the local authorities that we 

have approached love the concept, 

and can really see the potential 

benefits stemming from the use of 

converted containers as residences,” 

explained development manager 

Brian Curnow. 

“We have met with some 

fantastic support from both the 

council and local politicians alike, 

but due to the pioneering nature of 

what we are doing we have met 

with a few stumbling blocks and 

have been working through them 

for a good part of 2016 in order to 

take our product to market, 

hopefully in 2017.” 

The venture began a few years 

ago with the creation of a mini 

retail workshop and office 

development in Newquay whose 

units were available on a monthly 

rental basis to help businesses 

concerned about a long term 

commitment during difficult 

economic times. 

Since then the concept has 

proved increasingly popular. The 40ft 

containers, which can be configured 

in a variety of ways and are strong 

enough to be stacked eight high, 

cost about two thirds of the price of 

brick and block or timber frame 

equivalents. 

A special technique developed by 

the company eliminates technical 

issues by moving the dew point – a 

problem experienced on the interior 

of the conversion in some other 

similar constructions – to the 

outside of the building. 

Brian says the CE marked, NHBC 

approved, LABC and LABSS 

compliant Actis Hybrid products are 

very quick and easy to install and 

help avoid thermal bridging as they 

are flexible and can fit round 

corners. 

Indeed, a recent competition for 

builders and merchants highlighted 

just how speedy it is to install the 

honeycomb Hybris panels. Videos of 

competitors in action show it really 

is a doddle 

(https://www.youtube.com/playlist?li 

st=PLy8ZiNLWw- 

X3HWwc4T3HNozoRdGs95h-X) And 

a range of ‘how to’ video guides at 

http://hybrid.insulationactis.com/how-to-insulate-a-timberframe-wall-with-hybris-insulation/ 

) 

give tips on how to install the 

product. 

Using breather membrane Boost 

‘R Hybrid massively reduces the risk 

of interstitial condensation, 

guarantees air tightness and can 

protect the building from 

precipitation and wind driven rain. 

Reflective and watertight, yet 

vapour permeable, it’s used on the 

cold side of roofs and walls. Because 

water vapour molecules are smaller 

than those in water droplets it lets 

moisture out but doesn’t let water 

in. 

Thermal modelling trials carried 

out by certification body BM TRADA 

have shown that Actis insulated 

membranes have a dramatic impact 

on counteracting thermal bridging 

and act as excellent thermal 

blankets. 

A free online simulator, at 

http://hybrid.insulationactis.com/simulator/ 

enables users to 

estimate the U-value of an Actis 

Hybrid project in seconds. 

The shipping containers are just 

one of a number of off site 

construction techniques increasingly 

choosing Actis Hybrid projects – 

with others including timber frame 

buildings, park homes and ecopods. 

The 2,000 sq ft Whitsand Bay Golf Club made from shipping containers and 

insulated with Actis Hybris and Boost ‘R Hybrid. 


FIRE & SAFETY 

University protects students with Aico Smoke Alarms 

Harper Adams University in 

Shropshire has installed 

Aico’s 160e Series of mains 

powered Smoke Alarms 

into its student accommodation in a 

move to increase levels of protection 

for students. 

Harper Adams University is a 

specialist provider of higher 

education for the agricultural and 

rural sector. It has more than 4,000 

students, a large number of whom 

live on campus in halls of residence 

and other properties, including semi 

detached cottages. 

These cottages - around 27 in 

total, each with four to five bedrooms 

– already benefit from Aico Smoke 

Alarms in the landing and hall. The 

University wanted to increase the 

level of protection, but without the 

considerable expense of moving to an 

LD1 system which is the highest 

protection in Fire Alarm system 

categories. It also wanted a solution 

that was flexible as these properties 

may be repurposed in the future. 

The solution was found in the 

use of Aico’s Ei160e Series mains 

powered alarms with 10 year 

rechargeable Lithium cell back-up 

with Ei164e Heat Alarms fitted in 

the kitchens and Ei166e Optical 

Alarms in the bedrooms. Delivering 

the highest level of protection for 

BS 5839-6 (the British Standard for 

domestic smoke alarm installation) 

Grade D applications, the 160e 

Series is compatible with existing 

Aico alarms and accessories, 

enabling for full system upgrades, 

simple system expansion and 

providing flexibility for possible 

future change of use of property. 

Arthur Broadhurst, Estate 

Foreman at Harper Adams University, 

comments: “We wanted to stick with 

Aico due to the positive experience 

the University has had of their 

products and working with a local 

company [Aico’s premises are in 

Oswestry, Shropshire]. The new fire 

alarm systems we have in place 

provide greater coverage and enable 

us to record alarm incidents so we 

get a much better picture of what is 

happening in each property. It 

provides us with an extra degree of 

assurance that our students are safe 

and ultimately peace of mind for 

students and parents alike.” 

The 160e Alarms at Harper 

Adams University have been 

interconnected with each other and 

the existing alarms in the property 

using Aico’s RadioLINK+ technology 

which removes the need to hard 

wire them together; instead the 

alarms are interconnected using 

Radio Frequency (RF) signals. This 

reduces disruption to the cottages, is 

quicker and more cost-effective to 

install and allows for greater system 

flexibility as alarms can be easily 

added or removed depending on 

different student’s needs and the use 

of the buildings. RadioLINK+ comes 

as a module (Ei100MRF) plugged 

directly into the alarm head. 

Because of the extended size of 

the fire alarm system, Ei450 Alarm 

Controllers have been fitted in each 

property to enable all alarms on the 

system to be easily tested, silenced 

and the trigger alarm located from a 

safe, accessible location. In addition, 

Aico’s Ei414 Fire/CO Alarm Interface 

has been installed which connects 

the Smoke Alarm system and Aico 

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms to an 

on call estates team via a GSM 

dialler, for added safety. 

The scheme has been so 

successful that the University is now 

looking to extend it to other student 

and staff accommodation. 

For more information please go to 

www.aico.co.uk or contact Aico on 

Tel: 01691 664100 or 

Email: enquiries@aico.co.uk. 

North Wales RSL standardises on Aico Multi-Sensor 

fire alarms for safer homes 

Cartrefi Conwy, a Registered 

Social Landlord (RSL) in 

Conwy, North Wales has 

announced its decision to fit 

Aico’s mains powered Multi-Sensor 

Fire Alarm, Ei2110e as standard 

across its entire housing stock. 

Having achieved the Welsh 

Housing Quality Standard, Cartrefi 

Conwy is one of North Wales’ 

foremost providers of affordable, 

high quality homes. It places the 

safety of its tenants at the highest 

priority and has a commendable 

100% coverage of mains powered 

alarms across its 3,800 properties. A 

long standing Aico customer of over 

ten years, Cartrefi Conwy had been 

using Aico Ei160RC alarms, but has 

upgraded the specification to the 

premium Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm, 

Ei2110e. 

The Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm, 

Ei2110e contains two sensor types, 

optical and heat, to constantly 

monitor smoke and heat levels, 

sending and receiving information 

via its intelligent detection software. 

This sensor information alters the 

alarm’s sensitivity and trigger points, 

automatically providing the best 

response to all fire types and reduces 

potential false alarms. 

This was a key factor for Cartrefi 

Conwy as Property Services Manager 

Wayne Bannister explains: “Due to 

the combination of smoke and heat 

working in tandem we expect there 

to be fewer false alarms. They also 

offer reassurance to our tenants that 

they have a device that is cutting 

edge technology that will keep them 

safer in their homes.” 

Cartrefi Conwy will be installing 

the Ei2110e to a minimum category 

of LD3, which requires alarms in all 

circulation spaces that form part of 

the escape routes from the premises. 

For its sheltered flats, it will increase 

the coverage to category LD2 which 

sees the addition of alarms in all 

rooms that present a high risk of fire 

to occupants. The alarms will be 

fitted during planned installation 

programmes and also reactively as 

required. In addition, they will be 

fitted as standard in Cartrefi Conwy’s 

new build development programme. 

A feature rich device, the Multi- 

Sensor Fire Alarm, Ei2110e comes 

with sophisticated data extraction 

technology in the form of 

AudioLINK for single alarm data and 

RadioLINK+ for whole system data. 

“AudioLINK is definitely a technology 

we will be utilising especially where 

we have an incident” comments 

Wayne. AudioLINK enables real time 

data to be extracted from each 

alarm using its sounder directly to a 

smartphone or tablet via a free App 

to create an Alarm Status Report. 

The Report displays useful 

information about the alarm, such 

as battery life, alarm sensors status, 

number of times tested and 

removed; and any alarm activations, 

with details of when it occurred - all 

in a simple easy to read format. 

RadioLINK+ technology will also 

be used to wirelessly interconnect 

Aico’s Ei450 Alarm Controller in all 

sheltered housing schemes and in 

properties where Carbon Monoxide 

(CO) alarms are present; and the 

Ei414 Fire/CO Alarm Interface which 

is installed in properties that are 

covered by a warden call scheme 

and have different detection types 

i.e. smoke, heats CO. 

“Cartrefi Conwy use RadioLINK 

extensively and find it to be a huge 

cost benefit to us with reducing 

wiring costs” states Wayne. “The 

tenants have less or no decoration 

and the installation process is far 

less intrusive.” 

For more information please go to 

www.aico.co.uk or 

enquiries@aico.co.uk or contact 

Aico on 01691 664100. 


PROJECT 

The vape of things to come for Smoke Detectors 

Since 1st July 2007, cigarette 

smoke has been absent from 

public buildings in the UK 

but, according to reports, 

there is now a new kid on the block 

for smokers – vaping. Although 

many countries are expected to 

introduce legislation regarding the 

use of e-cigarettes in 2017, there are 

no current guidelines on where they 

can and cannot be used. Many 

organisations however, such as 

public transport, hotels and pubs do 

not allow vaping on the premises 

due to reported problems such as 

fires caused by charging equipment 

and smoke detectors being activated 

by the exhalation from the vapes or 

e-cigarettes themselves. 

One such company to experience 

these issues is lively pub and music 

venue, The Frog & Frigate in 

Southampton. Although vaping is 

allowed at The Frog & Frigate, venue 

owner Derek Gardener says that this 

has not been without its problems – 

in particular, incidences where 

vaping has activated the pub’s 

smoke detectors leading to 

disruption of the running of the 

venue. 

Vapes feature a cartridge 

containing nicotine in a solution of 

either propylene glycol or glycerin 

and water. When you suck on the 

device as you would a normal 

cigarette, a sensor detects the air 

flow and starts a process to heat the 

liquid inside the cartridge so that it 

evaporates to form water vapour. 

Unlike e-cigarettes which most often 

resemble traditional cigarettes, vapes 

come in all shapes and sizes and 

thousands of flavor combinations 

from blueberry to marshmallow to 

single malt scotch! In an enclosed 

venue where there are a number of 

people vaping, this can have the 

same effect as steam on a smoke 

detector, leading to false alarms. 

SMOKE WITHOUT FIRE 

In the case of The Frog & Frigate, 

smoke detector false alarms caused 

by vaping were becoming a 

considerable problem in the running 

of the pub. 

by Lee Jones, 

General Manager 

Sales & Marketing, 

Nittan Europe Ltd. 

Generally speaking, a false alarm 

- i.e. an alarm which has been 

generated by the fire detection 

system but not in response to an 

actual fire - is caused by the Infra 

Red scattered light technology in 

the detector being unable to 

distinguish between smoke and 

larger size particles like steam and 

dust. 

Despite the false alarm issues at 

The Frog & Frigate, Derek was 

reluctant to ban vaping in the pub, 

but was recommended a solution by 

installers Fire and Safety Testing in 

the form of ‘dual optical’ detectors. 

Unlike industry standard single 

optical sensor smoke detectors, these 

dual detectors use both the 

‘traditional’ Infra-Red light to ‘view’ 

the particles entering the alarm 

chamber plus blue LED light 

technology. By calculating the ratio 

of these light sources, which operate 

at different wavelengths, the 

detector can determine the particle 

size and thus distinguish between 

smoke and non-combustion 

products. As steam and dust are 

much larger particles than smoke, 

the detector won’t false alarm but 

will still remain sensitive to 

combustion (fire) products in order 

to generate an alarm. This 

technology has been employed in 

Nittan’s Evolution EV-DP smoke 

detectors. 

Since the installation of Nittan’s 

EV-DP at The Frog & Frigate six 

months ago, Derek is happy to 

report that there hasn’t been a 

single false alarm in the venue 

meaning that his customers are kept 

happy, entertained and safe. 

Fire detector and alarm systems 

are absolutely essential but no one 

should have to put up with false 

alarms. If you have a fire 

detection system that is causing 

disruption as a result of false 

alarms, take action. False alarms, 

especially from steam, don’t have 

to be a headache! 

For sales information, please contact 

Nittan on 01483 769 555 or by 

email at sales@nittan.co.uk, or visit 

the web site www.nittan.co.uk. 

The refurb sector is probably the most active sector of the UK Building Industry at the moment. RP’s new website 

will keep you up to date with news, projects, opinion, and also the latest issue that can be viewed on-line. 

www.refurbprojects.com 

NEWS. DAILY 


FIRE & SAFETY 

Royal Wharf Riverside Development 

On another major London development that’s currently underway, Bull Products’ Cygnus 

wireless fire alarm system is being used for fire safety during the construction phase. 

Royal Wharf is a visionary 

mixed development located 

in East London’s Royal Docks 

on 40 acres of land where 

nearly 3,400 homes are being 

created as well as commercial, retail, 

leisure and educational facilities for 

a new and vibrant London district. 

This brand new riverside district of 

Royal Wharf builds on the success of 

Canary Wharf and the 2012 

Olympics and underlines the 

movement to the east of London’s 

centre of gravity. It is due for 

completion in 2019. 

The Cygnus system has been 

installed widely across the Royal 

Wharf development. Some 249 

Cygnus fire call points are located in 

stairwells and on escape routes, all 

linked to a central Cygnus CYG1 

control panel. Each of the Cygnus 

fire call point alarms are IP65 rated 

and so can be used externally. All 

are linked to the central control 

panel, and each alarm has a 110 

decibel sounder and an LED beacon 

for visual alerts. The Cygnus control 

panel captures data wirelessly from 

all the fire alarm call points and 

shows active alarms and faults and 

all events are recorded into a file 

which can be viewed or downloaded. 

Amongst other features of the 

control panel is an evacuate site 

function which can be used in case 

of an emergency. 

Electrical and mechanical 

subcontractors on the development, 

EMS are delighted with the 

performance of the Cygnus system. 

Sean Gretka, Senior Estimator for 

EMS commented, “Since being 

introduced to the Cygnus wireless 

alarm products, our confidence in 

this system just continues to grow 

with every project we install it on. 

It is easy to use, even easier to 

install and is fit for purpose in the 

construction industry. This 

accompanied with Bull Products’ 

aftercare and customer support 

makes them an easy 

recommendation to any of our 

clients.” 

The Cygnus alarm system can 

link as many as 480 alarm and 

detector units in different zones on 

a site, and individual units can be 

fire alarm call points, first aid alerts, 

combined call points and first aid 

alerts, smoke detectors or heat 

detectors. 

The CE marked Cygnus system 

has been developed for use on 

construction sites where there is 

dense concrete and steel structured 

buildings and areas where there are 

many other radio frequencies in 

operation, and so particular 

attention has been given to 

achieving an impressive connection 

range. Where there are multiple 

sites within range of each other, the 

Cygnus system has been designed to 

operate on different site addresses in 

order to keep each system separate 

and free from interference. 

A major benefit of the Cygnus 

system is the optional control panel 

which provides a very sophisticated 

capability with an event log 

function which records any events 

such as an alarm activation, low 

battery warning, and signal faults, 

all of which can be viewed if 

necessary in the history folder held 

on the panel. The system also has 

the ability to test all units and has 

an evacuate function which will act 

as a call point to the rest of the 

alarm units. 

Every device in the system can 

provide the panel with information at 

regular intervals. This explicit 

information confirms the unit is still 

present and what the battery status 

of each device is. Known as the 

‘heart beat’ this message is monitored 

by the control panel where fitted and 

if the ‘heart beat’ is not heard for 

several intervals, the control panel 

logs a full status for that unit. A PIR 

option is now available on any of the 

modules which can detect an 

intruder and alert off-site personnel 

for added safety protection. 

Bull Products offers a full oneyear 

guarantee on all Cygnus devices 

and provides high levels of technical, 

on-site and after-sales service 

support in addition to its standard 

maintenance contracts. 

Further information on the Cygnus 

wireless alarm system is available 

from Bull Products on 01432 

371170 by emailing 

info@bullproducts.co.uk or by 

visiting the company’s website at 

www.bullproducts.co.uk 


Fire safety: what’s keeping 

you awake at night? 

FIREX International has over 120 companies who 

will make you sleep easier 

The global centre of excellence for fire safety 

3 Learn about the latest in design, managing fire risk, and firefighting at the 4th Tall Building Fire Safety Conference 

3 Pre-book 1-2-1 meetings with over 250 fire safety solution suppliers via the Meetings Service 

3 Learn from experienced fire safety experts and develop your knowledge by attending free, CPD accredited seminars 

3 Expand your network by connecting with over 16,000 leading fire and life safety professionals 

3 Get hands on with thousands of the latest innovations across emergency lighting, suppression systems, extinguishers, 

sprinkler systems, and more 

@FIREXIntl #FIREX 

20-22 

June 2017 

REGISTER TO GET YOUR BADGE TODAY AT WWW.FIREX.CO.UK 

Official sponsor Partnered with Organised by 

Your badge also gives you entry to: 


P R O D U C T N E W S • P R O D U C T N E W S • P R O D U C T N E W S 

Innovative flooring solutions by Dural 

Dural UK specialise in 

supplying innovative 

hardware and accessories 

for all types of hard 

flooring. Products such as Bespoke 

Movement Joints, CI+ Anti-Crack 

Matting, LED Profiles, Edge Profiles 

for Resin Flooring, Step Nosing 

Profiles, Linear Drainage Systems 

and much more, combine to create 

Power Bollards provide a safe, secure outdoor power 

supply for Gravesham Borough Council 

Pop Up Power Supplies® were 

approached by council 

planners to provide an 

outdoor power supply for an 

area outside the local civic centre. 

Pop Up Power Supplies® were 

able to offer their range of power 

bollards to provide a safe, secure 

an extensive range of products for 

beautiful flooring. 

Their comprehensive product 

range is backed by competent, 

friendly technical support who are 

always on-hand to assist with 

product queries, industry standards, 

design inspirations, best practice 

guidelines and more. The team at 

Dural work closely with architects, 

and silent outdoor power supply. 

Specified in a Button Top Supply 

Bollard with hatch closure, the slim 

bollards are all located around the 

perimeter area next to walls, and as 

a result have a limited impact on the 

outdoor area. 

The power bollards are a popular 

choice of street furniture as they are 

an elegant design and complement 

the surround environment well with 

their sleek aesthetics. George Parker, 

Director of Pop Up Power Supplies® 

commented, “Our range of Power 

Bollards were ideal for the area right 

outside the civic centre for 

Gravesham Borough Council. The 

sleek design of the bollards is helped 

with the brushed stainless steel 

finish, which complements the 

surrounding metal railings and street 

furnishings. 

The bollards provide a reliable, 

secure outdoor power supply, and 

are totally encased therefore are a 

safe option for the large footfall the 

area gets.” 

Pop Up Power Supplies® range of 

stainless steel power bollards provide 

between 220 and 400 volts and 

125A of power. They are available 

with standard configurations plus 

additional equipment is available for 

a completely bespoke outdoor power 

solution. 

Web: www.popuppower.co.uk 

installers, contractors, designers, 

tilers, and other flooring 

professionals. 

Their range of Coloured 

Movement Joints are wellestablished 

within the UK now, and 

have been specified and installed on 

projects across the UK, including car 

showrooms, shopping centres, 

transport facilities e.g. airports and 

bus stations, retail outlets and many 

more. Judith Mawtus, of Dural UK, 

comments, “Clients generally feel 

that Movement Joints are obtrusive 

and would spoil the appearance of 

their tiled floor. If their surface 

tiling pattern is an intricate one, the 

last thing they want is a black 

movement joint running through 

the middle. However, with our 

range of bespoke movement joints 

we can specify joints with the exact 

colour of the tiled surface, grout 

colour, or any colour in the RAL 

range, to create a seamless finish.” 

Dural’s Movement Joints are 

robust, durable and can cope with 

Hybrid VRF named Air 

Conditioning Product 

of the Year 

Mitsubishi Electric is 

celebrating further 

industry success after its 

innovative Hybrid VRF 

(HVRF) solution was named Air 

Conditioning Product of the Year at 

the ACR News Awards 2017. 

The awards reward excellence 

and innovation in the air 

conditioning and refrigeration 

sector and have been running for 

over 20 years. 

Organised by Datateam Business 

Media and hosted by comedian Ed 

Byrne, this year’s event at Chelsea 

Harbour Hotel attracted over 240 

guests from around the air 

conditioning and refrigeration 

industry. 

Mitsubishi Electric’s Hybrid VRF 

system scooped the Air 

Conditioning Product of the Year 

award after an independent panel 

of industry judges recognised its 

unique ability to reduce running 

costs and maximise efficiency in a 

wide range of applications and 

environments. 

The Hybrid VRF solution is 

heavy stresses. They are 

manufactured to exceed BS5385 

which guarantees seamless tiled 

flooring which adheres to functional 

and aesthetic standards (when 

correctly installed). 

Last year, Dural introduced new 

and exciting products to use with 

their range of Movement Joints, in 

the form of Micro Joints, Cross Joints 

and Logo Joints. Micro Joints 

provide discreet protection for tiled 

floor installations laid over 

underfloor heating systems; Cross 

Joints are the new fast way to create 

a cross section in Movement Joint 

installations; and Logo Movement 

Joints are joints which include brand 

logos and company names. 

For further information on Dural’s 

range of innovative flooring 

solutions, their team will be happy 

to provide further information. 

Contact them today by telephone 

on 01924 360 110, email 

info@dural.co.uk or refer to their 

website www.dural.co.uk 

capable of simultaneous heating 

and cooling and because it uses 

water in a simplified two pipe 

design, there is no need to install 

refrigerant leak detection in 

occupied spaces. 

Russell Jones, PR and 

Communications Manager at 

Mitsubishi Electric, and Graham 

Temple, Marketing Manager, were 

on hand to receive the award from 

host Ed Byrne and Federation of 

Environmental Trade Associations 

(FETA) President Russell Beattie. 

Jones commented: “Our Hybrid 

air conditioning solution has 

enjoyed an incredibly successful 

first year and continues to go from 

strength to strength. The industry 

has recognised the Hybrid VRF’s 

groundbreaking performance 

benefits, as well as its flexibility and 

ease of installation and this is 

reflected in the recent spate of 

awards it has claimed. 

For further information on the 

Mitsubishi Electric HVRF system 

visit: www.hybridvrf.co.uk 


INNOVATION 

Welcome to TheHub 

Leading manufacturer, Mitsubishi Electric has launched a new website for 

anyone involved in energy use in the built environment. 

Thehub.mitsubishielectric.co.uk is a blog site with 

comment and opinion on useful topics that is designed 

to provide relevant content for construction 

professionals. “We are aiming for this to be far more 

than just another manufacturer’s site,” explains Russell Jones, 

PR and Content Manager for the Hatfield-based company. 

“The Hub will look at legislation, technology and the issues 

affecting the buildings as well as provide useful links to help 

visitors understand where they can get further information.” 

The site contains posts from leading industry editors as 

well as Mitsubishi Electric’s own experts and focuses on a 

range of subjects that will appeal to corporations, consultants 

and installers, as well as consumers in general. 

“There is a lot going on at the moment with regards to 

saving energy within our built environment and it can be 

difficult to keep track of everything,” adds Jones. “The Hub 

will provide one searchable site that will build into a useful 

resource over time.” 

The site is smartphone and tablet friendly so that it can be 

viewed on the go, and also contains an advanced search 

facility to make finding relevant articles easy and 

straightforward. 

Visitors can also sign up to receive a monthly email 

newsletter, highlighting pertinent subjects and the blog site is 

optimised so that articles can be easily shared on all major 

social media platforms. 

Visit the new website here. 

http://thehub.mitsubishielectric.co.uk 

New range of sun-shading systems from Schueco UK 

Leading sustainable building 

envelope specialist, Schueco 

UK, is updating its sunshading 

offering by launching 

in the UK three new high-quality 

systems: two are large louvre blade 

ALB systems and the third utilises C- 

shaped and Z-shaped blades, a new 

departure in blade design. 

The first Schueco ALB system for 

2017 – designated as ‘hi-tech’ – 

provides highly effective sunshading 

unaffected by wind. It 

incorporates large louvre blades in a 

variety of different geometries, 

colours and arrangements, thus 

allowing architects maximum design 

freedom. When mounted vertically, 

the blades may be specified in an 

active configuration. 

All the blades in this ‘hi-tech’ 

system are made from formed sheet 

metal profiles mounted on a carrier 

tube; the latter is a crucial 

component because it has a flat top 

side that allows blades of differing 

contours to be attached. 

The second Schueco ALB system 

has new rectangular and 

parallelogram shaped blades: again, 

these may be installed vertically or 

horizontally and may be passive or 

active, so architects and planners 

can tailor the system to a building. 

Particular benefits include maximum 

light penetration, increased internal 

comfort and reduced thermal 

loading. 

The louvre blades themselves are 

available in different widths – 250 

mm, 300 mm or 400 mm – with a 

further option of 300 mm 

parallelogram blades. The 

system is wind-proof and 

can be seamlessly 

attached to Schueco 

windows and façades by 

means of standard 

interfaces. 

Schueco’s third new 

sun-shading system 

employs C-shaped and Z- 

shaped louvre blades. In 

addition to providing a 

perfect shading solution, 

the system provides 

buildings with year-round 

weather protection that is 

unaffected by wind or 

rain. 

The blades, which may 

be configured as either 

horizontal or cantilevered 

shading, are available in a 

wide range of geometries 

and widths, making it 

simple to plan and install a system 

on large areas of wall or façade. The 

system can also be used to protect a 

building against birds and insects. 

The distances between the blades 

can be modified to take account of 

local conditions and the position of 

the sun, making it easy to 

significantly reduce thermal loads 

throughout the day. ‘Stacking’ and a 

variety of fixing options mean that 

installation is easy and 

straightforward. 

For further information on the full 

range of Schueco sun-shading 

solutions, please email: 

mkinfobox@schueco.com 


PRODUCTS & SERVICES DIRECTORY 

BUYERS GUIDE 

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION CALL SUE ON 020 8504 1661 

RAINWATER GOODS 

J & J W LONGBOTTOM LTD 

Bridge Foundry, Holmfirth, Nr Huddersfield HD7 1AW 

Tel: 01484 682141 Fax: 01484 681513 

Traditional Ironfounders producing Cast Iron 

Rainwater and Soil Goods comprising: 

• Moulded Gutters (including OGEE, Box, Boundary 

Wall) 

• Curved Gutters to individual radius 

• Rainwater Pipes & Fitting (Round & Rectangular) 

• Soil Pipes & Fittings (BS416) 

• Ornamental Rainwater heads (over 160 patterns) 

• Air Bricks ( 6 types, inc ornamental) 

• Manhole Covers & Frames 

• Gratings, Grids & ancillary Ironwork 

40 page fully illustrated catalogue available on request. 

Full “ex stock” service and special requirements made 

promptly. Regular delivery over all UK. 

COOLING SySTEmS 

C h i l l e r s b u i l t f o r y o u 

0118 918 1400 

Call or email today for a brochure or a free 

no-obligation site survey 

www.thermagroup.com/chillers | sales@thermagroup.com 

CLADDING 

EUROCLAD is the UK’s home-grown, independent supplier of metal roof and wall 

products which provide exceptional acoustic and thermal performance for the life of 

a building. Products are sustainably credible with proven routes for recycling and 

disposal. Euroclad listens to the needs of its customers and offers high performance, 

cost effective solutions. 

Founded in 1981 Euroclad has taken huge strides over three decades, consistently 

investing in people and technology to satisfy customer needs. Cutting edge UK 

manufacturing maintains Euroclad’s position at the forefront of the metal roofing and 

cladding industry. 

As part of its commitment to quality, service and the environment, Euroclad operates 

a Quality Management System approved to BS EN ISO 9001:2008 and an 

Environmental Management System approved to BS EN ISO 14001:2004. 

Euroclad’s Elite Systems provide a package of components from leading 

manufacturers which combine to form guaranteed roof and wall systems with 

defined performance. They offer superior, proven roofing and cladding solutions that 

are easy to specify and offer great performance throughout their lifetime. 

Elite Systems can be used for a multitude of roof and wall applications, all with 

inherent design flexibility. Trapezoidal, secret fix and standing seam roof options are 

available, with Opus plank, Sinusoidal, Half Round and Trapezoidal wall profiles. 

Elite Systems offer reliability too; with a standard 12 year system guarantee and the 

option of an ElitePLUS system with a 25 year system guarantee. 

Also available from Euroclad is the popular Vieo roof and wall solution and rainscreen 

facades via Specialist manufacturer Booth Muirie. 

EUROCLAD LTD, Wentloog Corporate Park, Cardiff CF3 2ER 

T: 02920 847 813 E: john.dunnington@euroclad.co.uk 

W: www.euroclad.com | www.vieoroof.com 

SECONDARy GLAzING 

ThermOzone 

T h e C o o l i n g S p e c i a l i s t s 

Secondary Glazing 

For seamless integration with the added benet of: 

Warmer Quieter Safer 

TM 

Major energy savings 

Nationwide service 

FREE design service 

2- 5 years warranty 

Typical installation 30 

days min 

NuChill 

• Most eective method of sound proong 

• Exemplary thermal retention and draught 

insulation 

• Reversible adaptation for heritage 

• Secured by Design 

A T h e r m O z o n e P r o d u c t 

T:01727 837271 

www.selectaglaze.co.uk 

@selectaglaze 


PRODUCTS & SERVICES DIRECTORY 

BUYERS GUIDE 

STAINED GLASS 

EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION 

Tel : 01942 717100 Email: info@wbs-ltd.co.uk 

WOOD REPAIR 

THE DESOWOOD REPAIR SYSTEM 

A DURABLE 

ALTERNATIVE TO 

LINSEED OIL PUTTY 

DESOWOOD DAP 

ELASTIC GLAZING 

SEALANT 

● A Product with an established record for performance. 

● A Product with over 20 year’s history in use. 

● Ideal for windows affected by break down of linseed oil putty. 

● Ideal for sash and casement windows. 

● For use on existing or new bead glazed windows. 

● Ideal for fixing single or double glazed sealed units on puttied or 

bead glazed windows. 

● For fixing laminated / safety glass. 

● Can be used on softwood, hardwood and metal windows. 

● Ideal for sealing plywood or pre-finished ‘in-fil’ panels. 

● Ideal replacement for ‘Back putties’ on windows affected by 

condensation on internally bead glazed windows. 

● Improves paint durability and contributes towards the prevention 

of wood decay 

● Can be painted with an opaque paint finish or translucent wood 

stain. 

● Excellent adhesion to timber, metal, concrete, brick and glass. 

Wetherby Building Systems Ltd is the UK’s market leader in the manufacture 

and distribution of a wide range of external wall insulation (EWI) systems, 

polymer modified renders, silicone & acrylic thin-coat renders & brick slip 

systems for the retrofit market. 

Wetherby’s insulated render systems offer environmentally sympathetic 

external façade solutions that have been successfully installed on many 

domestic refurbishment projects, new build schemes, commercial buildings 

and educational establishments for over 20 years. 

With over 7 million untreated solid wall properties in the UK the government 

recognise the urgent need to tackle this housing stock to reduce energy bills 

and cut carbon emissions. 

Following the clients choice of insulant, Wetherby can then offer a range of 

different renders and polymeric coatings in an unlimited colour range 

ensuring whatever finish or colour the client wishes to achieve we can 

match. 

Complementing the render systems Wetherby also offer a unique brick slip 

system, allowing the façade to match traditional brickwork and increasing 

the scope for design. Including our new 7mm Brick 

Wetherby operate through a 

network of approved installers, 

all of whom are trained and 

regularly inspected to ensure 

specifications and best site 

practices are followed. 

Wetherby offer a comprehensive 

technical service to ensure 

potential customers have all the 

information to specify the 

correct system that will achieve 

maximum efficiency of the EWI 

specification. 

www.wbs-ltd.co.uk 

Tel: 01767 682446 E:sales@desofil-uk.com 

THE DESOWOOD REPAIR SYSTEM 

Web-site: www.desofil-uk.com 

BUILDERS SURPLUS COMPANY 

Pindar Road, Hoddesdon EN11 0BZ 

Please phone Danny: 0786 222 1931 Matt: 07900 241361 


Thrii hand wash dryers 

a hit at Bohunt school 

Bohunt Secondary School has 

recently installed eight black 

solid surface Wallgate Thrii’s 

in a new toilet block to 

bring the total within the school to 

34 units across seven toilet blocks. 

Located in Liphook Hampshire, 

Bohunt is a secondary school with 

over 1575 students enrolled. 

Wallgate has worked closely with 

Bohunt for over 10 years, supplying 

hand wash units as the school has 

grown. 

Julie Ivory, operations manager 

at Bohunt School commented “At 

Bohunt we have limited space for 

school washrooms which make these 

hand wash dryers ideal. The 

students love the innovative design 

and the units helped us save huge 

amounts on paper towels and soap”. 

Phil Thorne, commercial manager 

said “These washrooms have a high 

student footfall and the fact that 

the Hand wash dryers installed 10 

years ago are functioning as well as 

the day they were installed really 

does prove that Wallgate products 

are built to last. The Thrii is the 

latest model, which continues this 

durability along with stylish 

aesthetics and improved energy and 

water savings”. 

Web: www.wallgate.com 

Grundfos Pumps are at the 

heart of the operation 

Hospitals, by their nature, 

must remain operational 

24/7 and need to be 

capable of meeting all the 

demands that are made of them. 

This means having a reliable, 

effective and efficient pump 

system that will give them the 

assurance they need to maintain 

and deliver their heating, cooling, 

water supply and water boosting 

requirements. 

With this in mind a hospital 

Trust, who have responsibility for 

three hospital sites, asked Grundfos 

Pumps to undertake an Energy Audit 

to ascertain how their efficiency and 

energy use could be improved. All 

three sites where surveyed, an 

energy report was produced for each 

and presented. With projected 

savings of over 200,000 kw hours 

per year, the decision was made to 

go ahead with the recommended 

upgrades. 

In total, Grundfos replaced 90+ 

obsolete pumps with various 

members of their NB, MAGNA and 

TP pump families that support the 

hospitals HVAC systems. With a 

total investment of £80k across all 

the sites, this outlay will deliver a 

return on investment of a healthy 3 

years. The Trust has been very 

pleased with the outcome. 

Grundfos have the knowledge, 

experience and product portfolio to 

deliver and maintain the right 

integrated pump solution to this as 

well as many other applications. To 

find out more, visit 

www.grundfos.co.uk 

Interior film used on superyacht refurb projects 

Interior Film from David Clouting has been used for many refurbishment applications; from shops and restaurants to 

hotels and even airports ... its popularity and range of applications recently brought it to the attention of the Wild Group 

who used Interior Film, which is certified for use in the marine industry, in the refurbishment of a luxury superyacht. 

The Wild Group is a pioneering 

exterior and interior vinyl 

yacht finishing company with 

offices in the UK, Monaco and 

New Zealand. The company recently 

undertook the interior 

refurbishment of a 38 m classic 

Feadship yacht on behalf of 

Pendennis, a world renowned 

custom build and refit superyacht 

yard based in Falmouth. 

Interior Film manufactured by LG 

Hausys, is an innovative selfadhesive, 

decorative film, quick and 

easy to install. It’s so versatile it can 

be applied to almost any interior 

surface including: wood, metals, 

plasterboard, plastics and even 

melamine. 

This enables feature walls, 

staircases, office doors, furniture, 

skirting and architrave to be 

attractively and quickly refurbished 

at a fraction of the cost it would 

take to replace them. 

As part of the refurbishment of 

the Feadship superyacht, Interior 

Film was used to refurbish a series 

of staircases leading to rooms below 

deck, its excellent flexibility and 

adhesion provided the perfect finish, 

even to the complex shapes of the 

staircase. 

Easy to clean and maintain 

Interior Film is hardwearing and 

remains stable if exposed to heat, 

humidity or low temperatures. 

Air free technology enables 

Interior Film to be easily applied to 

give a superb bubble free surface. 

Available in a range of over 400 

designs and finishes, Interior Film is 

available to view on the BIMSTORE 

website and is also CE and IMO 

Certified so can be specified with 

confidence across a wide range of 

applications. 

Web: www.davidclouting.co.uk 


materials 

INNOVATION IN ARCHITECTURE • CONSTRUCTION • DESIGN 

STRUCTURES • ENVELOPE • FACADES • FINISHES 

25 • 26 APRIL 2017 ILEC CENTRE, EARLS COURT, LONDON 

2017 

 

Ceramics 

 

Stone 

 

Cement 

 

Insulation 

 

Brick 

 

Composites 

 

Timber 

 

Glass 

 

Concrete 

 

Metal 

 

Smart Materials 

 

and much more... 

Materials 2017 is the new conference 

and exhibition coming to London in April 

focused entirely on the cutting edge 

of material solutions for architecture, 

construction, and design. 

The event offers the unique opportunity 

to meet with a wide variety of materials 

manufacturers, suppliers & consultants, 

benefit from topical content and expand 

business relationships with key industry 

professionals. 

Visit www.materials2017.co.uk to learn 

more about the exhibition, sponsors, 

partners, conference programme, CPD 

seminars and more... 

EXHIBITION 

Stands and pods 

from industry 

leaders and other 

innovative suppliers 

CPD 

Seminars from 

RIBA accredited 

providers offering 

learning points 

CONFERENCE 

Talks and debates 

with manufacturers, 

architects and 

consultants 

NETWORKING 

Pecha Kucha 

evening, Meet the 

Buyers Forum and 

main exhibition area 

REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE TICKET NOW 

WWW.MATERIALS2017.CO.UK/REGISTER 

CHARITY PARTNER 

EVENT PARTNERS

Alfriston School/Duggan Morris Architects 

© Jack Hobhouse 

Design tm-studio.co.uk

Refurb Projects April 2017

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