Refurb Projects August 2020

REFURB PROJECTS THE JOURNAL OF REPAIR, REPLACEMENT AND MAINTENANCE AUGUST 2020

THE DESOWOOD REPAIR SYSTEM 


A DURABLE 

ALTERNATIVE TO 

LINSEED OIL PUTTY 

DESOWOOD DAP 

ELASTIC GLAZING 

SEALANT 

l A Product with an established record for performance. 

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

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

l Ideal for sash and casement windows. 

l For use on existing or new bead glazed windows. 

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

bead glazed windows. 

l For fixing laminated / safety glass. 

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

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

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

condensation on internally bead glazed windows. 

l Improves paint durability and contributes towards the prevention 

of wood decay 

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

stain. 

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

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

Web-site: www.desofil-uk.com

C O N T E N T S 

Partnership approach sees Ainscaff, Layher all-round 

scaffolding & temporary roof systems and Clancy bring 

important benefits to cathedral roof repairs. 

For full report see page 24. 

Vol. 32 No 201. JULY/AUGUST 2020 

SPECIAL FEATURES 

4 - 5, 8-9 Cladding 

6 Fire Safety 

7 Glass & Glazing 

10-13 Social Housing 

16-19 Timber Buildings 

20-33 Projects 

34-35 Energy Efficiency 

36-37 Interiors 

38-39 Roofing 

40-43 Sustainability 

Publisher/ Editor: Carole Titmuss 

Editorial Assistant: Sue Watson 

Advertising / Marketing: Lorraine Compton 

Subscriptions: Kay Knight 

Design / Graphics: Ian Purves, Jonathan Milburn 

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 

Email: editor@refurbprojects.com 

Twitter: @RefurbProjects 

Refurb Projects is available on subscription. 

Annual rate: UK £28. 

Europe: £36 

Overseas: £40. 

Single Copies: UK: £5 

Overseas: £10 

ISSN 1475-1135 

Printed by Manson Group 

www.refurbprojects.com 

REFURBISHMENT PROJECTS, AUGUST 2020 3

CLADDING 

Complementary Copper Regeneration 

‘we sought a more friendly and economic material to speak of the industrial heritage of the site, yet in a 

warmer and more refined way – a material with some life, that would patinate subtly over time’ 

Amajor new residential 

building in Bristol is defined 

by its 170m long façade, 

clad in Nordic Brown Light 

pre-oxidised copper – adding a 

warm, naturally developing 

character and complementing its 

1970s Grade II listed neighbour. 

Designed by Ferguson Mann 

Architects (FMA), the Copper 

Building is the second phase of 

Bristol’s Lakeshore residential 

development for Urban Splash, set in 

10 acres of established landscape 

surrounding a lake. It follows FMA’s 

redevelopment of the iconic Grade II 

listed former headquarters of 

Imperial Tobacco, designed during 

the 1970s in the International Style 

by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill 

(SOM). 

The new Copper Building 

replaces the SOM-designed factory, 

demolished in the 1990s, and 

provides 136 apartments for rent or 

for sale, including purchase through 

Shared Ownership. Project architect 

Nick Brown explained FMA’s design 

strategy: ‘The factory building that 

occupied the northern edge of the 

site was particularly significant, not 

just for the local area but Bristol as 

a whole. Without it, the northern 

edge of the site felt incomplete and 

it was an obvious decision to create 

a new building, enclosing the 

parkland and addressing the street 

and retail park to the north. 

LISTED BUILDING REFERENCE 

‘The form and language of the 

Copper Building were always 

intended as a reference to its Corten 

steel clad predecessor. Although 

our initial design included Cor-ten 

steel cladding, as it developed, we 

sought a more friendly and 

economic material to speak of the 

industrial heritage of the site, yet in 

a warmer and more refined way – a 

material with some life, that would 

patinate subtly over time. The warm 

colour of the Nordic Brown Light 

pre-oxidised copper, along with the 

longevity, sustainability and natural 

credentials of copper made it the 

perfect choice. 

‘The rigorous 3.6m wide 

structural grid that defined all 

elements of the SOM-designed, 

Mies-inspired Phase 1 building was a 

key driver in the design of the 

Copper Building. The lake frontage is 

an open grid of timber-clad 

balconies with generous glazing. 

However, the street and end facades 

4 AUGUST 2020, REFURBISHMENT PROJECTS

CLADDING 

are more varied with a mix of 3.6m, 

7.2m and 10.8m ‘design bays’, 

defining a mix of 1-bed, 2-bed and 

duplex apartment types. 

‘A particular design challenge 

was to bring some fun and visual 

interest to the street façade of a 

building that is 170 metres long. 

Here, the apparently random 

fenestration belies an underlying 

structure of bays and rhythmic 

pattern of windows and vertical 

seams in the copper cladding that 

tie everything together. The Nordic 

Brown Light copper cladding also 

continues on into the fully-glazed 

central atrium. 

PRECISE COPPER DETAILING 

‘Key to the success of the building 

was the precise detailing and 

execution of the Nordic Brown Light 

copper cladding. For example, we 

avoided a crude coping on the top 

and instead developed a concealed 

parapet cladding detail so that the 

vertical seams silhouette against the 

sky, yet still achieve a robust roofedge 

detail. At the outset of the 

project, the installer set out a fullsize 

cladding bay to identify 

potential issues with FMA, allowing 

details to be refined. The new 

Copper Building still maintains a 

dialogue with the neighbouring Corten 

clad Lakeshore building and they 

both sit comfortably together, just 

as the original factory and office 

did. Importantly, local feedback 

about the building has been really 

positive’. 

Nordic Brown Light is part of an 

extensive portfolio of architectural 

copper surfaces and alloys from 

Aurubis, with an unrivalled lifespan, 

no maintenance and full 

recyclability. With a melting point of 

1083˚C and ‘A1 (non-combustible 

material)’ fire classification to EN 

13501-1, copper is suitable for 

cladding tall buildings, using 

appropriate constructions. 

Choices include Nordic Standard 

‘mill finish’ and Nordic Brown preoxidised 

copper offering lighter or 

darker shades of brown determined 

by the thickness of the oxide layer. 

The extensive Nordic Blue, Nordic 

Green and Nordic Turquoise ranges 

have been developed with properties 

and colours based on the same 

brochantite mineralogy found in 

natural patinas all over the world. As 

well as the solid patina colours, 

‘Living’ surfaces are available for 

each with other intensities of patina 

flecks revealing some of the dark 

oxidised background material. 

Copper alloys include Nordic 

Bronze and Nordic Brass, which can 

also be supplied pre-weathered. The 

innovative Nordic Royal is an alloy 

of copper with aluminium and zinc, 

retaining its golden colour. A wide 

choice of Nordic Decor mechanically 

applied surface treatments is also 

available. 

SUSTAINABLE COPPER 

Copper is a natural element within 

the earth’s crust which has been 

incorporated into living organisms 

throughout the evolutionary process. 

It is safe to use and can be worked 

at any temperature, without 

becoming brittle in cold weather or 

deforming in hot weather due to 

low thermal movement. It requires 

no decoration, maintenance or 

cleaning, saving resources, cleaning 

chemicals and cost. 

Nordic Copper is produced by 

Aurubis, part of the world’s leading 

integrated copper group and largest 

copper recycler, in modern plants 

with strictly monitored 

environmental performance and 

well-established recycling routes. It 

includes high levels of recycled 

materials, saving on energy and 

greenhouse gases, and contributing 

to the circular economy. At the end 

of a building’s life, it retains a high 

scrap value which drives recovery 

and recycling. Nordic Copper can be 

recycled again and again without 

any loss of performance or qualities, 

and its lifespan can be regarded 

conservatively as 200 years, subject 

to substrate and structure. 

g.bell@aurubis.com 

www.nordiccopper.com 


FIRE SAFETY 

Hyde Park property protected using 

Fireflytm Zeus Lite Barrier 

Northamptonshire based DC 

Fire Protection Ltd., a 

long-term customer of 

TBA FIREFLYTM, has 

employed the manufacturer’s ZEUS 

Lite system to create a 90:30 

minutes’ fire barrier within the first 

floor ceiling void of a commercial 

property in London’s Hyde Park area. 

The project was carried out on 

behalf of fit-out contractor, Coel 

Interiors, over an eight-day period 

early this year by one of DC Fire 

Protection’s ltd. highly experienced 

two-man teams of installers. 

Working together they employed the 

installer friendly, flexible ZEUS Lite 

membrane to create two separate, 

900mm deep fire barriers across the 

multiple building services, which are 

fixed to the structure’s concrete 

soffit. 

FIREFLYTM ZEUS Lite is ideally 

suited to this type of application, 

comprising a non-rigid woven fabric 

fire barrier that has been specifically 

developed for the vertical separation 

- and compartmentation - of 

extensive concealed spaces within 

buildings. 

FIREFLYTM ZEUS Lite is amongst 

the range of products regularly 

employed by DC Fire Protection, the 

contractor has 30 years’ experience 

in the installation of passive fire 

protection measures and offers 

clients a comprehensive survey plus 

design service, appropriate to a full 

spectrum of project types. It is BRE 

accredited and carries out work in 

full accordance with manufacturers’ 

specifications to ensure all 

installations offer the required 

periods of protection. 

By offering 90 minutes’ integrity 

and 30 minutes insulation, 

FIREFLYTM ZEUS Lite 90:30 exceeds 

the minimum requirements 

regarding fire barriers under the 

Building Regulations’ Approved 

Document B (Fire Safety). The 

specially treated glass fibre fabric is 

strong and resilient as well as 

flexible while, crucially, the system’s 

certification covers the inclusion of 

service penetrations which many 

rival products do not. 

Director of DC Fire Protection 

Ltd., Craig Tyrrell, commented: 

“Wherever possible we try and 

convert specifications on any job to 

TBA FIREFLYTM because we have 

such a good relationship with the 

manufacturer – and in the case of 

the Hyde Park project our client, 

Coel Interiors, tasked us with 

creating two 14.5 metres’ long 

barriers within the first floor ceiling 

void, so I selected ZEUS Lite as the 

ideal product. During a week and a 

half on site, our two installers fitted 

the membrane between the concrete 

soffit and the suspended metal 

ceiling grid to comply with the 

general specification and exceeding 

the requirements of the Building 

Regulations.” 

The cooperation built up 

between the two companies over 

the past two decades includes TBA’s 

technical sales staff assisting with 

site surveys and offering design 

guidance. Specifiers seeking to learn 

more about the TBA FIREFLYTM 

range of fire barriers can visit the 

web site. 

www.tbafirefly.com 

Knauf Insulation launches next generation 

non-combustible Soffit Linerboard 

Knauf Insulation has 

enhanced its Earthwool 

Soffit Linerboard range, 

achieving best-in-class 

thermal performance and adding 

rigidity to make installation even 

easier. The improved range will help 

customers meet the increasing 

demand for non-combustible 

insulation in car parks, stadiums and 

commercial units. 

“Specifications for noncombustible 

soffit insulation are 

likely to increase as building 

regulations evolve further and soffit 

applications become a focus for fire 

safety” said Luke Davies, Rock 

Mineral Wool Product Manager, 

Knauf Insulation. “We’ve improved 

Earthwool Soffit Linerboard to give 

customers the best possible solution 

to respond to this demand”. 

Earthwool Soffit Linerboard now 

has a lower thermal conductivity of 

just 0.034 W/mK – the lowest on the 

market for a Rock Mineral Wool 

soffit slab. It is also less susceptible 

to thermal bridging thanks to a new 

fixing method which uses tube 

washers in the corners of each slab 

instead of traditional all-steel 

fixings. 

The entire installation process 

has been made easier as the new 

product recipe makes each slab more 

rigid. A new detailed installation 

guide has been created to 

accompany the new product, with 

clear and simple advice to installers 

for a wide range of applications and 

scenarios. 

Earthwool Soffit Linerboard is 

now available in thicknesses from 50 

to 220mm, with an additional base 

layer available to meet build-up 

requirements. There are two options 

available – Standard and Extra – 

depending on the aesthetics and 

impact resistance required. Standard 

has a black glass veil facing, while 

Extra is bonded to an off-white 

cementitious particle board. 

Like the majority of Knauf 

Insulation products, Earthwool Soffit 

Linerboard has the best possible 

Euroclass A1 Reaction to Fire 

Classification rating, so it will not 

contribute to the development or 

spread of a fire should it occur. As a 

Rock Mineral Wool product, it offers 

excellent acoustic performance, 

naturally absorbing sound waves and 

converting them into heat energy. It 

is manufactured with ECOSE® 

Technology, Knauf Insulation’s 

unique bio-based binder which 

makes it robust and durable while 

being soft to touch, easy to handle 

and low in dust and VOCs. 

For more information about 

Earthwool Soffit Linerboard, visit 

knaufinsulation.co.uk/soffits. 


GLASS & GLAZING 

High performance sealed unit secondary 

glazing installed in a 250 year old Granary 

Hindmarsh Hall, Grade II 

Listed, was originally one 

of three granaries, later 

used as a corn exchange at 

the south-end of the village of 

Alnmouth, Northumberland. 

Located in the estate of the IVth 

Duke of Northumberland, one of the 

top aristocratic landowners, he had 

the building converted into an 

Anglican chapel in 1859, with works 

supervised by esteemed architect 

Anthony Salvin. 

In 1876 the chapel was made 

redundant, so the building was used 

and referred to as the ‘Town Hall’ for 

the ensuing 60 years. Leonard King 

Hindmarsh bought the dilapidated 

property in the 1930s, then some 

years later had it refurbished and 

gave it to the community of 

Alnmouth. 

During 2003 – 4, the Trustees 

completed a programme of 

restoration and updating of the 

building, making it more inclusive. 

However, 14 years later, the building 

needed further renovations, 

following a comprehensive 

condition survey. 

Giles Arthur Architects were 

employed to conceptualise the 

trustee’s vision; addressing 

structural issues, space planning 

and making the building more 

energy efficient to reduce ongoing 

running costs. 

Selectaglaze 4-12-4mm, low-E, 

sealed unit secondary glazing 

was specified to provide 

enhanced thermal insulation. 

All the openings have deep 

splayed reveals, so it was 

decided to fix the secondary 

with a maximum cavity close to 

the wall face where it was 

wider, framing the primary 

window. This position also 

allowed unrestricted opening of 

the secondary glazing providing 

full access for cleaning and 

maintenance. 

Fenestral, partner of 

Selectaglaze for over 20 years, 

managed the surveying and 

installation of the project. 

Using laser measuring 

equipment, Fenestral produced 

3D information for Selectaglaze 

to prepare manufacturing plans 

for the timber grounds and 

casements. The tall lancet 

windows posed a challenge due 

to their height; 3350mm. Each 

of these openings were built up 

with a Series 41 side hung 

casement set between two 

Series 40 fixed light units. The 

timber grounds were crafted on 

site by experienced installers 

and scribed to ensure the 

tightest fit for the secondary 

glazing. 

“We are not only pleased 

with the functionality of the 

new glazing - it is doing all it 

was intended to do from a 

thermal efficiency point of view 

and it allows access to the 

original glazing for 

maintenance - but it also lets in 

more light and reveals all of the 

original windows.” Dr Bourne, 

Trustee. 

Founded in 1966, Royal 

Warrant Holder Selectaglaze is 

the acknowledged specialist and 

market leader in the design, 

manufacture and installation of 

secondary window systems. 

01727 837271 

E-mail: 

enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk 

www.selectaglaze.co.uk 


CLADDING 

Magply Plaster Bond demonstrates its key 

benefits in Essex barn conversion 

The Plaster Bond treatment 

from building materials 

specialist, Magply, has been 

employed as part of the 

specification for the renovation and 

conversion of an old agricultural 

building at a property in Essex. 

The 200 year old single-storey 

building has been transformed into 

office accommodation by a local 

building company, lining the rustic 

timber and stone construction 

throughout using the manufacturer’s 

high performance Magply MGO 

boards to create a sound and level 

surface. The fire resistant, highly 

moisture stable boards were then 

given a roller applied coating of the 

new mineral based Magply Plaster 

Bond, prior to being finished with a 

conventional one-coat gypsum skim. 

The versatile new primer has a 

potassium silicate formulation 

suitable for most common building 

substrates and can be applied by 

brush or roller to create an even, but 

slightly gritty surface offering a 

strong mechanical key for a range of 

plaster types, including lime based 

finishes. 

The owner of the property 

commented: “While the timber 

trusses and general structure to the 

barn were in reasonably good 

condition, the walls were very 

irregular and we also wanted to 

conceal the underside of the roof 

coverings, so our architect selected 

the well-proven Magply MGO boards 

to provide a flat and stable, fire 

resistant lining and although the 

9mm boards are routinely used as a 

substrate for render treatments or 

tiling, when the company’s technical 

department heard we wanted to 

create a crisp plaster finish, they 

suggested applying a coat of the 

Magply Plaster Bond “ 

Not only were the boards easy to 

cut to shape and fix, but the bond 

coat was very straightforward to 

apply and gave our builder extra 

confidence in plastering the 

interior.” 

Independently tested by 

Sheffield Hallam University and PRA 

Coatings for vapour diffusion, 

Magply Plaster Bond is therefore 

proven not to trap water vapour 

within the fabric of a building. 

Additionally, the potassium silicate 

based primer coat is VOC free and 

odourless and contains no other cobinders 

such as solvents, gypsum or 

cement, making it non-hazardous. 

Applied by broad brush or roller 

using short strokes, the product 

gives a coverage rate of 

approximately 500g/m2 or some 

35m2 from one of the 17 kg 

recyclable containers. Appropriate 

vapour open plasters can then be 

applied at any point after a 24 hour 

curing period. 

www.magply.co.uk 


CLADDING 

Specifying Commercial Cladding Refurbishment 

James Burton, Sales Manager at 

specialist coating manufacturer 

Bradite, advises what to 

consider when refurbishing 

commercial and industrial cladding. 

Cladding - the profiled exterior 

and predominately metal finish to 

industrial and commercial buildings, 

is mostly coated in the production 

process which gives it a life of 

approximately 20 years before it 

starts to discolour. Both flexible and 

adaptable, it can be over-painted at 

any point during its lifetime, the 

process normally being relatively 

quick with minimal disruption. 

SUITABLE SURFACES 

Most of the commonly encountered 

external cladding on buildings can 

be over coated using Bradite One 

Can which is both primer and finish, 

with excellent adhesion and anti 

corrosive properties. Steel and nonferrous 

metals must be properly 

prepared and primed while wood, 

fibreglass, concrete and mineral 

substrates should be free of 

contamination, dust and 

efflorescence. Suitable existing 

epoxy and polyurethane coatings 

should be cleaned and abraded as 

necessary. 

Most external cladding will last 

for a period of between 10 and 20 

years before any maintenance is 

needed. The deterioration is usually 

gradual and will move from simple 

chalking or colour fading, to failure 

of the coating. This is followed by 

corrosion of the protective zinc or 

aluminium alloy under the 

decorative coating and finally by 

failure of the steel substrate itself. 

When the steel substrate itself has 

failed, it is usually by perforation or 

excessive steel thinning by corrosion. 

This is when the cladding needs to 

be replaced. 

Up until the corrosion and failure 

of the steel substrate itself, Bradite’s 

One Can can be successfully used to 

upgrade the cladding and extend its 

life by up to 10 years. 

Bradite One Can is a cross 

linking, anti corrosive water thinned 

coating that’s easy to apply and can 

offer a 10- year maintenance cycle. 

Full BS 4800, RAL and NCS Colours 

are available, while specific 

corporate colours can be achieved 

by using Bradite’s extensive colour 

mixing database and can match 

specific corporate colours. 

ATMOSPHERIC EXPOSURE 

CONDITIONS 

In an Industrial environment, 

corrosion is mainly caused by a high 

level of airborne sulphur dioxide or 

other pollution from industrial and 

domestic processes combined with 

high moisture levels. 

In a Marine environment, 

corrosion is mainly caused by a high 

level of salt, carried as salt spray and 

combined with high moisture levels. 

Salt spray can be carried up to 3 

kilometres inland depending on the 

prevailing winds. 

One Can has proven excellent 

performance in both of these 

exposure conditions. 

SPECIFICATION 

It is essential to ascertain that 

current cladding coating still has 

good adhesion, before over coating. 

This can be checked by carrying out 

a cross hatch adhesion test on a 

sufficient number of elevations 

(differently exposed elevations may 

give different results). Where the 

adhesion is insufficient, the 

elevation should be completely 

stripped of old coating, before 

applying three coats of Bradite One 

Can, intact areas will only require 

two full coats, with recoat possible 

after one hour projects can be 

completed in shorter time making 

use of weather conditions and 

meaning less downtime and more 

profit. 

PREPARATION 

As in any decorating project, good 

preparation is the key to a successful 

finish. Bradite recommends high 

pressure water cleaning to remove 

all loose and flaking paint, salts and 

other contaminants. A detergent like 

Bradite TD39 should be used 

combined with scrubbing and high 

pressure water cleaning to remove 

any oil contamination not removed 

by high pressure cleaning alone. 

Rusted and damaged areas should be 

mechanically or manually prepared 

to SIS St 3, clean metallic 

appearance with little or no rust 

present. 

An intact area of galvanised steel 

or aluminium substrate should be 

primed with a first coat Bradite One 

Can. Care must be taken to ensure 

that the minimum thickness given in 

the available data sheets is achieved 

on the edges of the cladding profile 

as well as the flat surfaces. It is 

advised that application by brush 

and roller may not achieve the 

required dry film thickness and may 

then require extra coats. 

Application of the surface 

coating should always be avoided 

under adverse weather conditions 

and in particular, low temperatures. 

Rain on the surface shortly after 

application can affect the final 

appearance. Application should also 

be avoided in areas exposed to 

direct sunlight as this may 

accelerate the drying and affect the 

application. 

ADDITIONAL PREPARATION AND 

PROCEDURES 

The life of all protective systems can 

be prolonged by ensuring that the 

dry film thickness of the paint 

system on all welds, sharp edges, 

bolts, nuts and other fixings is at the 

correct level. This can be achieved by 

giving extra stripe coats of each 

coat to more sensitive areas. 

For improved performance, all 

welds and sharp edges should be 

mechanically ground to a radius of 

2mm or more and all pittings filled 

by welding or with the use of a 

suitable filler. 

www.bradite.com 


SOCIAL HOUSING 

New affordable homes go local in the Isle of Wight 

Sovereign Housing 

Association’s building 24 new 

affordable homes in 

Shalfleet, on the Isle of 

Wight. This 100% affordable rural 

development will build a whole new 

community at the site, with 13 

homes for affordable rent and 11 for 

shared ownership. 

The development at Shalfleet 

Meadows is part of Sovereign’s goals 

to build not just homes but 

communities in this rural area. In an 

area of high need, Sovereign’s not 

only built much-needed homes but 

also considered the wider 

environment with additional green 

space and a swale to control surface 

water. 

Working with local company, 

Stoneham Construction, Shalfleet 

Meadows (on Burt Close in 

Shalfleet), also marks a new way of 

working for Sovereign. Through 

buying and developing land, the 

housing association’s been able to 

take better control of the site and 

employ more local people in its 

construction. 

Sovereign’s also working closely 

with the local parish council and 

village residents to make sure that 

the development thoroughly meets 

the needs of the local people. 

Construction at Shalfleet 

Meadows was stopped during 

lockdown, setting the completion of 

the site back by a few months. But 

Sovereign was able to continue 

shared ownership sales electronically 

and completed 11 sales during 

lockdown – helping to get Sovereign 

ready to restart construction. 

Liz Evans, Sovereign’s Project 

Manager, said, ‘We’ve worked hard 

at Shalfleet Meadows to get our 

quality affordable housing right. It’s 

great to work so closely with local 

people to help build a new 

community and enhance the 

existing one in Shalfleet.’ 

‘We want to build the right 

homes in the right places and 

Shalfleet Meadows is a great 

example of this. I can’t wait to see 

residents moving into their new 

homes here.’ 

Building at Shalfleet Meadows 

started in August 2018 and the 

development will see residents move 

in around September this year. 

www.sovereign.org.uk 

New family homes completed in Nottingham 

Twenty new homes have been 

built in The Meadows, which 

will now go to local families 

on Nottingham’s council 

house waiting list. 

Nottingham City Homes (NCH) 

and contractor Robert Woodhead 

Limited have developed the 

homes on the site of the former 

Clifton Miners Welfare on Ainsworth 

Drive - on behalf of Nottingham 

City Council. 

The two-bed houses, are built to 

high energy efficiency standards and 

offer warm, secure and affordable 

modern homes. 

These new homes on roads now 

called Sandstone Mews and Fossil 

Close, are the latest for the 

Meadows area which form part of 

the city’s Building a Better 

Nottingham programme and follow 

the completion of 55 homes there in 

June 2018. 

NCH has built nearly 600new 

council homes for local people as 

part of the programme and this 

latest scheme in partnership with 

Robert Woodhead Limited. 

Nick Murphy, Chief Executive for 

Nottingham City Homes, said: “These 

homes have transformed what was 

once a derelict site in the Meadows. 

There has been significant 

investment in the area over the 

years and working with Nottingham 

City Council, we continue to create 

quality new homes for local people.” 

“We want people to be proud of 

their homes and were they live and 

we feel these houses tick both of 

these boxes. The Council House 

waiting list is growing but we are 

committed to working with partners 

to build more homes that the people 

of Nottingham can afford to live in.” 

Cllr Linda Woodings, Portfolio 

Holder for Planning, Housing and 

Heritage at Nottingham City 

Council, said: “Nottingham needs a 

mix of all different types of homes 

and two bed houses are in high 

demand for those waiting for a 

home in The Meadows. 

“Building, warm, safe, and energy 

efficient new housing, not only 

regenerates sites which are no 

longer fit for purpose, but also 

encourages investment, creates jobs 

and helps to support local supply 

chain businesses, which will help aid 

the City’s recovery from the 

Coronavirus as lockdown measures 

are eased”. 

Tom Woodhead, Business Services 

Director at Robert Woodhead Ltd 

said: 

“What makes these new homes 

extra special is the social impact we 

have delivered whilst we have been 

building them. From supporting 

Arkwright gardens, inspiring women 

into the construction industry and 

helping the local primary school to 

get building, it’s been a pleasure to 

see the positive impact.” 

www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk 



Plans For Unique Retirement Community at 

Milltimber in Aberdeen Submitted 

Plans to create an active 

retirement community on 

the outskirts of Aberdeen, 

which provides a unique 

model of independent age-related 

lifestyle with discrete care alongside 

nursing home facilities, have been 

submitted to Aberdeen City Council. 

The development for a retirement 

community in Milltimber at Binghill 

House will feature cottages and 

apartments built in the extensive 

grounds, alongside the creation of a 

nursing home. The development will 

allow active seniors and those who 

require discrete care to live 

alongside each other. Halliday Fraser 

Munro has submitted the plans on 

behalf of a client. 

The development has been 

designed for the over 60s who seek 

an active lifestyle where they can 

build discrete care and support 

packages to suit their needs as they 

age, allowing them to ‘age in place'. 

For those who do require higher 

levels of care, this can be provided 

in the on-site nursing home. The 

plans include a shop which is 

designed to provide residents of 

both the development and also the 

wider Milltimber area, with staples 

such as milk, bread and newspapers. 

Another shared community facility 

will be new allotments providing 

space to grow produce in a 

communal and supportive 

environment. 

For couples who require 

difference levels of care perhaps one 

requiring nursing care and one who 

can still live independently but close 

to their partner the Binghill 

development provides a discrete 

option for both. Residents' care is 

flexible and fits around the different 

needs of partners, allowing them to 

stay together as they age. 

David Halliday, managing 

director of Halliday Fraser Munro 

says, "This is a unique project and 

the low rise, low impact design of 

the development respects the 

surrounding landscape. Properties 

will be located amongst the mature 

trees. Pedestrian movement will be 

prioritised throughout, creating an 

environment to encourage residents 

to spend time outdoors. Footpaths 

will link the new development to 

Milltimber, inviting people to use 

the new facilities and to integrate 

the development into the existing 

community." 

The Halliday Fraser Munro design 

team has taken best practice from 

across the UK and Europe, the 

Scottish Government and Aberdeen 

City Council priorities for senior 

living and has used these to design 

the development. The Scottish 

Government's "A Fairer Scotland for 

Older People: A Framework for 

Action" outlines that Scotland's 

aging population has specifically 

requested "adequate housing that 

continues to meet their needs as 

they age". The Scottish Government 

champions independent living for 

older and disabled people within 

their communities and highlights 

that living in the right home with 

the right support can be the key to 

enabling people to live safely and 

independently at home. The Binghill 

development will also include 

technology which enhances the 

delivery of care and which supports 

independent living. The proposal of 

the provision of a shuttle bus also 

means that residents can choose to 

live car free. 

David Halliday continues, "This 

project will provide tailored support 

which can grow and expand for 

residents as they need it, if they 

need it. It is a development which 

enables independent living, where 

resident can live in their homes for 

as long as they wish, knowing that 

there is nursing home provision 

within the community when they 

need it. There is no need for 

residents to have to relocate if they 

need nursing home levels of care. 

Halliday Fraser Munro is an 

award-winning firm offering 

architectural, urban design and 

masterplanning services along with a 

specialised planning consultancy 

team. It has offices in Aberdeen, 

Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, 

London and Belfast. 

www.hfm.co.uk 



BoKlok UK achieves planning acceptance 

on first UK development 

BoKlok UK Ltd, the 

sustainable, quality, and 

low-cost home provider 

jointly owned by Skanska 

and IKEA, is pleased to announce the 

unanimous decision to grant 

planning consent for its first UK 

housing development at Airport 

Road, Bristol. 

The new development in Bristol 

will provide 173 family homes which 

will be available for market sale as 

well as support social housing 

schemes by Bristol City Council and 

local housing associations. 

Graeme Culliton, BoKlok UK 

Managing Director and Country 

Manager said: 

“We are delighted that we are 

able to bring forward our first 

project in the UK. On Wednesday 24 

June, Bristol City Council’s Planning 

Committee unanimously approved 

resolution to grant planning consent 

for new BoKlok homes at Airport 

Road, Bristol. 

“We particularly welcome the 

councillors’ positive comments on 

the family and child friendly design 

of our development, as well as their 

recognition that we strive to build 

inclusive communities. 

“Throughout the evolution of 

this project we have partnered with 

the local community, Bristol City 

Council, and the Bristol Housing 

Festival to create quality, sustainable 

homes at a lower price. We continue 

to work with the planning officers 

to ensure that the proposed 

Affordable carbon zero eco-homes in 

construction in Abingdon, Oxfordshire 

Sovereign Housing 

Association’s latest 

development will see nine 

affordable carbon-zero 

homes built in Abingdon that come 

straight from the factory floor. 

The stylish homes are set in a 

rural location at Springfield 

Meadows in Longworth, and are part 

of 25 being built using Greencore 

Construction’s carbon zero 

construction methods. 

As the housing sector celebrates 

Rural Housing Week, the 

development is testament to 

Sovereign’s commitment to building 

more homes and better places in 

rural settings. 

Beautiful and spacious, the 

homes carry the usual Sovereign 

hallmark for quality – but it’s what 

lies underneath that marks them out 

as a little bit different as these 

modular homes are built in a factory 

using closed panel walls and a hemp 

and lime mix insulation – an 

affordable eco design for the carbon 

zero home for its lifetime. 

Once they leave the factory 

they’re moved on-site for 

construction. 

Construction at Springfield 

Meadow started in May 2019 and 

residents have already started 

moving into their affordable homes. 

Of the 25 homes at the 

development, the nine affordable 

Sovereign homes will consist of six 

affordable rent and three shared 

ownership homes. 

Alex Brooks, Development 

Manager, Sovereign, said, 

‘Springfield Meadows has been 

granted the One Planet Living Global 

Leader Status by specialist 

environmental charity, Bioregional, 

who provide sustainability 

consultancy to help people live more 

sustainably.” 

“This is Sovereign’s second ecodevelopment 

using this type of 

construction, third for Greencore, 

and the second to achieve One 

Planet Living status. Our first was 

Kings Lane in Longcot, Oxfordshire. 

Following on from the success of 

cycleway is safe for pedestrians and 

cyclists as they travel alongside our 

development.” 

BoKlok’s first homes are expected 

to complete in 2021. 

www.boklok.co.uk 

Kings Lane, we started this 

development in Longworth.’ 

‘We’re so proud of our work here 

at Springfield Meadows. Building in 

a rural location means that we need 

good quality design and 

manufacture to design for the 

future. 

“We’ve been able to build quality 

affordable homes here with high 


lower running costs for our 

residents.” 

Ian Pritchett, Managing Director, 

Greencore Construction said, ‘A 

normal house is responsible for 

around 50-60 tonnes of carbon in 

the construction phase, our homes 

are at, or very close to, carbon zero.’ 

“A normal home will emit around 

five tonnes of carbon a year, using 

this construction, these homes at 

Springfield Meadows will be carbon 

zero. 

“If we start building things with 

bio-based materials that perform 

better and have low carbon 

footprints we can start to make a 

serious difference to climate 

change.” 

Lucy.cook@sovereign.org.uk 

www.sovereign.org.uk 



New affordable homes to be built in Shaftesbury 

Sovereign Housing Association 

is working with Redrow to 

build 51 quality new 

affordable homes in 

Littledown, Shaftesbury. This 

development, called Blackmore 

Down, will see a total of 143 homes 

on the site with the 51 affordable 

homes to be provided through 

Sovereign, 26 for affordable rent 

and 25 through shared ownership. 

Blackmore Down is the only 

development in the area currently 

offering new-build affordable 

homes. With over 1000 people 

interested in affordable homes in 

the North Dorset area and almost 

100 people in Shaftesbury alone, 

affordable housing is in high 

demand locally. 

Blackmore Down is the first 

development that Sovereign has 

negotiated under lockdown 

conditions; a great example of how 

Sovereign is still working hard to 

develop more homes and better 

places across the south of England 

even during challenging times. 

Blackmore Down is in a great 

location and will benefit from being 

close to amenities, has open 

countryside and woodland nearby, 

and there will be open spaces and a 

playground on-site too. 

People look set to move into 

their quality new Blackmore Down 

homes in winter 2020, with shared 

ownership properties available 

through Sovereign Living. 

James Gibson, Development 

Director, Sovereign, said: “We’ve 

been working hard during lockdown 

to make sure that we’re ready when 

things open back up again. 

“Negotiating this development 

under lockdown conditions has 

presented new and very particular 

challenges, but we’re pleased to be 

able to build these quality new 

homes where they’re needed most. 

“Sovereign’s strength has made 

us able to work through this very 

trying time and still build the right 

homes in the right places and we are 

actively seeking more opportunities 

with our confidence in the market 

undiminished.’ 

Lucy.cook@sovereign.org.uk 

New homes for Basildon residents and key workers 

Thirteen new homes will be 

available for borough 

residents and key workers next 

year. Sempra Homes, the 

council’s house building company, 

recently signed an agreement with 

Chelmsford-based Stonebond 

Properties to acquire the nine 

affordable rent and four shared 

ownership homes when they are 

completed next year. 

The development, known as 

Woodside Place, Dry Street, Langdon 

Hills, will consist of two one-bed 

maisonettes, six two-bed houses and 

one three-bed house available for 

those waiting on the council’s 

Homeseekers’ register. They will be 

available at 60% market rent. 

A further four shared-ownership 

homes consisting of four three-bed 

houses will also be available to 

borough key workers including those 

who work at the nearby Basildon 

Hospital. 

Leader of Basildon Council 

Councillor Gavin Callaghan said: “We 

must continue to build more houses 

to help more people from Basildon 

get into a home of their own. The 

council is serious about delivering 

on that promise. These homes are a 

welcome addition to the town and I 

am very proud they will be made 

available exclusively to the 

borough’s key workers and residents. 

This is a Basildon first approach to 

our allocations policy, to ensure our 

local residents have a future in the 

town.” 

Stonebond Properties Land and 

Planning Director, David Kwan said: 

“Despite the various challenges we’re 

all currently facing, we’re delighted 

to have secured a new partnership 

with Sempra Homes that will 

provide 13 affordable homes at our 

forthcoming development Woodside 

Place. This will provide much needed 

affordable housing to the borough. 

It has been a pleasure to work 

alongside the team at Sempra, we 

have formed a good working 

relationship and look forward to the 

opportunity of working together 

again on future projects.” 

Manager of Sempra Homes, 

Melanie Keys added: “We are really 

pleased to be working with 

Stonebond Properties with this 

development and look forward to 

bringing it to market.” 

Sempra Homes, which was set up 

by Basildon Council as an 

independent company, is committed 

to delivering properties across the 

borough and will provide a variety 

of different tenures including 

affordable rent, shared ownership, 

market rent and market sale. 

www.semprahomes.co.uk 


“When we approach the design of the chiller we always 

consider the following; 

Clients Requirement 

Energy Efficient 

Concept Design + Scope 

Longevity 

Reliability 

We also take into account the way the chiller is going to last and 

mature over its running life time” 

Chief Designer

Enquiry Number 12 at www.modbs.co.uk/enquiries

TIMBER BUILDINGS 

Award-winning hotel places sustainability at 

the forefront of innovative natural design 

Set atop the sloping Cornish 

coastline, Carbis Bay Hotel is 

an eco-friendly estate which 

prioritises green luxury living, 

tailored to holidaymakers seeking to 

reduce their carbon footprint. From 

installing an on-site Energy Centre, 

which provides power for the hotel, 

spa and the variety of room types, 

to cladding the new beach lodges 

and ocean venue, part of a £15m 

beachfront regeneration project, in 

Kebony, a global leader in 

sustainable modified wood, the 

forward-thinking Carbis Bay Hotel 

ensures that the commitment to 

green living runs through all aspects 

of the coastal holiday resort. 

The family run estate, located in 

popular holiday-hotspot, St Ives, also 

ensures the maintenance of its blue 

flag beach, marine life and wider 

natural rural surroundings boasting 

a world-first promenade made solely 

from recycled plastics from the 

ocean. The Energy Centre provides 

power for the whole site, as well as 

harnessing the heat created during 

the production of electricity to heat 

a constant supply of hot water 

running throughout the site and its 

swimming pools, providing a carbon 

saving of approximately 70 tonnes 

per-annum to the environment. 

Architects, The Bazeley 

Partnership, were careful to select 

innovative construction materials for 

the beach regeneration project that 

would contribute positively to the 

hotel’s environmental footprint; this 

was a significant factor in the 

hotel’s recent award success at the 

AA Hospitality Awards 2019, where 

the Estate won ‘Best Eco Hotel.’ 

Kebony wood, was chosen to clad 

the entire exterior, due in part to its 

global reputation as a leading 

producer of sustainable wood, and 

its unique aesthetic which sees the 

wood delicately weather and blend 

into the unique beauty of the 

surrounding area. 

Developed in Norway, Kebony’s 

revolutionary technology is an 

environmentally friendly process 

which modifies sustainably sourced 

softwoods by heating the wood with 

furfuryl alcohol - an agricultural byproduct. 

By polymerising the wood’s 

cell wall, the softwoods permanently 

take on the attributes of tropical 

hardwood including high durability, 

hardness and dimensional stability. 

The revolutionary process not only 

provides a wealth of enhanced 

physical properties, but also 

contributes to the timber’s unique 

aesthetic which sees a natural silvergrey 

patina develop over a time. 

Owner of the Carbis Bay Hotel, 

Stephen Baker commented, “We’re 

extremely proud of this hotel and 

how it interacts with the 

surrounding area, which has always 

been central to our vision for Carbis 

Bay. Our eco- facilities are first-rate 

and the use of sustainable materials 

like Kebony, are testament to our 

dedication and commitment to the 

environment now, and for 

generations to come.” 

International Sales Director at 

Kebony, Adrian Pye added, “The 

Carbis Bay Hotel is a truly special 

project, and a pioneer in luxury 

hotels in the United Kingdom. We 

are incredibly proud to have 

contributed to the beach houses 

which set a new precedent for ecoconscious 

commercial 

developments.” 

www.carbisbayhotel.co.uk 

www.kebony.com 



Timber Frame: Accommodating The Differential 

With sales of timber 

homes and buildings 

heading towards £1bn 

in the next 12 months*, 

Andy Swift, sales and operations 

manager, UK & ROI for ISO-Chemie, 

considers sealant tapes for timber 

frame structures and 

accommodating differential 

movement. 

The latest figures from the 

Structural Timber Association (STA) 

show that timber frames currently 

account for 22% of new housing 

starts in England, 17% in Northern 

Ireland and 30% in Wales, indicating 

that the technique can be seen as a 

viable alternative to traditional 

construction methods. 

Indeed, as some industry experts 

predict offsite construction 

overtaking traditional onsite 

methods due to sustainability 

factors - with panellised and 

modular homes being made from 

recyclable materials and using up to 

67% less energy in the building 

process than equivalent traditional 

onsite builds - the outlook for 

timber frame does indeed look rosy. 

Timber frame has many 

attractions: it allows for greater 

flexibility in design and, as a 

sustainable material, is costeffective 

which combined, aid the 

effort to reduce construction’s 

carbon footprint. Built offsite in a 

factory, with fittings included, 

structures such as modular homes 

can be installed on site faster than 

other methods of house building. 

However, when it comes to 

effective weather sealing of 

fenestration and external facades, 

which might have to last upwards of 

20 - 30 years, new build timber 

frame structures can experience a 

huge amount of settlement 

occurring during the first 18 - 24 

months of their life. Therefore, 

careful consideration must be given 

to this condition and factored in as 

part of the design at the critical 

product development stage. 

Timber frame dwellings have 

unique requirements regarding 

differential movement between the 

internal timber wall and the external 

masonry wall. Basically, the internal 

timber wall will shrink in height due 

to a combination of loading and 

moisture loss, while the external 

wall grows in height as the bricks 

swell due to moisture gain. As the 

windows are generally fixed to the 

internal timber wall this means that 

the windows also have a large 

amount of downward movement 

within the aperture of the masonry 

wall. 

The UK Timber Frame 

Association’s ‘Differential Movement 

Calculator’ document, which has 

been used by NHBC for its technical 

standards for some years, and which 

lays down compliance requirements 

for house builders for follow, 

suggests that even on a two storey 

dwelling, the first floor windows will 

move by upwards of 16 mm while 

second floor windows on a three 

storey house can move by almost as 

much 30mm. 

IMPLICATIONS 

What does this mean for the 

fenestration industry? As a window 

manufacturer, the quality of the 

window installation is paramount 

because any problems are usually 

laid at your door; while installers 

might see a poorly sealed unit 

tarnish their reputation with the 

house builder or indeed, the 

occupants. It also means that using 

a silicone solution to provide a seal, 

which gives a MAF (Movement 

Accommodation Factor) of between 

15% - 50% to accommodate the 

timber frame movement, could be 

largely ineffective - unless extremely 

large gaps around the window are 

required to accommodate 

movement. 

Alternatively, the use of 

advanced foam sealing tapes can be 

beneficial, adding value to the 

quality of the final finish. The 

current generation of tapes, such as 

ISO-Chemie’s ISO BLOCO T-Max, can 

accommodate up to 36 mm of 

movement (MAF = 257%) while 

remaining weather proof to Storm 

Force 10. 

When sealing the windows in 

timber frame houses the gap at the 

head increases as settlement occurs 

while the gap at the cill decreases. 

Sealing the vertical sides also 

becomes problematical due to sheer 

movement. This can be overcome 

using sealant tapes. The window 

should initially be located higher in 

the aperture than the expected final 

position, which means that the head 

tape will be in a more compressed 

state while the cill tape will initially 

be in a more expanded state. This 

will equalise or reverse following the 

settlement movement, but will still 

remain intact and weather tight. 

Horizontal gaps should also be 

installed first to prevent any 

problems forming post settlement. 

Tapes can be used to reduce 

vertical side gaps, too. They will 

adhere to the window frame only, 

allowing it to creep down the 

brickwork during the settlement 

period, accommodating the 

substantial sheer movement forces 

that can rip apart a silicone seal. 

ADDED BENEFITS 

Tapes also offer a ‘fit and forget’ 

advantages - and it’s a benefit not 

only for timber frame dwellings. 

Using a sealant tape means that the 

days when an installer would have 

to return to a house to remove a 

damaged post settlement silicone 

seal are gone. Neither does he have 

to go over the seal with a tool to 

get an acceptable smooth finish 

because tapes already have a flat 

finish when supplied. 

This is due to an open cell 

structure which ensures the surface 

remains perfectly smooth and flat, 

regardless of the 

expansion/compression cycle - the 

tape always expands and compresses 

with the same footprint /width as it 

was originally installed with. 

Impregnated foams can normally 

be installed quickly and simply with 

sufficient compression to provide a 

weather proof seal commensurate 

with the type of tape chosen, the 

average being 600 Pa - at this level 

a joint can resist wind driven rain up 

to violent Storm Force 11 (68 mph 

wind). Furthermore, because the 

tapes do not rely on adhesion to 

provide an effective seal they can be 

installed in the wet, saving time and 

money - a ‘breathable’ quality 

ensures that any trapped moisture in 

the joint will evaporate when the 

dry weather returns. 

It’s clear that perimeter seals 

around fenestration and movement 

joints in timber frame as well as 

brickwork structures perform a vital 

function. However, the correct 

specification of jointing materials is 

essential in ensuring that the 

structure remains capable of 

accommodating changes and 

variations in gap size and long-term 

performance. 

*MTW Research report on the UK 

Timber Frame House Building & 

Construction Market in 2020 with 

forecasts to 2024. 

ISO-Chemie is one of Europe’s 

leading producers of impregnated 

foam sealants, specialising in the 

manufacturer of foam products 

from polyethylene (EPE), 

polypropylene (EPP) and 

polyurethane (PUR) using the latest 

production techniques. 

www.iso-chemie.eu/en-GB/ 



Building towards a zero-carbon future – how 

timber frames can reduce the greenhouse effect 

While the COVID-19 

pandemic has posed 

major challenges for 

the industry, it has also 

offered opportunities to consider the 

adoption of fresh initiatives that 

drive better efficiency. 

Currently, the UK needs new 

housing stock built quickly and at 

volume, all while meeting 

heightened green targets and 

delivering significant cost savings. 

As a meaningful solution, timber 

frame construction offers 

considerable benefits in each of 

those areas. 

Not only is it beneficial to 

housebuilders, but building in timber 

contributes to the UK’s commitment 

to combat climate change while 

improving heat retention and 

reducing CO2 emissions within new 

homes. 

In growth through 

photosynthesis, timber absorbs 

carbon from the atmosphere which 

would otherwise add to the 

greenhouse effect. Europe’s 400 

Stewart Milne Timber Systems’ 

Technical Development Manager 

Simon Horn discusses the benefits of 

timber frame to the construction 

industry as a versatile, green building 

material for a zero-carbon future. 

billion trees currently absorb almost 

nine per cent of the continent’s 

greenhouse gas emissions and, in 

turn, use of timber in a building will 

store the carbon for the life cycle of 

that building. 

Timber frames draw in and store 

carbon from the atmosphere, with 

the largest potential for this 

achieved in external walls, 

intermediate floors, and roof 

structures. In fact, on average, 

replacing just one cubic metre of 

concrete with timber in construction 

can save a tonne of CO2 emissions. 

Arguably, the better news is that 

it takes very little energy to convert 

the wood from trees to the timber 

used in building. This means that the 

embodied energy in timber is low. 

Indeed, it is the lowest of almost all 

common building materials. 

Timber continues to perform well 

when compared directly with other 

materials. Life cycle studies of 

timber frame homes show that they 

significantly outperform alternatives 

- timber saves about 40 per cent of 

carbon emissions in comparison to 

concrete and about 30 per cent 

compared to steel. According to 

the Committee on Climate Change, 

“Using wood in construction to 

displace high-carbon materials such 

as cement and steel is one of the 

most effective ways to use limited 

biomass resources to mitigate 

climate change.” 

With the industry under pressure 

to deliver improved energy 

efficiency and the market expected 

to be fragile for some time following 

the effects of COVID-19, it’s more 

important than ever that we identify 

methods by which to achieve 

government targets and uplift the 

new green economy - and timber 

frame construction must 

undoubtedly be considered a leading 

example. 

www.stewartmilnetimbersystems.com/ 


Endurawood: new range of aluminium 

building products 


New range of wood-effect coated aluminium systems for building and construction market. 

Exterior cladding and outdoor 

living product supplier 

Endurawood has officially 

launched in the UK. 

Dedicated to the construction, 

residential and commercial sectors, 

Endurawood components are made 

of solid aluminium but are coated 

with a finish to resemble the 

natural beauty of wood. 

Part of leading manufacturer of 

windows and doors Euramax’s 

product offering, Endurawood 

offers customers a choice of 

aluminium products including 

decking, exterior cladding, gates, 

pergolas, balustrades, handrails and 

more, all with the unique 

Endurawood appearance. 

With a comprehensive range of 

finishes available, Endurawood has 

all the style of wood with all the 

benefits of aluminium. 

Environmentally friendly, aluminium 

is a recyclable material and resmelting 

only uses five per cent of 

the energy originally needed to 

produce the product. Furthermore, 

it is resistant to corrosion, stain and 

scratch resistant, increasing 

longevity of the product, something 

that is vital in the construction 

industry. Unlike natural wood and 

steel grades, Endurawood is freeze 

and frost resistant as well as being 

non-slip, which makes it ideal for 

decked areas. 

“Being able to offer our 

customers a product like 

Endurawood opens up a huge 

variety of opportunities for them 

and us,” explained Endurawood 

managing director, Nick Cowley. 

“Market trends are very changeable 

but one thing we are seeing is a 

greater awareness of sustainability. 

Products like Endurawood have the 

added advantage of being fully 

recyclable. Unlike fibrous, cement 

or timber products, the material is 

not sent for incineration or to 

become landfill at the end of its 

life. 

“Endurawood has a wellestablished 

supply chain and can 

offer full technical back-up and 

support to our customers. The 

range also presents a particular 

opportunity to the modular and 

offsite construction customers, 

which are becoming increasingly 

popular, as companies look to 

expand their existing portfolios. 

“We are constantly looking for 

new ways to widen and improve on 

the products and service we offer 

to our customers. Endurawood not 

only gives our customers a highquality 

durable product but also a 

wider design potential. We’re 

looking forward to working with 

our customers on their Endurawood 

projects and seeing the wide variety 

of ways it will be put to use,” added 

Cowley. 

www.endurawood.co.uk 


PROJECTS 

GT 3 Scoops Regional RICS Social 

Impact Award For Leisure Project 

Atransformational £23million 

leisure development, 

designed for the London 

Borough of Croydon, has 

scooped a prestigious Social Impact 

Award at the regional RICS Awards. 

The new RICS Social Impact 

Awards, which were held digitally, 

recognise the built environment's 

positive and transformational 

contribution to society. The design 

won the leisure category in the 

London regional round and was 

commended by the judges for its 

‘innovative design’. 

The project team behind the 

award-winning New Addington 

leisure scheme, which is a flagship 

facility for the local council, includes 

GT3 Architects , Willmott Dixon, 

Engenuiti, Van Zyl & de Villiers and 

FT Leisure. 

The new facility features a sixlane, 

25-metre swimming pool, a 

teaching pool, two studios, a fitness 

suite, four court sports hall, and 

substantial community space. 

Simon Dunstan, director at GT3 

Architects, said: “We are delighted 

that New Addington has won the 

Social Impact award as the project’s 

primary aim was to provide easy and 

inclusive access for the entire 

community. 

“We worked closely with the 

London Borough of Croydon to fully 

understand the community 

requirements and create a design 

that is truly inclusive, in keeping 

with our People Architecture 

philosophy. For example, the facility 

includes a sizable space for the 

thriving New Addington market as 

well as space for sports wheelchair 

storage within the sports hall and an 

on-site café to create a social hub. 

“The project created more than 75 

jobs for Croydon residents and was 

home to Willmott Dixon’s first 

Building Lives Academy, which aims 

to upskill young people in Croydon 

and provide them with a foot in the 

door to the construction industry. 

We’re therefore thrilled that this work 

has been recognised with this award.” 

Alongside the community 

engagement aims of the scheme, the 

project was also designed to meet a 

35% reduction in CO2, which is over 

and above the building regulations. 

The energy strategy was 

supplemented by extensive use of 

photovoltaic panels on the roof of 

the leisure centre all of which 

contributed to the achievement of a 

BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. 

Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet 

member for culture, leisure and 

sport, added: “This is a stunning new 

centre with first-class facilities for 

everyone in New Addington to enjoy 

and be proud of. It will make a huge 

difference to our local community, 

helping them to keep fit and stay 

healthy while giving them a new 

venue to enjoy with family and 

friends.” 

www.gt3architects.com 


PROJECTS 

SCI partners with Siemens to complete the 

retrofit of Garrard House, EC2, City of London 

SCI, the building 

management service 

provider, has partnered with 

Siemens Smart 

Infrastructure to reconfigure and 

refurbish Garrard House, EC2 in the 

City of London. The former 

Schroder offices will undergo a 

£850,000 retrofit that will see the 

newest adaptive mechanical and 

electrical systems installed to 

optimise the building’s energy 

efficiency. On completion, the 

building’s CO2 emissions will be 

reduced by 50% to 35kg/m2 

compared with the existing 

structure. 

Located in the heart of the 

financial centre and close to St 

Paul’s Cathedral and other cultural 

landmarks, Garrard House provides 

approximately 170,000 sq. ft. of 

office space over nine floors, with 

two ground floor retail units, and 

two basement levels plus a roof 

plant level. The improvement works 

will be designed to meet the 

BREEAM Non-Domestic 

Refurbishment 2014 “Excellent” 

rating. 

“Buildings account for more 

than 40 percent of the electricity 

consumption in cities and with 

nearly 80% of them having already 

been built [for use over the next 30 

years]*, retrofitting existing 

structures, to make them more 

energy efficient, will be a priority if 

the UK is to hit net-zero carbon 

targets by 2050,” said Ian Grainger, 

head of sales comfort division 

Siemens. “The upgrading of Garrard 

House is a classic example of a 

high-end retrofit done well, 

designed to meet its sustainability 

goals. Not only are we laying the 

infrastructure for safe, reliable and 

energy-efficient building operations 

but we are also creating a modern 

working environment that will 

enhance the productivity and 

wellbeing of its occupants.” 

By retaining and re-using the 

existing structure Garrard House 

will save over 2,500 tonnes of 

embodied carbon emissions, 

creating a sustainable building for 

the future. The works included the 

replacement of all the existing 

electrical and mechanical 

installations and HVAC distributions 

with a new BMS (Building 

Management System) designed and 

installed by SCI based on Siemens 

Desigo CC, the integrated building 

management platform. The 

Siemens controllers connect thirdparty 

smart devices using BACnet 

(open protocol) into a centralised 

software platform. Desigo CC 

enables building operators to 

monitor and control energy systems 

such as HVAC, lighting and power 

systems to optimise performance 

and comfort. An open protocol 

system allows building owners to 

effectively plug and play devices 

and peripherals from different 

manufacturers with ease i.e. device 

agnostic. 

Building managers at Garrard 

House will have upon handover a 

360-degree graphical view of the 

plant controlled by the system; 

allowing for real-time monitoring 

of equipment to modify energy use, 

environmental conditions and 

modes of operation. Set-points, 

alarms to predict problems or 

maintenance issues, times, time 

delays and time schedules can be 

regulated or set, according to 

operator access rights. 

Said James Wallace, technical 

sales director SCI: “We are 

experienced in complex 

reconfiguration and refurbishment 

works. The upgrade plan for 

Garrard House introduced the 

newest technologies available today 

while maximising the service life of 

some of the installed systems. 

Control routines built into the main 

plant central systems integrated 

with Siemens Green Leaf 

technologies maintain the perfect 

climate while saving energy.” 

The project is due for 

completion in August 2020. 

In addition, SCI has undertaken 

numerous high-profile BMS projects 

across London and the surrounding 

areas including major building 

management system installations 

such as 1-3 Grosvenor Square, 

Premier Place, Camden Town Hall 

Annexe, HAVAS, Microsoft, Amazon 

HQ, Deutsche Bank, and 109 

Lambeth, Metropolitan Police and 

Unilever’s European Headquarters. 

www.ukgbc.org/climate-change/ 

www.new.siemens.com/uk/en 

On completion, retrofitted high-rise office development will 

incorporate the latest adaptive mechanical and electrical 

systems to optimise the building’s energy efficiency; cutting 

costs and improving occupant wellbeing. 

CO2 footprint will be reduced by 50% to 35kg CO2/m2 

compared with the current building. 


PROJECTS 

Rula Appointed Development Partner on 

significant North West Industrial Site 

Rula Developments has been 

appointed by the Cheshire 

West and Chester Council 

and Public Sector Plc 

partnership Build&Thrive to deliver 

the expansion of Winsford Industrial 

Estate located off Junction 18 of the 

M6. 

The news comes after the 

Build&Thrive announced plans to 

start a £5 million first phase package 

of infrastructure works to create the 

principle access off Road One along 

with the primary services for the 

site. 

Rula has already delivered a 

168,000 sq ft, £22 million state of 

the art factory for Tiger Trailers on 

the estate. With full planning 

consent in place to develop a 

further 30 acres, Rula has released 

plots for 18.5 acres 

industrial/distribution use, 5 acres 

for roadside/amenities and a further 

7 acres for smaller 

industrial/business uses. 

Ben Ward, Managing Director at 

Rula Developments said, “We are 

delighted to be working with the 

team at Build&Thrive to bring 

forward this development which has 

potential to create over 600 more 

jobs and significant economic gain 

for the region. The estate is already 

a well-established location with 

great amenities, but with the 

extension of the Estate it will give 

businesses the opportunity to grow 

or relocate to the area and with the 

infrastructure now underway it’s the 

ideal opportunity to launch the 

scheme. 

“Winsford Gateway, as it will be 

branded, offers bespoke design and 

building opportunities for units up 

to 250,000 sq ft and we are able to 

start construction on site 

immediately. We have already 

received strong interest in the 

roadside plot.” 

Councillor Richard Beacham, 

Cabinet Member for Housing, 

Regeneration and Growth, said: “The 

development of Winsford Industrial 

Estate remains a top priority for the 

council and we are continuing to 

invest in the site to enable the local 

community to benefit from its 

growth and expansion. This latest 

phase is the continuation of a really 

exciting four-year partnership 

project to develop the site, which 

will secure employment in the town 

and help to give confidence about 

the future at a time when Covid-19 

has created some uncertainty for 

local people and businesses.” 

Kate Howe, Development 

Manager at Public Sector Plc, said: 

“The development of Winsford 

Industrial Estate is a real testament 

to the council’s belief in the people 

and businesses of Winsford and 

Cheshire West. 

“By unlocking new employment 

land in key strategic locations, we 

can help local authorities like 

Cheshire West & Chester to 

maximise the value and benefit of 

their land and property holdings. 

“The agility and flexibility of our 

Build&Thrive partnership with the 

Council allows us to respond to the 

specific needs of a community and 

to deliver projects that truly support 

and promote local people and 

places. As a partner of local 

authorities, we passionately believe 

land and property can be used to 

help local communities and 

economies bounce back from the 

impact of the coronavirus.” 

Winsford Industrial estate has 

seen rapid development in recent 

years and is now home to more than 

100 businesses and around 4,000 

workers. The Estate is located in the 

heart of Cheshire, and borders idyllic 

countryside whilst offering excellent 

transport links, with the M6 

motorway and major A-roads linking 

the estate with Merseyside, Chester 

and North Wales. 

Rula Developments is a privately 

owned commercial development 

company focusing on identifying 

and developing sites across the UK 

for immediate development or for 

medium to longer-term strategic 

development, delivering high quality 

buildings and schemes. Its 

management team has a pedigree of 

over 4,000,000 sq ft of development 

for manufacturing and distribution 

use with resources to manage 

projects from conception to 

completion. Its current portfolio 

includes a 125,000 sq ft new build in 

Tankersley, the 77-acre Port Link 180 

estate in Immingham and 168,000 

sq ft industrial unit on the adjacent 

land. 

Legat Owen Chartered Surveyors 

are appointed as sole agents to 

market Winsford Gateway. 

Tel: 01244 408200 

www.ruladevelopments.co.uk 


PROJECTS 

Partnership approach sees Ainscaff, Layher allround 

scaffolding & temporary roof systems and Clancy bring 

important benefits to cathedral roof repairs 

Slate roof repairs on the 800 

year old St Patrick’s 

Cathedral in Dublin have 

called for a scaffold and 

weather protection system that 

takes full account of the historic 

importance of the building. Ireland’s 

oldest church, which dates back to 

1220, is currently undergoing the 

replacement of 19th century roof 

slates and is benefitting from the 

combined scaffolding expertise of 

Ainscaff Scaffolding – working for 

main contractor Clancy Construction 

– and the performance of Layher 

Ltd.’s Allround scaffolding and 

lightweight roof systems. 

After a year in the planning, the 

installation above the nave features 

scaffolds either side of the cathedral 

to support a series of multiple beam 

clusters from which further 

scaffolding then rises to the 

temporary roof. Simon Ainscough, 

Director at Ainscaff, highlights the 

particular issues that have had to be 

addressed at the site – 

“As so often with buildings of 

this type, the key factors that we 

have to accommodate are 

restrictions on tying-in to the fabric 

and both the movement and 

positioning of equipment through 

often tight spaces and alongside 

very valuable and irreplaceable 

structures and artefacts, and the 

Layher equipment provides key gains 

in each case,” he says. By way of 

example, he points out that the 

celebrated organ alone is valued at 

some £2 million. 

“Key benefits of the Layher 

system include optimised handling 

due to its lightweight construction 

and the fact that it requires 

markedly fewer components than, 

for example, a tube and fitting 

alternative,” he says. He adds that 

because Layher Allround features a 

built-in rosette connection system, 

the risks of clamps, for example, 

falling or being left at site is 

minimised. 

At the heart of the installation 

Layher’s, Ainscaff’s and Clancy’s 

design teams have developed a 

highly innovative scaffold and beam 

support structure to address the fact 

that tying-in was not possible. 

“We created clusters, each of 11 

Layher 750 beams, which were 

clamped to the walls before 

extending some eight metres 

externally through 14 windows 

along both sides of the building,” 

continues Simon Ainscough. “These 

were then fixed to the external 

support scaffolds to provide a base 

from which further structural 

elements rise to support the 

temporary roof.” 

The design effectively bridges – 

and, therefore, avoids loading onto – 

lower roof areas which run alongside 

the nave while also helping to 

ensure an important door access 

area remains open. At the same 

time, the external support scaffold, 

which extends down to ground level, 

provides the optimum structure for 

the installation of a material loading 

bay and access stair system. 

“The temporary roof itself 

features our Keder XL lightweight 

design which not only minimises 

loads and optimises handling, but 

can also be built to reach fully over 

the apex of the building without 

further support,” says Sean Pike, 

Layher Ireland’s Managing Director. 

He points out that a total roof span 

of some 18 metres is achieved. 

The bay-by-bay construction of 

the Layher temporary roof structure 

has meant that the limitations of 

only having one crane on site were 

sufficient for the installation. “We 

could only lift from one end of the 

cathedral so we built rails onto the 

top of the support scaffold upon 

which Layher’s mobile roof system 

wheels were then located,” 

continues Simon Ainscough. “As 

each bay was craned into position 

and sheeted, it was then rolled along 

and fixed to create space for the 

following frame.” The roof sheets 

were then pulled into position 

through the integrated roof beam 

top chord Keder tracks – the whole 

scaffold and roof installation being 

completed in just four months by 14 

scaffolders including, significantly, 

five apprentices. 

With fireproof steel decking 

throughout and, importantly, crossbracing 

only required on the top lift 

as part of the means of securing the 

roof structure to the scaffold – 

which allows clear walkways for the 

movement of both men and 

materials – the Layher scaffold 

system brings clear gains to such an 

important and iconic structure. The 

simplification of handling even 

helped the unloading of materials at 

site which had to be undertaken 

during the night to avoid traffic 

restrictions in the city centre 

location. 

“This is a major project in every 

sense – not just because of its 

importance and specific structural 

characteristics, but also the amount 

of scaffolding and roof system 

material that has been used,” 

concludes Simon Ainscough. He 

points out that some 4.5 km of 

ledgers, 1.8 km of beams and 3.4 km 

of standards have all been deployed 

for what is only the first phase of 

the roof refurbishment programme. 

Now that the new roof over the 

nave is complete, using slate from 

the same quarry that supplied the 

cathedral 150 years ago, attention 

has moved onto phase two – repairs 

to the transept roof – with the final 

phase three to follow. 

“It is a high quality installation 

which demonstrates the suitability 

of our equipment together with 

Ainscaff’s and Clancy’s skills in the 

field of conservation,” concludes 

Sean Pike. “The structure provides 

safe, clear access and also creates 

the ideal, naturally-lit working 

environment for the roofing trades, 

yet impacts as little as possible on 

the continuing function of St 

Patrick’s Cathedral below.” 

www.layher.co.uk 


PROJECTS 

Esh Construction Completes Multi-Million- 

Pound Beddell House Refurbishment 

Esh Construction, one of the 

North of England’s largest 

contractors, has completed a 

multi-million-pound 

refurbishment project at Beddell 

House in County Durham. 

Esh Living, the affordable 

housing delivery arm of Esh 

Construction, completed work to 

restore the Grade II listed residential 

care home in Sherburn earlier this 

year, with the two-and-a-half-year 

project for Sherburn House Charity 

Ltd seeing a transformation of the 

accommodation and provision for 

residents, providing a luxurious and 

attractive place to live. 

Gary Dobson, Director of Esh 

Living, Build & Facilities, said: “This 

has been a key transformation 

project for Esh Living, working to 

regenerate a heritage building 

within County Durham. Through 

excellent working relationships with 

the client, consultant team, subcontractors 

and suppliers, together 

we have provided a fantastic 

residential facility for current and 

future residents and staff.” 

Six phases of internal and 

external refurbishments were 

completed to create a mix of oneand 

two-bedroom apartments with 

bathroom and living room, 

communal areas, a dining area, and 

a new catering kitchen. 

The result is a high-end hotel 

style décor which includes a 

communal cinema room, bar, lounge, 

salon, and orangery. A new energy 

efficient heating system was 

installed alongside historically 

appropriate double-glazed windows, 

which considered the building’s 

listed status. 

Although the residential home 

remained operational throughout 

the project, disruption was kept to a 

minimum, and regular events, 

including coffee mornings, helped to 

create a strong working relationship 

with staff and residents. 

Pauline Bishop, Chief Executive 

at Sherburn House, said: “Esh 

worked in partnership with the 

charity to carefully plan each stage 

of the project in order to minimise 

disruption to the residents living on 

site during the refurbishment. The 

efforts of the partnership has paid 

off as the end result is absolutely 

fantastic! We aimed for luxury 5* 

country hotel facilities and that is 

what we got. 

“Feedback from residents and 

their families has been so positive, 

both in terms of the construction 

team’s considerate approach while 

on site but also for the building 

improvements, which have 

significantly increased the quality of 

life for our residents. We have been 

inundated with interest from 

potential customers and I can’t wait 

to welcome everyone back to the 

care home when the current 

restrictions are lifted.” 

As with every Esh Construction 

scheme, responsible local 

procurement was paramount - 83 

per cent of suppliers and 

subcontractors were located within 

30 miles of the site. 

www.eshgroup.co.uk 


PROJECTS 

New research unlocks the key to the past of 

St Giles’ Kirk as it approaches its 900th anniversary 

New research into the 

original timber used to 

build the bell tower of St 

Giles’ has uncovered 

previously unknown details about 

the construction of Edinburgh’s 

iconic kirk as it approaches its 900th 

anniversary. 

Historic Environment Scotland 

(HES) provided funding for the 

South East Scotland Oak 

Dendrochronology project (SESOD), 

led by Dr Coralie Mills, to investigate 

the remarkable five-storey timber 

frame within the bell tower of St 

Giles’ High Kirk on the cities Royal 

Mile, which is part of the Old and 

New Towns of Edinburgh World 

Heritage site. The aim of this 

research was to recover valuable 

tree-ring data and determine the 

date of its construction. While 

founded in 1124, the church has 

undergone many additions and 

alterations over time, particularly in 

the 19th century. 

Dendrochronology – the 

scientific method of dating tree 

rings to the exact year they were 

formed – was conducted on samples 

taken from a selection of oak 

timbers in the bell-frame, which has 

refined the probable date for 

completion of the St Giles’ bell 

tower to between 1460 and 1467, 

when the church achieved collegiate 

status from Pope Paul II. 

The testing was able to establish 

two felling dates for timber in the 

frame - in the winters of 1453/54 

and 1459/60. The research also 

revealed that the timber was 

sourced from one of the last 

remaining reserves of old growth 

oak timber in Scotland, the Royal 

Forest of Darnaway, in Morayshire, 

and that many of these trees would 

have been over 300 years old when 

felled. 

Dr Coralie Mills, the 

dendrochronologist who carried out 

the work, said: “Discovering the date 

and provenance of the timbers in 

the tower at St Giles’, and allowing 

a new insight into the medieval 

history of our native woods, has 

been a highlight of my career as a 

dendrochronologist in Scotland. 

“The mid-15th century was a 

pivotal time when Scotland turned 

to Scandinavia for most of its timber 

supply, but this research shows that 

Darnaway still had reserves of old 

growth oak, by then a very scarce 

and valuable resource in Scotland. 

Furthermore, the St Giles’ timbers 

match closely with other material 

from reused timber in the Chapel 

Royal at Stirling Castle, which is also 

thought to have come from 

Darnaway. 

“These results enhance our 

understanding of St Giles’ 

construction history and provide 

valuable insights into the medieval 

timber supply in Scotland.” 

Dr. Kirsty Owen, Deputy Head of 

Archaeology at HES said: ” We’re 

delighted to have supported the 

work of the SESOD project through 

our archaeology grants programme, 

which is part of our ongoing 

commitment to raise the profile of 

archaeological science and its 

practical role in the conservation of 

our heritage. 

“This discovery at St Giles’s 

demonstrates that 

dendrochronological research has 

the potential to significantly 

enhance our understanding of our 

historic buildings, which in turn will 

assist in their conservation.” 

John Andrew, Member of the St 

Giles’ Kirk Session and Convenor of 

the committee responsible for the 

building fabric, said: “The 

investigation and subsequent 

discovery of the history of the 

ancient timbers in the crown tower 

at St Giles’ has uncovered another 

key element in the fascinating 

history of this great and iconic 

building. 

“The continuing research into the 

history of St Giles’ will continue to 

improve our understanding on how 

the building was constructed and 

will inform how the building will be 

conserved, and maintained for 

generations of worshippers and 

visitors in the future.” 

John Lawson, Edinburgh’s City 

Archaeologist and supporter of the 

project. said: “This fascinating 

research into the original timber 

used to build the bell tower of St 

Giles’ has given us new insight into 

the Kirk, a building that we thought 

we knew so well. 

“This has been an incredible 

piece of work which has helped shed 

light on the long-asked question of 

exactly when and how the present 

tower was constructed. St Giles’ Kirk 

has changed in many ways over the 

last 900 years and until now various 

dates had been given for its 

construction from 14th century 

onwards. This research now confirms 

a 15th century date and highlights 

the importance of undertaking 

archaeological investigations in our 

historic buildings. “ 

0131 668 8714 

www.historicenvironment.scot 


PROJECTS 

Proteus HR gives new lease of life to 

industrial workshop 

An antiquated industrial 

building in the heart of 

Hatton Garden, London, has 

been given a new lease of 

life thanks in part to sparkling bronze 

anodised aluminium rainscreen 

cladding panels from Proteus Facades. 

Following an £18.4m 

refurbishment designed by 

Karakusevic Carson Architects, 

Record Hall has been transformed 

from an outdated former record 

depository, into a state-of-the-art, 

six-floor business centre with a 

striking exterior. 

The brief given to Karakusevic 

Carson Architects by owners 

Workspace was to redevelop the 

1920s structure on Leather Lane, 

part of the Hatton Garden 

Conservation Area, into a modern 

building that offers cost effective 

workshops suitable for companies 

working in both the jewellery and 

media & creative industries. 

Redeveloped by main contractor 

HG Construction, Record Hall now 

offers 61,000 sq. ft. of office and 

studio space. The project involved 

refurbishing the existing four-storey 

building and adding a two-storey 

roof extension. 

The upper levels of the building, 

including the new extension, are 

clad in striking Proteus HR 

Aluminium panels with a bespoke 

bronze United Anodisers (540) finish; 

chosen to reflect the heritage of the 

area, which has been at the centre 

of London’s jewellery trade since 

medieval times. 

Installed by FPP Facades, Proteus 

HR was also specified because it is a 

lightweight, strong and versatile 

cladding panel that creates an 

optically flat aesthetic. The 

integrated modular rainscreen panels 

feature an aluminium honeycomb 

core, structurally bonded between 

two thin gauges of lightweight metal 

skin to create an optically flat panel. 

In addition, Proteus Facades 

fabricated bespoke extruded vertical 

and horizontal fins with an identical 

finish, which gives the impression 

that the cladding panels are recessed 

into the building. This further 

compartmentalises the façade 

against the existing brickwork and 

complements the art deco window 

styles that, when illuminated in the 

evenings, shimmer in the light and 

provides further countenance to the 

striking design for passers-by. 

Inclusion of the rainscreen 

cladding not only offers appealing 

aesthetics but adds to the energy 

efficiency by allowing the 

incorporation of high levels of 

insulation behind the panel – the 

relatively thinner panels allow 

increased insulation thickness on the 

inner structure whilst still 

maintaining the ventilated cavity 

behind the panels. 

The Proteus HR panels provide 

the building with protection from 

the elements, too, including elevated 

windspeeds in this built up area with 

narrow streets dominated by 

medium rise structures. 

Along with efficient new 

building services, the incorporation 

of high-performance insulation to 

both new and existing elements of 

fabric and a wildflower green roof 

have all contributed to the 

achievement of a BREEAM Excellent 

rating. 

The aim of the redevelopment at 

Record Hall is to support new and 

growing businesses to thrive. 

Boasting 86 units ranging from 170 

to 7,000 sq. ft., the building 

encompasses a Club Workspace 

outpost, the company’s coworking 

brand, along with ground floor café 

‘The Archive’, high-tech meeting 

rooms, a co-working lounge and 

roof terraces offering views across 

the City. 

Formed of two distinct parts, the 

building is situated in a tight site on 

a narrow street, which resulted in 

the street-facing elevation 

resembling more of a back entrance. 

As such, the architects also extended 

outwards to the boundary line to 

reorganise the interior and bring the 

main entrance to the centre of the 

plan to give it a direct visual 

relationship with a new lightwell. 

Karakusevic Carson Architects 

commented: “The Record Hall 

project demonstrates how 

intelligent design can bring clarity 

and character to what was a 

previously complex and incoherent 

site and create a place where old 

and new cannot simply co-exist but 

flourish.” 

Proteus HR is available in steel, 

aluminium, zinc, stainless steel, 

copper alloys and other materials. 

For further information about 

the innovative rainscreen cladding 

system or to view more inspirational 

projects from Proteus Facades, visit: 

www.proteusfacades.com 

or call: 0151 545 5075 


PROJECTS 

Waterfront development at Liverpool Waters 

opens its doors to residents 

The next phase of residential 

development at Princes Dock, 

part of Peel L&P’s Liverpool 

Waters, has opened its doors 

to residents, as property company 

Redwing nears completion of its £21 

million residential development, 

Plaza 1821. 

Plaza 1821 offers 105 one and 

two-bedroom apartments along with 

dedicated amenity space on the 

ground floor. The scheme is just a 

stone’s throw away from the Three 

Graces – the Royal Liver Building, 

Cunard Building and Port of 

Liverpool Building – that give the 

city its iconic waterfront. 

Plaza 1821 is named after the 

year Princes Dock opened and is a 

private rental sector (PRS) 

development, undertaken by Peel 

L&P. 

The development is one of three 

additional planned residential 

developments at Princes Dock – part 

of the Liverpool Waters £5bn 

regeneration scheme which will 

encompass five new neighbourhoods 

– alongside Moda Living’s The 

Lexington, which is currently well 

underway, and Your Housing Group’s 

Patagonia Place, for which a 

planning application has recently 

been submitted. 

Darran Lawless, development 

director at Liverpool Waters part of 

Peel L&P, said: 

“It’s fantastic that the team at 

Redwing has been able to ensure 

residents are able to move into these 

brilliant apartments with incredible 

views of Liverpool’s waterfront. It’s a 

real milestone for people to begin 

moving in to these amazing homes 

at Princes Dock, demonstrating the 

significant progress happening 

across the wider Liverpool Waters 

scheme. 

“We look forward to seeing this 

part of Princes Dock and the wider 

scheme progress even further over 

the coming months and years, 

helping us to create homes, jobs and 

a new community, breathing life 

back into our historic docklands.” 

Fiona Coventry, Executive 

Director of Property at Redwing 

“At Redwing we work with a 

range of partners to provide high 

quality residential developments 

where people and communities 

thrive. Plaza 1821 is one of a 

number of new developments that 

we will bring to our customers in 

the near future. 

We are delighted to be part of 

the Liverpool Waters regeneration 

project with Plaza 1821, which 

offers 105 stunning apartments for 

private rent. Each with outdoor 

space and spectacular views as well 

as a range of amenities including, 

parking, secure bike storage, 

resident’s lounge and concierge. We 

will also be announcing an exciting 

restaurant partner for our ground 

floor space soon. 

Our team are on hand to conduct 

viewings by appointment for the 

remaining apartments and we’ve 

already had fantastic feedback from 

the first people to move in. We look 

forward to welcoming more residents 

into their new homes at Plaza 1821 

over the next few weeks.” 

The development is managed by 

Redwing and built by contractors 

Vermont Construction Group. 

As it continues to progress, 

Liverpool Waters will transform 60 

hectares of historic docklands and is 

the biggest single regeneration 

project in the history of Liverpool. In 

total, the development will offer 

2,000,000 sq.m of floorspace which 

will include 9,000 residential homes, 

315,000 sq.m. of business space and 

53,000 sq.m. of hotel and 

conference facilities. The waterfront 

project will also be the home to a 

new Cruise liner terminal and hotel 

as well as a new Isle of Man ferry 

terminal which is currently under 

construction as well as the proposed 

location of the new Everton FC 

stadium. 

www.liverpoolwaters.co.uk 

www.plaza1821.com 


PROJECTS 

Ben Johnson Interiors creates a great new 

look for recruitment firm 

UK-wide recruitment firm, 

Search, was keen for its 

new 14,000sq ft 

Manchester flagship office 

to have a unique contemporary, 

industrial feel. 

Search was keen to balance 

aesthetics with an effective working 

environment and to include spaces 

that offered distancing, as well as 

relaxed, impromptu meeting areas. 

Yorkshire-based Ben Johnson 

Interiors were appointed to carry out 

interior design, fit out and furniture 

supply. 

To cope with heavy footfall in 

the workplace, contemporary yet 

practical Flotex flooring was 

installed, combining the resilience 

and easy cleaning properties of vinyl 

with the softer acoustic properties 

of carpet. 

High specification, acoustic glass 

partitioning between areas was 

installed to encourage distancing, 

minimise noise, introduce natural 

light and convey an open, 

transparent feel to the interior. 

The perimeter air-conditioning 

system was modified to allow 

appropriate heating and cooling to 

each of the individual meeting 

rooms. 

www.benjohnson.co.uk/interiors 


Derby set for new 3,500 capacity venue 

PROJECTS 

Exciting plans to deliver a new 

3,500 capacity venue in 

Derby’s Becketwell area have 

been drawn up by developer 

St James Securities and Derby City 

Council. 

The new entertainment and 

conference venue will be located in 

the heart of the city centre on the 

site of the former Pink Coconut 

nightclub. It is expected to be a 

significant attraction for Derby by 

adding a much needed new ‘Cultural 

venue’ but also supporting the 

important regeneration of a long 

disused site linking the Intu 

Shopping centre and the Cathedral 

Quarter. 

It’s anticipated that the venue 

will hold hundreds of cultural and 

commercial events each year 

offering a fantastic and varied 

programme for local people and 

attract an additional quarter of a 

million visitors to Derby. 

Over 200 new local jobs are 

expected to be created giving the 

city centre economy a significant 

boost. The scheme is set to generate 

more than £10m per year for the 

area, providing a massive stimulus to 

local businesses. The level of 

confidence in Derby illustrated by 

this investment from the private 

sector demonstrates a positive belief 

in Derby and its future – despite the 

challenges of Covid-19 to our local 

economy. 

On the announcement Cllr 

Matthew Homes, Deputy Leader of 

Derby City Council, said: 

“We are working together with 

experienced commercial sector 

partners to put the best venue 

option on the table. This is about 

creating a vibrant, thriving city 

centre, and rejuvenating areas that 

have seen a decline. A new venue 

like this will significantly aid our 

recovery efforts and boost business 

confidence by creating hundreds of 

jobs, putting millions into the local 

economy, and make a big 

contribution to Derby’s future 

prosperity.” 

The new music, entertainment 

and conference events venue will be 

housed in a purpose-built facility. It 

will be a fully flexible, scalable 

space, with a capacity of up to 

3,500, with secondary space up to 

400 capacity. 

It will offer a significantly larger, 

more flexible space than the City 

has had in the past and it will 

appeal to a wider range of audiences 

in a purpose-built setting run by a 

nationally respected operator. 

The new venue will collaborate 

with and complement the activities 

of Derby Arena to provide the best 

possible events programme for 

Derby. The two venues will work 

together to ensure we can maximise 

the number of events that can come 

to Derby. 

Commenting on their plans to 

bring a new performance venue to 

the city, Paul Morris, director of St 

James Securities, said: 

“We are tremendously excited to 

be working with Derby City Council 

on this ambitious scheme, which is 

set to bring an outstanding, modern 

performance venue to the city. 

“We strongly believe that a new 

purpose-built city centre venue is 

the right way to deliver a new 

performance venue for Derby and 

are confident that the best location 

for that venue is as a key part of the 

Becketwell scheme. 

“Once the successful operator 

has been selected, they will help to 

inform the design, capacity and 

layout of the building and the mix 

of popular and mainstream shows, 

performances and events. 

“We have created a great scheme 

which will fill a significant gap in 

the city cultural landscape. Our 

flexible venue will cater for major 

music and comedy acts as well as a 

strong programme of theatre 

content. The conference and events 

centre will support the growth of 

the business community in the 

region. 

“The performance venue is set to 

‘turbocharge’ the entire Becketwell 

scheme, allowing us to bring 

forward a new multi-storey car park 

and hotel and will be key to the 

future reinvigoration and 

repositioning of Derby city centre. 

“We have pulled together a very 

experienced team who have a long 

track record in delivering similar 

projects. The team will be led by IPW 

who have been involved in similar 

arena developments including Leeds, 

Hull, Swansea, Battersea, York, 

Glasgow, Bradford, Gateshead, 

Copenhagen, Singapore and Abu 

Dhabi.” 

The project will be delivered by 

St James Securities at a fixed priced 

to the Council with the developer 

securing a national operator as 

tenant for at least 25 years, 

reducing the financial risk to the 

Council significantly. The 

development team at St James 

Securities has already had strong 

interest shown from an excellent 

range of leading operators. 

A new large-scale venue is a key 

component of Derby’s masterplan 

for the city centre which has been 

developed collaboratively between 

the public and private sectors. It is 

envisaged that the venue will act as 

a catalyst for further investment 

into the city-centre and boost the 

vibrancy of the area. The leisure and 

retail experience will be greatly 

enhanced invigorating the day and 

night-time economies. 

The new venue at Becketwell will 

be in addition to plans for a new 

public square, hotel, offices, and 

apartments already signed off by 

planners earlier this year. Derby City 

Council will also kick start the 

process of totally re-developing the 

former Assembly Rooms by clearing 

the site and pursuing new 

development opportunities that will 

contribute to Derby’s future 

prosperity. 

The Council is working with 

partners on ideas to ensure the site 

can contribute to the vibrancy of 

the Market Place quarter to 

complement the new vision for the 

historic Market Hall, the successful 

Quad offer and the refurbishment of 

the Guildhall. 

A vibrant city centre is a key 

priority for the Council and its 

partners as we look ahead to the 

city’s recovery from COVID-19. An 

economic task force, made up of 

representatives from both public and 

private sectors has been formed to 

lead and drive forward Derby’s 

economic recovery from the effects 

of the coronavirus crisis, including a 

specific workstream on the city 

centre, which will look at the longer 

term impacts on the city centre. 

www.sjs.co.uk 


PROJECTS 

A giant dresses up – four WOLFF cranes at 

work on Hamburg’s Flak Tower Bunker 

Amidst the colorful 

cityscape of Ham- burg’s 

St. Pauli district sits an 

imposing grey concrete 

colos- sus. Built in 1942, the Flak 

Tower originally served as an antiaircraft 

bunker during the Second 

World War offering the residents 

of Hamburg protection from air 

raids. Today, the listed building is 

home to many up-and-coming 

cultural and media en- terprises and 

a lively part of the district’s creative 

scene. In a pioneering landscape 

architecture project, the bunker is 

now being enhanced by the addition 

of five pyramid-like levels on its 

roof. The new construction will 

feature a public garden offering 

panoramic views across the 

Hanseatic city, as well as a memorial 

dedicated to the victims of the 

Nazi regime, various cultural and 

exhibition areas and a hotel. 

Construction work has been 

underway for nearly a year 

involving four WOLFF cranes commissioned 

by the civil engineering 

firm Georg Bähr GmbH. 

The immediate vicinity of the 

bunker next to the Heiligengeist 

festival ground, home to the 

Hamburger Dom – Northern 

Germany’s largest public fun fair – 

three times a year, posed a particular 

challenge for the crane team right 

at the start of the project. 

“Assembling the cranes during the 

fair was not an option due to the 

lack of space. Given that the fair is 

held on twelve weeks of the year, 

coordinating the time slots for the 

assemblies with the city authorities 

and the contractor was quite a 

task,” says Carsten Druske, Head of 

Rental Op- erations Germany and 

Branch Manager of WOLFFKRAN 

Dortmund. 

FREESTANDING EFFICIENCY 

The first cranes, two flat-top WOLFF 

6031.8 clear, were assembled in four 

days in the summer of 2019 using a 

500-tonne mobile crane with a 

luffing jib. Both cranes were erected 

from the same mobile crane bay, as 

it was difficult to find a place for 

the large mobile crane in the space 

restricted St. Pauli district. The 

third crane, a WOLFF 6031.8 clear, 

was erected in fall last year and the 

fourth, a WOLFF 6020.8 clear, in 

January of this year. All four cranes 

were assembled with their final 

freestanding hook heights of 88.4 m, 

78 m, 

70.2 m and 59 m, respectively. 

The high freestanding heights are 

necessary since the construction site 

is located at a height of about 

30 meters on the roof of the 

bunker and the cranes could not be 

tied to the historically protected 

building. As a result, the WOLFF 

cranes have been erected on cross 

frames with 200 tonnes of central 

ballast. “In this way we were able to 

achieve high freestanding tower 

heights and cover the entire 

construction site with four cranes,” 

explains Car-sten Druske. 

Thanks to their flat-top design, 

the WOLFF cranes can slew very 

closely above one another and the 

overall crane concept thus kept 

relatively low. “The jibs are each only 

about 10 meters apart, saving both 

assembly time and costs,” says 

Druske. 

RELIABLE AND PERSONAL 

SERVICES FROM A SINGLE 

SOURCE 

“The limited space around the 

construction site is also a key challenge 

with regard to the huge 

amounts of formwork, prefabricated 

parts and construction material that 

has to handled,” says Site Man- ager 

Falko Stephan of Ingenieurbau 

George Bähr GmbH, discussing the 

complexity of the project. 

Additionally, the Flak Tower is fully 

occupied by tenants posing further 

logistical and safety challenges. “Yet 

the collaboration with WOLFFKRAN 

has been solution-oriented and 

seamless both during the current 

construction phase and in the preceding 

planning phase, which 

included dimensioning of the crane 

loads and crane assembly,” says 

Falko Stephan. “We have come to 

value Carsten Druske from 

WOLFFKRAN as a partner who 

person- ally accompanies every step 

of the project and always finds a 

creative solution for any 

challenge.” Coupled with a one-stop 

package comprising a convincing 

crane and service concept from a 

single source at an excellent value 

for money, made it easy for the 

Dresden- based contractor to opt for 

the crane manufacturer from 

Heilbronn, confirms Falko Stephan. 

Upon completion of the fivelevel 

extension of the St. Pauli 

Bunker in 

2021, around 4,700 trees, shrubs, 

hedges, bushes and climbing plants 

will be planted high above the roofs 

of the city, providing the residents 

of Hamburg with an impressive new 

landmark and a natural oasis within 

sight of the famous landmarks 

“Elphi” and “Michel”. 

www.wolffkran.com 


PROJECTS 

Preserving history at the Wordsworth Museum 

Wise Basement Systems helps to protect historical museum with essential waterproofing. 

Essential basement 

waterproofing work on the 

Wordsworth Museum in 

Grasmere has now been 

completed by experts, Wise 

Basement Systems. Structural 

waterproofing experts were required 

to waterproof both the basement of 

the historic building, which was first 

built in the early 17th century, and 

the new extension to the museum. 

Heavy rainfall and flooding in 

the Lake District area during January 

and February presented a challenge 

for the project. However, Wise was 

able to be pump out water from the 

site so waterproofing work was 

completed to the highest standard. 

There are only a limited number of 

Certified Surveyors in Structural 

Waterproofing (CSSW) in the UK, 

and Wise Basement Systems was 

selected as a contractor to complete 

the project, due to the level of 

qualifications and expertise they 

hold in this field. 

KEEPING HISTORY PROTECTED 

The original Wordsworth Museum 

building, Dove Cottage, is embedded 

into a hillside, and is at increased 

risk of water ingress due to rain 

runoff into the rear of the original 

and new section of the buildings. 

Extensive waterproofing work was 

required to protect the building and 

prevent water damage, such as 

damp, mould and wood rot. To best 

protect it from damage, Wise 

installed a bespoke waterproofing 

system to comply with BS8102 – the 

code of practice for protection of 

below ground structures against 

water from the ground. 

In order to complete 

waterproofing, Wise experts started 

by examining the original structure 

for leaks. Any gaps identified were 

plugged with hydraulic cement to 

stop water entering before the 

building could be full waterproofed. 

Stuart Mcginlay CSSW CSTDB at 

Wise Basement Systems said: “The 

Wordsworth Museum basement 

waterproofing required a great deal 

of care and precision. When 

completing work on a building like 

this, it is essential that all activity 

preserves the historic character and 

integrity of the building, while at 

the same time protecting it from 

any future damage. 

“Our waterproofing design as per 

BS8102 2009 incorporated a Type A 

barrier protection system, and a 

Type C cavity drainage system, 

completely compliant with the 

above British standard. With this 

comprehensive waterproofing 

system designed and fully installed, 

the Wordsworth Museum is best 

protected against water ingress and 

the potential damage it could inflict, 

preserving the historic structure for 

generations to come.” 

www.wisepropertycare.com 


PROJECTS 

Outstanding small housing development near 

Hadrian’s Wall reaches completion 

An outstanding small housing 

development in a 

picturesque 

Northumberland Village has 

been completed. 

The £1.1m Tulip Mews 

development at Heddon-on-the- 

Wall consists of five stone built 

family homes with three and four 

bedrooms. 

Kapex Construction, part of 

Newcastle-based Morton Group, 

where appointed as Principal 

Contractor by the developer 

Newminster Properties early last 

year to deliver the residential 

scheme which sits on a former 

brownfield site. 

Designed by Sadler Brown 

Architecture, Tulip Mews consists of 

five timber framed homes with 

stone-built facades. 

Development was halted for 

almost four months because due to 

the location of un-recorded 

foundation stones from Hadrian’s 

Wall. These were carefully recorded 

and removed from site allowing the 

scheme to continue 

Partners involved in the Tulip 

Mews development included Sadler 

Brown Architecture, Silverstone 

Building Consultancy (project 

management), Sanderson Young 

(selling agents) and Adelphi 

Consulting Engineers (Structural & 

Civil Engineers). 

Chris Nunn, Business 

Development Director at Kapex 

Construction, said: “Tulip Mews is a 

beautiful small-scale residential 

scheme featuring five high quality 

three and four bedroom family 

homes, located in the rural village of 

Heddon-on-the-Wall. 

“The development has had some 

challenges, not least due to the site’s 

proximity to Hadrian’s Wall. The site 

was fully assessed in advance of 

building work starting, and the 

uncovering of a number of 

archaeological treasures from 

Hadrian’s Wall itself resulted in 

delays of a few months. 

“It’s been a pleasure for us to 

work on such an outstanding 

residential development and I have 

absolutely now doubt that these 

beautiful, large family homes will 

sell very easily.” 

The Tulip Mews properties are 

now available for sale through 

Sanderson Young and are priced 

from £429,000. 

For more information visit 

www.themortongroup.co.uk 


Community Centre – a City Gate 

Ensemble of Buildings completed in Troisdorf, Germany. 

PROJECTS 

The catholic parish community 

centre "Hippolytushaus" is a 

prominent urban-planning 

highlight at the entrance to 

the town of Troisdorf, near Bonn. It 

is part of an ensemble of buildings 

that is located in the archdiocese of 

Cologne and includes the historic St. 

Hippolytus church and the 

„Hippolytusgarten“ family centre, 

which is a kindergarten. Both new 

buildings are the work of Stuttgart 

architects ATELIER BRÜCKNER. 

The parish community centre is 

designed as a city gate that 

emanates its character radially, in 

that it is a building with three 

fronts. Large "gates", which are fully 

glazed all over, constitute an 

inviting, space-enclosing gesture, 

which is concentrated in the centre 

of the two-storey flat-roofed 

building. On the ground, an isosceles 

triangle presents itself. On the top 

floor, a circular skylight emphasizes 

the centreing effect. 

The building plays with the 

contrast between flowing, 

generously opening space and closed 

wall surfaces, whereby the layout is 

defined by three uniform wings of 

the building. They flank the 

spacious, light-filled area inside the 

building and accommodate the 

ancillary rooms of the city gate. The 

effect of the building's wings, which 

are covered with wooden slats, is 

that of homogeneously closed units 

whose austere exteriors are made to 

look dynamic by means of a concave 

curve. 

On the fronts of the building, 

the outer walls and the projecting 

fair-faced concrete ceiling of the 

flat-roofed building point the way 

into the building. Here, the wall 

covering is continued without 

interruption. Narrow, room-high 

beechwood panels characterise the 

indoor spaces and generate their 

particular atmosphere, whereas 

ancillary rooms and fixtures are kept 

decently white. The anthracite-grey 

colouring of the floor relates to the 

stone surfacing of the outdoor area 

so that the surrounding, newly 

designed square seems to flow, as it 

were, through the building. 

The approximately 1200 square 

metre parish community centre is a 

publicly accessible centre of 

attraction, suitable for a wide 

variety of uses: the large "gates" 

enable access to a foyer area 

entered through a vestibule and to 

two separable halls for cultural 

events relating to pastoral work and 

for the Tafel (food bank) café. The 

ancillary rooms accommodate the 

stairwell, storage spaces and sanitary 

facilities. In addition, there is a 

spacious kitchen and the counselling 

centre of Lotsenpunkt e.V. 

On the top floor, there are ten 

workstations of the Troisdorf parish 

community as well as quiet offices 

for meetings and a light-filled 

assembly room. It opens up in a 

westerly direction and offers a view 

of the newly created public green 

space between the kindergarten and 

the church building. 

Engaging in a dialogue with the 

city, the three-part ensemble of 

buildings is able to hold its own as a 

strong composite unit in the 

heterogeneous surroundings. The 

community centre acts as a city gate 

and becomes an urban meeting 

point for the entire town 

community. 

Due to the current corona 

restrictions, it will not be possible 

for the architects to officially hand 

over the keys to the parish 

community until the beginning of 

September. Even before this, 

however, staff will move into the 

pastoral offices. The 

Hippolytusgarten family centre was 

opened in autumn 2019. 

www.atelier-brueckner.com 


ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Building Energy 

Efficiency 

Beverly Quinn, Environmental 

Engineer at TÜV SÜD, an 

international building services 

engineering consultancy, 

specialising in sustainable MEP 

(mechanical, electrical and public 

health), BIM (Building Information 

Modelling), lighting design, and 

vertical transportation. 

Energy-efficient buildings are 

increasingly seen as a 

business opportunity, as costs 

can be decreased through 

reductions in energy consumptions. 

Building price premiums, regulations 

and government incentives are also 

encouraging energy-efficient and 

sustainable retrofits of existing 

properties. 

Refurbishment can often be a 

more sustainable option when 

considering the long-term 

environmental impact and the 

building’s whole life cycle. ‘Green’ 

buildings also have a positive effect 

on employee wellbeing and 

productivity. As well as reducing 

maintenance requirements and 

associated costs, building owners 

could also attract higher rental rates 

or retain existing tenants. 

A tailored approach to 

sustainability should begin at the 

concept design phase, as planning 

for carbon reduction and energy 

efficiency at this early stage will 

help to reduce costs and the 

complexity of the final product. A 

screening analysis approach could 

also be used to help save time by 

eliminating options that are not 

suitable. 

Energy efficiency covers a wide 

spectrum of expertise, addressing all 

aspects of a building. This includes 

its passive design features, efficient 

systems and low/zero carbon 

technologies (LZCT). All these 

elements must combine to provide a 

complementary solution to realise 

reduced utility costs. 

To revitalise existing buildings, 

an energy efficiency consulting 

approach should focus on analysis, 

measurement and interpretation of 

all aspects of the project. For 

example, an energy audit could be 

undertaken. This might cover process 

analysis and technical data 

gathering, alongside the inspection 

of technical systems, heating 

systems, ventilation, air 

conditioning, and the condition of 

the building itself. The energy supply 

infrastructure and the energy 

demand of the main consumers 

within the building should also be 

measured, considering factors such 

as heat transmission, air distribution 

and potential re-use of waste heat 

during actual production processes. 

Based on the audit results, energysaving 

measures can be identified, 

including the savings potential for 

each proposed measure, as well as 

the costs and payback period of any 

required investment. 

By integrating passive and active 

design elements for lighting, HVAC 

and other building processes, 

requirements for engineering 

services can be reduced by as much 

as 25 per cent, as well as reducing 

energy consumption and optimising 

efficiency in building operation. 

Such a holistic energy efficiency 

solution enables buildings to be 

future proofed against rising utility 

costs and any new energy 

performance legislation. Building 

owners can also meet corporate 

social responsibility obligations and 

demonstrate building efficiency 

through sustainability scoring 

systems such as BREEAM. Another 

approach to consider is the 

implementation of an energy 

management system (EMS) in line 

with the ISO 50001 standard, which 

supports organisations in all sectors 

to use energy more efficiently. 

Several key factors are driving 

demand for energy efficient and 

reduced emissions buildings, 

including market pressure, client 

expectations, operating cost 

reduction, social/corporate 

responsibilities and legislative 

requirements. It is clear that the 

value of existing properties will be 

enhanced with greater energy 

efficiency and the introduction of 

other sustainability criteria, which 

must be integrated from the design 

phase. However, as the requirements 

will be different for commercial, 

industrial and residential real estate, 

a high degree of technical insight is 

required to implement the right 

blend of energy efficiency measures 

to optimise these benefits. 

Caption: Energy-efficient 

buildings are increasingly seen as a 

business opportunity 

www.tuv-sud.co.uk/real-estate 

An audit will identify energy-saving measures .www.tuv-sud.co.uk/real-estate 



New Glow-Worm filter set to ease installation 

Glow-worm has unveiled its 

new Power System Filter 

(Patent Pending UK 

2009327.4) which has been 

engineered to fit into tighter spaces 

easily and discreetly. Specifically 

designed for use with Glow-worm 

boilers, the filter offers flexible 

siting, quick installation and easy 

dirt removal. 

Because the filter is fitted 

horizontally, less space is required. 

Compared to classic filter designs, a 

smaller portion of the filter is visible 

once fitted so that it looks less 

intrusive and gives installers more 

siting options. The filter can be 

easily dismantled in the middle to 

remove the magnet sheath for 

cleaning. 

The main body of the filter is 

high-quality brass to match the 

standard of the rest of the Glowworm 

portfolio, whilst the front is 

made from lighter composite 

materials, removing unnecessary 

weight from the product. 

Spencer Clark, commercial 

director at Glow-worm says: “We 

have created this new filter 

following feedback from installers, 

who often work with very limited 

space, so they need products that 

are easy to install as well as access 

for servicing. When fitted with a 

Glow-worm boiler, not only will it 

help to protect system components, 

but also maximise its performance 

to benefit installers’ customers too.” 

O-rings for the filter are also 

available as a spare part should any 

need replacing during the servicing 

process. 

www.glow-worm.co.uk/trade 

Northumbria partners in €4.8m EU housing energy 

efficiency project 

Northumbria University has 

been chosen to participate 

in a €4.8 million project to 

tackle the issue of 

renovating residential buildings in 

Europe to make them more energy 

efficient. 

More than three-quarters of 

European residential buildings were 

constructed before 1990. Many are 

thermal inefficient and of poor 

quality, and with the hot and cold 

extremes of European weather, 

making their homes thermally 

comfortable can leave residents in 

energy poverty. 

The EU-funded RINNO project 

has been devised to find radical new 

ways to reduce the costs, timescales 

and disturbance involved in ‘deep 

renovation’ and triple the current 

rate of such renovations in Europe. 

While a standard renovation can 

achieve energy savings of up to 

30%, a deep renovation can reduce 

a building’s energy use by more than 

75%. 

Over the next four years, the 

RINNO project will develop new 

ways to make it easier to increase a 

building’s energy efficiency, 


occupant satisfaction. 

The RINNO project will 

investigate novel technologies, 

processing and business models, to 

develop solutions to enable the 

construction industry to make 

significant improvements to energy 

inefficient buildings around Europe. 

Researchers from Northumbria 

University will join experts from 

Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, 

Greece, Ireland, Italy, Poland and 

Spain to investigate new building 

systems, the use of robots and 

‘cobots’ for assembly, artificial 

intelligence, augmented reality and 

Blockchain-enabled crowd equity 

funding to improve current 

processes relating to building 

renovation. 

A multi-disciplinary team of 

researchers from Northumbria’s 

departments of Mechanical and 

Construction Engineering 

and Computer and Information 

Sciences will be working to advance 

the development of state-of-the-art 

software systems that monitor the 

way buildings operate. 

The team will use their Smart 

Connected Homes tool which shows 

how residents use electricity, light 

and move around their homes, as 

well as internal room temperatures 

and levels of humidity. The tool, 

which was developed in 

collaboration with BIM Academy 

and funded by Innovate UK, will 

help them to live more comfortably 

and be used to influence the design 

of buildings to better reflect the 

requirements of residents. 

The Northumbria team will also 

develop a project collaboration 

platform that will integrate the 

actors and workflows involved in the 

deep renovation of buildings. This 

will build on the experience gained 

by Northumbria’s researchers from 

their involvement in the BIM Toolkit, 

which was developed to enable a 

digital plan for work for the UK 

construction sector. 

Mohamad Kassem, Professor of 

Digital Construction and 

Engineering, is leading 

Northumbria’s work in this area. He 

said: “The EU’s Green New Deal has a 

32.5% target for energy saving, but 

based on the current rate of 

building renovation, it would take 

more than 100 years to achieve 

these energy efficiency and 

environmental ambitions. 

“We are excited to work with 

leading partners from across the EU 

to develop and test latest 

innovations across product, 

processes and business models in the 

renovation sector. 

“I am confident these 

innovations will not only have 

impact on the renovation markets 

but will also spill over to other 

construction sectors, including newbuild.” 

Dr Kay Rogage, Senior Lecturer 

in Digital Living in Northumbria’s 

Department of Computer and 

Information Sciences added: “RINNO 

gives researchers at Northumbria an 

excellent opportunity to apply their 

existing knowledge of buildings and 

data science to the retrofit market, 

whilst contributing to ongoing 

global climate and sustainability 

agendas around reducing carbon 

emissions.” 

The RINNO project will run for 

four years and is funded by the 

European Commission’s Horizon 

2020 programme. The solutions 

developed by RINNO will be 

demonstrated in four real-life 

renovation projects in France, 

Denmark, Greece and Poland. 

Arianna Amati, RINNO’s 

coordinator, said: “RINNO is a great 

opportunity to support the 

construction industry to accelerate 

the rate of deep renovation in 

energy inefficient buildings and to 

showcase the strengths and the 

tremendous contributions of Europe 

for and with users.” 

www.northumbria.ac.uk 


INTERIORS 

Underfloor air conditioning system brings 

increased design freedom and headroom benefits 

to exceptional 77 Coleman Street refurbishment 

An innovative underfloor air 

conditioning system from 

AET Flexible Space has 

allowed architects to 

highlight key architectural features 

in a new high-concept 

refurbishment in the heart of central 

London. The 77 Coleman Street 

development, designed by Buckley 

Gray Yeoman architects on behalf of 

Kajima Properties, offers outstanding 

office space overlooking Coleman 

Street Gardens and less than a 

minute’s walk from the new 

Elizabeth Line station at Moorgate. 

AET’s underfloor air conditioning 

system makes use of the void within 

the building’s raised-access floor, 

and so removes the need for 

traditional ceiling-based services and 

suspended ceilings. By using the 

existing 270mm floor void, the 

design team were able to preserve 

and highlight key architectural 

design features, including a unique 

terrazzo-patterned soffit. 

Moving away from conventional 

ceiling-based services has allowed 

77 Coleman Street to boast 

unusually high floor to ceiling 

heights, creating a far brighter, more 

open, and inviting office 

environment. When used in 

refurbishments, underfloor air 

conditioning technology can 

typically offer increased headroom 

by 300mm or more. 

AET Flexible Space worked 

closely with both the M&E 

consultant, The GDM Partnership, 

and award-winning architects, 

Buckley Gray Yeoman, for well over 

three years on the application and 

specification of their market-leading 

under floor air conditioning systems 

before receiving the official order 

from the appointed M&E contractor 

Designer Group. 

AET was also invited to present 

directly to the Kajima Properties 

development team and Property 

Managers, to reaffirm that their 

UfAC systems would deliver to the 

high standards set out for Kajima’s 

first venture into the London 

property market. The Kajima team 

was incredibly impressed by the 

capabilities of the AET system, and 

endorsed its use over seven floors of 

77 Coleman Street. 

The 77 Coleman Street 

development is now in the final 

stages of completion. AET Flexible 

Space’s CAM-V underfloor air 

conditioning systems has now been 

installed across all seven floors of 

office space. Each floor is served by 

four CAM units, and the conditioned 

air is delivered into the space via 48 

floor-recessed Fantile units. AET’s 

unique Fantile units induce 

conditioned air into the office space, 

eliminating cold draughts, whilst 

providing the end user complete 

control over temperature and air 

flow. 

www.flexiblespace.com 


INTERIORS 

Bespoke Stone Fabrication by Brandt Design 

The Brandt Collection by Brandt Design: custom furniture design & stone fabrication in granite, 

quartz & synthetic materials. 

Brandt Design, leading retail 

interior design specialist is 

dedicated to the creation of 

custom-made lifestyle 

interiors and thanks to its exclusive 

Stone Fabrication Service, customers 

can incorporate the natural, raw 

elements of stone in a Brandt 

kitchen without needing to enlist a 

third party worktop supplier. 

In fact, when you consider the 

different types of kitchen surfaces 

available - be it furniture or 

worktop - the latest technological 

developments have created a wealth 

of options which of late, are driven 

by personal preference over 

mainstream ideas. 

STONE FABRICATION 

BY BRANDT DESIGN: 

Brandt Design also offers bespoke 

stone fabrication with surface 

solutions in Granite, Quartz, Marble 

and other man-made products. 

Providing an exacting service that 

covers every aspect of stone design 

and installation, the Brandt Design 

team will explore and recommend a 

range of materials to suit your 

design concept and when selected, it 

will then create a design template 

for manufacture and installation: 

subject to agreement. From concept 

through to completion, the design 

team at Brandt Design remain in 

constant contact, to ensure your 

bespoke specification request is fully 

realised. In addition to importing its 

own unique range of Quartz and 

Granite, The Brandt Collection also 

supplies material and finish options 

from all leading worktop brands like 

Cosentino, Silestone, Dekton, 

Caesarstone and Spekva: for further 

information, please visit 

www.brandtdesign.co.uk/worktops 

Julia Steadman, Head of 

Operations at Brandt Design says “As 

worktop space has increased its role 

in the kitchen, different raw 

materials like quartz and granite are 

able to accommodate unique design 

features and offer food safety 

properties: ideal for sanitary 

environments. For example, a quartz 

worktop provides a dense 

composition that prevents bacteria 

building up and transferring onto 

other surfaces. Additionally, these 

types of work surface exhibit nonporous 

properties, meaning they are 

very easy to maintain and most 

importantly, create the ideal 

foundation for healthy food 

preparation. It therefore makes sense 

to choose materials that are fit for 

purpose and can withstand a hightraffic, 

family friendly kitchen space, 

where each surface is perfectly 

tailored to individual form and 

function.” 

At the premium end of the 

market, Granite is regarded as the 

most universal material option and 

offers a highly versatile product that 

is suitable for use in any kitchen 

environment. It is 100% natural and 

each slab is individual, available in a 

large range of colours and styles 

with different thickness and edge 

variables. Durable and long lasting, 

you can opt for either a polished 

surface with high shine finish 

emphasising the natural crystals or a 

honed finish, where the stone is 

buffed to create a smoother, low 

sheen surface. When compared to 

Marble, which is softer and more 

sensitive, Granite is less susceptible 

to everyday wear and tear: ideal for 

a family-friendly kitchen scheme. 

In contrast to the rich qualities 

of stone, hyper-realistic materials 

have become a great way to keep 

costs down but still achieve a 

customised design that replicates 

the look and feel of natural 

materials. For instance, quartzite is 

an engineered worktop solution that 

uses resin as part of the 

manufacturing process, where loose 

quartz makes up about 93% of the 

material. Julia continues “Creating a 

new appetite for sustainable 

worktop alternatives, new material 

options have broadened the scope 

for modern kitchen design, where 

unique surface effects are making 

their mark across bespoke wall 

panels, island units, bar-style 

seating, splashbacks and more. 

Lightweight and eco-friendly, 

synthetic worktops are durable, easy 

to fit and offer a high capacity for 

personalisation. However, laminates 

do lack the character and tactile 

quality of real stone, so it is worth 

considering a blend of both and not 

limit yourself to just one cabinet 

colour and one worktop.” 

Scott Davis, Director at Brandt 

Design adds “A successful kitchen 

design requires rigorous attention to 

detail across the furniture and 

worktops, which is why we take care 

of every aspect of your project - 

from first blueprint to final sign off 

– so we can create a portfolio of 

custom turnkey projects for each 

and every customer.” 

Tel: 0203 758 4455 

info@brandtkitchens.co.uk 

www.brandtdesign.co.uk 


ROOFING 

Welsh Slate helps a listed cemetery lodge with a new life 

Aderelict Grade II listed 

cemetery lodge in West 

Yorkshire is being 

repurposed with the help of 

a multi-patterned Welsh Slate roof. 

The Victorian building at 

Edgerton Cemetery in Huddersfield 

was built as a home and office for 

John Edward Sinclair Cousins, the 

registrar and superintendent of the 

new Edgerton Cemetery when it 

opened in 1855. 

Designed by leading architects JP 

Pritchett and Sons, it is now being 

refurbished by the local council at a 

cost of £250,000, to include a 

complete re-roof, external repairs 

including new windows, and 

treatment of dry rot. 

The original Welsh slates, which 

had been on the roof since it was 

built - some 165 years - required 

replacing like-for-like and so some 

850 of Welsh Slate's Penrhyn 

Heather Blues now adorn the 

gothic-style building. 

To match the originals, they were 

cut into five different shapes by two 

experienced craftsmen from Welsh 

Slate distributor and natural roofing 

slate specialists Yates & Company 

using a portable slate guillotine 

(which they have produced and sell 

to contractors) in their yard at 

Clitheroe, Lancashire. 

These were used on the visible 

elevations, each of which had its 

own sequence. Standard rectangular 

slates were used on inner elevations. 

Founder and director Chris Yates 

Five patterns of 

Penrhyn Heather Blues 

adorn the steeplypitched 

roof. 

was sent a photo of the original 

pattern slates and produced plywood 

templates to best replicate this, 

given the original slates were 

different sizes but the replacements 

had to be dressed from standard-size 

500mm x 300mm County-grade 

slates. 

He said: “There were five 

different patterns with various 

degrees of difficulty. Two of the 

patterns were relatively 

straightforward, two required 

different cutting actions which is 

time-consuming, and one (with the 

concave cuts) was very timeconsuming 

and required even more 

patience. 

“But we are used to complicated 

slate applications. We carry out 

coursing and holing and provide a 

battening plan for random 

diminishing course slate as 

increasing numbers of contractors 

outside the traditional random slate 

areas are either unsure of how to 

tackle random roofs or have not got 

the space on site to perform this 

operation.” 

The task at Edgerton Cemetery 

involved a total of some 30 to 40 

man hours .. and a few broken slates 

due to the process. 

Chris added: “Roofs with this 

amount of detailed patterning are 

unusual these days but I understand 

the building is listed and as such the 

original design had to be replicated 

as near as possible. The council and 

architect are apparently over the 

moon with the appearance.” 

The 200m2 of slates were 

installed over 16 weeks in adverse 

weather using two copper nails per 

slate over replacement joists, 

membrane and battens by specialist 

sub-contractor Harwood Roofing 

based in Batley near Leeds. 

Managing director Steve 

Harwood said: “Due to the 50° pitch 

of the roof we had to take extra 

care when carrying out works on 

site. Alongside our foreman we had 

two apprentices on the job and this 

was very challenging for them. 

“All the slates were different 

shapes and patterns and required 

two nails each and had to be graded 

to ensure they sat flush on the roof. 

The fleur de lys ridges were bedded 

on in mortar and we had to use a 

ladder laid on the slates to access 

the ridge line and this was 

particularly challenging, getting the 

slates up on a 50° pitch.” 

But he added: “The Penrhyn 

Heather Blue slate is a beautiful 

slate to look at, very eye catching, 

and worked well on this English 

heritage building.” 

The local council has yet to 

decide the future use of the lodge. 

www.harwoodroofing.co.uk 


ROOFING 

Marley adds integrated solar PV tile solution 

to complete roof system 

In response to increasing focus 

on sustainable solutions to 

support the UK target of net 

zero greenhouse gas emissions 

by 2050, Marley has launched its 

Marley SolarTile® range. The 

integrated photovoltaics (PV) system 

that offers easy installation, sleek 

design, energy cost savings, proven 

performance, and a 15 -year 

guarantee. 

CHOICE AND OPTIONS 

The Marley SolarTile® range 

comprises of three sleek, low-profile 

PV16 solar panels for roof 

integration. Each is available in a 

range of power output and styles. 

The range covers the 

Monocrystalline – black 320Wp, the 

Monocrystalline – black 300Wp and 

the Polycrystalline – black 270Wp. 

SPECIFICATION, AESTHETICS, AND 

PERFORMANCE 

As the Marley SolarTile® range 

integrates perfectly with the full 

Marley roof system and all tile types, 

specifiers can also benefit from the 

reassurance of Marley’s 15-year 

guarantee when the panels are 

installed as part of its complete roof 

system. 

Marley SolarTile® offers a very 

low profile and unobstructive design 

providing the level of kerb appeal 

and enhanced aesthetics demanded 

by housebuilders and homeowners. 

The range also provides 

exceptional wind resistance 

performance with double fixing to 

battens and trusses, ensuring 

outstanding resistance against wind 

uplift and an industry-leading rated 

wind loading for any current roof 

integrated PV system. 

Finally, Marley SolarTile® is the 

only roof integrated PV system 

accredited with the highest 

SIG Roofing celebrates 

‘Homes for the Homeless’ completion 

An innovative and groundbreaking 

community 

enterprise scheme to create 

sustainable housing for the 

homeless community has been 

officially launched in Cambridgeshire. 

The initiative, which has been 

supported by SIG Roofing, was 

introduced as part of a new ‘Home 

First’ project, involving Allia Future 

Business Centre, Jimmy’s night 

shelter, the parish of Holy Cross 

Cambridge and New Meaning – a 

not-for-profit social enterprise 

which developed the structures. 

New Meaning has delivered a 

total of six modular homes to the 

county, where they will be available 

to rent for people who are currently 

or have previously been homeless. 

The homes were officially 

unveiled on Friday, 12th June, with 

the first residents expected to move 

in later this summer. SIG Roofing 

supported the project by providing 

heavily discounted roofing materials 

from its nearby branch. 

Speaking at the project’s launch, 

Karen Lilley, SIG Roofing St Ives’ 

branch manager, said: “It’s a real 

privilege to be able to supply 

roofing materials to such a fantastic 

development. Homelessness is a 

sadly growing issue across the UK, so 

the work carried out by New 

Meaning can make a real positive 

difference to a person’s life. 

“As our products were being 

applied to modular homes, we 

recommended the use of FIX-R 

EPDM, as it delivers flexibility, 

weather resistance and is highly 

sustainable. 

“The hope is that the 

development will remain in place for 

a significant amount of time, 

making positive change to as many 

lives as possible, so it was important 

for us to supply a product which 

guarantees durability and longevity 

– key attributes FIX-R EPDM is 

recognised for. 

John Evans, Trustee Director at 

New Meaning, added: “We are 

absolutely delighted to have 

resistance to spread of flame and 

fire penetration across all current 

European fire tests. 

EASY INSTALLATION FOR NEW 

BUILDS AND RETROFIT PROJECTS 

Roof integrated solar panels, like 

Marley SolarTile®, can be installed 

easily in any new roof application. 

The solar panels and flashings can be 

fitted to the roof first and then the 

roof covering can be fixed around 

them. 

Integrated solar panels are also 

highly applicable for retrofit 

projects. Simply removing a patch of 

tiles and installing the solar panels 

leaves spare, perfectly matched tiles 

available for any future roof repairs. 

As well as being easy and simple to 

fit, the installation time for Marley 

SolarTile® is quick. The patented 

connection of simply pushing the 

panels together to create a weathertight 

and secure fixing means 

installation can be less than one 

hour per kilowatt-peak. 

www.marley.co.uk/solar 

officially opened the ‘Homes for the 

Homeless’ project, and hope that the 

project offers a little light in a time 

of great uncertainty. I’d like to 

extend my personal thanks to SIG 

Roofing for their support 

throughout the project, and to 

Karen in particular for her advice 

and guidance on the right products 

for the development.” 

Email: Jake.smith@hroc.co.uk 

www.hroc.co.uk 


SUSTAINABILITY 

The Used Kitchen Company creates another 

first in UK Recycling History 

The Used Kitchen Company 

(www.theusedkitchencompany. 

com), the pioneer of kitchen 

recycling and its champion 

since 2005, has taken its 

groundbreaking ‘Kitchen Passports’ 

eco-initiative to the next level, as it 

creates another milestone for UK 

recycling and waste control. 

Having previewed its unique 

TUKC ‘Kitchen Passports’ with huge 

success at kitchen trade show kbb 

Birmingham 2020, TUKC has now 

launched a brand-new website – 

www.mykitchenpassport.com - that 

will be the virtual home for all 

Kitchen Passports, ‘held’ by ecofriendly 

consumers UK-wide, on 

behalf of their kitchen. 

The TUKC ‘Kitchen Passport’ 

initiative is possibly the only 

response to the idea for product 

passports which sprang out of 

Defra’s ‘Resources & Waste Strategy’ 

of December 2018. It tackles the 

issue of waste control head on, 

attempting to help preserve the 

planet’s precious resources, by 

making better use of those already 

taken for manufacturing purposes. 

Whilst The Used Kitchen 

Company created the concept of 

kitchen recycling, built on this in 

2018, by issuing a ‘big figure’ 

relating to the tonnes of waste it 

has saved from landfill and 

developed a consumer-friendly ‘skip 

the skip’ campaign, the Kitchen 

Passport is a step-change for both 

the kitchen industry and 

environmental change in the UK. 

By creating a Kitchen Passport 

for their kitchen at 

www.mykitchenpassport.com a 

kitchen showroom can instantly 

demonstrate their green credentials 

to their customers. Research shows 

that eco-credentials increasingly 

matter to the buying public and 

kitchen showrooms can easily buy 

into the Kitchen Passport initiative. 

If the showroom has not taken 

this step or has not been asked to 

do so by an eco-friendly kitchen 

manufacturer supplying kitchens to 

them, the first buyer of the used or 

ex-display kitchen can take the lead 

and show their environmental 

concern, simply by filling in the 

details on the website. 

The passport asks for the year of 

‘birth’, the kitchen manufacturer’s 

details, the materials used in the 

kitchen’s construction and the 

names of buyers who have owned 

the kitchen during the duration of 

its life. The passport also crucially 

includes details of how to dismantle 

the kitchen, to make it easier to sell 

on to another buyer, and also 

highlights how best to recycle the 

kitchen’s components, at the end of 

its life. 

The Kitchen Passport also handily 

enables the passport holder to add 

the serial numbers of appliances and 

the numbers of service providers 

such as showroom, fitter, plumber, 

electrician, appliance repairers and 

insurer. 

The initiative is focused on 

extending a kitchen’s ‘cradle to 

grave’ lifespan, encouraging not just 

a first recycling, as would occur 

between kitchen showroom selling 

an ex-display model or a 

homeowner selling their used 

kitchen, but a second and possibly 

third recycling too. Quality kitchens 

can last for decades, but too many 

head to an early grave. 

The Used Kitchen Company’s 

CEO, Looeeze Grossman, says: “A 

virtual Kitchen Passport can stay 

with the kitchen throughout its life, 

enabling one owner to pass on the 

passport to the next owner and do 

the right thing by the environment. 

If passed on during a house sale, it 

could plant a recycling seed in the 

minds of new owners who might 

otherwise consign a kitchen to 

landfill. 

“The Kitchen Passport should 

create a sea-change in the kitchen 

sector and become a massive 

circular economy initiative. We 

have invested in the Kitchen 

Passport portal, so showrooms can 

highlight their green credentials by 

creating kitchen profiles. 

Alternatively, they can give a 

purchaser of an ex-display kitchen 

the details they need, so they can 

create a passport to make it easier 

to put the kitchen back into the 

circular economy, at a later date. 

“We are also urging 

manufacturers to give the Kitchen 

Passport their stamp of approval. 

And, of course, we want 

homeowners to play their part and 

not only buy a used kitchen but give 

others the chance to do that too. 

Too many fabulous kitchens reach 

landfill without having achieved 

their full life expectancy and 

potential. It is totally unnecessary 

and we have acted in this dynamic 

way, in order to change that and 

make manufacturers, showrooms 

and consumers think about the 

consequences of not recycling 

something as huge and materialfilled 

as a kitchen.” 

With many homes having fallen 

in love with their kitchen space 

during lockdown, or grown to hate 

it with a passion and left wishing to 

change it as soon as possible, there 

has never been a better time for the 

Kitchen Passport to be launched. 

TUKC now urges both kitchen 

showrooms and consumers to go to 

www.mykitchenpassport.com to 

upload kitchen profiles and create 

their Kitchen Passport. It is 

absolutely the right thing to do, for 

those who care about the planet’s 

future, is free-of-charge and an 

action that could inspire more 

people to adopt green principles. 

www.theusedkitchencompany.com 



Can a Green Roof renaissance make our cities 

more liveable? 

Roland Jackson from Soprema Group, the company behind the Duoflex hot melt structural waterproofing 

system, discusses specification considerations for green roof build-ups 

Following COVID-19 lockdowns 

around the world, the 

importance of accessible green 

spaces in the urban landscape 

has never been clearer. The 

pandemic has amplified a lobby for 

green roofs that has been gaining 

traction for some time, with San 

Francisco, for example, now 

requiring all new buildings to have 

green roofs. 

This biophilic transformation is 

only sustainable if the whole roof 

build-up is considered early in the 

specification process. The increased 

loading and drainage requirements 

of a green roof build-up mean that 

a resilient, durable and long-lasting 

structural waterproofing system is 

essential. 

WHY CHOOSE HOT MELT FOR 

GREEN ROOFS? 

Although cold-applied liquid 

membranes and single ply roof 

coverings are sometimes used as 

part of a green roof build-up, hot 

melt structural waterproofing 

systems are by far the most 

frequently-specified choice for green 

roofs. 

The main reason for this is 

that they offer a robust and 

versatile solution that bonds to 

the roof substrate to form a 

homogenous surface, with a 

service life comparable to the 

expected life of the building. 

Once the system is fully-bonded 

to the roof surface, water cannot 

track beneath the waterproofed 

layer, ensuring complete 

protection of the substrate; both 

during the construction 

programme and following 

installation of the green roof and 

its irrigation system. 

Hot melt also provides 

buildability benefits during the 

construction project. The soft 

bituminous compound is selfhealing, 

which means that any 

punctures during construction can 

be repaired before water ingress 

occurs. The system enables 

piecemeal installation to allow 

flexible scheduling of works at roof, 

terrace or podium level. It can also 

be trafficked soon after installation, 

preventing damage by other trades 

and allowing for breaks in the 

programme between the hot melt 

installation and the rest of the 

inverted and green roof build-up. 

SELECTING THE RIGHT GREEN 

ROOF BUILD-UP 

All of these benefits make hot melt 

the ideal roofing system for green 

roof installations, but it would be a 

mistake to assume that all hot melt 

systems offer the same performance 

and buildability benefits. It’s vital to 

choose a hot melt system with a 

root-resistant layer specificallydesigned 

for green roofs to ensure 

the waterproofing is not 

compromised by root growth. 

It’s also important to work with 

a supply chain partner that can 

provide technical support and a 

service-led approach to 

specification. For example, at 

Soprema we are often able to help 

contractors save time on site by 

including Sopradvance concrete 

compound in the specification, 

which closes the pores of the 

concreate to enable installation of 

the waterproofing system up to 

three times earlier than the usual 

28-day wait time. The Soprema 

technical team also works 

collaboratively with design and 

construction teams to ensure the 

effectiveness and resilience of the 

roof build-up, providing the 

calculations, for example, which 

should always be based on the 

saturated weight of the full roof 

build-up to ensure it meets the 

maximum requirements. 

Ideally, specifiers should also look 

for a supply chain partner that can 

offer a complete specification 

solution for the entire roof build-up, 

including structural waterproofing 

materials and green roof elements to 

ensure compatibility and efficient 

procurement. 

A GREENER CITYSCAPE 

Our cities will not become urban 

oases overnight, but selecting the 

right roof build up will enable 

specifiers to maximise the opportunity 

to feed our appetite for green spaces. 

www.soprema.com/en/ 



Green Recovery: 

Renolit focuses on technology 

Actions to improve the 

efficiency and effectiveness 

of the economic production 

system can only be 

consistent with the choices of the 

European Green Deal. RENOLIT's aim 

is to meet all roofing needs by 

continuing to invest in technology 

that is unique in the sector, to 

create innovative and sustainable 

membranes, such as RENOLIT 

ALKORSMART and RENOLIT 

ALKORBRIGHT. 

Sant Celoni, Barcelona, 14th July 

2020 - The focus on innovation, 

thorough knowledge of the market, 

a certified production process, the 

R&D Department's constant search 

for excellence: these are the 

characteristics, which, in both past 

and present, have made RENOLIT 

ALKORPLAN an authoritative 

benchmark for planners and 

operators in the construction 

industry. RENOLIT's inherent desire 

for renewal, the will to research 

new raw materials and create 

unique and innovative technologies, 

allowing for greater production 

with fewer resources, are the 

cornerstones from which to start 

again towards a more inclusive, 

sustainable and fair future. 

“Our research currently focuses 

on three main aspects. The first is 

the negative effect of blue light, 

which is very aggressive and 

harmful to white products. - 

explains Hans Tanghe, RENOLIT 

ALKORPLAN R&D Manager - We 

have also focused on the equation 

of Arrhenius, a Swedish chemist 

awarded with the Nobel Prize in 

1903, who showed that by 

increasing the temperature by 10 

degrees, many natural processes 

duplicate their speed. This also 

applies to membranes: if we lower 

the temperature of membranes by 

10 degrees, we halve their aging 

process, thus doubling their 

durability. Lastly, we tested the 

temperature of many colours, 

including in places with reduced 

sunlight, whites are always colder 

than dark colours. In the past two 

years we have worked tirelessly on 

Solar Shield technology to optimize 

its production and apply it to 

existing products, with an 

investment of ⇔ 4 million." 

In the logic of sustainability and 

energy saving, the top range is 

RENOLIT ALKORBRIGHT, the cool 

roof system that has the highest SRI 

(Solar Reflectance Index) value on 

the market. Meaning that this 

membrane reflects the sun's rays to 

the maximum and is effective in 

reducing the excessive heating of 

buildings during the summer and, as 

a consequence, electrical loads 

caused by air conditioning. An 

effective solution against the "heat 

island" effect. 

The latest result of the work of 

the R&D department, however, is 

RENOLIT ALKORSMART, of the 

RENOLIT ALKORPLAN family. It is 

equipped with Solar Shield 

technology, a special coating that 

protects the external surface of the 

membrane from UV rays. A 

distinctive feature that translates 

into application opportunities and 

maximum energy yield in 

particularly sunny and warm 

territories such as the African 

regions, or Central and South 

America. Thus opening the way for 

entry into new overseas markets 

and the consequent potential to 

increase business. A unique product 

on the market that represents the 

first true cutting-edge in the world 

of roofing since the invention of 

the cool roof. This is the way for 

future innovation: with only 1.2 mm 

of thickness guaranteeing greater 

durability, with less use of resources. 

A sustainable approach, also 

confirmed by the RENOLIT Goes 

Circular initiative, which aims to 

improve the efficiency of 

production processes by avoiding 

waste and increasing the recovery 

of waste materials. 

This is how RENOLIT takes care 

of roofs and the environment and 

confirms its constant shift towards 

innovation, by developing cuttingedge 

products that are close to the 

tangible needs of professionals in 

the construction sector. 

www.renolit.com 


Aggregate Industries welcomes 

‘Vital’ flood protection investment 


As the Environment Agency 

(EA) launches its new 

blueprint for flood 

protection, Aggregate 

Industries has welcomed the plans, 

as investment in sustainable 

drainage systems (SuDS) has a major 

role to play in protecting and 

preparing the nation against the 

rising threat of flooding. 

Earlier this week, the EA 

launched its new Flood and Coastal 

Erosion Risk Management Strategy 

setting out measures to build up the 

resilience of millions more homes 

and businesses. These include 

increased investment in natural 

flood management schemes, 

promoting property flood resilience 

measures to help homeowners and 

businesses recover quicker after 

flooding. The plans also suggest 

more collaborative partnerships with 

national road, rail and utilities 

providers to ensure their investments 

are flood resilient and benefit the 

public. 

The strategy comes in the same 

week the government announced 

details of the £5.2bn that will be 

spent on flood protection between 

2021 and 2027, alongside a further 

£200m for innovative resilience 

measures in 25 areas. Alongside this, 

the EA has said it is ready to deliver 

on flood schemes in 22 areas across 

England, investing £170m to 

accelerate flood defence 

construction in 2020 or 2021. 

Welcoming the move, Paul 

Wagstaff, Head of Product 

Management at leading construction 

materials supplier Aggregate 

Industries, believes greater adoption 

of sustainable drainage systems 

(SuDS) will be key to successfully 

rolling out both the EA strategy and 

government investment in the 

coming years. 

Paul comments: “If we look at 

the EA’s own figures, more than 5.2 

million properties in England are 

currently at risk of flooding and 

with more extreme weather 

expected, including summer 

temperatures up to 7.4˚C hotter and 

59% more rainfall by 2050, we 

welcome this vital increased funding 

for flood protection and believe it 

couldn’t have come sooner. 

“With extensive knowledge and 

expertise in flood resilience, our 

work over the years has highlighted 

the very real and urgent need to 

incorporate sustainable drainage 

systems (SuDS) in many areas across 

the UK. To date, this has been too 

slow, yet the good news is in 2019 

Wales made it mandatory to use 

SuDS in all new developments and 

we hope England will also follow 

suit. While not a new concept, SuDS 

has the potential to help deliver the 

EA and government commitments 

on flood resilience over the next 

decade.” 

According to Aggregate 

Industries, whether it’s the use of 

retention ponds or infiltration 

systems, such as trenches and 

soakaways or making use of 

permeable paving solutions – SuDS 

is a holistic approach to flood 

management that is integral to 

prevention. 

Paul adds: “Not only can SuDS 

benefit new development schemes in 

alleviating the effects of flooding by 

reducing surface water run-off from 

hard impermeable surfaces but 

there’s also a number of natural and 

retrofitting options available to local 

authorities, homes and businesses to 

help them recover much quicker in 

the event of a flood. 

“For that reason, investing in 

SuDS needs to be a priority sooner 

rather than later especially if, as a 

nation, we’re truly committed to 

protecting our homes, businesses 

and public realm infrastructure from 

the devastating impact of flooding – 

now and for future generations to 

come.” 

Aggregate Industries boasts a 

wide range of products specifically 

designed to aid SuDS strategy, 

supported with technical expertise 

and advice. 

www.aggregate.com/suds 


PRODUCTS & SERVICES DIRECTORY 

BUYERS GUIDE 

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION PLEASE CALL 0208 504 1661 

NATURAL STONE 

EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION 

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

SECONDARY GLAZING 

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 

WOOD REPAIR 


By Appointment to 

Her Majesty The Queen 

Manufacturer and Supplier 

of Secondary Glazing 

Selectaglaze Ltd. 

St Albans 

Secondary Glazing 

For seamless integration with the added benefit of: 

Warmer Quieter Safer 

• Most effective method of sound proofing 

• Exemplary thermal retention and draught 

insulation 

• Reversible adaptation for heritage 

• Secured by Design 

TM 

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. 

T:01727 837271 

www.selectaglaze.co.uk 

@selectaglaze 

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


Web-site: www.desofil-uk.com 


PRODUCTS & SERVICES DIRECTORY 

BUYERS GUIDE 

CONSERVATION 

1,000 CONTACTS, 

PRODUCTS, SERVICES and INFORMATION 

RESOURCES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS 

0118 918 1400 

COOLING SYSTEMS 

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

Call or email today for a brochure or a free 

no-obligation site survey 

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

ThermOzone 

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

Major energy savings 

Nationwide service 

FREE design service 

2- 5 years warranty 

Typical installation 30 

days min 

THE BUILDING 

CONSERVATION DI REC TO RY 

For subscriptions or to be included next year contact: 

Cathedral Communications Limited 

T 01747 871717 E bcd@cathcomm.co.uk 

www.buildingconservation.com 

NuChill 

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

CAST IRON RAINWATER PRODUCTS 

STAINED GLASS REPAIR 

Manufacturers of traditional Cast Iron 

Rainwater and Soil goods for over a century 

Extensive Pattern range 

Comprehensive stocks for 

prompt delivery 

Additional services including 

replication and repair 

of existing castings 

T. 01484 682141 

F. 01484 681513 

E. info@longbottomfoundry.co.uk 



The greenest of the green from Vaillant 

With the impact of the 

Future Homes Standard 

to include the phasing 

out of fossil fuel 

heating in new build homes by 

2025, Vaillant has expanded its 

portfolio of renewable technologies 

with a new heat pump system to 

help support the UK’s 

decarbonisation journey. 

Coming in 2020, aroTHERM plus 

is Vaillant’s next generation heat 

pump developed in-house using the 

natural refrigerant R290, which 

allows Vaillant, its installers and end 

users to prepared for a sustainable 

future. 

R290 is a natural refrigerant with 

a low Global Warming Potential of 

3. Fulfilling the next nearly zeroenergy 

buildings (NZEB) 

requirements and with an ErP rating 

of A+++, the aroTHERM plus is one 

of the greenest heat pumps on the 

market, helping end users reduce 

their carbon footprints. 

Greater comfort levels can also 

be achieved with R290 as it enables 

aroTHERM plus to run at a higher 

flow temperature of up to 75°C, 

providing 25% more useable hot 

water and removing the need for an 

electric immersion heater for the 

legionella cycle. 

Significant energy savings are 

also possible thanks to the 

efficiencies of the aroTHERM plus; 

testing has seen up to a 43% saving 

when replacing oil or LPG heaters in 

retrofit projects. It is also one of the 

quietest heat pumps on the market 

with sound power as low as 54dBa. 

Launching alongside the 

aroTHERM plus is Vaillant’s brand 

new indoor unit, uniTOWER. 

Containing an integrated hot water 

cylinder and hydraulic components, 

it is pre-wired for fast and easy 

installation. With no refrigerant 

certification required, the 

connection of both the aroTHERM 

plus and uniTOWER modules can be 

completed in a single day with 

minimal manpower, much to the 

delight of customers. 

John Bailey, head of commercial 

& renewable systems at Vaillant, 

says: “We are delighted to add the 

aroTHERM plus air source heat pump 

to our portfolio in 2020. It is an 

important time for the UK heating 

market, the pressure is on to find a 

range of renewable solutions that 

can effectively and efficiently heat 

our homes and help the nation 

decarbonise in the years ahead. 

“The use of natural refrigerant is 

an example of how Vaillant is 

striving to lead the market with 

innovative solutions that not only 

offer outstanding performance 

characteristics, but also satisfy what 

is a rapidly changing regulatory 

landscape. 

“Together with ease of 

installation, almost silent operation 

and proven energy savings when 

compared with other solutions, the 

aroTHERM plus is set to take the 

heat pump and renewables market 

to the next level.” 

aroTHERM plus is launching in 

Q3 2020. 

For more information contact 

your business development manager. 

www.vaillant.co.uk/for-installers/ 

products/renewable-systems/ 

arotherm-plus/ 

NEXT ISSUE IN 

Special Features: 

Flooring 

Renewable Energy 

Heating & Ventilation 

Lighting & Electrical 

In Every Issue: 

News • New Products • Services • Projects 

46 REFURBISHMENT PROJECTS, AUGUST 2020

egen 

2020 

St. George’s Hall, Liverpool 

Thurs 5th — Fri 6th November 

The 7th Annual UK Regeneration 

Exhibition and Conference 

www.regen2020.co.uk 0845 467 3303 info@regen2020.co.uk

Refurb Projects August 2020

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