January 2024

Editor’s Intro
MATT DOWNS
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
MATTDOWNS@MEDIA-NOW.CO.UK
07963 330774
For a building to really stand out on the Las Vegas strip, you know it’s
going to have to reach new levels in terms of innovation, as well as
collaboration between all involved to ensure it’s a success.
Choice
is everything
Installing in-roof solar PV panels?
Our vapour permeable and impermeable pitched roofing membranes
and ventilation products now come with a 15 year product warranty*
giving you extra peace of mind for your next solar project.
Find out more on page .
*Ts & Cs apply.
And that’s what’s been achieved with The Sphere, which opened its doors
as a concert and events venue in September 2023. Billed as the largest
spherical structure in the world, the numbers are quite staggering; its
exterior facade has approximately 1.2 million LED pucks mounted on it and
each puck consists of 48 individual diodes, with each of the programmable
diodes able display 256 million colours, making its ‘Exosphere’ the largest
screen in the world! Kalzip was commissioned to construct and install the
‘Exosphere’, and we caught up with Dan Vinet, of Kalzip Inc. USA, to discuss
the challenges involved with such a unique facade project on such a grand
scale. As Dan explains on page 32: “The envelope itself consists of
approximately 170 tonnes of profiled aluminium panels, which were
prepared for use in the Koblenz factory. On site in Las Vegas, approximately
4,500 profiled sheets were then further manufactured and prepared for
installation. This was no simple task, as each of the aluminium profiles is
approximately 8m 2 in size and weigh 35kg.”
Elsewhere in this issue, Richard Williams of Aztec Solar Energy provides ten
tips when installing solar PV panels and battery storage systems (page 14);
Kevin Taylor of Marley explains how roofers can boost their businesses in the
winter period (page 16); Bob Richardson points out why roofing contractors
really shouldn’t miss out on submitting projects for the UK Roofing Awards
2024 (page 20); plus we bring you a number of the latest launches for your
sector, including Proctor Air, the new roofing underlay from A Proctor Group...
Enjoy the issue!
Matt
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Cover courtesy of Glidevale Protect. Head to page 28 to find out more.
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Editorial Director Matt Downs
DD: 01892 732 047
Mob: 07963 330774
Email: mattdowns@media-now.co.uk
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Supported by:
34
Coral Morgan of Minster explains how
distributors can support contractors when it comes
to facade specification on page 34.