March 2024 Issue

March 2024

www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

Exploring practical solutions for today’s built environment challenges

OVER 500 MILLION M 2

INSTALLED WORLDWIDE

SURE-WELD®TPO proven for more than 20 years

in the USA

UNIQUE OCTAGUARD XT ®

WEATHER PROTECTION

Durable against heat and cold, UV rays,

ozone and oxidation

OCTAGUARD XT ®

weather protection

DISCOVER

MORE

Sustainable Durable Colour Choice Flexible Heat Reflection No Plasticisers Mech Fix Induction Welding

Free Sample

Win EURO 2024 Tickets

Details inside

www.ccm-europe.com

HOUSING

HOSPITALS &

HEALTHCARE

KITCHENS &

BATHROOMS

HEATING &

VENTILATION

FIRE & SECURITY

WE PROVIDE ANSWERS AND

SOLUTIONS FROM

INNOVATION AND

“KNOWLEDGE

PROUD SPECIFIERS

OF FLAT ROOF SYSTEMS

TECHNOLOGY CENTRE LEITAT,

BARCELONA PICHARCHITECTS

There are a number of specifiers in the UK market.

Choosing to build together in partnership with DANOSA,

you are assured of market-leading support as well as

high-quality systems, specifically engineered to suit the

requirements of your project.

www.danosa.co.uk | +44 (0) 845 074 0553

DANOSA UK, Eagle House, 167 City Road, Old Street, EC1V 1AW

01_SB0324.indd 1

Free Sample

MORE

05/03/2024 09:37

www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ March 2024

MARCH 2024

LETTER FROM

THE EDITOR

EDITOR JENNIE WARD

T: 07971 968611

E: jennie@mappedout.media

SALES

DIRECTOR

DESIGN &

MARKETING

MANAGER

ACCOUNTS &

CIRCULATION

THE TEAM

JAKE ROXBOROUGH

T: 07482 181961

E: jake@mappedout.media

LAURA KING

GEORGIA HENDERSON

E: accounts@mappedout.media

By the time this issue lands on your doorstep, the

Chancellor will have delivered his Spring Budget

and we’ll have a better sense of the state of the

economy as we head towards the next General

Election. The big question is whether any of the

rumoured tax cuts and changes on the horizon will help the

construction and built environment sector which, along with

the rest of the economy, is experiencing tough times.

The government’s annual housebuilding targets have

yet again failed to be met, and given the general state of

the economy it’s hard to see how this is going to change in

the near future. This is particularly true when you consider

the recent Competition & Markets Authority report into

the housebuilding market, which has raised ‘fundamental

concerns’ about the planning system and build quality of

new homes, which you can read more about on page 6.

But while things may seem gloomy on the surface, there

are still opportunities out there. We’ve taken an in-depth look

at the housing and healthcare sectors this month, bringing

you examples of some fantastic projects, where innovative

materials and new technologies have created some truly

inspiring buildings. We’ve been particularly impressed by

how the drive for energy efficiency is now sitting at the heart

of so many building projects.

PUBLISHED BY MAPPED OUT MEDIA LIMITED

Registered in England No.

15185328

Registered Office:

The Old Barn, Wood Street,

Swanley, England, BR8 7PA

March 2024


All rights reserved. No part of this publication

may be reproduced or transmitted in any

form, without the consent of the publisher

- Mapped out Media Limited. While

every effort is made to ensure accuracy,

the publishers do not accept liability for

errors – printing or otherwise – appearing

within this publication (and website). The

views expressed by contributors are not

necessarily those of the editor or publisher.

Exploring practical solutions for today’s built environment challenges

OVER 500 MILLION M 2

INSTALLED WORLDWIDE

SURE-WELD®TPO proven for more than 20 years

in the USA

UNIQUE OCTAGUARD XT ®

WEATHER PROTECTION

Durable against heat and cold, UV rays,

OCTAGUARD XT ozone and oxidation ®

Sustainable Durable Colour Choice Flexible Heat Reflection No Plasticisers Mech Fix Induction Welding

www.ccm-europe.com

HOUSING

HOSPITALS &

HEALTHCARE

KITCHENS &

BATHROOMS

weather protection DISCOVER

HEATING &

VENTILATION

Win EURO 2024 Tickets

Details inside

FIRE & SECURITY

01_SB0324.indd 1 05/03/2024 09:37

Carlisle Construction Materials is a global

specialist in building envelope solutions

for roofs and facades. The SURE-WELD

TPO reinforced membrane system is

a premium, heat-weldable, single-ply

thermoplastic polyolefin sheet designed

for new roof construction and re-roofing

applications. See p12 to find out more.

3

16

24

18 34

CONTENTS

06. News

26. Decarbonising the UK’s social housing

HOUSING HOSPITALS AND HEALTHCARE

14. Renovate or relocate?

16. An ancient material ideal for modern buildings

18. Homeowner builds DIY flood defence

20. 2 Counties Construction revives former stables

22. Fabric-first design is key to compliance

24. Building resilient cities

30. Enhancing energy efficiency in healthcare

settings

32. Rehau provides the cure for Epsom hospital

refurbishment

34. The importance of antibacterial surfaces

36. Hospitals, healthcare and the low-carbon hot

water challenge

4

38

46

42 48 54

KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS

38. Key steps to creating a safe bathroom space

40. Bathroom trends highlight style and functionality

42. Make the most of small kitchen spaces

44. Kitchen and Bathroom Products

HEATING AND VENTILATION

46. Specifying for future ventilation compliance

48. Coloured radiators add warmth to student

accommodation

50. Heating and Ventilation Products

FIRE AND SECURITY

54. Manage fire risk with effective compartmentation

56. Empowering efficiency in an era of challenges

58. Combining safety and aesthetics in fire-safe

solutions

60. Fire safety for the health sector

61. Is secure privacy glass a door to the future?

62. Special Feature: Make the impossible possible

63. New Products

65. Case Studies

5

March 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

LATEST NEWS

NEWS \\ INDUSTRY UPDATES

CMA finds ‘fundamental concerns’ in Great

Britain’s housebuilding market

The Competition and Markets

Authority (CMA) has published

a report on the housebuilding

market in Great Britain – finding

the “complex and unpredictable”

planning system, and the limitations

of speculative private development,

responsible for the persistent underdelivery

of new homes.

The study also found substantial

concerns about estate management

charges – with homeowners often

facing high and unclear charges

for the management of facilities

such as roads, drainage, and green

spaces. Concerns have been found,

too, with the quality of some new

housing after the number of owners

reporting snagging issues increased

over the last 10 years.

The CMA has also opened an

investigation into the suspected

sharing of commercially sensitive

information by housebuilders which

could be influencing the build-out of

sites and the prices of new homes.

The investigation – under the

Competition Act 1998 – is being

conducted into Barratt, Bellway,

Berkeley, Bloor Homes, Persimmon,

Redrow, Taylor Wimpey, and Vistry.

The CMA has not reached any

conclusions as to whether or not

competition law has been infringed.

There are persistent shortfalls in

the number of homes built across

England, Scotland, and Wales, with

less than 250,000 built last year

across Great Britain.

DOKA service

recognised with

BIM certificate

International formwork and

scaffolding specialist, Doka,

has been rewarded for its

commitment to service and

design excellence in its UK

business with the recent

award of BS EN ISO 19650-

2:2018 certification for Building

Information Modelling (BIM)

processes and management.

Compliance with the

standard demonstrates that

Doka provides information in

accordance with set processes

and customer requirements

using a structured format.

This applies in particular to

the company’s project work,

product delivery and the

management of data systems.

Pieter Strydom, UK Senior

Engineer and BIM Coordinator

at Doka said: “Receiving a

Certificate of Conformity to BS

EN ISO 19650-2:2018 is hugely

important for us as a business.”

FDM opens UK’s first practical fire

door training centre

A practical training centre for the fire

door industry has opened in Bury,

Greater Manchester.

Purpose built, the 3,000ft²

Academy has been launched by Fire

Door Maintenance to raise safety

standards. Comprising different

types of fire doors and components

from a range of manufacturers,

the facility will provide a dedicated

space for hands-on training plus

classrooms for theory-based

learning.

Accredited by GQA

Qualifications, the Academy will

offer a variety of courses including

a fire door inspector course, one

centred on fire door maintenance,

and another focusing on fire door

installation. After completion,

participants will receive a GQA card.

The accredited training will also

respond to the Hackitt report’s

recommendations following the

Grenfell Tower fire. A variety of fire

safety awareness courses will also

be on offer for anyone wishing

to learn more about the latest

legislation and how to raise safety

standards.

The Training Academy was formally

opened by Councillor Sandra

Walmsley, Mayor of Bury (pictured).

6

WestWood Liquid Technologies Limited

31 Morris Road, Nuffi eld Industrial Estate,

Poole, Dorset BH17 0GG

Phone: +44 800 808 5480

Liquid Applied Waterproofi ng Systems

Car Parks • Flat Roofs • Metal Roofs • Gutters • Roof Terraces Balconies


LATEST NEWS


HHIC releases guide on differing CO detector

requirements across the UK

Following several regulatory changes

across the different countries in the

UK, the Heating and Hotwater

Industry Council (HHIC) and the

Council of Gas Detection and

Environmental Monitoring have

launched a guide on carbon

monoxide (CO) detector requirements

across the UK.

As variation in CO legalisation

across England, Wales, Scotland and

Northern Ireland could cause

confusion, the guide has been

launched to provide the best practice

for each region.

Property owners must ensure that

CO detectors are present in each

property, in the appropriate locations

and in accordance with legislation and

related guidance. The guide highlights

the differing requirements including

the number of CO detectors required

in a property, the batteries that must

be used and where detectors must be

installed.

Kevin Lowe, Technical Manager of

the HHIC, said: “Following changes to

CO legislation made in the past year,

it’s crucial to be aware of the different

obligations across England, Wales,

Scotland and Northern Ireland. Our

guide will help [people] easily

understand the regulations they must

adhere to.”

The guide also features the

standards placed upon social and

private landlords that differ across the

UK’s nations. hhic.org.uk/resources

Apprenticeships ‘strengthen

the future of the industry’

Keyfix is supporting apprentices through the MentorMe

and Keyskills training schemes. Offering both practical and

theoretical learning opportunities, these schemes are

designed to help strengthen the future of the construction

industry and meet the UK’s future demands.

The MentorMe initiative was set up by specialist

brickwork contractor Lyons & Annoot with the aim of

providing a wide range of learning opportunities in

specialisms where apprentices would be utilising the

modern masonry solutions offered by Keyfix and Keystone

Lintels.

Additionally, apprentices on the MentorMe scheme have

access to informative webinars that cover a multitude of

topics, such as innovations in lintels and thermal bridging.

Sika releases new white paper

for specifiers

Sika has launched a new white paper focusing on Cradle

to Cradle certification, and its new Sarnafil AT single-ply

membrane technology.

Sarnafil AT is Cradle to Cradle certified, independently

assessed to a Silver certification by the Cradle to Cradle

Products Innovation Institute, which globally assesses

products to ensure they are sustainable and safer for the

circular economy. The white paper explains what Cradle to

Cradle is, and the basic concept of materials being used in

safe cycles. The design approach integrates a number of

categories:

• Environmentally harmless, healthy materials

• Reutilisation of materials, eg, by recycling or

composting

• Use of renewable energy and carbon management

• Water management and water-quality improvement

• Social responsibility strategies.

Other sustainability documentation is also referenced,

such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs),

explaining what types there are, what information it

contains, and what validity you should expect to see. It

also covers other topics such as the Code for

Construction Product Information (CCPI) and the Green

Claims Code.

Read more at: gbr.sika.com/white-paper-sarnafil-at

8



Soprema is latest to embrace the CCPI mark

Soprema has become the latest manufacturer to sign up

to the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI), a

new initiative that verifies the product information released

by a manufacturer of construction products for a particular

product set is clear, accurate, current, easily accessible,

and free of ambiguity.

The CCPI was developed by the Construction Products

Association’s (CPA) Marketing Integrity Group, then

handed over to the not-for-profit Construction Product

Information Ltd which administers the Code and

verification process.

Waterproofing and insulation business Soprema now

carries the CCPI mark for its Soprema Bitumen Range.

The CCPI verification process includes conducting a

survey on product information-related leadership and

culture, ensuring the effectiveness of the organisation’s

product information management systems, and validating

evidence submitted for a specific product set. This

comprehensive process ensures conformance with the 11

clauses comprised within the CCPI, thereby giving more

confidence in the generation, dissemination, and

management of ‘Construction Product Information.’

Laurent Verheyden, Managing Director at Soprema,

said: “We were delighted to attend the CCPI event recently

in London. We joined like-minded product manufacturers

committed to higher standards in building safety through

higher standards in construction product information and

product claims. Soprema’s Bitumen System is among the

first construction products in the UK to be verified as

conforming with the CCPI.

“The CCPI is playing a pivotal role in driving up

standards in product information as the construction

industry adapts to a new building safety regime.”

Barbour ABI partners with

Materials & Finishes Show

Organisers of the Materials & Finishes Show (formerly

the W Exhibition) have announced a new partnership

with Barbour ABI, a leading provider of construction

intelligence services.

AMA Research, part of the Barbour ABI Group,

will produce a detailed KBB and worktops market

intelligence report, of which Materials & Finishes Show

visitors will be among the first to hear the key insights

when it is delivered as part of the CPD certified

learning programme at the show.

The Materials & Finishes Show will be at the NEC in

Birmingham between 19 and 22 May, 2024.

www.materialsandfinishesshow.com

LATEST NEWS

BDA launches new ‘Better with Brick’ campaign

The Brick Development Association

(BDA) is commemorating clay brick’s

appeal as a building material for the

ages with the launch of its Better with

Brick campaign. Packed with facts,

stats and blogs featuring expert

analysis and insights, Better with

Brick proves there is more to clay

brick than meets the eye.

Keith Aldis, CEO of the BDA said:

“With Better with Brick, our goal is

clear: to reveal the timeless charm

and unwavering reliability of clay

brick, a material that has long been

the cornerstone for builders,

architects, and homeowners. This

campaign will highlight why clay brick

isn’t just a choice, but the best

choice for your building needs.”

The campaign covers topics that

verify clay brick’s vital role in fulfilling

the UK’s current and future building

needs. Clay brick’s strength, reliability,

design-friendly qualities and limitless

kerb appeal are among its beneficial

traits – but it also offers sustainable

value and inbuilt, long-term weather

resistance?

Clay brick’s non-combustible

performance is also hallmarked by its

A1 fire-rating.

Better with Brick will outline each

of these crucial underlying benefits in

a series of expert blogs that will also

reveal how the Brick Makers Quality

Charter manages its credibility in

respect of clay bricks.

To find out more, visit

www.brick.org.uk/better-with-brick

9


LATEST NEWS


Massive industrial fire destroys warehouse

A major fire at an industrial estate in Bridgend destroyed a

huge 20,000m 2 building used largely for warehousing,

sending plumes of smoke into the surrounding area. One

of the largest fires in Europe in recent times, the scale of

the blaze was immense, impacting a number of

businesses and highlighting gaps in fire safety measures.

The devastating fire broke out on 19 January in a

building largely housing a warehouse owned by the Owens

Group. This was also home to a number of businesses

ranging from a tyre company and storage facility to a

company selling paper products. The building was

completely destroyed and the blaze required 10 fire crews,

four water carriers and two aerial ladder platforms from the

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Thankfully, there were no reported injuries in the blaze

but there were repercussions for businesses within the

warehouse, as well as adjacent businesses and colleges.

Iain Cox, Chair of Business Sprinkler Alliance, says the

building lacked a sprinkler system, and is campaigning for

the inclusion of such systems into warehousing units.

He says: “It’s important to point out that unless the

whole building was storage, automatic sprinklers would

not have been required from a Building Regulations

perspective. However, any partitions erected within the

building to separate units and changing uses within the

building were ineffective. It points to the fact that for such

buildings the unit of control is the entire building and not a

smaller compartment within it.”

Recent statistics reveal the average cost of a large

warehouse fire amounts to £5.9m, with at least one

occurring every working day in England alone. These

figures underscore the critical importance for businesses

to carefully consider the impact and consequences of fire.

Quickly stopping the spread of fire when it is first

detected is the best way to limit damage and minimise

costs and impacts. Sprinklers have been shown to

contain, control or extinguish fires in 99% of cases when

caused to operate.

Knauf announces charity partnership

Knauf has announced it is now

an official company supporter

of the Lighthouse Construction

Industry Charity. The partnership

underscores Knauf’s commitment to

nurturing a positive impact within the

construction sector by championing

the wellbeing and mental health of

industry professionals.

The Lighthouse Charity is the

UK’s only charity 100% dedicated to

the emotional, physical and financial

wellbeing of construction workers

and their families. Its mission is

to ‘improve workforce welfare and

wellbeing for this generation and

the next’. By becoming a company

supporter, Knauf aims to contribute to

the charity’s vital mission of promoting

better mental health and wellbeing

across the construction community.

Knauf will be providing an annual

charitable donation, and colleagues

at Knauf will be able to benefit from

enhanced support from the charity,

such as 24/7 telephone support from

their Construction Industry Helpline,

their self-support app and a network

of Lighthouse Beacons that offer a

safe space for people to share their

concerns and challenges.

More on the Lighthouse Charity is at

www.lighthouseclub.org

Institutes renew pledge

to tackle instability

With almost 70% of the world’s

population predicted to live in cities

by 2050, major built environment

institutes, including architects

planners, structural engineers

and landscape practitioners, have

renewed their joint pledge to

collaborate to tackle urgent global

challenges.

Members of the UK Built

Environment Advisory Group

(UKBEAG), a group first launched in

2016 comprising the Royal Institute

of British Architects, the Royal Town

Planning Institute, the Institution

of Structural Engineers and the

Landscape Institute, have committed

to work together for at least another

five years in a new Memorandum of

Understanding.

10

Specifying roof protection?

Get your ducks in a row.

kemperol.co.uk


COVER EDITORIAL

TACKLING THE CAUSE AND EFFECT

OF CLIMATE CHANGE

CARLISLE Construction Materials, the global specialist in building envelope solutions

for roofs and facades, discusses the need for roofing systems that both address the

causes and reduce the impacts of climate change, highlighting how thermoplastic

polyolefin technology fits the bill on both counts.

The summer weather in the

recent past in the UK may

most accurately have been

described as a wash-out,

and the flooding belies the

evidence from across the world that the

planet is heating up at a speed that not

even the scientists who warned of a

climate crisis had anticipated.

Changing weather patterns present

huge challenges for the specification and

construction of our built environment.

Increasingly, the whole construction

delivery chain is looking for solutions

that deliver a circular approach to

sustainability. As Carlisle launches

the SURE-WELD TPO (thermoplastic

polyolefin) system in the UK, what

advantages can TPO demonstrate to

reduce a building’s impact and improve

its resilience to climate change?

The urban heat island effect

The most immediately obvious difference

between a TPO roofing membrane

and other single ply roofing systems is

the colour. TPO is a pale grey or white

roofing membrane which reflects heat,

preventing solar gain.

This heat absorption issue is a

phenomenon known as the urban heat

island effect, but it is not confined to

urban areas. It can also affect industrial

estates, logistics hubs, large hospital

complexes – any environment where

large expanses of roof have the potential

to absorb or reflect heat. It is a problem

that is growing exponentially, as the

level of urban density and the scale

of industrial and logistics buildings

increases.

While a heat-reflecting roof covering

such as SURE-WELD TPO is not a

complete solution to the urban heat

island effect on its own, it is a key

element of the role that the building

fabric can play in reducing this issue.

When specified in combination with

energy efficient building services and an

insulated building envelope that reduces

heating and cooling requirements, it

can form part of a robust environmental

strategy.

Robust performance

The flip side to the higher temperatures

the world is experiencing due to the

changing climate is the level of rainfall

we’re getting – which is also predicted to

increase in the coming years.

Waterproofing is the main purpose of

any roofing system, and any technology,

properly installed, should have that

fundamental principle at the heart of its

performance.

As best practice goals, however,

specifiers should also be looking for

waterproofing systems that enable the

project team to make the structure

watertight quickly. This reduces the

risk of leaks at seams or fixings, and

provides consistently high levels of

waterproofing performance throughout

an extended service life. For larger roofs,

a flexible membrane available in large

sheets enables the project team to make

the building watertight quickly, and both

TPO and EPDM systems are ideal in this

regard. Both Carlisle’s SURE-WELD TPO

system and Hertalan EPDM system are

suitable for installation using induction

technology, which not only enables a

quicker and simpler installation process,

but also means that the membrane can

be removed cleanly and easily from the

roof at the end of its service life.

Longevity is also an important element

of performance and environmental

credentials. TPO contains no plasticisers

and will not crack or blister over time,

retaining its elasticity and consistent

performance throughout its service life.

As an additional performance benefit,

the SURE-WELD TPO system has been

formulated with Octaguard XT weather

protection, an ingredient combining

U/V and temperature stabilisers, which

improves durability and flexibility.

Enhancing green credentials

Operators of large buildings, such

as logistics hubs and factories, are

increasingly aware of the need to invest

in environmental best practice as part

of their ESG commitment. They are also

cognisant of the operational cost and

resilience benefits of using renewable

energy, rather relying on the grid. As

a result, companies like Amazon are

installing solar panels at their sites.

TPO is an ideal partner for rooftop solar

PV, because it is robust enough to

support the installation and its reflective

properties help to maximise the potential

energy conversion of the panels.

Similarly, large roofs have the potential to

enhance biodiversity and embed green

space into development projects with

the specification of a green roof. Offering

excellent root resistance, TPO is also an

ideal waterproofing membrane for use in

green roof projects.

www.ccm-europe.com

12

+ +

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Win an all expenses paid trip for two to the UEFA EURO 2024 in

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Order with CCM UK or ARBO before 30th April,2024, first 10 customers

to make the spend win (5 for CCM & 5 for ARBO).

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www.ccm-europe.com


HOUSING

RENOVATE OR RELOCATE?

Dave Broxton, Managing Director at Bohle, explores how companies can capitalise

on the current trend for quality home renovations.

More homeowners are renovating their homes with a

view to the future, with a recent study from Houzz

finding that 62% of homeowners who had undertaken

renovations planned to stay in their property for 11 years

or more. An estimated one in 10 potential sellers are also

choosing to invest in quality renovations as opposed to moving

home, according to Your Mortgage Expert, citing the current

mortgage and housing market pressures as factors in their

decision.

This focus on improving, rather than moving, is a real

opportunity that specifiers can capitalise on. By offering highquality

and high-performance products that will stand the test

of time, businesses can increase their margins and also reduce

the likelihood of callbacks, which is a win-win scenario for

everyone.

Made to last

This long-term view is especially crucial in more skilled

renovations, where costs tend to be more of an investment

and products need to be installed to last. While a bedroom

can be transformed with a quick lick of paint, or a dining room

given a new style by re-furnishing, the cost and disruption

involved in a bathroom renovation means once it has been

designed, specified and installed, the chances are that the

bathroom will then be left alone for a considerable period of

time. Because of this, we are seeing people gravitate towards

higher value bathroom installations.

Aesthetics and ease

The Juna Shower Door Hinge for glass shower doors, for

example, features minimum gap dimensions to create a clean,

high-quality appearance. Other modern aesthetic features

include no visible screws, a practically continuous sealing

strip, and the above-average return angle of 20°, which closes

the glass door automatically. Tested to 100,000 cycles, the

Juna Shower Door Hinge is made from brass and stainless

steel with a load capacity of 50kg per pair – a necessary

requirement for ever larger shower doors. It is also supplied

with a five-year guarantee for peace of mind.

The Juna shower door hinge was also designed to be easy

to install, so that specifiers can choose it without worrying

about issues during the installation process. The zero-position

adjusting screw is easily accessible and enables convenient

adjustment: the clamping screws and the zero-position fixing

screw have uniform screw heads, which can all be tightened

with just one tool.

Furthermore, the centred mounting plate is designed to

perfectly locate the cover cap, which guarantees a firm and

precise fit.

Quality is king

Aside from the possible quality implications of a cheaper

alternative, there is also a rising consumer sentiment against

mass-manufactured, discount products. Perhaps a by-product

of the global focus around sustainability and ethical production,

67% of consumers now regard the behaviour of a company

as important as what it sells, according to research by Ernst &

Young.

The bulk of Bohle’s products are now manufactured in Europe

and distributed locally through our subsidiary network. They

are produced in an energy efficient manufacturing environment

that will become even more sustainable this year, when our

manufacturing site in Haan in Germany will generate most of

its energy via solar power, thanks to a substantial photovoltaic

installation.

www.bohle.com

14

WE KNOW

ACOUSTICS

INSIDE OUT

Noise and noise pollution surround us on a daily basis, in homes,

the workplace and in our schools, but it does not need to. Acoustic

comfort in buildings is an essential parameter to be considered

when designing or refurbishing a building. To meet both regulatory

requirements as well as the needs of the occupants, specify

Tecsound Acoustic membranes.

www.soprema.co.uk/acoustics

Benefits include:

3 Versatility (Multiple applications)

3 Easy Installation

3 Quality

3 Reliability

3 Solutions for airborne and impact noise

3 Technical support from design to installation

Email: techsupport@soprema.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0)330 058 0668


HOUSING

AN ANCIENT MATERIAL IDEAL FOR

MODERN BUILDINGS

There is much to recommend clay bricks as a modern, sustainable building

material. Keith Aldis, CEO of the Brick Development Association, explores its

environmental credentials.

clay brick buildings rather than demolishing them, carbon

emissions are further reduced while preserving the architectural

heritage of the local area.

As a durable, reusable and recyclable material, clay brick is

one of the most carbon-friendly building options. Its resilience

over generations embodies sustainable design, saving carbon

and retaining the character of our built environment. A cradleto-cradle

mentality recognises the sustainability inherent in this

natural material.

However, current methods for assessing sustainability such

as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), often fail to

account for clay brick’s exceptional longevity. EPDs typically

use a limited 60-year study period, which fails to account for

the exceptional longevity of durable materials like clay brick.

As we have stated, the oldest fired bricks are over 6,000 years

old, demonstrating how clay bricks’ lifespan can exceed EPD

assumptions by over 98%.

Clay brick has proven its performance for thousands of

years. When compared to other forms of construction,

clay brick’s minimum active lifespan of 150 years sets

it apart. In fact, clay bricks can last much longer. Roman

structures such as the Pantheon were built using brick in

120AD and are still perfectly intact.

In the UK, present-day Cambridge is an excellent example of

a city built on clay brick, with many university buildings dating

back to the 1400s. The prevalence of Georgian-era brick

buildings that also continue to be used and appreciated across

the UK are testament to the durability of clay bricks. Clearly,

under the right circumstances, the evidence of clay brick’s

longevity is all around us.

Brick resilience

When compared to other building materials, clay bricks are

highly durable, stable and robust. It will not break down and,

in most environments, is completely impervious to anything.

Resilient to extremes of weather including flooding, clay

brick can withstand generations of wear and tear with little

or no upkeep. Non-flammable and non-combustible, clay

brick façades often survive fires structurally intact, enabling

renovation and reuse.

Cradle to cradle

Clay brick’s durability and resilience over time demonstrate

the importance of taking a cradle-to-cradle approach

when evaluating sustainability, and considering a product’s

environmental impact across its entire lifecycle from production

to use, maintenance, and reuse or recycling. With extensive

longevity, clay brick buildings prolong usable lifespan, resulting

in a lower carbon footprint per year of use. Clay brick can also

be reused and recycled indefinitely, avoiding waste. By reusing

This longevity drastically reduces clay brick’s carbon footprint

per year of use. While EPDs ignore lifespan beyond 60 years,

clay bricks endure for centuries. By underestimating the

extended lifespans of clay bricks, EPDs and the specifiers who

reference them lack crucial data on true carbon footprints.

Only an analysis accounting for longevity and recyclability will

capture the minimal carbon impact of clay brick across its full

lifecycle.

A local product

It’s important to highlight that clay brick is also a local product

for local communities – and has been that way for thousands

of years. When you consider that 85% of the bricks used in

the UK are manufactured here, it’s easy to see why we are a

country built on locally produced clay brick. Clay bricks from

UK brick manufacturers travel on average no more than 68

miles from factory to site. This short distance from factory

to construction site minimises economic and environmental

costs.

Thermal mass

Clay brick is also noted for its excellent thermal mass. This

ability to absorb, store and release heat energy helps to

regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption

for heating and cooling. This contributes to lower operational

carbon emissions, as the building requires less energy to

maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the year.

Clay bricks contain only natural elements such as clay, sand,

water, and air. No harmful toxic substances are added during

the brick-making process as they are made entirely from inert

materials that pose no health risk to humans. This results in

a healthy building material free of volatile organic compound

emissions, with no risk material throughout their lifecycle.

www.brick.org.uk

16

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Experts

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contact@proctorgroup.com +44 01250 872 261 www.proctorgroup.com


HOUSING

HOMEOWNER BUILDS DIY

FLOOD DEFENCE

A homeowner has been dubbed ‘Worcestershire’s answer to King Canute’ after

building his own flood defence for his property.

Located on the banks of the River

Severn, Nick Lupton’s converted

17 th century house has been

flooded 11 times since he and his wife

Annie moved into the property in 2016.

With the area prone to flooding during

periods of heavy rainfall, Nick knew he

needed to take action to protect his

property against further flood damage.

Nick explains: “Right from the moment

we bought this house, we knew exactly

what the flood risks were. We live in a

very beautiful part of the world, right

next to the River Severn, with one

drawback – we get flooded. Having

faced eight floods since 2019 alone, we

finally decided to take matters into our

own hands and build ourselves a wall to

protect our property.”

Self-built defences are common to

some properties in the region due to its

proximity to the River Severn. Having

considered some solutions used by

neighbours – such as layered masonry

which is tied together and filled with

concrete, Nick wanted a product that

was both hardy and reliable, and as

he’d be completing the bulk of the build

himself, easy to install.

One of the major

appeals with Stepoc,

for me, is that it

provides both vertical

and horizontal

reinforcement, giving

the product high levels

of structural integrity

The solution Nick decided upon was

Stepoc. Developed by clay and concrete

building materials manufacturer Ibstock,

Stepoc is a precast concrete block

retaining wall system which can be laid

dry. Available in a range of sizes, Nick

opted for Stepoc’s 200mm unit.

Nick explains: “One of the major

appeals with Stepoc, for me, is that it

provides both vertical and horizontal

reinforcement, giving the product high

levels of structural integrity – obviously

key for effective flood defence.”

In total, Nick required 110m 2 of Stepoc

blocks to build his protective wall, which

ranges in height from four to seven

courses. To ensure the project was as

cost effective as possible, Nick elected

to build most of the wall himself –

working with a contractor only to lay the

foundations and the first course.

To this end, the relative simplicity of the

Stepoc build process was another major

selling point. Nick continues: “Given the

scale of the wall needed to protect the

property, I knew that this wasn’t going

to be an inexpensive project. That’s why,

wherever possible, I was looking at ways

I could economise without compromising

on product quality. Thanks to Stepoc’s

easy to install functionality, I was able to

build much of the wall myself – a huge

help in managing the spend on the

project.”

Nick, who purchased his Stepoc via

Travis Perkins, also had access to

Ibstock’s in-house team of technical

experts and product datasheets, who

were able to provide him with in-depth

insights to ensure he was specifying the

best product for his requirements.

The build commenced in May 2023

and was completed in September, with

testing via Storm Babet occurring just

weeks later in October. In January 2024,

the wall faced its greatest challenge yet

when Storm Henk swept the country.

Nick concludes: “Almost as soon as the

wall was finished it was being tested

by some extreme weather. The flood

brought about by Storm Henk is one of

the severest we’ve experienced since

moving into this property, with water

levels nearly exceeding the record

flooding experienced in the area in 2020.

This was a great test for the wall and,

I’m happy to say, it has so far completely

stood up to the challenge.”

With more extreme rainfall, and thus

exacerbated risk of flooding, an

increasingly common part of the British

climate, investing in adequate flooding

defence is a growing concern for

property owners in vulnerable areas.

Ibstock’s Stepoc retaining walls are

uniquely designed to create a cascade

effect which ensures a smooth filling of

the pumped concrete, forcing out air

and eliminating segregation to create

walls which have immense compressive

and lateral strength.

www.ibstock.co.uk

18

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HOUSING: CASE STUDY

2 COUNTIES CONSTRUCTION

REVIVES FORMER STABLES

A 16 th century hunting lodge has become a high-spec four-bedroom family home

following an extensive renovation. Specify & Build reports.

The Coach House forms part

of Hillhampton House estate,

originally the hunting lodge for

Witley Court, in Worcestershire. Built

in the 16 th century, the structure has

been extended several times over the

years and comprises many different

architectural styles.

Purchased with planning permission

for residential conversion, the owners

appointed local chartered architect Zebra

to manage the extensive renovation

of the Grade II* curtilage listed Coach

House.

“The building’s structure and fabric were

in danger of becoming deteriorated

but provided a great opportunity to

create a new usable environment,” says

Matthew Parsons, associate director and

chartered architectural technologist at

Zebra.

“The planning authority and English

Heritage were very particular about

the design of the building, and the

concept was based around converting

the spaces but only if the interventions

could be achieved without detrimental

alteration to the character of the

structure.”

To achieve this, the project required a

main contractor with the necessary skill

and experience to manage and deliver a

complex renovation of a listed building.

“2 Counties Construction had tendered

on a previous project and submitted

a professional response and so we

approached them for the Coach House,”

continues Matthew.

“Mark and his team provided a price

which was well thought through and

comprehensive, and they were able

to commence work within the client’s

timeframe. They were responsive to

queries relating to their proposal and

were willing to discuss details which

would make the project go smoother.

More importantly, they were human and

felt like a team we could work well with.”

A contemporary transformation

2 Counties Construction transformed

the disused brick built stable block

into a four-bed luxury family home with

contemporary design, using traditional

methods and materials.

The biggest challenge was combating

the damp. This is one of the reasons the

Worcester-based building contractor

used lime products to improve the finish

and durability of the structure, allowing

the walls to breathe. There were also

areas of traditional lathe and plaster

which had to be preserved.

Thermal efficiency was vital to the

success of the project, to create a warm

and energy efficient home. Multiple

measures were employed to achieve

this, including a thermally upgraded

roof. The groundworks also included

preparatory works for the installation of

an underground 10,000-litre oil storage

tank. This was particularly challenging

as the levels had to be accurate for the

boilers to perform.

To meet planning stipulations, certain

historic details had to be preserved or

re-worked into the renovated structure.

2 Counties Construction re-laid the blue

engineered brick floor, for example.

Being a stable, the original floor was

dished for drainage so the bricks were

dug up and laid flat to create a charming

and characterful floor in the kitchen.

Working with a specialist sub-contractor,

2 Counties Construction also replaced

sections of cornicing using a replica

mould.

The Coach House is ancillary to the

main house and as such, significant

external works were required. Alongside

extensive groundworks, 2 Counties

Construction remodelled the driveways

and courtyard and installed a sewerage

treatment plant. Due to the location and

nature of the property, the building firm

liaised with ecology and conservation

professionals to install bat lofts and

mitigation systems.

Matthew concludes: “2 Counties

Construction were professional, hardworking,

and attentive. They could

always be found on site, carrying out and

planning work. They had the resource

to be able to cope with the project and

respond to a changing brief and extra

requests, without complaint.”

www.2countiesconstruction.co.uk

20

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HOUSING

FABRIC-FIRST DESIGN IS KEY TO

COMPLIANCE

Simon Blackham, Senior Technical Manager at Recticel Insulation, highlights how

insulation and a fabric-first approach to building design and specification is key to

achieving the amended Part L regulations.

Amended Part L regulations

put a firm focus on adopting

a fabric-first approach to

ensure new buildings are

31% more carbon efficient

than previous standards. Prioritising the

composition of the walls, floors and roof

reduces reliance on mechanical heating

and ventilation systems and creates

homes that use less fuel to run.

Low-carbon heating technologies such

as heat pumps have a part to play in

creating homes that provide year-round

energy efficient comfort, but their effect

is negated if the associated building’s

fabric is thermally compromised. In such

instances, costly refurbishment could be

required to create a thermal envelope

that ensures energy standards are met.

maximum performance and to ensure

airtightness targets are met, it is

important the insulation is specified and

installed properly to reduce instances of

thermal bridging.

The Part L amendments also create

stricter standards for extensions,

replacements, and upgrades to older

homes. However, a proportion of

31%

more carbon efficiency

with amended

Part L

regulations

Case studies carried out on fabric-first

designed buildings found that fabric

insulation alone reduced heating demand

by up to 63%, according to a report by

Cardiff University on behalf of the Welsh

Government. This can be achieved

using widely available and cost-effective

insulation technologies together with

conscientious design principles. Highly

effective energy performance depends

on achieving good U-values in the walls,

floor and roof, as well as openings such

as windows and doors. To achieve

maximum performance and to ensure

airtightness targets are met, it is

important the insulation is specified and

installed properly to reduce instances of

thermal bridging.

The Part L amendments also create

stricter standards for extensions,

replacements, and upgrades to older

homes. However, a proportion of these

buildings will not be suitable for retrofit

and approaches may need to vary

from one dwelling to another. Thus,

a proper assessment and design is

always essential. By getting this aspect

right, heating demand in older buildings

retrofitted with quality insulation can be

reduced by up to 50% when compared

with the current housing average.

Looking to the future

These latest amendments are

considered a critical milestone toward

the Future Homes Standard (FHS), which

aims to achieve a 75-80% reduction in

carbon emissions compared to current

22


HOUSING

standards by 2025. The FHS represents

a transformative shift in the construction

industry’s approach to building homes.

It introduces several initiatives to ensure

that homes are constructed to meet the

required energy performance. These

create a more stringent onsite monitoring

process, where contractors are required

to document critical junctions via

geo-located digital photographs. This

transparency enables homeowners

to better understand how the as-built

Similar to the interim Part L regulations,

the FHS underscores the need for

improving the energy standards of a

building’s fabric, with a particular focus

on insulation. Inadequate insulation

is a significant contributor to energy

wastage in domestic buildings and

can lead to buildings falling short of

U-value requirements. Polyisocyanurate

(PIR) panels are regarded as a longterm

solution to address this energy

performance gap compared to mineral

PIR’s thermal performance also isn’t

compromised by its slim composition,

and requires less thickness to achieve

the same U-value as other insulation

materials. This benefit is particularly

valuable for specifiers seeking to

maximise interior living space and plots

per area in multi-property developments.

It is also a means to achieving U-value

targets in terraces and balconies where

space is limited and threshold levels are

an issue.

The Future Homes Standard places greater emphasis

on heat loss at junction details such as windows, which

is calculated using the PSI value method. Although

seemingly minor, these amendments could be crucial

in ensuring necessary thermal outcomes are achieved.

Sofia Pro font voluptatem nobit am nonseni necatur

energy calculation of their property was

conducted.

The FHS emphasises a more holistic

approach in assessing a property’s

anticipated energy performance, using

an updated Standard Assessment

Procedure (SAP) methodology. It places

greater emphasis on heat loss at junction

details such as windows, which is

calculated using the PSI value method.

Although seemingly minor, these

amendments could be crucial in ensuring

the necessary thermal outcomes are

achieved.

fibre-based insulation.

How PIR benefits performance

In performance and installation terms,

PIR insulation is ideal for fabric-first

design. Lightweight and easy to handle,

PIR is a versatile product that delivers

consistent thermal performance and

product reliability for walls, floors,

pitched roofs and flat roofs over time.

With impressive lambda values as low

as 0.022W/mK, PIR insulation offers

excellent performance and quality in

relation to cost.

Fabric-first construction

Recticel Insulation specialises in PIR

products which have good thermal

performance and are suitable for

fabric-first construction. The tongueand-groove

joint found on Recticel’s

Eurowall+ rigid full-fill insulation board,

combined with a 10mm air gap created

by a 90mm Eurowall+ PIR board in a

traditional 100mm masonry cavity wall,

facilitates a more convenient installation

process for bricklayers. It also ensures

Eurowall+ panels achieve regulation

targets for walls with a traditional 100mm

cavity size.

Undoubtedly, the changes introduced

in Part L and the subsequent

implementation of the Future Homes

Standard will present challenges right

across the industry. However, stricter

regulations pertaining to property design,

construction materials, as well as a

focus on fabric-first principles harnessed

by quality insulation, are vital if we are

to deliver the energy compliant homes

needed now and in the future.

www.recticelinsulation.com/en-gb

23


HOUSING

BUILDING RESILIENT CITIES

Modern cities require enhanced levels of infrastructure that can reduce risks and

respond to the increasing climate challenges. That is why the concept of urban

resilience is steadily growing in popularity. Sontay reports on how advanced

technologies can fortify the foundation of urban sustainability.

The vision of resilient and

sustainable cities has transcended

from aspirations to a necessity.

It is defined by the Resilient Cities

Network as “the capacity of individuals,

communities, institutions, businesses

and systems within a city to survive,

adapt and grow no matter what kind of

chronic stresses and acute shocks they

experience”.

Climate-resilient cities

Addressing the world’s climate

challenges requires proactive measures,

as the number of climate-related threats

such as rising sea levels, droughts and

intensified extreme weather events

escalate. As cities continue to grow in

number and size, the need to fortify

buildings against these challenges while

actively mitigating carbon emissions is

only becoming more urgent.

At the heart of climate resilience is

energy resilience, a fundamental pillar

in the construction of sustainable cities.

Transitioning towards greener energy

solutions that are centred around

people’s needs and with reduced carbon

footprints, is becoming paramount for

achieving climate resilience.

A resilient city is a smart city, and there

can be no smart cities without smart

buildings, which is why embracing the

latest technological advancements,

particularly in Building Management

Systems (BMS), becomes indispensable.

Building management systems

Smart technologies provide building

owners and managers with versatile

tools to navigate both internal and

external climates, while continuing to

strategise for sustained sustainability and

growth. In terms of energy consumption,

buildings stand as significant

contributors, with a considerable portion

being wasted. This reality underscores

the need for sustainable solutions

like BMS, particularly in buildings

aspiring for heightened environmental

consciousness.

As cities aspire toward modernity,

intelligence and resilience, the surge in

electricity demand could pose a threat

to structures such as the National Grid.

However, a BMS can provide a strategic

and sustainable alternative, minimising

overload on existing energy providers.

The functionality of BMS extends

across many tasks, encompassing the

monitoring and management of crucial

building systems such as ventilation,

lighting and heating. By harnessing

real-time data analytics, BMS enables

automatic adjustments for optimal

energy efficiency, including intelligent

reactions such as heating adjustments

based on occupancy. Building managers

can leverage this wealth of data to

intervene when required and ensure

ongoing building efficiency during

changing circumstances. A BMS can

also identify and alert building managers

to system faults or inefficiencies, preempting

potential escalations that

could prove costly, both financially and

environmentally.

Building smart with Sontay

Sontay provides sensing and peripheral

devices for any kind of building. With

an extensive range of products and a

team of experts, Sontay’s offering spans

monitoring and control across various

environmental categories – from air

quality and gas to temperature, air/water

flow, and occupancy levels. Notably, the

Sontay Open Range Application (SORA)

stands out for its wireless adaptability,

presenting an ideal solution for any

application, but particularly for older

buildings seeking modernisation with

less construction work involved.

Hospitals epitomise the critical

infrastructure within resilient cities,

yet much of the UK’s hospital stock is

housed in old buildings with antiquated

systems.

Due to the important services being

carried out within hospitals, they require

a smart solution that can work around

the busy hospital setting, rather than

causing unnecessary downtime. This

is where Sontay’s SORA range offers a

practical solution, facilitating seamless

integration and showing how BMS can

contribute tangibly to the realisation of

resilient urban landscapes.

Today’s reality demands infrastructure

that is not only capable of surviving,

but thriving amidst an escalating

array of climate challenges. With a

focus on energy resilience, Sontay’s

BMS offerings not only optimise

energy efficiency, but also contribute

meaningfully to the reduction of carbon

footprints, ensuring that cities can grow

and flourish sustainably.

www.sontay.com/en-gb

24

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HOUSING

DECARBONISING THE UK’S

SOCIAL HOUSING

The social housing sector is at the heart of an energy revolution in the UK. Lee

Caulfield, Head of Residential Specification at Baxi, outlines the possible approaches

to bringing down emissions across our social housing stock.

Social housing properties

comprise a wide variety of

complex needs and strict

budget constraints that

make enacting change a

real challenge. Striking the right balance

between residents’ fuel poverty and the

need for decarbonisation is a decision

that will have long-lasting consequences

and must not be taken lightly.

Older buildings are often inefficient

to heat, meaning the social housing

sector needs new solutions to solve

heritage problems. While it would be

easy to view this as a hurdle in the road

to energy efficiency, it should be seen

as an opportunity to design innovative

strategies using the newest technologies

to improve the energy performance of

historic social housing.

There will not be a one-size-fits-all

answer to this challenge, but it can be

approached holistically by considering

the end-user at its centre. A realistic

solution which considers funding and

the types of properties that require

upgrades, as well as encouraging social

housing providers to participate in the

drive towards sustainability, will be

required.

At present, it is estimated that there are

5.4 million social housing properties in

the UK. Though most councils have

£3.8

billion has been set aside

for social housing

providers to claim

over 10 years

made progress in making their housing

stock energy efficient, there is still work

to be done. It’s important that any

upgrades – particularly system changes

– are user-friendly for property managers

and residents while also maximising

energy efficiency to potentially lower

energy bills.

Changes in Building Regulation Part

L, plus stringent government targets,

means lack of action is not an option.

26


But there is funding available for green

upgrades through the Social Housing

Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), where

£3.8 billion has been set aside for social

housing providers to claim over the

course of 10 years.

The process of decarbonisation can

begin by assessing a property and

defining the areas of energy waste, heat

loss, or other system inefficiencies. The

SHDF also provides an excellent starting

point for financing green upgrades.

The smallest of efforts can lead to

sizeable steps in the path towards

decarbonisation and sustainable,

affordable heating. With a long journey

still to go, many specifiers working on

social housing projects will want to know

where to start.

addition of generally small improvements

which will, in turn, negate the need

for more significant upgrades in

the future.

As well as planning for the

future, residents should be

educated about the steps

they can take to reduce

energy consumption. This

can help highlight how

small changes can have

a significantly positive

impact. For example,

the Energy Saving Trust

estimates that a 1°C rise in

thermostat temperature may

equal a 10% increase in heating

bills.

Welcoming innovation

Introducing add-ons that do not require

maintenance can then be an easy and

effective way of improving a system’s

performance. Adding devices such

as Flue Gas Heat Recovery (FGHR)

systems can bring down emissions

and provide a more cost-efficient and

sustainable heating solution.

To demonstrate, in a three-bed semidetached

house, the addition of FGHR

to a Baxi Assure 500 Combi 2 can

reduce annual carbon emissions by as

much as 268kg. As a result, this saves

between 37 and 50% of the gas used to

generate hot water annually by storing

heat that would have been lost. The

system then redirects this otherwise

wasted energy to preheating cold water.

Inventive solutions such as these can

reduce overall emissions, bring down

costs, and increase the quality of living

for tenants simultaneously.

Collaboration is key to completion

As the journey to decarbonisation

continues, larger upgrades will almost

certainly be necessary. The installation

of air source heat pumps (ASHPs),

introduction of heat networks for multioccupancy

properties and exploration

of hybrid systems are all part of effective

forward planning.

The critical evaluation of options and

working closely with manufacturers who

offer energy-efficient and low-carbon

heating solutions is key. A collaborative

effort means that social housing

specifiers have the correct solution ready

for each individual property and project.

The future frontier

As the climate crisis worsens and

net zero targets get closer, specifiers

have an opportunity to place the

social housing market at the forefront

of innovation. The UK’s existing

housing stock’s energy efficiency must

be harnessed to progress towards

sustainability.

Social housing leaders and associations

can make use of valuable support

through working with heating experts

such as those at Baxi. Through the

application of heating expertise in

combination with social housing needs,

the target of an environmentally and

economically sustainable future for social

housing is in sight.

www.baxi.co.uk

HOUSING

Fabric first

Focusing on the fabric of a building is

a good place to start on the path to

reducing emissions and energy costs.

This should not just be about retrofitting

but about creating homes that are

affordable for residents and pleasant to

inhabit. Achievable examples include

modernising windows, making sure

there are sufficient levels of insulation

throughout, and that rooms are draftfree.

It is also important that end users

are kept up to date on how to correctly

operate temperature control devices,

such as TRVs, to optimise energy

efficiency.

Preparing for the future today

With fabric considered, many specifiers

working on social housing projects

will be aware that providers are now

planning for renovations that meet Part

L requirements. This offers a chance

to futureproof properties through the

27


SPECIAL FEATURE

TRUST ACCREDITATION TO CHOOSE

THE RIGHT MATERIALS

Don & Low explores the added value specifiers can make the most of when working

with an accredited construction membrane manufacturer.

Choosing the right building

materials is crucial for ensuring a

building’s integrity, performance

and durability. But when it comes to

construction membranes, it’s important

to remember that they are not all the

same. Picking the best available option

can have a significant impact – and that

is where the true strength of accredited

construction membranes kicks in.

Working with an accredited membrane

manufacturer gives specifiers, architects,

builders and contractors several

advantages, such as consistent quality

and supply, which are essential to the

successful, timely completion of any

construction project. Accreditation

proves manufacturers’ dedication to

upholding industry standards and

regulations, ensuring the reliability of their

membranes. It’s no surprise then that

certain projects, such as governmentrelated

initiatives or social housing, make

accreditations a necessity.

As an added bonus, environmental

accreditation shows a commitment to

supporting carbon footprint reduction

efforts – and a strong sense of corporate

responsibility. All players in the supply

chain can rest easy knowing that an

accredited manufacturer and their

products have undergone independent

checks, audits and approvals. This

trustworthiness is usually matched with

excellent technical support, as is the

case with Don & Low.

Cracking the code of membrane

accreditation

Accreditation goes beyond being a mere

stamp of approval. It involves a thorough

evaluation carried out by independent

third-party agencies. Thus, when it

comes to construction membranes,

professionals should keep an eye out for

the following:

• ISO9001. The globally recognised

quality system indicates that a

manufacturer’s entire operations

have been independently evaluated

and audited. Don & Low maintains

consistency in every aspect of its

business, from materials inbound to

production, delivery, billing and record

keeping.

• British Board of Agrément (BBA)

Certification. An industry recognised

standard that details construction

membrane specification and use. Don

& Low holds this for all of its applicable

construction membranes.

• Supply Chain Sustainability School

(SCSS). Works within the construction

industry to enhance the sector’s

environmental performance and

ultimately reduce the carbon footprint.

Don & Low holds the highest (Gold)

membership with the school.

• Structural Timber Association

(STA). An organisation formed to

influence legislation and regulation

within the structural timber sector.

Don & Low’s membership reflects the

company’s commitment to support

this essential industry, which will help

the UK fulfil its newbuild housing target

through offsite manufacturing.

• Environmental Product Declaration

(EPD). Demonstrating the amount

of CO 2

generated in membranes

production. As the UK’s only

vertically integrated manufacturer

of construction membranes, Don &

Low is able to track the products’

manufacturing process from polymer

pellets to finished membranes and

calculate the CO 2

produced. Notably,

Don & Low also uses a minimum

of 20% recycled content in its

membranes.

• National Federation of Roofing

Contractors (NFRC). The largest

and most influential roofing trade

association in the UK, promoting

quality contractors and products.

• Confederation of Roofing

Contractors (CORC). An organisation

that supports both the roofing trade

and the end consumer. Don & Low’s

membership underlines that the

company is a trusted supplier to the

roofing trade.

• UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA).

Indicates conformity with the

applicable requirements for products

sold within the UK.

• CE Marking (European Conformity

Marking). Shows that the

manufacturer has checked that its

products meet EU health, safety and

environmental requirements and is an

indicator of a product’s compliance

with EU legislation.

• National Standards Authority of

Northern Ireland (NSAI). Similar

to the BBA, but for use in Northern

Ireland. Don & Low products sold in

this area carry this certification.

Making the right choice

Construction experts should also

evaluate the manufacturer’s track

record and experience in addition to

accreditations. But ultimately, they

shouldn’t hesitate to request details

regarding product testing and quality

control procedures. As the only

manufacturer of its kind in the UK, Don &

Low has consistently delivered effective

construction membrane solutions,

including Roofshield which has been

tried and trusted since 1996. Thanks

to advanced technology, a sustained

commitment to R&D, and a 230-year

legacy built on quality, Don & Low is the

reliable partner for those who build for

the future.

www.donlow.co.uk

28

CCURATE

GNOSTIC

DVICE

AccuRoof, the new name for

SIG Design & Technology.

Coming soon.

accuroof.co.uk


HOSPITALS AND

HEALTHCARE

ENHANCING EFFICIENCY IN

HEALTHCARE SETTINGS

Jason Hartigan, Specification Sales Manager at Wilo UK, underscores the crucial

role of correctly specified and maintained pumps in achieving the NHS’ ambitious

net zero goals.

The pursuit of net-zero targets

within the NHS is a formidable

challenge, particularly when

it comes to navigating the

safety-critical components of

plant rooms and pumps, where precision

and reliability are paramount.

Hospitals and healthcare facilities can

be likened to humans. Much like how

we rely on our hearts to pump blood

around our bodies, hospitals also rely

on plant rooms, which contain intricate

networks of circulating and booster

pumps, responsible for distributing hot

and cold water through the hospital.

The failure of these plant rooms and

pumps is not an option, as it could

lead to catastrophic consequences,

disrupting operations, closing surgical

wards, and creating unsafe conditions

for patients and staff. Given the current

strain on the NHS and the imperative

to reduce carbon emissions wherever

possible, ensuring the efficiency and

reliability of these systems is paramount.

Apart from safety considerations, the

operational efficiency of plant rooms

is equally essential. With the NHS

contributing a significant share of the

UK’s carbon emissions, efforts to bring

down these figures are crucial if the

NHS is to achieve its declared ambition

to be net zero by 2045.

A challenge for asset managers

The challenge lies in the regular and

30


HOSPITALS AND

HEALTHCARE

specialised monitoring required to

maintain optimal operational levels

for plant rooms and pumps. Estate

managers, often burdened with a

myriad of tasks, may overlook individual

pumps’ health, leading to potential

failures. Complicating matters further,

there may be a lack of up-to-date

asset lists, making it challenging to

track equipment installation and service

needs.

Navigating plant rooms is tough not

only due to historical knowledge gaps

but also because these areas are often

difficult to access.

Some plant rooms may be perched

on top of hospitals or tucked away in

inaccessible locations, posing logistical

challenges for auditing and replacing

pumps. Careful planning, consideration,

and often complex procedures are

required for demounting, removing, and

installing new pumps in such areas,

especially if they are heavy and hard to

carry.

Given these complexities, involving

pump industry specialists becomes

imperative to establish clear

maintenance schedules in healthcare

settings. Suppliers like Wilo, for

instance, can offer expertise in how

to consolidate existing assets, create

comprehensive asset lists, and

deploy effective planned preventative

maintenance (PPM) solutions.

A simple, yet efficient PPM schedule

is the traffic light system, which ranks

equipment from red to green. Quite

simply, equipment ranked as red needs

urgent attention, amber may require

attention soon, and green means the

pumps are in good health. Adopted

by Wilo, these schedules assist with

arranging maintenance routines and

keeping on top of documentation, while

lessening any sudden and unforeseen

downtime. Remote monitoring,

preventative maintenance and service

agreements can also be offered, taking

the pain away from estate managers

completely.

Importantly, when finding suppliers

to work with, there should be an

With the NHS contributing a significant share of

the UK’s carbon emissions, efforts to bring down

these figures are crucial if the NHS is to achieve

its declared ambition to be net zero by 2045.

understanding that plant rooms are

sensitive areas. Any third-party staff

should undertake the correct training

and be certified to enter these areas,

so as not to cause any additional

problems. Seeking industry specialists

that have been through CSCS Training

and hold all the right qualifications is

key.

The smart way to NHS net zero

Collaboration between estate managers

and pump manufacturers can also

leverage smart pump technology to

make significant strides toward the

NHS’ net-zero goals.

Smart pumps, exemplified by products

like the Wilo-Stratos MAXO, not only

facilitate the movement of water but

also contribute to immediate energy

savings through intelligent, automated

operations. These pumps ‘learn’ the

operational characteristics of heating or

cooling systems, adapting in real-time

to demands and working synergistically

with other building services. Smart

functions provide detailed data to

estate managers, offering insights into

system health and enabling proactive

maintenance.

To ensure pumps are working to their

highest efficiency, performance data,

alerts, warnings, and notifications are

now readily available and can ensure

systems are always maintained. The

latest in smart pump technology

also provides information on heat

flow, cooling flow and volume flow.

Combining this data with other smart

systems provides insight into usage

patterns, resulting in better-regulated

indoor climate control that keeps power

and water usage to a minimum while

also reducing costs.

Manufacturers can assist in specifying

the right pumps and forecasting energy

and cost savings, supporting the NHS

in achieving its net-zero ambitions.

Wilo, for example, offers energy audits

to determine return on investment and

payback periods.

Recognising the safety-critical nature of

plant rooms and pumps in healthcare

settings, a concerted effort from

both internal managers and external

specialists is essential. The holistic use

of smart pump technology allows for the

collection and analysis of crucial data,

contributing to significant cost, energy,

and water savings, thus propelling the

NHS closer to its net zero aspirations.

wilo.com/gb/en

31


HOSPITALS AND

HEALTHCARE

REHAU PROVIDES THE CURE FOR

EPSOM HOSPITAL

When Epsom Hospital’s emergency department was in need of energy efficiency

upgrades during the peak of the global pandemic, seamless collaboration was

required between all parties. Specify & Build reports.

Epsom Hospital in Surrey provides

services spanning accident and

emergency, diagnoses and more

to the people of its namesake borough.

As a critical piece of infrastructure, its

continued operation is vital to the health

and wellbeing of the local community,

with this proven truer than ever during

the COVID-19 pandemic. However, like

any long-serving site, upgrades to the

building’s fabric would eventually be

necessary for it to remain operational.

“Getting projects across the line in a

live hospital environment is a challenge

at the best of times, let alone during a

global pandemic,” begins Dan Kocev,

Project Manager at Epsom and St.

Helier University Hospital’s NHS Trust.

“However, vital energy efficiency

upgrades were necessary to bring the

site into the 21 st century and ensure that

it is able to continue providing the best

possible environment for care.”

Natanael Florut, Project Commissioning

Manager at the NHS Trust, adds: “We

had some old timber screens and

windows that simply weren’t up to

scratch in terms of energy efficiency. I’d

previously worked with REHAU products

and know their quality. While choosing

something like REHAU’s curtain walling

was quite straightforward, I knew that

the installation would be something else

entirely, especially as our database did

not have too many technical records

from when the hospital was initially built.”

REHAU was designated the appointed

supplier and critical infrastructure

specialist Hanevo was brought on

board to facilitate the design and build.

JM Aluminium was then awarded the

installation contract based on a list of

recommended installers and fabricators

provided by REHAU.

Noel Hanley, Executive Chairman at

Hanevo, says: “Working in critical

infrastructure means that we’re no

stranger to complex projects, but we

knew that this installation would be

difficult even by our own standards.

However, through close collaboration

with REHAU and the other project

partners we were able to come up with

a design that we were confident would

work.

“Kevin O’Neill, REHAU’s Commercial

Manager, helped out with the drawings

and window specification, and ensured

that the whole project was compliant

with building regulations. The section

we were replacing backed onto critical

operating theatres and quiet rooms

that would remain in use during the

installation, so the plan was to complete

the removal screen-by-screen. This

would also help keep the site protected

from the elements as we worked through

the winter.”

With the stage set for the installation,

it fell on JM Aluminium to put the plan

into action. “This was one of the most

Getting projects across

the line in a live

hospital environment is

a challenge at the best

of times, let alone

during a global

pandemic

ambitious projects we’ve ever taken

on, but comprehensive planning and

collaboration gave us confidence that

we could get the job done,” explains

Director David Morant. “The new curtain

walling was to be installed over a live

ambulance bay and main pedestrian

thoroughfare, requiring comprehensive

health and safety assessments. It

was clear that we’d need a specialist

system to get the profiles up safely.

We were able to work closely with

London Network Scaffolding to design

a bespoke hydraulic and mechanical

system, adapting the top of the

scaffolding and fitting an electric hoist to

raise the panels up through the middle.”

As well as the complex curtain walling,

the project also saw the installation of

20 TOTAL70 windows in a foil wood

grain finish. All in all, the project took 16

weeks, beginning in spring 2022 and

concluding in the winter.

Kevin concludes: “Collaboration can

often be a buzzword across the industry,

but I don’t think I’ve worked on a project

that epitomises it more than this. The

outcome simply wouldn’t have been

possible without the hard work and

adaptability of all of our stakeholders,

from design through to installation.

Minimising disruption was our main

priority over the course of the project,

and the NHS has told us that it was

enamoured with the lack of complaints

they received.”

window.rehau.com/uk-en

32


HOSPITALS AND

HEALTHCARE

© Susanne Krauss © Timothée Lance

THE IMPORTANCE OF

ANTIBACTERIAL SURFACES

George Emms, Specification Sales Leader at Polyrey, part of Wilsonart UK, explains what

must be considered when specifying surfaces for the modern healthcare estate.

Given the ongoing need for

healthcare providers to

balance form with function,

surfaces are an area

where estate stakeholders

can make efficiency gains, while also

ensuring cleanability, antimicrobial

protection and durability in line with

rigorous standards.

The primary function of the healthcare

estate is to improve patient outcomes.

All design, wherever possible, should

be geared towards this aim – providing

care and comfort in an environment

that is effective, safe and operationally

efficient. Each aspect of a modern built

environment contributes towards this,

whether directly or indirectly. Indeed,

beyond the clinical aspect, it is important

for patients and providers alike to be in a

comfortable and convenient setting if the

best outcomes are to be achieved.

From the waiting room to the operating

theatre, all surface coverings used in

healthcare must meet rigorous standards

around cleanability and durability.

This includes acting as a safeguard

against the risk of infectious agents and

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs).

Engineered surfaces such as melamine

faced chipboard (MFC), high-pressure

laminate (HPL) and compact laminate

are key.

It is with this in mind that the area of

microbial protection must be explored.

Currently, all surfaces must be selected

with hygiene management and the

prevention of bacterial proliferation

in mind. This includes ensuring any

specified products are hardwearing

without requiring additional protective

coatings such as varnish or paint, and

that they are easy to maintain.

Given the requisite emphasis on

cleanliness, surfaces should be

resistant to a large variety of sanitation

procedures. For example, they must

be able to withstand intensive cleaning

procedures such as bio cleaning or

disinfection with hydrogen peroxide,

while also being resistant to a large

variety of cleaning products.

Hygienic vs. antibacterial

There is an important distinction between

coverings that are classed as hygienic

and those designated antibacterial.

While the former passively limits bacterial

proliferation, the latter actively assists

toward this aim. While all laminate

surfaces will generally be considered

hygienic, not every type of surface can

be classed as antibacterial.

Whether used in a decorative or

technical context, antibacterial laminate

panels are designed to destroy 99.9%

of bacteria within 24 hours. This is

made possible due to enhanced silver

ion protection being integrated into the

material during the resin impregnation

stage of the manufacturing process.

Consequently, this benefit is enmeshed

within the product, meaning its effect

will not deteriorate over time due

to expected wear and tear within

the hospital environment. When

complemented with the rigorous cleaning

practices expected in healthcare estates,

antibacterial panels can provide an

important marginal gain toward infection

control and patient safety.

Rigorous testing

These solutions are currently offered by

Polyrey due to its work with SANITIZED

AG, a producer of antimicrobial hygiene

function and material protection for

textiles and polymers. SANITIZED AG’s

performance certificate is renewed every

year following rigorous laboratory testing.

This has been integrated into Polyrey’s

in-house processes to ensure

antibacterial grade products including

MFC, HPL and compact laminate are

included as standard without additional

costs or manufacturing delays. It is

certified as food-safe, skin-safe and,

when combined with the properties

of water-repellent laminate materials,

prevents moulds and bacteria from

proliferating.

Additionally, the silver ions used within

the material are not soluble, nonmigratory,

non-allergen and do not lead

to respiratory effects, so they are not

dangerous for patients or the healthcare

environment. As a result, surface

cleanliness can be enhanced and HAI

risks mitigated.

en.polyrey.com

34


HOSPITALS AND

HEALTHCARE

HOSPITALS, HEALTHCARE AND THE

LOW CARBON HOT WATER

CHALLENGE

The NHS has made a commitment to become the world’s first net-zero national

health service. With NHS estates and facilities playing a critical part in achieving this

ambition, Andy Green, Technical Director at Baxi, discusses the options for generating

safe, reliable and efficient hot water.

As part of its commitment

to tackling climate change,

the NHS has set ambitious

targets for reaching net zero

from its directly controlled

emissions by 2040, and the emissions

it can influence by 2045. Achieving low

carbon hot water generation is one of

the areas identified for achieving this

target.

Given the high demand for hot water

that is frequently associated with

healthcare premises – from comfortable

conditions and catering to in-house

sterilisation and laundry – this service is

a clear priority for efficiency. But it’s one

that comes with certain challenges.

First and foremost is the need to

prioritise patient safety and wellbeing.

Ensuring an adequate, reliable hot water

supply is key to the whole operation,

creating comfortable conditions for

patients and staff, maintaining clinical

standards, as well as being essential for

treatment purposes.

Related to this is the need to implement

measures to prevent the build-up of

waterborne pathogens, mostly related

to the control of legionella bacteria, in

the hot water system. To reduce the

risk of legionella, the Health and Safety

Executive (HSE) advises that domestic

hot water (DHW) should be stored at

a temperature of at least 60°C and

distributed so that it reaches 55°C at

the point of use in healthcare premises.

As the risk of patient scalding or burning

increases when water temperatures

are too high, a further consideration is

temperature control, which needs to be

provided at hot water outlets to protect

patient safety.

The Government has

identified heat pumps

as one of the favoured

technologies to achieve

net-zero buildings

The vast scale of the NHS estate, the

diversity of its buildings and differing

heating systems add to the complexity

of the challenge facing NHS estates and

facilities managers. Our focus here is on

newbuild net-zero carbon hospital and

healthcare buildings, and the design

strategies for their hot water systems.

The role of heat pumps

The Government has identified

heat pumps as one of the favoured

technologies to achieve net-zero

buildings. Certainly, in new hospitals and

NHS buildings, heat pumps will play a

key role in achieving low-carbon heating

and hot water.

Using refrigerant technology is an

attractive proposition for generating lowcarbon

heat as the potential efficiency

of air source heat pumps (ASHP) can be

up to 400% in many cases. This means

that for every 1kWh of electricity used to

run the heat pump, you get up to 4kWh

of heat output.

A number of logistical factors will

need to be considered at the project’s

outset, including the available space

and budget. The electrical capacity of

the site will be a further consideration,

especially where EV charging points

are in place. Your chosen manufacturer

should be able to advise on the options

36


as well as the latest technologies and

designs.

ASHP design options for DHW

When considering DHW generation and

the specific requirements in hygienecritical

healthcare environments, there

are a number of ways in which ASHPs

can be used.

Low-temperature ASHPs can be used

with direct electric water heaters in

an all-electric approach to raise the

DHW to safe temperatures. As this

approach would involve higher volumes

of stored DHW, it is important to take

into account the available space and

the weight of the larger cylinders –

particularly when dealing with rooftop or

non-basement plant rooms. Additional

forms of legionella control within the

larger volumes of stored water will

also need careful monitoring and

management.

Another option is high-temperature

ASHPs, which are capable of delivering

the high flow temperatures required

to meet the design temperature for

sanitary hot water. The advantage of

using high-temperature heat pumps is

that it avoids the need for an alternative

form of technology to store the DHW

above legionella temperatures.

This brings greater design flexibility

as less space is required, making for

a much simpler design and easier

installation. However, it’s important to

note that the coefficient of performance

of heat pumps drops off at higher

temperatures, affecting the real-world

efficiency and operating costs.

Point-of-use solutions

Point-of-use electric water heaters

should also be considered as an

efficient solution to the need for

immediate supply of sanitary hot water

in hospitals and GP surgeries, as they

only generate energy when required.

Installing a point-of-use water heater

like the Heatrae Sadia Multipoint

that incorporates anti-legionella

functionality, water pasteurisation and

anti-tamper design, will ensure that

water is adequately stored, cycled and

distributed.

Calculating embodied carbon

Net-zero targets mean that specifiers

must increasingly evaluate the

embodied carbon levels associated with

the manufacture of a product, as well its

operational performance. This includes

the carbon embodied in its installation,

transportation, maintenance, repair,

replacement and end of life.

To make it quicker and easier for

specifiers to evaluate and select

equipment with lower embodied carbon,

sustainably minded manufacturers

now provide this data on their

products. Baxi, for example, offers

free CIBSE Technical Memorandum 65

Embodied carbon in building services

calculation documents for its Heatrae

Sadia hot water solutions, with full

Environmental Product Declaration

(EPD) documents to be made available

for all new products – including the new

commercial heat pump range.

There are any number of options to

generate sanitary low-carbon hot

water in new hospital and healthcare

buildings. But achieving an efficient

service while avoiding the risks

associated with hot water provision

can be a complex challenge. This

is where early conversations with

your manufacturer of choice can be

beneficial, ensuring that you specify the

best possible products for your project.

www.baxi.co.uk

HOSPITALS AND

HEALTHCARE

37


KITCHENS AND

BATHROOMS

KEY STEPS TO CREATING A SAFE

BATHROOM SPACE

Housing providers hold a responsibility to deliver reliable and inclusive homes. Karen

Wise, Head of Product Management at Triton Showers, outlines the fundamental

steps to creating a safe bathroom space.

water temperature. While hot water

poses a risk to us all, the effects

can be more severe for vulnerable

demographics, such as elderly residents

and those with physical or sensory

impairments.

Regulations state that 46°C should be

the maximum temperature of water

produced by a tap, yet the British

Burns Association recommends that

it should not exceed 37.5°C and

extra precautions should be taken for

vulnerable occupants.

We all want to feel safe in our

homes, and this is particularly

important within the spaces

we use regularly. In accordance with

the Decent Homes Standard, which

sets minimum standards for social

housing, bathroom appliances, pipework

and sanitaryware must not be more

than 30 years old. Therefore, when the

time for replacement comes around,

understanding how to provide an

updated space that preserves end-user

safety is crucial.

The Decent Homes guidance specifies

the need for an appropriately located

bathroom and WC that has adequate

space and a suitable layout. Maximising

the potential of limited space is a familiar

challenge to housing providers, and

overcoming layout constraints in the

bathroom can be achieved in several

ways, such as by specifying a shower

instead of a bath to save space.

For those with mobility issues, wet

rooms can offer a simple yet functional

design. By not needing to make room

for a shower enclosure or raised shower

tray, a wet room design can also be

practical when planning a space.

Ensuring there is sufficient drainage,

however, is just as important to

maximise usability and safety across the

generations.

Preventing slips and falls

As one of the most frequently used

rooms in the house, slips and falls

when exiting bathtubs and showers

consistently rank among the most

common cause of accidents in the

home.

Here, installing a grab bar will help users

maintain balance and navigate areas

with slip hazards. While this feature

is sometimes overlooked due to the

misconception of creating a clinicallooking

area, there are options that

maintain aesthetics while providing

added functionality. Weight-bearing

riser rails, for example, provide discreet

support without sacrificing style.

Evacuating wastewater from showers

where gravity is unable to do so is

another essential consideration. To

support housing providers, Triton has

developed Bluetooth compatibility with

its Omnicare Design and Omnicare

Ultra Plus electric care showers. Where

gravity drainage is not suitable, these

inclusive solutions allow for automatic,

easier pairing with a Whale Instant Match

Pump.

Getting the right temperature

Perhaps one of the most serious

considerations when it comes to

bathroom safety is maintaining a safe

Correctly positioning the showerhead is

another important step in lowering the

risk of injury. The further the showerhead

is placed away from the user, the cooler

the water flow will be. For functional and

care reasons, however, older users and

those with mobility issues are more likely

to be seated when showering, and if

the showerhead is positioned too high

then water may feel noticeably cold. This

can be avoided by carefully considering

the height of the showerhead in relation

to where the person will be positioned

when showering – and offering flexibility

to cater to both seated and standing

scenarios.

Further considerations

Specifiers are being encouraged to

choose products with credentials

and certifications, such as the BEAB

Care Mark, a stamp of recognition

that provides specifiers with peace of

mind that a shower is tried, tested and

trusted. Triton’s Omnicare range is both

BEAB Care Mark approved and RNIB

accredited, supplying a simple operation

that prioritises the independence and

wellbeing of end users.

Carefully specified bathroom designs

can not only create a space that ensures

independence and security, but also

offer a stylish and comfortable look. It is

essential that specification remains userfocused

by designing areas that are safe

both now and in years to come.

www.tritonshowers.co.uk

38

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revolves around you.

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Materials & Finished Show is the primary platform for carpenters, joiners,

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Crafted for

your business,

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REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE TICKET AT

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Materials & Finishes Show was formerly known as W Exhibition.


KITCHENS AND

BATHROOMS

BATHROOM TRENDS HIGHLIGHT

STYLE AND FUNCTIONALITY

Bathrooms have evolved into havens of relaxation and style, with the latest design

trends focusing on personality, functionality and luxury. Ben Bryden, Sales and

Marketing Director for RAK Ceramics UK, looks at how to incorporate these trends

into new projects.

for bathrooms. This is not to the detriment of metallics, as

brushed brass, nickel and even gold add an air of opulence

and timeless grandeur to the bathroom.

Colours

There has been a notable shift in recent bathroom design

trends towards embracing colour as a means of adding

personality, warmth and visual interest to these spaces. While

the all-white bathroom has long been a classic choice for its

versatility, homeowners and designers alike are increasingly

drawn to the idea of incorporating colour to create more

dynamic and personalised bathroom environments.

Neutral and earthy tones continue to be a timeless choice

for bathroom colour schemes, offering versatility and

sophistication. Shades of beige, taupe and warm grey create

a harmonious backdrop that pairs well with a variety of design

styles, from modern to rustic. Neutral colours also have a

timeless quality that can adapt to changing trends.

Small bathrooms

This move towards spa-like bathroom design, creating a

calm oasis in the centre of our busy lives, is not limited to

large bathrooms. Designing a small bathroom doesn’t mean

compromising on style. In fact, the latest trends offer plenty of

opportunities to make a big impact in compact spaces. One

popular approach is to maximise vertical space by installing

tall cabinets or shelving units to provide ample storage without

taking up valuable floor space.

In recent years there has been a significant shift towards

natural and sustainable materials in bathroom design.

Materials like wood, stone and concrete are gaining

popularity for their earthy appeal and timeless elegance. Wood

accents, whether in the form of vanities, shelving or flooring,

add warmth and texture to the space and create a spa-like

atmosphere.

From earthy textures to botanical motifs, incorporating natureinspired

materials adds warmth, tranquillity, and a sense of

connection to the outdoors. Natural stone-inspired surfaces

are particularly on trend, not only for countertops and flooring

but also for shower walls, accent walls, and even sinks.

Mirroring the unique characteristics of such materials, porcelain

surfaces add a layer of durability and ease of cleaning

too, offering the best of all worlds in the busy bathroom

environment.

Additionally, matte black fixtures and hardware continue to

reign supreme, providing a striking contrast against lighter

backgrounds while adding a touch of modern sophistication.

The matte finish not only looks sleek but also resists

fingerprints and water spots, making it a practical choice

Opting for large-format tiles can visually expand the room,

creating the illusion of more space. Lighter colour palettes,

such as soft whites, pale greys, and light blues, reflect light and

make the room feel airy and open.

Additionally, clever use of mirrors can enhance the sense of

space and light in small bathrooms. Mirrored cabinets not only

provide storage but also bounce light around the room, making

it feel larger and more inviting.

Strike a balance

When incorporating the latest bathroom trends, it’s essential

to strike a balance between style and functionality. Start by

identifying the client’s preferences and lifestyle needs, then

tailor the design to suit their taste and requirements.

Consider mixing different materials and finishes to add visual

interest and depth to the space. For example, pair a marble

countertop with matte black taps for a sophisticated, yet

contemporary look. Then, you can experiment with textures,

such as sleek porcelain, to create contrast and tactile appeal.

www.rakceramics.com/uk

40

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KITCHENS AND

BATHROOMS

MAKE THE MOST OF SMALL

KITCHEN SPACES

Willi Bruckbauer, Founder and CEO of BORA, looks at how choosing the right

appliances can help make us feel good about our kitchens, regardless of their size.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of

believing that every kitchen is a

sprawling, open-plan haven of space

and light. However, kitchens are

often compact, challenging, and

require innovative solutions to make

them both practical and aesthetically

pleasing. Despite the constraints of

limited space, the desire for a multifunctional

kitchen remains a priority

for many and, with thoughtful design,

even compact kitchens can be highly

functional and stylish.

Designing small kitchens means focusing

on maximising space efficiency without

compromising on performance or

aesthetics. This is based on several key

principles. Firstly, streamlined design;

minimalist design concepts prioritise

clean lines and clutter-free surfaces.

By reducing visual clutter and opting

for sleek, space-saving solutions,

small kitchens can feel more open and

spacious.

Flexibility is also key in small kitchen

design, with a need for modular or

customisable storage solutions that can

adapt to the specific needs of the space.

By incorporating elements such as pullout

shelves, adjustable racks and folddown

surfaces, every inch of available

space can be optimised and enjoyed.

Effective kitchen design for small spaces

goes beyond the visible, including

incorporating smart technology. From

energy-efficient appliances to intuitive

controls and automation features,

leveraging technology can enhance both

the functionality and user experience of a

small kitchen.

And, of course, the importance of

natural light can never be overlooked.

Well-placed windows, skylights, or

strategically positioned mirrors can help

to visually expand the space and create

a brighter, more inviting atmosphere.

Unobtrusive task lighting is another

essential, particularly in a kitchen that

is used for a variety of functions, from

food prep to home working, socialising

and beyond. Dimmed warm light for

42


Effective kitchen design

for small spaces goes

beyond the visible,

including incorporating

smart technology

meals or radiant clear light for cooking

– lighting must be functionally appealing

or emotionally appealing, to ensure the

best possible cooking experience and

to transform the kitchen into a place of

wellbeing, where people want to linger.

Appliances, while an essential kitchen

tool, should be chosen to enhance

the overall aesthetic, rather than to

stand out and encroach on the space

either visually or physically. BORA’s

range of cooktop extractors and other

appliances, like its lighting solutions, are

designed to seamlessly integrate into

the kitchen environment, optimising both

space and functionality. Appliances such

as a cooktop extractor allow you to free

up sight lines by getting rid of an eye

level extractor hood, but they also mean

that small kitchens are comfortable to

be in as odours and steam are whisked

away.

naturally has to run through all interior

areas, including the kitchen.”

The founders decided to equip the

kitchens, which had clear lines and

oak fittings, with BORA products. The

BORA S Pure induction cooktop and the

BORA X BO steam oven were chosen

to offer maximum performance without

compromising on convenience – the

perfect fit for Vagabundo’s philosophy.

There is no cooker hood to interfere with

the views of nature through the large

windows, and the integrated odour filter

makes it possible to cook like in the

fresh air.

The team was impressed with the BORA

X BO’s qualities and performance.

“When we tested the steam oven for

the first time, we were thrilled that our

roasted vegetables were ready after just

12 minutes,” recalls Andreas.

The BORA X BO is a steamer and oven

rolled into one appliance. The steam

oven offers professional technology

for the domestic kitchen, with a steam

extraction function built in. Together

with the activated charcoal odour filter

it keeps the kitchen full of fresh air,

ensures a clear view and prevents steam

from escaping when the door is opened.

The Tiny House project is a shining

example of how embracing smart

solutions, integrated appliances, and

thoughtful layout considerations, can

transform even the tiniest of kitchens

into highly efficient and stylish hubs.

www.bora.com

KITCHENS AND

BATHROOMS

Minimalist design in a tiny house

BORA appliances were chosen for a

fascinating ‘tiny houses’ project from

Munich start-up Vagabundo. Setting

new standards of minimalist design, the

three types of tiny houses offer between

15 and 34 square metres of living space.

Vagabundo founders Luca Knipp,

Andreas Müllner and Michael Leitner had

a vision to create living spaces that fulfil

basic needs without compromising on

comfort or good design. Andreas says:

“The central idea – minimalist design –

43


KITCHENS AND

BATHROOMS PRODUCTS

Mira Showers has introduced the new Mira Select Flex

– a mixer shower designed in partnership with the Royal

National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to support a wide

range of accessibility needs.

This update to the Mira Select range uses cutting-edge

technology to offer inclusivity and sustainability, setting new

standards in shower design and functionality.

Mira Select Flex supports users with a wide range of

accessibility needs, including those with limited visual

acuity, dexterity, or mobility, as well as vulnerable users.

Developed specifically for aid and adaptation installations

and using the same inclusive design principles as the

Mira Advance, Mira Select Flex enables more confident

independent showering and easier assisted care showering.

Robin Spinks, Head of Inclusive Design at RNIB, said:

“We’re delighted to have had the opportunity to work with

Mira on the Select project. What we’ve really seen here is

a company who’ve been willing to ask questions, to listen

to users, to consult with expert organisations, and then to

take those findings and actually integrate them into the

design process so that what comes out at the other end

is a thoughtfully designed, inclusive and pleasant to use

product.”

The Mira Select Flex is the only RNIB ‘Tried and Tested’

accredited mixer shower. The simple push-button actuation

negates the need to adjust temperature and flow control

every time the shower is used, making it far easier to

operate, particularly where assisted showering is required.

The shower’s detents and visuals have been developed

in conjunction with the RNIB to ensure that it is optimised

for those with visual impairments. The high contrast colours

used, along with an anti-reflective surface makes showering

controls more visible, and raised icons and tactile graphics

have also been incorporated.

SELECT FLEX OFFERS AN ENHANCED

ACCESSIBLE SHOWER EXPERIENCE

Ergonomic controls, including an easy-grip loop-handle

lever for temperature and a lever for flow adjustment, plus

audible feedback, ensure the shower is easily handled by all

users.

www.mirashowers.co.uk

KINEDO UNVEILS MARKETING MATERIALS

TO SUPPORT KINEWALL LAUNCH

Kinedo is underpinning the launch of its new range of

Kinewall panels with a robust suite of marketing resources.

This includes a trade and consumer advertising campaign,

web page, brochures and eye-catching promotional tools

designed to raise awareness of the bathroom panel range.

Display items that have been produced for showrooms

include posters, leaflets and dispensers, cube displays,

strut cards, wobblers, floor stickers, window stickers, floor

mats, wall boards, swatches and totems. These materials

showcase the diverse patterns, styles, and colours of

Kinewall panels, while the actual showroom displays offer

the opportunity to feel and touch the quality of the panels

themselves.

The Kinedo website also features an installation video

and technical guides that highlight the simplicity and speed

of transforming a bathroom, cloakroom or utility room with

Kinewall. It also showcases the full range of 70 Kinewall

patterns available.

There are 21 core designs stocked by Ideal Bathrooms

(the Kinewall distribution partner) while other designs are

available with a four-week lead time.

kinedo.co.uk/kinewall

44

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HEATING AND

VENTILATION

SPECIFYING FOR FUTURE

VENTILATION COMPLIANCE

When specifying a new ventilation system, it is important to bear in mind future

compliance with the TR19 guidance document. Gary Nicholls, Managing Director of

Swiftclean and co-author of TR19, explains.

When specifying a ventilation

ductwork system, it is vital

to remember that, in future,

it must be professionally cleaned in

compliance with the TR19 guidance

document on ventilation hygiene, issued

by the Building Engineering Services

Association (BESA).

TR19 requires ventilation systems to

be classified as high, medium or low,

according to the areas that they serve

and the degree of usage to which

they are put. Large buildings, such

as hospitals, may have systems with

varying classifications; operating theatres

will be high; rarely frequented boiler

rooms or plant rooms will be low; while

the majority of facilities will be classified

as medium. TR19 contains helpful tables

which set out the intervals at which

ventilation systems should be cleaned

according to their classification and

usage.

However, to ensure that TR19 is followed

and ventilation systems are professionally

cleaned at their recommended intervals,

it is essential that ventilation cleaning

technicians can access the full length

of each system. This is where problems

can arise. DW/144: Specification for

Sheet Metal Ductwork, the specification

for the design and construction of

metal ductwork, does not require the

same frequency of access points for

the construction of ductwork as TR19

requires for its ongoing compliance.

TR19 currently requires that there should

be access points or hatches every

three metres, while DW/144 is less

prescriptive. Advocates of hygiene in

ventilation systems already in operation

have, through practical experience,

moved ahead of the theory of designing

and building them. Some fabricators

have been observant of the needs of

TR19 and started to specify and design

according to its recommendations.

Others have lagged behind, however,

perhaps on the grounds of cost;

although this is something of a false

economy.

The disparity between the two

documents is an important consideration

for specifiers and facilities managers.

It is still perfectly acceptable to follow

DW/144 to design, construct and

install ductwork. However, following

DW/144 to the letter means that, at its

first professional clean, the system will

almost certainly require additional access

hatches to be retrofitted in order to

achieve compliance with TR19.

This can be a huge headache and it

is far more cost effective to include

sufficient access points at the design

stage. Retrofitting them at a later date

may even be impossible if other features,

such as fixed ceilings, have been added

after the ductwork has been installed. A

far more sensible approach would be to

design every new ventilation system with

TR19 compliance in mind, ensuring there

are sufficient access points to clean the

entire system from the outset.

TR19 is currently undergoing revision,

and we expect it to be reissued shortly

as TR19 Air. This follows the issuing of

TR19 Grease, the sister specification

which governs the cleaning of kitchen

extract ductwork systems. We anticipate

that TR19 will actually increase the need

for access points, recommending that

they occur every two metres, at even

greater odds with the requirements of

the current version of DW/144.

Access to the entire system is also

critical on safety grounds, especially on

either side of a fire damper. Fire dampers

are located at the point at which

ventilation ductwork passes through an

internal fire-resistant wall creating an

opening in a fire-resistant compartment.

Fire dampers comprise a set of steel

louvres which remain open to allow air to

flow freely, and close automatically in the

event of a fire to form a barrier designed

to prevent smoke and flames from

passing through the fire-resistant wall;

resealing the compartment.

Ideally, we would like to see DW/144

be revised to bring it in line with the

expected TR19 Air, incorporating

sufficient access to the entire system to

allow future cleaning and compliance.

Until then, it seems only sensible to

design with future compliance in mind

and to follow the requirements for TR19

from the earliest stage.

www.swiftclean.co.uk

46

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HEATING AND

VENTILATION

COLOURED RADIATORS ADD

WARMTH TO STUDENT

ACCOMMODATION

The heating system in a block of student accommodation in Leeds was given a

splash of colour with the addition of 92 Stelrad radiators in anthracite grey.

University students these

days expect quality student

accommodation, and part of that

includes being able to stay in a warm

and comfortable room served by a

decent heating system.

Students at Leeds University are now

able to benefit from a heating system

that shares its heat through a selection

of Stelrad radiators – in anthracite grey –

a mixture of 92 Vita Deco Concept and

Compact with Style Coloured radiators.

There is a wide selection of potential

accommodations for students at the

University of Leeds to choose from,

including the impressive Devonshire Hall

in Headingley, just a short walk from the

world famous cricket and rugby league

grounds.

Devonshire Hall is a Victorian Gothic

building which has been refurbished and

added to with modern buildings in the

grounds, that provide in total 592 rooms

for students to choose from. Most rooms

have a junior double or double bed, and

some of the standard rooms have a

wash basin, with some en-suite rooms

available.

The foyer of the original building features

a traditional fireplace with comfy chairs,

where students can relax with their

friends after a meal. Devonshire has a

vibrant and active community that allows

students selecting this as their home to

get involved with a number of concerts

and theatre performances throughout

the year. They even have the opportunity

to experience formal events ranging

from Halloween balls to Burns Night

celebrations.

The beautiful grounds are home to

an imposing main hall, converted

Victorian mansion houses, and other

new, purpose-built accommodation.

The Hall is great for music and theatre

enthusiasts, with practice rooms

available as a rehearsal space. There are

also great sporting facilities at the site,

with a gym and a squash court.

Stelrad’s North East and Cumbria

Specification manager, Lewis Aird, says:

“We were delighted to be selected to

provide the radiators for this phase of

the heating system upgrade. We’ve

been involved in a number of student

accommodation upgrade projects in the

last year or so, but this is the first one

I’ve been involved in where coloured

radiators have been selected. Many of

our radiators are available from stock in

anthracite grey and these radiators really

look very smart in the surroundings of

student accommodation – in en-suite

rooms or in the communal kitchen and

bathroom areas.”

The radiators were supplied by merchant

James Hargreaves in Hunslet and

Radiators offer a sensible

solution to sharing heat

from either a traditional

boiler driven system, or

renewable heating

solutions like air source

heat pumps

installed by heating contractors Yorkshire

Building Services.

“We work with Stelrad radiators in

many of our projects – on an almost

daily basis and we do so because they

offer a combination of quality and ease

of installation for our team,” says Riz

Mustafa, from installation company

Yorkshire Building Services. “Radiators

offer a proven solution to sharing heat in

commercial and residential projects.”

Radiators offer a sensible solution to

sharing heat from either traditional boiler

driven heating systems or renewable

heating solutions like air source and

ground source heat pumps. They simply

require accurate specification and sizing

to ensure they provide the levels of heat

required for comfort heating.

www.stelrad.com

48

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HEATING AND

VENTILATION

CONFUSION AND CHAOS IN UK’S

ENERGY DIRECTION

Rinnai’s Chris Goggin examines the current state of UK domestic energy policy as the

UK phases out fossil fuels for renewable alternatives.

UK energy policy is currently

convoluted and chaotic with

apparent scant insight into

the future pathway and direction

provided to customers and energy

industry professionals. At present, the

UK relies on fossil fuels for national

energy resources, with the future aim

of transitioning to significant carbon

reducing alternatives. These reductions

are targets, written into law.

Solar, wind, and greener gasses like

hydrogen or renewal DME are likely to

play significant roles in delivering power

to UK housing and building stock once

natural gas usage is nullified. For this to

happen, a concise strategy must deliver

infrastructure and installations capable

of transporting clean energy into UK

properties.

To begin with, UK decarbonisation

plans and commitments have been

diluted, preferring instead to expand

and increase North Sea oil and gas

production. The Times newspaper

recently published an article that quoted

the UK’s largest insurance provider,

Aviva, as saying “the government

increasingly focuses on short-term

energy security over long-term

sustainability”.

As European and American big business

have embraced large renewable

projects, UK political indecision and

rising global energy costs has led to a

lack of investment within large scale UK

renewable projects.

The Energy Transition Readiness Index

2023 is a measurement of a region’s

ability to transition towards NetZero.

A report is compiled for potential

investors to evaluate a country’s viability

towards profiteering from renewable

electricity. The latest report believes that

investors will only be attracted towards

UK projects if they can observe clear

and succinct governance as well as

regulatory stability. Presently there is

not enough evidence of either to entice

outside capital investment.

Specifiers of heating and hot water

products must absorb centralised

information to devise a strategy capable

of producing carbonising solutions.

Presently, the flow of governmental

information can be contradicting and

even bipartisan. For a UK national

energy transition to be successfully

implemented, the information and

agendas must be clear and consistent.

Without this required synchronicity all

those in the supply chain risk appearing

uninformed, especially in view of

constant misinformation from a variety

of questioning sources and bodies.

The industry needs a unified approach

which delivers clean, sustainable and

renewable energies with all associated

appliances and systems.

Hydrogen is an example of the confusion

that travels throughout the UK energy

For a UK national energy transition to be

successfully implemented, the information and

agendas must be clear and consistent

sector. Two recent reports have been

released claiming a contradicting

outcome regarding the future of the UK

national gas transmission network. The

Future of Great Britain’s Gas Networks

Report by the National Infrastructure

Commission and Ofgem, say that

the national gas network should be

decommissioned in favour of widespread

electrification.

An additional report, funded by UK gas

operator Cadent and conducted by

The Imperial College of London, has

stated that a switch to hydrogen as

domestic and commercial fuel could

save the British taxpayer up to £5 billion

a year when compared to widespread

electrification.

Offshore wind is a further area of the

energy industry that is encountering

problems. Despite government subsidies

being made available, major renewable

firms are beginning to question the

viability of huge UK offshore wind

projects.

Solar energy appears to be the least

turbulent and contested area of energy

adoption. Solar is well placed to play

a significant role in future UK power

provision. If wider electrification is

embraced solar will contribute by way

of delivering a source of generational

power.

However, due to the uncertain state of

UK energy policy, any move towards

solar will be in the future. The main

issue regarding present solar power is

a long wait for grid connectivity. Some

businesses and domestic customers

have been told that they must wait

between 10 and 15 years for access to

the UK grid. A lack of infrastructure and

a queuing system for grid applications

are contributing factors in this long wait.

Contractors, specifiers, system

designers and installers of home heating

and hot water systems should consider

companies such as Rinnai, which offers

a range of decarbonising products that

ensure low customer costs and efficient

performance.

www.rinnaiuk.com

50


ALPHA LAUNCHES THE ‘NXT’

GENERATION OF GAS BOILERS

HEATING AND

VENTILATION

Alpha has added the ProTec

NX to its portfolio of gas

boilers, offering a highefficiency,

fan-assisted

condensing boiler for

commercial applications, as well as

larger domestic projects. Offering

the maximum efficiency available for

condensing boilers, the ProTec NX

improves running costs and has ultralow

emissions to meet the latest building

regulation and authority requirements.

Available in six individual outputs ranging

from 48kW up to 180kW, the boiler

range has the capability of cascading

to achieve higher outputs and increase

load flexibility. Its wide 1:10 modulation

range enables the boiler to run at a low

output with fewer on/off cycles, reducing

emissions and increasing longevity.

The ProTec NX offers an easy-to-fit unit

which can be either wall-mounted or

fixed to a freestanding low or ultra-low

frame. The boiler is factory-fitted with a

room-sealed ‘C’ flue type configuration

but is also compatible with B23 or twin

flue systems using the stub kit.

The new range offers a more compact,

space-saving solution, especially when

banking boilers together with a range

of flue options for individual, cascaded

and different ventilation scenarios. A

wide range of hydraulic accessories

is available to link boilers, and plate

exchangers and low loss headers to feed

multiple heating and hot water zones.

The ProTec NX has an inbuilt option

within the boiler control panel capable

of setting programs, temperatures and

zones to suit the system need. Using

Alpha’s smart commercial controls,

it is possible to link multiple boilers in

cascade and drive them all from one

‘master’ boiler.

Alternatively, separate controls can be

used to manage the ProTec NX, either

through Alpha’s own cascade controller

or a separate panel from the plant

room. Input from these can be simple

ON/OFF control; or using OpenTherm

compatibility.

The commercial controls engineered

by Alpha are not only technologically

advanced but compatible with a broad

spectrum of market options, ensuring

seamless integration and maintenance.

alpha-innovation.co.uk

51


HEATING PRODUCTS

BAXI LAUNCHES AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP

Baxi has launched a suite of air source heat pump (ASHP)

training courses to support those looking to become more

familiar with the technology.

From understanding how air source heat pumps work

to designing, installing and commissioning them, Baxi’s

new courses have been developed to help people work

comfortably and efficiently with the technology, at every

level of experience.

The new courses are available at Baxi’s network of

training centres across the UK and offer practical, handson

training, all delivered by Baxi’s accredited training

experts.

The new training programme follows the launch of the

Baxi HP40 ASHP and the new compatible Baxi ASHP

unvented cylinder.

baxi.co.uk/training

DOSAFIL LAUNCHES SOLID WATER TREATMENT

Following the launch of the DosaFil DR range of solid paste

water treatment products for domestic heating systems, the

company has now launched two multi-product packs.

DosaFil is a solid paste, chemical cleaner and inhibitor/

system protector for residential heating and plumbing

systems. The range includes DR1 solid inhibitor sticks, DR2

Solid Cleaner sticks, DR3 Solid heavy duty cleaner sticks

and DR4 Solid biocide sticks.

The new pack comes with 30 sticks of DR1 inhibitor, while

the Distributor multi-pack mixed box comes with six packs

of DR1 inhibitor – 18 sticks, 3 packs of DR2 solid cleaner

sticks, two packs of DR3 solid heavy-duty cleaners sticks

and one pack of DR4 Solid Biocide.

The chemicals in the range are, in many cases, the same

or similar to those used in solution in liquid chemicals, just

made easier to handle by taking out the liquid.

www.dosafil.co.uk

FERNOX EXPANDS RENEWABLE RANGE WITH

NEW ANTIFREEZE VALVES

Fernox has introduced new TF1 Antifreeze Valves to its

portfolio of renewable products. Available in two sizes

suitable for both compression and BSP fittings, the highperformance

valves have been specifically engineered for

heat pumps, to prevent ice forming in heating and cooling

systems and damaging the heat pump itself.

When temperatures drop, systems that are not treated

with a glycol-based fluid can freeze within the heat pump

circuit, potentially resulting in costly damage to components

and pipework. The Fernox TF1 Antifreeze Valve reduces

this risk thanks to its internal sensor, which detects when

the fluid in the system is close to freezing. When the

circuit temperature drops to 3°C, the valve discharges a

small amount of fluid, allowing the circuit to drain until the

temperature rises.

Manufactured from brass for robust, durable and longterm

operation, the valve is available in two sizes – either

28mm Compression or 1¼” BSP.

fernox.com

52


HENRAD LAUNCHES COMPACT VERTICAL

RADIATORS

Henrad has launched its new Henrad Compact Vertical

radiator range.

The popularity of vertical radiators has grown hugely

in the past couple of years, with specifiers and installers

keen to use vertical Compacts for replacement heating

systems and for newbuild projects where the wall space for

radiators may be limited, or in hallways and on landings.

In these spaces a vertical radiator can often be fitted more

easily and provide more suitable heat for a room rather

than a larger, horizontal radiator.

Selecting radiators is all about sizing each room

properly, calculating the heat loss accurately and choosing

the right radiator configurations to achieve the correct

level of heat sharing required for comfort heating in today’s

modern homes. Vertical radiators provide a vital additional

tool to ensure the right radiators are selected.

www.henrad.co.uk

HEATING PRODUCTS

RINNAI TO LAUNCH NEW AIR SOURCE HEAT

Rinnai is embarking on an ambitious programme of

product launches within its H1 – Hydrogen and DME

ready water heaters, H2 – Hybrid systems and H3 – Low-

GWP heat pumps product categories. These will ensure

the company offers a comprehensive range of systems

for both commercial and residential heating and hot water

applications.

The programme will commence with the launch of

the new low-GWP air source heat pumps with R290

refrigerant. Following this will be a range of electric

cylinders of multiple sizes and instantaneous electric water

heaters ranging from 21kW to 27kW. There will also be

the introduction of the KCM and E Series of condensing

gas-fired water heaters for light commercial and residential

applications.

Later in the first quarter of the year, the company will

launch plate heat exchangers for larger commercial and

industrial sites.

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk

STELRAD CREATES FIRST EVER ‘GREEN STEEL’

RADIATOR SERIES WITH TATA STEEL

Radiator manufacturer Stelrad Radiators is going green

with another UK powerhouse, Tata Steel, to exclusively

offer the first 90% green steel radiator range. Tata Steel

is supplying UK-made 90% Carbon Lite steel exclusively

to Stelrad within the radiator market, so that Stelrad’s

customers can choose a Green Compact radiator range

that contributes directly to a reduction in atmospheric

carbon dioxide emissions.

Tata Steel is a UK leading strip steel manufacturer with

steelmaking facilities in Port Talbot, South Wales.

Each radiator in the new range will bear a ‘Green Series’

radiator badge distinguishing them from the standard

ranges and will also come with a green packaging label.

The new radiators will come with a new identity and strapline

‘Stelrad Green Series – Made with clean green steel’.

www.stelrad.com

53


FIRE AND SECURITY

MANAGE FIRE RISK WITH EFFECTIVE

COMPARTMENTATION

Compartmentation is a critical line of defence for fire safety, with accurate

specification essential to delivering life-saving performance in the event of a fire.

Here Joshua Slack, Promat’s National Specification Manager, explains how.

For fire safety policies to work

effectively and meet building safety

regulations it is critical that buildings

are designed and constructed to allow

time for occupants to evacuate safely,

and for the fire and rescue services to

tackle the blaze and protect the integrity

of the building. Compartmentation is

essential to this, providing fire protection

for walls, ceilings and steelwork to

contain the spread of heat and smoke.

Compartmentation involves dividing a

structure into ‘compartments’ that are

protected using fire-resistant materials.

For effective protection a holistic

approach is required. This means as well

as the walls and ceilings themselves,

any element that forms part of the

compartment line, such as doors,

firestopping or steelwork encasements,

must maintain the performance of the

element as a whole.

By creating compartments using fire

protection boards along walls and

ceilings, and to encase structural steel, a

fire can be contained within a determined

area for a set period, as long as the

correct level of passive fire protection

has been specified. This underpins the

effectiveness of any measures taken to

address a fire risk in a building, including

‘Stay Put’ policies and the creation of a

fire safety corridor to allow vital access to

the emergency services.

Specifying compartmentation

Fire-rated partitions play a crucial part in

ensuring the safety of all buildings, from

warehouses and commercial premises

up to high-rise office blocks. With such

a wide range of possible applications,

there can be a vast difference in the

scope of specification for passive fire

protection.

For compartmentation to provide the fire

protection required, it is essential that the

correct system is specified. Promat, for

example, manufactures fire protection

boards that can be built into fire-rated

systems to provide protection from the

spread of heat and smoke for between

30 and 240 minutes, with the correct

fire-resistance period being dependent

on the type of building, the height, size

and complexity of application. This must

be supported by the effective use of firestopping

systems to provide a protective

seal where penetrations have been made

into the board to accommodate, for

example, pipework.

A simple, straightforward structure will

see the use of fire protection boards on

ceilings and walls that have been tested

and certified in that application. A more

complex building may require a bespoke

approach, including the support of a

fire engineer to ensure compliance with

Approved Document B fire regulations

and the Building Safety Act.

To demonstrate it meets the required

standard, all passive fire protection

systems must have a valid testing report.

Promat advocates that boards and

products are certified by a recognised

third party, where possible, as well

as meeting the necessary EN fire test

standards.

In more complex projects, the sheer

variety of applications means there

may not be existing test standards

and certification systems to cover

that particular use. In this case, a fire

engineer will be needed to demonstrate

how the use of separately tested

systems can meet the project’s demands

– potentially requiring additional technical

support and testing.

Technical support

With the introduction of the Building

Safety Act there is a greater emphasis

on the need for early specification, so it

is important that compartmentation is

factored into any project at the design

stage. This will ensure any potential

issues are flagged, and the necessary

support sought to ensure correct

specification.

Adequate maintenance is also vital to

ensure the compartmentation continues

to perform as required throughout the

life of the building. This involves ensuring

any damage is promptly repaired and

any post-installation penetrations, such

as for new pipework, is firestopped

with products certified for the specific

application.

www.promat.com/en-gb

54

NEW RIBA ACCREDITED CPD

Book your seminar for 2024


FIRE AND SECURITY

COMBINING SAFETY AND

AESTHETICS

The new Academy Tien in The Netherlands strikes a balance between aesthetics and

safety, with Pyroguard’s fire safe solutions playing a pivotal role throughout.

When it comes to constructing schools, colleges and

universities, it’s important to balance aesthetic design

with building safety to create spaces that are not only

safe and functional, but also welcoming and inspiring for both

staff and students.

Designed by Wiersema Architecten and de Architecten CIE,

the Academy Tien is a beautiful new school building near

the centre of Utrecht. Catering for students between 10 and

18 years-old, the academy has been constructed with a

contemporary open plan layout, to maximise the building’s

natural light transmission.

JM Van Delft & zn, a specialist in glazing system solutions, was

contracted to deliver the fire-resistant steel interior partitions

and frames on the project.

Sales and Operations Manager Ruud van Dal said:

“Throughout this project, it was important that both aesthetics

and safety were considered and well balanced. There was a

clear requirement for keeping the school’s interior spaces light

and open, while simultaneously providing a safe environment

for students, staff and visitors to work and learn in. As a

result, fire safety glass was chosen as the perfect material for

installation within the building’s internal partitions, doors and

central atrium.

“Pyroguard Protect EW60 was installed within the doors,

sidelights and designated escape routes. Pyroguard Protect

EI60, which offering the highest level of protection, was

installed between classrooms and the central atrium, creating a

series of fire-safe compartments.”

This compartmentation process can form a key part of any

building’s passive fire protection strategy, working to split the

building up into a series of fire-safe zones. As well as helping

to limit the spread of a fire, this can also provide both a safe

route of escape for occupants and a means of entry for the

emergency services.

Ruud continued: “Pyroguard Protect’s high visual appearance

helped to maintain the light and open interior that the architect

desired, while its multi-functional capabilities proved key in

delivering improved acoustic control and impact resistance –

something which was a clear priority when designing the new

academy.”

Pyroguard Protect is a toughened fire safety glass, certified for

use in steel, timber and aluminium profiles. Providing 30 to 180

minutes of protection against smoke and flames, 1B1 impact

resistance, and UV stability, Pyroguard Protect ensures that

both design and safety requirements can be achieved.

The Academy Tien opened its doors to students in January

2024.

www.pyroguard.eu

56

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FIRE AND SECURITY

PRODUCTS

Insulation manufacturer Marmox has introduced a highly

versatile Fireboard into its range for both internal and

external wall insulation (IWI/EWI) applications.

The Marmox Stone Wool-based product shares the

Marmox honeycomb surface structure with its XPS

forerunner, Multiboard, to create a weatherproof, A1 noncombustible

certified render-backer. It can further be used

internally across walls or ceilings to take a plaster finish,

while providing sound absorption properties, as well as

thermal insulation. The 600 x 1,200mm Fireboards are

available in thicknesses from 20mm, 50mm and 100mm

and with the polymer-modified mortar honeycomb coating

applied to both faces. With a nominal density of 150kg/m 3 ,

the boards’ core material offers a compressive strength

of 90tonnes/m 2 . The 20mm Fibreboard is also suitable for

external window and door reveals, ready for rendering.

Grant Terry, Marketing Manager for Marmox, said:

“The introduction of Fireboard into our range significantly

enhances our offer to the construction industry, meaning we

have an A1 non-combustible backer board for internal or

external use, which can safely be installed across masonry

as well as timber or steel framing systems. The Stone Wool

boards are made of formed molten rock, meaning it is

impossible for the fibres to absorb moisture, so they will not

degrade no matter what weather they are exposed to.

“The thermal conductivity of 0.037W/mK delivers very

good thermal insulation, while the tiny air pockets within

the micro-fibre structure of the Stone Wool serves to

interrupt the pathway for sound transmission, which solid

materials facilitate. We expect Fireboard to find applications

in newbuild and refurbishment work within residential,

commercial and other sectors.”

Marmox Fireboard has been tested to prove compliance

with BS EN 1182, EN 1716 and EN13823 (Resistance to

fire test) conducted by UKTC, along with other testing

completed by the BRE.

www.marmox.co.uk

MARMOX FIREBOARD OFFERS

IDEAL EWI AND IWI SUBSTRATE

CPD PROMOTES FIRE SAFETY OF

MULTIFUNCTIONAL ROOFS

ROCKWOOL has launched a new Continuing Professional

Development (CPD) module to help specifiers and roofing

contractors assess and mitigate potential fire safety risks

for flat roofs used as additional functional space of a

building.

Flat roofs are a common construction, especially in

busy urban environments where space is at a premium.

Leveraging flat roof space enables designers, developers

and ultimately tenants to make use of the ‘fifth façade’ for a

variety of social and practical purposes.

The CPD aims to improve understanding of the role of the

modern flat roof, and how to identify and mitigate fire risks

above and below the roof.

Participants will learn about the requirements of

the Building Regulations for flat roofs and the role of

guidance documents like Approved Document B, or

regional equivalents. The final section of the CPD outlines

ROCKWOOL’s range of fire-resistant stone wool insulation

products.

The module is available through the bespoke

ROCKWOOL Learning platform, or as a traditional in-person

course.

Lisa Stephens, Product Manager – Building Envelope,

ROCKWOOL UK said: “By taking part in this CPD module,

roofing professionals will learn about the implications of

practical and social installations on flat roofs, and their

impact on design and build. The CPD also addresses the

situation surrounding solar PV installations and how this is

reflected in regulations and guidance.”

rockwool.link/ffcpd

58

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Use on masonry, wooden

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W: www.marmox.co.uk T: 01634 835290 T: sales@marmox.co.uk


FIRE AND SECURITY

FIRE SAFETY FOR THE HEALTH

SECTOR

Peter Barker, Technical Manager at Warringtonfire, discusses the important role of

fire doors and the key considerations to ensure they will perform as required in the

event of a fire.

From hospitals to nursing homes,

given their size and complexity,

healthcare premises present

major challenges when it comes to fire

protection in buildings. As such, having

a clear and robust fire safety strategy is

crucial.

Given that complete evacuation of a

healthcare site is often impractical and

highly challenging, the most common

approach is progressive horizontal

evacuation. This involves moving

occupants from the fire-affected area,

through a fire-resisting compartment line

to an adjoining area, which is designed

to protect the occupants from fire and

smoke. If safe to do so, the occupants

then remain in the fire safe area (refuge)

until the fire is extinguished or, if

necessary, further evacuation is required.

In conjunction with other measures,

fire-resistant compartment lines are a

critical element of a fire safety strategy.

If the fire-resistant compartment lines

and fire doors cannot be relied upon, the

evacuation strategy for the hospital will

be severely compromised.

Healthcare fire doors

A fire doorset specified for use in a

hospital or healthcare facility will have

to provide fire resistance to meet the

functional requirements of Part B of the

Building Regulations. According to HTM

05-02: Guidance in support of functional

provisions for healthcare premises,

unless pressurisation techniques

complying with BS EN 12101-6 are

used or the door is in a cavity barrier, the

doorset must also offer smoke control.

However, there are many other

performance and design requirements

that healthcare fire doors must adhere

to. Cross-corridor doorsets will need to

withstand constant opening and closing,

as well as resisting potential damage

caused by regular impacts from hospital

trolleys and wheelchairs. Doorsets into

cleanrooms must be totally hygienic to

avoid harbouring harmful pathogens,

while doors on high-security wards must

safeguard patients and staff.

Planned preventative maintenance

Ongoing maintenance of fire-resisting

doorsets should be incorporated in a

programme of inspection. This is key to

the longevity of fire protection elements

and anticipating malfunction or defects

before they occur. Planned Preventative

Maintenance (PPM) is often the typical

approach, involving regular inspections

dictated by relevant risk assessment,

professional judgement and local

circumstances.

Given that damage is largely caused

by staff while transporting patients and

goods, encouraging staff to use doors

in a caring, responsible manner can

mitigate the chances of this happening.

This is especially important for personnel

who use equipment and machinery that

have a high risk of breaking the door,

such as pump trucks, trolleys and beds.

If the doorset is in an area with

particularly high traffic, it may be

necessary to include design features,

such as electronic hold open devices,

that automatically release the doors on

activation of a fire or smoke alarm. Such

devices must be approved for use with

the doorset designs on site and regularly

checked.

Resolving issues

If a fire-resisting door requires

remedial works, it is crucial that this

incorporates operational functionality

and fire performance. For this reason,

the person undertaking the works

must have a sound knowledge of

fire-resisting doorsets, and familiarity

with the appropriate testing and

certification process. They also need to

be competent in their skills, experience,

and behaviours to ensure the doorset’s

performance is maintained. All too

often, well-intended repair works by

improperly trained personnel can have a

detrimental impact on the fire-resistance

performance of the door; whether by

replacing glazed elements without the

correct fire-rated glazing seals or fitting

incompatible hardware.

While not currently mandated in the

UK, NHS bodies are encouraged to use

third-party certification schemes in HTM

05-02: Guidance in support of functional

provisions for healthcare premises. BM

TRADA provides a number of such

schemes for fire door manufacture,

installation and maintenance to help

provide confidence in the performance

of a doorset throughout its operational

lifetime.

www.bmtrada.com

60


FIRE AND SECURITY

IS SECURE PRIVACY GLASS A DOOR

TO THE FUTURE?

Susan Sinden, Commercial Manager of ESG Group, explores a new use of LCD glass

technology, combining security with the ability to switch between visibility and

privacy for doors and entrances.

At one time, privacy glass

was synonymous with

frosted or etched opaque

glass. While this certainly

delivered privacy, it was an

all or nothing approach, and restoring

transparency meant replacing the glass

with a clear pane. With advances in

glass processing and the advent of

switchable LCD interlayers, privacy

has become a more versatile concept.

Specifiers no longer need to choose

either transparency or privacy; the LCD

interlayer delivers both.

Switchable privacy glass products

act exactly as the name suggests;

transparency and privacy can be

switched on and off at will. A small LCD

current is passed through the interlayer

when switched on, causing the liquid

crystals within the interlayer to align

and the pane to become optically clear,

allowing the end user to see through the

glass. As soon as the electrical current

is switched off, the liquid crystals settle

into random configurations and the glass

becomes opaque, completely restoring

privacy. As the glass is opaque until

the current is passed through it, it has

become a popular choice for en-suite

bathrooms and mezzanine walls, as well

as partitions in open plan living and work

spaces.

Switchable glass is also growing in

popularity as a door panel, replacing

spy holes and completely removing the

need for security chains. Interlayers can

be used to provide a range of different

characteristics in glass, including high

security and resistance to intruders, or

sound attenuation. Critically, more than

one interlayer can be used in a single

glass product to produce glass products

with multiple properties. Therefore,

privacy and security can be combined

to create a door with a large but secure

glass panel. By replacing an entire door

panel with a glass product such as ESG

Secure Vue door panels, the occupant

is able to switch the panel on to see any

caller in far more clarity than through a

spy hole and without opening the door

or neighbouring window.

To view the caller, the occupant simply

switches on the panel, either with the

press of a button or using an app or icon

on a smart phone or tablet. This simple

push button or icon tap operation is

also easier to use for those with limited

dexterity. The caller can then be clearly

viewed through the transparent glass

without sacrificing any security.

Once the caller has been admitted or

has left, the glass panel is switched off

to restore complete privacy. There is no

need for mains wiring as the amount of

electricity needed to operate the LCD

door panel is minimal. Instead, a small

battery pack is installed in the door

frame to power the Secure Vue glass

panel, and the battery will not need

replacing for some considerable time.

The advantages of being able to view

the caller without opening the door are

obvious, especially in settings involving

the elderly or infirm. There are also

other benefits, such as not opening the

door in winter and allowing valuable

domestic heat to escape. Secure privacy

door panels would also be suitable in

sheltered housing accommodation,

where a warden could use an app to

observe first hand that residents are well

and safe without having to enter.

Secure switchable door panels have

an obvious application for domestic

front doors, but also for a wide range of

commercial and public sector settings. In

hospitals, for example, switchable door

panels have practical applications for

monitoring patients visually, or for holding

consultations in privacy. Door panels

have been installed in operating theatres,

laboratories and clinics to provide the

versatility of privacy or openness as

required.

These panels are also suitable for

secure high value retail or banking

settings, and even detention setting

applications, allowing occupants to

security check visitors before admitting

them. In custodial settings, switchable

glass panels provide a far larger and

clearer view of detainees who need to be

monitored than with limited observation

hatches.

www.esg.glass

61


FIRE AND SECURITY

MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE

When it comes to creating buildings which include architectural elements, intricate forms or

accent details, complex brickwork detailing can be achieved using specialised products to

make the exceptional attainable. This is where special lintels come into their own for

architects and designers. Keystone Lintels explains why.

Steel lintels are not specified simply

for their loading conditions, length

or type of wall under construction,

and have moved on considerably from

their timber or stone predecessors.

Contrary to a common misconception,

special lintels are not limited to basic

loading solutions. In fact, with larger

spanning special lintels, manufacturers’

technical engineers can incorporate

structural steelwork into the design. The

shop floor then rolls, mitres, welds, and

bolts the beams as necessary to form

the desired structural shape.

Special lintels are bespoke, made-toorder

products that are designed to be

fit for a specific purpose. Each lintel is

designed specially to suit the load or

aesthetic requirements for any given

opening on a build.

The range of special lintel solutions

offered by Keystone Lintels, for example,

can cater to different architectural

visions. For example, corner lintels can

enhance spaciousness and natural

light in a room while splayed bay and

square bay lintels can achieve a timeless

blend of classic and contemporary

elegance. From large apex lintels

that are perfect for accommodating

impressive glazed openings to full and

segmental arch lintels, gothic, parabolic,

and venetian arch lintels that provide

striking architectural features, there are a

range of solutions for designers seeking

creative freedom.

St Clement’s Heights

At St Clement’s Heights – a mixed

private housing and supported living

development in Sydenham Hill,

London – Saunders Architects required

three heavy-duty special lintels to

accommodate the scale of the secondfloor

openings.

The four large glazed apex openings

provide a source of natural light to the

second-floor master bedrooms, helping

to create a bright and comfortable

living space. The 4m openings

accommodated glazed sliding doors

leading out onto the balcony.

Keystone engineers designed a solution

that accommodated the 2m high apex

detail, while considering the location of

the ridge beam to avoid any clash and

need for fixing.

The end bearings of the lintel were

increased to 225mm to help better

distribute the loading applied.

Additionally, the design incorporated a

spreader plate at the apex on the inner

leaf to further ensure the structural

integrity of the lintel once built-in, taking

into account the position of the steel

ridge beam overhead.

“We’re always looking to provide

innovative solutions for any type of

challenge presented to us; big or small,”

said Ciaran McAliskey, Specification

Manager at Keystone Lintels.

Each lintel is designed

specially to suit the

load or aesthetic

requirements for any

given opening on a

build

Sun lounge systems

The potential for special lintels and

systems to significantly enhance a

building project is further exemplified by

Keystone’s Sun Lounge Lintels. Offering

greater practicality and user friendliness

than a conservatory, a Sun Lounge Lintel

is an easy way to add space and value

at minimal cost when building a new

house or extending an existing property.

A Sun Lounge Lintel is more visually

appealing than a conservatory and offers

much better heat retention in winter, and

protection from the blazing summer sun.

Moreover, incorporating a Sun Lounge

floor area into the overall measurement

of the house size can add considerable

value to the property. It goes through the

same approval and delivery process as

Keystone’s other special lintels, and is

manufactured similarly to bay lintels. In

cases where the Sun Lounge Lintel is too

large to be maneuvered or transported

in one piece, it can be supplied in two

or three manageable sections that

seamlessly bolt together on-site.

Personalised service

Keystone Lintels not only offers a special

range of lintels but also provides a host

of complementary services that include

free scheduling and specification,

customised design, and on-hand

technical expertise.

keystonelintels.com

62


STELRAD’S ELECTRIC RADIATOR SERIES

SPARKS SIGNIFICANT INTEREST

The latest electric radiator series launched in the UK and

Ireland by Stelrad has sparked significant interest in the

heating sector. Marking the first time the Stelrad brand has

ventured into the electric marketplace, the electric range

is currently made of 13 steel and aluminium radiators and

towel radiators to suit any room or décor.

“We’ve been delighted with the levels of interest the new

range has sparked in the UK and Ireland,” said Stelrad’s

Head of Marketing Chris Harvey. “There is clearly a

significant marketplace for ‘all electric’ heating in homes.”

The radiators come with a five-year warranty on the

heating parts and a two-year warranty on the electric

components.

The range includes the Stelrad Electric Column design

– a rounded vertical tube column radiator available in three

sizes in both white or anthracite grey. There’s also the

Stelrad Electric Agata and the Agata E-Flow – a straight, flat

tube towel rail design, featuring five banks of three tubes

with spaces between each bank, available in three sizes in

both White and Anthracite grey.

www.stelrad.com

NEW PRODUCTS

PASSIVENT PRODUCTS ON SHOW IN LONDON

AND BELFAST

A range of products manufactured by Passivent, one of

the UK’s leading manufacturers of natural and hybrid

ventilation solutions, are now on display in two new

showrooms in London and Belfast.

The showrooms, located at the Business Design Centre

in Islington, London and in Newtownabby in Belfast,

are hosted by Passivent’s parent group, Wienerberger.

Passivent’s Airscoop roof ventilation terminal can be seen

close-up on a moveable rig to demonstrate the product in

situ. Its Aircool wall and window ventilator unit is also wiredin

and powered to demonstrate the quietness of the product

in operation which is virtually silent thanks to its electricallyactuated

low-voltage dampers.

The showrooms provide a place where customers can

meet Passivent’s technical sales team and find out more

about the company’s comprehensive range of natural and

hybrid ventilation solutions. The team can also provide

support with bulk airflow calculations or thermal modelling.

www.passivent.com

SINIAT ACHIEVES CCPI MARK COVERING ITS

PORTFOLIO OF PARTITIONS

Lightweight construction manufacturer, Siniat, has had four

product sets verified by the Code for Construction Product

Information (CCPI) mark.

Siniat partition systems with 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes

of fire resistance have been verified against the CCPI, which

was developed by the Construction Products Association’s

(CPA) Marketing Integrity Group. The Code was then

handed over to the not-for-profit Construction Product

Information to administer the Code and verification process

and provide more confidence that the product information is

clear, accurate, accessible, up-to-date and unambiguous.

The four product sets now verified cover all of the

partition systems published on Siniat’s website and in its

Drywall Manual.

Nigel Morrey, Technical Director at Siniat, said: “At Siniat,

driving fire safety is – and always has been – a central focus

for our team. This meant that acquiring CCPI verification for

these sets was a natural step following the work we have

already been doing to ensure the provision of high-quality

performance data.”

www.siniat.co.uk

63


NEW PRODUCTS

NEW BROCHURE EMBRACES KITCHEN,

BATHROOM AND OUTDOOR LIVING TRENDS

Porcelain and ceramics are the go-to surfaces for kitchens

and bathrooms and solutions for all spaces can be found in

the new Surfaces brochure for 2024 from RAK Ceramics.

The new 132-page brochure can be browsed in various

ways – alphabetically, by look and by size – making it an

important reference tool for specifiers and designers.

The brochure features quality, highly durable porcelain

surfaces that emulate the key trends in interior design,

including marble, metal, concrete, stone and wood. These

include Maximus slabs that provide seamless consistency

when used over large areas such as feature walls.

Surfaces for outdoor spaces also feature, with a range

of sustainable and adaptable porcelain tiles suitable for

redesigning and revamping gardens, patios, terraces or

driveways.

The product guide includes full technical features,

maintenance details and tile-laying recommendations.

www.rakceramics.com/uk

STYLE, SUSTAINABILITY, AND STANDARDS DRIVE

ALUMINIUM TRENDS

Aluminium glazing systems are continuing to see

an increase in popularity in both the residential and

commercial sectors.

Terry Ledwith, Head of Sales for Trade and Retail at

Reynaers Aluminium UK, says: “Minimal frames and slimline

styling have continued to be a leading trend for building

design in both the commercial and residential sectors – and

this looks set to continue into the foreseeable future.

“Homeowners want slimline frames that perform well,

bringing together the best in form and function. Our

sustainable sliding door MasterPatio is a standout product

for the new homes market, along with our next generation

slimline windows - SlimLine 38 (SL 38), MasterLine 8 (ML 8)

and MasterLine 10 (ML 10).

“MasterPatio offers leading performance in air, wind and

water testing and its sustainability credentials are excellent.

It achieves U-values as low as 0.8W/m²K and is Cradle to

Cradle certified, using recycled materials and minimising

waste in production. MasterPatio is also PAS 24 compliant.”

www.reynaersathome.co.uk

RINNAI ADDS R290 HEAT PUMP RANGE TO

DECARBONISING PRODUCT LIST

Rinnai has added an additional line of commercial heat

pump technology to its range of decarbonising appliances.

The new range of air source heat pumps use R290 - a lowscoring

Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant.

Using R290 improves energy efficiency by 10%, enables

water temperatures up to 75°C and complies with the

European F-Gas Regulations.

Rinnai’s R290 air source heat pump range is available in

11 different sizes, from 6kW up to 50kW. All units arrive with

control systems that allow time sensitive programming and

customization enabling specific customer requirements to

be met.

The range has an ERP rating of A+++ and A++

depending on size and can also fulfil UK customers’

decarbonising ambitions.

www.rinnai-co.uk

64


A MASTERPIECE FOR MASTERTRACK

York-based glass merchant and glazing contractor, Kimberlite Glass, has been a

Bohle customer for over 20 years, and their latest project showcases the strong

partnership they have with the hardware company to fulfil their innovative designs.

CASE STUDY

Kimberlite Glass is a staple

of the York glass industry:

based in the same premises

since 1976, the company

has developed a strong

reputation for high quality installations,

supplying and fitting a huge range of

glass including splashbacks, shower

screens, mirrors, and double-glazing.

With contractual projects for both

schools and universities, as well as

its own design and installation team,

Kimberlite Glass is renowned for its

ambitious results.

The company’s latest project is no

different – a floor-to-ceiling opaque

glass box with a sliding glass door

constructed to house an en-suite within

the bedroom of a residential property.

“We were approached by the company

that was contracted to manage the

project,” says Kimberlite Glass Owner

and Director, Ed Appleton. “It was

The glass was so heavy

that we needed to

reinforce the ceiling to

support the weight, but

with the MasterTrack

system the doors

opened effortlessly

a really impressive project that they

proposed: an unused corner of a

bedroom would become a top-spec ensuite,

framed within a glass box.

“We did the calculations for the glass

– considering the type and thickness

of the glass, we worked out that each

glass panel would weigh nearly 100kg.

We knew with that kind of weight that

we would need the highest quality

hardware to support it, so we went

straight to Bohle.

“When I spoke to Helen at Bohle and

told her what we needed to achieve,

she immediately recommended the

MasterTrack system,” Ed explains.

MasterTrack is Bohle’s internal

sliding door system. Designed to

accommodate glass thicknesses

between 8mm and 12.76mm, and with

maximum weights of 150kg, it can be

either be wall-mounted or ceiling hung.

Capable of being installed in as little as

10 minutes thanks to an easy-to-use

clamp system, it is particularly suitable

for the home improvement and light

commercial sectors.

MasterTrack also uses a patented

hydraulics system and a double-sided

spring to slow the door in a single, ultrasmooth

operation.

“The glass was so heavy that we

needed to reinforce the ceiling to

support the weight, but with the

MasterTrack system the doors opened

effortlessly – you’d never know that you

were sliding nearly 100kg of weight!”

Ed says. “It was simply the best system

for the job. It enhanced the style of

the project, it had the correct weightbearing

credentials, and it is a high-end,

quality product. We know once we’ve

installed a MasterTrack system, or any

Bohle hardware for that matter, that

we won’t be getting callbacks for faulty

door closures: this is obviously vital to

us as we don’t want to be spending

time and money back on site replacing

sub-standard parts.”

For Kimberlite Glass, the company’s

relationship with Bohle shows no signs

of slowing. Ed continues: “I’ve been the

Director of Kimberlite Glass for 20 years,

and in that time, we’ve always used

Bohle products. I know my predecessor

before me also used their hardware too.

“For us, it’s all about quality. We have a

reputation to uphold, and we know that

by using Bohle, we won’t get caught

out on quality. You can’t go wrong with

German engineering.

“And they offer everything glass-related

you could possibly need, for hundreds

of different projects. We know that

whatever the challenge, we can go to

Bohle and they will be able to offer us

an honest solution.

“The staff are so friendly and helpful,

and they actually care that they’re giving

us the correct products for the job – it’s

not just a tick box exercise for them.”

www.kimberliteglassyork.co.uk

65


CASE STUDIES

THE RESIDENCE COLLECTION UPDATES BESPOKE

CONSERVATION AREA DEVELOPMENT

Premium window and door designer The Residence

Collection has completed a newbuild development in the

conservation area of Woolley, near Wakefield. The highend

luxury development, named Old Beech Farm, features

more than 200 Residence Collection windows across six

newbuild properties.

Alongside fabricator HWL Windows and an independent

housebuilder, the traditional R9 windows were added in the

Painswick colourway, to complement the stone exterior of

the homes. This project has also recently won Commercial

Project of the Year award at the G23 Awards.

The original timber alternative window, Residence 9, is

widely accepted in Conservation Areas and for Grade IIlisted

buildings across the UK due to the collection adhering

to the key principles, shapes and dimensions from the

Article 4 Conservation Area guidelines for windows. This

particular window system was chosen by the developer due

to its low maintenance and superior performance features,

as well as the high-end finish that fits the style of the

premium development.

The selection of windows, which meet Part L

requirements with a u-value of 1.2W/m 2 k, surpassing British

Building Regulation requirements, was based on their

thermal efficiency, heritage, and attractiveness to end-users.

The windows also achieve a certified A++ window energy

rating and satisfy Passive House standards, with u-values of

0.74W/m 2 k with 44mm triple glazing.

The Timberweld jointing technique was employed in the

fabrication of the Residence 9 windows. This welded joining

method creates a seamless butt-joint appearance on both

the exterior and interior of the windows, offering an authentic

timber look and enhanced strength.

The Residence Collection windows can be delivered

without glazing, facilitating easier on-site handling. For Old

Beech Farm, the windows were supplied with pre-fitted

Georgian bars.

Jo Trotman, Marketing Manager at The Residence

Collection, said: “At The Residence Collection, we prioritise

offering a selection of new windows that not only enhance

the aesthetics of properties but also deliver long-lasting

performance. This particular project opted for a colour that

perfectly complemented the exterior of the building, while

still capitalising on all the other performance qualities that

the R9 boasts.

“Establishing quality partnerships is crucial in the delivery

of our superior design, manufacturing, and installation

services that we consistently provide to our customers. We

are delighted to have successfully concluded yet another

project with HWL windows and look forward to many more in

the future.”

www.residencecollection.co.uk

DURAPOST FENCING SYSTEM PROVIDES

LONG-TERM ALTERNATIVE TO TIMBER

A failing timber fencing system at a property in Leeds

has been replaced with a range of high performance

DuraPost products. Incorporating fence posts, Urban

Slatted Composite fence panels and an aluminium gate,

the solution from Birkdale Sales provided all the necessary

aesthetic and performance requirements.

While timber fencing can look attractive initially, it

inevitably begins to rot, weaken and deteriorate over time.

This was the case at the property of Mr Edwards, whose

ageing timber fencing was losing its appeal and beginning

to fail – so a replacement was needed.

“We wanted something that would look neater and not

require much maintenance. DuraPost by Birkdale seemed

to tick all the boxes,” said Mr Edwards. “The slim and

tidy galvanised steel posts in anthracite grey give me

more space in my garden and come with up to a 25-year

guarantee – although it is likely they will last much longer. I

then opted for the DuraPost Urban Slatted Composite fence

panels in the Natural colour option. It looks just like cedar,

but has greater longevity, thanks to its ability to resist mould

and rot.”

Birkdale’s Urban Slatted Composite fence panels are

manufactured from a combination of materials, including

rice husks – a natural bi-product from the rice industry –

which accounts for 55% of the panel. Recycled high-density

polyethylene (HDPE) is also incorporated into the design.

These robust panels are incredibly strong and wind tested

to high speeds.

www.birkdalesales.com/durapost

66

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