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April 2024

www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

Exploring practical solutions for today’s built environment challenges

CCURATE

GNOSTIC

DVICE

AccuRoof, the new name for

SIG Design & Technology.

Coming soon.

accuroof.co.uk

COMMERCIAL

& RETAIL

HOTELS & LEISURE

ROOFING & CLADDING

INSULATION &

ACOUSTICS


Putting

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01_SB0424.indd 1

04/04/2024 16:15

www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ April 2024

APRIL 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

PUBLISHED BY MAPPED OUT MEDIA LIMITED

Registered in England No.

15185328

Registered Office:

The Old Barn, Wood Street,

Swanley, England, BR8 7PA

We all love to talk about houses. We watch

hours of TV programmes about renovating

them, buying them and selling them, and

house prices are an endless fascination for

millions of people, whether or not they have

made it onto the housing ladder.

Then there are the millions of us whose work revolves

around housebuilding – whether that’s as a specifier,

architect or contractor, or one of the millions of supply

businesses who sit alongside the housing industry.

Housebuilding now accounts for 60% of all new

construction work, and when the housing market is down,

it has a knock-on effect on the entire UK economy. That’s

why, despite the difficult times we have been experiencing,

it’s encouraging to see the first positive signs that private

housebuilding could be recovering with new project starts

rising (see page 6).

Even as these short-term challenges begin easing, longer

term there is much work still to do, particularly around

energy efficiency and decarbonisation, where the race to

net zero means it’s more important than ever that you make

the best product and material choices.

That’s why many of the case studies we’re looking at

this month focus on energy efficiency and renovation work.

Plus, given that 40% of all new construction work isn’t

private housebuilding, we’re also taking a closer look at the

Commercial, Retail, Hotel and Leisure sectors, to assess

changing trends that could impact the way you work going

forward.

April 2024

www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

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

CCURATE

GNOSTIC

DVICE

AccuRoof, the new name for

SIG Design & Technology.

Coming soon.

COMMERCIAL

& RETAIL

HOTELS & LEISURE ROOFING & CLADDING

accuroof.co.uk

INSULATION &

ACOUSTICS

01_SB0424.indd 1 04/04/2024 16:15

SIG Design & Technology is a roof design

and supply provider for newbuild and

refurbishment projects, including single

ply, hot melt, liquid, slate, hard metal

roofing and cladding, as well as green

and blue roofing and biosolar systems.

See p12 to find out why the company is

now rebranding to AccuRoof.

3


12 16

26 34

CONTENTS

06. News

14. Special Feature: What the Building Safety Act

means for specifiers

COMMERCIAL AND RETAIL

16. Balancing conservation with refurbishment

18. Innovative installation creates stylish office space

20. Case Studies

22. Is hydrogen a sustainable choice?

HOTELS AND LEISURE

24. Victorian mansion transformed into carbonneutral

event venue

26. Designing luxury hotel bathrooms

28. Case Studies

30. What regulation changes mean for hot water

specification

36. New Products

4


38

50

42

56

62

ROOFING AND CLADDING

38. A specifiers’ guide to Schedule 3 and blue

green roof systems

40. CUPACLAD adds durable cladding to

Cambridgeshire country club

42. Pitch-perfect aesthetics using low-pitch roofs

44. Wraptite offers protection for innovative eco

house

46. Seeking durable building envelope solutions

48. Preventing peeling paint problems

50. Effective communication elevates construction

specifications

52. Fire protection is key for new FrameSafe FR

membrane

INSULATION AND ACOUSTICS

54. Sound advice for creating ideal learning and

work spaces

56. Specify PIR as a pathway to energy compliant

homes

58. StoSilent Direct brings Oxford college acoustics

up to date

60. Materials & Finishes Show Preview

62. Case Studies

64. Special Feature: Specifying for sustainability

5


April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

LATEST NEWS

NEWS \\ INDUSTRY UPDATES

Britain’s housing stock offers ‘worst value for

money’ of any advanced economy’, says report

A comparison of housing costs,

floorspace, quality and wider price

levels across countries reveals that

households in Britain are paying

more for less, and that our housing

stock offers the worst value for

money of any advanced economy,

according to analysis by the

Resolution Foundation.

The Foundation’s latest Housing

Outlook showed English homes

have less average floorspace per

person (38m 2 ) than many similar

countries, including the US (66m 2 ),

Germany (46m 2 ) and France (43m 2 ).

The UK’s housing stock is also

the oldest of any European country.

Older homes tend to be poorly

insulated, leading to higher energy

bills and a higher risk of damp, the

Foundation said. UK households

pay 57% more for the same

(quality-adjusted) housing as in

Austria, for example, and 36% more

than those in Canada. Housing in

New Zealand offers the second

worst value for money, followed by

houses in Australia and Ireland.

Adam Corlett, Principal

Economist at the Resolution

Foundation, said: “Britain’s housing

crisis is likely to be a big topic in

the election campaign, as parties

debate how to address high costs,

poor quality and low security issues

that so many households face.

Britain’s housing crisis is decades

in the making, with successive

governments failing to build enough

new homes and modernise our

existing stock. That now has to

change.”

Private housebuilding ‘springs to life’

The outlook for private

housebuilding has improved over

recent weeks, according to the

latest edition of the Glenigan

Construction Review.

The review has highlighted a

number of regional hotspots where

new housing work has been picking

up. The value of new housing

project starts in the West Midlands

rose to £854 million in the three

months to February – up 19% when

compared to the same period in the

previous year.

The East Midlands region also

saw an 8% increase in new housing

project starts.

Meanwhile, the new work

pipeline for housing shows signs

of improving in the North West.

Detailed planning approvals for

new housing work in the region

rose 13% to £1,974 million in the

three months to February, making

it the second most active region in

the country. Residential planning

approvals in the South West also

rose 27% in the period and were

worth £1,417 million.

Glenigan Marketing Director Ian

Bellamy said: “After tough times

in 2023, an upturn in new housing

output in January, and a series

of encouraging industry surveys

and announcements from major

housebuilders, point to better times

ahead for the sector, particularly in

the North and the Midlands. Recent

falls in mortgage rates and the

prospect of cuts in interest rates

has [also] given a lift to the overall

housing market.”

Insolvency hits

construction

companies

More than 4,300 construction

companies went out of business

between November 2022 and

October 2023, according to the

Insolvency Service – the highest

number since the financial crisis

of 2008-09.

Martin Vella, Managing

Director of contractor Pexhurst,

said: “The Covid pandemic, with

weaker consumer confidence,

inflation and interest rates,

has increased pressure on

all UK businesses, with the

construction industry being no

exception.”

6


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April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

LATEST NEWS

NEWS \\ INDUSTRY UPDATES

Heat pump plans

delayed amid low

sales concerns

The Clean Heat Market Mechanism

(CHMM) is being delayed by a year

to 1 April 2025, to allow more time

for the heating industry to prepare.

The CHMM will introduce a rising

market standard for heat pump

sales as a proportion of fossil fuel

boiler sales, placing an obligation on

boiler manufacturers to meet targets

on their sales of heat pumps relative

to their sales of gas and oil boilers,

or face financial penalties.

The Department for Energy &

Net Zero (DESNZ) said it wanted to

allow industry more time to prepare

their businesses for the change,

and for more consumers to take up

heat pumps, before the scheme is

introduced.

The government says it remains

“fully focussed on supporting the

development of a heat pump market

of 600,000 installations per year by

2028, ensuring that heat pumps

become a mainstream consumer

solution alongside gas boilers, of

which approximately 1.8 million are

currently installed each year”.

However, recent figures from the

Heat Pump Association show that

just 55,000 heat pumps were sold

in the UK around 2022, meaning

an elevenfold increase would be

required by 2028 to meet the target.

A report from the National

Audit Office (NAO) has also noted

that the government’s flagship

Boiler Upgrade Scheme has

underperformed, installing just

18,900 heat pumps between May

2022 and December 2023. DESNZ

had previously said it expected

the scheme would deliver 50,000

installations by this point.

The NAO report said

“decarbonising home heating

represents one of the biggest

challenges to the government

achieving net zero”.

Heritage homes review ‘is a

positive step for homeowners’

A new energy efficiency drive for

heritage homes in the UK,

announced by the government in

early 2024, will review the barriers

homeowners face when looking to

future proof their homes while

protecting their heritage. The review

will also explore how these barriers

are affecting the UK’s work to

achieve net zero status by 2050.

With around 5.9 million properties

built before 1919 in the UK,

owners of heritage buildings face

difficult restrictions when looking

to upgrade them structurally. And

yet, with appropriate energy saving

measures, these homeowners could

save up to £428 per year on their

energy costs, estimates suggest.

The Residence Collection’s

Sales & Marketing Director, Sarah

Hitchings, said: “Trying to change

anything in a historic property or

conservation area is a long and

drawn-out process, which can be

immensely timely and costly.

“One of the biggest barriers is

that every local authority’s planning

department is different. With

this, homeowners and planning

authorities may not be aware of

the innovative products available

that can compassionately upgrade

period properties while maintaining

their original, historical beauty.

This makes it increasingly difficult

for homeowners to be granted

planning permission to upgrade their

properties.

“Reviewing these barriers

will mostly be positive for the

fenestration industry, as UPVC

windows offer a great thermal

performance and u-values for any

type of home, so owners of older

homes will really reap the benefits.

“Plus, this will allow installers to

add another sector to their business.

However, the review must be mindful

that there could be a skills gap, not

just in the fenestration industry, but

across the board when upgrading

period homes.

“As an industry, we must

continue to encourage highquality

installations in these types

of properties so we can preserve

these homes while being a part

of the solution to improve energy

efficiency.”

8


www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ April 2024

NEWS \\ INDUSTRY UPDATES

Second staircases should be fitted in tall buildings

The government has published new guidance to make it

clear that blocks of flats above 18m in height should be

served by a second independent staircase under

revisions to Approved Document B.

The new guidelines are expected to be introduced

in England from 30 September, 2026, as part of the

government’s efforts to improve fire safety by providing

additional escape routes in residential high-rise

buildings. There will be a 30-month transition period to

reduce the short-term impact on housing supply.

Announcing the new guidance, Minister for Housing

Lee Rowley said: “The change in guidance to include

two staircases for buildings over 18 metres provides

clarity and ensures both new and existing buildings

provide safe and secure homes for all residents.”

An impact assessment published by the Department

for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC)

estimated that compliance with the provisions would

cost £2.7 billion over the next 10 years.

DLUHC said: “Making provision for an independent

second staircase in tall buildings above 18m is part of

the post-Grenfell building safety programme. A second

staircase will provide additional capacity to reduce

congestion, support egress and facilitate additional

access for firefighting and rescue. Occupants will

benefit from an alternative means of escape if one route

is blocked or filled with smoke. A second staircase

will facilitate evacuation if a Stay Put recommendation

needs to be overridden. It will also help to synchronise

national standards by aligning to rules in Scotland.”

LATEST NEWS

Shaping the future of sustainable construction

The 2024 Futurebuild exhibition

highlighted the importance of

sustainable construction, innovation

and collaboration.

The winners of Futurebuild’s first

ever Sustainable Stand Award were

announced, with The UK Green

Building Council winning with a shell

constructed entirely from recycled

timber and OSB board alongside

recycled, carbon-negative carpet.

The National Retrofit Conference

also emerged as a pivotal section,

featuring highly influential speakers

such as Lord Callahan tasked with

driving conversations and initiatives

aimed at making retrofit scalable and

achievable.

Muyiwa Oki, President of the

Royal Institute of British Architects,

held a session on the environmental,

social and financial value of

architecture, which focused heavily

on sustainability.

The Big Innovation Pitch

showcases the latest and most

exciting developments each year.

This year’s winner was Adaptavate

with Breathaboard, its carbonnegative

alternative to plasterboard.

Thomas Robinson, CEO

of Adaptavate, said: “The Big

Innovation Pitch is a platform for

big ideas that are looking to make

an impact in the UK construction

sector. It really helps give us the

platform to talk and change the

way people think about the built

environment.”

Futurebuild 2025 will take place

on 4-6 March at the ExCel exhibition

centre in London.

\\ REYNAERS ALUMINIUM UK HAS BEEN

AWARDED THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

GOAL PIONEER LABEL BY THE UNITED NATIONS

FOR ITS AMBITIOUS SUSTAINABILITY WORK. THE

CERTIFICATE RECOGNISES COMPANIES THAT

ADOPT EFFECTIVE SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES.

\\ RESEARCH FROM VAILLANT HAS FOUND THAT

MORE THAN HALF OF THE UK WOULD WANT TO

REPLACE THEIR GAS BOILER IF THEY COULD

AFFORD TO DO SO, AND THAT OVER 70% OF

INSTALLERS BELIEVE HEAT PUMPS ARE TOO

EXPENSIVE FOR CONSUMERS.

9


April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

NEWS FOCUS

NEWS \\ INDUSTRY UPDATES

DELAYS, UNCERTAINTY AND A GENERAL

ELECTION BURDEN THE UK ENERGY MARKET

Rinnai’s Chris Goggin looks at

the current state of play in the

UK energy, heating and hot

water provision marketplace.

Commercial heating and hot water

provision sectors currently exist in a state

of uncertainty in relation to customer

costs, outside investment, future

direction and the implementation of

national legislation that encourages

decarbonisation. Further turbulence will

be exacerbated by the certainty of a

looming UK general election and a

possible change of government, which

could signal a redrafting of national

energy policy.

Over the past year the current UK

government and opposition parties have

reneged on several ecological pledges

and appear to have lost momentum in

implementing national decarbonisation.

Shifts in policy have created confusion

for investors inside the UK energy market

and, in the meantime, life goes on as the

population still requires heating and hot

water provision, through both new and

replacement systems. UK national

energy acquisition, property regulations

and UK gas boiler manufacture are all

areas of the UK energy market that have

experienced recent reversals in terms of

active or incoming legislation.

Aviva, one of the UK’s biggest insurance

company’s, was quoted in The Times 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, everrising

global energy costs and the

question of supply security has led to a

lack of investment within large-scale UK

renewable projects. In the same The

Times article, Aviva has said that “the

recent dilution in government net zero

targets is an even bigger challenge and

creates uncertainty”.

The Energy Transition Readiness Index

2023 is a measurement of a region’s

ability to transition towards net zero. It is

a report 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

considered to be enough evidence of

either to entice outside capital

investment.

The UK government has had to offer

£800 million to support new offshore

wind farms as the amount of capital

incentives offered in the previous round

of CfD offshore wind auctions failed to

attract a single bid.

Concurrent with this is the situation

regarding the Minimum Energy Efficiency

Standard (MEES) regulations. These

ensure that all buildings have an Energy

Performance Certificate (EPC) with E as

its lowest rating. Further amendments

drafted in 2021 aimed for MEES to be

raised to D in 2025 and C in 2030.

This would have meant that landlords

who privately own and rent property

across the UK would have had to legally

meet energy efficiency standards to

continue renting to customers.

However, the UK government has

scrapped these plans as their

implementation would have meant extra

costs to both landlord and property

rental customer. A redrafting of MEES

regulations is expected and will likely

impose clean energy standards on

rented property.

Also, there is the ‘ban’ on gas boilers

being installed at off-grid sites, which

has been lengthened from 2026 to 2035.

The ‘boiler tax’ has also been delayed.

A potential new government later this

year could also introduce further

changes to the UK energy market by

way of a new direction in policy and

cost.

Specifiers, contractors, installers and UK

property owners should seek to work

with manufacturers of hot water and

heating products that can offer a wide

range of appliances in the variety of

energy vectors to produce low-carbon

solutions for all residential, industrial and

commercial properties. It is likely that the

UK will hold on to natural gas for the

moment while purposely manoeuvring

different energies and production into

play on a mass scale – be they wind,

solar, DME or BioLPG.

www.rinnaiuk.com

10



April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

SPECIAL FEATURE

ACCUROOF: THE NEW NAME FOR

SIG DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

Trading Director Robert Edwards explains why SIG Design & Technology is

rebranding to AccuRoof, and what this means for its specifier-led customer base

and the wider construction industry.

Over the last decade, SIG

Design & Technology has

established itself as the

go-to roof design and

supply provider for both

newbuild and refurbishment projects,

including single ply, hot melt, liquid, slate,

hard metal roofing and cladding, as well

as green and blue roofing and biosolar

systems.

Central to our success has been our

ability to help specifiers deliver roofs

that are not only fit-for-purpose, but

also meet the required aesthetics,

are long lasting and sustainable. We

are constantly evolving our business

approach and customer offering, and

we recently decided to rebrand to

AccuRoof.

Accurate agnostic advice

The decision to rebrand has been

strongly influenced by the new Building

Safety Act and the Golden Thread.

We undertook market research with

key stakeholders, including architects,

surveyors, and contractors, to better

understand the areas they needed help

with. For most of them, it was assistance

with compliance and building legislation.

The SIG Design & Technology model

was already supporting this, but we felt

it was time to really push the envelope

and demonstrate our expertise within the

industry. This led to the AccuRoof name

and branding, which stands for accurate

agnostic roofing advice.

AccuRoof is a system agnostic roofing

specification and technical support

service for architects, specifiers and

contractors. We provide a complete

and impartial service, which covers flat

roofs, pitched roofs, green and blue

roofs, solar, biosolar, and hard metal

roofing and cladding. We provide expert,

competent guidance that is up to date

with current legislation, including British

Standards and the Building Safety Act.

As a distributor (part of SIG Roofing, a

part of FTSE-350 listed SIG Plc) we have

numerous product lines from a wide

range of manufacturers, enabling us to

offer the best roofing solution for any

given project. The advice part is fairly

self-explanatory: that’s what we are there

to do; to be experts within the roofing

industry.

UPS headquarters at 5 Broadgate by Make Architects has plant, amenity space and solar PV on

the roof. Technologies include green, hot melt and liquid roofing and some bespoke details we

developed with contractor Briggs Amasco. (Image credit: IKO)

Supporting compliance

Our business has always assisted with

Design & Build contracts, providing

main contractors with assistance in

meeting performance specifications

and providing alternative suitable

products or like-for-like products on

specifications that meet a project’s

budget requirements. Parallel to this we

The complex roofscape at Lucent W1 on London’s Piccadily Circus

includes expertly detailed and installed slate, zinc and hot melt elements.

Roof design by AccuRoof (Image credit: Welsh Slate)

The eye-catching Alchemist bar- restaurant in Media City Salford by Reid

Architects is clad in standing seam elZinc Rainbow Gold Protect zinc over

composite panels. (Image credit: Terrance Smith)

12


www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ April 2024

SPECIAL FEATURE

Good sorting, grading and traceability is essential for natural slate roofs. This 50m-long Grade II listed potato barn near Canterbury was reroofed with

Gallegas 39 from the SIGA Excellence Range of Natural Slate. (Image credit: M Franke/SIG)

specifications that meet a project’s

budget requirements. Parallel to this we

have emerged as a dedicated roofing

consultant to specifiers themselves as

roofing system requirements become

more complex and they need our

specialist advice. We’ve taken that role

for over 10 years now.

The introduction of Gateway two under

the Building Safety Act means that the

way buildings and roofing systems are

procured may change. There will be

more collaboration, and Design & Build

may even become a thing of the past.

AccuRoof aims to be at the forefront

of this change, assisting architects,

surveyors and contractors with key

roofing decisions from the outset of

construction projects. This means

offering design and technical advice

on integrated roofing systems, while

adhering to building regulations and

other legislative requirements.

Because we are a distributor we have

access to an incredibly wide range of

products, so our roofing specifications

always fit the project, rather than the

other way around. This enables us

to advise on the best product for a

particular roofing solution, considering

CCPI, accreditations and testing, and

regulatory compliance, among many

other factors.

AccuRoof provides a wide range of

services free of charge, including design

liability (if required), detailing advice, full

NBS specifications, wind uplift, U-value

and drainage calculations, guidance on

renewable and specialist products that

assist with common design issues, such

as creating falls on flat roofs or providing

for energy production.

Added to this, we offer ease and

reliability of product distribution coupled

with a competent subcontractor network

under our AccuRoof

Contractor Installer

Scheme (ACIS).

Tailored services

Any organisation

that rebrands has to

have taken a long

hard look at how

it works and who

it supports. This

exercise has helped

us clarify how we

support the variety

of professionals

designing,

constructing and

looking after built assets. The uniting

theme is that we help the sector

deliver better performing roofing

solutions.

Alongside supporting specifiers, we

partner with main contractors on major

projects to offer them an end-to-end

service for their roofing packages,

ensuring they can always receive

dedicated technical support and helping

them work more collaboratively with their

supply chain.

Through ACIS we support roofing

contractors access training and

technical support to ensure they install

our products effectively and enable us

to provide warranties. In the education

sector we are a supply chain partner

on Department for Education projects,

helping education clients meet their

biodiversity net gain and net zero

challenges. We also provide a flat roof

replacement, planned maintenance,

funding and estate management

strategy support for multi academy

trusts.

Get specialists in early

Early engagement is key. The earlier

specifiers speak to us, the sooner we

AccuRoof designed and supplied this high-performance and costeffective

multiple material roof to the London Business School’s Samy

Ofer Centre. (Image credit: IKO)

can examine their designs and eliminate

potential issues, such as door thresholds

and parapets on flat roofs, or structural

issues relating to green and blue roofs.

Equally importantly, AccuRoof can assist

with fundamental decisions relating

to cost, aesthetics, compliance, and

warranties – all of which should be

carefully considered at the outset.

Adherence to regulatory, standards and

third party compliance is one of the

biggest challenges, so it’s important

that specifiers have confidence in the

competency of their design and supply

chain partners. AccuRoof expertise

in this area, coupled with its ability to

supply a wide range of products that

can satisfy the demands of both the

roof and the client make it a potent

force – especially where there is early

engagement with the specifier.

We’re excited about the future of

AccuRoof as a unique service for

specifiers. In the coming months we will

introduce new CPDs and launch several

new products, such as a lightweight,

non-penetrative, flat panel solar

roofing system, and a new TPE roofing

membrane.

www.accuroof.co.uk

13


April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

SPECIAL FEATURE

A SHIFT IN THE LANDSCAPE

The Building Safety Act has been introduced to transform the way our buildings are

designed, constructed and maintained. Justin Pitman, Sales Director for Proteus

Waterproofing, explores what this means for specifiers.

The Grenfell Tower fire tragedy in

2017 sent shockwaves through

the UK, exposing widespread

safety failings in the construction

industry. In response, the Building

Safety Act 2022 has ushered in a wave

of changes. One crucial aspect of this

reform is the emphasis on protecting

specifications. But what does this mean

for manufacturers and specifiers?

The Act introduces a multi-faceted

approach to building safety, with several

key changes impacting the market. A

new regulatory framework means that a

Building Safety Regulator (BSR) will now

oversee all building work, with stricter

oversight for higher-risk buildings.

The Act clearly defines roles and

responsibilities for stakeholders such

as manufacturers, developers and

building owners, ensuring accountability

throughout the building lifecycle.

This involves the implementation of a

rigorous, stage-gated approval process

for higher-risk buildings, ensuring

compliance with safety standards at

each stage, supported by a ‘golden

thread’ of information capturing crucial

building data throughout the building’s

lifespan, improving transparency and

traceability.

There is also now more emphasis on

strict requirements for the competence

and accreditation of construction

professionals and manufacturers, in a

move to raise industry standards.

One significant aspect of the Act is

the increased emphasis on protecting

specifications. This means ensuring

that the materials specified are the

ones actually used in construction,

preventing substitution with inferior or

non-compliant alternatives. Several

provisions such as product certification

encourage standardised product

testing, with certification schemes to

verify performance and compliance with

building regulations.

Traceability and Chain of Custody

is also paramount. This requires

robust measures to track materials

throughout the supply chain,

preventing the use of counterfeit or

unauthorised products. There is also

a requirement to share key product

information between manufacturers,

specifiers and building owners at every

stage. At Proteus Waterproofing we

already hold BBA certifications and

other key accreditations, so we can

demonstrate compliance with these

stricter regulations. We have further

implemented a robust supply chain

management and sharing product

information system, which is helping

to build trust and confidence among

specifiers and building owners.

For specifiers, access to standardised

product data and certification schemes

allows them to make informed

decisions based on demonstrably safe

and compliant materials. Protecting

specifications minimises the risk that

non-compliant materials are used,

reducing potential legal and safety

liabilities. Confidence in material

performance and compliance further

contributes to a safer, more durable and

successful building project.

Robust traceability also helps specifiers

demonstrate they used the intended

materials, mitigating potential liability

concerns. The Act provides stronger

legal protection for specifiers who have

fulfilled their duty to specify compliant

materials. An increased onus on

manufacturers for product safety and

information sharing can also reduce

burdens and liability risks for specifiers.

Building trust and open communication

with manufacturers can facilitate access

to technical expertise and support

throughout the specification and

procurement process. We at Proteus

provide a full design package to help

architects at every stage of the project.

Staying updated on complex regulations

and navigating new approval processes

can be time-consuming for specifiers

with limited resources. Effectively using

and integrating product information into

project documentation and specifications

also requires additional effort and

expertise, something we can help with.

While the Building Safety Act is a

step towards a safer future for UK

buildings, its full impact is still unfolding.

Its success will depend on several

factors, such as the BSR’s approach to

enforcement and guidance, which will be

crucial in ensuring consistent application

of the regulations. Open communication

and data sharing between all

stakeholders will also be essential for

building trust and transparency.

The Act is an opportunity for the industry

to embrace higher standards and

safer, more sustainable buildings. While

challenges exist, manufacturers and

specifiers who collaborate and adapt

proactively can navigate the evolving

landscape and emerge as leaders in this

new era of building safety.

www.proteuswaterproofing.co.uk

14


Make it a reality

with Reynaers.

Your vision. Our technical support.

We offer dependable technical assurance for every application, bringing vast experience

to residential projects through to large complex commercial buildings. Our dedicated

online architect support page gives you access to CAD and BIM libraries along with our

friendly technical and engineering support team.

WINDOWS

DOORS

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We are contributing to more sustainable buildings

and developing circular products. Ensuring

we reduce our ecological footprint while never

forgetting we are a caring company.

With over 50 years of

global product development,

7 testing centres worldwide,

you can be reassured with

Reynaers Aluminium.

Together for better

reynaers.co.uk/architect


April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

COMMERCIAL

AND RETAIL

BALANCING CONSERVATION WITH

REFURBISHMENT

B&K Structures was involved in the reimagining of a former timber yard in the

famous Pimlico Road Design District. Specify & Build reports.

Newson’s Yard is a highprofile

new design hub

featuring top-end retail

outlets and eateries, located

in a meticulously refurbished

and reimagined former timber yard set

amidst the famous Pimlico Road Design

District.

Created mainly as a residential

extension to Belgravia, the Pimlico

district of South-West London is known

for its garden squares and Regency

architecture, being first designated

as a conservation area in 1968. As

befits a former timber yard, timber

was a key material for this imaginative

refurbishment scheme, and B&K

Structures (BKS) – a leading exponent

of mass timber and structural steel

packages – was instrumental in its

delivery.

Newson’s Yard has been developed

by Grosvenor, with Stiff + Trevillion as

architect and Heyne Tillett Steel (HTS)

appointed as structural engineer. BKS

provided the offsite-manufactured,

hybrid steel and engineered timber

package, including the use of CLT

panels, which formed part of the

new internal structure and created

an extensive mezzanine level, which

stands at the heart of the development’s

identity, as well as its commercial

success.

Design expertise helped address the

technical challenges associated with the

heavy refurbishment work of Newson’s

Yard. Rob Mills of HTS explains: “We

were involved in a very detailed survey of

the building prior to beginning the design

work, which showed the old timbers

were actually in quite good condition,

but the task of incorporating them, and

the retained brickwork, into the new

structure was extremely complex.

“Part of the reason we were able to

employ a CLT solution was its inherent

fire resistance. Each of the units has

its own means of escape so we were

only required to achieve 30 minutes

protection across the mezzanine:

16


www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ April 2024

COMMERCIAL

AND RETAIL

Sustainability was a heavily emphasised

requirement for the project. As such, the

developers opted for offsite-manufactured mass

timber due to its sustainability benefits and wellrecognised

structural capabilities.

The supply chain for the Newson’s

Yard project, including BKS, used

interoperable Industry 3D modelling to

identify clashes and understand how the

CLT had to be installed before optimised

production began. Collaboration

between all parties on the project was

facilitated by the digital design software,

making time and cost savings and

offering the most up-to-date information

available.

which we could justify with the

charring characteristic of the CLT; and

therefore, installing fire sprinklers was

unnecessary.”

Michael Polack, Technical Manager

at B&K Structures, adds: “BKHS

designed the timber and steel

connections. The cantilevering internal

balconies, and restrictions on loading

of the existing masonry piers, led to

the challenge of high moments on

the CLT to steel connections. This

challenge was overcome by using

shot-fired connections which optimised

constructability on site.”

A focus on sustainability

Sustainability was a heavily emphasised

requirement for the project. As such,

the developers opted for offsitemanufactured

mass timber due to

its sustainability benefits and wellrecognised

structural capabilities.

However, the loadbearing requirements

sometimes require timber to be married

with stronger construction materials –

primarily steel – to match the project’s

specific demands. In the case of

Newson’s Yard, a hybrid offsite solution

in the form of structural steelwork

supporting 700m 2 of CLT floor slabs

and the retained frame of the Victorian

building proved the ideal combination.

Just as important was the conservation

of the timber yard’s aesthetic, meaning

that a totally bespoke design was

required. The inclusion of CLT panels

for the floor slabs brought a number of

aesthetic benefits to the project, with the

new tenants choosing to keep the visual

appeal of exposed timber, rather than

lining the units. In fact, the designers

specified ‘Industrial Visual’ grade CLT

slabs, which means the CLT is of a high

enough visual quality to be left exposed,

suiting the ambience of the former timber

yard and also offering a long, robust

working lifetime.

The use of a prefabricated mass timber

system had inherent time-saving benefits

that cut onsite prelims and supervision

costs by 20%. It also reduced overall

construction time by 25 to 30%

compared to traditional construction

methods for this contract’s build phase.

Due to the precision-cut nature of the

CLT, defects and snagging – often

prevalent in traditional construction –

was minimised, helping to increase the

reliability of the handover date.

BKS Operations Manager, Craig

Robinson, says: “From design to

manufacturing, transportation and onsite

installation, the team used the latest

digital tools collaboratively to ensure

the project’s speedy and accurate

construction. Prefabricated timber

panels meant that all elements and

connections were able to be fitted offsite

and erected very quickly.”

www.bkstructures.co.uk

17


April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

COMMERCIAL

AND RETAIL

INNOVATIVE INSTALL CREATES

STYLISH SPACE

Forbo Flooring Systems’ Allura Luxury Vinyl Tile range was specified by design and fit out

company, Oktra, to transform an office building into a stylish and modern workspace.

Oktra was recruited by Akoya and

Brunswick Property Partners to

repurpose an office building and

create a vibrant and attractive space for

young professionals and entrepreneurs

to work in. Formally known as Knollys

and Stephenson House, the building

will be rebranded as Mosaic East, a

refurbishment of one of East Croydon’s

most iconic office developments.

Typically, carpet tiles or exposed raised

access flooring are the go-to solution in

these scenarios. However, a premium

design was required for this project, so

Oktra opted for something different, as

Danielle La Porte, Designer at Oktra

explains: “Akoya wanted to create a

range of category A office suites that

would be memorable to tenants, while

also meeting sustainability requirements.

We specified Forbo’s Allura Flex LVT,

which is available in range of elegant

colourways and wood effect designs.

“We decorated some of the category A

suites in a light pink colour with linear

LED lighting, and others in a light sage

green colour. To complement the colour

palettes, we chose Allura Flex LVT in the

Light Honey Oak shade. We then asked

flooring contractors The Commercial

Flooring Company to install the planks in

a beautiful herringbone pattern.”

However, appearance wasn’t the

only area of concern, with Akoya

also conscious of the sustainability

requirements. Danielle says: “The

aesthetics of the flooring weren’t the

only thing we had to keep in mind; we

also had to ensure that whatever floor

covering we specified would meet

Akoya’s sustainability aims. It was for

this reason that we specified Forbo’s

Allura Flex, as it can be easily installed

adhesive free, using IOBAC MagTabs.”

IOBAC’s MagTabs provide a twodimensional

hold, with one side being

magnetic and the other a dry-tack

adhesive. This means they can be

easily magnetised onto metal-raised

access flooring, like those at Mosaic

East, negating the need for traditional

adhesives.

Images © Henry Woide

Ian Spreadborough, Founder and

Director at IOBAC, explains: “Our

MagTabs essentially allow flooring

contractors to quickly place floor

coverings down onto raised access

flooring, without damaging the substrate

or the flooring itself. The flooring is

securely fitted but can then be lifted back

up to be reused elsewhere, or replaced

by another floor covering further down

the line.

“Oktra had used our MagTabs on a

previous project and was keen to use

the product again. Brunswick, which

owns the raised access flooring itself,

was keen to maintain the condition of

its asset, so the tabs served a double

purpose, protecting both a heavy carbon

embodied asset and Forbo’s floor

coverings.”

Jon Cochrane, Director – Asset

Management & Sustainability at

Brunswick Property Partners, adds:

“Cleaning adhesive residue off subfloors

in between leases is often messy,

expensive and time-consuming. In some

cases, the raised access floor panels

are so badly contaminated that they

must be completely replaced, something

which isn’t sustainable, environmentally

or financially. Using IOBAC MagTabs

removes this issue completely and

means the raised access flooring, is

protected and kept damage-free for

longer-term usage.”

Daniel Hassan, Operations Manager

at The Commercial Flooring Company,

says: “Thanks to IOBAC’s MagTabs it

took a team of three fitters around five

days to install 900m 2 of flooring in a

herringbone pattern, which is challenging

to install and would have taken much

longer to do through traditional methods.

This provided a great time saving and

allowed the other trades to work around

us while we fitted the flooring.”

The time saved during the installation

stage meant the project as a whole was

completed in just 10 weeks, a quick

turnaround for such a large job.

www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/offices

18



April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

COMMERCIAL

AND RETAIL

ROOFLIGHTS INSTALLED IN GRADE II* LISTED BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

Whitesales has replaced the original timber rooflights in the

Grade II* listed Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery with new

bespoke aluminium rooflights, ready for the reopening of

museum during 2024.

Built in 1885, the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

has an unrivalled 2,000 piece Pre-Raphaelite collection.

However, it closed in November 2022 for essential

maintenance which has included electrical work, upgrading

of the heating, lift replacement and roof repairs.

The new rooflights were a key element, so the challenge

for Whitesales was to supply and install high performance,

energy efficient replacements for the timber originals which

satisfied the constraints of the Grade II* listing and met

the requirements of the City Council’s conservation office.

The solution included one bespoke Whitesales Monopitch

2,610mm x 1,260mm rooflight with vertical front face and

sides set at 350mm and two bespoke lantern rooflights

with sides set at 440mm and 450mm, all finished in an

anthracite grey on the exterior and white on the interior and

all CWCT TN92 Class 2 non-fragile to ensure the safety of

anyone walking on the roof.

Whitesales worked closely with contractors ISG

throughout the design and specification process. They

visited the site for a survey, attended design meetings

and delivered a sample to the site so that everyone on

the client team was happy with what was being supplied

in terms of both performance and aesthetics. They also

ensured that the rooflights were all fabricated and safely

delivered to site in manageable-sized elements to take

into account the difficult access to the city centre site.

For ISG’s Trainee Construction Manager Ryan Linnecor,

Whitesales impressed with their knowledge and experience

on heritage schemes. He commented: “Whitesales had a

clear understanding of the Grade II* listed scheme and

the constraints that presented. They impressed us once

again with their approach on how to undertake the work

sympathetically and the finished installation is of a very

high quality.”

The clients at the Museum have already commented on

how the new rooflights are bringing new natural light into

previously dull areas of the building, something which will

be appreciated by visitors when the Museum and Gallery

starts to reopen this year.

www.whitesales.co.uk

ZENTIA TO DELIVER FIT OUT AT DOVE VALLEY PARK

Located at the centre of one of the UK’s most important

manufacturing areas, Dove Valley Park is a 200-acre

industrial site that currently houses occupiers such as JCB,

Marstons and Rolls Royce, with further planning consent

granted for up to 2.3 million sq ft of infrastructure and

services.

Ceiling solutions provider Zentia has been asked to

deliver a fit-out for a newbuild office within the industrial

estate. The project scope includes meeting rooms and

bathrooms with a classic office visual, while incorporating

a burst of colour in the breakout space and meeting rooms.

The challenge was to execute a visually pleasing design

that complemented the newbuild while meeting the client’s

specific colour and acoustic requirements.

The project is in the installation phase, with main

contractor Roe Developments overseeing the construction

and East Midland Ceilings responsible for the ceiling

installation.

Zentia opted for Aruba square tiles throughout the

office space. They were installed in the meeting room

in two different shades of grey, while the bathrooms

featured Aruba hH tiles, ensuring a visually clean and

bright ambience but with enhanced humidity resistance.

The choice of tiles was driven by their high acoustic

performance, providing a conducive environment for

meetings and workspaces. The availability of colour

variations also appealed to the client and allowed Zentia

to create a seamless transition between the standard white

tiles and the specified shades of grey.

Installer Barry Deane, Director at East Midlands Ceilings,

said: “It’s always exciting when the customer wants a

change from the standard types of suspended ceiling

designs. It made the project extremely interesting to be

involved with, and the Aruba coloured tiles look amazing,

giving a modern and visual twist over the standard install.

The quality of the materials was also fantastic, with

everything being manufactured and delivered to suit the

project requirements perfectly.”

www.zentia.com/en-gb

20



April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

COMMERCIAL

AND RETAIL

IS HYDROGEN A

SUSTAINABLE CHOICE?

Pete Seddon, Technical Manager at Rinnai, explores whether hydrogen is a safe

and sustainable choice for commercial heating and domestic hot water projects.

As global economies continue to

identify and incorporate clean

and sustainable energies into

respective national options, hydrogen

has emerged as a potential source

of energy capable of decarbonising

and delivering power to domestic and

commercial applications.

Despite the Whitby and Redcar

Hydrogen Village Trial cancellations, the

UK government has taken a strategic

policy decision to support hydrogen gas

blending of up to 20%.

To achieve the lowest possible carbon

outputs on a national, continental and

global scale there will, inevitably, be

significant changes to infrastructure

– in areas such as generation and

distribution. These changes will take

decades to implement. What is also

inevitable is that shared technology will

end a reliance on the mass production

of a major and singular energy source.

Hydrogen, along with all other fuels,

could play a major role.

Hydrogen has some specific advantages

over fossil fuels. It produces zero carbon

emissions and can be produced using

renewable resources such as wind and

solar power. Hydrogen usage can also

assist in creating healthier local air quality

and in the reduction of the UK’s reliance

on fossil fuels.

However, there are some real and

perceived safety issues surrounding

hydrogen’s mass deployment. Hydrogen

is highly flammable and requires careful

handling and storage, as do all domestic

and commercially used gases worldwide.

Additionally, the construction of hydrogen

infrastructure is currently incomplete

and could demand existing in-building

pipework to be connected to existing

commercial heating systems, meaning

hydrogen may not be accessible or costeffective

for every building.

Understanding the safety of

hydrogen

There are numerous reports that both

support safety risks and advantages

associated with hydrogen heating.

The UK government will decide on the

feasibility of hydrogen heating in 2026,

while the Health and Safety Executive

(HSE) will provide an authoritative and

impartial report on all safety aspects

concerning 100% hydrogen distribution

across Great Britain.

The support provided by the HSE will

feed into Government policy decisions

in 2026 based upon the HSE’s 2023 call

for evidence on hydrogen heating. The

HSE will also work alongside OFGEM,

gas operators and the Department for

Energy Security and Net Zero regarding

potential neighbourhood hydrogen

heating trials and evidence supporting

hydrogen usage across other regions.

The primary focus of the HSE is to

ensure that network operators possess a

full understanding of all risks associated

with hydrogen heating, storage and

distribution. The HSE has also set up a

future hydrogen regulatory workstream

to assess the suitability of HSE enforced

regulations. This work will consider

the regulatory and legislative changes

required to enable a potential larger roll

out of 100% hydrogen for heating.

The HSE will also develop options for

Hydrogen is highly

flammable and

requires careful

handling and storage,

as do all domestic and

commercially used

gases worldwide.

any necessary amendments to the

health and safety regulatory frameworks.

This will contribute to potential policy

options for future safety regulation in the

final quarter of 2024, followed by written

advice to the Department for Energy

Security and Net Zero in March 2025

ahead of the final decision on hydrogen

for heating in 2026. Therefore, if greater

volumes of hydrogen do enter the UK

gas distribution network, it will only be

after a complete safety review.

Hydrogen projects being implemented

in other countries demonstrate that

hydrogen heating is not just a theoretical

concept, but a practical and viable

solution for reducing carbon emissions

and transitioning to a more sustainable

energy system. In The Netherlands, the

HyStock initiative aims to produce and

store hydrogen using excess renewable

energy. Stored hydrogen is used to

provide heat and power during periods

of high demand, reducing national

reliance on fossil fuels.

Hydrogen heating has the potential to

be a safe and sustainable energy option,

but a final decision will only be made

after a robust and detailed safety review

is presented alongside a comprehensive

structure of regulatory framework.

Hydrogen offers environmental benefits

such as zero carbon emissions and

renewable sustainability that reduces

fossil fuel utilisation, however safety

considerations and limited infrastructure

are areas that require further

development and study.

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk

22


www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ April 2024

INSTANTANEOUS ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS COMING SOON

Rinnai’s new range of instantaneous electric water heaters

are suitable for all commercial and domestic applications

that require decarbonising technology capable of

delivering domestic hot water (DHW) needs.

Rinnai’s approach to producing decarbonising

technology has resulted in a DHW electric water heater

that has been designed to offer direct heating capability.

The technologically advanced bare wiring technology rests

in the water enabling the system to achieve the pre-set

water temperature quickly and accurately. The electric on

demand water heaters are lightweight at less than 4kg, and

diminutive (450 x 235 x 94).

The KW rating within the range is scalable with a choice

of 21kW, 24kW and 27kW, ensuring suitability for a wide

variety of applications. A compact design allows for easy

installation and is proven to increase energy efficiency and

therefore reduce operational costs. Ease of installation and

handling are a major feature.

Rinnai’s instantaneous on demand electric water heater

range can maintain a temperature range from between 20°C

and 60°C, which is adjustable digitally in 0.5°C increments.

All units can also accept preheated water.

Other features of the range include:

• Overheat protection

• Multi-functionable display

• Full electric control

• Rapid heat up capability

• Quick reaction to sudden shifts in grid capacity output

• Solar compatible.

All models have LCD screens that provide visual

information on current water temperature, operational

performance and Eco Mode – which supplies confirmation

of the appliance operating economically and therefore

reducing unnecessary energy wastage and costs.

Rinnai’s instantaneous electric water heater has a

renewable system operation setting that recognises

incoming water temperatures more than 30°C, then applies

only the correct amount of energy to achieve the required

temperature uplift making them an ideal solution to use with

solar thermal and renewable systems.

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk/contact-us/request-brochure

COMMERCIAL AND

RETAIL PRODUCTS

DOKA FORMWORK ESSENTIAL TO THE DELIVERY OF HIGH-PROFILE SCOTTISH

HARBOUR EXTENSION

Doka has supplied the specialist formwork and technical

support to facilitate a multimillion pound expansion of South

Harbour in Aberdeen, the largest marine infrastructure

project in Trust port history.

The company worked in conjunction with contractor

Beattie FRC on the harbour’s North Breakwater Crown Wall

and surrounding main quay works.The overall aim of the

development was to expand and diversify its use, allowing

more vessels to dock and significantly broaden trade

opportunities.

The 620m crown wall’s concrete construction was the

result of detailed consultation between Doka and Beattie

FRC. The contractor specified a two-pour solution in height

involving 10m lengths boxes for what was an extremely

large scale programme. With inclement weather a potential

hinderance, the need to meet the client’s strict deadline was

of the utmost importance.

The Framax Xlife and Eurex 60 550 plumbing struts,

MF240 platforms, WS10 Platforms from Doka were key to

the safe, timely completion of the crown wall pours, which

varied from 3m to 5.5m in height. The system’s rapidforming

capability was enabled by its optimised panel sizes,

which worked perfectly for the new desired pour heights.

Furthermore, its forming times are kept to a minimum by

widely-spaced form-ties of up to 1.35m apart. With the

Framax Xlife unit, accuracy is not compromised for speed,

with all connectors and accessories fitting seamlessly by the

site team.

On the crown wall quayside, the Doka MF240 climbing

formwork optimised any on-site works as these were all

assembled offsite by Doka in Sheffield. It meant that when

they arrived at the site, they were almost immediately placed

on the wall. The fully edge-protected, 2.40m-wide working

platform enabled engineers regular, controlled access to the

crown wall during its construction, as well as being able to

plumb and align the Framax.

Similarly, this process was duplicated for the WS10

platforms for the North Sea side of the wall. On this side

of the wall the top pour contained a cope that had to be

formed and supported. This helped inform the WS10

platforms’ design. The cope’s load was transferred from the

T7 spindles back to the platform and cast in wall anchors.

This further intricate detail was easily accommodated by the

range of quality Doka systems.

The South Harbour’s expansion has achieved a number

of beneficial outcomes. These include increasing the

harbour’s water depth to 15m; enabled the berthing of

300m vessels; expanding laydown area to 125,000m 2 and

widening channel access to 165m.

www.doka.com/uk/

23


April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

HOTELS AND LEISURE

VICTORIAN MANSION

TRANSFORMED INTO CARBON-

NEUTRAL EVENT VENUE

Bronllys Hall in Powys, Wales is on a journey to become a sustainable events venue heated

by an innovative system using vegetable oil, solar, wind, batteries – and a Megaflo cylinder.

AVictorian mansion in Powys

is being transformed into a

sustainable events venue using

a combination of renewable and lowcarbon

technologies, including a new

hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) boiler

working alongside a highly efficient

Megaflo 1,000-litre cylinder. It’s believed

to be the first heating solution of its kind

fitted into a UK events venue.

Work underway at Bronllys Hall, parts

of which date back to the 18 th and

16 th centuries, will create 40 ensuite

bedrooms and various entertainment

areas – and a lot of space to heat. It

was important to find a boiler solution

that was suitable for the job, so Hughes

Architects, the conservation architecture

specialists managing the Bronllys

project, teamed up with Suffolk-based

Hounsfield Boilers.

The systems integrators for Bronllys

Hall, working with a local plumbing

company, connected Hounsfield’s

HVO boiler technology into a thermal

storage system provided by Baxi.

Manufactured in the UK, the Megaflo

1,000-litre cylinder is highly insulated

to ensure low heat losses, constructed

of duplex stainless steel for longevity,

and maintenance-free with no sacrificial

anodes.

Richard Whittington, Technical Sales

Manager at Baxi, says: “The very low

heat losses of our Megaflo hot water

cylinders and their reduced carbon

footprint dovetail perfectly with the

carbon-neutral aims of this project, as

well as meeting the requirements for a

long-term, low-maintenance solution.

We are extremely proud to be playing a

part in this ground-breaking sustainable

events venue.”

This is a key step forward in the major

renovation project at Bronllys, which

aims to transform the deteriorated

structure into a five-star events venue

that operates sustainably and uses only

renewable energy sources.

Doug Hughes, Principal Architect

and Managing Director of mid Walesbased

Hughes Architects adds: “Along

with our other partners, Hounsfield’s

technology and Oil4Wales’ logistics

enable HVO heating to work at scale

with high availability. HVO is a highly

effective way to solve the difficult issue

of decarbonising heating, with options

to scale for the future and deliver on our

collective commitment to sustainability.

This approach not only gives incredible

projects like this a competitive edge

through delinking from carbon-intensive

fossil fuels and their price swings,

but also adds further to its core eco

credentials.”

Andrew Hounsfield, Founder of

Hounsfield Boilers, says: “We have been

producing HVO-ready boilers for a few

years now, with a focus on long life

through quality, British-made parts. We

need to decarbonise and HVO provides

a sustainable green energy source.

Adopting this fuel more widely will

reduce our reliance on foreign fuel.”

Although HVO is produced from 100%

sustainable resources, is low carbon

and reduces emissions, it is still being

taxed as road diesel, due to the way it

is distilled, and that attracts a 57.95ppl

duty as a result.

Sally Williams from Oil4Wales says: “The

cost of HVO is currently about twice the

price of heating oil. If the government

were to reduce the tax this would drive

demand and enable the industry to make

economies of scale, bring the price

down, and boost uptake of HVO as a

low-carbon heating fuel. Converting from

Kerosene to HVO can be very cheap and

easy.”

Hughes continues: “Bronllys Hall is an

older historic building that we, with the

owners and skilled local tradesmen

have sought to conserve and safeguard

its history, while embracing the best of

British technology to delivery sustainable

outcomes and efficient operation.

“We also work closely with our partners

to ensure the technologies we use

integrate effectively; HVO for heating,

sophisticated battery management

systems for long life and British Solar

panels, along with other innovative

technologies and partnerships to be

announced over the next few months

that when fully integrated will deliver fully

on our carbon neutral ambitions.”

www.heatraesadia.com

24



April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

HOTELS AND LEISURE

DESIGNING LUXURY HOTEL

BATHROOMS

Sanipex Group’s Specification and Design Manager Ashley Sinclair explores what

makes a good hotel bathroom design, and the questions specifiers need to ask at

the beginning of a project.

What makes a good hotel

bathroom design?

Is it all down to its

function and practical

elements that make

cleaning simple and keep downtime to a

minimum? What about guest comfort?

And, with homeowners increasingly

taking influence for their own bathrooms

from their hotel stays, how can hotel

designers and specifiers raise the levels

of luxury even further to really inspire

their guests?

Hotel bathroom trends are constantly

evolving as hoteliers seek to carve

out a unique identity for their brand,

particularly in the luxury sector. The

quality and amenities of the bathroom

have long been considered an important

indicator of a hotel’s rating and, with the

current consumer preoccupation with

wellness, a hotel room that comes with

a luxurious spa-like bathroom is more

important than ever to boost customer

satisfaction scores.

A luxurious hotel bathroom designed

to promote wellbeing is increasingly

becoming an essential expectation for

sophisticated travellers. Must-haves

include freestanding or oversized

bathtubs, invigorating showers and

lighting that can be easily adjusted to

suit the mood. Biophilic design principles

add to the upscale ambience, bringing

the outdoors in with carefully curated

organic materials, natural textures and

a relaxing colour palette inspired by the

local environment.

Whatever the design aesthetic and however

striking the visual impact, ensuring optimal

functionality is the critical element that

ultimately determines the success of a project.

Functionality is one of the cornerstones that

interior design is built upon.

A new design twist is to blur the

boundaries between living, sleeping

and washroom spaces to promote an

enhanced sense of flow. The clever use

of sliding panels, doors and glass then

allows guests to close off the bathroom

as and when they require privacy.

Whatever the design aesthetic and

however striking the visual impact,

ensuring optimal functionality is

the critical element that ultimately

determines the success of a project.

Functionality is one of the cornerstones

that interior design is built upon and,

if not adhered to, may well have a

negative impact on budgets, delivery

timeframes and, ultimately, occupancy

rates and revenues. Meeting hotel design

regulations, as well as complying with

health and safety measures, offers peace

of mind to travellers, with minimum

standards needing to be met to achieve

set star statuses.

A balance of form and function

Grab bars are not always the most

attractive of bathroom accessories,

but they are often a requirement to

help users who may need additional

support while bathing. The big question

is how can specifiers balance form and

functionality?

26


www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ April 2024

Located on the

banks of the River

Thames, the Vintry &

Mercer Hotel is steeped in

tradition and brought to life

with contemporary styling.

Bagnodesign was chosen to

supply high-quality brassware,

sanitaryware and accessories

for the hotel’s 92 tailored rooms

and suites. The turquoise tiled

bathrooms add to the charming

mix of old and new with a deep

bathtub and rainfall shower

for the discerned traveller.

Bagnodesign’s luxurious

brassware, sanitaryware and

accessories ensure modern

functionality, while blending

in with the hotel’s unique design concept. The deep freestanding bathtub has a pull-out shower and handy

drinks ledge, promises a relaxing reprieve from the bustling city.

HOTELS AND LEISURE

Thankfully, contemporary designers

understand the need for aesthetically

pleasing options, the result being a

range of modern designs that will work

harmoniously with the overall bathroom

aesthetic. For larger projects, grab

bars can be custom plated to match

the overall bathroom finish, which is

particularly applicable for more unique

finishes such as Brushed Bronze and

Matt Black.

One benefit of choosing a bathtub in

modern composite stone, for example,

is that a grab rail can be integrated into

the bathtub design – by cutting it into

the composite itself – to allow safety

standards to be met without distracting

from the aesthetic appeal.

There are many examples among the

Sanipex Group portfolio of hotel projects

where form has met function due to the

careful specification of sanitaryware,

brassware and fittings.

One instance is the exclusive Kudadoo

private island resort, which has an

intimate boutique feel with its 15

stunning one- and two-bedroom, selfcontained,

over-water villas. Blending

authentic organic materials and textures

with luxurious finishes, each bathroom is

a peaceful sanctuary designed to invoke

the ultimate in wellbeing.

Acting as the focal point of each

spacious en-suite, the sleek lines of the

freestanding bathtub work in perfect

harmony with the overall biophilic

design aesthetic that comes through

in the raw wood finishes of the walls

and floor, and the artfully decorative

handicrafts. Specified baths were crafted

from Bagnotec and Bagnoquartz. Both

comprise of specialised compounds of

natural minerals and pure blended stone,

resulting in a velvet-textured finish. Each

Matt-White bathtub is custom-made to

fit the exact design specifications for the

space.

Meanwhile, organic simplicity meets

sleek styling in the 430 ensuite

bathrooms of Jumeirah Al Naseem, a

five-star hotel in Dubai. Natural organic

textures blend beautifully with the

wood finishes, marble surfaces and

subtly shimmering mosaic tiles layered

throughout the space.

Taking centre stage in the bathroom, a

custom-made freestanding oval bathtub

in enamelled steel with the Duo Comfort

invites guests in for a relaxing soak.

The space also functions as a wetroom

and features a separate walk-in shower.

Flexibility is key with edge-to-edge

louvred doors enabling guests to have

the room as either one open-plan space,

or in the more traditional configuration,

as and when they wish.

Overall, hotel bathroom trends reflect

a growing emphasis on wellness and

luxury. Examples like those described

here demonstrate the successful fusion

of form and function, creating tranquil

sanctuaries that enhance the overall

guest experience.

www.sanipexgroup.com.uk

27


April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

HOTELS AND LEISURE

LONDON’S LAFAYETTE NIGHTCLUB - NOW WITH SANICUBIC

The Lafayette nightclub is a musician-friendly club in the

heart of Kings Cross, London, which first opened its doors

in early 2020 before being swiftly closed due to lockdown.

Since successfully re-opening in 2021 it has become wellknown

on the UK music scene, hosting hundreds of music

shows and performances from household name bands.

When the 600-capacity venue was refurbished, a kitchen

was installed in the basement and WCs sited on the floor

above, along with a cleaner’s cupboard. All waste water

from these areas formerly drained into a bespoke pumping

system in the corner of the pot wash area, which pumped

the waste up to ground level and away to the main drain.

However, a soil inlet that was slightly submerged into the

lower section of the chamber was preventing waste water

from completely draining into the pit, while a 100mm inlet

pipe was too close to one of the submersible pumps in

the pit, preventing it from eliminating all paper waste. This

caused clogging and blockages, ultimately becoming a

general inconvenience to an otherwise excellent venue.

Surrey-based PumpServ was approached by the club’s

management to evaluate the issue and suggest a solution.

One option was to lower the chamber floor, but this would

involve breaking out the concrete oversite.

With concerns about the proximity of the Regent Canal

and potential ground water ingress, PumpServ offered an

alternative solution. After a call to the technical team at

Saniflo and a subsequent site inspection, the floorstanding

Sanicubic 2 Pro lifting station was recommended.

David Knight, Business Development Manager for

PumpServ says: “The Saniflo Sanicubic Pro 2 has taken

away the headache of blocked facilities for the Lafayette

nightclub. The position of the two submersible pumps was

restricting black waste and paper waste flow and these were

building up at the point of entry.

“Occasionally, the inflow would surcharge back to the

kitchen floor drains causing a flood. With twin pumps – for

failsafe operation – the sealed unit simply slotted into the

space without any need for civils work, eliminating the risk

of overflow. The 110mm inlets, positioned at 140mm (floor

height to centre of inlet), enabled a better fall for the swift

discharge of incoming waste.”

The Saniflo commercial range has been designed for

practical situations where waste needs to be lifted away

safely and efficiently and the installation of this Sanicubic 2

Pro in the Lafayette nightclub perfectly illustrates the use for

a Saniflo lifting station.

www.saniflo.co.uk

ROBUST FLOORING FOR HAMPSHIRE MILITARY TRAINING FACILITY

When designing a gym for free weights and functional

training in a demanding environment, it’s important to

choose a product that has strength, flexibility and longevity.

CMS Danskin was approached by a respected gym fit out

company to assist with a strength and conditioning facility in

a tri-service military base in Hampshire. The company has

worked with CMS Danskin on gym products for many years

and approached it to supply flooring for the entire 332m2

facility at Worthy Down, home of the new Defence College

of Logistics, Policing and Administration, which provides a

single site for training key support roles for the Royal Navy,

Army and Royal Airforce.

Facilities for military training often have a number of

specific requirements. In this case the requirements were a

single flooring solution suitable for free weights, providing

a heavy-duty dropping zone, plus user comfort during

functional training and while using a variety of equipment.

The facility needed a particularly robust solution able to

meet the high standards expected by a military client, and

the entire facility needed to be able to be rapidly broken

down and moved out, including the flooring.

CMS Danskin Acoustics recommended a specialist

flooring for the strength and conditioning facility, consisting

of REGUPOL everroll multitile 43mm, laid over a 10mm

everroll Impact Pad protection layer.

Everroll multitile 43mm is an extra robust tile designed for

use in free weights areas, with a Force Reduction rating of

approximately 44.2%. It not only helps to minimise impact

sound, but its shock absorbing and anti-slip properties are

also designed to protect gym members during workouts.

The everoll multitile does not need to be adhered to the

subfloor - instead the 1,000 x 500mm tiles can be pegged

together for easy disassembly and reassembly at a later

date.

www.cmsdanskin.co.uk

28


There’s an Ecodan

for every home

NEW

REFRIGERANT

The NEW Ecodan air source heat pump is setting new standards for

performance and sustainability. Using R290 with a Global Warming

Potential of only 3 and offering flow temperatures of up to 75ºC, Ecodan

offers flexible application. Available in 5kW, 6kW, and 8kW sizes.

ecodan.me.uk/R290SB124

MANUFACTURED

IN THE UK

"Excellent"

Renewable Heating Technology


April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

HOTELS AND LEISURE

WHAT REGULATION CHANGES

MEAN FOR HOT WATER

While building regulations are changing all the time, some of the most significant

came into effect in June 2022. These groundbreaking reforms are a stepping stone

to the 2025 Future Homes Standard. Suzannah Adey, Product Marketing Manager

at Mira Showers, reveals the importance of planning for future regulations and

what they mean for hot water specification.

With the average new

home expected to

have 75-80% fewer

carbon emissions than

those built to current

standards, as a result of the Future

Homes Standard (FHS), specifiers,

property designers and shower

manufacturers need to consider the

impact of the new regulations now to

ensure that properties built to the new

standards can be built at scale.

In fact, these regulations and the need

to truly focus on sustainability means

that it’s becoming increasingly essential

that shower manufacturers work

collaboratively with housing developers

and contractors to incorporate

innovations in sustainability and

buildability.

How the changes might affect you

While many of the regulation changes

took place in June 2022 and came

into effect in June 2023, the bulk of

the regulation changes are part of a

roadmap towards the FHS, which

is planned for 2025. While these

regulations are set to be introduced

next year, the plans are currently out for

consultation, which was extended until

27 March 2024.

Following this, compliance with FHS will

be mandatory. The Government believes

these changes will mark an important

step towards a cleaner, greener built

environment and will help to reduce

the UK’s carbon emissions to net zero

by 2050. With that in mind, specifiers

and architects will need to be looking at

how they can meet these targets now.

Therefore, adapting to more sustainable

technologies and meeting the rigorous

A significant percentage of energy used to heat

showering water goes down the drain as shower

waste. Plus, as homes become more insulated,

the relative proportion of wasted energy linked

to showering could even increase.

requirements will be crucial for creating

resilient and energy-efficient homes.

With sustainability now a huge focus

for the whole supply chain, newly

built properties will require extensive

decarbonisation, with a range of

measures that include the improvement

of heating and hot water systems and

the reduction of heat waste.

The role of showers in energy

performance

With hot water production the second

largest user of energy in an average

UK home and showering representing

up to 50% of household hot water use,

showering can significantly impact a

property’s energy usage.

So, optimising efficient showering

systems in terms of water and energy

efficiency is becoming increasingly

important. Furthermore, there is a need

to enhance and maintain showering

experiences for the end user. Products

that reduce end user satisfaction,

30


www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ April 2024

such as increased noise levels or poor

performance, should not be considered

as they could lead to customer

complaints.

With sustainability an increasingly

effective indicator of building quality, it’s

imperative that shower manufacturers

use innovative ideas and engineering

to provide a positive impact. Indeed,

incorporating new technologies, such

as waste water heat recovery systems

(WWHRS), is becoming increasingly

important.

This is especially pertinent given that

studies have revealed around 85% of

the heat energy in shower water ends

up going down the drain. Essentially,

this means that a significant percentage

of energy used to heat showering water

goes down the drain as shower waste.

Plus, as homes become more insulated,

the relative proportion of wasted energy

linked to showering could even increase.

Installing a WWHRS will significantly

help to reduce the amount of energy

required per shower and the CO 2

often

associated with the production of hot

water. Doing so could recover up to 55%

of the energy that is normally lost, which

can then be used to preheat the coldwater

feed supplying the cold side of the

shower and/or the domestic hot water

heater, reducing energy costs.

How SAP assesses showers

With showering and hot water delivery

playing a huge role in a property’s energy

use and waste water heat recovery

becoming increasingly important,

showering plays a vital role in Standard

Assessment Procedures (SAP) for

the energy rating of dwellings. These

procedures assess how much energy

a dwelling will use while delivering a

defined level of service provision and

comfort and are based on standardised

assumptions for occupancy and

behaviour.

SAP will quantify a dwelling’s

performance in terms of energy use per

unit floor area, assessing the energy

efficiency rating and emissions of CO 2

.

These indicators are based on estimates

of annual energy consumption for the

provision of space heating, lighting,

ventilation and domestic hot water.

Helping achieve sustainability

targets

Design for the Environment is a vital

aspect of Mira Showers’ product

development and accordingly, Mira

Showers’ products are designed to meet

legislative targets whilst maintaining

the user experience. The Mira Minimal

was designed to offer an alternative to

traditional bar valves with its smaller

footprint, as well as in-use benefits

such as a quality showering experience

at 6 litres per minute. When used with

WWHRS, mixer showers will help

specifiers meet the amended Part L

Building Regulations.

HOTELS AND LEISURE

Furthermore, government-set targets

can be achieved using WWHRS. Having

acquired Recoup Energy Solutions in

2023, Mira Showers can offer customers

a range of sustainable products,

including WWHRS.

With building quality and sustainability

requirements having never been

higher, shower manufacturers and the

construction industry have a key part to

play in working together and planning for

the future.

www.mirashowers.co.uk

50%

of household hot water

use is due to

showering

31


April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

SPECIAL FEATURE

VICAIMA’S AI CHATBOT SETS OUT

TO REVOLUTIONISE CUSTOMER

SUPPORT AND SERVICE

Door manufacturer Vicaima explains how its new AI Chatbot service has been

introduced to offer even higher levels of 24/7 customer service and support.

that support is always at hand, even

outside conventional office hours,

thus enhancing the accessibility and

convenience of customer support.

Efficient customer relationship

management

Vicaima24/7 is more than just a

chatbot: it’s a tool for more efficient

and personalised customer relationship

management (CRM). By providing

immediate and relevant responses,

it helps build a stronger connection

between Vicaima and its customers,

fostering loyalty.

In an era where flexible working

is increasingly the norm and

technological advancement moves

at an ever-increasing pace, Vicaima

has announced the launch of its new

AI-driven knowledge base, Vicaima24/7.

This innovative tool is not just a

testament to Vicaima’s commitment to

customer-centric innovation, but the

company says it is also a leap forward in

providing round-the-clock support and

answers to customer queries.

Enhanced customer service

Vicaima24/7 has been designed to be

a cutting-edge solution for providing

To experience the

benefits of Vicaima24/7,

simply visit www.

vicaima.com (select United

Kingdom version) and look

for the bubble icon. Start a

conversation by typing your

query and receive immediate

answers. For those who prefer

spoken communication, a voice

option is also available. General

advice is always accessible via

Vicaima24/7, or alternatively,

contact info@vicaima.

com or call 01793 532333.

continuous support and rapid responses

to customer enquiries, considerably

improving their user experience. This

AI-driven tool is designed to seamlessly

answer questions, guiding users to a

wealth of information spread across

installation instructions, maintenance

advice, technical datasheets, and many

other resources, thus ensuring customer

queries are handled efficiently and

effectively.

Service automation

Unlike static websites, Vicaima24/7

is a dynamic, evolving platform. It

automates repetitive tasks and customer

service processes, saving valuable

time and resources. This evolution

in service means that Vicaima can

adapt to changing market needs and

advancements in its own product and

service offerings, ensuring that the

information and support provided to

customers is always up-to-date and

relevant.

24/7 availability

One of the standout features of

Vicaima24/7 is its round-the-clock

availability. Customers can access

this service anytime, anywhere, which

is crucial when dealing with a global

market with varying time zones.

This constant availability ensures

Adapting and enhancing through

systematic updates

A crucial aspect of this new solution

is its capacity for adaptation and

enhancement, aligning with the evolving

needs of Vicaima’s customers.

While the core functionality of

Vicaima24/7 depends on Vicaima’s

meticulously curated knowledge base,

the company says its commitment

goes beyond static information. The

Vicaima team systematically updates

this knowledge base, ensuring that

the information remains relevant,

comprehensive, and in step with the

latest developments in performance

timber door systems and customer

needs.

Parallel to these updates, the chatbot

tool itself also undergoes continuous

improvements. These enhancements

are not just in response to technological

advancements in AI and chatbot

functionalities, but also a reflection of

our deep understanding of customer

interactions and feedback.

This dual approach of updating the

knowledge base and refining the tool

ensures that Vicaima24/7 remains a

dynamic, responsive, and cutting-edge

solution in customer support.

www.vicaima.com

32


Be part of the show that

revolves around you.

The UK’s trade show for the furniture manufacturing & joinery industries

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

machinists and installers to see running machinery, the latest materials,

components, software, tools and innovations from the

biggest brands in the woodworking sector.

Crafted for

your business,

to do business.

REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE TICKET AT

materialsandfinishesshow.com/visit

Materials & Finishes Show was formerly known as W Exhibition.


April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

SPECIAL FEATURE

MAXIMISING THERMAL

PERFORMANCE

In the dynamic backdrop of construction, every element counts toward energy efficiency

and structural integrity. Therefore, choosing the right materials is paramount.

Manufactured in the UK, Don

& Low’s Reflectashield and

VapourTX Thermo are two

innovative solutions engineered to

elevate thermal performance and ensure

lasting durability in diverse building

applications. Engineered to perform

and built to last, these original solutions

represent the cornerstone of modern

construction, where performance,

durability and efficiency converge to

shape a sustainable future. Both can be

used to enhance the overall U-value or

be integrated as a strategic component

in project cost management to minimise

thickness or type of insulation.

Reflectashield is a leading example of

precision engineering and consistent

performance. Crafted with a highly

reflective breather membrane

featuring an aluminum foil lamination,

Reflectashield has a low emissivity ideal

for unventilated airspace scenarios. This

versatile membrane finds its place in

various construction methods, including

timber frame, steel frame and modular

buildups.

Beyond its reflective proficiency,

Reflectashield also offers a host of

benefits that redefine conventional

standards. Acting as a temporary

weather-resistant covering until the

final façade installation, it provides

essential protection during construction

phases. At the same time, its low

vapour resistance aligns with BS5250

regulations, mitigating the risk of harmful

condensation buildup within the frame.

Key benefits of Reflectashield include:

• Excellent thermal resistance of

0.81m 2 K/W

• Provides a weather-resistant covering

until the final façade has been installed

• Can be left exposed for 6-12 weeks by

STA Advice Note 18

• Aids in complying with BS5250

• Low vapour resistance aids in

mitigating the risk of interstitial

condensation

• Coated to ensure aluminium foil is

resistant to corrosion and damage

• Durable product with high nail tear and

tensile properties

• Independently third-party certified

by BM TRADA to ensure product

performance.

Access advanced vapour control

On the other end of the spectrum lies

VapourTX Thermo, an advanced vapour

control layer designed to optimise

thermal efficiency across floors, walls

and ceilings. Featuring a highly reflective

aluminum foil lamination, VapourTX

Thermo excels in creating a low

emissivity environment when faced with

unventilated airspace.

VapourTX Thermo’s application extends

across a wide array of construction

methods, from timber and steel frames

to modular and masonry buildups.

Positioned on the warm side of the

insulation, this reflective marvel acts

as an airtight barrier, reducing the risk

of condensation buildup and ensuring

compliance with BS5250 standards.

Key benefits of VapourTX Thermo

include:

• Excellent thermal resistance of

0.79m 2 K/W

• Provides a complete air and vapourtight

barrier due to high air and vapour

resistance

• It can be used to comply with BS5250

and Part L

• Suitable for use in PassivHaus and Net

Zero Carbon projects

• Coated to ensure aluminium foil is

resistant to corrosion and damage

• Durable product with high nail tear and

tensile properties

• Independently third-party certified

by BM TRADA to ensure product

performance.

To ensure easy identification,

Reflectashield comes with distinctive

blue branding on the cold side of the

insulation, while VapourTX Thermo

is supplied with red branding on the

warm side of the insulation. Both

membranes can be used for optimal

thermal efficiency. Additionally, Don &

Low’s Reflective Tape is a reliable repair

solution in case membrane damage

occurs during exposure.

With Don & Low’s firm commitment to

quality and excellence, the journey to

superior thermal performance begins

here. For any questions about U-Value

calculations, product specifications,

detailing or installation, contact the Don

& Low Technical team at 0808 169 4444

or membranes@donlow.co.uk.

www.donlow.co.uk

34


OUR

GREEN

ROOFS

ARE

PLANNED

Talk to ICB PROJECTS about

your next Green Roof project.

icbprojects.co.uk

Our Evalon single ply membrane

is fully root resistant

FLL Tested - EN 13948

.co.uk


April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

NEW PRODUCTS

VERSATILITY GOES FURTHER THAN THE

SURFACE WITH LUNA BIANCO

Inspired by marble and working in harmony with other

nature-inspired materials in the kitchen and bathroom, the

Luna Bianco counter top is the latest addition to the CRL

Quartz Marble Collection from CRL Stone.

The surface, with its super honed finish, is a cool grey

and white to keep things fresh and bright in the modern

kitchen, with cloud-like swirls and soft grey veining adding

warmth and character. This extremely versatile design can

be paired with a multitude of colour palettes and textural

design elements.

Luna Bianco can be chosen in 20mm and 30mm

thicknesses and is supplied as a 3,300mm x 1,650mm slab

format, for greater consistency of design over large areas

such as kitchen worktops.

It is also simple to keep the surface looking its very best

over time, thanks to the functional qualities of CRL Quartz.

The material is scratch, heat and stain resistant and unlike

natural materials such as marble, CRL Quartz never needs

to be sealed. Requiring minimum maintenance to keep it

looking as good as new, the non-porous surface makes

cleaning simple, with soap and water or a mild detergent all

that is needed.

www.crlstone.co.uk

ONDULINE ‘ROOFING’ SHEETS FOR FENCE

PANELS AND GATES

Onduline has adapted its ONDULINE CLASSIC bituminous

corrugated sheets for use in garden fence and gate

applications, offering an aesthetic covering to brighten up

any outdoor space.

Made from around 50% recycled cellulosic fibres,

ONDULINE CLASSIC is a bituminous corrugated roofing

sheet that has traditionally been used to provide a

waterproof roofing solution to timber buildings, such as

sheds, stables, agricultural and garden buildings. Available

in a range of colours, the corrugated sheets can withstand

extreme weather conditions, making them well suited as an

aesthetic fence covering for existing fences and gates. They

are supported with a 10-year anti-rot guarantee.

The ONDULINE CLASSIC sheets can be easily installed

directly onto a an existing fully boarded fence or gate panel

using Onduline SCREWS. Support battens may be required

if the existing structure is less than 30mm thick.

uk.onduline.com

PRIMED MOISTURE-RESISTANT MEDITE PANEL

SAVES TIME AND MONEY ON SITE

MEDITE SMARTPLY has launched MEDITE MR PLUS to the

UK and Ireland.

MEDITE MR PLUS is a premium, white-primed and

moisture-resistant MDF panel. It comes pre-primed on both

surfaces using an opaque, UV-cured coating system with a

matt low gloss finish.

That means it offers all the benefits of the existing

MEDITE MR product, but helps customers save time, effort

and money by eliminating the need to prime the panel

before painting.

Jack Scanlan, Product Marketing Executive at MEDITE

SMARTPLY, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to bring

MEDITE MR PLUS to the UK and Irish markets. It’s an

incredibly versatile product that has the added benefit of

being primed. Removing the priming stage from the process

enables the end user to save time and cut down on project

costs.”

MEDITE MR PLUS is suitable for a wide range of interior

applications. Its moisture resistant properties make it ideal

for kitchen and bathroom furniture, intricate joinery and

cabinetry projects, shop fit outs, events and exhibition

stands.

Jack said: “MEDITE MR PLUS is a perfect example of

MEDITE SMARTPLY’s continuing commitment to create

products that meet the diverse needs of specifiers, users

and designers.”

MEDITE SMARTPLY manufactures a wide range of

environmentally conscious engineered wood panels that are

fully certified, UKCA and CE marked and legally sourced.

mdfosb.com/en/

36


BRE tested

to PD CEN/TR

15601

Test B & D

TAKE A CLOSER

LOOK AT OUR

UNIQUE NEW GRP

HERITAGE VALLEY

The innovative dry-fix invisible valley trough, that’s cost-effective,

simple to use...and not just for heritage projects!

• Unique S-profile design • No valley roof tile required • No special eaves closures required

• Far less tile-and-a-half or slate-and-a-half required • BRE weather resistance tested

www.filon.co.uk

Telephone 01543 687300 Email: sales@filon.co.uk


April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

ROOFING AND

CLADDING

A SPECIFIERS’ GUIDE TO SCHEDULE

3 AND BLUE GREEN ROOFS

The Flood and Water Management Act Schedule 3 is expected to be implemented

this year, which means sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) will become

mandatory in England for a significant number of new and retrofit developments.

Neill Robinson-Welsh, Consultant at ACO Building Drainage discusses what specifiers

need to be aware of, especially when it comes to inner-city schemes and projects

involving blue green roofs.

With the implementation

of Schedule 3 just

over the horizon, it is

important for specifiers

working on property

development projects to have a clear

understanding of the new requirements

and how their responsibilities will likely be

impacted. By understanding Schedule

3, specifiers will be better positioned to

select the roofing solutions that fall in line

with regulations and help mitigate their

project’s impact on the environment.

What is Schedule 3?

Schedule 3 is an umbrella term

encompassing several requirements

related to sustainable drainage. It

comes from the Flood and Water

Management Act 2010 and will

mandate that all construction projects

incorporate Sustainable Drainage

Systems (SuDS). While there is still some

uncertainty around the details, once it is

implemented, Schedule 3 is expected

to impact both new developments and

renovation work on multiple dwelling

units or properties over 100 square

metres.

One major change with Schedule 3

will be that there will no longer be

an automatic right to connect new

and refurbished properties to public

sewers. Instead, permission must

be given and, in order to secure that

permission, appropriate SuDS must be

put in place and signed off by the local

SuDS Approval Body (SAB). Each local

What differentiates blue from blue green roofs is

that the latter is a home to live plants as well as

flow slowing solutions. These plants can

contribute to biodiversity and act as a natural

carbon sink, improving the air quality

authority will have its own SAB, and it is

this body that will ensure any drainage

proposal meets the standards created

by the Department for Environment,

Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

To meet Schedule 3 requirements, it is

expected that demand for innovative

drainage systems such as blue and

blue green roofs will increase. These

are viable solutions for many drainage

projects in dense urban areas and have

a proven record of their efficacy and

sustainability.

The difference between blue and

blue green roofs

Traditionally, roofs have been designed

with the goal of removing water from a

property as quickly as possible. Blue and

blue green roofs work very differently –

intentionally slowing the flow of water

off the roof using water storage, flow

restrictors, and other features to avoid

overwhelming sewers and create more

sustainable drainage.

What differentiates blue from blue

green roofs is that the latter is a home

to live plants as well as flow slowing

solutions. These plants can contribute to

biodiversity and act as a natural carbon

38


www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ April 2024

sink, improving the air quality of their

immediate surroundings and offsetting

carbon emissions.

Many blue green roofs reuse some of

the collected water to sustain the plants

that fulfil the green aspects of the hybrid

design, making them especially ecofriendly

roofing options.

Relevant regulations

It’s important that specifiers keep in mind

that drainage should be selected with

those once-in-a-century rainfall events

in mind, and not just accounting for

average conditions.

Along with this consideration, blue

roofs need to be installed in compliance

with BS EN 12056-3:2000, the British

Standard for gravity drainage on flat

roofs, as well as BS 6229:2018, for

flat roofs with continuously supported

flexible waterproof coverings.

BS EN 12056-3:2000 contains design

guidance for roof and paved area

drainage, while BS 6229:2018 outlines

best practice for the design, construction

and maintenance of roofs with a flat or

curved surface.

On a technical level, it is worth noting

that blue and blue green roofs made

from solutions such as ACO’s RoofBloxx

shallow geocellular crates are attenuation

systems on roofs and not roofing

systems as such. Once installed, they sit

on top of a roof, but function separately.

It is this distinction that allows roofers to

follow both BS EN 12056-3:2000 and

BS 6229:2018, which are two seemingly

incompatible requirements. In practice,

it means water should not be allowed to

sit on top of the waterproofing layers as

that can risk causing structural damage

to the roof.

Industry changes can present

challenges, so it is important to for

specifiers to be up to date and able to

make the right product selections. These

can be based on specialist knowledge

and experience when specifiers partner

with drainage experts such as those at

ACO.

Demand is growing for solutions that are

compliant with Schedule 3 and, by being

familiar with available blue and blue

green roof options available, specifiers

will be well positioned to make informed

choices that will benefit the project, the

end user, and the environment.

www.aco.co.uk

ROOFING AND

CLADDING

39


ROOFING AND

CLADDING

CUPACLAD ADDS DURABLE

CLADDING TO COUNTRY CLUB

CUPA PIZARRAS has installed a range of CUPACLAD rainscreen cladding on the

Cambridge Country Club building, in Cambridgeshire.

Situated in the countryside location of Bourn, Cambridge,

the Cambridge Country Club boasts an extensive

18-hole private golf course, luxury spa and function

space. Recently the club needed to replace a stretch of timber

cladding that was no longer looking its best with a more

durable cladding solution that would maintain its finish.

CUPA PIZARRAS’ CUPACLAD rainscreen cladding was

suggested by the site’s contractor Roof Brothers. Once

completed, the installation on the country club’s building not

only provides an eye-catching feature wall as part of its overall

façade, meeting the aesthetic requirements of the client, but

it also provides an ideal East Anglian location where specifiers

can see the standard CUPACLAD designs in a stunning

environment.

CUPACLAD is a ventilated natural slate rainscreen cladding

system suitable for use on both contemporary newbuilds

and traditional renovations. BBA certified, the solution has an

incredibly low level of water absorption and is very resistant

to high winds, impacts and fire, as it is classified A1 noncombustible.

It is also easy to install, maintenance free, and will

retain its colour and sheen throughout its 100-year lifespan.

joints. A system with visible fixings – CUPACLAD 201 – is also

available.

Victor Wakefiled, Company Director at Roof Brothers, says:

“We would definitely recommend the use of CUPACLAD to

clients looking for a straightforward but highly effective cladding

system. The installation is easy and in terms of design, I believe

the 101 RANDOM is the most effective and eye-catching.”

Trevor Mansfield, local Technical Sales Manager at CUPA

PIZARRAS, adds: “This is a brilliant collaboration that now

allows architects in this part of the UK to see CUPACLAD in all

its splendour and in a truly beautiful location.”

Specifiers can arrange to view the installation by getting in

touch with their local area sales manager.

www.cupapizarras.com/uk

The CUPACLAD 101 system – showcased at the country

club – uses invisible fixings to ensure that the slate is the main

design feature. Easily installed using stainless steel nails, the

101 range includes 101 LOGIC, which reflects the traditional

overlapping roof slate arrangement; 101 RANDOM, that

combines different sizes of slate to generate a creative and

dynamic composition; and 101 PARALLEL, which can be used

to create a homogeneous finish through its use of aligned

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April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

ROOFING AND

CLADDING

PITCH-PERFECT AESTHETICS

Roof pitches contribute to a building’s aesthetic appeal and also play a crucial role

in its functionality and durability. Ardit Strica, Technical Manager at Onduline

Building Products, provides a comprehensive overview of low-pitched roofs and the

challenges in specifying them.

The definition of a pitched roof,

according to British Standard

BS 5534, is a roof with a

pitch greater than 10° and

less than 75°. Anything under

20° is generally considered as a lowpitched

roof, while anything below 10° is

deemed a flat roof.

Several factors influence the selection of

a roof pitch, including material

availability, cost, aesthetics, construction

difficulty, weather conditions, and

local building permissions. The client’s

preferences and the architect’s designs

also play a pivotal role in determining

the roof pitch, as it significantly

impacts the external appearance of a

building, making it a crucial aesthetic

consideration.

The pitch of a roof is not just an

aesthetic choice but also a practical

one. Different loads, such as snow,

wind, dead load, and live load, exert

forces on a roof structure, making it

essential to tailor the pitch to suit the

local weather conditions. The choice of

roofing material further influences the

final pitch, with concrete, clay, and slate

being common options. However, low-

42


www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ April 2024

pitched roofs present unique challenges,

particularly in terms of effective water

drainage.

The challenge of low-pitched roofs

Low-pitched roofs, often applied to

extensions, come with their own unique

set of advantages and challenges.

While they may be considered more

aesthetically pleasing than flat roofs,

slow water runoff and limited tiling

options are key drawbacks.

In contrast to steep pitched roofs, where

water runoff is rapid due to gravity, lowpitched

roofs can struggle to shed water

efficiently. This may lead to water pooling

on the roof, causing leaks and potential

damage to the property. Additionally,

the limited availability of suitable tiles for

low-pitched roofs poses a challenge for

designers and builders.

In recent years, changes in permitted

development rights have provided

homeowners with greater flexibility

in renovating and extending their

properties, making low-pitched roofs

more appealing. The option to lower a

roof pitch gains traction as it allows for

additional ceiling space, aligning with the

increased trend in property extensions

and renovations.

The choice of roof pitch becomes crucial

in home extensions, with flat roofs being

a common option due to their spacesaving

and contemporary aesthetics.

However, pitched roofs, especially

those matching the main property,

contribute to a more cohesive visual

appeal. The introduction of low-pitched

roofs in extensions, in particular, provide

an opportunity to use matching tiles,

ensuring uniformity with the existing

property.

The role of sub-roof systems

While low-pitched roofs offer several

advantages, the limitation in available

roofing tiles has been a significant

hurdle. This is where sub-roof systems

come into play, helping to increase the

possibilities for specifiers when it comes

to roofing design and functionality.

A sub-roof is an additional protective

layer within the roof structure, acting as

the primary waterproofing layer under

the tiles when the tiles’ minimum pitch

cannot be met. British Standard BS

5534 acknowledges situations where

using roofing products below the

recommended pitch is challenging and

emphasises the need for a functional

weatherproof sub-roof system.

Sub-roof systems change the dynamics

of traditional roof structures. Instead of

relying solely on tiles for waterproofing,

the sub-roof becomes the main

waterproofing layer, allowing the tiles to

serve as a secondary defence against

water ingress. This enables the use of

all types of concrete, slate, and clay roof

tiles, even at pitches as low as 10°.

Flat sub-roofs, involving non-breathable

felt on a rigid sarking board, and

corrugated sub-roofs, using bituminous

corrugated roof sheets, are two

prevalent options in the market. While

One significant advantage of sub-roof systems is

their ability to accommodate heritage sites and

older properties.

both provide solutions for low-pitched

roofs, corrugated sub-roofs offer

enhanced ventilation, minimising the risk

of moisture build-up and timber rot.

The rise in popularity of sub-roof systems

is attributed to the newfound freedom

they offer in roofing projects. Whether

the project involves a low-pitched roof or

not, a suitable sub-roof system provides

flexibility in choosing roof tiles, enhancing

both aesthetics and functionality.

One significant advantage of sub-roof

systems is their ability to accommodate

heritage sites and older properties. By

allowing the use of existing or reclaimed

tiles, sub-roofs maintain the original look

and feel of the property while providing

an additional layer of protection against

water ingress.

A prime example of an innovative subroof

system is Onduline’s ISOLINE LOW

LINE solution, which is BRE tested

and BBA accredited to as low as 10 o

with a 30-year guarantee. Made from

approximately 50% recycled material

and specifically designed for use on low

pitch roofs, this lightweight bituminous

underlay sheeting is fitted under roof

tiles, thus being shielded from elements

such as wind and rain, making it an

exceptional long-lasting waterproofing

solution.

ROOFING AND

CLADDING

As the construction industry continues

to evolve, innovations such as sub-roof

systems play a crucial role in addressing

challenges and expanding possibilities.

The ability to create visually appealing,

functional, and watertight low-pitched

roofs opens up new avenues for

architectural creativity and sustainable

construction practices. With a deeper

understanding of these concepts,

professionals in the field can make

informed decisions that contribute to

the overall success and longevity of their

projects.

www.onduline.co.uk

43


April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

ROOFING AND

CLADDING

WRAPTITE OFFERS PROTECTION

FOR INNOVATIVE ECO HOUSE

A new ecological house in the Outer Hebrides is being protected against the elements by A

Proctor Group’s Wraptite external barrier system. Specify & Build reports.

The Wraptite external air barrier system from A.

Proctor Group has provided the significant benefits of

airtightness and enhanced build quality for a sea lochfacing

property on the isle of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides.

7-22 Systems, an ecological construction business based

in the Southern Isles of the Outer Hebrides, has built a small

house and artist’s studio using its ecological, prefabricated

offsite building system. 7-22 Systems was formed by

experienced Uist-based Fraser Architecture in response to the

practical and design challenges of delivering the best value,

high quality, environmentally sustainable buildings.

The key requirements for the project at 27 Locheport, North

Uist, included the speed of assembly, excellent insulation

values, lots of natural light and the efficient use of space. Alex

Durie, architect and co-founder of 7-22 Systems explains:

“Using Wraptite, 7-22 Systems could pre-apply the breather

membrane to each prefabricated component in their dedicated

controlled workshop setting. The A. Proctor Group pre-cut

the rolls to match the sizes of the external faces of each

component, and then Wraptite tape was applied on-site to lap

between the components.

“Wraptite has enabled 7-22 Systems to build to even greater

quality, add another facet to their prefabrication, and provide

the system with the breathable construction that will benefit the

quality of space offered by their buildings.”

The Wraptite air barrier system is a safe and simplified

membrane system. It provides a fully self-adhered vapour

permeable air barrier certified by the BBA and combines the

critical properties of vapour permeability and airtightness.

Wraptite has a robust two component solution comprising

Wraptite and Wraptite Tape. This approach saves on both

the labour and material costs associated with meeting the

demands of modern energy efficiency requirements in both

commercial and residential buildings.

Exposure to the elements can present challenges when

designing for a remote location or during transportation to the

site of offsite components. However, the self-adhesive Wraptite

membrane is easily applied in the factory, bonded externally

to the substrate, and ensures that the membrane is held firmly

in place, even during transportation, maintaining the system’s

quality from installation to finished build.

Alex Durie adds: “Wraptite has enabled 7-22 Systems to

meet their targets for the on-site assembly of the project. It

is a high-quality material that holds up well to severe weather

conditions. The Wraptite membrane works well in a factory

setting and is robust enough to withstand delivery to the site.

Previously, applying on-site with the requirement of dry timber

to apply a membrane to has been a challenge in the unsettled

Hebridean weather.

“The ease of handling in a prefabrication setting is a great

benefit. In addition, providing clients with a breathable

construction is an added benefit and improves the durability of

our system. Wraptite has definitely increased our prefabrication

productivity compared to traditional rolls of breather

membrane.”

www.proctorgroup.com

44


ISOLINE LOW LINE is our easy to install bituminous sub-roof system

for installation beneath any roof tile at a pitch as low as 10 degrees.

ISOLINE LOW LINE. The sustainable option for a long-lasting, waterproofing solution

that will ensure protection against even the harshest weather. And that’s guaranteed.

www.onduline.co.uk

For more information email us

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scan the QR code.


April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

ROOFING AND

CLADDING

SEEKING DURABLE BUILDING

ENVELOPE SOLUTIONS

As the industry focuses on the delivery of sustainable buildings, the durability of materials

specified will have a key role to play. Dr. Peter Barker, Manager New Product Development

at Tata Steel, explores how considering the long-term performance of the building

envelope is key to delivering a whole-life carbon benefit.

The built environment

generates around 40% of our

global carbon emissions – a

well-known figure that the

industry is working hard to

reduce. While there are many factors at

play here, product durability is a vital part

of achieving more sustainable building

envelopes that deliver in-use benefits.

While a building is generally expected to

have a lifespan in excess of 40 years, the

reality can be very different, with location,

usage and materials used all contributing

to the ultimate design life.

Imagine specifying and installing a

steel cladding system that only lasts

10 years before it deteriorates and

requires remedial works. The resources

and embodied carbon spent on

repairing, or removing and replacing

the building envelope system would be

significant. Instead, by making informed

specification decisions and choosing

long-lasting, high-quality solutions

backed up by comprehensive test

evidence, we can do our bit in helping

to build the sustainable structures of the

future.

Steel buildings have evolved significantly,

from simply meeting a need to keep

contents (whether produce or people)

dry, to now enabling specifiers to create

high-quality, aesthetic and incredibly

long-lasting building envelopes.

Building requirements have also now

changed, making it important to look

at the value ‘in-use’ over the life of the

building. Building owners want their

building to stay looking good for a longer

period of time. With this in mind, it’s

easy to see why pre-finished steel has

fast become one of the most popular

building envelope solutions worldwide,

thanks to the design advantages,

maintenance benefits and corrosion

resistance it can offer throughout a

building’s lifecycle.

That said, it’s important to note that not

all pre-finished steel products offer the

same performance levels. A key feature

of pre-finished steel is the numerous

layers that make up its composition, with

paint layers, primers and pre-treatments

all applied to the steel in an automated

and carefully controlled process.

It is the quality, type, thickness,

consistency and application of these

layers that dictate the overall durability

and quality of the steel, resulting in a

material that is truly robust, versatile and

aesthetically pleasing.

46


www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ April 2024

ROOFING AND

CLADDING

40%

of global carbon

emissions are generated

by the built

environment

A great example of this is the prefinished

steel’s topcoat, ranging from a

nominal thickness of 25 microns to 200

microns. To put this into perspective,

the paint thickness on modern cars

is around 120 microns, with buildings

expected to last a lot longer. This is

especially important to consider from a

building lifespan perspective, as well as

a functional point of view. For example,

if you are looking to install renewable

energy systems on the building, such as

solar photovoltaic modules, you must

consider the robustness of the topcoat

during installation.

Another essential layer is the metallic

coating on pre-finished steel products,

traditionally 100% zinc and often referred

to as a Hot-Dipped Galvanised Steel

(HDG). While this HDG coating does

provide improved corrosion protection,

when compared to uncoated steel it

can still leave cut edges vulnerable to

increased rates of corrosion, as well

as any corrosive attack dissolving all

the metallic coating at the same rate.

In comparison, pre-finished steel with

an alloy metallic coating (such as zinc

and aluminium) can offer a combination

of increased barrier and sacrificial

protection, with the metals corroding at

different rates.

By taking a closer look at the layers of

a pre-finished steel product, you can

have a better idea of how well it will

stand up to corrosion and UV radiation

during the building’s lifespan. The latter is

particularly destructive to paint coatings,

with the UV rays directly absorbed

and known to affect the colour’s gloss

resistance. Fortunately, European

Standards have put ratings into place

to help specifiers understand how

pre-finished steel solutions will perform,

so they can make more informed

specification decisions from a corrosion

and UV performance point of view.

For example, EN 10169 classifies the

corrosion resistance of pre-finished

steel using the ratings RC1 to RC5+.

To achieve RC5+, the pre-finished steel

must be subjected to extensive natural

weathering tests, spending a minimum

of four years at an extreme coastal

location (certified as a C5 environment)

and resisting blistering, surface damage

and edge peel to less than 2mm.

Product durability is a

vital part of achieving

more sustainable

building envelopes that

deliver in-use benefits.

Despite Ruv and RC ratings highlighting

the performance of different factors,

they should not be considered in

isolation. Instead, specifiers should look

at choosing products that meet all the

requirements of the project, as well as

being backed up with a comprehensive

guarantee.

In an era when embodied carbon

is driving specification choices, it’s

important to consider ‘in use’ carbon

to get a real view of the building’s

carbon lifecycle. Otherwise, any savings

achieved at the upfront carbon stage

may be negligible in the life of the

building. A key part of this is to consider

the durability of building systems

specified and real-life examples of

performance, to further maximise the

project’s lifespan and reduce its carbon

footprint.

www.colorcoat-online.com

Tata Steel’s Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra pre-finished steel combines outstanding performance with

exceptional durability, designed to withstand even the most demanding and aggressive environments.

Its multi-layered, 200-micron thick structure incorporates a unique protective layer and the latest

polymer technology, as well as the Galvalloy metallic coating, made with a special mix of 95% Zinc and 5%

Aluminium. Having been installed around the world in many demanding environments, including the Middle

East, South America and the Far East, Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra surpasses the requirements of Ruv4 and RC5+

as per EN 10169:2022, proving excellent colour and gloss retention and corrosion resistance.

Furthermore, the product is chrome free (a requirement for all products manufactured in Europe since 2017),

REACH compliant and comes with the industry renowned Confidex guarantee. This offers up to 40 years

protection for industrial and commercial buildings – the most comprehensive guarantee on the market – and is

direct to the building owner, with full rectification in the event of a failure.

47


April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

ROOFING AND

CLADDING

PREVENTING PEELING PAINT

PROBLEMS

Cladding Coatings offers specifiers advice on the causes, consequences and

solutions to peeling paint problems in buildings.

When you carry out external

maintenance checks on a

property, one of the most

important things to look out for is peeling

paint. It’s a really common issue faced by

many building owners and is often found

on metal cladding and roofing sheets.

The appearance of peeling paint on

metal wall cladding is not only unsightly,

but it can also lead to costly problems. It

can cause damage to the metal surface,

impact the overall appearance of the

building, and impact the durability of

the protective coating. Therefore, it’s

essential to address peeling paint issues

as soon as possible.

Of course, peeling paint doesn’t occur

without warning, which is why it is

important to carry out regular checks on

the condition of the paintwork so that it

can be spotted early and repaired before

more serious consequences arise.

Before peeling occurs, paint on both roof

and wall metal cladding sheets or panels

will normally begin to fade, and it will

The best way to fix

peeling paint is to

prevent it from

happening in the first

place.

then start to chalk, meaning fine white

lines start to appear. After this stage the

paint begins to peel away from the metal

surface and flake away.

What causes paint to peel?

Peeling paint on metal wall cladding

is often a result of poor adhesion

between the metal surface and the

paint layer. This can be attributed

to a range of factors such as poor

surface preparation, insufficient coating

thickness, inferior quality paint products,

and exposure to extreme environmental

conditions like heat, moisture, or UV

radiation. Additionally, peeling paint can

occur due to the use of incompatible

coatings that are poorly designed for use

on metal substrates.

What problems does it cause?

Peeling paint can lead to multiple

problems, including aesthetic issues,

corrosion and reduced durability of the

protective coating. When paint chips or

peels off, it exposes the underlying metal

surface to the external environment,

making it more vulnerable to rust and

other forms of corrosion. Moreover, the

unsightly appearance of peeling paint

can impact the value of the building and

make it appear unattractive to potential

buyers or tenants.

How to fix peeling paint

The best way to fix peeling paint is to

prevent it from happening in the first

place by using high-quality coating

systems that are designed for use with

metal substrates. However, if peeling

paint has already occurred, it requires

specialised treatment to repair.

The Cladding Coatings team can

prepare a building’s surface by removing

any loose paint from the metal cladding.

Once prepared, the wall or roof is then

re-coated with high-performance coating

systems that are guaranteed for a

minimum of 10 years. Any areas of cut

edge corrosion that may have occurred

due to the paint peeling away and

exposing the metal surface can also be

repaired at the same time.

High-quality paint systems

The Cladding Coatings team uses

paint systems that are tried and tested

and guaranteed to last. Using these

leading coatings systems, combined

with our team’s expertise, results in a

professionally applied, high-quality finish

that will last for over a decade.

Peeling paint is a common issue that

building owners face, and it can lead

to serious problems if not addressed

promptly. It’s important to understand

the causes, consequences, and

solutions of peeling paint to protect

your metal wall cladding and keep your

building looking great. By choosing a

reputable coating solutions provider,

such as Cladding Coatings, specifiers

can have peace of mind that the building

is protected with high-performance

coating systems that prevent peeling of

paint and keep your metal wall cladding

looking as good as new.

www.claddingcoatings.co.uk

48


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April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

ROOFING AND

CLADDING

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

ELEVATES CONSTRUCTION

SPECIFICATIONS

Dan Hancox, Corporate Sustainability and Development Director at Russell Roof Tiles,

explains how better communication between stakeholders can result in more

support for specifiers and, ultimately, higher quality buildings.

Effective communication

among key stakeholders

is vital in the construction

industry, where projects often

hinge on intricate coordination

and collaboration. According to the

Project Management Institute, poor

communication contributes to the failure

of one-third of construction projects, with

only 52% meeting their original targets.

As the industry grapples with challenges

ranging from escalating costs and

material shortages to labour deficits,

the need for cohesive communication

between material manufacturers and

specifiers has never been more pressing.

In the face of these challenges,

businesses operating within the

construction supply chain must

recognise the substantial costs that

could be incurred due to a lack of unity.

With billions lost annually, overlooking

communication gaps is a luxury that the

industry can no longer afford.

Collaborating effectively and establishing

clear lines of communication with

material manufacturers’ technical

support teams is essential. These teams

play a pivotal role in driving specifications

forward and guiding projects across their

lifecycle, as well as helping specifiers

identify and choose the right products.

However, with budgets being stretched

further than ever before, there is the

danger that specifiers may prioritise

cheaper products over quality ones,

especially when it comes to roof tiles.

Despite these constraints, it remains

essential that buildings are constructed

to the highest specification, using the

right roofing product and accessories.

It is also important that the projects

remain in line with legislation changes,

which have been increasingly tightening

requirements recently, emphasising the

need for meticulous attention to detail

when specifying products.

Delivering quality and reliability

Manufacturers throughout the

construction industry consistently

underline the rigorous standards

products must meet to deliver on

quality and reliability. Yet it is crucial

to adopt a holistic perspective when

evaluating roofing systems, to ensure

optimum performance and longevity.

Manufacturers such as Russell Roof

Tiles specify concrete roof tiles and

50


www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ April 2024

accompanying accessories, where every

component plays a vital role in the overall

system.

For example, Russell Roof Tiles provides

RussSpec – which has a 15-year

guarantee when using the whole roof

solution. This is applicable where the

specification has been followed and

detailed in accordance with advice

provided in the fixing specification and

instruction. Having guarantees of this

kind in place means the specifier can

rest assured that the manufacturer is

committed to providing a high-quality

product. These roofing systems are

meticulously developed for specific

products, and so, the inclusion of

third-party fittings or components

may compromise the validity of these

assurances.

Deviating from specified accessories

could introduce compatibility issues,

potentially affecting the whole roofing

system’s performance and appearance.

Additionally, customer support and

technical service are intricately linked to

the use of recommended accessories,

making it challenging to extend the same

level of support for accessories from

other manufacturers.

By working closely with specifiers,

manufacturers’ technical teams

provide invaluable insights into a

product’s features and limitations. This

collaborative approach ensures that

specifications align with regulatory

standards and project requirements,

mitigating risks and enhancing project

outcomes.

It is also important to be aware of the

guarantee’s limitations. For example,

products must be installed as specified

and any substitution of components

with other products, at any stage of

construction, will invalidate guarantees.

By working closely with a manufacturer

that offers guarantees, the contractor is

in a stronger position to ensure a viable

roofing solution that meets all their future

needs.

Specifiers who communicate and work

closely with a manufacturing technical

team will have more confidence in their

products and will find it easier to check

compliance, which will inevitably prevent

build developments from going over their

allotted timescales and any associated

consequential losses, which will save

money and time in the long run.

Russell Roof Tiles exemplifies the

importance of a robust technical

support team. Over the past decade,

the company has bolstered its support

team to cater to the increasing demand

for expert guidance. The team receives

many calls per week with all manner of

queries and has recently seen an influx

of enquiries following the rising costs and

uncertainty of the supply chain.

15

year guarantee when

using the whole

RussSpec roof

solution

By collaborating with insightful,

experienced, and knowledgeable

technical experts, manufacturers can

help to build smooth procedures for

seamless transitions from the planning

and design right through to installation

and client handover. It eliminates

problems or compatibility issues before

they arise and reduces liabilities down

the chain.

This relationship between specifiers and

a manufacturer’s technical team needs

to be seen as a necessity rather than

a luxury, as it will help to reduce issues

before, during, and after installation as

well as giving contractors peace of mind

that projects are built using consistent

and quality products with long service life

and durability.

www.russellrooftiles.com

ROOFING AND

CLADDING

51


April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

ROOFING AND

CLADDING

FIRE PROTECTION IS KEY FOR NEW

FRAMESAFE FR MEMBRANE

Glidevale Protect has launched Protect FrameSafe FR – a new Class A2-s1, d0 flame

retardant external wall breather membrane offering fire protection across low-,

medium- and high-rise buildings.

Featuring an intricately woven glass

fibre fabric, with a waterproof

and fire resistant coating, Protect

FrameSafe FR is a high-performance

breather wall membrane for use on the

external side of the frame to integrate

with façade wall structures. Designed to

exceed Building Regulations Approved

Document Part B, Protect FrameSafe FR

is future proofed against future regulation

changes.

Current Building Regulations for

fire safety state that external wall

membranes must achieve at least a

Class B fire rating for structures over

11m. Protect FrameSafe FR has a

Class A2 reaction to fire, having been

independently fire tested by an external

laboratory both free hanging, and as part

of a system in an end use application,

fixed over A1 and A2 substrates using

Protect FR tape, which is also available

to seal laps.

Protect FrameSafe FR is also fully

compliant with the test methods

contained within EN 13501-1, making

it the perfect solution for higher risk

buildings as defined in the 2022

When we were

developing Protect

FrameSafe FR and

undertaking our due

diligence, we knew the

product needed to tick

all the boxes to be a

true ‘hidden protector’

that is fully

independently fire

tested.

Building Safety Act, including student

accommodation, schools, hospitals,

offices and care homes as well as being

suitable for many developments in

London where there is a combustible

material ban on external walls of

buildings. In addition, the product can

be used for housing developments

where the property wall has a minimum

separation distance of 1m to the relevant

boundary.

Protect FrameSafe FR lends itself to

use on a wide range of residential and

commercial developments across all

building heights, providing strong UV

stability and up to six months’ exposure

before being covered. It is ideally suited

to modular and offsite construction

projects, as well as for use on both steel

and timber framed buildings, and on

high rise buildings where full rainscreen

cladding systems are also installed.

John Mellor, Head of Marketing from

Glidevale Protect, says: “It goes without

saying that fire safety is a fundamental

part of any build, but especially critical

with higher-risk projects such as high

rise residential accommodation. It’s also

crucial that product testing takes into

account fire performance as part of the

whole building system so that specifiers

have the full transparent picture. When

we were developing Protect FrameSafe

FR and undertaking our due diligence,

we knew the product needed to tick

all the boxes and be a true ‘hidden

protector’ that is fully independently fire

tested.”

Produced in the UK at the company’s

Nottinghamshire factory, Protect

FrameSafe FR is both UKCA and CE

marked with full independent fire test

certification available.

Glidevale Protect specialises in

ventilation solutions, condensation

control and energy efficiency across

the built environment. A UK producer

with 40 years of innovation, experience

and technical expertise, Glidevale

Protect offers a comprehensive range

of building products from its roofing

and construction divisions. The roofing

range includes roofing underlays, roofing

ventilation and roofing accessories,

while the construction range includes

construction and airtightness

membranes, cavity trays, loft hatches

and solutions for building ventilation.

All its products are designed and

developed for the UK and Irish market

requirements under the ISO 9001

quality standard, with the company also

accredited to the international health

and safety standard ISO 45001 and

environmental standard ISO 14001.

www.glidevaleprotect.com/

framesafe

52


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April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

INSULATION AND

ACOUSTICS

SOUND ADVICE FOR CREATING

IDEAL LEARNING AND WORK

SPACES

Mat Hartley, Partitions Business Development Manager at QIC Interiors Specialist,

explains why specifiers need to understand acoustics to create positive public and

commercial spaces.

Sound waves respond differently

depending on the surface

they impact with. International

standard EN ISO 11654 part-highlights

this process by compartmentalising

sound absorption into different classes

(A-to-E). Class ‘A’ is designated as the

most sound-absorptive, but it isn’t the

sole answer to striking the right acoustic

balance in places where effective

communication isn’t compromised by

extraneous noise, and particularly in

public and commercial environments.

Sound absorption occurs when sound

waves dissipate upon meeting an

absorptive material. Set out in EN ISO

11654, the absorption value is recorded

as a weighted single figure (αw), with

0.0 being no sound absorbency and 1.0

being 100%. If a product has αw 0.9 it

absorbs 90% of the sound and belongs

to Class A. Class A would often appear

the ideal solution for a project where

acoustics were a key consideration,

however, this is not always the case.

With each project’s unique acoustic

requirements, it is important to consider

what class sound absorption is best to

achieve the desired outcomes.

Understanding the applications of

different sound absorption classes is

important. There are environments

where the highest sound absorption

class would be the most beneficial,

for example large, high-volume places

where silence is important, such as

school classrooms, sports halls, concert

venues, cinemas, theatres and recording

studios.

However, extremely high sound

absorption isn’t always the most

effective answer. It can deaden acoustics

in places relying on a certain amount

of atmosphere-enhancing noise. For

example, in a restaurant you want to be

able to communicate comfortably with

your fellow diners, but some background

noise is needed to instil a sense of

occasion.

The acoustic benefits of

demountable glass partitions

Creating spaces that suit the individual

and group dynamic is equally pertinent

to schools. Particularly when School

Census figures in England for 2021/22

revealed that nearly 1,800 Reception

and Key Stage 1 classes exceeded the

statutory limit of 30 pupils per class. The

same report, published via NASUWT, the

Teachers’ Union website, revealed that at

Key Stage 2 level, more than 16% of Key

Stage 2 pupils were taught in classes of

31 pupils or more.

The higher the classroom number,

the greater opportunity for noise and

distraction to detract from the learning

experience. A University of Portsmouth

study found that pupils most at risk of

school difficulty were also more likely to

be annoyed and distracted by classroom

noise. In such an environment,

demountable glass partitions are adept

at creating spaces that are productive

and collegiate.

Easy to install and disassemble,

demountable partitions can transform

learning spaces and other areas

where occupant comfort and clear

communication are crucial. They also

negate the need for costly refurbishment,

a valued benefit for state-run schools

and colleges where budgets are often

tight.

There is also a growing awareness in

the commercial world of the value of

demountable partitions. Taking a onesize-fits-all

approach to office design,

for example, doesn’t always achieve the

desired effect. That’s why demountable

partitions are a gift for employers, as

they can be used to create areas that

acoustically, cater for individual needs.

Open plan offices can be very noisy,

stressful places, leading to individuals

feeling overwhelmed. Demountable

partitions help cocoon staff from the

hustle and bustle, providing an oasis

of solitude when working in peace

and quiet is preferred. A well-designed

demountable partition system can

offer up to 50% noise reduction,

allowing students or employees to

better-focus on activities at hand.

Therefore, demountable partitions could

be a genuine game-changer for high

intake schools and busy offices where

traditional interior design is hindering

communication, concentration and

occupant wellbeing.

www.qic-trims.com

54


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


April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

INSULATION AND

ACOUSTICS

SPECIFY PIR AS A PATHWAY TO

ENERGY COMPLIANT HOMES

Simon Blackham, Senior Technical Manager at Recticel Insulation, looks at the issues to

consider when selecting a PIR system that paves the way for regulation-compliant homes.

The latest Part L regulations,

introduced in June 2022, provide

an interim lift to required energy

standards for newbuild homes, before

a further strengthening of legislation

is brought in with the Future Homes

Standard (FHS) in 2025. Part L’s primary

objective is to achieve a 31% reduction

in carbon emissions from newbuild

homes, accomplished through a

combination of fabric enhancements and

low-carbon heating technologies.

The amendments also entail stricter

standards for older homes in relation to

extensions, replacements and upgrades.

Current legislation puts a focus on

improving the energy efficiency of new

homes through a fabric-first approach

to design. Key to this process – and

creating an effective thermal envelope

– is the specification of appropriate

polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation.

Targeting CO 2

through legislation

The new Part L regulations are

considered a critical stepping stone

towards the FHS, which aims to

achieve a 75 to 80% reduction in

carbon emissions compared to current

standards. The FHS is a transformative

shift in the construction industry’s

approach to building homes and will

introduce several initiatives to ensure

homes meet the required energy

performance. Such initiatives bring

a more stringent onsite monitoring

process, with contractors being required

to document critical junctions via

geo-located digital photographs. This

transparency enables homeowners to

better understand the as-built energy

calculation of their property.

The FHS will emphasise a more holistic

approach in assessing a property’s

anticipated energy performance, using

an updated Standard Assessment

Procedure (SAP) methodology. It will

place greater emphasis on heat losses

at junction details such as windows,

which are calculated using the PSI value

method. Although seemingly minor,

these amendments could be crucial

to ensuring the necessary thermal

outcomes are achieved.

The FHS underscores the need to

improve 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

leads to buildings falling short of U-value

requirements. PIR panels are regarded

as a long-term solution that can

address this energy performance gap,

when compared to mineral fibre-based

insulation.

The value of PIR in meeting targets

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 users

excellent performance and quality in

relation to cost.

PIR’s thermal performance isn’t

compromised by its slim composition,

and it requires less thickness to achieve

the same U-value as other insulation

materials. This benefit is particularly

valuable for housebuilders 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 applications such as terraces

and balconies, where space is limited

and threshold levels are an issue.

Enhanced PIR performance

Recticel Insulation specialises in PIR

products which are suitable for fabricfirst

construction thanks to their good

thermal performance. The tongueand-groove

joint found on Recticel’s

Eurowall+ rigid full-fill insulation board

has further enhanced PIR performance.

This design feature, 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.

Amended Part L legislation and the

subsequent implementation of the FHS

will present challenges for specifiers

across the industry. However the stricter

regulations, which highlight fabric-first

design as a route to carbon-efficient

buildings, are essential if we are to

deliver energy compliant homes now and

in the future.

www.recticelinsulation.com/en-gb

56


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April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

INSULATION AND

ACOUSTICS

STOSILENT DIRECT BRINGS OXFORD

COLLEGE ACOUSTICS UP TO DATE

A leading Oxford University College has seen its acoustic performance significantly

upgraded thanks to the use of the StoSilent Direct acoustic ceiling system.

able to satisfy all these

requirements,” says Harry

Austin of Alpine Finishing,

which installed the acoustic

products. “Working together

with Sto and Associated

Architects was also very

beneficial, as we were able

to pool our expertise and

create a really successful

solution.”

The StoSilent Direct system has been installed at

Somerville College as part of a major project to upgrade

both the acoustics and the lighting of the Grade II-listed

dining hall.

“This was a complex project where the aim was to create a

much-improved acoustic environment in the hall,” explains

Sto’s acoustics project manager, James Gosling. “The hall is

used both for dining and for formal events, so outstanding

acoustic performance was a key requirement. The aim was

to increase the amount of acoustic attenuation material

within the moulded panels of the existing vaulted ceiling,

but the chosen acoustic system also had to be sufficiently

flexible to accommodate the new lighting system which was

being installed. The project demanded close liaison between

ourselves, the architect and the applicator to design and install

the most effective and appropriate solution possible.”

Thomas Cotton of Associated Architects continues: “We knew

that Sto had worked on similar, historically-sensitive projects

in the past, and that experience was a key requirement for

us. Refurbishing buildings of this age comes with particular

challenges, so it was important that we worked with a proven

acoustic ceiling supplier and installer who understood our

requirement for high-performance absorption with minimal

visual impact.”

The chosen system also had to offer a high degree of flexibility

in terms of design and installation. Associated Architects was

looking for a system that could be applied directly onto the

existing structure, but which would have minimal physical and

visual impact. This project involved a very significant heritage

building and the acoustic boards had to integrate as closely as

possible with the existing ceiling beams and surfaces.

“The Sto system is extremely adaptable and so it was

The StoSilent Direct

system offers a particularly

economical method of

minimising reverberation

times and reducing noise

levels, as it can be applied

directly to walls and ceilings

without the need for a sub-construction – a feature which also

makes it quick and easy to install.

The acoustically porous nature of the materials and finish

textures mean that the system is highly sound absorbent and,

in addition, has a reaction to fire classification of A2-s1, d0 in

accordance with EN 13501-1.

The Sto system was completed with a StoSilent Top Finish

to blend with the existing refurbished ceiling features. This

organic, porous finishing coat is trowel-applied, and has an

ultra-fine grain size to allow the creation of smooth surfaces

across ceiling areas. It is environmentally friendly and available

in a large range of colours, making it compatible with a wide

range of architectural and design styles.

The wood-panelled Somerville College hall features raised

stage areas at either end, and these required a slightly

different treatment. Bespoke acoustic modules constructed

from Sto’s StoSilent Distance system were created and then

installed above the raised platform areas to add extra acoustic

attenuation.

Somerville College is a constituent college of the University of

Oxford. It was founded in 1879, and former students include

prime ministers and pioneers in the fields of literature, science

and public service.

Working closely with architects, designers and specifiers, Sto

provides extensive technical guidance including samples,

specifications, consultations, design tools and on-site support.

The company also runs a series of RIBA-accredited CPD

seminars covering topics such as render, externally insulated

and rainscreen cladding systems, and acoustic reverberation

control systems.

www.sto.co.uk

58


There’s a siltload of difference

between StormTech and other

stormwater management systems

The difference is our unique Isolator Row. It’s

a water quality treatment device that’s been

independently NJCAT tested to eliminate >80%

of Total Suspended Solids (TSS). Isolator Row is

built-in to ADS StormTech systems, helping to

remove silt, metals, hydrocarbons, phosphorus,

nitrogen and other surface water pollutants.

And it’s free. So, unlike traditional stormwater

systems, we’re not just giving you a load of silt.

Visit adspipe.co.uk for details


April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

SPECIAL FEATURE

THE COUNTDOWN TO MATERIALS &

FINISHES SHOW 2024 IS ON!

Organisers of Materials & Finishes Show (formerly W Exhibition) have announced

that visitor registration for the relaunched UK trade show for the furniture

manufacturing and joinery industries is now live.

The Materials & Finishes Show,

which has over 50 years of

heritage, will return to the

NEC in Birmingham in its new

and reinvigorated format from

19 to 22 May, 2024.

Part of the Montgomery Group’s global

event portfolio, the Materials & Finishes

Show will bring the UK’s furniture

manufacturing and joinery industries

together for the first time since 2018,

having undergone an extensive period of

research and development.

The trade show is the primary platform

for carpenters, joiners, machinists and

installers to see running woodwork

machinery, the latest materials,

components, software, tools and

innovations for the woodworking sector.

Some of the latest brands who have

joined the lineup for the relaunch event

in May include AES, Woodmizer, Leitz

Tooling and the Wagner Group. The

stellar lineup also includes the likes of

RJ Woodworking Machinery, Vertongen,

AMS/ Wadkin Bursgreen, Hanex,

Hranipex, Rubio Monocoat and Mundy

Veneer, with new brands joining the

lineup every week.

See live demonstrations

As well as networking with the entire

industry under one roof, visitors will

be able to see thousands of the latest

products on the UK market and can

speak directly to leading manufacturers

and suppliers for the woodworking

sector. A new live demonstration zone

will allow visitors to see many of these

products in action for the first time.

Materials & Finishes Show Event

Director, David Todd, says: “The

countdown to Materials & Finishes Show

2024 is officially on! The floorplan has

evolved significantly over recent weeks

and we are on course to deliver a truly

international showcase when we reopen

the doors to the industry this May.

“Alongside heritage W Exhibition

brands, there’s a very strong cohort of

overseas exhibitors, with 45% of the

lineup made up of international brands

with companies from Turkey, China,

Italy, Poland, Belgium, USA, Ireland,

Spain, Germany and Switzerland all

represented at the show. It’s exciting to

see such a diverse lineup, and a huge

coup for the UK that so many overseas

brands have recognised the huge

potential that the UK market represents.

“Visitors are always excited to see

running machinery at the show, which

is why we’ve developed a new live

demonstration feature. Visitors will be

able to see brands such as Leitz Tooling

and Advance Machinery Services

working together to bring exciting

demonstrations of unique tooling for

bespoke timber windows and doors,

with an end-to-end timber window

60


www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ April 2024

SPECIAL FEATURE

construction on the show floor. They’ll

also be able to see tooling, paint and

finishing brands deliver hands-on,

practical demonstrations, bringing new

products, innovations and technology to

life for joiners and carpenters.

“We’re also excited to announce that

we are working with industry influencers

to ensure that the show content is as

up-to-date and relevant as possible for

our audience. We know that influencers

are ‘on the ground’ when it comes to

the latest products, techniques and

technology, which is why we are working

with the likes of Robin Clevett to bring

a new, real-time dimension to the show

that will make it more relevant than ever

for anyone working within the furniture

manufacturing and joinery industries.”

Industry influencers

Robin Clevett, the self-confessed

carpentry, joinery and building fanatic,

will act as an official ambassador for the

trade show. As well as working closely

with the event organising team in the run

up to the event, Robin will also make a

special appearance at the exhibition this

May.

Robin, who boasts over 113,000

Youtube subscribers, more than 40,000

YouTube Followers and hosts The

Carpentry Show in FIX Radio, will play a

hands-on role as part of the brand

new Materials & Finishes Show

demonstration area, as well as

compering a special panel on the main

seminar stage.

Speaking about the collaboration, Robin

says: “I was approached by the Materials

& Finishes Show team last year and

was instantly impressed with what the

organisers have been doing to redevelop

the show for the market. As a working

chippy and active member of the wider

carpentry and joinery community, I know

that there’s a real appetite for this type of

UK event for our community.

“I’m looking forward to meeting visitors

at the show this May and, like them,

being able to see all the latest materials,

tools, technology and equipment sideby-side

at the NEC. Keep your eyes

peeled over the coming weeks for a

sneak peek of what we’ve got planned.”

Materials & Finishes Show event director

David Todd adds: “We’re hugely excited

to announce Robin’s involvement in

Materials & Finishes Show this May.

What better way to shape the content

and features than collaborating with

someone who is on the cold face of the

industry and walking in the shoes of a

large proportion of our visitors?

“We’ve been bowled over by Robin’s

enthusiasm and this, combined with his

expertise and knowledge can only make

Visitors will be able to see tooling, paint and

finishing brands deliver hands-on, practical

demonstrations, bringing new products,

innovations and technology to life for joiners

and carpenters.

for a winning formula for our visitors from

the joinery and carpentry communities.

As organisers, we’re always looking at

new and innovative ways to connect with

our audiences – Robin’s involvement is

the first of many new partnerships we’ll

be announcing in the run up to the

show.”

Detailed market reports

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 in May.

David adds: “The brand new CPDcertified

seminar programme is about

to go live. We’re working closely

with industry media, exhibitors and

associations such as the Furniture

Makers, BWF, Woodland Heritage and

Barbour ABI to curate a tailored and

targeted programme of seminars and

panel debates. Industry experts will

be delivering a full schedule of content

covering key industry themes and topics

that will help the visitor audience to

broaden their knowledge, understand

the latest legislation and regulations

around topics such as dust extraction,

and help them to run more efficient and

profitable businesses.”

Materials & Finishes Show attracts

buyers from every corner of the industry,

from furniture and joinery manufacturers

and designers right through to retailers,

the KBB market, carpenters, joiners and

worktop fabricators.

Visitors can register online at www.

materialsandfinishesshow.com or by

scanning the QR code on this page.

61


April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

CASE STUDY

WINDOWS INSTALLED IN £7 MILLION

HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Premium window and door designer, The Residence Collection, has been part of a

housing development in the Cotswolds with the installation of 70 windows and 10

French doors.

Partnering with installer The

Worcestershire Door Company,

fabricator Lister Windows, and

developer Lockley Homes, the new

windows installed on the £7 million,

seven-home development are The

Residence Collection’s R7 collection.

The choice of Residence 7 windows

was driven by both aesthetic appeal

and efficiency features inherent in the

R7 window system. Featuring flush

profiles both externally and internally,

these windows are designed to provide

hassle-free maintenance and come in

various styles, offering versatility without

complexity. This example highlights

the adaptability of these windows,

which are suitable for use in a range

of properties from city apartments and

country cottages to luxury housing

developments, as exemplified by their

installation at Old Manor Farm.

All the windows are made using the

mechanical jointing method, offering

the windows a timber look both

This project perfectly

highlights the

versatility of the R7

windows

externally and internally, creating the

perfect aesthetics. In addition to its

desired design features, the windows

not only excel visually but also offer

outstanding energy efficiency, boasting

A++ energy ratings and achieving a

u-value of 1.2W/m 2 k with double glazing

as standard, and up to 0.79 with triple

glazing. The Residence Collection is

available in 24 different colours with

multiple colourways, and were chosen

in the grained Painswick colour for this

installation.

Ashley Smith, Director of The

Worcestershire Door Company, says:

“We have been working with Lockley

Homes for over 10 years. The Lockley

Homes brand is to build luxury homes

that don’t compromise on quality, which

is exactly why we chose the Residence

7 windows on this project. We also

chose the R7 product because The

Worcestershire Door Company sees

this product as the best UPVC timber

alternative on the market. We are so

pleased that we could work with The

Residence Collection products on this

project and look forward to many more

projects to come in the future.”

Jo Trotman, Marketing Manager at The

Residence Collection, adds: “This project

perfectly highlights the versatility of the

R7 windows for use in luxury housing

developments just like these by Lockley

Homes. At The Residence Collection,

our commitment lies in providing

a diverse selection of windows for

various residences, including newbuild

developments. Our windows not only

harmonise with the architectural style

and the surrounding locale but also

ensure enduring performance.

“We are delighted with the result and

clearly highlight a great partnership with

The Worcestershire Door Company,

Lister Windows and Lockley Homes –

we look forward to future collaborations

with them.”

The Residence Collection, part of the

Q19 Group, represents three of the

most innovative flush PVCu window

and door systems in the fenestration

industry, namely R9, R7 and R². Sister

brand, Window Widgets, boasts

one of the country’s largest range of

universal window and door ancillaries

for all fabricators and installers, while

Profoil provides foiling services to the

fenestration and building materials

markets in the UK and Republic of

Ireland.

www.residencecollection.co.uk

62


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April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

SPECIAL FEATURE

LINOLEUM: SPECIFYING FOR

SUSTAINABILITY

With sustainability now a major focus for construction, specifying environmentally friendly

products is key. Donna Hannaway, Forbo Flooring Systems’ Head of Marketing UK and

Ireland explores the benefits of linoleum for interior spaces.

It’s a well-known fact that the built environment accounts for

over 40% of all carbon emissions globally. As a result, many

specifiers are under pressure to reduce the carbon footprint

of their projects, through the specification of environmentally

conscious products and materials.

One such example of this is linoleum. Widely regarded as

one of the most sustainable floor coverings on the market,

linoleum is made using natural, renewable raw materials, such

as linseed oil, jute, pine rosin and wood or cork flour. In fact,

it was linseed oil that ‘accidentally’ inspired the creation of

linoleum in 1863, when Frederick Walton watched the linseed

oil used in paint harden on the surface, thus creating linoleum.

These ingredients are all naturally occurring, therefore making

linoleum an ideal choice for sustainability focused projects.

Some manufacturers have taken this a step further, offering

linoleum that is independently certified as Climate Positive from

cradle to gate, without offsetting. This means that the CO 2

produced in the extraction, transportation and manufacturing

of the floor covering is more than balanced out by the removal

of CO 2

during the growth process of its natural materials.

Forbo’s Marmoleum range has been independently proven

to be Climate Positive, with a full Environmental Product

Declaration to back this. Marmoleum is Climate Positive from

cradle to gate without the need for offsetting, providing a 446g

carbon saving for every square metre that is installed on a

project.

Thanks to new technologies, linoleum has evolved to be

suitable for even the most demanding of interior environments.

Top layers and finishes, such as Forbo’s Topshield pro, allow

for easier cleaning, with minimal chemicals required, as well as

providing additional resistance to the daily scrapes and wear

expected on an interior floor covering. These finishes not only

ensure that the linoleum floor coverings look great, but that

they lead a longer service life too – all helping to improve its

sustainable credentials.

While linoleum floor coverings can be used in all applications,

one sector where it can be particularly beneficial is healthcare.

Thanks to the use of linseed oil in the production of linoleum,

it is inherently bacteriostatic, and some manufacturers have

had their linoleum products certified as being able to inhibit the

growth of C Difficile, Norovirus and MRSA – without the need

for surface additives.

Linoleum also has Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs)

that are 30 times lower than the European norm and 50%

lower CO 2

emissions than other resilient floor coverings. This

means linoleum can contribute to better indoor environments,

whether that be for healthcare or any other sector. Some

brands of linoleum also boast the prestigious Allergy UK Seal

of Approval, meaning that with the correct cleaning regime the

flooring will not harbour allergens or house dust mites.

Of course, it isn’t just the functionality of a solution that’s

important, but its design too. New developments have

expanded the range of finishes linoleum floor coverings

are available in, whether that be contemporary shades and

patterns, or wood inspired designs. A great example of this

is Forbo’s newly refreshed Marmoleum Solid, which offers a

range of aesthetic options. Take Marmoleum Cocoa, which

incorporates recycled cocoa husks into its production,

helping to create stylish and sustainable flooring schemes.

The colourways in Marmoleum Concrete, by contrast, are

inspired by stone and concrete textures, providing a natural

finish and helping to promote biophilic design and increase

wellbeing. There is also Marmoleum Walton, which contains

a range of plain options for environments where those with a

neurodiversity, such as dementia, may be living.

www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/marmoleumsolid

64


www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ April 2024

STO CREATES FIRE COMPLIANT FACADES ACROSS MULTIPLE BUILDINGS

An external wall insulation (EWI) system manufactured

by Sto has optimised fire protection for a multi-block

residential development.

Located alongside the River Thames at London’s Isle of

Dogs, Oceans Wharf comprises four blocks of flats ranging

from seven to 12 storeys. To comply with amendments to

Building Regulations, which ban combustible materials in

external walls of buildings over 11m, the existing expanded

polystyrene insulation (EPS) system installed by another

manufacturer had to be removed and replaced.

CASE STUDIES

The project’s first phase comprised two buildings which

had the StoTherm Mineral K EWI system specified to

meet the required fire rating while maximising thermal

performance. BBA-certified, StoTherm Mineral K features

A1 mineral fibre insulation boards and the system is

classified with an A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire in accordance

with BS EN 13501.

Specialist surface finisher One & Maike was responsible

for installing StoTherm Mineral K on behalf of principal

contractor Osprey, a façade remediation specialist.

The insulation boards were fixed directly to the existing

concrete substrate avoiding the need for a cavity. StoLevell

Duo Plus, a strong mineral adhesive, was applied to the

back of the insulation boards, and additional fixings were

also used to secure the insulation boards to the substrate

to suit wind load conditions. Sto-Glass Fibre Mesh was then

embedded into the outer surface of the reinforcing coat

providing crack resistance to the system.

The system was finished with StoSilco K1.5, a silicone

resin render ensuring high levels of water repellence and

protection from harsh weather conditions. This was applied

across an area totalling 2,500m 2 , creating elevations

featuring various colours, including white, terracotta and

blue.

www.sto.co.uk

CLASS 1 MAGPLY BOARDS WITHSTAND REAL-LIFE FIRE TEST ON SURREY HOME

A potentially catastrophic blaze that consumed the garage

adjoining a £1m property in Surrey was stopped in its

tracks thanks to the use of 12mm A1 non-combustible

Magply being chosen as the render substrate board on the

contract.

The property was constructed using a Structurally Insulated

Panel system construction (SIP), with A1 non-combustible

Magply being used on the exterior of the building as the

substrate panel for the proprietary render system.

Magply is a multi-use A1 non-combustible board with an

impressive library of testing for fire applications. In the

offsite and timber frame sector the board is designed and

specified to contain fire and support the emergency service

with added crucial time.

Although the emergency services were quick to attend the

fire, which happened in August, it had taken sufficient hold

that the large timber framed garage was totally destroyed

with just some sections of the frame still standing. However,

the gable end to the house, which features a relatively thin,

weatherproof finish of the silica-based K-Rend suffered

only surface damage.

Although areas of the render had spalled off, the 12mm

Magply boards underneath had not even charred and had

fully protected the SIPs structure beneath: a fact borne

out by the system supplier, Glosford SIPs, which took core

samples to confirm the continued integrity of the insulated

sandwich panels which are faced by OSB.

Contracts Manager for Fullers Plastering, James Corlett,

said: “The fire-resistant qualities of the Magply boards

saved the day. We had used Magply as a render-backer

on a number of projects before being awarded the contract

to apply K-Rend to the half dozen homes here and have

always been very pleased with the performance. It is an

easy board to cut and fix, while we can now definitely

confirm to clients that it fully complies with the fire

requirements for domestic and commercial buildings.”

www.magply.co.uk

65


April 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

CASE STUDY

AIRTIGHT PROTECTION FOR WEST

COAST OF SCOTLAND SELF-BUILD

The threefold combination of

the Wraptite, Wraptherm and

Reflectatherm airtightness and

vapour barrier systems from A. Proctor

Group has been chosen to provide

enhanced thermal performance and

protection for a sea-facing SIPS

construction self-build property on the

west coast of Scotland.

The self-build project, managed by Phil

and Lynn Dickinson, is designed by

Allan Corfield Architects, and located

in Craobh Haven – a unique location

that combines the beauty of an Atlantic

Rainforest with stunning sea views.

Craobh Haven is a small, purpose-built

village and sailing port on the west coast

of Argyll and Bute, Scotland. The main

contractor for the project is Rochead

Irvine Construction.

The key requirements for the project

included a fabric-first design, SIPS

construction and breathability, plus

protection from the Argyll coast exposed

site. In addition, the client’s design

sought to achieve excellent insulation

values and highly efficient thermal airtight

performance.

detailing made it an ideal choice for this

self-build project.

The self-adhering nature of the Wraptite

allows a simple and fast installation

process. It also has excellent weather

protection and water-tightness

properties. The membrane can be

installed directly to walls and openings

with speed and efficiency, enabling

internal fit-out to begin more rapidly than

in traditional forms of construction.

Wraptite has an Sd-value of 0.039m,

offering a fast and effective solution

to unplanned air leakage and its

dertrimental effects on energy

performance. It can be used on projects

from domestic scale timber frame to

steel framed high rise and everything in

between.

Alongside the Wraptite membrane, the

thermal and airtightness performance

of Wraptherm is included in the build.

Wraptherm is a high-performance

membrane composite that is selfadhesive

and consists of a 10mm

Spacetherm aerogel insulation blanket

bonded to the face of Wraptite.

Using Wraptherm provides improved

airtightness levels combined with a

reduction in thermal bridging.

The final part of the airtightness and

vapour barrier system is provided

by Reflectatherm Plus, a reflective,

high-resistance vapour barrier for

internal walls, ceilings and floors that

will significantly reduce the risks of

condensation by providing the highest

levels of moisture resistance.

Reflectatherm Plus is an reflective vapour

barrier that combines the highest thermal

performance in its class with a high

vapour resistance to prevent interstitial

condensation and is suitable for use in

walls, ceilings, and floors on the warm

side of the insulation.

The clients were supported throughout

the project by the A. Proctor Group’s

technical team. The company offers

expert advice for self-builders available

at all stages of the building process, from

design work to on-site support.

proctorgroup.com

Keep the building wrapped tight

Wraptite is installed as an external air

barrier and an alternative to a traditional

standard breather membrane. Wraptite is

the only self-adhering vapour-permeable

air barrier certified by the BBA and

combines the essential properties of

vapour permeability and airtightness in

one self-adhering membrane. The selfadhered

nature of Wraptite and its high

level of water resistance and simplified

The A. Proctor Group has collaborated with NBS to aid the

specification process for architects and designers covering

an extensive range of systems and components for floors,

walls, and roofs. Available through NBS Chorus and NBS Source,

specifiers can now access a full suite of digital products and technical

specifications for many of the A. Proctor Group’s product solutions.

The collaboration with NBS provides architects and designers with

a comprehensive technical specification writing service. In addition,

specifiers have easy access to the manufacturer’s specification data,

BIM objects, literature and third-party certifications.

66


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01452 945 633

residencecollectiontrade.co.uk

trade@residencecollection.co.uk

ABOUT

The Residence Collection

Bringing together a suite of

premium window and door

systems designed and made in

Great Britain.

The Residence Collection can

be the perfect solution for your

project. Offering u-values as

low as 0.74 W/m 2 K with triple

glazing. Beautiful windows and

doors that complement your

home, whilst performing to the

highest standards. Whether you

choose R9, R7 or R 2 , our team

will support you through the

entire process.

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