May 2024 Issue

May 2024

www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

Exploring practical solutions for today’s built environment challenges

THE

RESIDENCE

COLLECTION

The True Timber

Alternative

Bringing together a suite of premium

window and door systems designed

and made in Great Britain.

residencecollectiontrade.co.uk

SUSTAINABILITY

EDUCATION

WINDOWS, DOORS &

ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

FLOORS, WALLS &

CEILINGS

LANDSCAPING

Hall 6

C71

C70

D69

D71

D70 E71 E72

F75

F60

G57

C56

D61

D60

F58

G53

A57

A61

B51

B52

C55

C51

Sales

Lounge

C52

Demo Area

F50

G50

A46

B45

C49

C48

F48

F42

G39

G48

G42

A51

A15

A44

A42

B41

C41

D41

F30

G38

H

A14

A40

C40

D40

E41

E40

F35

H31

A13

C20

D27

A12

A11

A30

C31

D28

D24

E25

E38

E30

E22

E20

F31

F25

F21

F24

F20

G29

D20

E21

Visitors

Entrance

Hall 6

A20

A10

C10

C12

D10

D12

E10

E12

F19

G08

Crafted for

your business,

to do business.

REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE TICKET ATA

Materials & Finishes Show was formerly known as W Exhibition

Hall 20

L81 L81

N80 P81

P70 P70

Q70 Q70

H80 H80

Networking Bar Bar

L78 L78

L70 L70

M70

P82

N74

N78

N70

Seminar

Seminar

Theatre

Theatre

K70 K70

Q60 Q60

G74 H73 H73

VIP VIP

AREA AREA

L68 L68 M41 M41

L60 L60

M68

N69

N61

N68

N60

P56 P56 Q61 Q61

P54 P54

Q56 Q56

H55

H76 H76

K51 K51

K52 K52

M58

N55 P51 P51 P52 P52

N50

Q51 Q51

Q54 Q54

H51

H70 H70 K47 K47

M50

Q52 Q52

3

H43

H40 H40

K41 K41

K40 K40

M33 M33

M40 M40

N40

4 G44 H41 H41

Q50 Q50

33

H30 H30

K31 K31

6

4

G26

G24

H26 H26

K30

K30

M30

M30

N20

N20

Q30

Q30

0

G20

H20

H20

K25

K25

Q20

Q20

K21

K21

Q14

Q14

H10

H10

K10

K10

K12

K12

K16

K16

M10

M10 N10

N10

Q10

Q10

Q12

Q12

Visitors

Entrance

Hall 20

.

materialsandfinishesshow.com/visit

*Floorplan correct at time of printing

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.

01_SB0524.indd 1

30/04/2024 21:48

www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ May 2024

MAY 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

None of us needs the Met Office to tell us it’s been

raining – a lot! The winter of 2023/24 has been

officially declared the eighth wettest on record

in the UK, while England had its fourth wettest

February ever recorded.

We’re all longing for some sun, but the poor weather

has had more serious repercussions for the construction

industry, significantly delaying breaking ground and the

development of newbuild sites. The South West Business

Council has said bad weather in the region cost an

estimated £70m, with ongoing rainfall and high winds

leaving sites under water and making it impossible to do

any significant groundworks. Building sites across the UK

are now months behind schedule, and it’s believed that it

will be Q3 of 2024 before things will really get any better.

As frustrating as the slow start to the year’s building work

is, there are signs that things are looking up. Gas bills have

fallen and interest rates are expected to start coming down,

all signs that people may finally have a little more cash

in their pocket. This, in turn, could mean the restarting of

RMI projects that the cost-of-living crisis put on hold. That,

plus a looming general election and the impact that a new

government tends to have on the construction sector, could

make 2024 an interesting year for us all.

PUBLISHED BY MAPPED OUT MEDIA LIMITED

Registered in England No.

15185328

Registered Office:

The Old Barn, Wood Street,

Swanley, England, BR8 7PA

May 2024


All rights reserved. No part of this publication

may be reproduced or transmitted in any

form, without the consent of the publisher

- Mapped out Media Limited. While

every effort is made to ensure accuracy,

the publishers do not accept liability for

errors – printing or otherwise – appearing

within this publication (and website). The

views expressed by contributors are not

necessarily those of the editor or publisher.

Exploring practical solutions for today’s built environment challenges

THE

RESIDENCE

COLLECTION

The True Timber

Alternative

Bringing together a suite of premium

window and door systems designed

and made in Great Britain.

residencecollectiontrade.co.uk

Premium window and door designer

The Residence Collection has pioneered

change by overcoming the restrictions

of upgrading and installing modern

windows in heritage buildings and

newbuilds across the UK, including

in conservation areas. See p12 for

some examples of recent projects the

company has completed.

SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION WINDOWS, DOORS & FLOORS, WALLS &

LANDSCAPING

ENTRANCE SYSTEMS CEILINGS

01_SB0524.indd 1 30/04/2024 21:48

3

24

16

22

28

CONTENTS

06. News

10. Making a statement: helping to create truly

individual homes

SUSTAINABILITY

14. Drop-in renewable liquid fuels could transform

off-grid heating and DHW

16. Timber in Construction is a road less travelled

18. Pushing the envelope with specification

20. The ancient properties of clay brick

EDUCATION

26. Yeoman Shield extends wall lifecycles at school

28. Arts & Crafts style dining for Cambridge students

30. New Products

WINDOWS, DOORS & ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

34. Specifying composite fire doors

36. The push for sustainable window frames

4

32

48

38 58

38. Pocket doors offer flexible style

40. A homebuilder’s guide to smart security

42. New Products

44. Show Preview: Materials & Finishes Show

FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS

46. Ensuring compliance with the Golden Thread

48. The stylish appeal of parquet flooring

50. Why proper specification remains crucial in

construction

54. Creating airtight homes with OSB

56. Elevating architecture beyond pure function

LANDSCAPING

58. Don’t forget the landscaping when specifying a

project

60. Do you know your timber Use Classes?

62. Expert garden design advice for 2024

64. New Products

66. Case Studies

52. Linoleum: specifying for sustainability

5

May 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

LATEST NEWS

NEWS \\ INDUSTRY UPDATES

BDA removes one-star rating from Quality Charter Scheme

The Brick Development Association

(BDA) has removed the one-star rating

from its Brickmakers Quality Charter

(BQC) scheme, reflecting a commitment

to continuous improvement and aligning

with the higher standards mandated

by the UK’s Building Safety Act 2022

and Future Homes Standard. The BDA

said this move, part of the ‘Better with

Brick’ campaign, will help promote safer,

more sustainable, and higher-quality clay

bricks for future generations.

“The introduction of the Building

Safety Act and Future Homes Standard

presents an opportunity to reshape the

industry for the better,” said BDA CEO

Keith Aldis. “By removing the one-star

rating from the BQC and focusing on

two- and three-star certifications, we

are actively raising the bar for higher

levels of quality and performance from

brickmakers.

“We believe residents deserve

peace of mind knowing their homes

are constructed with safe, highquality

materials. The good news

is, the majority of UK manufacturers

already achieve the two or three-star

certification under the BQC scheme.

Moving from one-star to two-star isn’t a

major leap for most, and we’re here to

support them every step of the way with

resources and guidance. We have full

confidence that the industry will rise to

the occasion and collectively raise the

bar for excellence.”

The ‘Better with Brick’ campaign

has been created to highlight the

benefits of choosing high-quality clay

bricks, including superior durability,

fire resistance, energy efficiency, and

aesthetic appeal.

FMB calls on government to create Cabinet Minister for Housing

A dedicated Secretary of State for

Housing is needed to tackle the

growing housing crisis as demonstrated

by the falling number of new homes

being built and the failure to retrofit at

scale our existing 29 million homes, the

Federation of Master Builders (FMB)

says.

In its General Election Manifesto,

‘Growth from the Ground Up’, the FMB

is calling on the upcoming government

to take urgent steps to boost

housebuilding rates; tackle the ongoing

skills crisis in construction; support the

rollout of energy efficiency upgrades

to existing homes; and introduce a

minimum competency level for builders.

FMB Chief Executive Brian Berry

said: “As we approach the General

Election the new government needs to

address the growing housing crisis to

stimulate economic growth. Without an

adequate supply of homes people can’t

move freely, which stifles growth and

opportunities.

“Housing delivery requires a

competent and available workforce,

which is why we’re calling for clear

pathways into the building industry

to help professionalise and boost

the image of the industry to a new

generation of people. The next

government should also ensure that

the building profession finally rids

itself of cowboy builders. It’s not right

that anyone can call themselves a

builder without any minimum level of

competence.”

Berry concluded: “The manifesto sets

out a comprehensive set of policies that

will help drive long-term growth [and]

positive change in our industry.”

Triple award success for WestWood Liquid Technologies

Three standout projects featuring

WestWood Liquid Technologies have

been recognised at the Liquid Roofing

and Waterproofing (LRWA) Awards.

Westwood, in partnership with EMC

Roofing & Cladding, topped the Liquid

Waterproofing Project of the Year

category for the ‘Wedding Cake’, which

showcased the aesthetic versatility of

PMMA liquid-applied membranes.

In the same category, Westwood

and Cure Group picked up the

Highly Commended award for the

‘Shmuseum’. Demonstrating highly

skilled workmanship and the versatility

of PMMA, this project emulated a Grand

Prix track providing a visually stunning

and robust surface in a ‘dream garage’

for automotive YouTuber Tim Burton.

Westwood’s third accolade was

secured in the Liquid Roofing Project

of the Year in a Buried Application

category. In partnership with Ifield &

Barrett Roofing, the team achieved the

Highly Commended award for the ‘Old

Bailey’; a complex project requiring

terrace areas to be waterproofed on the

eighth and ninth floors of an occupied

London office building.

A total of 20 projects were shortlisted

across four LRWA Award categories,

including six involving WestWood. The

entries were judged by an independent

panel, including liquid waterproofing

specialists and specifiers. Points were

awarded for each project’s complexity,

workmanship, evidence of problemsolving,

and aesthetics.

6


LATEST NEWS


Cutting insulation requirements

for heat pumps ‘shortsighted’

Government plans to reduce insulation standards to boost

uptake of heat pumps have been described as ‘shortsighted’

by external wall insulation specialist Alsecco.

The Government has removed the need to install cavity

wall insulation and loft insulation to qualify for Boiler Upgrade

Scheme (BUS) grants, under which homeowners can now

apply for up to £7,500 towards the cost of installing a heat

pump. But Alsecco believes this undermines the impact that

carbon reduction initiatives will have in the long term, instead

of reinforcing a fabric-first approach as the most effective

way to cut energy consumption on a long-term basis. It also

contradicts the movement towards creating more thermally

efficient buildings that rely less on energy to maintain a

comfortable living standard.

The Insulated Render and Cladding Association, which

represents the external wall insulation industry, has already

announced its intention to lobby the Government to prioritise

a fabric-first approach in retrofit projects to thermally upgrade

existing buildings.

Dean Broughton, Managing Director at Alsecco UK, said:

“Buildings need to be constructed with energy efficiency in

mind, and upgrading existing homes to be more thermally

efficient is vital if we are to reduce carbon emissions in the

built environment. However, quick fixes to boost specific

targets, such as increasing the uptake of heat pumps, cannot

be done at the expense of the bigger picture. Homes that are

constructed – or retrofitted – to be more thermally efficient will

use less energy over their lifetime. Insulation is integral to this.

“The pitfalls of poorly insulated homes are well known –

and addressing heat loss and dealing with condensation will

require more energy use down the line. We strongly believe

that a fabric-first approach is needed to build homes that are

fit for a more sustainable future.”

HHIC welcomes

new Chair

The Heating & Hotwater Industry

Council (HHIC) has announced

the appointment of its new Chair,

Henrik Juhl Hansen. Managing

Director of Vaillant Group UK and

Ireland, Henrik takes over the role

from previous Chair, Baxi’s Karen

Boswell.

Henrik has more than 30 years’

leadership experience in crosscultural

business in Europe, USA,

Nordics, Africa and the Middle East.

He joined Vaillant in 2016 and has

been Managing Director at Vaillant

Group UK & Ireland since January

2022. As Chair of HHIC, he is well

placed to lead on work supporting

the UK’s ongoing decarbonisation

programme.

He said: “As a whole industry

across manufacturers, merchants

and installers, we must all be active

and engaged when it comes to

educating and raising awareness of

the challenges the heating industry

faces, while seeking to help others

in the arena to see the issues from

several points of view.”

Accurate advice from new AccuRoof brand

SIG Design and Technology, the

specification support arm of SIG

Roofing, has rebranded to AccuRoof.

The company has also launched a new

website and expanded its specification

team to reflect increasing demand for

specialist roofing advice and solutions.

SIG Design & Technology is an

established roofing system designer and

supplier for single ply, hot melt, liquids,

hard metal roofing and cladding, green

and blue roofing and biosolar systems.

AccuRoof is a trusted, systemagnostic

roofing specification and

technical support service for architects,

specifiers and contractors. As part of

SIG Roofing and its parent company,

distributor SIG Plc, it can recommend

the most appropriate systems for a

specifier’s needs.

AccuRoof provides an end-to-end

solution from design and technical

advice, via the ACIS scheme of

registered installers, through to supply

and inspection on site and single point

warranties. Experienced in all aspects of

roofing design, compliance, installation,

maintenance and repair, AccuRoof also

provides independent advice to enable

architects and contractors to make

decisions on the specification of roofing

for their projects with greater clarity and

confidence. This service is provided at

no cost to specifiers.

AccuRoof is expanding its

specification team and has entered

a range of its products into the Code

for Construction Product Information

assessment process and implemented

a continuous training programme to

ensure it can offer up-to-date advice

in line with the Building Safety Act and

changing regulations.

AccuRoof’s new website accuroof.

co.uk reflects the Building Safety

Act’s emphasis on a systems-based

approach, featuring commonly used

roofing systems with direct links to NBS

Source specification data. Users can

filter flat, green and blue roofing systems

by type, waterproofing, insulation,

deck construction and even UniClass.

Bespoke support is also available

through the specification and technical

teams, accessible on the website via a

postcode search, enabling specifiers to

reach the right person quickly.

8



Swiftclean welcomes

TR19 specification

Swiftclean has welcomed the release of the Building

Engineering Services Association (BESA) TR19 Air

‘Specification for internal cleanliness and hygiene management

of ventilation systems’, which BESA says will revolutionise

building air quality.

Swiftclean Managing Director Gary Nicholls said: “The

long-awaited TR19 Air specification will help to emphasise

the importance of clean ventilation ductwork and its impact

on healthy indoor air quality, something that we have

campaigned for over many years.

“The health of workers and residents in a large swathe of

buildings across the UK will now be better safeguarded as

compliance with this new specification gains traction. In the

past, cleaning ventilation systems was all too often postponed

or neglected. We trust this new emphasis on air quality,

highlighting the importance of ventilation hygiene with regard

to health and wellbeing, will finally put an end to those days.”

TR19 Air provides guidance for building and facilities

managers in fulfilling their obligations under health &

safety legislation, to achieve and maintain a healthy indoor

atmosphere for occupants.

BESA has also updated the content of two of its training

courses, for which Swiftclean is currently one of three training

centres in the UK. The new TR19 Air Hygiene Operative

course will train operatives to clean ventilation systems in

compliance with TR19 Air, and will include both theory and

practical tests to ensure operatives are highly competent.

Swiftclean will deliver the Air Hygiene Technician course

for those who will also be required to create risk assessments

and method statements. The course also covers the

inspection, testing and reporting on the cleanliness of the

system, as well as the installation of additional access points

to help ensure overall access and compliance with TR19 Air.

Nicholls concluded: “It is very pleasing to see the industry

elevated by both BESA specifications and dedicated training

courses, which will raise standards of best practice.”

New fire resistance testing lab

reaches commissioning stage

Warringtonfire’s new laboratory at Birchwood Technology Park,

Warrington, has now installed four out of a planned seven of

its resistance testing furnaces, marking significant progress

towards its completion and commissioning.

The 101,000ft 2 facility from testing and certification

provider Warringtonfire will help the company to expand

capacity and meet increasing demand for fire resistance

testing of critical fire safety products and systems, such as fire

doorsets, intumescent coatings for steel protection, and other

passive fire protection solutions.

The furnaces will be supported by a raft of technology to

carefully manage air quality both during and after the testing

process. This includes new air handling and high-performance

ventilation systems, as well as cold smoke and hot smoke

extraction systems.

By January 2025 two vertical furnaces, two horizontal

furnaces, and one indicative furnace will be ready to accept

test specimens. Another two furnaces will be installed by

the end of 2026. In total, this will represent an 80% increase

in testing capacity over Warringtonfire’s current site at

Holmesfield Road, Warrington. The laboratory is set up to

accept a blend of clean hydrogen and natural gas once local

infrastructure offers this service.

LATEST NEWS

Help to accelerate a low-carbon future using timber

Timber Development UK (TDUK) has

announced its first design conference

focused on a low-carbon transformation

of the built environment using timber.

Taking place on 26 June at Hamilton

House in London, the UK Timber

Design Conference will bring together

hundreds of architects, designers,

developers, engineers and more to

discuss how the industry can create

systemic change, usher in a net-zero

future, and break down the barriers to

timber in construction.

Supported by Swedish Wood and

Built by Nature, this conference will be

the must-attend event of the summer

for anyone interested in designing or

building with wood.

Speakers include the teams behind

Phoenix in Lewes, set to be the UK’s

largest timber development; Goldsmith

Street, the Stirling Prize-winning

council-led development in Norwich;

and London’s Black & White building.

Discussion will centre on a diverse

range of timber typologies and

applications, from private to public, and

residential to commercial.

TDUK Chief Executive David

Hopkins said: “Timber can play such

an instrumental role in helping the UK

level up and create a built environment

which works in tandem, rather than

opposition, with nature. This is already

being demonstrated through some

incredible projects, which will be on

display at this conference.

“What we need to see now is a

transformation which means these

world-leading developments and

buildings are the norm – not the

exception. That timber construction is

the go-to option, as we strive to meet

our net zero targets. This conference

will bring together agents of change

who can accelerate this transformation.”

Tickets are available online at

www.timberdevelopment.uk

9


ADVERTISEMENT

FEATURE

MAKING A STATEMENT: HELPING TO

CREATE TRULY INDIVIDUAL HOMES

Cedral products are designed to create architecturally stylish properties and Cedral is

committed to supporting the industry to build more beautiful, lasting homes.

At Cedral we strive to continuously

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drive innovation to generate new

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We also provide ongoing support for

our wide range of styles and a suite of

inspiring design tips and ideas.

Colour Collections

The Cedral Colour Collections are

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bright colour pops, each collection -

Design, Expressive, Natural and Classic

– is created for contemporary living,

crafted to resonate with homeowners’

personalities and lifestyles.

Wide range of styles

Cedral facades are available in two

styles, with two finishes, across 21

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creating an attractive, consistent look

● Cedral slates come in four eyecatching

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Design inspiration: tips and ideas

Cedral facades and slates combine

harmoniously with other materials such

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Professional installation service

Cedral Select Professionals are expert

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and come with 10-year product and

workmanship guarantees. There is a

‘Find a Cedral Select installer’ feature on

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Customer support

Cedral offers dedicated customer

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Get the answer to your questions on

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Cedral fibre cement facades and roofs

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is easy to clean

● Easy-to-install: with dry fitting

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● Sustainable: fibre cement is

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building materials

Talk to Cedral

Get in touch through the Cedral website

at www.cedral.world, email infouk@

etexgroup.com or phone: +44 (0)1283

501 555.

10

www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ Month 2024

PLATINUM GREY

FACADES

NAME HERE

FEATURE SECTION

INSPIRING FACADES

TO BRING YOUR

VISION TO LIFE

Introducing the Cedral Collections. Four unique

collections designed to help bring your vision to life.

Based on research into the latest colour trends, they

offer a suite of stunning contemporary options, that

can be viewed in situ with our Cedral Visualiser app.

INTRODUCING THE

EXPLORE THE COLLECTIONS AT

WWW.CEDRAL.WORLD

COLLECTIONS

3


COVER STORY

THE RESIDENCE COLLECTION

BUILDS HOUSEBUILDER PROJECT

PORTFOLIO

Here, The Residence Collection highlights some of its most recent

projects upgrading and installing modern windows in heritage

houses across the UK.

Premium window and door

designer The Residence

Collection has pioneered

change by overcoming the

restrictions of upgrading and

installing modern windows in heritage

buildings and new-builds across the UK,

including conservation areas.

These properties come with additional

challenges and limitations, especially

for housebuilders applying for planning

consent on new-build homes.

The Residence Collection has built

an impressive commercial portfolio

by supporting its network of installers

and fabricators and collaborating

with developers. This has allowed

housebuilders to create communities

that complement areas imposed by

Article 4 Conservation Area guidelines

when required.

Old Beech Farm, Woolley

Located in the conservation area of

Woolley, near Wakefield, The Residence

Collection was featured in Old Beech

Farm, a high-end luxury development,

with 200 Residence 9 windows.

Alongside fabricator HWL Windows and

Linfit Developments, the traditional R9

windows were installed in the Painswick

colourway, to complement the stone

exterior of the homes.

The original timber alternative window,

Residence 9 is widely accepted for

use in Conservation Areas and Grade

II listed buildings across the UK. This is

because the collection adheres to the

key principles, shapes, and dimensions

from the Article 4 Conservation Area

guidelines for windows.

The Residence Collection was chosen

by the developer due to its low

maintenance, superior thermal and

acoustic performance features, and

high-end finish, which fitted with the

premium development. In 2023, this

project won the Commercial Project of

the Year award at the G23 Awards.

12


COVER STORY

Old Manor Farm, Alstone

Partnering with installer The

Worcestershire Door Company

and fabricator Lister Windows, The

Residence Collection completed the

Lockley Homes Old Manor Farm

development in the Cotswolds, with 70

windows and 10 French doors.

The £7 million development features

The Residence Collection’s Residence

7 range. The R7 was chosen due to its

flush exterior and flush interior creating

a modern finish to these beautiful

homes. The windows were fabricated

with mechanical joints, creating that true

alternative finish.

Grange Farm, Grandborough

In Warwickshire, 60 of The Residence

Collection’s R7 windows were fitted at

Grange Country Homes’ Grange Farm

development.

In a collaboration between installer PPH

Management and fabricator, Stedek

Windows and Doors, together they

incorporated Residence 7 windows

into nine new-build homes in the No.38

Grey colourway. Stedek Windows

used the timberweld jointing method

which creates a timber look visible to

the exterior and interior of the window,

whilst internally each corner is welded

enhancing the visual appeal of the

properties and contributing remarkable

durability and energy efficiency.

Melbourne Mews, Wheathampstead

Another outstanding Residence 7

window system project is Jarvis Homes’

Melbourne Mews development in

Wheathampstead in Hertfordshire.

Alongside installer HBD Systems and

fabricator Window Tech Trade, over

250 windows were installed across 20

homes and two apartment blocks with

Residence 7 windows in Grained White.

Like Grange Farm in Grandborough,

Melbourne Mews’ windows were

crafted using the Timberweld jointing

technique. The majority of the windows

were designed as double side-hung

casements, featuring a floating mullion

and Georgian bars to complete the

aesthetic of the homes.

Jo Trotman, Marketing Manager at

The Residence Collection, said: “All

properties, including new-builds need

consideration when it comes to installing

windows due to the latest building

regulations and energy efficiency. As

a premium window and door designer

we’ve worked hard to build an extensive

network of fabricators and installers

throughout the UK in a variety of sectors.

“We specialise in upgrading and

preserving heritage buildings as well as

those located in conservation areas.

However, by working closely with our

fabricators and installers, we’re proud

to have made efforts to build strong

partnerships with new-build developers

too.

“Building on our success at the G

Awards in 2023, we have great optimism

surrounding our growth plan for further

commercial projects throughout 2024.”

The Residence Collection launched the

original PVC-U flush sash, Residence

9, back in 2011 — designed to

authentically replicate 19 th Century

timber designs. The Residence 7 and

Residence 2 collections completed the full

suite offering.

Not only do The Residence Collection

windows deliver on style, but they also

meet current building regulations and

are a smart choice for British installers.

The Residence Collection windows easily

achieves the Document L regulation

that came into effect last year, with

all systems achieving 1.2W/m²K as

standard with double glazing.

Since June 2022, building regulation Part

F relates to new requirements for trickle

vents on new and replacement windows.

These regulations may differ for historic

and traditional buildings, such as listed

buildings or those in conservation areas;

however, The Residence Collection

window systems can be fabricated

with trickle vents, and also offer trickle

vent covers, giving peace of mind for

installers and developers.

All three systems can be manufactured

with a number of jointing methods

such as mechanically jointed, mitre

welded, Timberweld or graf weld, giving

commercial projects the opportunity

to keep local characteristics and

constraints in mind.

The Residence Collection offers premium

systems for the premium customer, all in

a maintenance-free material designed for

modern lives.

www.residencecollectiontrade.

co.uk/

13


SUSTAINABILTY

DROP-IN RENEWABLE LIQUID FUELS

COULD TRANSFORM OFF-GRID

HEATING AND DHW

Rinnai’s Chris Goggin looks ahead to the advent of renewable liquid fuels in the mass

markets and considers how DME could help industrial and commercial users in particular.

As fossil fuel consumption is

gradually diminishing from global

energy options, the UK will have

to locate and use alternative energies,

some of which will be entirely unfamiliar

to British customers. One of these future

and somewhat unfamiliar fuel sources

will be Renewable & Recycled Carbon

Dimethyl Ether (DME).

DME is a sustainable fuel that can be

produced through a wide range of

renewable feedstocks such as waste

which allows for quick and longterm

sustainable production. DME is

chemically similar to LPG and can be

blended, ‘dropped in’, to existing supply

LPG chains, without the need to modify

equipment which is a major plus for

existing systems and appliances. DME

can also be used on its own, as a 100%

pure fuel, particularly for industrial or

commercial users.

DME combusts cleanly and releases no

“soot” emissions and contains many

fuel properties that make it easily used

in sites and appliances using diesel. it

possesses a very high cetane number

which is a measure of the fuel’s ignitibility

in compression ignition engines.

DME is safe and reduces greenhouse

gas emissions by up to 85% thus

better improving local air quality when

compared to traditional fuels. NOx,

SOx and PM readings are all heavily

reduced through the implementation

of DME. Future capacity of European

DME production is set to rise sharply

in an approaching time frame further

increasing the likelihood of it being

introduced nationally at some stage

soon.

Netherlands-based renewable and

recycled carbon DME producer Dimeta

is a collaborative effort by two of the

world’s leading LPG (Liquefied Petroleum

Gas) distributors, SHV Energy and

UGI International. Dimeta is at the

forefront of contributing to a more

sustainable future and increasing access

to affordable low-carbon energy by

spearheading the production and use of

Renewable and Recycled Carbon DME

commercially to decarbonize the LPG

industry in the UK, Europe and United

States.

Dimeta and Rinnai aim to raise customer

understanding of both renewable and

recycled carbon DME while promoting

their usage for on off-grid properties.

Dimeta is contributing towards the

standardization of DME boilers and DME

water heaters by assisting in defining

UK manufacturing values. Centralized

industry standards are to be cleared

by regulators later this year. By 2024

boilers that accept renewable and

recycled carbon DME could be ready to

purchase.

Rinnai and Dimeta have signed a MOU

(Memorandum of Understanding). Both

companies will work together to explore

blending DME with LPG and used in

existing appliances. Dimeta and Rinnai

will also aim to develop 100% DME

dedicated appliances, including RDME

water heaters, RDME boilers and Hybrid

RDME heating systems.

The collaboration between Dimeta and

Rinnai will initially focus on the European

market to further their knowledge and

highlight the importance of collaboration

across the whole value chain.

Rinnai is committed to design and

produce RDME low carbon heating to

properties not connected to the UK

national grid. Rinnai offer technical,

economic and practical solutions for

UK customers who seek decarbonising

DHW and property heat and support

installers by sharing this information.

Renewable and recycled carbon

DME, DME, BioLPG and LPG provide

vital supplies of energy to off-grid

properties. Replacement fuels must not

only perform at an identical standard

to traditional off-grid fuels but must

also ensure decarbonisation. Rinnai is

working towards providing UK off-grid

customers with a selection of energies

and products that encourage carbon

neutrality.

www.rinnaiuk.com

14

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about solar

today

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SIGRSART1223 V2 | © SIG Trading Ltd 2023. All rights reserved. The information contained in this document is believed to be correct at the date of publication. Images used are for illustration purposes only.


SUSTAINABILITY

ROAD LESS TRAVELLED

Steve Griffiths, Technical Director at Taylor Lane Timber Frame, considers the

government’s Timber in construction roadmap and explains the impact on building

in England, and what this will mean for specifiers.

We are all seeking ways

to improve sustainability

and reduce carbon

emissions during

construction to support

the country’s net zero ambitions. As the

ultimate low-carbon material timber can

help us achieve this, something which

the UK government acknowledges in its

policy Timber in construction roadmap.

The policy outlines how the government

plans to expand the safe use of timber in

construction and increase our domestic

wood supply, saying ‘…an increased

use of timber in the construction industry

would make a significant difference to

stimulate demand for domestic planting

stock in England.’ (source: gov.uk)

By increasing tree canopy in England

and with proactive forest management,

the country would be less reliant on

imported timber – currently 80% of

timber used in the UK is imported. It

would also stimulate sustainable planting

of hard and soft woods. Using this

homegrown timber in construction would

then help reduce embodied carbon in

the built environment.

Reduce embodied carbon

There are two forms of carbon in the built

environment, operational – resulting from

the type of energy or heating system

used in the building, and embodied,

from the manufacture, maintenance and

disposal of the construction products

which form the building.

The ‘Wood in Construction in the UK’

analysis commissioned for the Climate

Change Committee (CCC) suggests that

substituting timber frame for masonry

can reduce the embodied emissions

in a single building by around 20%,

and carbon storage at building level is

approximately 50% higher for timber

frame than masonry (source: theccc.org.

uk).

In actively promoting the use of timber in

construction the government is showing

it is committed to expanding the use of

timber in the built environment.

MMC Category 2

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)

are mentioned frequently in the policy,

and this is a key area for the expansion

of the timber industry. We know through

our own experience that more builders

and developers are switching onto the

benefits of timber frame construction, a

popular and proven modern method of

construction, especially in housebuilding.

Timber has the lowest CO 2

value of any

commercially available building material

and is the only truly renewable building

material. When used as MMC Category

2 timber frame, the advantages go

80%

of timber used in the

UK is currently

imported

16


SUSTAINABILITY

beyond these inherent benefits. Timber

frame construction is a faster build

method than traditional brick and block.

Accurate, with less waste and design

flexibility, it can speed up the build

programme by about a third. It also

enhances thermal performance helping

to reduce energy costs for residents.

Progressive nations

While many welcome the Timber in

is committed to delivering at least 50%

of public buildings using bio-based

materials, the Netherlands has targets

for public buildings and its capital

Amsterdam has set a target for one in

five homes to made of timber.

Essential education and training

Central to this, of course, is education

and training across the supply chain,

from specifiers down to building owners

The ‘Wood in Construction in the UK’ analysis

suggests that substituting timber frame for

masonry can reduce the embodied emissions in a

single building by around 20%.

construction roadmap policy for some it

doesn’t go far enough, and despite there

being many positives, the UK is still in

danger of falling behind when it comes

to embracing timber construction.

The report Timber Policy, commissioned

by trade association Timber

Development UK (TDUK) and written by

Waugh Thistleton Architects examines

how different Germany, the Netherlands,

Denmark, France, Finland and the USA

are ‘finding ways to build safe and

resilient timber buildings’ and ‘…are

actively encouraging timber construction

in their national and regional policies.’

The study explains how inspirational

policies can inform the UK and help

it realise its own timber ambitions. It

aims to give the government ‘exemplar

guidance’ on how to deliver the Timber

in construction roadmap and increase

timber’s role in construction.The report

goes on to reveal that these progressive

nations have policies to promote

building in timber. France, for example,

and residents. Many of the countries

cited in the Timber Policy report have

policies to upskill and re-skill existing

workforce and encourage new entrants

into the timber industry. This is

something the UK government must

emulate if we are to achieve our net zero

targets and build better, warmer, more

sustainable buildings, and it must be

addressed urgently.

Addressing the skills shortage

Analysts at the Institute for Public

Policy Research (IPPR) suggest around

1.6m new jobs could be created in our

transition to a green economy. The

skills shortage is both a threat to our

advancement and an economic and

social opportunity.

This is something recognised by the

RIBA and the New Model Institute for

Technology and Engineering (NMITE).

The RIBA was involved in developing the

Timber in construction roadmap policy

and is ‘helping members improve their

climate literacy and introducing

new mandatory competencies in this

area,’ says Nell Brown, senior policy

advisor at the RIBA.

NMITE meanwhile has launched

a BSc (Hons) Sustainable Built

Environment course for which

it is accepting applicants for

September 2025. It will enable

people to ‘become a career-ready

built environment professional, and

fast’. The programme is designed

to ‘educate a new generation of

construction professionals and enable

them to create a more sustainable

future.’

Beyond this, existing specifiers must

be receptive to the education, advice

and guidance provided by industry

bodies and associations, alongside

manufacturers and suppliers. As

a timber frame supplier, we work

tirelessly to inform architects and

specifiers on the attributes and

nuances of timber frame construction,

and so must others.

17


SUSTAINABILITY

PUSHING THE ENVELOPE WITH

SPECIFICATION

Changes from the Building Safety Act mean the typical approach for specifying building

envelope systems is changing. Clayton Kingman, UK Head of Building Envelope at

distributor SIG, considers how specifiers can deal with the added responsibility.

As the industry continues to get

to grips with the new rules and

requirements born from the

Building Safety Act, one requirement in

particular is changing the way architects

and specifiers work: developing the

design detail for the building envelope.

Typically, this has been the realm of

specialist building envelope contractors

who will take the design intent and, using

their expertise, will propose a solution.

However, the approval of the design

detail has been brought forward and

now the onus lies earlier up the chain.

It becomes critical in the application

of building envelope, which encloses

a Higher Risk Building (HRB) where

a series of three Gateway checks

ensure accurate and complete product

specifications. Designs can only move

through Gateways upon approval by the

Building Safety Regulator (BSR), and

its check relies upon proof of all risks

to occupant safety being considered at

each key milestone in the design and

construction process.

Building envelope design relates to

Gateway Two and if there is insufficient

evidence of the requirements being

met, this can prevent construction from

starting. Furthermore, once approved,

there cannot be any changes to the

envelope design without notifying and

re-approving with the BSR. With this

taking up to six weeks, any last-minute

changes can profoundly impact timings –

especially if the BSR deem the changes

unacceptable.

All this responsibility would traditionally

have sat with the specialist contractor,

but now it falls to architects and

specifiers to do the work up front. So,

how do you ensure you get it right first

time?

Simply put, design the building envelope

to sufficiently meet the criteria and

ensure it doesn’t change further down

the project timeline. This means the

envelope design from the architect

will need to be practically completed

and to include thermal performance

calculations, and condensation checks

along with all detail design, fixings,

and interface details. Sounds easy in

principle, however, challenges arise

when the envelope solution involves

combining products and systems. In

designing for optimal performance,

products can combine together to

achieve the necessary levels however

doing this requires in-depth knowledge

of the options available.

Manufacturers across the board have

stepped up regarding product and

system testing with many providing

the necessary evidence of required

performance. However, in specifying

multiple manufacturer products for the

design, not all may necessarily work in

tandem to deliver the levels required.

Effectively bringing together multiple

systems and products to form a

cohesive and functional solution requires

skill, time, and knowledge. For building

envelope contractors, this would’ve

been their day-to-day. For architects, it’s

another consideration to factor in.

So where can architects and specifiers

turn to? While competent manufacturers

will have a comprehensive level of

knowledge over their own systems and

products, it likely won’t extend beyond

their own view of the market.

Distributors, however, offer a brandagnostic

view of building envelope

solutions. Working with multiple

manufacturers allows distributors

such as SIG to have a broader level of

understanding of the options available.

Of course, this knowledge is only as

good as its application.

Our advice is to look for a partner with

the competency to understand the

options available and the technical

expertise to support you. The 360

Technical Team from SIG, for example,

can provide all the necessary thermal

calculations and models to ensure

an efficient application. This is critical

as part of the process of providing

performance evidence to the BSR. This

view of the market extends through

to product supply – another vital area

which can affect changes on the design

detail. Without a solid understanding

of the supply chain, any changes to

product availability could force architects

to enact a change notification with the

BSR, incurring delays.

It makes the idea of value engineering

further down the project less attractive.

Having a robust supply chain via a

distributor who can give sight of product

availability and secure stock can provide

the level of peace of mind needed.

www.sigplc.com

18


SUSTAINABILITY

THE ANCIENT PROPERTIES OF CLAY

BRICK ARE IDEAL FOR MODERN

BUILDINGS

Durable, adaptable, locally and responsibly sourced, there is much to recommend

clay brick as a modern sustainable building material. Keith Aldis, CEO of the Brick

Development Association, explores clay brick’s environmental credentials and its

role in creating a more architectural landscape.

Clay brick has proven

its performance for

thousands of years. When

compared to other forms

of construction such as

timber cladding, which commonly lasts

under 60 years, clay brick’s minimum

active lifespan of 150 years sets it apart.

In fact, clay brick can last much longer;

there are brick structures dating back

several thousand years BC that are still

in continuous use.

Similarly, Roman structures such as

the Pantheon were built using brick in

120 AD and are still perfectly intact.

In the UK, for example, present-day

Cambridge is an excellent example of a

city built on clay brick with many brickbuilt

university buildings dating back to

the 1400s. The prevalence of Georgianera

brick buildings that also continue

to be used and appreciated across the

UK are also testament to clay brick’s

exceptional durability. Clearly, under the

right circumstances, the evidence of clay

brick’s longevity is all around us.

Brick resilience

When compared to other building

materials, this highly durable material is

stable and robust. Resilient to extremes

of weather including flooding, clay brick

can withstand generations of wear and

tear with only minimal maintenance,

such as periodic repointing of mortar.

Unlike render, timber or other building

materials which require maintenance,

the resilience of clay brick minimises

its environmental impact. Being noncombustible,

clay brick façades often

survive fires structurally intact, enabling

their renovation and reuse.

Cradle-to-cradle

Clay brick’s durability and resilience over

time demonstrate the importance of

taking a cradle-to-cradle approach when

evaluating sustainability. Rather than just

using low-carbon materials, sustainability

considers the environmental impact of

a product across its entire lifecycle from

production to use, maintenance, and

reuse or recycling.

Clay brick exemplifies this whole-life

approach. Thanks to their exceptional

durability and longevity, buildings

constructed from clay brick have a

prolonged usable lifespan, resulting in

a lower carbon footprint per year of

use. Clay brick can also be reused and

recycled to avoid waste. By refurbishing

clay brick buildings rather than

demolishing them, carbon emissions are

further reduced while also preserving the

architectural heritage of the local area.

As a durable, reusable, and recyclable

material, clay brick is one of the most

carbon-friendly building options. Its

resilience over generations embodies

sustainable design, saving carbon

and retaining the character of our

built environment. A cradle-to-cradle

mentality recognises the sustainability

inherent in this natural material.

However, current methods for assessing

sustainability, like Environmental Product

Declarations (EPDs), quote a service life

from the manufacturer. The EPD data

can then be integrated into a building

level assessment, which typically uses

a limited 60-year study period. This

short timeframe fails to account for the

exceptional longevity of durable materials

such as clay brick. The oldest fired bricks

are over 6,000 years old, demonstrating

20


SUSTAINABILITY

how the lifespan of clay brick can exceed

building level assessment expectations

more than 100-fold.

This longevity drastically reduces clay

brick’s carbon footprint per year of

use. While EPDs ignore a product’s

lifespan beyond 60 years, clay bricks

endure for centuries. And unlike other

materials, clay bricks can be reclaimed

and recycled repeatedly, further

supporting their carbon impact across

multiple lifetimes and generations. By

underestimating the extended lifespans

As a durable, reusable

and recyclable

material, clay brick is

one of the most

carbon-friendly

building options. Its

resilience over

generations embodies

sustainable design.

of durable products like clay brick,

EPDs and the specifiers who reference

them lack crucial data on true carbon

footprints. Life cycle assessments

based on clay brick’s 150+ year

service life would reveal its unparalleled

sustainability compared to the 60-

year study period. Only an analysis

accounting for longevity and recyclability

will capture the minimal carbon impact of

clay brick across its full lifecycle.

A local product

It’s important to highlight that clay

brick has tended to serve more local

markets, and it has been that way for

thousands of years. When you consider

that 85% of the bricks used in the UK

are manufactured here, it’s easy to see

why we are a country built on locally

produced clay brick.

Clay brick from UK brick manufacturers

travels on average no more than 68

miles from factory to site. Compared to

other building materials, which might

require transportation from different

countries and across large distances,

clay brick’s short distance from factory to

construction site minimises its economic

and environmental costs.

Thermal mass

Clay brick is also noted for its excellent

thermal mass. This ability to absorb,

store and release heat energy helps

to regulate indoor temperatures and

reduce energy consumption for heating

and cooling. This contributes to lower

operational carbon emissions, as the

building requires less energy to maintain

comfortable temperatures throughout

the year.

Clay bricks are crafted from natural

elements like clay, sand, water, and

air. Because they contain no harmful

additives and are composed entirely

of inert materials, clay bricks pose no

health risk once installed. This translates

to a healthy building material throughout

its lifecycle, which is free from volatile

organic compound (VOC) emissions.

At a time when the sustainability of

the built environment is under the

microscope, it’s easy to see why clay

brick is an essential building material

for today’s societal and environmental

needs.

Clay bricks are strong, weather and fireresistant,

locally-sourced, non-polluting,

and enable sustainable building designs

that offer hundreds of years of use and

reduce lifetime carbon emissions.

www.brick.org.uk

21


CASE STUDY

STO MAXIMISES THERMAL

EFFICIENCY AND AESTHETICS FOR

RETROFIT HOMES

In partnership with E.ON and Green Homes Solutions, Sto has enhanced energy efficiency

for Cheshire residents while maintaining the traditional appearance of their homes.

Located in Wilmslow, most of the

terraced houses are managed

by Peaks & Plains Housing Trust

with the remainder being privately

owned. Following funding by the Social

Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF),

all the properties have been upgraded

with Sto’s external wall insulation (EWI)

system.

Installed by Green Homes Solutions,

the EWI system is improving the homes’

thermal performance by reducing heat

loss and energy consumption while

protecting the properties from weather

damage. The risk of condensation, damp

and mould has also been minimised.

To meet the needs of residents who did

not want the look or feel of their homes

to change, aesthetics were prioritised. In

response, Sto’s solution included a range

of products designed to replicate the

homes’ traditional brick appearance and

complement architectural details. This

saw StoCleyer B brick slips, StoDeco

profiles and StoFentra Duo windowsills

installed on each property.

Manufactured from synthetic render, the

StoCleyer B brick slips offer a realistic

brick appearance with a durable,

weather-resistant finish. The StoDeco

Profiles replicate stone architectural

detailing on the window heads and

are manufactured using a lightweight

material that is easy to install. To

prevent the risk of any moisture from

damaging the EWI system, which can

be a common risk when retrofitting,

the StoFentra Duo windowsills absorb

movement and prevent water ingress.

The project was led by E.ON’s Green

Funding Solutions team, which

works with local authorities, housing

associations, government departments

and other key stakeholders to develop

and deliver large scale domestic retrofit

programmes.

Joel Stafford, Strategic Funding Manager

(Green Funding Solutions) at E.ON, says:

“With original brickwork and window

detailing, these properties were very

complex to insulate without losing any

of their traditional features or character.

Working with Sto, we provided samples

for each part of the system which were

instrumental in alleviating any concerns

raised by residents.

“The finished system not only looks great

but has delivered a fantastic outcome for

everyone who lives in these homes. We

have spoken with each resident since

the installation and they all felt the instant

benefits of the EWI, so are very happy

with the result.

“We have also received feedback stating

these properties showcase some of

the best domestic retrofit EWI to be

installed in recent years. The quality of

Sto’s service and products have been

key to this achievement and the project’s

seamless delivery.”

Joe Mellor, Head of Sales Development

at Sto, adds: “There is a common

misconception that retrofitting with

an EWI system is expensive and can

result in a bland finish. This project

shows that’s not true. From the outset,

the priority was to ensure the thermal

upgrade didn’t compromise the quality

of the finish.

“These refurbished properties are

now perfectly insulated, resulting in a

constant temperature inside the homes

complemented by attractive facades that

blend perfectly with their surroundings.”

www.sto.co.uk

22

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SPECIAL FEATURE

THE RISE OF METAL FAÇADES

Why do metal façades, typically made from solid aluminium or steel, remain so

popular among specifiers and architects working on major municipal, residential or

commercial projects? Vivalda’s Specification Manager Adam Sumner looks at the

factors driving this trend.

If the credibility of aluminium as

a building material was ever in

doubt, just ask the World Bank. It

recently identified aluminium as a

‘high-impact’ and ‘cross-cutting’

material when it came to green energy

technologies. Furthermore, the EU

has now added the metal to its list of

‘critical raw materials’, confirming the

importance of aluminium as a bedrock

of our economic prosperity. Some might

call aluminium a ‘wonder metal’ and this

is certainly the opinion of many designers

and specifiers in the construction

industry.

While building demand has been

somewhat lacklustre across EU and

UK markets in recent months, longterm

market forecasts are predicting

strong growth for aluminium façades

over the next decade. Granted, while

the post-Covid period, uncertainty

in global markets due to Russia’s

invasion of Ukraine, and prolonged high

interest rates have all served to subdue

construction activity, we’re finally seeing

renewed confidence in the market as

inflationary pressures ease.

From our own perspective, while

newbuild projects using aluminium

façades are steady, the continued and

vital remediation of non-conforming

cladding systems post-Grenfell is a

major area of interest for us.

With the upstream production of

aluminium making huge steps towards

reducing carbon content, along with

aluminium’s near 100% recyclability and

its long in-use life expectancy, specifiers

will continue to embrace aluminium

as the material of choice for future

sustainability.

Material of choice

While the sustainability of aluminium

right across the supply chain, from

production through to its 100%

recycling credentials, is now universally

understood, aluminium is also the go-to

metal for rainscreen cladding due to a

number of other factors.

The relatively low cost of aluminium

compared to other façade materials is

a key driver for many specifiers. While

it ticks the sustainability box from the

outset, when we talk to architects

during the initial stages of a project,

we are always mindful of the ‘priceaesthetic-performance’

paradigm. Every

specification decision is a balancing

act between these three competing

considerations. In our experience metal,

especially aluminium cladding, scores

highly here.

Once the cost of the material has been

signed off, specifiers are often pleasantly

surprised by the sheer flexibility of

aluminium cladding when it comes

to aesthetics. Our recently launched

MetSkin range of solid aluminium

façades, for example, comes in just

about any colour or tone imaginable.

This is thanks to our longstanding

association with coating suppliers

Interpon and DuPont, which even allows

us to colour match existing building

façades or even, for one architect, a

favourite item of clothing! Our Qualicoat

accreditation is another factor that gives

architects and specifiers the confidence

they need when specifying a façade

system.

Extra texture

Texture is another important aspect

of aluminium cladding that is often

overlooked. Working with our trusted

coatings partners, we can produce metal

façades that exhibit stone-like effects,

so that tactile stone or GRC façades can

be used at the bottom of buildings, while

lightweight aluminium can be employed

higher up the structure.

Given the rise in biophilia – the use of

more natural materials in buildings – we

are even seeing aluminium façades

maintaining ‘share of voice’ here, as

architects play with the juxtaposition of

metals next to materials such as wood

and stone.

Aluminium cladding also scores highly

when assessing its performance

across a number of criteria. Firstly, its

sustainable performance is beyond

question. With major producers such

as Norsk Hydro, Alcoa and Liberty

House all making huge strides in the

reduction of energy consumption and

the introduction of closed loop recycling

supply, aluminium is clearly a metal of

tomorrow.

Looking at the performance of aluminium

cladding in a more practical way, its

lightweight characteristics also promote

a lower CO 2

impact, as less fuel is used

to transport the material to site. Once

on-site, the low weight of the façade

panels makes them far easier and

24


With the upstream

production of

aluminium making

huge steps towards

reducing carbon

content, along with its

near 100% recyclability

and long in-use life

expectancy, specifiers

will continue to

embrace it as the

material of choice for

future sustainability.

safer to install compared to many other

competitive cladding materials.

The fact that metal façades are typically

fabricated and powder coated off-site (as

is the case at our Cumbernauld-based

manufacturing facility) and delivered as

ready made units, means that they are

quick and easy to install. Clever design

also means that large areas of façade

can be quickly created as panel sections

and then securely hung onto framing

systems, reducing time spent on the

construction site. Finally, the solid metal

character of aluminium façades makes

them A-rated non-flammable, even when

powder coating is applied to create

various effects.

Look ahead

Not a material to rest on its laurels,

aluminium cladding is also looking to

the future, and able to play a central

role in the long-awaited Future Homes

Standard, which is now due in 2025.

Aluminium façades are also playing a

big part in the future energy of buildings

globally. On the outskirts of the southern

Dutch city of Eindhoven, for example,

research is taking place to explore

the idea of harvesting energy from the

sun via rainscreen panels. Instead of

producing electricity, as photovoltaic

modules (solar panels) do, this EUfunded

project demonstrates how

aluminium cladding, treated with a

specialist coating, can provide a home

with heated water, even on cloudy days.

Be it retrofit, newbuild, commercial,

educational or residential – aluminium

cladding is a hugely popular choice for

architects and designers on a remarkably

wide range of projects. While other

façade materials tend to wax and wane

in and out of favour, the sheet flexibility

of metal cladding, combined with its

environmental credentials keeps it at

the top of the list when it comes to high

performance external façades.

www.vivalda.co.uk

SPECIAL FEATURE

25


EDUCATION

YEOMAN SHIELD EXTENDS WALL

LIFECYCLES AT SCHOOL

Wall protection from Yeoman Shield, installed at a school in Dewsbury, West

Yorkshire, is helping to maintain hygiene and welfare standards and ensure

durable, damage-free walls.

Ravenshall School is a special

educational needs school in

Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, that

caters for pupils with complex needs.

After seeing the success of previous

wall and door protection products that

were installed at the school, the school

approached Yeoman Shield once again

to install additional products over the

summer holidays.

Yeoman Shield helps all kinds of

businesses protect the interior of their

buildings from costly and unsightly

damage, by offering products which can

reduce building maintenance costs, from

protection rails, bollards and footrails

through to wall protection panels and

fire-rated door protection.

Yeoman Shield helps all

kinds of businesses

protect the interior of

their buildings from

costly and unsightly

damage.

The school wanted to roll out its wall

protection programme in more areas

of the building, helping to maintain

welfare standards with hygienic, durable,

damage free walls.

Yeoman Shield’s fixing operatives

installed FalmouthEx Light Green wall

protection panels to the school corridors.

The hardwearing surface is inherently

hygienic and easy to clean with the lightly

textured surface designed to conceals

scratches, scuffs, and markings.

Now in place, the panels will extend

the lifecycle of the school building’s

walls by protecting from the potential

impact damage that can be caused by

the everyday movement of staff and

students, (some using wheeled mobility

aids) and will eliminate the need for the

constant repainting of the lower walls,

saving time and maintenance costs.

Guardian Handrails in a contrasting

Opal Green colour were also installed

just above the wall panels. Available to

school users who required extra support,

the rails have an ergonomic 40mm

grip top that is easy and warm to hold

while offering an additional element of

protection to the wall behind.

Contrasting stop ends and external

corners were fitted to the Guardian

Handrail helping to highlight doorways

and corners for those with visual

impairments.

The school estate, along with others

in the group, is managed by facilities

management company Pinnacle Group.

Michael Cooper, Lifecycle and Variation

Manager, said of the work carried out:

“The installation of FalmouthEx wall

protection and Guardian Handrails has

helped us deliver on our mission to

extend the lifecycle of school facilities

and optimise efficiency, while also

improving accessibility for students at

Ravenshall School.

“This collaboration with Yeoman Shield

has allowed us to create an environment

that protects not only pupil safety,

but also the durability and condition

of the school’s corridors. The efficient

installation by Yeoman Shield operatives

outside of term time also ensured

minimal disruption to school operations.

“At Pinnacle Group, optimising

maintenance efficiency is a core priority.

Yeoman Shield’s expertise has allowed

us to deliver for Ravenshall School and

the team have been a pleasure to work

with throughout the project.”

www.yeomanshield.com

26

Specifying roof protection?

Get your ducks in a row.

kemperol.co.uk


EDUCATION

ARTS & CRAFTS STYLE DINING FOR

CAMBRIDGE STUDENTS

Specify & Build heads to Cambridge to find out how an Arts & Crafts-style timber

hall at Homerton College allowed students to socialise and engage with each other

in a striking communal dining space.

Comprising a dining hall, sweet chestnut coppice in a structure

buttery, kitchens and of this size; in the unusual form of the

associated amenities, butterfly truss; and in the traditional

the newest educational carpentry connections. Seldom used

building to be constructed

at Homerton – Cambridge’s youngest

and most populous college – creates

additional space for students to socialise

and study.

Located alongside Homerton’s Grade

II-listed Ibberson Building and Victorian

Gothic Revival buildings, the dining hall

draws on the Arts & Crafts tradition as a

striking contrast to the nearby buildings.

Built using sweet chestnut glulam for

the frame and internally lined with ash,

the award-winning design by architect

Feilden Fowles celebrates the structural

capability and natural beauty of timber as

a modern response to traditional forms

of construction.

Soaring long-span butterfly trusses in

the dining hall, consisting of large beams

and columns of engineered sweet

chestnut, echo traditional collegiate halls,

albeit inverting the typical pitch into a

valley-shaped roof. This structure was

crucial to the design from the outset,

creating a wide, open space with no

interrupting supports.

The unique nature of this timber design

is visible through the use of slender

in conjunction with high-performing

engineered timber, interlocking joints and

pegs negated the need for steel bolts

and plates.

The incorporation of carpentry-led

connections was made possible through

close collaboration with the timber

fabricators, Constructional Timber,

and structural engineers, Structure

Workshop, who made use of scale

models and ultimately a full-scale

prototype.

By transferring the structural forces

entirely through bearing, the compressive

strength of timber parallel and

perpendicular to the grain is exploited.

Sustainable timber design

Two principal entrances lead into the

buttery, a communal gathering space

at the centre of the building. This forms

an anteroom to the primary space

– the 330-seat dining hall. Around

the building’s perimeter a range of

informal spaces allow encounters and

interactions for staff and students.

A pair of uplifting expressed timberframed

volumes announce the building’s

civic and collective areas. Coppiced

The design of the hall

is symbolic of

Homerton’s

progressive character

and bold ambitions,

yet simultaneously in

conversation with the

rich architectural

heritage of

Cambridge.”

Edmund Fowles,

Director, Feilden Fowles

sweet chestnut glulam was used to

create the dining hall’s impressive

column and truss frame, complemented

by the alternating tonal lining of American

ash.

Pigmented concrete columns, using

50% GGBS cement replacement,

wrap the base of the hall and continue

internally, defining other public areas: the

buttery, reception and servery. Back of

house spaces – the kitchens and staff

facilities – are linked to the front of house

with highly functional circulation and

servicing connections.

© Jim Stephenson

Environmental building services engineer

and sustainability consultants Max

Fordham were appointed to integrate the

MEP design and drive the environmental

strategy. They created a bespoke

sustainability matrix for the project,

applying 22 targets that exceed best

practice. Designed to host large events

throughout the year, the all-electric

building is passively ventilated and uses

a ground source heat pump to reduce

CO₂ emissions from heating and hot

water by approximately 40%. The wholelife

embodied carbon of the project

surpasses the RIBA 2030 Climate

Challenge for non-domestic buildings.

28


EDUCATION

© Jim Stephenson

Innovative structural engineering

Structure Workshop worked closely

with Feilden Fowles and Constructional

Timber to achieve high-quality structural

innovations, as exemplified in the main

internal feature: the iconic butterfly

trusses that form the valley-shaped roof

of the dining hall.

The long span trusses consist of large

beam and columns sections that could

not be sourced in solid softwood or

hardwood. Engineered sweet chestnut

was chosen for its strength, appearance,

economy and sustainability. The thin

laths are formed into large, highperforming

glulam sections, limited in

length only by transportation constraints.

By bringing the timber columns to

ground and incorporating a thermal

break into the lateral restraints, the

glulam columns were able to be superslender

while also preserving the

continuous thermal line between the

inner timber structure and the outer

concrete plinth and faience façade.

CLT panels are used to span between

the butterfly trusses. This mass timber

deck supports the weight of the roof

and provides restraint to the head of the

clerestory glazing by acting as a deep

beam to transfer lateral forces to the stiff

gable walls. By eliminating the need for

purlins, the structural roof build-up is

exceptionally thin.

The Arts & Crafts brief promoted the

use of carpentry skills, and it was

decided early on to design the timber

connections using pegged carpentry

joints without any steel plates or bolts.

The butterfly truss form enables this as

all connections experience compression

or dead bearing, meaning the joints

naturally tighten as load is applied.

Significant time was employed by the

engineering and fabrication teams in

developing the connections for the

project. This included the study of

traditional joints, their ratification via

calculation, scale models to demonstrate

intent and ultimately a full-scale

prototype to prove the concept before

fabrication.

Handcrafted traditional construction

The entire sweet chestnut glulam frame

was fabricated offsite and installed by

Constructional Timber, using traditional

handcrafted carpentry joints fastened

with oak dowels between the columns

and beams.

Constructional Timber worked on

the project alongside the architects,

structural engineers and main contractor,

Barnes Construction, from the first

drawing stage through to onsite

installation. A small team of six made

up each truss and column frame in their

large workshop facility before being

deconstructed, wrapped, labelled and

sent to site where they were installed

by a team of only three. This dry-run

process meant that any problems that

arose in installation could be quickly

identified and solved, and enabled the

strict tolerances to be met.

Rigorous attention to detail is evident

throughout the construction. Quality

control was paramount to the success

of the scheme, and main contractor,

Barnes Construction, worked with the

wider project team to achieve this from

the earliest stages of involvement.

In the pre-tender period, they

worked with the architect to develop

specifications. This included early

engagement with key subcontractors,

such as groundworkers and concrete

manufacturing plants for the scheme’s

pigmented in situ concrete. Early

engagement with subcontractors

for joinery and internal floor finishes

optimised installation methods to ensure

a high-quality finish.

29


NEW PRODUCTS

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN

CANOPY AND RETRACTABLE GARAGE DOORS

When it comes to ‘up & over’ garage doors, the range

of options available are extensive, with different colours,

materials, handle options, additional features and types

of lifting gear to choose from. One aspect that often

needs further clarification is the types of lifting gear used

to operate an ‘up & over’ garage door, with two types

available.

Canopy lifting gear usually offers the best value, as the

door is manually operated through a handle on the front of

the garage door. This type of lifting gear ensures that the

door protrudes by about one-third of the garage door height

when in the fully open position, forming a canopy. A benefit

of the product is that there are no tracks inside the garage

when the door is closed.

Garador’s canopy ‘up & over’ garage doors are

engineered with an anti-drop system for safety, in the event

of a spring or cable failure.

The alternative type of lifting gear is Retractable, which

can be either manually or automatically operated. Manually

operated versions are lifted by hand using the garage door

handle, while automatically operated versions are moved

using a GaraMatic operator and hand transmitter.

The door moves on horizontal tracks that run back into

the garage, with retractable doors including lifting arms on

each side of the door. The door lifts upward and slides back

along rails into the ceiling of the garage.

Garador also offers Retractable Plus, which has lifting

arms designed to allow car wing mirrors extra room when

driving into the garage.

www.garador.co.uk

WHAT THE PROPOSED REDUCTION IN

ELECTRICITY COSTS MEANS

As the UK moves towards a general election, both the

opposition party and current UK government are viewing

energy costs as a weapon to attract electoral ballots.

The current opposition party has made public proposals

to reduce electrical costs by 23% to moderate UK customer

energy costs. Rinnai has produced modelling based on an

accommodation block, featuring four separate appliances in

a heating hot water delivery system:

1.R290 Commercial heat pump System: 6x 50kW R290.

HPs + 6x 800L HP Buffers.

2. R290 Commercial heat pump system + Electric storage

water heater: 4x 95kW iMAX HPs + 2x 800L HP Buffers

+ 2x 800L E-cylinders electric water heaters e/w 60kW

Immersions.

3. Heat Pump + gas fired continuous flow water heater

system: 4x 95kW iMAX + 2x 800L HP Buffers + 4x N1600

continuous flow water heaters + 2x 800L cylinders.

4. Gas-fired continuous flow waters = 8x N1600 continuous

flow water heaters + 2x 1000L cylinders.

This analysis was carried out to understand how the

operating cost of each system differs when using forecasted

electricity costs, which suggest a reduction of 23% in

national grid consumed electricity, compared to the current

government forecasted national grid figures.

Costs of operating a R290 heat pump over five years is

presently £105,192.60 and, under current opposition plans,

will be £80,998.30. A heat pump and electrical cylinder

over five years presently costs UK customers £165,664.60,

and would cost £127,561.74, under the opposition’s 23%

reduction plans. While a heat pump and water heater using

the same metric currently costs £89,731.90, but this would

drop to £76,291.29 over a five-year period.

Reductions over a five-year period are clear when

observing heat pump and hybrid systems.

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk

NAVIGATOR LAUNCHES MINI BOILER FILTER

Navigator MSL has launched the MAGBLU Mini Midnight

boiler filter.

As one of the most compact filters on the market, it is

particularly suitable for systems where there is minimal

space, but includes design features usually only found in

far more expensive models, the company says. The Mini

Midnight comes in a black reinforced nylon body with a

nickel-plated solid brass top and two 22mm butterfly type

compression valves.

All seals are boiler grade and designed to withstand high

temperatures for a prolonged period. The valve position can

be altered to suit the space available – either ‘in line’ or at

right angles to the filter.

The magnet can be removed easily for cleaning when

the boiler is serviced. The kit comes with spare seals and

a handy tool for adjusting the top cap. It can operate at

a working pressure of up to 6-bar and has an impressive

9000 GAUSS magnet strength. Despite its effectiveness, it

weighs in at just 1,300 grams and has a KVS flow capacity

of 4.8m 3 /h.

navigatormsl.com/magblu

30

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

at enquires@onduline.net or

scan the QR code.


CASE STUDY

PROCTOR AIR PROVIDES PEACE OF

MIND FOR RESIDENTS DURING

REROOFING WORKS

Proctor Air has been used

as part of a project to

reroof an apartment

building in

Northumberland, thanks

to its water holdout,

vapour and air

permeability benefits.

A

significant challenge when

working on the roof of any

existing, occupied building is

protecting the people inside the building

without the full roof system in place. That

challenge is multiplied when the building

in question is large and work has to be

carried out in sections over a longer

period of time.

At Hatchmeadow apartments in

Northumberland, a key performance

characteristic of Proctor Air that helped

to address these challenges was its

water holdout. That, combined with

its vapour and air permeability, offered

long-term peace of mind for the building

owners, as well as apartment residents.

Located close to the town of Ashington,

Hatchmeadow is an age-exclusive

development operated by the housing

association, Bernicia. The T-shaped

apartment building features a 2,500m 2

pitched roof, including several gables

and valleys. Unfortunately, problems

with the existing roof specification were

causing some residents to experience

leaks during periods of poor weather.

To address the issues, Bernicia tasked

Wensley Roofing – part of Northern Bear

– with stripping back the existing roof

and installing a new system. The roof

included an area of solar PV panels, so

the new roofing system had to provide

weathertightness and condensation

control in several different circumstances

across the single building – all while

residents remained in occupancy.

A ‘belt and braces’ solution

James Roy, Senior Quantity Surveyor

at Wensley Roofing, describes the

replacement roof system as a ‘belt

and braces’ approach, saying: “The

specification used Proctor Air over the

rafters, followed by counter battens, tile

battens, and a new pantile finish. We

even used butyl tape over the nail holes

to provide a complete seal.

At the time of writing, Wensley Roofing

is about halfway through the reroofing

work. “Some of the residents were

having to use buckets to catch leaking

water,” James continues. “Since

installing this new system the leaks have

now stopped, and there has been some

bad weather.”

The attention to detail required to deliver

the thorough specification, coupled

with the size of the Hatchmeadow

apartments roof, has naturally restricted

the pace at which the work can be

delivered. As a premium roofing

membrane, Proctor Air has helped to

alleviate any concerns about leaving the

underlay exposed for short periods.

“The belt and braces approach has

made labour a challenge on this project,”

James adds. “But with the Proctor

Air membrane in place, we’ve been

comfortable leaving it exposed for a

couple of days if necessary, knowing

that residents in the apartments below

are still protected.” This reassurance is

possible because Proctor Air is rated

W1 under EN 13859-1, with over 1m

Head of Water, and has hydrophobic

additive in all three of its layers. Its

water resistance meets the guidance of

NFRC’s Technical Bulletin 6. Additionally,

the membrane can be left exposed to

UV for up to three months.

Proctor Air allows the underlay to

be used on roofs featuring solar PV,

provided a ventilated batten space is

provided. This is in addition to tightly

jointed slates, tiles and metal sheet, all of

which would also normally be considered

vapour impermeable. Because the

Hatchmeadow apartments specification

featured a counterbatten layer, Proctor

Air could be used with confidence

across the entire roof, including under

the existing area of PV panels.

As a roofing underlay, Proctor Air’s key

function is as a low-resistance (LR),

vapour-permeable membrane. With

an Sd value of 0.02m and a vapour

resistance of 0.1MNs/g, Proctor Air is

one of the highest performing vapourpermeable

membranes on the market.

Proctor Air also provides air permeability,

which means no ventilation measures

are required in cold roof spaces, since

the membrane permits the passage of

both air and moisture vapour through the

roof construction.

www.proctorgroup.com

32

NEW RIBA ACCREDITED CPD

Book your seminar for 2024


WINDOWS, DOORS &

ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

SPECIFYING COMPOSITE

FIRE DOORS

Owen Jones, Technical Director at Distinction Doors, explores how the introduction of

the Building Safety Act affects the specification of fire doors.

The publication of the Building

Safety Act 2022 (BSA) provides

opportunities for the construction

industry to produce safer, higher-quality

homes through design, construction and

building management. However, this is

not without its challenges when it comes

to product specification.

In the ‘Building A Safer Future’ report

published in 2018, Dame Judith Hackitt

said: “The system that covers product

testing, labelling and marketing is at

least as complicated as the entire

regulatory system which was mapped in

the interim report. It is apparent that the

current system makes it difficult to know

whether the right products are being

used.”

The reaction was the publication

of ‘Testing for a Safer Future’, the

independent review of the Construction

Products Testing Regime which came

nearly a year after the BSA came into

force. The review assesses the system

for testing and certifying construction

products, making the crucial point that

construction products cannot be seen

in the same way as consumer products.

They must reassure and increase the

confidence of industry stakeholders and

residents that construction products are

safe.

Part of the solution is the creation

of the new National Regulator for

Construction Products, which will

oversee the regulatory framework for

construction products and be granted

‘powers designed to ensure that only

those products that do not pose a risk

to safety can be marketed, and to order

their withdrawal from the market if they

do’.

Trusted and truthful

The performance of a product, its

fitness for purpose and how to use it

must be trusted as being truthful. Just

as important – if not more so – is the

Declaration of Performance prior to a

product being placed on the market.

This applies to those products covered

by the Construction Products Regulation

(CPR), including external fire doorsets.

The entity responsible for first ‘placing

the goods on the market’ ie, the

manufacturer, is legally obliged to ensure

the product complies with current

legislation. This is authenticated through

a CE or UKCA mark (for EU and UK

markets, respectively) and the issuing

of a Declaration of Performance (DoP),

which provides information on product

performance and is a key part of the

Construction Products Regulation.

To legally supply fire doorsets for external

use, ie, in locations that are open to the

elements such as external flat entrances,

the manufacturer must first be UKCA

accredited. This authorises them to

produce a UKCA-marked external fire

doorset and issue a DoP that references

both BS EN 14351-1, the external

pedestrian doorset standard and BS

EN 16034, the standard for fire resisting

and/or smoke control pedestrian

doorsets proving compliance. UKCA

marking applies to external fire doorsets

only. Internal fire doorsets are currently

exempt, though we anticipate this will

change following the publication of

‘Testing for a Safer Future’.

Third-party certification

As an industry we strive to deliver

the most robust and proven fire door

solutions on the market. We do this

through independent and verified test

results proving consistent performance,

compliance, and certifying manufacturers

and, where possible, installers.

A high-performance composite fire

As an industry, we

strive to deliver the

most robust and proven

fire door solutions on

the market.

doorset will be independently tested

to British Standard BS 476-22:1987

and the more demanding European

test method BS EN 1634-1:2014.

This is denoted using FD30 and

E30, respectively, proving minimum

30-minutes integrity.

For internal applications the fire

doorset must also meet the demands

of EN1634-3:2004 (ambient smoke

control). For external use, compliance

with BS 6375 (weathertightness) is

required. Compliance with Approved

Document L (thermal performance) is

mandatory in either setting. Currently,

PAS 24:2022 (security) is only mandatory

for newbuild projects, but it is often

required in refurbishment projects. It can

be strengthened by additional Secured

by Design status, which independently

verifies compliance with the Police

Preferred Specification. These tests

must be conducted by a third-party

and certificated using an independent

United Kingdom Accreditation Serviceaccredited

test house and/or certification

body.

For confidence and greater assurance,

some composite fire doorset suppliers

are auditing their manufacturing partners

to meet the non-mandatory requirements

of BM Trada’s Q-Mark STD 170 and STD

050, and where possible, encouraging

the use of Q-Mark STD 052 fire door

installers, both of which are currently

above the mandatory requirements of

Building Regulations.

www.distinctiondoors.co.uk

34

Systems

Company

of the Year

REHAU TOTAL70:

Total performance

& security

REHAU’s TOTAL70 window and door system

can achieve a U-Value of 0.8W/m 2 K with triple

glazed units. With this high energy saving

performance, REHAU are preparing for changes

to meet the Future Homes Standard 2025 and

2030 net zero targets.

The TOTAL 70 System is certified under the

BSI Kitemark License, for the highest weather

performance according to BS 6375-1, 2 & 3 and

Enhanced Security PAS24, whilst also being

accredited by Secured by Design.

Windows. Reinvented for modern life.

window.rehau.com

enquiries@rehau.com

Tel: 01989 762600


WINDOWS, DOORS &

ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

THE PUSH FOR SUSTAINABLE

WINDOW FRAME MATERIALS

Specifiers are under more pressure than ever to choose sustainable, highperforming

materials for all aspects of newbuild and retrofit projects, including

windows. Steve Tonkiss, Head of Sales at REHAU, delves into the comparison

between aluminium and polymer frames.

The need to decarbonise is affecting

all industries, and construction

is no exception. Wide-ranging

emissions-reducing legislation, including

cutting emissions by 68% by 2030

compared to 1990 levels, has set out a

challenging roadmap for those involved

in specification. The Future Homes

Standard (FHS) continues to impact

component selection. Affecting Part F

and Part L of the Building Regulations,

which govern ventilation and energy

efficiency, any changes will undoubtedly

influence the specification process for

newbuild and retrofit projects, including

material selection for frames. This has

led to greater scrutiny of polymer and

aluminium.

Aluminium’s appeal

Aluminium has historically been favoured

for window frames because of its

modern aesthetic and sleek, minimised

sightlines. Alongside this, aluminium

is recyclable, with about 75% of all

produced material still in circulation

today. Yet energy efficiency requirements

are becoming more stringent under the

FHS – with the required u-value for the

whole window thermal performance at

1.2W/m 2 K for newbuild dwellings. A

traditional drawback of aluminium is that

it is highly conductive, with heat passing

through the frame easily.

As a result of this, the window’s overall

energy efficiency can drop, resulting in

a less sustainable property that may

struggle to reach the 1.2W/m 2 K U-value

required. Another issue can also arise

from this high thermal conductivity

– condensation. Though this can be

resolved by installing thermal breaks,

incorrect installation may lead to

additional heat being lost, again reducing

overall energy efficiency to potentially

non-compliant levels.

Possibilities with polymer

With these factors in mind, specifiers

are looking for sustainable alternatives

that can provide a better baseline of

thermal performance, and polymer

frames are standing out. Though

historically regarded as a less green

option, advances in the technology and

production processes of PVCu are now

challenging this view.

The shift from mono-extrusion

manufacturing methods to multi-layer

co-extrusion methods has allowed

suppliers to provide high-performance

solutions that combine recycled and

virgin PVC. New frames in this material

can be recycled up to 10 times without

degradation. This has not come at the

cost of polymer’s traditional benefits –

its cost-effectiveness and high levels of

thermal performance.

REHAU’s ARTEVO window system, for

example, enjoys Passivhaus certification

and meets the evolving building

regulations. Considering that windows

represent a major area through which a

property’s heat may be lost, the ability to

install a flush-fit polymer frame may be of

interest to specifiers.

With PVC windows available at a third

of aluminium’s price, these benefits can

be realised at a fraction of the cost.

As hard-wearing polymer frame foils

can closely mimic the sleek aesthetic

of aluminium at this lower price point,

or a clip-on aluminium cover can be

used over a PVC frame core, there is no

reason to compromise on visual appeal.

Recycling capabilities

Continuing advances in recycling

infrastructure has hugely bolstered the

circular economy of polymer, minimising

the number of frames going to landfill

and increasing the material’s overall

sustainability.

REHAU’s own PVCR plant, based in

Runcorn, has been continually expanded

to process 15,000 tonnes of postconsumer

polymer, up from 12,000

tonnes as late as 2022. Currently,

55% of salvaged polymer frames are

converted into material used in REHAU

products, with efforts underway to

increase this to 70%.

The introduction of further processes

to recover waste polymer is key to this.

Indeed, it is already underway, with the

introduction of a pre-shredding operation

to sift polymer of insufficient quality to

be used in REHAU frames that would

otherwise go to landfill. These materials

can then be used in other aspects of

the frame such as sill profiles. By doing

so, the circular economy of the material

is further improved. Importantly, these

processes are less energy-intensive than

recycling aluminium, resulting in a carbon

footprint roughly one-fifth smaller with

greater traceability.

window.rehau.com/uk-en

36

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

SLIDING/

FOLDING DOORS

CURTAIN

WALLS

SOLAR

SHADINGS

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


WINDOWS, DOORS &

ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

POCKET DOORS OFFER

FLEXIBLE STYLE

Pocket doors are increasingly being specified as a way to create flexible spaces in

modern properties that can be adjusted depending on the needs of the owners.

Here, ECLISSE explains how pocket doors work and why they are proving so popular.

Sliding pocket doors work in a

clever way – instead of the door

being hung on hinges at the side

that allows the door to swing open in

an arc – the door is hung from a track

that allows it to slide from side to side.

Removing the arc of motion where the

door opens into saves a lot of space that

is otherwise unusable. Instead the door

slides discretely into a pocket, hidden

from view rather than swinging into a

room or a corridor. When they are open,

they give you freedom to move from

room to room without interruption, but

just like any other door can be closed

when needed.

Pocket doors offer space saving,

enhanced aesthetics, improved ease

of access and the ability to create

flexible living spaces that offer effortless

interconnectivity, making them suitable

for use in all properties and for any room

space.

Making spaces more flexible

Pocket doors are ideal for creating multifunctional

spaces. For instance, a double

pocket door, or even a telescopic door,

between two rooms would allow for two

separate cosy rooms when closed but

would also give the option for a larger

entertaining space when open. Pocket

doors allow the homeowner to close

off a room if privacy is required, or to

partition off a room when guests are in

the home, allowing for personal space,

but also offering the option to create

larger spaces.

Pocket doors offer

space saving,

enhanced aesthetics,

improved ease of

access and the ability

to create flexible living

spaces.

Pocket doors improve accessibility

Pocket doors can be installed with a

minimum effective clear opening width

of 800mm providing a wide passageway

for wheelchair access, removing the

awkward backward and forward motion

required to open, pass through, and

close a hinged door. Additionally,

because pocket doors are top-hung, and

therefore do not require a threshold strip,

they also create an easier flow around

a home, allowing flooring to continue

seamlessly throughout a building and

eliminating possible trip hazards.

Other options for enhanced accessibility

include installing a partially glazed door

for improved visibility, as well as large

bar handles which are much easier

to use than traditional doorknobs or

flush handles, especially for users with

reduced grip/motor skills.

Easy to install options

ECLISSE pocket door systems are

supplied in kit form to suit standard door

sizes. So, you pick the kit to fit your

available wall opening or your desired

door panel width. They assemble into

a complete unit which makes them

quick and easy to install into studwork.

Pocket door systems can be installed

as the home is being built, or they can

be retrofitted. It is extremely simple to

include pocket door systems in studwork

or they can be easily installed alongside

existing walls.

Retrofitting accessories is simple

If you did not choose an accessory at

the point of install only to realise that you

need it later, then the ECLISSE system

is designed to make it simple to retrofit

accessories should circumstances

change and, with the added benefit of

the ECLISSE extractable track, there is

no need to break into the wall. Popular

accessories include the BIAS (Soft-Close

with Built-In Anti-Slam) system, the

Touch Latch, self-closing systems, and

coordination kits.

ECLISSE offers a wide range of pocket

door styles from which to choose,

including systems with timber lining kits

for a traditional finish or without for a

flush, modern finish. ECLISSE pocket

door kits can be supplied to fit most

standard door sizes and both a 35mm

and 44mm door panel thickness. They

also have a wide range of designs

of glass pocket door systems which

include a tempered glass door panel.

Single and double fire rated (FD30)

systems are also available as well as

telescopic systems where one door

slides behind another are all available

depending on your requirements.

www.eclisse.co.uk

38

Kubu

Kubu Smart Security

Your Front Door is Unlocked

Now

BEST COMPONENT

SUPPLIER ‘23

BEST NEW

PRODUCT ‘23

BEST WINDOW

COMPONENT ‘23

BEST DOOR

COMPONENT ‘23

BEST MARKETING

CAMPAIGN ‘22

Kubu is a multi-award winning range of high-security Smart

sensors that fit seamlessly into your doors and windows, and

integrates with other Smart Home devices to create a next

generation perimeter alarm system that is simple to fit, and

provides added value for the fabricator, installer or property

developer with virtually no additional cost.

To find out more about how working with Kubu can add value

to your business:

Visit: getkubu.com/trade or email: sales@getkubu.com

Be Sure It’s Secure, with Kubu


WINDOWS, DOORS &

ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

A HOMEBUILDER’S GUIDE TO

SMART SECURITY

Kubu is a name that’s rapidly gaining traction in the realm of smart security, as

housebuilders and specifiers look to source products that both add practical

features, and also improve the building’s aesthetic appeal. Specify & Build reports.

In the ever-evolving world of architectural design, the fusion

of form and function remains paramount. As housebuilders

and specifiers, you are always on the hunt for innovations

that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the homes you

build but also add tangible value for the end-users.

A new age of security

Security is a fundamental concern for any homeowner.

Traditional locks, while effective, come with their limitations.

How many times have homeowners left their premises, only

to be plagued with the nagging doubt of whether they locked

their door? With the rise of smart homes, the demand for

integrated, intelligent security solutions has skyrocketed.

Kubu, with its patent-protected technology, offers a solution

that is both innovative and intuitive. ‘Works with Kubu’

window and door locks provide real-time monitoring, allowing

homeowners to check the security status of their home using

an intuitive, user-friendly app. This not only offers peace of

mind but also integrates seamlessly with other smart home

products to create a full-perimeter Smart Alarm system.

Why specifiers should take note

Incorporating ‘Works with Kubu’ locks into building

specifications comes with a plethora of benefits:

• Added value for clients: By integrating Kubu’s smart

security, house builders can offer clients an added layer of

value. It’s not just about a building’s physical design, but also

about the lived experience of the occupants. A home that’s

secure and energy-efficient is a compelling selling point in

today’s market.

• Seamless integration: Kubu’s design is sleek and

unobtrusive. A sensor system that is designed to be

concealed within the frame, ensures that while the

technology is cutting-edge, it doesn’t detract from the

aesthetic appeal of the doors and windows.

• Patent-protected innovation: In a market flooded with

smart home gadgets, Kubu stands out with its patentprotected

technology. This not only underscores its

uniqueness but also offers assurance of its quality and

reliability.

• Sustainability credentials: As the housebuilding world

moves towards more sustainable practices, every element

of design counts. Kubu’s contribution to energy efficiency

can play a role in achieving sustainability certifications and

benchmarks.

The case for specification

Looking towards the future of architectural design, the

integration of technology will play an increasingly pivotal

role. However, it’s essential to choose technologies that offer

genuine value and stand the test of time. Including doors and

windows that ‘Work with Kubu’ in your specification will fit that

bill perfectly.

Kubu, with its focus on smart security and energy efficiency, is

undoubtedly an innovation worth embracing as incorporating

Kubu Smart Security products, can help you take a step

towards a future that’s more secure, sustainable, and smart.

getkubu.com

Energy efficiency: the unsung hero

While security is a clear selling point, Kubu’s contribution to

energy efficiency is a game-changer, especially in the context

of architectural design. A home’s doors and windows are

critical points for heat loss. Ensuring they are securely closed

can significantly impact a building’s overall energy efficiency.

With Kubu’s real-time monitoring, homeowners can be

instantly alerted if a door or window is left ajar, preventing

unnecessary energy wastage. For housebuilders, this means

the ability to offer designs that are not only secure but also

sustainable.

40


WINDOW & DOOR

PRODUCTS

AVOID DISPUTES ON POOR ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE

RISA has highlighted the benefits of pulse testing for

window installations in properties where improved acoustic

performance is the primary objective, but where customers

are actually reporting worse noise levels, post installation,

due to the specification of trickle vents.

RISA offers its pulse testing service to all installers. It was

introduced following the update to Approved Document F

for ventilation and indoor air quality – legislation that typically

requires the use of trickle vents to be incorporated into new

windows and doors.

Pulse testing, however, is designed to demonstrate the

airtightness of a building pre- and post-installation. If the

reading doesn’t change, it provides certified evidence

to prove there is no requirement for additional vents. For

buildings located near busy roads or under flight paths,

where customers are paying for a high-quality solution to

reduce noise, pulse testing provides a valuable alternative

route to compliance by reducing the chance of customer

disputes.

Lee Galley, Independent Inspection and Assessment

Manager for RISA, said: “We’ve had a spate of inspection

requests recently for installations where noise infiltration

is the main cause of the dispute. These have primarily

been for projects where improved acoustic performance

was the main reason for purchasing new windows, and

where the specification includes acoustic rated glass,

but the homeowner is adamant that noise levels are

worse compared to the old windows. In most cases, this

is because trickle vents have also been included in the

specification.

“Installers should be commended for doing their best to

follow the regulations, but they should also be made aware

that trickle vents are not always necessary and in fact can

result in disappointed customers who are paying a premium

for a quieter and more comfortable home.”

Pulse testing takes less than half an hour to complete and

the results are available immediately.

risaltd.co.uk/pulse-testing-trickle-vents

Reynaers Aluminium has launched Vision 7, its new

generation, high-usage anti-finger trap thermal commercial

door and framing system.

Vision 7 has a slim bulb-style with a radius of only 40mm,

a profile sightline of 81mm, and achieves U-values as low as

1.1W/m 2 K. There is also a post-installation adjustable bottom

pivot so installers can make final adjustments after the door

has been installed.

Suitable for a range of ground-floor applications such

as schools, hospitals, retail outlets, leisure facilities, offices

and entrances to large commercial buildings, this thermally

broken door can meet the requirements of sustainabilitydriven

projects and also provides a range of additional

advantages applicable throughout the supply chain.

Ian Osborne, UK Product Development Manager,

said: “The Vision 7 Thermal Commercial Door can be

manufactured up to 3m height and 120kg weight; leaf width

1.25m. Profiles are supplied in a range of optimised bar

lengths including 5.1m, optimal for doors up to 2.5m height.

Many profiles are available in half and quarter lengths,

and for large doors up to 3m mullions and door styles

are available at optimal 6.1m or 6.5m lengths. Transom

connections are cut straight to minimise milling and the

number of components required.

“The system can support glass thicknesses up to 50mm.

It can also be supplied with a range of universal fixation

pieces that provide a simple slide and turn solution and

ensure that the stock requirements of the system are

minimised.”

www.reynaers.co.uk/products/aluminium-doors/vision-7

A NEW VISION FOR COMMERCIAL DOORS

42


SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS

PARTNERS WITH RETROFIT

24PERFORMANCE

Senior Architectural Systems has been announced as an

official partner of Retrofit 24 – an exhibition-led programme

hosted at the Building Centre in London.

The exhibition runs until 30 August 2024 and, during

this time, visitors can take a closer look at some of the

solutions available to help decarbonise the UK’s existing

commercial buildings, including Senior’s own range of

thermally-efficient aluminium windows, doors and curtain

wall systems. Product samples will be available to view

throughout the exhibition, as well as details of one of

Senior’s most complex retrofit contacts – the Royal Arsenal

Riverside development in South East London.

Through exhibitions, talks and collaborative events, the

Retrofit 24 event aims to highlight the key considerations,

challenges and benefits of delivering commercial retrofit

projects. Focusing on the reuse agenda for commercial,

cultural and civic buildings, the event is being delivered

by the Built Environment Trust, the independent charity

behind the Building Centre. Located in London, the venue

provides a collaborative meeting space for architects,

designers, product manufacturers and members of the

public.

Senior’s showcase project is the Royal Arsenal

Riverside development, located on the former site of

some of the largest munition factories in the UK. The

scheme comprises a mix of newbuild residential, retail,

and commercial elements, alongside the sympathetic

refurbishment of several listed buildings.

Senior’s slimline SF52 curtain wall system and low

maintenance SPW600 aluminium windows were installed

throughout the development, with the curtain walling

screens incorporating feature curved heads along the

spine of the building to pay homage to the scheme’s

industrial heritage.

Precision Engineered

and Fully Insulated

Sectional Garage Doors

Choose from the full range of garage doors.

Visit us online at www.garador.co.uk

CALL

01935 443722

TO DISCUSS

YOUR PROJECT

Supporting Nottingham regeneration

Senior Architectural Systems’ range of aluminium windows,

doors and curtain walling has also helped complete The

Barnum - a residential development on Nottingham’s

Queen’s Road.

Designed by Franklin Ellis Architects, and built by main

contractor Graham Construction, the nine-storey building

has been developed by Blockworks, a joint venture

between Bloc Group and Network Rail. The project has

been built on what was a vacant site next to Nottingham’s

railway station, helping to regenerate the wider area and

provide a boost to the local rental market.

Senior collaborated with specialist installer Duplus

Architectural Systems to specify three of its most popular

products, including its award-winning PURe window

system, throughout the 345 individual apartments.

Producing low U-values thanks to its patented thermal

design, both tilt/turn and casement window styles have

been used.

www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

1

2

3

1

42mm fully insulated door sections (U = 1.30 W/m 2 K).

2 Rubber seals on sides, floor and fascia of door.

3 Full drive-through width and height.

43


SHOW PREVIEW

YOUR GUIDE TO THE MATERIALS &

FINISHES SHOW 2024

Materials & Finishes Show (formerly W Exhibition) takes place at the NEC

Birmingham from Sunday 19 - Wednesday 22 May, 2024. It’s the UK’s trade show for

the furniture manufacturing and joinery industries – and it’s not to be missed!

The Materials & Finishes

Show is the primary platform

for carpenters, joiners,

machinists and installers

to see running machinery,

the latest materials, components,

software, tools and innovations for the

woodworking sector.

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 speak

directly to leading manufacturers and

suppliers for the woodworking sector.

Event director David Todd explains:

“We’re so excited to bring the UK

furniture manufacturing and joinery

industries back together, under one

roof, for the first time since 2018 at

Materials & Finishes Show this month.

We’ve been working hard behind the

scenes to build on the legacy of W

Exhibition and develop a platform that

reflects the UK woodworking industry

both now and in the future.

“The lineup includes over 160 exhibiting

brands who will be showcasing

thousands of the latest products.

Whether you’re looking for the latest

timber solutions, tools, fixtures, finishing

products or machinery - Materials &

Finishes Show really is your one-stopshop.

“Nowhere else can you compare all the

very latest products, side by side, under

one roof in the UK. As well as seeing the

latest products, software and tools, take

advantage of being able to speak first

hand to the manufacturers and suppliers

behind the brands who are lined up and

ready to take your questions. Alongside

the new brands, there are a raft of new

features that you will not want to miss at

this year’s show.”

100s of brands and 1,000s of

products

Whether you’re looking for the latest

timber solutions, tools, fixtures, finishing

products or machinery; Materials &

Finishes Show really is a one-stop-shop.

Nowhere else can you compare all

the very latest products, side by side,

under one roof. As well as seeing the

latest products, software and tools,

you’ll be able to speak first hand to the

manufacturers and suppliers behind the

brands who will be lined up and ready

to take your questions.

44


SHOW PREVIEW

Live demo zone

Head over to our brand-new Live

Demo Zone where you’ll be able to see

running machinery and demonstrations

from brands including AMS, Leitz

Tooling, The Joinery Network, Lamello,

GreCon, Trend Tool Technology

and Rubio Monocoat, who will be

showcasing their products across the

four days of the show.

Alongside the construction of a timber

window, visitors will 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 on the showfloor

in a way the show has never done

before. All the sessions are also live on

the website for you to start planning

your visit today.

CPD learning programme

The CPD learning programme will

deliver four packed days of CPDcertified

learning content, from panel

discussions and keynotes through

to seminars, all delivered by industry

Whether you’re looking

for the latest timber

solutions, tools,

fixtures, finishing

products or machinery;

Materials & Finishes

Show really is a onestop-shop.

No where

else can you compare

all the very latest

products, side by side.

experts. The programme has been

carefully crafted to arm you with the

latest information, knowledge and

inspiration to help you do better

business once you leave the show.

Get ready for four days of sessions,

from Navigating Compliance and Health

and Safety Regulations, Social Media

for Small Businesses, and The Future

of Factories, through to Maximising

efficiency and Minimising Cost: The

Joinery Edition, and Woodland to

Workshop: Trees, Timber & Time. You

can pre-book sessions via the Materials

& Finishes Show website.

Network and connect

If you’re not able to take a full day out

of the office, the show offers Sunday

opening and late night on Tuesday 21

May to give you additional opportunities

to maximise your workweek as well as

visit Materials & Finishes Show. The

Materials & Finishes Show Bar will

provide an informal setting to meet

clients and colleagues.

There will also be a big social meetup

on Monday 20 May where visitors will

be able to meet online content creators

including Robin Clevett, Tibby Singh,

Alastair Johnson and Derek Barrett who

are part of our new campaign working

with social media influencers to deliver

the show to a wider audience online.

Miss it and miss out

If you miss Materials & Finishes Show

2024, you’ll have to wait until the event

returns in 2026. This is the main UK

industry event platform to see every

link in the supply chain under one roof,

at the same time. Save time visiting

multiple suppliers and distributors, cut

out the need for more than one day to

wrap everything up for the year ahead.

Shop around, source, enquire, research,

purchase, compare, network, learn - do

all of this, under one roof, at Materials &

Finishes Show.

If you’ve still not got Materials & Finishes

Show 2024 locked in your calendar,

what are you waiting for? Register today

at www.materialsandfinishesshow.

com and you’ll receive regular updates

in the run up to the event to make sure

that your visit to Materials & Finishes

Show is a successful one.

45


FLOORS, WALLS &

CEILINGS

ENSURING COMPLIANCE WITH THE

GOLDEN THREAD

Knauf explores how a new software solution can add forensic details that help

specifiers ensure building safety compliance.

In the wake of the tragic events that took place at Grenfell

Tower in 2017, the need to prevent similar disasters has

reshaped the construction industry’s approach to safety

and compliance. Dame Judith Hackett’s inquiry into the fire

underscored the critical need for a new regulatory regime for

the management and safety of buildings, which has been

further outlined in the Building Safety Act, granted royal assent

in 2022.

A large section of the Building Safety Act is focused on

improving the way information is processed, stored and shared

within the built environment. Named the ‘Golden Thread of

Information’, it has required many construction companies to

change the way they work.

Understanding the golden thread

The golden thread was announced in Dame Judith Hackitt’s

report ‘Building a safer future’ and can be summed up as the

right people, having the right information at the right time. It

should be maintained throughout a building’s entire lifecycle,

detailing any construction works and how it meets applicable

building regulations. It has also been created to identify,

understand, manage and mitigate safety risks.

Having a golden thread of information means that the

relevant people will be able to access accurate and up to

date information with ease. It must be started before any

building work commences and kept updated throughout the

design and construction process. Once the building work

is completed, the golden thread is then handed over to the

principal accountable person or the accountable person

for a high-rise residential building. During the design and

construction phase this can include the Principal Designer

or Contractor, but once the build has been completed, the

information about the building can also be requested by

residents or owners of residential units in the building.

A major aspect of maintaining the golden thread is keeping

cohesive digital records, and the report emphasises that the

By facilitating easy access to accurate

information and fostering efficient

collaboration, software solutions such as

Planner Suite - System Finder not only

streamline processes but also uphold the

integrity of the golden thread

information must be stored digitally. It is therefore imperative

that the correct software is available to designers and

contractors to make the entire process easier and safer.

Building safely with Knauf’s Planner Suite – System

Finder

Embracing digital innovations in the construction industry can

bring many benefits, including the ability to maintain the golden

thread effectively and subsequently enhance the safety of any

project. Identifying the need for smart, user-friendly software

within the design of a building’s fabric, Knauf developed the

Knauf Planner Suite-System Finder. A three-in-one resolution

for simple product and system searches, immediate supporting

data and Drywall Specification Documents, Knauf Planner

Suite – System Finder can be accessed directly in Revit and

ArchiCAD, or used as a simple web app.

Knauf Planner Suite – System Finder allows for the search and

addition of validated products and systems directly to projects

via browser or Revit and ArchiCAD. Products can be searched

for based on requirements such as fire resistance, sound

insulation or moisture protection. Additional benefits include

the ability to compare several systems at the same time, and

adding frequently used systems to your favourites so that they

can be accessed easily for future projects.

All BIM objects in Knauf Planner Suite – System Finder are

based on the latest technology and have data validation,

ensuring the products being used have the most up to date

and accurate data. Full specification documents can be

produced and downloaded, increasing BIM productivities and

creating efficiencies in specification.

By facilitating easy access to accurate information and

fostering efficient collaboration, software solutions such as

Planner Suite – System Finder not only streamline processes

but also uphold the integrity of the golden thread. As the

industry continues to strive for enhanced safety, leveraging

cutting-edge technologies becomes crucial in safeguarding

against future tragedies and upholding the highest standards

of building safety compliance.

go.knauf.com/en-gb/planner-suite

46


FLOORS, WALLS &

CEILINGS

THE STYLISH APPEAL OF PARQUET

FLOORING

Interior design trends come and go, but one material that has a timeless appeal is

wood. Parquet wood flooring with oak floors add character and warmth to any

space, while engineered boards create a luxury finish that is as practical as it is

versatile. Peter Keane, Managing Director of The Natural Wood Floor Co, looks at the

advantages and pattern options with parquet.

Bringing the calmness of

nature indoors throughout

the seasons, parquet

floors are an ideal way of

introducing warmth, pattern,

and character – in a sustainable way.

Engineered oak boards, as an alternative

to solid wood floors, can be fitted in

most rooms and create a high-end finish

that is durable and surprisingly simple to

care for.

The reason for the suitability of

engineered boards, and the secret to

their durability, lies in their construction.

An engineered board has up to 11

layers of hardwood backing, with each

layer glued at a 90-degree angle to the

adjoining layer. The surface layer of a

precious hardwood, such as oak, is then

glued on top, resulting in a much more

stable floor with a robust construction.

Like all wood floors, the boards have an

expansion gap of 10mm or more around

the perimeter of the floor, allowing space

for the wood to expand and contract

when there are changes in the humidity

levels in the room.

Classic look on the block

Injecting personality and character into

large and small spaces alike, the trend

for real wood flooring means parquet

has never been so popular, bringing a

timeless elegance to any space. Creating

an elegant and sophisticated look, the

combination of colour, wood detailing

and pattern that is possible with parquet

make this a real statement floor.

Despite being a modern trend, parquet

floors are also quite classic in style,

offering the best of both worlds. The

style of laying pattern may depend on

the size of the board, species, grade

of wood, or the finished colour, but for

an up-to-date look specifiers would

be advised to go large with 600mm

sized blocks or, for something more

traditional to suit the renovation of

an older property, for example, aged

parquet blocks are great for adding extra

48


character as they look like reclaimed

blocks.

Patterns make perfect

Herringbone parquet is a classic laying

pattern, with the blocks laid so they

inter-lock in a diagonal pattern. Most

commonly, the points of a herringbone

pattern floor are laid parallel to a room’s

longest wall, or towards the window.

Traditional in style, this pattern is suited

to wood with an aged look, so that

it resembles reclaimed wood. It can

also be given a modern twist for the

contemporary living room, however, by

combining different species of wood

or different finishes, for a really striking

impression.

FLOORS, WALLS &

CEILINGS

Away from patterns, extra-long and

extra-wide boards are now in fashion,

too. This look is beneficial in small and

large spaces, creating a streamlined

impression with fewer seams for a clean

and cohesive look.

Injecting personality

and character into

large and small spaces

alike, the trend for real

wood flooring means

parquet has never been

so popular, bringing a

timeless elegance to

any space.

Style it out

Just as when choosing a colour for

interior walls, choosing the right shade

of parquet should be based on how

large the room is, how much natural light

it enjoys and on the overall décor and

style of the building. As a rule, smaller

rooms benefit from lighter woods, while

larger spaces can more comfortably

accommodate darker tones such as

walnut.

In smaller rooms, lighter woods can

also create an illusion of spaciousness,

making compact areas appear larger

and airier. They reflect light effectively,

enhancing the brightness of the room

and contributing to a sense of openness.

Opting for lighter shades such as oak

or maple can effortlessly brighten up a

small space, making it feel more inviting

and expansive.

Conversely, in larger rooms blessed

with ample natural light, darker tones of

parquet flooring can be embraced with

confidence. Rich and deep hues such as

walnut or merbau can add a

touch of sophistication and warmth, as

darker woods bring a sense of depth

and cosiness, anchoring the room with a

sense of elegance and refinement. They

also provide a striking contrast against

lighter furnishings and decor elements.

Once laid, keeping parquet

flooring looking as good as new is

straightforward too when opting for

engineered boards; a combination of

dry cleaning to remove dirt and dust

particles, and damp cleaning to protect

it against scratches is all that is needed

for a lacquered or oiled floors. With just

a little care, parquet flooring can last a

lifetime.

www.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk

49


FLOORS, WALLS &

CEILINGS

WHY PROPER SPECIFICATION

REMAINS CRUCIAL IN

CONSTRUCTION

John Duffin, Managing Director at Keyfix, underlines the important role proper

specification has in the construction process and why the built environment must

keep it at the forefront of the industry.

Having a proper specification

document is crucial to ensuring

each project stays on track,

is compliant with current regulatory

requirements, and ultimately allows

everyone to work towards creating a

successful build. This living document

facilitates transparency throughout a

project as everyone involved has access

to up-to-date and accurate data from

the initial conception right up to project

completion.

In the modern built environment, best

practice involves writing specifications as

early as possible in the project’s lifecycle.

By doing so, you can capture information

from the client review and document

what the client is trying to achieve on

the project. Before detailing just why

proper specification is so important, it’s

pertinent to understand exactly what

specifications are and the role they play

in the process.

Put simply, a specification is the

document that provides a detailed

description of the materials,

construction, workmanship and

dimensions of work either completed or

to be done and is typically prepared by

an engineer or architect.

The type of specification can often relate

to either the project or the procurement

route, whether that’s performancebased,

proprietary or prescriptive. This

will depend on the project requirements.

Construction specifications usually

cover:

• Site establishment

• Asset performance criteria

• Contract type

• Specific products to be used

• Applicable standards and how they are

executed

• Systems and product quality.

Ensure clear instructions are shared

Proper specification not only references

any standards and quality that

should be applied, it also provides

clear instructions on project intent,

construction and performance. This lays

the groundwork for a successful project

and outstanding build quality, safety and

sustainability.

Any materials and manufacturer

products can be clearly defined from the

outset, making the process as smooth

and efficient as possible. While proper

specification is typically provided at the

beginning of a project, it also plays a

vital role throughout the entirety of the

construction phase.

Minimised project risk

Having a clear definition of all the

materials involved and the dimensions

needed means the specification can

form part of the contractual documents,

minimising project risks. Indeed, as the

specification is an essential part of the

contract documentation, it will be legally

binding in the event of any litigation or

disputes.

This is especially important given a

report by Arcadis revealed the average

construction dispute in the UK in

2020 was valued at £27.7 million – an

increase of 117% from 2019. Precise

specifications will also help to identify

potential safety hazards and prevent

accidents, both during construction and

after completion.

Saving time and money

A new study by digital construction

management specialists PlanRadar

revealed building errors and the

necessary rework amounted to 11%

of total project costs for UK and EU

constructions. Poor quality materials

and quality control were the two

largest contributors to building errors

and rework in the UK. Providing clear,

accurate and concise information will

help to reduce the amount of rework.

Additionally, specifications that are

clear, extensive and information-rich

will provide answers to many on-site

construction questions, further saving

the contractor, project team and end

client money and time.

While proper specification can make a

huge difference to the quality and safety

of a building, it can also provide the end

user or client with the peace of mind of

knowing that due diligence has been

properly carried out.

keyfix.com

50


FLOORS, WALLS &

CEILINGS

LINOLEUM: SPECIFYING FOR

SUSTAINABILITY

Donna Hannaway, Head of Marketing UK and Ireland from Forbo Flooring Systems,

explores the benefits of linoleum for interior spaces.

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

more than 40% of all carbon emissions globally. As a result,

many architects and 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 available on the market, linoleum is made using

rapidly renewable natural raw materials, such as linseed oil,

jute, pine rosin and wood or cork flour. These ingredients are

all naturally occurring, therefore making linoleum a suitable

choice for sustainability-focused projects. Some manufacturers

have taken this one 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.

Thanks to new technological developments, linoleum has

also 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.

Extra benefits for healthcare projects

While linoleum floor coverings can be used in all applications,

one sector where it can be particularly beneficial in is

healthcare. Due to the use of linseed oil in the production of

linoleum, it is inherently bacteriostatic. Thanks to this, some

manufacturers have had their linoleum products certified

as being able to inhibit the growth of C Difficile, Norovirus

and MRSA across its lifetime – without the need for surface

additives – something which can be extremely useful for

healthcare environments. In addition to this, linoleum 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 that linoleum can

contribute to better indoor environments, whether that be for

healthcare or any other sector.

There are also some brands of linoleum which 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, furthering the contribution linoleum can

make to better and healthier indoor environments.

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

important, but its design too. Linoleum can deliver on this, with

new developments expanding the range of finishes linoleum

floor coverings are available in, whether that be contemporary

shades and patterns, or wood inspired designs.

Forbo’s newly refreshed Marmoleum Solid linoleum product, for

example, offers a range of aesthetic benefits. Take Marmoleum

Cocoa, which (as its name suggests) incorporates recycled

cocoa husks into its production, helping to create stylish,

unique and sustainable flooring schemes. The colourways

within Marmoleum Concrete are inspired by stone and

concrete textures, providing a natural finish and helping to

promote biophilic design, increasing wellbeing through design.

There is also Marmoleum Walton, which contains a range of

plain options, perfect for environments where those with a

neurodiversity, such as dementia, may be living.

Marmoleum has even been independently proven to be

Climate Positive, with a full Environmental Product Declaration

(EPD) to back this. With the Marmoleum product range Climate

Positive from cradle to gate without the need for offsetting, it

provides a 446 gram carbon saving for every square metre that

is installed on a project.

www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/marmoleumsolid

52

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


FLOORS, WALLS &

CEILINGS

CREATING AIRTIGHT HOMES

WITH OSB

The drive towards net zero and the Future Homes Standard has put the spotlight on

structural timber as a sustainable construction method for both traditional and

modern methods of construction. Here, MEDITE SMARTPLY explores the benefits OSB

panels can introduce to help meet future Building Regulations.

Once the Future Homes

Standard has been

introduced, new homes will

be expected to produce

75-80% less carbon

emissions compared to current levels,

which is why OSB products with built-in

vapour and air barrier properties are

poised to be a potential game-changer.

This robust sheathing solution allows

timber frame contractors to achieve the

demanding airtightness levels mandated

by this new standard.

The government’s updated Part F and

Part L requirements of the Building

Regulations are considered a crucial

stepping-stone to the Future Homes

Standard in 2025. A key area will be

addressing the thermal performance

and design of a building’s envelope.

This heightened focus on the building

fabric presents both challenges and

opportunities. As a route to more

thermally efficient building envelopes, it

will become critical to ensure buildings

are airtight. Timber frame manufacturers

that can provide high-performance,

airtight envelope solutions will be wellpositioned

to meet these changing

regulations and capitalise on the move

towards low-energy construction.

Pushing the thermal envelope

To help specifiers meet the evolving

standards, there is an innovative

solution on the market that can simplify

the path to airtight building envelopes.

The increasing demand for doublesheathed

timber frames in structural

applications, and the development of

offsite closed panels, led the production

of a product using two certified

airtight OSB/3 panels with airtightness

engineered into the panel substrate.

As a solution for walls and ceilings,

the SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT panel can

be used as the airtight layer on the

warm side of the insulation in timber

frame construction systems, helping

to create an airtight building envelope.

For flooring and roofing, SMARTPLY

SURE STEP is a tongue and groove,

load bearing OSB/3 panel that provides

improved durability and slip resistance in

all site conditions. Using SURE STEP as

an airtight layer for flooring or decking

can contribute to sustainable building

practices as well as reduce the energy

consumption for heating.

Each panel features alternating layers of

wood strands coated with a high-quality

formaldehyde-free resin and wax binder

system to deliver outstanding levels of

airtightness. A specialist coating is then

applied to ensure vapour resistance and

provide a premium performance OSB

solution for super-insulated and passive

buildings, eliminating the traditional

additional vapour control membrane

from the construction.

By seamlessly integrating air and

54


Once the Future Homes

Standard has been

introduced, new homes

will be expected to

produce 75-80% less

carbon emissions

compared to current

levels, which is why

OSB products with

built-in vapour and air

barrier properties are

poised to be a potential

game changer.

FLOORS, WALLS &

CEILINGS

vapour barriers into high-performance

OSB panels, this streamlines the

installation process, minimising the

risk of air leakage that often plagues

traditional timber frame structures.

This cutting-edge solution not only

simplifies construction, but also ensures

a certified, proven approach to creating

airtight building envelopes that will pave

the way for low-carbon, energy-efficient

homes of the future.

Balancing airtightness and

ventilation

While airtightness is important for

avoiding heat loss, an appropriate

ventilation strategy should also be

considered because, without it, a

building could potentially suffer from

moisture and condensation issues and a

reduction in indoor air quality.

To maintain a healthy indoor air quality

while minimising energy loss, controlled

mechanical ventilation with heat

recovery (MVHR) is a requirement in

Passive House buildings. This involves

extracting hot air from wetrooms

such as bathrooms and kitchens and

supplying fresh air to living areas and

bedrooms. The fresh air is filtered and

is heated by the extracted air through a

heat exchanger. In very cold climates,

the fresh air can be heated through

ground or air source heat pumps.

Smarter housing

Testament to the benefits of OSB with

built-in vapour and air barrier properties

is an exciting regeneration project

in Cardiff. Lowfield Timber Frames

specified SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT panels

alongside a supply of their timber kits

for a development of 12, two-bedroom

houses in Heath, Cardiff.

Built to strict Passivhaus standards,

the homes offer improved health and

wellbeing conditions for occupants while

requiring very low levels of energy for

space heating or cooling. Additionally,

using timber frame for the construction

lowers the carbon footprint of the

development.

One of the principal benefits of a

Passivhaus build is the significant

reduction in energy consumption during

the operating life of the structure. This

will ultimately lead to reduced energy

costs, heating bills, and even lower

carbon emissions for the planet.

Showcasing an impressive level of

airtightness, the average air test result

for the 12 homes in this development

came in at below 0.5 ACH. Furthermore,

a Larsen truss panel (a lightweight wall

extension which creates extra wall

space to a house insulation) was also

used in the project. This was 330mm

deep with the finished wall make-up

being closer to 500mm, allowing for

thicker insulation.

Darren Jarman, Managing Director of

Lowfield Timber Frames, says: “The

Highfields scheme in Cardiff was just

one of several Passivhaus schemes

we have completed over the past

two years. We now have an external

wall build-up that not only meets

the Passivhaus standards, but also

has extremely low embodied carbon

credentials.

“While there are other products available

which will achieve the airtightness, we

feel SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT is the most

robust solution available and eliminates

the possibility of accidental damage,

resulting in a failed test.”

Timber frame contractors can

consistently achieve stringent

airtightness levels and create highperformance,

airtight building

envelopes by utilising OSB that features

integrated vapor control and air barrier

properties. These robust and versatile

OSB solutions simplify the process of

constructing airtight, energy-efficient

building envelopes and put us on a path

to net zero.

www.mdfosb.com/smartply-osb

55


FLOORS, WALLS &

CEILINGS

ELEVATING ARCHITECTURE

BEYOND PURE FUNCTION

Once considered only for utility, ceiling tiles are now emerging as a way to create not only

comfortable and productive environments, but also as vehicles for architectural and design

creativity. John Spicer, Head of New Product Development at Zentia, explains why.

Ceiling tiles have always been

known for their practical perks –

they help enhance natural light,

create acoustically sound spaces, and

help buildings become more energy

efficient. Architects have traditionally

relied on these features to make spaces

work, but now in the age of Insta-worthy

designs, ceiling tiles are stepping up

their aesthetic game and becoming key

players in how a space looks and feels.

Manufacturers such as Zentia, are at

the forefront of this transformative wave,

with a commitment to expanding the

possibilities of ceiling design solutions.

Using colour in ceiling tiles can be

an effective tool for architects when

designing a space. With the right

knowledge, colour can help to design

spaces that serve a purpose such as

classrooms, healthcare settings and

workspaces. Accents of colour can

boost productivity in an office with

stimulating colours such as red and

oranges, while calming colours such as

blue, beige and greys can be used in

settings where peace and serenity are

welcomed, such as hospitals.

Not only can coloured ceiling tiles have

a psychological influence, but they can

also be a useful tool for wayfinding in

larger open spaces such as schools.

Experimenting with colour can allow

architects to break up a space, or create

clear pathways for students to find their

way with less stress involved.

The Sonify by Zentia range illustrates

how it is now easier than ever to put

your personal stamp on acoustic

ceilings, offering the widest colour range

available on the UK market, as well as

an extensive range of canopy and baffle

options.

Similarly, Zentia’s Aruba family is another

highly popular range that offers specifiers

a large choice of colours. Aruba is

Zentia’s most trusted ceiling tile and is

specified and purchased throughout

the UK almost every single day. Colours

include classic white, deep black or

neutrals such as browns and greys, or

more playful shades such as blue, green,

yellow, orange, red and purple. Inspired

by the beaches of Aruba, the tile has

a fine sandy texture and provides high

light reflectance for a clean and modern

finish. In addition, the Aruba tile has

an outstanding acoustic performance,

combining Class C sound absorption

with a sound attenuation level of 34dB.

Innovations in shape and form

Zentia’s designs extend beyond the

traditional flat surface, and with the

Sonify Tilt family, they can also offer

a dynamic canvas for architects to

embrace three-dimensional forms

and patterns through tilt and height

adjustments. The wider Sonify family is

also perfect for design experimentation,

with a range of shaped baffles and

canopies including circles and waves.

The DecoMesh range by Zentia is a

contemporary and unique ceiling tile,

available in eight different colours and

consisting of a steel, short diagonal

mesh pattern, it is a prime example of

how ceiling tiles have evolved to become

design tools, rather than just functional

infrastructure.

The Aruba family also contains the Aruba

Triangle, a high performing tile board cut

into equilateral triangles. It’s a unique

decorative ceiling tile that does not

compromise on technical performance,

and its shape can particularly lend itself

to wayfinding and zoning in designs.

As ceiling tiles continue to evolve beyond

their functional roots, they are opening

up new realms of creative possibilities

for specifiers, architects and designers.

Zentia offers an ever-expanding palette

of colours, textures and shapes to

provide dynamic canvases for design

expression, as the ceiling tile continues

to play an increasingly pivotal role in

shaping the future of buildings.

www.zentia.com

56

A Cut Above.

Proudly made in the UK for almost 30 years, Roofshield®

is the real deal in air and vapour permeable roofing membranes.

Super strong, durable, the original, this construction gem can

withstand anything nature throws its way. Now available at

a more competitive price than ever before.

Forever Original

donlow.co.uk


LANDSCAPING

DON’T FORGET THE LANDSCAPING

WHEN SPECIFYING A PROJECT

The landscaping of a new development or existing property renovation can often be

an afterthought but Talasey, one of the UK’s leading independent suppliers of

landscaping solutions, suggests that specifying the requirements of any outdoor

space is just as important as any indoor space.

The trend for creating a seamless transition from

a stunning indoor living space out into an equally

breathtaking outdoor living space isn’t just for larger

developments, as Scunthorpe-based Talasey is reporting a

growing number of eye-catching outdoor living spaces in more

typically sized family homes.

This is exemplified by the winning projects at its recent

Landscaping Awards – which celebrated the best use of

landscaping materials and the skills of the landscapers who are

part of its exclusive Designer & Installer Network.

Sam Revill, Marketing Manager – Trade at Talasey said the

awards served as a fantastic example of what can be achieved

with outdoor spaces, adding: “A lot of the winners in our

Landscaping Awards were for more modest projects, but

they really showed off what can be achieved with thought and

planning – and using great materials.”

Talasey has five core product ranges, including Natural

Paving (stone paving), Luxigraze (artificial grass) and Pavetuf

(installation and maintenance products) – but its Vitripiazza

(high-quality, vitrified porcelain paving and porcelain wall

cladding) and Piranha (composite decking, fencing and

cladding solutions) ranges are the show-stealers.

Porcelain paving and wall cladding

Vitripiazza is Talasey’s flagship collection of vitrified porcelain

paving and wall cladding. The products are stylish and

luxurious, as well as being durable and easy to maintain.

What’s eye-catching about Vitripiazza is the overall sleek finish

of the porcelain, and each flagstone offers a varied colour

blend, with numerous patterns to reflect natural landscaping

products. But there’s more to the Vitripiazza collection than

that, as there are other finishes, including Natural Stone,

Marble, Concrete and even a timber-effect Paving.

Its Hunter range consists of three composite decking boards,

with each colour option showcasing a woodgrain effect pattern

on one side and a matching traditional grooved finish on the

reverse, allowing them to be laid either way or contrasted to

create unique designs. The Terrafuzion range consists of three

superior composite decking products. Each board shows an

enhanced woodgrain finish and is dual sided to reveal two

different shades of the same colour palette.

What is making Piranha such a hit is the cladding – which

is the perfect solution for creating a traditional timber look

on walls. It comes in Traditional Cladding and Shadow Gap

options, and the fixing system enables the cladding to be fitted

vertically or horizontally, giving extra design options. More

recently, Talasey added fencing to its Piranha collection.

Combination of products

While Vitripiazza and Piranha are great standalone products,

what really transforms an outdoor area is the integration of

different products – such as the award-winning design by

InStyle Landscape Design & Build, which won an award for

an outdoor kitchen with a combination of Natural Paving and

Piranha. Or another stunning project by Murray Landscapes

(pictured) which used natural stone paving to create a multitiered

oasis.

Sam adds: “As mentioned, Talasey supplies landscaping

products directly to merchants – but we do have teams

covering the UK that support merchants, so if their customers

need specific help or support transforming an outdoor space,

then we’re happy to help. And we also offer direct support to

landscapers – especially via our Designer & Installer Network,

which is a growing community of the UK’s most talented

landscapers.”

www.talasey.co.uk

The aesthetic appeal of Vitripiazza is accentuated by the

fact that the products come in larger paving sizes such as

800 x 800mm for a stunning uniform effect. There are also

sizes including 600 x 600mm and 900 x 600mm to create

more of a mosaic and brick effect. Vitripiazza is also proving

increasingly popular because it is strong, hard-wearing with a

stain resistance, plus these products are classified with a low

slip potential.

Composite decking, fencing and cladding

Piranha is an FSC-certified, responsibly sourced range of

composite decking, fencing and cladding solutions. It is

designed to create attractive, durable, practical and lowmaintenance

outdoor flooring, wall cladding and fencing

solutions.

58

InstallerSHOW

is for you!

Visit our website

www.installershow.com

for more information

The UK’s biggest event focusing on the sustainability

of heat, water, air and energy will be almost 50% larger

than last year!

Prepare to be surprised by how much InstallerSHOW – at the

NEC Birmingham from June 25-27 – has to offer your business.

There’s a whole lot more to see and do for Architects, Building

Contractors, Developers, House Builders, Facility Managers,

Building Surveyors and more...

Expect a huge programme of presentations and

seminars focusing on the issues and challenges

that concern us all – PLUS a chance to engage

with over 600 exhibitors showcasing the very

latest product innovations that will lead

the way to net zero.

InstallerSHOW is more than an exhibition, it’s

an active partner in promoting sustainability and

net zero. We’re in this together.

REGISTER FOR

YOUR FREE

TICKET TODAY!


LANDSCAPING

DO YOU KNOW YOUR

TIMBER USE CLASSES?

David Hopkins, CEO of Timber Development UK, offers some advice on how to make

sure you specify the right timber for external projects, and why choosing timber

treated to the right Use Class is vital for structural applications.

60


Not all treated timber is

the same, and while one

piece of treated wood

may look like any other,

the level of preservative

protection found in the wood could

be very different. That’s because

national technical standards for wood

preservation require that the loading and

penetration of preservative is tailored to

the desired end use.

LANDSCAPING

Minimum wood treatment standards are

set out in British Standard 8417 and the

WPA Code of Practice – Industrial Wood

Preservation. In these standards the level

of treatment is tailored to the application

Use Class of a wood product as defined

in BS EN 335 (Durability of wood and

wood-based products).

This means a designer can specify a

structural timber component and expect

it to perform for a certain end-use for a

defined Desired Service Life (DSL). But

do you know the difference between

a Use Class 2 treated timber, and one

that’s been treated to Use Class 4? And

do you know why it matters?

The industry often uses the word timber

to refer to any piece of wood that has

been prepared to use in a building or

on a construction site, but not all timber

is the same. Some species are more

durable, some have a longer working

lifespan, and others are more stable and

less prone to shrinking or warping over

time.

Some timber species are more readily

available than others, and timber

suppliers often extend the useful

service life of these species through

the use of preservative treatments.

Many softwood components used in

modern construction, for example, are

treated with preservatives during the

manufacturing process.

Timber for internal or external use

Some of these treatments make the

timber suitable for external use, while

other treatments are designed for

internal use only, and it’s important that

you understand the differences and buy

the right treated timber for your project.

Using the wrong treated timber can have

very serious consequences in terms of

safety and durability, especially when

you use the wrong timber outside and

in structural applications, such as fence

posts, deck posts, joists and beams.

Wood Protection Association Chief

Executive Gordon Ewbank explains:

© Hoppings Softwood Products

“Preservative treatment provides wood

with added durability. While one piece

of treated wood may look very much

like any other, the level of preservative

protection could be very different. That’s

because the British Standard for wood

preservation – BS 8417, requires that the

loading and penetration of preservative,

impregnated into the wood, is tailored to

the desired end use.”

Use Classes

The British Standard for wood

preservation, BS 8417, groups the uses

of timber into various ‘Use Classes’.

Three of the most common Use Classes

found in construction products are Use

Classes 2-4, which are described in BS

EN 335.

These are:

• Use Class 2 - (Above the ground

or DPC, covered): covers timber for

interior use in a dry environment, such

as battens, framing, joists, roofs

• Use Class 3 – (Above the ground):

covers timber for exterior applications

above ground, such as deck boards,

cladding, and fence rails. Use Class

3(u) indicates uncoated wood, while

Use Class 3(c) indicates coated wood,

such as on a painted timber window.

• Use Class 4 – (In-ground contact):

covers wood used on, or in, the

ground and for external structural

support, such as fence posts, deck

posts, joists and beams, whether

or not it sits on other materials, like

an under-deck weed-suppressing

membrane.

To make it easier for you to identify

which is the right timber for your project,

Timber Development UK members who

supply preservative-treated softwoods

have committed to clearly marking

the relevant Use Class application on

both their sales and delivery notes, and

their invoices – and we’re encouraging

builders’ merchants to clearly mark the

relevant Use Class in their branches

as well. Some producers may offer a

warranty on their timber if it is installed

under certain conditions and for a

specified use, but not all treated timber

comes with a manufacturer’s warranty,

so it is always best to check – and if

you do need a warranty, always get

confirmation in writing of the likely

performance of the timber when used for

your intended application.

No more green treated timber

Previously, you might have seen timber

being described as ‘green treated’, but

this phrase does not give you enough

information to know whether it is treated

for use under Use Class 2, 3 or 4. So if

you’re in a builders’ merchant and the

timber in the yard doesn’t have its Use

Class clearly displayed, speak to the

merchant staff and check exactly what

treatment has been applied before you

make a purchase, otherwise you risk

using the wrong timber.

Flame-retardant treatments

Flame-retardant timber treatments

must always be applied in a factorybased,

quality controlled environment

that adheres to strict standards – never

on site. They can either be applied to

products during the manufacturing

process, or incorporated into the

materials used to make wood-based

products, such as MDF and OSB.

Timber Development UK and the Wood

Protection Association have published

a range of guides and leaflets to help

builders understand the different levels

of preservative protection and where

each should be used. These resources

are free to download from ttf.co.uk/

builders/builders-resources.

There is also a free online training

presentation that runs through the basic

facts at www.thewpa.org.uk

61


LANDSCAPING

Created by JA Dodds landscapes, this nurturing garden has lots of green space, a water feature and plenty of space for relaxation.

EXPERT GARDEN DESIGN

ADVICE FOR 2024

Marshalls, a leading UK hard landscaping supplier, offers advice on the most

popular design trends for gardens of all sizes.

When it comes to garden design

trends, it’s clear that people

still want to spend plenty of

time outdoors. This year we are seeing

an increased focus on creating spaces

such as seating areas, pergolas, outdoor

kitchens and fire pits. This creates

landscapes that are energising and

vibrant, self-expressive and lively. People

lucky enough to have larger outdoor

spaces are choosing to create different

zones within their gardens but, even if

you haven’t got a huge space, there is

plenty you can do.

Choosing colours and patterns

Grey paving remains a popular choice

for homeowners – it looks great against

most types of brickwork and works

well for both modern and older homes.

A popular idea is to use a grey patio

to create a smooth transition between

outside and in, especially if your house

has bi-fold or patio doors.

Warm colours are an excellent choice

for anyone looking to add a stylish, cosy

look to their garden. These colours can

improve mental health and wellbeing,

with soft curving forms and reassuring

earth tones helping to create a grounded

sense of security. There is still a growing

trend for patterned paving and outdoor

tiles for people looking for modern

garden ideas and ways to create a

stylish garden. Marshalls outdoor tiles

are available in several different patterns

and finishes, such as corten and

terrazzo; recent garden designs have

used these for step risers, underneath

seating areas and even outdoor

dancefloors.

Combining colours and paving styles

can create an eye-catching design that

will instantly transform the look and

feel of any outdoor area. You can use

borders and edging to frame paving,

creating a neat and attractive finish,

while different types of paving can create

different pathways and visual effects.

Combinations can add a touch of class

and sophistication to any outdoor space

while still allowing for plenty of creativity

and individuality.

Updating garden borders is a great

budget garden idea as an alternative

to a full patio. They are an easy and

inexpensive way to add a decorative

element to any landscape, saving money

while still creating a beautiful and stylish

look. Borders are also relatively easy to

install, making them a great option for

anyone looking for a quick and simple

solution to new paving.

A revamped pathway can create a sense

of direction in your garden, helping to

define the different areas of your garden

and provide a logical flow through the

space. It can be a great first step to a

larger revamp when your budget allows.

Popular patio materials

Indian sandstone became one of our

most searched for materials in 2023,

and it’s not hard to see why. Our ethically

sourced Indian Sandstone is a strong yet

affordable rustic paving product which

suits just about any residential setting.

Porcelain paving is a beautiful and

low maintenance option for creating

an on-trend outdoor space in 2024.

Known for its strength and resistance

to damage, porcelain is ideal for use in

areas with high foot traffic or outdoor

areas exposed to the elements.

Porcelain paving is also easy to maintain

and clean, ensuring that it will continue

to look great for years to come.

Additionally, it comes in a wide range

of colours and styles, allowing you to

create a unique and stylish look.

Another trend we see continuing in

garden designs for 2024 is block paving,

a top choice for driveways, for garden

paths and used as a border around

a patio in the same shade. This is a

great way to break up a space and use

different materials while sticking to a

colour theme.

www.marshalls.co.uk

62

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LANDSCAPING

MARSHALLS BEGINS DUAL BLOCK PLANT PRODUCTION WITH

FLEXIBLE PAVING SOLUTION

Marshalls has unveiled Modal X, an alternative to traditional

granite paving, and the first new product range to be

produced by the company’s dual block plant.

Incorporating Marshalls MaxiMix technology to lock in

colour and lock out the elements, the high-quality blend of

pigments, aggregates and binders creates an inseparable

bonded surface layer that stands the test of time. Modal

X is suitable for pedestrianised and high traffic areas and

provides a cost-effective and lower carbon alternative to

granite paving.

The Modal X range comprises eight colours, 15 plan

sizes, five depths, two finishes and permeable options.

Produced through the company’s state-of-the-art

manufacturing facility located in St Ives, Cambridge, Modal

X provides customers with limitless flexibility and design

possibilities to suit almost any application.

“Our new dual block site delivers nearly double the

output of a single plant, which is hugely beneficial to

merchants, specifiers and their customers,” said Simon

Magleave, Group Manufacturing Director at Marshalls. “As

well as allowing us to get more stock of our key landscaping

products on the ground, we can also use the plant for

smaller runs of our made to order products, like those

offered in our new Modal X Pro range.

“This flexibility means customers can have exactly what

they need while also offering an improved sustainability

benefit compared to granite alternatives, with a lower price

point.”

www.marshalls.co.uk/modal-x

TREX SIGNATURE SETS NEW STANDARD FOR OUTDOOR LIVING

Composite decking brand Trex has launched Signature,

its new premier collection now available through UK

distribution partner Arbor Forest Products.

Trex Signature establishes the next category of

composite decking, pioneering a new level of aesthetics.

Using a different process than any other Trex product,

Signature decking offers the ease of maintenance and high

performance of WPC with a proprietary shell formulation that

delivers the most realistic representation of wood attained

to date while offering exceptional durability supported by an

industry-leading 50-year residential warranty.

Like all Trex products, boards in the Signature collection

comprise a solid core and shell technology for enhanced

protection against the weather, meaning they won’t rot, split,

fade or stain and will never need oiling or painting.

Trex composite decking boards also offer a sustainable

alternative to traditional timber decking and are made of

95% recycled materials with the company never felling a

tree in its 25-year history.

Available in two nature-inspired colors, Trex Signature

establishes a new luxury tier in the brand’s decking lineup

as its top offering: Ocracoke offers a rich brown hue that

evokes a secluded island sheltered by sandy dunes and

marshy shores, while Whidbey provides a sleek grey

alternative that transports users to misty cliffs.

Marie Ennals, Marketing Manager at Arbor Forest

Products, said: “Trex has become synonymous with

quality composite decking, and the Signature collection is

Trex’s crowning achievement in a long legacy of decking

innovation, with pinnacle performance that outlasts and

outperforms other decking boards, all without compromising

on sustainability and aesthetics.

“We know from our network of installers that shades

inspired by nature remain in high demand, and we’re

delighted to be bringing new options to the market in perfect

time for the 2024 decking season.”

The launch of the Signature collection follows the success

of Lineage, an expansion of Trex’s most popular range. Trex

Transcend Lineage also offers a 50-year residential warranty

with decking boards available in three shades – Rainier,

Biscayne and Jasper – that feature a deep and realistic

wood grain effect for the beauty of wood with the ease of

composite.

www.arbordeck.co.uk

64

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CASE STUDY

RINNAI CHECKS INTO HEATHROW

HOTEL WITH ENERGY EFFICIENT

WATER HEATING

A hotel at Heathrow airport has been upgraded using Rinnai’s Hydrogen-blend

ready 20% continuous flow water heaters.

London’s Heathrow is one of the

busiest airports in the world –

handling more than 20 million

passengers each year. The area around

Heathrow also has one of the highest

densities of hotels in the world. Hotels

come at all stages of the star rating

system – from five-star luxury to the

budget minded. One of the more up

market five-star hotels, set in over 10

acres of lush meadow and woodland,

is just a 20-minute chauffeur driven car

journey to the Heathrow terminals.

Recently, the hotel updated the

heating and hot water system to its 70

bedrooms, leisure and spa centre and

Michelin-starred kitchens using Rinnai

Hydrogen blend ready 20% continuous

flow water heaters.

The site includes a top-class restaurant,

a Polo Bar and Lounge plus an outdoor

terrace to indulge in an Afternoon Tea.

There is also a fitness zone, two outdoor

tennis courts, and a croquet lawn.

A feasibility study conducted by the

Rinnai in house design team looked at

replacing two aging atmospheric water

heaters, joined into a flue dilution system.

The study concluded that the existing

units of 287 litres each plus existing

outputs, were of a sufficient capacity

to meet the current demand of guests,

kitchens, housekeeping etc.

The feasibility study concluded that the

hotel could reduce its carbon from hot

water generation if they switched from

the existing storage-based system and

installed a turnkey package of two Rinnai

N Series Hydrogen blend ready 20%

continuous flow water heaters plus a

500 L hot water store.

The solution was deemed a viable option

for the following benefits:

• Reduced onsite carbon

• Reduced capital expenditure costs

• Reduced operational expenditure costs

• ACOP/L8 compliance

• Hydrogen-blends ready

• 26:1 turndown ratio 4.4kW to 112kW

• Fifty percent redundancy should a unit

fail

• No single point of failure

• Cylinder would weigh approx. 90kg

• 12-year warranty.

The Rinnai Sensei N Series range offers

a more compact, enhanced combustion

design that allows for easier installation,

superior operational performance as

well as ease of serviceability. The Rinnai

Series is the first ever continuous flow

hot water heating unit manufactured

with stainless steel heat exchangers

to be available in the UK - this gives

an extended working life at optimum

performance to each of the four models

in the range. Added to this are the

market leading extended warranties,

which accompany the hydrogen

Blend-ready 20% and Bio-LPG ready

instantaneous water heaters.

The four models are:

• the N1600i, giving 954 litres per hour

(at 50 degrees)

• the N1600e (external), giving 954 litres

per hour (at 50 degrees)

• the N1300i, giving 775 litres per hour

• the N1300e, giving 775 litres per hours

of temperature controlled hot water at

50 degrees.

The Rinnai Sensei N

Series range offers a

more compact,

enhanced combustion

design that allows for

easier installation,

superior optimal

performance as well as

ease of serviceability.

The two 1600s have load profiles of XXL

and are water efficiency class A rated,

while the 1300s are load profile XL and

are also water efficiency class A rated.

All the range is also low-NOx (Less than

26ppm meaning they gain additional

points under BREEAM) and the

futureproofed continuous flow water

heater uses Rinnai’s patented advanced

burner technology with a 13-1 turn

down ratio – the largest on the market

combined with 96% efficiency rating.

Integral controls on the units enable the

water heater to achieve high efficiencies

because of advanced burner control and

high modulation ranges.

This wide range of modulation means

that energy usage is completely

optimised as the water heater through

smart inbuilt controls will only heat the

water to the temperature required thus

preserving energy.

Rinnai offers sizing and support services

to ensure that the optimum solution is

created for your project, whether that

be gaseous continuous water heaters,

hybrid water heating systems or

commercial heat pumps.

www.rinnaiuk.com

66

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UPCOMING FEATURES

June

>> Commercial & Retail

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July / August

>> Housing

>> Roofing & Cladding

>> Windows, Doors & Entrance Systems

>> Security & Fire Protection

>> Smart Technology

Feature in our fortnightly e-newsletter delivered to

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Working alongside

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Trust The

Experts

A self adhesive, vapour permeable, airtight layer

which makes achieving low air leakage rates a

faster and easier process from drawing board to

on site installation.

For more information on Wraptite airtight and

vapour-permeable system solutions:

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

May 2024 Issue

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