September 2024 Issue

September 2024

www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

Exploring practical solutions for today’s built environment challenges

Choice

is everything

Installing in-roof solar PV panels?

Our vapour permeable and impermeable pitched roofing membranes

and ventilation products now come with a 15 year product warranty*

giving you extra peace of mind for your next solar project.

Read our key FAQs article on page 34.

*Ts & Cs apply.

www.glidevaleprotect.com/roofing

HOUSING

SUSTAINABILITY

KITCHENS, BATHROOMS

& WETROOMS

HEATING & VENTILATION

GLASS & GLAZING

GVP_CiE_SpecifyBuild-210x210mm_24-08-29.indd 1 29/08/2024 14:04

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www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ September 2024

SEPTEMBER 2024

LETTER FROM

THE EDITOR

EDITOR JENNIE WARD

T: 07971 968611

E: jennie@mappedout.media

PUBLISHING

DIRECTOR

DESIGN &

MARKETING

MANAGER

ACCOUNTS &

CIRCULATION

THE TEAM

JAKE ROXBOROUGH

T: 07482 181961

E: jake@mappedout.media

LAURA KING

GEORGIA HENDERSON

E: accounts@mappedout.media

PUBLISHED BY MAPPED OUT MEDIA LIMITED

Registered in England No.

15185328

Registered Office:

The Old Barn, Wood Street,

Swanley, England, BR8 7PA

The fire that broke out at a block of residential flats

in Dagenham, East London, last month has again

brought into sharp relief the importance of fire

safety and the need for full compliance with all

building regulations during the initial construction,

and during any remedial work carried out, in higher-risk

buildings.

While it is far too early to speculate on the full cause

of this fire, and whether the cladding or other building

materials may have contributed to either the initial blaze

or its spread, we are once again reminded of the potential

outcome of building fires and why it is so important that

the industry stands united to prevent such tragedies from

happening. Thankfully everyone was evacuated safely from

the Dagenham tower block, but residents have still been left

without their homes, and the potential tragedy that could

have occurred is all too clear.

The construction industry is still implementing the

recommendations of Dame Judith Hackitt’s review following

the Grenfell Tower tragedy, and while progress has been

made, much more needs to be done. As specifiers and

building designers, you stand at the very core of this work –

ensuring that the right product is specified for every project,

and that every product works together as a holistic system

to ensure safety and security for all occupants. It’s an

incredibly important job, and one about which we can never

be complacent.

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.

With a growing number of roofing projects

featuring solar PV panels, Glidevale Protect

is answering some of the most frequently

asked questions that specifiers and

architects have when choosing the right

ventilation and underlay products for their

projects. See page 34 for more information.

3

16 28

CONTENTS

22 30

06. News

HOUSING

14. Get fire protection right first time

16. Breathing new life into history

18. Improvements ‘expected’ in the timber market

20. Connecting the future

SUSTAINABILITY

22. Can solar panels reduce water heating costs?

26. More of the same... but different

28. A technology for changing compliance

30. Specify sustainably with rainwater harvesting

systems

32. Incorporate sustainability from the ground up

34. Shining a light on roof ventilation

36. Building a brighter future

38. Sustainability Products

40. Specify sustainably with electric showers

4

42

56

44 62

KITCHENS, BATHROOMS & WETROOMS

42. Small can be beautiful

44. Enhancing the heart of the home

46. Kitchens, Bathrooms & Wetrooms Products

48. Case Studies

HEATING & VENTILATION

50. InstallerSHOW: Now is the time for innovation

54. Investigate your heat pump options

56. Concealed heating straight from your skirting

board

58. Heating & Ventilation Products

GLASS & GLAZING

60. Glass Rainscreen meets unique design brief

62. Traditional windows update bespoke

development in conservation area

64. Bi-folds get a glow up

66. Case Studies

5

September 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

LATEST NEWS

NEWS \\ INDUSTRY UPDATES

New Homes Accelerator ‘will unblock thousands of new homes’

A New Homes Accelerator will help

speed up delivery of stalled housing

sites and support plans to deliver

1.5 million homes, Deputy Prime

Minister Angela Rayner has said.

The team from the Ministry of

Housing and Homes England will work

to accelerate the buildout of housing

schemes delayed by planning and red

tape to drive economic growth. They

will bring together key players including

government agencies, local planning

departments and housebuilders to

resolve local issues and deploy planning

experts on the ground to work through

blockages at each site. This includes

looking at barriers to affordable housing

delivery where relevant.

Interventions could see the New

Homes Accelerator provide resources to

support local planning capacity where

there are barriers and work across the

board to make sure planning decisions

are made in a timely fashion.

Government analysis suggests 200

large sites have outline or detailed

plans ready to go but are yet to begin

construction.

The Deputy Prime Minister said:

“For far too long the delivery of tens

of thousands of new homes has been

held back by a failure to make sure the

development system is working as it

should. Our New Homes Accelerator

will quickly identify blockages, fix

problems and support local authorities

and developers to get shovels in the

ground.”

David O’Leary, Executive Director

of the Home Builders Federation, said:

“The planning process and everything

associated with it delivers too little

land and has long been a significant

constraint on house building. Adopting

a pragmatic approach to planning will

increase the pace at which new homes

are built and help to turn around ailing

housing supply.”

Guide offers Part L

compliance advice

AluFoldDirect has released a

10-page guide to compliance

with Building Regulations: Part

L, 2021. Available as a free

download, the guide is in response

to customer uncertainty over the

changing landscape of UK Building

Regulations.

The guide provides a clear picture

of current legislation, highlighting

requirements for refurbishment and

newbuild projects, specific products,

regulation differences in England,

Scotland, Wales, and Northern

Ireland, plus key considerations

during the planning stages of a

project.

It can be downloaded at

go.alufolddirect.co.uk/part-lcompliance

New Government ‘prioritises clean and

cost effective power’

Enhancing renewable energy production

is a key objective established by the

new government, as is the creation of

a publicly owned energy company that

safeguards UK customers from external

cost elevations.

A list of national priorities has been

drawn up by Ed Miliband, the new

Secretary of State for Energy Security

and Net Zero. These objectives include:

• taking back control of UK energy

with Great British Energy.

• upgrading Britain’s homes and

cutting fuel poverty through the

Warm Homes Plan.

• standing up for consumers by

reforming the energy system.

• creating jobs in Britain’s industrial

heartlands, including a just transition

for the industries based in the North

Sea.

• leading on international climate

action, based on the UK’s domestic

achievements.

Chris Goggin, Director of Operations

at Rinnai, said: “A new direction of

energy policy is designed to rapidly

increase renewable capacity into

the UK electrical grid while reducing

customer cost and carbon emissions.

The creation of Great British Energy

and adding objectives such as the

Warm Homes Plan will help to deliver

further improvements upon UK NetZero

accomplishments.

“The current government hopes

[Great British Energy will be] capable

of delivering clean energy that bolsters

domestic security at low cost. Great

British Energy will be supported by

£8.3 billion of subsidy and will assist

national industry, local authorities and

public sector organisations in pursuit of

a fair, clean and cost-effective energy

transition.”

Around £3.3 billion will be directed

towards the construction of localised

smaller power projects, while £5 billion

will be invested into larger projects and

supply chains.

Great British Energy will generate

and deploy clean renewable electricity

to support all UK households that are

currently being affected by high fossil

fuel costs. The current government

aims to completely decarbonise the UK

electrical grid by 2030 to safeguard UK

customers against potential external

geopolitical influences that could further

elevate costs.

6


LATEST NEWS


Guidance released for golden thread of higher-risk buildings

New guidance on the golden thread

of information requirements for higherrisk

buildings has been published by

the Building Safety Workstream of The

Construction Leadership Council (CLC).

The guidance is designed to

champion and support the delivery

of safe and high-quality buildings for

those who live and work in them. It also

supports dutyholders and accountable

persons in delivering a golden thread for

their building. The publication supports

the work happening right across

industry to deliver the higher-risk regime

and to enable the delivery of robust

information to support safer buildings.

The guidance has been developed

by an industry working group with

experience from across the sector in the

design, construction and management

of management of higher-risk buildings.

It sets out the golden thread information

that dutyholders and accountable

persons will need to generate, keep,

maintain and handover during design,

through construction, handover and

completion of the building and into

occupation.

SR Timber gets

Sun Safe

SR Timber has been awarded a

Sun Safe Workplace Accreditation

by SKCIN, a national charity that

provides training to raise awareness

of skin cancer prevention and the

importance of early detection to

high-risk audiences.

Solar UV radiation emitted

by the Sun’s energy is classified

as a known human carcinogen,

responsible for up to 90% of all skin

cancer cases. This puts outdoor

workers in one of the highest risk

groups for skin cancer. Skin cancer

is the most commonly diagnosed

cancer in the UK, with one in

four men and one in five women

developing the disease. Outdoor

workers are, on average, at a 60%

greater risk.

Shaun Revill, SR Timber’s Trading

Director, said: “The health and safety

of our employees is paramount. We

have a moral and legal obligation to

address all aspects of health and

safety in the workplace.”

The purpose of the golden thread of

information is to give the right people

the right information at the right time. It

is the information that allows someone

to understand a building and the steps

needed to keep both the building and

people safe, now and in the future.

The guidance makes clear that the

golden thread should not be something

new. At its heart, the golden thread is

good information and good information

management. Most importantly, the

golden thread is something that should

be used. The people responsible for

a higher-risk building (the dutyholders

and accountable persons) should

embrace the golden thread – as it is

their information, for their use, to ensure

their building is safe and to assure their

residents that their building is safe.

As the new regime develops, this

guidance will need to develop with it

and the CLC is inviting the industry to

give constructive feedback to support

this process.

The full Golden Thread Guidance is

at www.constructionleadershipcouncil.

co.uk

Hands-on cavity tray installation training

Glidevale Protect has joined forces with

NHBC to deliver insightful training and

demo sessions focused on cavity tray

installation.

Glidevale Protect’s Training Manager,

Andy Mathers, visited the NHBC’s

Training Hubs at Hull, Cambridge and

Tamworth recently to provide practical

training for their teams of bricklaying

apprentices.

Each day he led a group practical

demonstration to show how correctly

installed stepped cavity trays prevent

water penetration to the inside face of

the wall, demonstrating how the integral

weeps within the product work to avoid

the build-up of water.

At the end of the sessions, Glidevale

Protect donated some of its cavity trays

to allow the apprentices to put what

they’d learnt into practice, giving them

valuable hands-on experience.

Glidevale Protect’s brickwork trays

have an integral bed weep within the

product, allowing water to safely drain

to the outer face of the external wall

at each stepped tray. The cavity trays

are designed with a fleximouth mortar

barrier on the lower leading edge of

the tray which is kept attached during

installation and once the mortar has set,

the protruding tab can is pulled, leaving

a 25mm deep groove to allow flashing

to be installed without needing to rake

out the joint, which could damage the

tray.

Jim Smith, Head of Technical from

Glidevale Protect, said: “These sessions

highlight the enhanced real-life learning

apprentices experience through NHBC

training hubs.”

8



More companies sign up to CCPI compliance

SIG Roofing is one of the latest companies within the industry

to achieve the Code for Construction Product Information

(CCPI) Assessment for Merchants and Distributors.

The CCPI was created to raise standards in construction

product information. It aims to encourage greater product

information accuracy so that everyone in the supply chain

can make more informed decisions about product selection.

The codes were built around five tests covering ‘clear,

accurate, up-to-date, accessible, and unambiguous product

information’. The ultimate goal is for clients, specifiers, and

users to insist on working only with manufacturers, merchants

and distributors that follow the CCPI guidelines.

There are three separate codes. One for manufacturers

addressing the responsibility of product information,

specifically relating to the assessment of product information

on products. One for supporters, which includes clients,

major housebuilders, and tier one contractors who are

driving the CCPI through their supply chains, and one for

merchants and distributors. The latter focuses specifically

on the company’s systems and processes as a conduit for

product information. This includes requirements for creating

and reproducing product information along with an emphasis

on accurate representation.

The assessment for SIG Roofing came as part of a

full-scale assessment of the overall SIG UK Merchant and

Distribution businesses.

SIG UK Compliance Director Steve Marr said: “We are

delighted to be the first to have passed the merchants and

distributors CCPI assessment. We support the need for

accurate product information and recognise the importance

of the CCPI in raising industry standards. We hope more

merchants and distributors will follow suit as this will

strengthen the reputation of the CCPI and increase customer

confidence in the market.”

SR Timber has also received confirmation from CCPI that

its PREMIUM GOLD roofing batten is compliant. This allows

the business to promote the CCPI mark on the product.

The third-party assessment confirms that all the product

information provided by SR Timber on its graded BS5534

roofing batten complies with the CCPI clauses.

Shaun Revill, Trading Director of SR Timber, said: “We

are thrilled to be one of the first roofing batten suppliers to

comply with this standard. I have always agreed with the

ethos of the CCPI, and we committed to it some time ago.”

LATEST NEWS

White paper highlights importance of

dynamic movement in fire stopping

FSi Promat has launched a white

paper highlighting the impact dynamic

movement can have on the effectiveness

of penetration seals – and what can be

done to ensure passive fire protection is

compliant for the lifetime of a building.

The stress that movement can put

on a building can cause breaches,

tears and cracks in the construction

materials, including in fire stopping

that has been used to reinstate the

compartment to contain the spread of

flames, smoke, heat and toxic gases.

Despite the potentially serious impact on

building safety, accommodating dynamic

movement in fire stopping plans is often

overlooked.

Approved Document B (fire safety)

states the need for an “appropriate

fire seal” that will last for the lifetime

of the building. But with no formal

testing mechanism under the EN1366-

3 standard or European Technical

Assessment (ETA) specifically for

movement within penetration seals, this

element often falls out of the scope of

building design.

The white paper, ‘Managing

Movement: Accommodating dynamic

movement in fire stopping for

penetration seals’ takes an in-depth

look at the impact of movement on

fire stopping, existing legislation and

guidance around the issue, and how FSi

Promat has engineered a solution – plus

the evaluation to support that solution.

Craig Abbott, Technical Director at

FSi Promat – part of the Etex group,

explained: “Service penetrations are

part and parcel of construction and

must be accommodated within passive

fire protection using appropriate fire

stopping systems. However, where

movement is present in a building it is

essential that sufficient flexibility is built

into this system to mitigate the effects of

dynamic movement on the performance

of the penetration seal.

Vivalda signs

distribution deal

National facades specialist Vivalda

has signed an agreement with

Wraptite and Secolite to distribute

breather membranes and cement

boards respectively.

By combining vapour

permeability and airtightness in a

unique, self-adhering membrane,

Wraptite offers a fast and effective

solution to unplanned air leakage

and its detrimental effects on

energy performance.

Secolite is an A1 fire rated,

lightweight board made of Portland

cement, aggregates and other

inert materials, reinforced on both

sides with embedded glass fibre.

Designed for light steel frame

systems, these products are

designed as a substrate board

to be plastered directly or for a

weather-resistant ventilated facade

system.

9


LATEST NEWS


CIBSE urges adoption of enhanced safety standards

Following the fire at a block of flats in

Dagenham, the Chartered Institution

of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)

is urging the entire industry to adopt

rigorous fire safety measures.

David Fitzpatrick, Chair of the CIBSE

Fire Safety Group, said: “The recent fire

in Dagenham brings into sharp focus

the critical importance of fire safety

regulations within the construction

industry. While early reports have noted

that cladding on the building was in

the process of being replaced, it is

essential that we allow the investigation

CPD offers fire safety

glazing advice

A RIBA-approved CPD has been

introduced to help specifiers get more

from their fire safety glass specifications.

Created by Pyroguard, the CPD

covers topics including the role of fire

safety glazing in the built environment

and the types available, exploring

the various factors to consider when

specifying a fire-rated system.

As well as running through common

applications and the importance of

compartmentation, the CPD provides

clarification on the three fire safety

glass classifications and what these

mean in real-world terms. It provides an

overview of current testing standards,

the framing systems and materials

available and how their multi-functional

capabilities can enable architects to get

more from their specification.

Pyroguard’s UK & Ireland Sales

Director, Andy Lake, said: “Fire safety

glass is something we encounter

every day – an essential element of

passive fire protection that also enables

cutting-edge architectural design.

Although it may appear visually similar

to standard glass, specifying the right

solution can involve a range of technical

considerations that go far beyond what

meets the eye.

“Our CPD aims to clear up any

misconceptions in the industry and

give architects and specifiers the

knowledge they need to make informed

decisions and get the most out of

their specification, without the need to

compromise on aesthetic design.”

The CPD can be booked at www.

pyroguard.eu/resources/book-a-cpd

to determine the full circumstances

surrounding the incident.

“Fire safety is a complex and

multifaceted issue that extends far

beyond cladding. It encompasses

everything from smoke alarms and

warning systems to smoke clearance

strategies for both escape routes and

firefighting operations. The materials

used in construction, their correct

application, and proper installation

are all critical components of a

comprehensive fire safety strategy.”

The introduction of the new Building

Reynaers Aluminium gave architects a

guided tour of some of its high-profile

projects during a cruise down the

River Thames to demonstrate how the

company supports design-led projects.

The aluminium doors, windows and

facades specialist invited 25 guests

to gain an insight into some of the

prestigious projects it has been involved

with in London. These included Faraday

House at Battersea Power Station, Nine

Elms in Wandsworth, Vista at Chelsea

Bridge, One Tower Bridge, Royal Mint

Gardens in Tower Hill and Wood Wharf at

Canary Wharf.

The group were given information

packs containing key details of each

project, complete with QR codes linked

to further information relating to the

buildings. Members of Reynaers’ consult

team, along with Technical Director John

McComb and Managing Director Richard

Safety Act has set a clear path for the

industry, aiming to enhance safety

standards across all buildings.

Fitzpatrick noted: “The industry is

witnessing a positive shift towards

making every building safer, but this

incident highlights the importance of not

only applying these standards to new

constructions but also prioritising the

refurbishment of older buildings.

“Fire safety remains a pressing issue

that cannot be ignored, and it must

remain at the forefront of our industry’s

efforts.”

Reynaers showcases city projects

Hall, were also on board to provide

information about how the company

works with architects.

Head of Marketing Samantha Hill said:

“The Thames is one of the best vantage

points in the capital and offers stunning

views, particularly of developments that

demonstrate how glazed architecture

and slimline architectural systems

support design excellence.”

AIM recruits new Specification Manager

AIM, the acoustic, fire and thermal

insulation product manufacturer,

has appointed Simon Mayes as

Specification Manager.

Simon will work with specifiers and

main contractors to determine the

appropriate products to help them

design high-quality buildings and is

available to give CPD presentations.

Simon has 20 years’ experience in

the construction industry working for

manufacturers such as British Gypsum,

Saint Gobain Isover, Komfort, Cembrit,

Siderise and Proteus Waterproofing.

10

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12

www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ Month 2024

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3


HOUSING

GET FIRE PROTECTION RIGHT

FIRST TIME

Liam McClurg, Fire

Protection Manager for

Kitsons, discusses how,

under the Building Safety

Act 2022, fire protection

has become a greater

challenge for architects

and specifiers and why

early engagement with a

specialist distributor is

essential to the success of

a project.

The Building Safety Act (BSA)

introduced changes to the way

fire specification and protection

are considered on site. Now, all designs

for buildings defined as ‘high risk’ must

fully disclose the products and materials

being used and state this clearly in the

specification. It’s undoubtedly leading to

safer practices and building methods but

does open up new challenges.

Specialist considerations like fire

protection are now being specified much

earlier in the process. As a result, the

responsibility for correctly designing

and specifying these products now

falls to the principal designer. However,

knowledge of how to effectively apply

these systems and understanding the

design strategies behind them often

comes from specialist knowledge which

principal designers have typically subcontracted

out.

The ‘traditional’ approach of relying upon

a specialist contractor who would design

and install fire protection (typically as the

interiors are under-construction) is no

longer an option. To first understand how

to solve these challenges, we need to

understand the scale of the requirement

placed upon specifiers.

Making higher-risk buildings safer

The BSA class Higher Risk Buildings

(HRB) as those at least 18m high, or

seven stories with at least two residential

units. They are subject to greater

scrutiny and attention as classed as

more vulnerable and a greater risk.

After the tragedy at Grenfell, it was

deemed necessary to focus on the

aspect of safety from the very beginning

of the building process, starting

with planning permission all the way

through to occupation of the building.

Three gateways, or checkpoints, were

created to increase accountability of

fire protection measures. They help

to identify risk early on in the process,

provide ongoing compliance during

construction to occupation, with a clear

audit trail of documentation and decision

making.

The first gateway is encountered

during the planning permission stage

and demands a much higher level of

detail for fire protection than before.

This includes knowledge of materials,

products, thermal and fire performance

and the method of connection to the

building. A fire statement is submitted

with fire safety considerations specific

to the development before planning can

be granted. In-depth knowledge of fire

protection products and materials and

how they work together is needed.

The second gateway involves satisfying

the regulators that the design meets

building regulations. Any changes to the

approved spec need to be re-approved

by the Building Regulator, which can

take a further 12 weeks, effectively

starting the process all over again. While

this eliminates the practice of value

engineering, it increases the pressure to

ensure adequate supply of the specified

solution.

So, with getting it right first time more

important than ever, who can principal

designers turn to? Specialist distributors,

such as Kitsons, have both the

knowledge necessary to understand the

options available at design stage and the

supply chain needed to ensure there are

no delays as construction progresses.

Specialist distributors work with a host of

manufacturers to understand the scope

and scale of their solutions. Rather than

reaching out to individual manufacturers

to understand what is available, by going

through a specialist distributor specifiers

have easier access to immediate

options. This can be a massive time

saving when it comes to understanding

the market and allows them to focus

more on the design.

Additionally, distributors can take a

product agnostic approach with the

options put forward – it’s about getting

the right system for that particular build

instead of promoting one manufacturer

over another.

Fire safety and specification has always

carried with it high pressure and scrutiny.

Making sure you’ve got the right

partnerships in place can help alleviate

some of the pressures on the design

team in getting specifications right first

time. And, through early engagement

with specialist distributors, projects can

be set up for success from the very

beginning.

kitsonsts.co.uk

14

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The information contained in this document is believed to be correct at the date of publication. Images used are for illustration purposes only.


HOUSING

BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO HISTORY

Refurbishment and conversion projects often present many different issues that

need special consideration. The Black Country Living Museum’s ‘Forging Ahead’

Project shows how experienced designers and bespoke products can help

safeguard the long-term heritage and history of a building.

Behind every building, there

is a team of specifiers and

other professionals who

work to preserve the history

of the building and ensure

any refurbishments are as accurate as

possible.

Wyckham Blackwell won the

‘Refurbishment and Conversion’ award

at the Trussed Rafter Association’s

Roofscape Design Awards for its work

on the Forging Ahead project at The

Black Country Museum.

Wyckham Blackwell supplied trusses,

joists, and even some speciality feature

trusses for several buildings that were

being refurbished; structures that

represented a significant chunk of the

West Midlands Black Country’s heritage.

This project involved poring over new

drawings and historical images, ensuring

every detail – from the pitch of the roof

to the size of the dormers – reflected the

specific era each building belonged to.

Multiple buildings

One example that stood out in particular

was the Lea Road Infant Welfare

Centre. This replica of a still-standing

Wolverhampton building, set in a 1960s

context, required a unique approach.

Wyckham Blackwell provided trusses

for the high-vaulted ceiling and large

dormers, complemented by a modern

metal web joist flat roof. The museum

later added mock steel tie rod feature

trusses to complete the vintage look.

The Cricketfields Brickworks, meanwhile,

represented the industrial heart of the

1950s and created a different set of

challenges. Inspired by the Brockmoor

Brickworks in Brierly Hill, this building

boasted a towering chimney and a

steel wheel enclosure. To address the

high ceilings, a series of oak feature

trusses were installed with varying

profiles, accompanied by oak purlins,

softwood rafters, and all the necessary

components.

A challenging refurbishment

Every project will inevitably experience

some technical challenges, and this

project was no exception.

Despite having architectural and

engineering drawings to refer to,

sometimes they can lack specific

details, which meant referencing from

period images was the best solution to

ensure accurate elevations and internal

aesthetics were correct. Maintaining the

exact pitches, ridge heights, dormer

16


HOUSING

Timber, a renewable resource, was

chosen as the preferred material

to achieve the desired roof shapes

and ensure the sustainability of the

project. The use of engineered timber

solutions was prioritised over steel

beams whenever possible to minimise

the overall environmental impact. All

standard nail-plated trusses comprised

PEFC-certified timber, while the

oak and board materials were FSCcertified,

ensuring that they came from

sustainable sources.

Timber, a renewable resource, was chosen as the

preferred material to ensure the sustainability of

the project. The use of engineered timber

solutions was prioritised over steel beams

whenever possible to minimise the overall

environmental impact.

sizes, and eaves details was crucial for

preserving the original character of each

structure.

The Cricketfields Brickworks, for

instance, required additional engineering

support for its large feature trusses.

Oak diagonal braces were incorporated

because it was decided that oriented

strand board (OSB) sheathing wouldn’t

fit the overall aesthetic.

A separate solution was devised for

the Infant Welfare Centre’s high ceiling

and desired steel tie rod look. Large

lattice-style girder trusses with raisedtie

mono trusses were chosen. This

self-supporting structure eliminated the

need for additional external engineering,

resulting in cost savings for the museum.

The Elephant and Castle pub was

a Wolverhampton landmark rebuilt

to its former glory. The intricate roof

had varying levels, eaves, pitches

and over-height trusses split into two

tiers. Additionally, large gable ends

with windows were prefabricated as

timber frame gable panels for efficient

installation.

Safety and sustainability

Safety was a priority throughout the

project. Those trusses that exceeded

the site’s safe handling limitations were

delivered as two-tier ‘top hat’ trusses.

Plywood was then placed on top to

create a secure working platform while

the second tier was being installed.

Gable panels were used to create highlevel

gable ends, facilitating swift craning

and installation and minimising the need

for bricklayers to work at risky heights.

High-level scaffolding ensured a safe

platform for the erection team, while

podiums between the feature trusses

provided safe access for carpenters to

install hidden brackets at the apexes.

A learning experience for all

Many believe that trussed rafters

are used exclusively in housing

developments across the UK but

the ‘Forging Ahead’ project is a

demonstration of how they can also be

used on heritage projects and where

once unsustainable steel beams would

have been used.

Joe Dudley, Design and Technical Sales

Manager at Wyckham Blackwell and the

designer of the Forging Ahead project,

says: “The Forging Ahead project proved

to be a valuable learning experience

that underscored the importance of

close collaboration between all parties

involved. From translating the museum’s

vision into reality, to ensuring smooth

on-site implementation, constant

communication was key.

“The project highlighted the significance

of adequate time allocation for each

stage to maintain the project’s quality

standards. This experience solidified the

belief that timber can be a viable solution

for even the most unconventional

structures, offering numerous

advantages.”

The TRA Roofscape Design Awards

Judges add: “[This was] a technically

challenging project with each building

providing complications. The project

is an example of how to successfully

comply with client and historical

requirements and still achieve suitable

timber engineering solutions to a

project.”

www.wyckhamblackwell.co.uk

17


HOUSING

TIMBER MARKET IS ‘LIKELY TO

IMPROVE’, SURVEY SAYS

While businesses are concerned about the next 12 months, in the longer term,

housing activities are likely to improve, according to the Trussed Rafter Association’s

second annual State of the Industry survey.

The Trussed Rafter Association

(TRA) survey has unveiled the

results of its second annual State

of the Industry Survey. Conducted

before the General Election, the survey

found businesses remained cautious

about the future but are starting to feel

more confident about the future of the

sector. Despite some concerns, there is

a noticeable trend towards investing in

employee growth and new technologies.

Mixed signals in

business confidence

Businesses in the trussed rafter industry

have varied levels of confidence about

the upcoming 12 months. While 45% of

respondents are “somewhat confident”

and 39% feel “confident”, only 6% are

“very confident” about their business

outlook. In contrast, 10% are “not

confident at all”.

The survey indicates that many trussed

rafter manufacturers and suppliers

are expecting housebuilding activities

to recover, with 39% of businesses

expecting an increase, 55% believing

it will remain steady, and only 6%

anticipating a decrease.

When asked about the potential impact

of a government change on the housing

market, 55% of respondents believed

it would improve the market, and 39%

thought it would make no difference.

The number of respondents unlikely to

invest in new technology or new ways

of working has decreased from 42% in

2023 to 10% in 2024.

A majority of TRA members are

optimistic about recruitment, with 58%

planning to increase their staff over the

next year; and 55% believing they are

likely to take on new apprentices in the

next five years.

Net zero initiatives

Around 52% of respondents are actively

pursuing carbon reduction as part of

their current strategy. Customer inquiries

about environmental and carbon savings

have increased by 26%, indicating that

net-zero pressures are beginning to

affect suppliers.

Is structural timber the solution?

Meanwhile, the Structural Timber

Association (STA) has welcomed Deputy

Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s assertion

that local authorities must consider “how

to deliver new homes, not whether to”,

and is again calling on Government

to recognise that the solution to this

question lies in adopting greater use of

sustainable building technologies, such

as offsite timber frame.

The Labour Government’s proposal for

planning reform includes increasing the

overall housing targets to more than

370,000 per year and releasing greenbelt

land for development, while also

ensuring at least 50% of new properties

are designated affordable homes, with

the necessary social infrastructure to

support new neighbourhoods.

STA Chief Executive Andrew Carpenter

says: “To meet such ambitious figures,

more than 1,000 new homes will have to

be delivered across the country – every

single day. The STA believes that the

only way to meet this demand for homes

and achieve our net zero obligations, is

by embracing change. Change in how

we build, the materials we use, and

the way we attract new people into the

construction industry. There is existing

capacity in the established structural

timber manufacturing sector of

120 members to double timber frame

manufacturing output to achieve

100,000 homes per annum – quickly

reaching almost a third of the annual

target.

“What’s more, boosting production

represents a significant economic

opportunity – with £10 billion gross value

already added to the UK’s economy by

the timber industry. The sector currently

employs more than 300,000 people

in 51,000 businesses, and expanding

capacity has the potential to unlock

many new jobs while also overcoming

the skills crisis that has plagued previous

attempts to increase housebuilding.

“Our industry requires clear actionable

policies, policies that put MMC and

Carbon Reduction, and therefore

structural timber, at the forefront of

supporting Government in the delivery of

their housing goals. The policies put in

place now will have a significant impact

on the UK’s ability to deliver housing

targets, great places to live and reducing

carbon to achieve net zero. This will be

the legacy for decades to come.”

www.tra.org.uk

timefortimber.org

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52%

of survey respondents are

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18

Windows and

Juliet balconies

suitable for social

housing

Crafted using REHAU’s TOTAL70 system,

to ensure maximum energy efficiency and

low maintenance.

Seamlessly combine with our glass SKYFORCE

Juliet balcony for a discreetly designed system

that offers great views and compliance with all

relevant building safety regulations.

Windows. Reinvented for modern life.

window.rehau.com

enquiries@rehau.com

Tel: 01989 762600


HOUSING

CONNECTING THE FUTURE

The concept of smart

buildings is growing at a

fast rate in the UK,

revolutionising the way

we design, build and

manage our building

stock. Here, Pulse Fibre

delves into the role

reliable and efficient

internet connections

play in ensuring the

seamless functionality of

smart buildings.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a

growing concept that has seen

increasing popularity in recent

years. In fact, the smart building

market is expected to grow at a rate

of 26.5% from 2023 to 2030. From

intelligent lighting systems and advanced

security measures, to the growth of

electric vehicles and their chargers, the

operational stability of smart buildings

hinges crucially on robust internet

connectivity.

The IoT describes an ecosystem of

devices containing sensors, software

and other smart technologies, which all

depend on a reliable internet connection

in order to connect and exchange data

and carry out intelligent applications.

The sector is growing rapidly, and the

total number of IoT devices is projected

to reach 30.9 billion units by 2025,

according to Statista.

The array of internet-dependent

applications that are being integrated

into modern homes underscores the

need for a strong and reliable internet

connection. Even some door keys have

evolved to require online connectivity,

particularly those that rely on digital

codes for access.

For instance, consider the scenario of an

electric vehicle (EV) charger installed in a

smart building. Without a reliable internet

connection, the charger’s security

features, including locking mechanisms,

may fail, potentially enabling

unauthorised access to charging

facilities. The role of a dependable

internet connection in ensuring the

efficacy and security of smart buildings

cannot be overstated.

Creating essential infrastructure

When it comes to smart buildings, Fibre

to the Premises (FTTP) connectivity is

vital for a reliable connection. Offering

unparalleled capacity, speed and

reliability, FTTP ensures a robust and

stable connection that is extremely

resilient.

Pulse Fibre can deliver symmetrical

speeds up to 10Gb – vital for modern

homeowners who rely on a high-speed

network in both directions for their

evolving internet needs. By collaborating

closely with developers during the

construction phase, Pulse Fibre’s

systems ensure that internet-dependent

devices are configured seamlessly from

inception. Unlike some providers that

necessitate customer activation, Pulse

Fibre streamlines the process, eliminating

delays and ensuring that smart building

amenities are operational from day one

of moving in.

Empowering developers and

residents

Central to Pulse Fibre’s ethos is the

empowerment of developers and

residents alike. Recognising the diverse

preferences of its consumers, Pulse

Fibre ensures that properties are

equipped with a fibre connection, while

giving residents the freedom to choose

their preferred internet service provider

without constraint. Whether it’s for

streaming, gaming or remote working,

Pulse Fibre’s infrastructure caters to the

varied needs of modern homeowners.

Developers are often required to

calibrate smart devices such as electric

vehicle chargers before buyers move in,

26.5%

is the rate the smart building

market is expected to

grow from 2023-2030

and this requires an internet connection.

Pulse Fibre’s system offers a feature

called ‘Construction Mode’, providing

developers with uninterrupted internet

connectivity during the build process.

This enables the configuration of smart

features such as EV chargers and

security systems before homeowners

move in, as well as reliable internet

connections that can help manage

operations efficiently during the build

process. Otherwise, new homeowners

could have to wait for weeks, or even

months, after moving in to choose,

secure and activate their chosen

network.

The future of smart buildings hinges

on the foundation of reliable internet

connectivity. Pulse Fibre’s commitment

to FTTP infrastructure not only

ensures the seamless operation of

internet-dependent amenities, but also

empowers developers to realise the full

potential of smart building technologies.

In a modern world where internet

connectivity is used everywhere, Pulse

Fibre stands as a futureproof option,

illuminating the path towards a smarter,

more connected future.

pulsefibre.co.uk

20

Bringing together a suite of

premium window and door

systems designed and made in

Great Britain.

The Residence Collection can

be the perfect solution for your

project. Offering u-values as

low as 0.74W/m 2 K with triple

glazing. Beautiful windows and

doors that complement your

development, whilst performing

to the highest standards.

Whether you choose R9, R7 or

R 2 , our team will support your

through the entire process.

01452 945 633

residencecollectiontrade.co.uk

trade@residencecollection.co.uk

FINALIST


SUSTAINABILITY

CAN SOLAR PANELS REDUCE THE

COST OF HEATING YOUR WATER?

Jon Bonnar, Managing Director at Cotswold Energy, reveals the benefits of using

solar power to help mitigate the financial impact of rising bills.

The average water bill has risen

by 6% in England and Wales,

and 8.8% in Scotland, which

could see households having

to pay up to an extra £500 a

year and leaving families across the UK

looking for extra ways to save.

But did you know that harnessing the

sun’s rays could help cut the cost of

water heating? By turning to the power

of the sun, homeowners can not only

reduce their carbon footprint, but also

significantly reduce the cost of heating

water – potentially by up to 70%.

Solar water heating involves using solar

panels to absorb the heat of the sun and

transfer it to the water used in the home

for baths, showers, washing clothes

and other daily tasks. It works alongside

conventional water heating systems to

heat your water.

Heat absorbed by the solar panels or

tubes – called solar collectors – is used

to pre-heat a water and glycol mix that

is then fed to a heat exchanger inside

your water tank or hot water cylinder, or

directly to your combination boiler. The

heat transfers to the water, which is then

used throughout the home, reducing the

energy needed to bring the hot water up

to a usable temperature.

There are two types of solar water

heating collectors: glass tubes that are

fitted to the roof called evacuated tubes,

and flat plate collectors. Both are fixed to

the roof for optimal exposure to the sun.

What if I already have solar panels?

If you already have solar panels, it’s

likely that you’re not using all of the

solar energy that you’ve generated. Any

surplus energy will be exported back to

the National Grid – but you could use it

to get free hot water instead. If you’ve

generated it yourself, it would make

sense that you’d want to use your own

solar energy, especially if it could heat

your water up for free.

If you have a conventional boiler and

hot water cylinder system, you could

22


install an Immersion Power Diverter to

maximise your solar panel usage and

divert the extra energy generated into

heating your hot water tank. They don’t

affect Feed-in Tariffs either, which pays

for 50% of the energy your system

generates, so you will still be paid the

same whether you export it to the grid or

divert it to your appliances. We believe

the reduction in energy bills will have

effectively paid off the cost of installing

the Immersion Power Diverter within two

years.

SUSTAINABILITY

However, the Smart Export Guarantee

allows energy suppliers to decide

what tariffs to offer their customers.

This means it may not be financially

beneficial, so it’s worth checking the rate

you’re getting for your excess energy

before going ahead with an Immersion

Power Diverter. You also won’t be able

to invest in one of these if you have a

combi boiler.

So, how much does this cost and how

much can you save?

Solar water heating system

• Cost: Between £2,500 and £5,000,

depending on the size of the system

and the type of solar collector

• Uses: Heating your hot water

• Potential saving: Up to 70% off

annual energy bills

• Payback period: Between five and

10 years, depending on the size of

the system and the type of solar

collector.

Immersion Power Diverter

• Cost: Between £250 and £600 plus

installation – depending on the type

of diverter

• Uses: Using surplus energy

generated from solar panels to heat

the water from your conventional

boiler and hot water cylinder

• Potential saving: Up to 50% off

annual energy bills plus whatever

you’re paid for generating your own

energy

• Payback period: Less than two

years.

If you already have

solar panels, it’s likely

that you’re not using all

of the solar energy that

you’ve generated.

A well installed and properly used solar

thermal system will drastically cut your

hot water bills by up to 70%. The Energy

Saving Trust estimates savings in the

region of £120 to £225 a year for an

average 4m 2 system, depending on the

size of the house, the type of system

being replaced and where the panels are

installed.

The system works all year round,

whether the sun is shining or it’s the

middle of winter. However, you’re likely

to need to heat the water further with a

boiler or immersion heater, especially in

the lower daylight months. During the

summer you can expect the system to

provide 90% of your hot water, with this

dropping to around 25% throughout the

winter with typically low light levels.

Low maintenance

Solar hot water systems are generally

low maintenance and can last up to

10 years as long as they’re serviced

regularly and depending on where

they’re installed and how they’re used.

They also tend to come with a five to 10-

year warranty, which means any repairs

should be covered for the duration of the

systems’ lifespan.

They’re also energy efficient, offering

a sustainable alternative to heating

systems that rely on fossil fuels. It’s

renewable, as it uses the energy of

the sun, so you’ll reduce your carbon

dioxide emissions by not relying solely on

conventional heating methods.

Things to consider

Before you invest in solar water heating,

there are a few things that you’ll need to

consider. While cheaper than standard

solar panels, solar water heating systems

can still cost between £2,500 and

£5,000 depending on the size of your

home and the type you decide to go

with. There may be a government grant

available that could help cover some

of the costs. In around 45 local council

areas in England, those on low incomes

can get up to 10% funding for solar

water heaters. To be eligible your home

will need to be off the gas grid and have

an Energy Performance Certificate with a

rating between D and G.

Once they’re installed, households

can expect to save up to 70% off

their energy bills each year and will be

reducing their carbon footprint.

Location

Where you put your solar heating

system matters. Whichever method you

wish to use, your panels should face

predominantly south to make the most

of the sun and ensure the system works

as efficiently as possible. It also needs

to have as little shading as possible

from surrounding buildings, trees and

chimneys as this will affect the output

of the solar panels. You’ll also need

space – specifically between 2-5m 2 of

roof space should be enough to fit the

panels.

Before you invest in a solar water heating

system, make sure that your current

heating system is compatible, or whether

you’ll need to invest in any additional

technology. Generally, conventional

boilers and hot water cylinder systems

are often compatible with solar water

heating systems. However, if you have a

combi boiler, then it’s likely that a solar

hot water cylinder will need to be added

to the system.

As most systems are considered

‘permitted developments’, they don’t

generally need planning permission.

However, if the property is a listed

building or in a conservation area then

you may have more restrictions, so if

in doubt, double check with your local

planning office.

cotswold.energy

23

JUWO Smartwall Monolithic

Building Systems to meet the

Future Homes Standards 2025

Future Homes Standards 2025 are

all about improving the thermal

efficiency of new homes in the UK

and to ensure lower running costs,

which in turn will reduce the

carbon footprint of a new home.

The changes proposed in the Future

Homes Standards consultation are to look

at the Notional Dwelling specification for

carbon emissions, Primary Energy and the

Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard closely

considering U-values, thermal bridging

values (Psi Values), as well as the thermal

mass of the structure, which affects internal

and solar gains as well as airtightness

of the property.

The answer is to design external walls

using the Juwo SmartWall systems as a

Monilithic Single Skin structure incorporating

the insulation requirements within

the structure of the blocks and to reduce

thermal bridging (Psi Values) eliminating

mortar or adhesive on the interlocking

vertical joints and using a thin bed

adhesive bond to the horizontal plane.

No Cavities. No Wall Ties. No Additional

Insulation. Resulting in a quicker and

subsequently less expensive construction

to build.

The Juwo SmartWall Monolithic Single

Skin clay blocks are manufactured to

include all the insulation values required

within the system, using one of three

Juwo SmartWall systems are structural

blocks which can be used to any height

required and have been used in the

UK and Europe for many years for load

bearing and non-load bearing walls, for

external & internal applications. They

have full approval and comply to BS EN

771-1 and carry both a UK CA & CE mark

with an A1 fire rating, making them the

ideal building system for low and high

rise developments as well as for the

self-builder.

JUWO SMARTWALL TM

BENEFITS:

■ Excellent Thermal Performance

can offer U Values as low as

0.11 W/m2K

■ Meets & Exceeds Building

Regulation requirements

■ Quick Construction Time

■ Single solid wall construction

■ Modern Method of Construction

■ Thin bed mortar technology

■ Complete Building System

■ >85% less water in construction

■ Completely Vapour permeable

Future Homes Standard in 2025 is suggesting

that the heating demand of a

dwelling should be limited to 15-20 kwh/

m2/year, which would require far higher

thermal efficiency in the fabric of the

building, in particular the U Value of the

walls as well as using materials that can

offer better Thermal Mass with potential

target U Values being circa 0.15 W/m2K.

Using traditional masonry cavity wall

construction to reach these types of U

values would need to have wall thickness

to be as high as 430-450mm wide with

cavities being more than 200mm wide

using a full fill insulation system which

has implications on the foundation

widths used as well as requiring more

robust wall ties with design consideration

in the structural performance

against wind and sway.

main products. The “S” system is our

standard aerated product. The “MZ”

system which includes mineral wool

within the structure, and our “RX” system

which uses our PoroTec insulation bead,

again bonded within the block.

All our Juwo SmartWall systems do not

require a wall tie for structural stability

nor a cavity to provide the required U

values from 0.18 to as low as 0.11 W/

m2K. Manufactured with a tolerance

of 1mm in height, the Juwo SmartWall

range of systems reduces the Thermal

Bridging (Psi Value) by over 15% as well

as having a high Thermal Mass being a

masonry clay based product. In addition,

the Juwo SmartWall system comes as a

complete package that includes lintels,

corner and shapedblocks, insulated

mortar, adhesive and applicators.

The Juwo SmartWall systems are manufactured

from Clay therefore possibly

one of the most sustainable materials

used in construction. It is a natural material

that it easy to work with and provides

a comfortable living environment.

Juwo SmartWall system delivers a much

faster build time. The thin joint adhesive

allows you to continually work without

being restricted to the number of lifts in

a day, on average, up to 40+ sqm can be

achieved per day.

Juwo SmartWall being a monolithic

building system, means that you have

just one skin for your building structure,

no cavities, therefore minimising areas

for complicated detailing and areas for

insulation to be missed.

The Juwo SmartWall system provides a

thermal bridge free method of construction

without the need for complicated

detailing.

For more information, call

0808-254-0500 or visit the website

www.Juwo-SmartWall.co.uk

JUWO EVOLVED

SMARTWALL

THE CLAY BLOCK

BUILDING SYSTEM

OF THE FUTURE

Thin bed mortar

technology

Single solid wall construction.

Wide range of block sizes.

Breathing wall construction.

Completely vapour permeable

JUWO Evolved SmartWall is a Monolithic clay block building

system for External Wall Construction that’s easy to build with,

reduces construction time, has excellent thermal insulation

qualities and requires no cavities, no additional insulation and

no wall ties, to meet current and new Future Home standards.

The system offers a full array of block types and sizes to meet

any thermal requirement from 0.18 U Value through to 0.11 U

value, all in a single block.

No cavities, no wall ties,

no additional insulation needed

Easily cut to size

The JUWO Evolved SmartWall system comes

with all the necessary ancillary items such as

Insulated Steel Box lintels, fixings and finishing

plasters, renders and brick slips options.

Full ‘on site’ training can

be provided if required.

JUWO Evolved SmartWall

www.juwo-smartwall.co.uk

0808 2540 500

mail@juwo-smartwall.co.uk


SUSTAINABILITY

MORE OF THE SAME…

BUT DIFFERENT

North Sea exploration licenses have been the subject of much media attention

debating what is and is not the new Government’s policy. Rinnai’s Chris Goggin tries

to unravel the thread from the needle where things stand.

Recent media coverage of the

UK’s new domestic energy policy

contains contradictory messages,

with mainstream print and broadcast

media titles claiming that new Energy

Secretary Ed Miliband has ordered a

block on any new North Sea oil and gas

drilling. The claims underline that a new

direction of UK energy generation and

dispersal is underway.

In response to these claims the North

Sea Transition Authority, which is part

of the Department for Energy Security &

Net Zero, released a statement through

its official government website. Chair

Tim Eggar said: “Following publication

of their highly inaccurate article, I have

sent this letter to the Daily Telegraph:

I was amazed that you chose to print

your article ‘Miliband blocks North

Sea drilling’ (Tel: 12 July). This was, as

the Department stated, a ‘complete

fabrication’.

“Contrary to the article, the Secretary of

State has not told us not to approve a

round of new drilling. Indeed, no such

proposal has been made. There remain a

handful of applications still to be decided

from the 33 rd Oil and Gas Licensing

Round. The North Sea Transition

Authority is an independent regulator

with robust, well-established processes

in place, and we will reach decisions on

these in due course.”

HVAC industry needs clarity

The North Sea Transition Authority works

alongside the government and other

regulators to advance net zero aims

while maintaining UK energy demand

and security. The official position held

by the government on North Sea

oil and gas drilling is that all existing

drilling contracts will be honoured,

while a national switch to renewable

electrification will also be pursued.

It could be argued that the new

government wants to be seen upholding

clean energy electoral pledges and

is remaining deliberately ambiguous

regarding future North Sea fossil fuel

exploration. But the HVAC industry

could do with clarity and simplicity so we

can get on with the job of ensuring an

effective and efficient energy transition.

Before the recent election results both

political parties publicly released their

plan to decarbonise the electric grid.

The current government believes it can

achieve electrical grid carbon neutrality

by 2030. For this to be made possible,

renewable energy capacity must be

enhanced and connected to the UK grid.

Work has immediately begun to do

so, and three new solar developments

have been ratified by the current Energy

Secretary Ed Miliband:

• UK solar power companies PS

Renewables and Tribus Clean

Energy are collaborating to deliver

a £600 million, 2,500-acre solar

farm on the Suffolk Cambridgeshire

border. Operational power could be

potentially distributed to 172,000

homes.

• Clean energy company Low Carbon

will construct and operate the Gate

Burton Solar facility, Lincolnshire.

The 500MW renewable installation

will distribute green power to

160,000 homes once commercially

viable.

• The 350MW Mallard Pass solar farm

is in Lincolnshire and Shetland will

provide 92,000 households with

green power and is expected to be

operational for around 60 years.

All three solar farms exemplify the intent

to introduce cleaner energies into UK

domiciles and commercial properties.

A further move that highlights the

government’s commitment towards

renewable capacity enhancement is

the uplifting of the onshore wind ban

imposed by the former government.

This move will assist in adding additional

renewable energy capacity to the

national grid.

Parts of the mainstream UK media are

keen to tarnish any policy that limits oil

and gas usage and jeopardizes future

fossil fuel investment. Rinnai closely

follows all national and global energy

matters with the intention of keeping

all its UK customers informed of recent

events that may affect energy options

and costs.

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk

26


SUSTAINABILITY

A TECHNOLOGY FOR

CHANGING COMPLIANCE

David Patrick, Head of Specification

Marketing at Dimplex discusses the

potential of hot water heat pumps to

decarbonise new and existing UK homes.

There is an increasing complexity in creating HVAC

solutions that provide a route to Part L compliance

in residential newbuilds, especially where traditional

solutions may not be viable due to fuel source, space, building

regulations or planning restrictions.

The focus has been on heat pumps in recent years, but this

has had a somewhat limited focus on traditional space and

water-heating versions. There’s no doubt that these will play a

critical role in the electrification of heat, but are we missing out

on other solutions that could accelerate the decarbonisation

of homes and offer a broader range of solutions for new and

retrofit heating projects?

Hot water is the dominant load within most smaller new

developments, and there is an opportunity to significantly

reduce the carbon emissions from hot water production when

the right solution is in place.

The solution? Hot water heat pumps

Already popular in mainland Europe, hot water heat pumps

(HWHP) are an option for many properties where installing

traditional monobloc and split systems could be challenging.

The HWHP is a highly efficient solution that is relatively simple

to install. Some ranges have a coefficient of performance

(COP) of up to 3.36 (according to EN16147), meaning that for

every kWh of energy it consumes, it can supply up to 3.36kWh

of energy in the form of heated water for domestic use. By

comparison, a modern gas boiler has, on average, a maximum

COP of 0.96.

The HWHP is an internally installed product requiring no

external unit. It is an air-source heat pump integrated within a

hot water cylinder that typically fits into a standard-size service

cupboard. In fact, placement is flexible and they can also be

fitted in garages and utility rooms, for example. The integrated

heat pump draws energy from a ducted external air supply,

converting it into heat and efficiently delivering hot water to the

residents up to a temperature of 60°C.

This simplified technology will deliver a property’s hot water

requirements through primarily renewable sources. If the

property is not on a 100% renewable electricity tariff, the circa

1/3 energy required could still be non-renewable. This leaves

the space heating to be delivered via a separate system.

In retrofit projects this might be the old gas or oil boiler, but

frequently, in properties with no wet heating system, such as

a smaller newbuild or existing electrically heated home, it’s

delivered using electric radiators or high heat retention storage

heaters.

Hybrid electric system solutions

Without the design, space or capital cost requirements of a

traditional heat pump system, a hybrid electric system can be

a great option for these properties. In small and well-insulated

homes the hot water load is often the largest consumer of

energy, which means this arrangement can drastically reduce

bills and improve EPCs. Dimplex’s ‘Guide to RdSAP’ document

models a six-point EPC improvement and over £200 per year

saving when replacing an electric cylinder in a typical flat.

HWHPs can help provide an electrified, sustainable portfolio

of options for specifiers that bring value to customers and

improve their buildings. They can solve issues for people with

electric heating systems who need a cylinder replacement

or are looking to reduce their bills, landlords with EPC

improvement targets, and properties looking to transition away

from fossil fuels that may not have the resources or space for

other technologies.

Dimplex CPDs

As well as product solutions which address the challenges UK

housebuilders face, Dimplex also extends its support through

a wide range of CPD UK and CIBSE accredited CPDs covering

different aspects of the design and specification of heat

pumps, including the Introduction to Hot Water Heat Pump

technology and also SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure)

10.2 for residential buildings. Each module is designed to leave

attendees confident in their specification choices.

www.dimplex.co.uk/en-gb

28

There’s an Ecodan

for every home

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Made in Britain, to British standards, for British homes.

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Details at ecodan.me.uk/bus

Renewable Heating Technology


SUSTAINABILITY

SPECIFY SUSTAINABLY WITH

RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEMS

Despite having experienced the wettest 18 months on record, water shortages, hose

pipe bans and unpredictable rainfall patterns are all recurring features in news

bulletins across the country. Andy Thompson, National Sales Manager – Plumbing &

Heating at Wilo UK, discusses how specifiers can prepare for long-term water

shortage concerns with rainwater harvesting systems in newbuild housing and

commercial developments.

After another summer of rain,

drizzle, and more rain, it’s

understandable to question

why the prospect of water

shortages remains a huge

concern for a whole host of industries.

The reality, however, is that the nation

is currently staring at a deficit of almost

five billion litres of water a day by 2050,

which is more than a third of the 14

billion litres currently put into public

supply. But why?

As developments continue to rise

among the bustling skylines of the

country’s major cities, demand for water

is significantly outweighing dwindling

supplies, particularly in the south of the

country. Paired with the issue of flooding,

which is only becoming more common, it

becomes clear that a solution is needed

sooner rather than later.

Developers, consultants and specifiers

are facing the unenviable task of finding

ways to reduce reliance on the potable

water supply, and rainwater harvesting

systems might just be the answer.

How do they help?

Whether it’s a newbuild development or

a high-rise tower block, it’s becoming

more common to see planning

permission only given to those projects

that have considered ways of reducing

stress on local water supplies, storm

surges and overflows. Rainwater

harvesting systems do just that,

preventing flooding downstream while

capturing rainwater for reuse in toilet

flushing, washing machines, and garden

irrigation, to name a few.

Following major droughts last year, a

hose pipe ban was introduced in large

parts of the country, including Kent and

Sussex. The ban prevented customers

from using hose pipes and sprinklers

to water grass, clean their cars or fill

swimming pools. While the ban has not

been reintroduced this year, rainwater

harvesting systems can be used to keep

both plants and cars looking their finest

for as long as possible. An average

house, for instance, can capture around

70,000 litres of rainwater per year,

depending on its geographical location.

So why not use softer water that is ideal

for plant growth and nutrient absorption,

to keep the orchids alive and well?

What to consider

First and foremost, it’s important to

adhere to the rules and regulations

that impact the installation of rainwater

harvesting systems. The National

Building Regulations and Water Supply

Regulations 1999 stipulates that the

appliances must use an airgap to

30


stop backflow and avoid the risk of

contaminating the water supply. Most

European systems, however, do not

feature an airgap and are therefore not

approved for UK use. Developers are

being encouraged to make sure their

chosen system is approved prior to the

point of purchase.

SUSTAINABILITY

Another factor is the size of the

accompanying storage tank. Be it

underground or overground, a general

rule of thumb is that tanks should be

able to hold a maximum of 18 days’

worth of water. Storage tends to range

from 3,000 to 9,000 litres for a domestic

property, so it’s worth noting what the

rainwater harvesting system in question

will be used for and, as a result, how

much water storage is needed.

While rainfall patterns are used to

calculate the yield from a roof area, most

areas within the UK will provide sufficient

rainfall to effectively use a system. That

being said, consideration should be

given to the collection surface, as this

will determine the level of water that can

be accumulated, alongside the intended

uses for the rainwater, the number

of occupants in the property and the

material on the building’s roof.

What features should you look for?

The market’s latest offerings are

designed to make installing and

commissioning a straightforward task.

The Wilo-RAIN1, for instance, features

a ready-to-plug system and compact

design with various hydraulic connection

options. It’s also designed with ease of

use in mind, with an intuitive LCD touch

screen and a variety of control functions

built in.

The appliance’s reliability and quiet

operation are both features that will

undoubtedly be welcomed by residents.

Hygiene safety is also guaranteed thanks

to a non-return valve, an air gap and a

break tank, all of which fall in accordance

with relevant regulations (DIN 1989 and

EN 1717).

A necessity or a luxury?

With water companies planning to

increase household bills to pay for

structural repairs, along with the

prediction that several regions in

England will run out of water by 2030,

it’s not unrealistic to think that rainwater

harvesting systems will soon become a

necessity, rather than a luxury.

Developers have a crucial role to play

when it comes to exploring and acting

on any method of saving water. As a

result, increasing both the awareness

and uptake of rainwater harvesting

systems is just as important. The smart

appliances are already compulsory

in southern parts of Australia and are

actively encouraged when people

commission newbuild projects across

the entire country. It begs the question

of why this isn’t yet the case in the UK

– a country that experiences more than

double the annual rainfall.

An average house can capture around 70,000

litres of rainwater per year, depending on its

geographical location.

Wilo is on hand to guide specifiers

through the process of specifying the

right solution for newbuild housing,

helping residents save for a rainy day

using a rainwater harvesting system.

wilo.com/gb/en

31


SUSTAINABILITY

INCORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY

FROM THE GROUND UP

Ashley Cooper, Managing Director at WMS underfloor heating, explains why

harmonious newbuild heating systems are critical and which technologies tick all

the right boxes.

The industry is navigating the

most significant legislative

adjustments the UK housing

market has ever seen, with more to

come as the emphasis remains on

delivering high-quality, well-designed,

and sustainable homes. The time is

now to adopt innovative construction

methods and materials to comply with

these standards, including home heating

systems which meet the new, lowtemperature

requirements.

The Government still anticipates that

heat pumps will become the primary

heating technology for new homes; but

for these to work at their most efficient,

they must run between 35 to 45°C.

Hydronic (water-based) underfloor

heating (UFH) can easily achieve this, but

specifiers must view the entire newbuild

heating system design holistically to

ensure it delivers the promised efficiency.

Hydronic (water-based) UFH can evenly

heat all surfaces in a room through

radiant heating. This creates evenly

warm spaces and, because warm air

holds more moisture than cool air, a

room can hold more moisture rather

than depositing it as condensation and,

subsequently, mould growth. UFH also

reduces the movement of dust and other

airborne particles to support improved

indoor air quality, making it one of the

healthiest ways to heat a building.

From a space-saving and interior layout

perspective, because UFH is completely

hidden within the floor construction,

every inch of floor and wall space can

be maximised. This allows total floorplan

freedom, allowing space for everything

from furniture to fixture arrangement.

Holistic system design

Calculating heat losses accurately

will lead to the correct equipment

specification and a seamless design,

installation and operation of the finished

system. Removing any guesswork

also reduces the risk of oversized heat

pumps, which can affect both upfront

capital costs and ongoing running costs.

Moving into a house with a lowtemperature

UFH system also requires

a mindset shift, as the system will be

more efficient when left running at lower

temperatures for longer. As such, it’s

critical to advise homeowners on how

they can achieve a comfortable indoor

environment as they move away from

traditional systems.

Simple to sequence

UFH also meets the needs of screeded

systems, is suitable for newbuilds,

and is simple to sequence into the

build process. Depending on the build

preferences, there are options at oversite

or weathertight stages, making it an ideal

choice for managing programme timings

and site logistics.

One recent example that demonstrated

the flexibility of sequencing was a

WMS project for Orbit Homes’ Pearson

Heights development in Kent. Due to

the specification of a jet floor system,

which is only structural once a concrete

topping has been applied, the developer

required a supplier that could take

responsibility for the UFH system

installation at the oversite stage and

commissioning alongside the whole floor

build-up, to eliminate the risk of damage

to the UFH pipework during other

construction phases.

The WMS AmbiTak system was suitable

for installation at the oversite stage

and provided a quick, flexible, and

effective form of heating within the

screeded floor build-up. Plus, thanks

to how WMS sequenced the pipe

installation at the weathertight stage, the

developer avoided the cost and wastage

associated with shielding the floor/UFH

pipework with protective plywood during

construction.

A long-term solution

When it comes to UFH pipework, the

sustainable choice is superior quality PE-

RT (polyethylene of raised temperature

resistance) pipe, which is composed of

five bonded layers.

Polyethylene has excellent properties

at high pressures and temperatures,

as well as being very flexible and easy

to use. It is noncorrosive, has very

good resistance to frost, and has a

high impact strength – it’s also creepresistant.

It also contains an integral

EVOH oxygen barrier layer to prevent

water oxygenation inside the system.

PE-RT pipe is entirely environmentally

friendly, and can also be melted down to

be used again or recycled.

wms-uk.com

32


SUSTAINABILITY

SHINING A LIGHT ON ROOF

VENTILATION

With a growing number of roofing projects featuring solar PV panels, Matt Neary, product

manager at Glidevale Protect, answers some of the most frequently asked questions that

specifiers and architects have when choosing ventilation and underlay products.

34


SUSTAINABILITY

According to trade body

Solar Energy UK, in May

2024, solar PV installations

surpassed 1.5 million

Microgeneration Certification

Scheme (MCS) certified installs across

the UK since records began in 2008.

With more installations being specified all

the time, it’s important to help architects

and specifiers working on such projects

to identify which roofing underlays and

associated ventilation products they

must specify to meet regulations and

comply with BS 5250.

Q: Is a roof with integrated inroof

solar PV panels classed as

permeable or impermeable?

A: The latest NHBC Standards, which

came into effect in January 2024,

stipulate that where arrays of integrated

in-roof solar roof panels are used, the

whole roof covering should be treated

as air impermeable unless the panel

manufacturer is able to demonstrate its

system is air permeable.

As a result, roofs with integrated

solar PV panels are now classed as

air impermeable as standard, even if

the roof tiles are air permeable. Just

one solar PV panel renders the whole

roof impermeable. As an impermeable

roof covering, there is a greater risk

of interstitial condensation forming

on the underside of the external roof

covering if the correct ventilation

strategy in accordance with BS 5250 is

not used both above and/or below the

membrane.

Q: What roofing underlay is

recommended with integrated solar

PV panels?

A: Technically, any type of pitched

roofing membrane can be installed.

An air and vapour permeable lowresistance

membrane (LR) like Glidevale

Protect’s Viking Air, a vapour permeable

(LR) membrane such as its VP300 and

VP400 products, or an impermeable

high-resistance underlay (HR) such as

Protect A1 Solar, the newest addition to

the range, are all suitable options.

The most crucial factor to bear in mind

is that the ventilation requirements will

differ depending on the underlay type

chosen and whether it is a warm or cold

roof. Glidevale Protect has created two

handy visual guides to help specifiers

navigate this complex issue.

Roofs with integrated

solar PV panels are now

classed as air

impermeable as

standard, even if the

roof tiles are air

permeable.

Q: Can you use vapour permeable

or air and vapour permeable (LR)

roofing underlays with in-roof solar,

without additional ventilation?

A: No; because the roof is classed

as impermeable it will need further

ventilation provision. When vapour

permeable, low-resistance roofing

underlays are used on a warm or cold

roof in conjunction with integrated,

in-roof solar PV panels, Glidevale

Protect recommends installing counter

battens to reduce the risk of interstitial

condensation forming on the underside

of the solar panels.

Using 25mm deep counter battens with

a minimum free ventilation area of not

less than 25,000mm²/m at eaves or low

level and 5,000mm²/m continuous air

gap each side of the ridge or at high

level is advised.

When using an LR underlay on a cold

roof, ventilation is also required under

the membrane at 7,000mm²/m at

eaves level with a normal ceiling, or

3,000mm²/m at eaves with a wellsealed

ceiling. An alternative option is

not to counter batten but to ventilate

underneath the LR underlay as if it was

a HR underlay, thereby requiring eaves

level ventilation plus additional ridge

ventilation, subject to the roof’s pitch

and span.

Q: What are the requirements of

installing integrated in-roof solar

panels on a warm roof?

A: When installing integrated in-roof

solar panels on a warm roof (room

in roof), BS 5250 specifies that if a

vapour permeable or air and vapour

permeable (LR) underlay is used, a

25mm ventilated counter batten space

is necessary. This ventilation must be

above the membrane and also needs to

incorporate 5000mm 2 /m of ventilation at

ridge level.

If an impermeable (HR) underlay is

used, a ventilated counter batten space

is not required, which saves time and

material costs. However, ventilation

is needed below the membrane, with

25,000mm 2 /m required at eaves and

5,000mm 2 /m at ridge, as well as a clear

50mm ventilation path being provided

between the membrane and the

insulation.

Glidevale Protect’s technical team offers

complete guidance to aid specification

via a condensation risk analysis and full

roof take off ventilation strategy.

www.glidevaleprotect.com

35


SUSTAINABILITY

BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Vicaima tells Specify &

Build how the company is

focusing on sustainability

and making sure its

products integrate

seamlessly with the needs

of the built environment.

As we stand on the brink of a

potential major re-focus for the

construction sector and a new

emphasis upon delivering living, learning,

leisure and workspaces fit for future

generations, we must not lose sight of

the need to maintain quality, regulatory

and environmental standards.

In the realm of fire safety, Vicaima

has established itself as a leading

manufacturer of timber doors and

door kits, setting a benchmark in the

industry with comprehensive certification

and third-party accreditation. With

a commitment to design quality and

performance, Vicaima has consistently

demonstrated its ability to produce doors

that not only meet the needs of current

living, but forever look to the future.

Lasting good looks

A perfect example of how Vicaima

combines tough products with real

room appeal is in the use of the recently

expanded Dekordor HD Colours

range. In a world where skills and

labour shortages on site are a constant

concern, the argument for using factory

assembled door kits and pre-finished

products is self-evident. HD Colours

presents a high resistance, durable

continuous pressure laminate that

affords long lasting good looks, with a

choice of 14 on-trend colour options.

Already extensively used for student

accommodation, education and

commercial environments, HD Colours

has a proven track record, making it a

worthy alternative to the ever-present

and widely used white door and frame.

Four new finishes have been introduced

this summer: Twilight Blue; Granite Grey;

Green Mist; and Light Grey.

A commitment to ESG

The Vicaima Group is committed, within

the framework of the Environment,

Social and Corporate Governance

(ESG) criteria, to making its contribution

towards achieving the Sustainable

Development Goals (SDGs) defined by

the United Nations.

Vicaima is dedicated to providing

the market with solutions that have a

reduced impact on the environment, are

accessible to all and ensure people’s

safety and well-being, while contributing

to a more inclusive way of living.

Being sustainable in today’s timber

doors market is not just about having

all your products covered under FSC

certification. While that is the case with

Vicaima, the company has also set out

in its ESG obligations the ‘facts and

figures’ of its path through sustainability.

Most recently, Vicaima announced that

sustainable production and consumption

was one of its major areas of action, as

it works to actively extend the lifecycle

of its solutions by optimising the entire

value chain and minimising waste.

The Vicaima Group’s approach to this

issue has already produced concrete

and measurable results. In 2023, a

total of 4,139 tonnes of waste was

generated, representing a 15% decrease

compared to the previous year. From this

volume, of which wood waste represents

a significant part, 96% was valorised

through reuse in new products, recycling

or the production of thermal energy.

During all Vicaima operations, the

different waste circuits are continuously

monitored and categorised, making

it possible to optimise the separation

and forwarding of waste for recovery

via the various duly accredited waste

partners or operators, with the aim of

being reused and reintroduced into the

value chain, thereby avoiding the final

destination to be landfill.

In this context, priority is given to include

renewable materials, high-percentage

recycled materials or wood-based

products in Vicaima’s manufactured

products or those that it integrates

throughout the supply chain made from

fast-growing natural fibres, rather than

virgin raw materials.

www.vicaima.com

36


SUSTAINABILITY

PRODUCTS

SHATTERPROOF MIRROR HELPS MEET SUSTAINABILITY TARGETS

A shatterproof safety mirror with sustainability credentials

has been launched by Saint-Gobain Glass.

MIRALITE EASYSAFE delivers enhanced safety

performance in comparison to standard mirrors and

is suitable for use in high-traffic areas such as public

buildings, sports facilities, shopping centres, bars,

restaurants and hotels.

When a standard mirror breaks, shards of glass can

be dangerous for everyone, but MIRALITE EASYSAFE

comprises an anti-shatter resin that retains 98% of splinters

in the event of breakage. This patented innovation also

provides a consistent, high-quality finish.

To support Saint-Gobain’s commitment to the

environment, MIRALITE EASYSAFE is manufactured without

plastic film and generates less waste, creating a more

sustainable material choice for specifiers. When retrofitting,

it can be dismantled and fully recycled like any standard

mirror.

Made with water-based and lead-free raw materials,

MIRALITE EASYSAFE also contributes to improving indoor

air quality thanks to ultra-low VOC emissions and meets

A+ classifications by EN ISO 16000 VOC emissions testing

(Eurofins test, France).

Jenni Young, Sector Market Manager at Saint-Gobain

Glass, said: “Mirrors are magical in their ability to transform

a room. They allow designers to bring in light, space and

drama. Not only does a mirror add brightness and make

spaces appear bigger, but it can also smooth over awkward

room shapes. In a social space such as a dining room, bar

or nightclub, mirrors add ambience by making it appear

busier and thus more vibrant.

“However, we all know safety is a central issue for

everyone using mirrors. With MIRALITE EASYSAFE,

designers can bring their schemes to life, confident that

the mirrors they use will be safe, and easy to install and

maintain.”

MIRALITE EASYSAFE can also be incorporated into

furniture, such as wardrobes, sliding doors, table-tops and

shelf backing.

www.saint-gobain-glass.co.uk

BIORENEWABLES CENTRE FIRST TO INSTALL NATURAL INSULATION CEILING PADS

Thermapad, Mayplas’ thermal insulation product for

suspended ceiling systems made from UK-grown

industrial hemp, has been installed at the Biorenewables

Development Centre – a subsidiary of the University of

York which works with industry to develop, scale and

commercialise bio-based products and processes.

With the aim of improving ceiling insulation to

counter summer heat and winter cold in its offices, the

Biorenewables Development Centre was seeking a

product that reflected its ethos. Thermapad is part of the

Performance Technology Group’s new GroundID range

of products integrating natural fibres. The Group worked

with bio-based materials business IndiNature to develop

the hemp ceiling pad, which is manufactured at Group

company Mayplas.

“Our objective was to improve both the energy

efficiency of the building and the working environment

for our team,” explains Mark Corbett, Director of the

Biorenewables Development Centre. “We wanted to use

natural materials to achieve that. It is great to be the first to

install Thermapad. It’s not only a more natural product, but

also a great northern success story. The hemp is grown in

Yorkshire, processed by IndiNature in the Scottish Borders

and developed into a ready to install insulation product by

Mayplas in the North West.”

Thermapad is designed for installation within metal tray

suspended ceilings and is available in a number of sizes

to fit different manufacturers’ systems. It achieves thermal

resistance of 2.25 m²K/W, 3.40 m²K/W and 4.50 m²K/W

depending on the thickness, 100mm, 150mm or 200mm,

specified.

With a nominal bulk density of 35kg/m 3 , which is

comparable to conventional insulation products, Thermapad

also assists in reducing sound reverberation.

“We are delighted that the Centre selected Thermapad,”

said Mark Atkinson, the Performance Technology Group’s

Product and Business Development Director. This is a

perfect example of how and where this new product can be

used. As a first project for Thermapad the Biorenewables

Development Centre is entirely fitting.”

Some 450 square metres of Thermapad have been

installed in the Centre’s first floor suspended ceilings by the

Centre’s own team. “Installation has been straightforward

and completed over a few weeks with minimal disruption to

the colleagues working in the offices,” Mark Corbett said.

www.biorenewables.org

38


KITCHENS, BATHROOMS &

WETROOMS

SPECIFY SUSTAINABLY WITH

ELECTRIC SHOWERS

A rise in multi-generational living, paired with the growing environmental

importance of reducing water and energy usage, has made it crucial to specify

sustainable appliances with residents of all ages in mind. Neil Wilson, Senior

Marketing Manager at Triton Showers, reveals the key considerations when

purchasing inclusive electric showers.

Over recent years, several

factors have contributed to

a sizeable increase in multigenerational

households

across the nation. ‘Flying

the nest’ in adulthood is an expectation

for many, but a monumental spike in the

cost of living, combined with a shortage

of affordable housing, has brought the

hopes of prospective homeowners to a

temporary halt.

Research conducted by Aviva at the

beginning of the decade estimated that

one in three UK homes were multigenerational

and, given the economic

challenges the country has endured

since then, this figure may now be much

higher.

The government’s pledge to deliver

1.5 million new homes over the next

five years, half of which are required to

be classified as affordable, indicates a

long-term solution is on the horizon. For

the time being, and possibly beyond, it’s

important to specify products accessible

to residents of all ages – particularly in

the bathroom.

A safe bathroom space

First and foremost, it’s important to be

mindful of how best to create a safe

bathroom space. Given the risk of slips

and falls when exiting bathtubs and

showers, specifying inclusive appliances

with the aim of accommodating

residents of all ages under one roof can

make showering the safe task it should

be.

An adapted setup that supports different

needs and abilities can also provide

occupants with the independence to

68%

reduction in energy

consumption with an

electric shower.

start or end their day in comfort. Further

steps include installing a grab bar to help

users maintain balance and navigate

areas with slip hazards. Weight-bearing

riser rails, for instance, provide discreet

support without sacrificing style.

Sustainable specification

Sustainability is a key industry priority,

and the anticipated arrival of the Future

Homes Standard is set to take it to the

next level. The impending legislation

will be set out to ensure that the next

generation of housing is prepared for a

low-carbon future, and electric showers

40


are expected to play a part in achieving

this.

Electric showers are known for their

energy and water efficiency. Research

conducted by Triton determined that

they could save more than 29,000

litres of water per year compared to a

mixer shower. This creates the potential

to save over 300kg of CO 2

e – the

equivalent of driving 1,050 miles in a

diesel hatchback.

Electric showers supplied solely by cold

mains run at a flow rate of around six

litres per minute, compared to mixer

showers, which run at an average of nine

litres per minute when drawing on a hot

water system. Users therefore have the

chance to save a considerable amount

of water and reduce energy consumption

by up to 68%, cutting water and energy

bills in the process.

Inclusive innovation

Today, specifying electric showers that

can limit energy and water usage is

simply a starting point. A real difference

can be made through the innovative

Triton’s Omnicare Ultra Plus helps visually

impaired users by providing audible

confirmation when the shower starts and ends.

features that are now available to

improve users’ experiences and safety

within the bathroom.

Triton’s Omnicare Ultra Plus helps visually

impaired users by providing audible

confirmation when the shower starts

and ends, which is testament to the

shower’s accreditation from the Royal

National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

To maintain a safe water temperature,

the Omnicare Ultra Plus is equipped

with thermostatic temperature controls

to prevent sudden drops in water

temperature, regulating within +/-1°C

thanks to its unique Tri-Therm feature.

To cater for different requirements,

Triton’s entire Omnicare range allows

shower durations to be set in five, 10,

20, and 30 minute intervals, assisting

people with conditions such as dementia

or autism. This can be set at the

commissioning stage by an installer,

with the shower enterin°g a phased

shutdown once it is either manually or

automatically switched off.

Future-proofing the bathroom

With multi-generational living on the rise,

it’s essential that houses are suitably

specified to improve lives at home. As

one of the busiest rooms in the house,

the bathroom is key to this effort. Opting

for a manufacturer that offers a range of

efficient showering solutions designed

to meet all needs can help specifiers

go the extra mile. It’s also valuable to

consider ongoing service, maintenance

support and aftercare, as doing so

allows property managers to remain wellequipped

if something should go wrong.


WETROOMS

Triton Showers is a leading UK shower

manufacturer. Established in 1975, the

business became a member of the

‘Made in Britain’ scheme in 2014 and

remains passionate and dedicated

about delivering style, functionality and

value to its customers. Triton Showers’

products have been designed with ease

of installation and unrivalled reliability in

mind – as well as coming with a oneyear

parts and labour guarantee.

In May 2024, Triton achieved a King’s

Award for Enterprise in recognition of its

outstanding commitment to Sustainable

Development, which places sustainability

at the heart of its long-term business

strategy and ‘Net Zero by 2035’

ambition. The company’s dedication

to reducing its environmental impact

also been recognised by the Bathroom

Manufacturers Association (BMA) for

three consecutive years, with award wins

including Workplace Initiative in 2021,

Special Recognition in Driving Behaviour

Change in 2022, and Carbon Reduction

in 2023. The company’s action on

behaviour change was rewarded in

2023, with the Planet Mark Sustainability

Campaign award.

www.tritonshowers.co.uk

41



WETROOMS

SMALL CAN BE BEAUTIFUL

Ben Bryden, Sales & Marketing Director for RAK Ceramics UK, offers his top tips for

creating beautiful bathrooms, even in small spaces.

While many of us dream of

large, luxurious and openplan

bathrooms complete

with a roll-top bath and spa shower, the

reality is that the average UK bathroom

measures little more than 2m x 2m.

But all is not lost – with some careful

planning of the room’s layout this space

actually gives ample room for comfort.

Today’s small bathroom designs are

being shaped by a couple of key

factors. Firstly, there’s the trend towards

smaller homes. With urban spaces

becoming more crowded, designers

and specifiers must get creative with

how they use every inch, including

bathrooms. Another big influence is the

rise of multi-generational living. More

families are living together under one

roof, so bathrooms need to be versatile

and accessible for everyone, from kids

to grandparents. So, designers should

be focusing on smart storage, flexible

layouts, and user-friendly features to

meet these evolving needs.

Despite its size, or lack of it, the

bathroom can help to sell a newbuild

house, and even create a feeling of

luxury in a hotel, and there are a whole

host of ways to make the most of a small

footprint and use what space there is to

its full potential.

Start with sanitaryware

Wall-hung sanitaryware is the ideal

choice for bathrooms with small

footprints, as it creates the feeling of

space simply by leaving the floor visible.

Wall-hung sanitaryware works on a

practical level too, as it is much easier

to clean around than its floor-standing

alternative. And with all the pipework and

plumbing neatly hidden from view, an

uncluttered finish is achieved despite the

compact nature of the bathroom itself.

Open-plan or wet room style showering

areas are becoming an increasingly

popular option in smaller bathrooms

too, instantly opening up the room and

making it feel much bigger. Specifiers

can compromise by opting for a glass

screen and low profile tray rather

than a full-on wet room environment,

particularly for the main family bathroom

where consumers ideally want to keep

‘wet’ and ‘dry’ areas separate. Opting

for a low level shower tray and frameless

glass screen in the main bathroom is a

very good way of making the space feel

bigger. Removing the obstacle of a full

enclosure will enable the light to bounce

around the room, while a low level tray

makes the showering area much easier

to access for all.

Manufacturers are increasingly

recognising the need for sanitaryware

that caters specifically for small

bathrooms with compact space

saving basins and WC’s. Our RAK-

Petit collection, for example, has been

designed with the smaller bathroom in

mind.

Don’t forget storage

Aside from choosing sanitaryware that

enables greater creativity in the smaller

bathroom, it is also important to consider

some of the perhaps less obvious

aspects of the room’s design. Good

storage, for example, is essential for

ensuring a calming, relaxed atmosphere.

In terms of furniture, small bathrooms

favour space-saving options such

as floating vanities or wall-mounted

cabinets to free up floor space and

create a sense of openness, while still

providing ample space for everything

that needs to be housed in a bathroom.

Incorporating statement pieces, such as

a designer vanity or unique tap, can add

personality and elevate the overall look.

Finally, maintaining a cohesive colour

palette and paying attention to details

like hardware and accessories will ensure

a harmonious blend of functionality and

style in the compact bathroom design.

www.rakceramics.com/uk

42

5 spray pattern shower head

Tri-Hub can be installed in

the loft or airing cupboard

Intuitive control provides

feedback on shower use

Discover more at:

tritonshowers.co.uk/envi



WETROOMS

ENHANCING THE HEART OF

THE HOME

Daniel Boulton, Business & Product Development

Manager at Clearwater Products, explains why

professional kitchen taps can be a real selling point for

developers in terms of style and efficiency.

As well as being the heart of our

homes, the kitchen is often where

the most water and energy are

consumed. From cooking and cleaning

to simply boiling the kettle for a cup of

tea, we can all live a more sustainable

and greener lifestyle just by making

some small changes to how we use our

kitchens. One such change comes in the

form of the humble kitchen tap. Indeed,

far from being gimmicks or just ‘nice to

have’, kettle taps, filter taps and other

professional taps are now in demand

among consumers and will actively help

to sell a property.

The level of convenience they offer

the end user is one of the reasons for

their popularity, although speedy brews

and meals cooked in a flash are not

the only benefits of such technology.

Energy efficiency, sustainability and

green thinking are also hot topics among

consumers and installers and something

that can be implemented with the latest

professional tap tech.

Hot water taps, for instance, such as

the Kettle range from Clearwater, offer a

more efficient way of making hot drinks

than boiling the kettle. Particularly when

you consider how many times a day

the average household sets this small

kitchen appliance to boil – at least four

according to the Energy Savings Trust.

We’re all guilty of overfilling the kettle

too, and therefore using far more energy

than is necessary for that all-important

first cup of coffee in the morning.

Comparatively, the Magus 4’s boiler

capacity is 2.4 litres, so it’s capable of

providing 60 cups of instant kettle hot

water per hour. And, by only dispensing

the exact amount of water needed,

savings can be made on water and

energy consumption too.

Finding ways to reduce waste

This green thinking extends beyond

energy savings to also reducing plastic

waste. In the UK, 7.7 billion plastic water

bottles are used each year, with the

average person using 150 of them every

year, according to Water UK. A recent

survey found that 85% of the public

are worried about the impact of plastic

pollution, so specifying filter water taps,

where even the filter itself can eventually

be recycled, is another big tick in the

sustainability box.

While the technology may be advanced,

such tap trends needn’t present a

headache when it comes to the actual

build, which is important for specifiers

to know. While the exact installation

process will vary depending on the make

and model chosen, steaming hot water

taps and filter taps are straightforward

to fit. The boiler itself should fit neatly in

the under-sink cupboard – a compact

model such as those from Clearwater will

save room for storage – and it is simply

a case of making the connections to the

relevant mains feed. However, specifiers

should make sure the model that they

choose is WRAS compliant.

Operation is simple, safety is paramount

and style need not be compromised – in

fact, quite the opposite, with the latest

models available in PVD finishes and in

several designs to ensure they are standout

features of a kitchen visually as well

as functionally. With the technology

now filtering down the price levels and

becoming much more mainstream,

specifiers can take full advantage of the

latest tap technology that, rather than

a passing fashion, is leading the shift

towards a more sustainable way of life.

www.clearwaterproducts.co.uk

44

QUANTUM

THE WORLD’S FIRST PUSH BUTTON SYPHON

Leak-Free

Syphonic

Technology

Optimises

Water Usage

Easy

Installation &

Maintenance

British design, British build, Family business



WETROOMS PRODUCTS

IMAGINE THE ITALIAN LIFESTYLE AND LIVE LA DOLCE VITA

Bathroom manufacturer Ideal Standard has launched its

La Dolce Vita range, the latest addition to its design-led

Atelier Collections. The range has been designed by Chief

Design Officer Roberto Palomba and has been inspired by

its famous namesake expression – the sweet life.

Roberto said: “With this new range, I aimed to reinterpret

La Dolce Vita. The phrase conjures a lifestyle where there

is time to savour the beauty in small things; in the everyday.

La Dolce Vita creates a tactile, expressive space whose

sensuality sparks inspiration and dreams, where new ideas

are born. It was important to me to capture this essence and

bring it to life in every detail of this collection.”

La Dolce Vita features solutions for the entire bathroom,

from vanities and vessels, toilets, bidets and bathtubs to

mixer taps, shower products and accessories. The new

range is also compatible with Ideal Standard’s wider

product portfolio.

Launching alongside La Dolce Vita, Ideal Standard’s

Finesse furniture series complements the range and is also

compatible with many other collections, offering endless

possibilities to specifiers. Finesse features a modern design

with subtle, recessed handles and a choice of four matt

colours and two wood finishes. It has one, two or fourdrawer

options, open shelving, and a variety of depths to

fit different room sizes and ceramic collections. The entire

range is crafted from Chain of Custody-certified wood

sourced from sustainably managed forests.

The accompanying vanities are available in six different

sizes, including standout asymmetric models that offer

a practical storage surface. As a statement piece, the

freestanding bathtub commands the space in any bathroom,

while echoing the understated elegance of a relaxed Italian

lifestyle.

Fittings and accessories follow the same lead, with basin

mixers, vessel mixers, wall-mounted models, bath and

shower mixers sharing the same design DNA. All the fittings

are available in classic chrome or Ideal Standard’s PVD

colours: brushed gold, magnetic grey and silver storm.

www.idealstandard.co.uk

HOW GROHE’S PORTFOLIO SUPPORTS WATER CONSERVATION

The need to rethink how we use resources such as water

has increased in recent times due to the advancing

climate, water and energy crises. Using water with care

has become imperative, with almost two-thirds (64%) of

people questioned in a recent YouGov survey believing

that using less water individually makes a difference to the

environment.

With the bathroom accounting for more than two-thirds

of daily water use, people are beginning to rethink their

showering habits. Internationally, 65% of people say they

have already changed or plan to change their habits,

resulting in shorter or less frequent showers. This raises

the question, do we have to sacrifice comfort to make

a difference, or can we still enjoy a shower with a clear

conscience?

GROHE, a leading global brand for complete bathroom

solutions and kitchen fittings, offers solutions that allow

consumers to enjoy their shower experience, while saving

water and money.

The water-saving GROHE EcoJoy technology is designed

for hand and head showers as well as taps. A flow limiter

reduces the water flow without sacrificing performance or

comfort by up to 50%. For example, the GROHE Tempesta

110, equipped with EcoJoy, can save a four-person

household up to £73 on their annual water bill and up to

£286 on their annual energy bill compared to a conventional

hand shower.

Many GROHE thermostat models also include the

GROHE EcoButton, which allows the full water flow to flow

only when the button is pressed. So, up to 50% of water can

be saved without even a conscious effort.

With GROHE TurboStat technology also included in

various GROHE models, the thermostat maintains a constant

water temperature throughout the showering process and

compensates for temperature peaks to prevent scalding.

www.grohe.co.uk

46


GET VERTICAL WITH NEW KITCHEN FURNITURE

Rotpunkt, a leading designer and manufacturer of climatefriendly

German kitchen furniture, is taking vertical storage

to new heights with its range of extra tall, vertical groove

Memory RI cabinets in a new Terra Grey finish.

In fact, Rotpunkt has welcomed 15 brand-new finishes

for its range of Memory RI doors and drawer fronts including

Walnut, Tundra, Stone, Sand, Lava, Umbra, Retroblau,

Carbon, White, Magnolia, Kashmir, Daylight Grey, Clay Dark

and Beach Grey. There is also a ready-to-paint option for a

truly custom finish.

Paired with Class VM, a shatterproof glass-effect laminate

door in a brand-new Titanio finish, this kitchen is built for the

senses.

Matt Phillips, Head of UK Operations at Rotpunkt, said:

“As tactile materials and finishes continue to meet demand,

our new library of finishes for Memory RI allows specifiers

to bring a signature style to the latest trend for fluted and

reeded furniture.”

Earth inspired, terra tones also continue to grow in

popularity as homeowners seek out more sophisticated

colour palettes. In response, Rotpunkt has created a

new shade called Terra Grey. This versatile mid-grey

colour offers subtle beige undertones that work well with

contrasting materials like raw stone, warm woods, and

glassy textures.

Terra Grey is shown on the company’s signature Memory

RI furniture, which presents a range of highly structured door

fronts with deep vertical grooves. Placing new emphasis on

hand painted finishes and iconic design elements that move

away from the standard slab door, Terra Grey Memory RI is

featured on a series of tall top units, and an extra tall bank of

new 750mm wide cabinets that provide new proportions and

accommodate the rise of larger capacity built-in appliances.

To complete the look, long bar handles in contemporary

Matt Black emulate the vertical lines of Memory RI, as well

as create a natural bridge between the light and dark grey

furniture.

Titanio, an extreme dark grey matt acrylic finish, is

smooth to touch and available for the Class VM furniture

range. Easy to clean with deep chamfered edges to look

and feel like real glass, the handleless surface is extremely

tough, scratch-resistant, anti-fingerprint and shatterresistant.

www.rotpunkt.co.uk


WETROOMS PRODUCTS

REDEFINE BATHROOM ELEGANCE WITH THE MIDAS TOUCH

RAK Ceramics, a leading brand for sanitaryware and

surfaces, has launched its RAK-Ingot washbasins. The

washbasins are designed to captivate with sleek shapes,

luxurious finishes, and possibilities for seamless integration

into any modern bathroom scheme.

Available in four distinct shapes - oval, rectangle,

round, and square - the RAK-Ingot washbasins offer

contemporary sophistication. The square basin measures

400x400x10mm, the circle measures 360x360x110mm,

the oval measures 550x350x115mm, and the rectangle

measures 500x350x100mm. These versatile dimensions

ensure compatibility with a wide range of bathroom layouts.

The hallmark of the RAK-Ingot washbasins is the three

finish options: Matt Black, Brushed Nickel, and Brushed

Brass, all of which add a touch of luxury and opulence

to any bathroom space. These finishes are meticulously

crafted to complement the current trend for metallics and

unique textures in contemporary bathroom design, allowing

specifiers to create truly bespoke spaces.

The RAK-Ingot washbasins are engineered for seamless

integration with RAK Ceramics’ accessories, mirrors, and

taps. This holistic approach to bathroom design ensures a

cohesive and harmonious aesthetic.

The RAK-Ingot range extends to stainless steel Recessed

Niches in Black, Brushed Brass, and Brushed Nickel

finishes. Available in various sizes including 30x30, 30x60,

30x60 with one dividing shelf, 30x120, and 30x120 with

two dividing shelves, the niches provide practical storage

solutions while effortlessly complementing the RAK-Ingot

washbasins.

www.rakceramics.com/uk

47


CASE STUDIES

SANIFLO PROVIDES PUMPING POWER FOR

HISTORIC RIVER HOUSE

Cleveland Bridge over the River Avon is a Grade II-listed

building in the World Heritage Site of Bath. Built in 1827,

it has a toll house and three similar houses positioned at

each corner.

Number 4 is now a stunning three-storey house with a

garden and patio overlooking the river. The bathroom and

living room are at street level, while the kitchen is on the

lower floor with doors out to a stunning decked area.

To facilitate the removal of grey water waste from the

kitchen, a pump was required to lift the water up 6m to

the drains at street level. A Sanivite pump from Saniflo

was installed in 2014 and ran without incident for a

decade. When the unit came to the end of its natural life,

the property’s owner, Tim Bolt, contacted Pumpmaster,

a commercial partner to Saniflo, for a replacement. The

company recommended a Sanispeed+, a slighter larger

model than the Sanivite, to futureproof drainage for the

property.

The Sanispeed+ has four inlets and currently takes waste

from a washing machine, dishwasher and sink, with an inlet

to spare. The quiet unit is plumbed in under the sink and

the waste water is pumped up through a 32mm solvent

weld pipe installed behind the wall. The Sanispeed+ easily

pumps the waste up to the required 6 metres, since it can lift

up to 7 metres vertically or 70 metres horizontally if needed.

www.saniflo.co.uk

PORT SAID LIGHTHOUSE DANCES WITH

SLICEDSTONE

Slicedstone, from Marmox, has been used extensively

to clad a new lighthouse in Port Said, replacing the

deactivated original, which stood sentinel over the city at

the northern end of the Suez Canal since its opening in

1869.

The old lighthouse – now a historical monument – was the

first in the world to be constructed from reinforced concrete,

which architect Karim Gabr took into consideration when

designing the visually stunning replacement.

Slicedstone is a natural material produced from large

stone slabs, with each veneer being unique in appearance.

The lightweight sheets are backed with a 100% waterproof

decoupling membrane, allowing them to be secured using

cement based tile adhesive.

Slicedstone’s large format means savings were also

made on the costs of fixings, grout and glue – as well as on

the labour costs through quicker installation. The lightweight

sheets are available in three sizes – 1,220 x 610mm, 2,100

x 105 mm and 2,400 x 1,050mm, weighing between 2.5 to

3.0kg per square metre. They are just 4 ± 1.5mm thick and

offer a moisture absorption rate of less than 2.5%.

www.marmox.co.uk

REDUCING CARBON FOR AN INDOOR ARENA

Rinnai hot water systems are projected to produce

‘significant’ carbon reductions at a huge indoor arena in

the North of England. The arena regularly hosts concerts,

conferences, theatre plays, exhibitions, live music and

other conventions – so it needs an energy efficient and

carbon-reducing hot water system to achieve net zero.

The arena currently uses two 116kW traditional gasfired

water heaters, with the space having a daily hot water

demand of 4,377 litres.

For the arena to decarbonise its daily operations while

meeting water demand, Rinnai drew up plans for six 50kW

R290 commercial heat pumps with an additional 800 litres

of storage. Installing Rinnai’s High Temperature R290

commercial air source heat pumps at the indoor arena has

enabled a huge 81% reduction in carbon emissions when

compared to the current system.

Rinnai’s Sean Ehlen said: “The results of this case study

show that converting to a heat pump-only option can reduce

the carbon emissions over five years by 81%, or 389,296kg,

of CO 2

. By opting for a high-temperature commercial air

source heat pump system the total annual energy usage

required is 175,557kWh of electricity as opposed to the

478,129kWh of natural gas.

“However, as electricity is approximately three times that

of natural gas, the total operating cost of a high-temperature

commercial heat pump system will be 30% more than a gas

system based on government projections.”

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk

48

Passivent - a fresh take on ventilation solutions

Passivent has been providing natural and hybrid ventilation solutions for

over 40 years. Its product range can help deliver many benefits, including

improved energy efficiency and air quality, natural daylight and moisture

removal in order to create healthier, more comfortable environments.

This is in line with modern specification requirements which favour

natural ventilation over more energy-intensive mechanical systems

to meet stricter sustainability targets.

Natural ventilation strategy for refurbishment project

Matfen Hall, a stunning Grade II listed hotel, golf and wedding venue

in Northumberland, has undergone an extensive refurbishment

programme designed by Doonan Architects, with a striking new

covered external courtyard area providing a focal point. This

space can now be used all year-round, thanks in part to the natural

ventilation strategy delivered by Passivent and the installation of ten

Passivent Aircool ® wall ventilators beneath the new glass rooflight,

to maintain a fresh air supply to the enclosed area. Aircools are

fully controllable and perfect for night-time cooling strategies where

daytime heat build-up is purged from the structure during the night.

A two-zone iC8000 intelligent controller was also installed to monitor

the internal and external temperature and carbon dioxide level.

Solutions for educational and leisure environments

For Sunningdale SEND School in Sunderland, which specialises

in teaching children aged between 2 and 11 years with severe and

multiple learning difficulties, Passivent provided an energy efficient

natural ventilation strategy which minimises noise pollution during

operation. Its unique thermal acoustic Aircool window ventilators,

Litevent Airstract ® rooflight/ventilators and Airscoop ® roof ventilation

terminals were used in classrooms, corridors and halls.

Passivent’s Airscoop roof terminals were also specified to

naturally ventilate a 70 m indoor shooting range at the new

performance archery facility at Lilleshall National Sports Centre

in Shropshire, home to Archery GB. Ideally suited to large

buildings and deep plan spaces, the energy-saving design of the

Airscoop terminals requires no power to move the air, instead

harnessing the natural power of displacement ventilation.

To read more about these projects as well as other Passivent

case studies, visit www.passivent.com/case-studies

Matfen Hall, Northumberland

Sunningdale SEND School, Sunderland

Performance Archery Centre, Lilleshall, © Speller Metcalfe

Passivent has partnered with Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) to make a selection of its products

available to model within the Virtual Environment (VE) platform IESVE, starting with the Airscoop roof

ventilation terminal. Passivent’s in-house technical team can also provide a full range of technical support

and advice on natural ventilation strategies as part of the specification process.

To find out more, visit www.passivent.com, call 01732 850 770, email projects@passivent.com, or follow us on LinkedIn.

Ventilation

& Air Quality

Natural

Daylight

Moisture

Removal


HEATING AND

VENTILATION

NOW IS THE TIME FOR

NEW INNOVATION

The 2024 InstallerSHOW exhibition was the place to be this year, as the heating

industry gathered to see the very latest innovations and new technologies that are

being brought to the UK market. Specify & Build was on hand to find out more.

Showering solutions with

Flair

Flair Showers has launched

its brand new range of

showering solutions, the

Flair PRO Essential Collections, which

includes shower enclosures, wetrooms

and bath screens. Designed to be cost

effective, the collections include Verve

PRO shower enclosures, wetroom

solutions and bathscreens, as well as

frameless and slimline options.

Verve PRO featured easy-fit, 1,900mm

high shower doors. The contemporary

range benefits from Flair’s Click-Fit PRO

Assembly System that removes the

need to fit screws when assembling

the product frame, resulting in a quick

and easy-to-follow installation. With

quadrant, sliding and bifold doors

among the many options available, Verve

PRO shower doors benefit from 6mm

toughened safety glass with Clearvue

protective coating to repel unwanted

grime and limescale.

Customers can also enjoy a spacious

walk-in shower experience with the

Verve PRO wetroom range, which

consists of versatile screens constructed

from 8mm toughened safety glass in a

variety of sizes. The 2,000mm-high Verve

PRO wetroom solutions are available in

black or silver finishes, while the Verve

PRO bath screen range includes curved

An important

requirement of the new

Part L Building

Regulation, is that new

and renovated homes

must produce at least

31% less carbon

emissions.

and square designs, plus options with

rotating panels in addition to support

bars and towel rails. Constructed from

6mm and 8mm toughened safety

glass, a variety of bath screen widths

and heights are available to suit each

individual requirement.

Flair PRO Essential Collections also

includes the Slimline Telescopic range.

With a selection of shower doors

that boast a total adjustment of up

to 100mm, Slimline Telescopic offers

flexibility with adjustable wall profiles

allowing the shower enclosure to fit

perfectly, even when the walls are not

completely plumb.

In addition, with pivot and saloon doors,

and curved and rotating wetroom panels,

Flair PRO Essential Collections has a

frameless offering that is elegant, easy

to install and suitable for both wetroom

floor and shower tray installations.

www.flairshowers.co.uk

A partnership to drive heat pump

uptake

At InstallerSHOW, Heat Geek announced

its new strategic partnership with leading

heating manufacturer Vaillant. The

partnership aims to set the benchmark

for heating system design and installation

quality by leading the heating industry

transition to low-carbon technology.

Heat Geek is a leading community of

independent heating engineers working

in renewable technology. With training

courses to assist gas engineers in

transitioning to heat pump work, as well

as tools and technologies to enable

those engineers to grow their business

as they put their new skills to work, Heat

Geek is built to enable independent

engineers to deliver the best Heat Pump

installations in the market.

Henrik Hansen, Managing Director at

Vaillant UK & Ireland, said: “This new

partnership will not only enhance support

for installers, it will help to deliver the

best efficiencies for homeowners looking

to decarbonise their home heating. By

combining our product and support

expertise with Heat Geek’s software

and growing installer network, our

partnership will focus on delivering highquality

heat pump installations, making

the transition to heat pumps smooth and

simple.”

www.heatgeek.com/installers

Enhance energy efficiency with preinsulated

pipe systems

The new Part L Building Regulation sets

50


HEATING AND

VENTILATION

out recommendations by Dame Judith

Hackitt about building a safer future

for both new homes and those being

renovated. An important requirement is

that these homes must produce at least

31% less carbon emissions, and certain

aspects of any newly installed pipework

must comply with the new standards.

This includes a mandatory requirement

to insulate pipework in horizontal areas

such as ceiling voids.

Local authorities and housing inspectors

will be encouraging installers, specifiers

and building owners to comply with

these new requirements, often with

pictorial evidence. Henco has developed

a robust, lightweight, detectable and

pre-insulated piping solution for heating

and cooling networks that complies with

the new Part L Building Regulations.

The pipework of any heating solution

sits at the heart of the system and must

work in harmony with the fitting joints

used to join the system together. The

Henco multi-layer piping solution is a

hybrid pipe that brings together the best

features of synthetic and metal in one

solution, combining multiple layers of

both materials.

The smooth synthetic bore of the pipe

helps long-term flow rates, as well as

reducing the scale and corrosion that

can build up in a copper pipe. The

aluminium layer in the Henco system

ensures it is strong, flexible, can be

easily fabricated and has an expansion

rate similar to copper.

Multi-layer piping can accept bending

using simple hand tools, especially

around corners and into tight spaces

– making it ideal for underfloor heating.

This helps reduce the need for extra

fittings or joints and therefore minimises

potential leak paths.

Henco’s synthetic fittings and pipes

are designed to have at least a 50-year

life span and will not degrade over that

time, continuously offering a robust and

reliable solution.

www.henco.be

Combine electric showers with

waste water heat recovery

Developed and manufactured by

Mira Showers, the new Mira Advance

Heatloop is the first electric shower

designed to work with Recoup waste

water heat recovery for shower systems

(WWHRS).

While showering represents around 50

to 75% of household hot water use,

around 85% to 90% of the heat energy

in shower water actually ends up going

down the drain. With research from

the Energy Saving Trust revealing that

heating water at home also makes up

about 5% of the UK’s carbon emissions,

it’s never been more important to identify

a way of reusing that lost heat to save

energy and reduce energy bills for end

users to support the decarbonisation of

UK homes.

The Mira Advance Heatloop incorporates

pioneering technologies to facilitate

compatibility with WWHRS.

Installing the Mira Advance Heatloop

with a WWHRS will enable local councils

and housing authorities to provide their

tenants with an enhanced showering

experience that also has sustainability

and energy efficiency at its core.

As a result, it will play an important role

in the reduction of energy consumption

and the resultant energy bills. In fact,

when installed in conjunction with a

Recoup Pipe Hex system, average

annual savings of up to 40% can be

achieved – saving around £135 per year.

51


HEATING AND

VENTILATION

that simplifies system control and

monitoring, allowing users to easily

adjust settings and maintain the perfect

indoor climate by making the operation

effortless.

www.navien.co.uk/professional

While conventional electric showers

cannot adjust to changes to elevated

incoming water conditions, making them

unsuitable for installation with WWHRS,

the Mira Advance Heatloop features

intelligent monitoring which automatically

adjusts power based on the incoming

conditions. This makes it the first electric

shower on the market that can be used

with a WWHRS system.

Safely recycling the energy from

WWHRS, the Mira Advance Heatloop

adapts to fluctuations in temperature

and flow, so users enjoy consistent

performance and temperatures, with no

sudden cold or scalding blasts.

Compensating for any winter fluctuations

in flow, the Mira Advance Heatloop

ensures around 35% better performance

in winter, compared to conventional

electric showers, and a maintained

performance throughout the entire year.

www.mirashowers.co.uk

British Gas launches exclusive offer

with Mixergy

Mixergy has announced its first

exclusive offer from British Gas. Mixergy

customers who sign up for a British Gas

fixed-rate tariff will save a further £40 a

year when they opt in to Mixergy Extra.

The £40 rebate will be deducted from

the energy bill by British Gas.

More than 70% of all Mixergy customers

already opt in as a Mixergy Hero to

help solve grid congestion. Now, those

customers can gain extra financial

rewards when they enable British Gas to

optimise their Mixergy cylinder to heat

when local or national electric demand

is lower. This is the first offer of its kind

in the UK that pays the homeowner to

switch on the hot water cylinder during

low peak times, supporting the national

grid’s onboarding of more renewables.

The average Mixergy cylinder uses

around 40% less power to heat hot

water than a conventional hot water

cylinder, the company says.

www.mixergy.co.uk

Navien UK launches R290 Heat

Pump

Navien UK has unveiled the Navien R290

Heat Pump series, which features five

models ranging from 4kW to 17kW, all

offering exceptional energy efficiency

and a reduced carbon footprint.

Sean Keleher, Technical Director at

Navien UK, said: “The R290 Heat

Pump introduces a host of innovative

features poised to revolutionise the

heating industry. With an ErP rating

of up to A+++, this heat pump offers

superior energy efficiency, making it an

excellent choice for installers seeking the

latest advancements in home heating

technology.”

Integral to the heat pump is its SWEP

plate heat exchanger, featuring

corrugated plates that create hot and

cold channels. Compared to other heat

exchangers, this design boasts a smaller

carbon footprint and maximises material

efficiency, with approximately 95%

dedicated to heat transfer - enhancing

energy efficiency, lowering operational

expenses and creating low maintenance

operations.

Navien’s R290 Heat Pump is designed

for user-friendly operation and features

a smart touch display to provide

homeowners with an intuitive interface

Highlighting best practice in

waterproofing

As a major UK supplier of tiling, profiling,

underfloor heating and other systems,

Schlüter-Systems used InstallerSHOW

to highlight the company’s most popular

products.

As one of Schlüter-Systems’ most

versatile and widely specified products,

KERDI-BOARD finds applications for

both retrofit and newbuild situations,

with the different thicknesses of extruded

foam (XPS) panel providing a stable and

waterproof substrate for natural stone

and ceramic tiling.

KERDI-200 is available in 1m and 2m

roll widths and is suitable for use where

bonded waterproofing installations

of tiles and natural stone finishes are

required, such as in wetrooms and other

high specification situations. It is CE

marked and complies with the European

Technical Approval (ETA) requirements.

The Schlüter low height linear drainage

set KERDI-LINE-G3 complies with BS

EN 1253 and BS EN 274 to offer an

exceptional drain capacity of 0.45l/sec

via its single outlet, and 0.80l/sec from

the dual outlet version.

The drainage set is supplied with Corner

seal (for upright wall connection),

channel body with a sealing collar and

odour seal, an EPDM gasket and drain

body, along with a channel support.

www.schluter.co.uk

52

Introducing the new

www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ March 2024

HRV COOL PLUS

The smart choice for thermal

comfort all year round

HEATING AND

VENTILATION

Overheating indoors can present several dangers, such

as heat-related stress, dehydration, and heightened

health issues. The new Titon HRV Cool Plus offers

a solution designed to deliver cooling and filtered air

for user comfort in warmer weather conditions via a

compact efficient MVHR and cooling module.

• Up to 3.3kW total cooling (subject to volume flow and relative humidity)

• Available for wall mounting or floor mounting

• Minimal maintenance of fully sealed refrigerant heat pump with coil & fin heat exchangers

• No need for run around ducting. Keeps complexity low

• CIBSE accredited CPD course available on Part O

Scan me

01206 713801 | marketing@titon.co.uk | titon.com/cooler

Titon S+B Sept 24 A5 H.indd 1 19/08/2024 14:44:12

51


HEATING &

VENTILATION

INVESTIGATE YOUR HEAT

PUMP OPTIONS

High temperature heat pumps have been touted as the heat pump that changes

everything for buildings owners looking to decarbonise heat. But while they

undoubtedly provide increased options, investigative engineering and optioneering

remain key to ensuring best value and performance, says Baxi’s Engineering

Solutions Manager Ryan Kirkwood.

In the commercial sector, building direct weather compensation controls,

owners are rapidly adopting heat a significant portion of the heat can be

pumps as a proven method of heat delivered by the heat pump.

decarbonisation.

While new buildings are designed for

net zero, the challenge, as we know,

lies with retrofit. This is because older

systems typically operate at flow and

return temperatures of 82/71°C or

potentially 80/60°C, with the emitters

sized accordingly.

As building owners review boiler

replacement projects and the achievable

options to decarbonise heat, a hybrid

heat pump solution is nearly always a

fast, efficient and affordable answer. This

can enable a large portion of the heat to

be decarbonised while overcoming some

key challenges such as budget and

risk. A mid-temperature air source heat

pump like Baxi’s Auriga, for example,

provides flow temperatures up to 60°C.

This means that even with modest

But what if the client brief is to move

straight to full electrification of heat?

Some may argue that this is the very

purpose of high-temperature air

source heat pumps (HT ASHPs) such

as Baxi’s Auriga HP+, which uses

natural refrigerant R290 (propane),

and can provide extremely high flow

temperatures, making them suitable

for use in low and high temperature

heating as well as for domestic hot water

production.

But here’s the caveat. Even when HT

ASHPs are capable of delivering up to

80°C flow temperature, this is at the very

top end of the performance envelope

and falls slightly short of the 82°C flow

required by 82/71°C circuits. A further

consideration is that most HPs prefer to

operate in the 5-10°C ΔT range, making

a straight swap on 80/60°C circuits

challenging, though not impossible.

Adding to the challenge is the lack of

design information on dated buildings.

For this reason, a degree of investigative

engineering is recommended before

embarking on a project of this sort.

Ensuring best value and

performance

Well-designed hybrids and standalone

ASHP replacement projects both require

a significant amount of investigation to

understand the system fully and ensure

best performance and value.

To do this, we need to know the actual

heating demand at a system circuit level,

not just the total installed capacity of the

current heat generation plant. We need

to understand how the building lives

and breathes. Considerations include

how the heat is currently distributed

throughout the building, the fabric makeup

of the building, what the property is

used for and hardware such as radiators.

With real measured data, solutions

providers like Baxi can add pre-sales

support by engineering different

design options, backed with predicted

energy and carbon savings and capital

expenditure modelling. This optioneering

allows clients and designers to make

the best choice given any bounding

constraints the project may have, such

as electrical capacity, physical space or

budget.

Make sure you consider:

• What was the original design

temperature and loads?

• Is there any load data for winter,

summer and shoulder months

available?

• Are there any bounding spatial

constraints that cannot be changed,

such as the total space available?

• Does budget allow for 100% of the

required heating power to be via

ASHPs?

• Are electrical capacities sufficient?

Bracketing

One option might be to bracket the

heating system to avoid running all

circuits at 80°C or 82°C all year,

improving running costs. For example, if

the survey data shows a sizable constant

temperature (CT) circuit serving an air

handling plant exclusively, one option

might be to ‘bracket’ this out of the

overall heating system.

Serving it directly from its own heat

pump plant would allow a change of the

tempering or reheat coils to suit a 55°C

flow temperature (or lower). This decision

alone could increase the heat pump

efficiency up to 150% from the current

design temperature of around 80°C.

The same principle can be applied to

variable temperature (VT) circuits when

the CT circuit is unable to deviate from

its current design flow temperature.

VT circuit bracketing can deliver

considerable efficiency rewards, because

the weather compensation can now

54


be done directly at the plant without

the use of mixing valves. With direct

weather compensation on HT ASHPs,

the flow temperature could range from

35°C-80°C. If heat losses have been

carried out, changing the emitters might

be a possibility, which would allow a

more aggressive curve.

The weighted aspect of bracketing

involves understanding the split in

capacity required for each circuit. If

VT equates to 80% of the overall load

requirement, then addressing that purely

in isolation, with CT remaining on 80°C

flow, may impact the overall efficiency of

the building sufficiently without the need

to replace air handling unit (AHU) coils.

Fabric first

Precision engineering is essential to

ensure ASHPs are not over-specified

in terms of capacity for economic and

spatial reasons. Reducing heat loss can

significantly reduce the size or capacity

of plant required while improving

running costs by limiting heat loss to

the environment. Taking a fabric first

approach and identifying any options to

reduce heat losses and heat demand at

the outset of every heat decarbonisation

project is therefore vital.

Existing buildings generally lose the most

amount of heat via air infiltration. Leaky

buildings are notoriously difficult to heat,

and even with improved insulation heat

losses can be extremely high.

Challenges arise in older buildings,

or even listed buildings, where it is

simply not feasible to improve the

fabric. In these situations, it’s advisable

to offset those inefficiencies by using

complementary technologies such as

photovoltaics (PVs) to provide on-site

electricity generation.

Understand the options

The options can seem overwhelming,

but having a thorough understanding of

the building thermal profile will enable a

clearer understanding of the impact from

each of the potential solutions, to ensure

optimal performance and value. And

working with expert solutions providers

like Baxi, who can explain all the options

clearly, openly and honestly in a stepby-step

process, will ensure that the

right decision can be reached in each

circumstance.

www.baxi.co.uk

HEATING &

VENTILATION

55


HEATING &

VENTILATION

CONCEALED HEATING STRAIGHT

FROM YOUR SKIRTING BOARD

Sustainability, energy

efficiency and compliance

with Building Regulations

are at the top of

housebuilders’ agenda.

But they also have to meet,

and exceed, the

expectations of

homebuyers who want

comfortable living,

reasonable running costs,

great aesthetics and

effective, simple-to-use

technology.

A

new concept in UK heating, the

ThermaSkirt, made in the UK

by DiscreteHeat, is designed

to blend seamlessly into any home’s

interior while offering superior heating

performance. ThermaSkirt is designed

to look like traditional skirting board, but

is in fact an energy efficient, infrared,

radiant heating system. Made from

durable aluminium, it heats up rapidly,

effectively transforming the entire skirting

into a 360° radiator, evenly distributing

heat throughout the room and

eliminating cold spots. It can work with

any heating system – gas boiler, heat

pump or electric heating – and can be

controlled just like conventional radiators,

using thermostats and timers or smart

controls.

One of the key features of ThermaSkirt

is its flexibility. It can be installed

throughout the entire home or,

alternatively, if underfloor heating is being

installed on the ground floor during

construction, it can be fitted solely in the

upper floors instead of, or in addition

to, radiators. This is particularly useful in

homes fuelled by a heat pump, where

it replaces the need for oversized, low

temperature radiators.

Lancashire-based housebuilder

Kingswood Homes offers its customers

a concept called ‘Shape your home’,

which puts the homeowner in charge

of their internal layout. This means the

purchaser can choose to have a fully

open plan living area downstairs, or a

separate lounge and dining room, or a

home office or playroom. They can also

choose to add or remove bedrooms and

add additional en-suites.

The housebuilder is offering ThermaSkirt

as an option in all its new homes as

a way to provide flexible heating no

matter what the purchaser chooses.

ThermaSkirt is also a good fit with the

other technologies that Kingswood

Homes offers, such as smart heating

controls, video doorbells, EV chargers

and integrated appliances, so that

customers can personalise their homes

even further.

Laura Hughes-Jones, Sales and

Marketing Coordinator at Lancashirebased

Kingswood Homes, explains:

“ThermaSkirt is an optional upgrade in all

our house types, which range from three

to six bedrooms. There’s a choice of

adding it to the whole home or by floor.

“The feedback we’ve received is that

customers love the way it makes each

room look clean and uncluttered. It

allows them to use wall space more

practically and be even more flexible

with where their furniture can be placed

without blocking any heat. There are

different heights, styles and colours of

skirting to choose from, to suit their

preferred style, which is another bonus.

“At the moment, Kingswood Homes

come with a gas-fired combi or system

boiler, but ThermaSkirt can work with

any heating system and is much more

energy efficient than regular radiators. It

also spreads the heat across the room,

rather than it all coming from a single

concentrated source, like a radiator.

“How easy was it to install? Very! It can

be completed in a day. We have even

retrofitted it in our Ribchester 5 show

home at Green Hills Homestead, near

Blackburn. And we’ve had a number of

future customers enquiring about the

product and showing interest for when

they reserve their homes,” concludes

Laura.

Ethan Wadsworth, Sales and Marketing

Director at DiscreteHeat, adds:

“ThermaSkirt arrives pre-cut and ready

to fit. Because it combines fitting and

painting the skirting with installing the

heating, installation time and costs are

reduced. We are happy to work with

builders, developers and contractors and

will provide on-site training and technical

support as required.

“ThermaSkirt carries ISO 9001 and is

CE marked. We are proud to design

and manufacture ThermaSkirt in the

UK to EN standards from up to 98%

recycled aluminium, so as well as saving

homeowners money on their energy bills,

it reduces their carbon footprint.”

As the demand for sustainable building

solutions continues to grow, ThermaSkirt

is a versatile, eco-friendly choice that

meets both regulatory requirements and

consumer expectations. It is redefining

the way homes are heated, offering the

efficiency, elegance, and environmental

responsibility that today’s homeowners

and builders demand.

www.discreteheat.com

56

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


HEATING AND

VENTILATION PRODUCTS

FERNOX ADDS NEW FILTER TO ITS PRODUCT RANGE

Fernox has launched the sealed and ultra-compact TF1

Sigma Mini in its 60 th anniversary year, providing a practical

filter solution for smaller volume heating systems with

restricted space. With an excellent collection capacity to

capture system contaminants, it is designed to be simple to

install and service.

The new magnetic TF1 Sigma Mini is suitable for social

housing, newbuild properties and smaller volume heating

systems. The filter comes ready-to-install and can be fitted

in under two minutes thanks to its slip socket manifold

design. Installed horizontally on vertical pipework, the

sealed filter can be fitted in tight spaces as it only requires a

106mm pipework footprint.

The filter also acts as a handy dosing point for the Fernox

range of chemical water treatments, featuring a drain port

that allows for quick and controlled cleaning or draining

without the need to disassemble the filter.

Backed by a 10-year warranty, the TF1 Sigma Mini is

designed to protect the boiler from the damaging effects of

circulating corrosion debris. Featuring high kV values, the

TF1 Sigma Mini ensures there is minimal pressure loss as

well as maintaining a high collection efficiency.

Ernie McDonald, General Manager at Fernox, said: “The

TF1 Sigma Mini is a superb addition to our filter portfolio

and demonstrates our steadfast commitment to adapt and

innovate. All properties must be able to benefit from a clean

and efficient central heating system and our extensive

portfolio provides everything needed to get the job done.”

www.fernox.com/tf1-sigma-mini

FIGHT OVERHEATING AND ENHANCE INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Titon, a leading supplier of indoor air quality solutions,

has launched the HRV Cool Plus, specifically designed to

provide cooling in warmer weather conditions and tackle

residential overheating.

Titon’s HRV Cool Plus is engineered to integrate

seamlessly into heat recovery ventilation (MVHR) systems,

delivering cooling and filtered air to enhance user comfort.

With its integrated cooling module, the unit pre-cools

incoming fresh air during warmer months, ensuring a

comfortable indoor environment.

Providing up to 3.3kW total cooling capacity (subject

to volume flow and relative humidity), it ensures optimal

performance even in demanding conditions. There are two

mounting options available, either wall or floor mounted,

offering flexibility to suit any installation requirement.

The installation process is designed to be straightforward,

with minimal maintenance requirements. The fully sealed

refrigerant heat pump with coil and fin heat exchangers is

akin to a fridge or freezer, ensuring proven reliability.

The compact size allows installation below the ceiling

in utility rooms, allowing enough space to accommodate

other appliances underneath such as washing machines or

tumble dryers.

The HRV Cool Plus was developed in response to

increasing overheating issues where standard ventilation

is not possible under the Approved Document O (ADO)

guidelines. ADO advises that mechanical cooling may only

be used where it is not possible to remove sufficient heat

from the indoor environment without it.

In addition, HRV Cool Plus is supported by a CIBSEaccredited

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

course on Part O and overheating, providing knowledge and

support addressing issues related to overheating.

www.titon.com/cooler

58


SEASONAL PERFORMANCE FACTORS HELP GOVERN EFFICIENCY IN COMMERCIAL

APPLICATIONS

The current methodology used to discern commercial heat

pump system efficiency across the UK is the Seasonal

Coefficient of Performance (SCoP). Relying solely on SCoP

can lead to a lack of congruity regarding the expected

levels of commercial heat pump system efficiency from

specification, when compared to actual operational

efficiency performance. There is evidence that a separate

mode of measurement for commercial domestic hot water

(DHW) applications could provide specifiers with concise

information about the efficiency of a heat pump.

The Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF) evaluates all

energy-utilising components within a commercial DHW

system, measuring the performance of the entire system as

opposed to solely that of the low-GWP heat pump.

To base a purchase decision based solely on SCoP

fails to provide a full appraisal of a heat pump system.

Conditions for calculation of SCoP specifications are based

on the external ambient temperature profile of Strasbourg,

Germany, and a water outlet temperature of 35 o C.

UK commercial hot water applications should be more

concerned with understanding the temperature profile

of the installation location and water outlet temperatures

ranging from between 55 o C to 65 o C, depending on the

heat pump’s capabilities. SCoP efficiency measurements

only concentrate on the heat pump technology and ignore

the rest of the entire system. If a system contains back up

heaters, such as gas-fired water heaters, electric cylinders,

or energy intensive ancillaries such as secondary return

pumps, then the actual system efficiency is much lower.

In contrast, SPF seeks to provide a more accurate

performance measurement for a complete system.This is

achieved by evaluating the installation location temperature

profile, considering entire system energy requirements and

by also basing efficiency projections on a higher water flow

temperature suited towards hot water applications.

Using SPF as the measurement for heat pump system

efficiency in commercial applications provides customers

with additional benefits, such as: accurate performance

projections based upon HW applications allowing the user

to understand operational costs and carbon production.

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk

HEATING AND

VENTILATION PRODUCTS

BAXI LAUNCHES END-TO-END HEAT NETWORK SOLUTIONS SERVICE

Baxi has launched a complete end-to-end range of

products and services, including new AquaHeat heat

interface units (HIUs), to provide a single point of contact

for customers involved in heat network projects. The

services include initial feasibility and design studies,

supplying prefabricated centralised energy centres and

HIUs, to driving efficient system maintenance and system

optimisation.

Suitable for use in newbuild or retrofit multiple occupancy

buildings, campus heating systems and district heat

networks, Baxi’s heat network solutions and services

will support residential, public sector and commercial

property developers and specifiers in delivering low-carbon

buildings.

The heart of Baxi’s heat network proposition is Baxi

Packaged Solutions, which designs and manufactures prepackaged

plant rooms for centralised energy centres, as

well as prefabricated utility cupboards for use in individual

dwellings within the property. These typically use heating

and hot water solutions from Baxi’s brands and the wider

BDR Thermea Group.

As part of its heat network range, which includes thermal

substations, Baxi is launching AquaHeat, an HIU designed

for multiple occupancy projects. The twin-plate HIUs are

available in two outputs and can deliver indirect space

heating and DHW for newbuild and older homes. An indirect

heat-only model is also available for use in commercial

premises.

The service is further enhanced by the UK launch of

Mercurius Connected, a digital innovation that can remotely

monitor, troubleshoot and optimise the HIUs.

Baxi’s Integrated Thermal Solutions unit provides

customers with feasibility studies and system design

before installation, in addition to training, remote and onsite

commissioning and ongoing service support.

www.baxi.co.uk

59


GLASS & GLAZING

StoVentec Glass, installed to the exterior of the Printworks building, was digitally printed with a yellow and white pattern for an eye-catching façade.

GLASS RAINSCREEN MEETS UNIQUE

DESIGN BRIEF

A glass rainscreen system manufactured by Sto in four different designs has been

used as part of the £21m transformation of an indoor entertainment centre.

Specify & Build reports.

Located in Manchester city centre, the Printworks is

home to bars, restaurants and leisure facilities including

a cinema, gym, bowling alley and indoor golf. The

refurbishment has delivered Europe’s largest digital ceiling,

which spans 1,000m 2 and features creative content as well

as special effects. Façade improvements, upgrades to public

realm, new entrances and a public art installation add to the

huge renovation, which was led by DTZ Investors.

and the other, stone. Both have been designed to complement

local architecture, including the Portland stone that features on

the building’s historic façade.

Plain StoVentec Glass panels in matt and gloss white finishes

were also produced for the interior. Externally, the StoVentec

Glass panels were printed in a yellow and white pattern to

create an eye-catching façade for one side of the building.

Working with specialist contractor Craft Interior, Sto helped

architects CDA bring their design vision to life using the

StoVentec Glass A rainscreen system. This cladding system

comprises tempered safety glass which is bonded to a carrier

board to produce bespoke composite panels, available in

any size, shape, colour or finish. The panels are secured to

Sto’s bespoke hidden-fix sub-construction, combining both

stainless steel and aluminium components.

“Originally, we wanted to use a metal cladding system

throughout, but for various reasons, couldn’t find a viable

product,” explains David O’Connell, Senior Architect at

CDA. “We then began speaking with Sto about what we

were looking to achieve aesthetically. We soon realised that

StoVentec Glass could open up more creative options, allowing

us to use glass cladding on a much wider scale.”

Unique glass facades

CDA required a modern, robust material which could

be customised to create unique patterns and reflect its

surroundings.

“Within the Printworks, there is quite a lot going on in terms

of different visuals and facades, so we didn’t want to create

something really new and shiny with the glass,” adds David.

“Our brief was more focused on what we labelled ‘urban

wallpaper’ to help tie the glass cladding back to the building’s

context.”

To meet these requirements, StoVentec Glass panels were

digitally screen printed with three different graphics. Inside the

Printworks, one graphic emulates the appearance of bricks

David continues: “As all the designs were bespoke, Sto

created various glass samples for us to review and approve.

We had several online meetings with the Sto team at the

factory in Germany too. They were very good at talking us

through the technical aspects of the process as well as the dos

and don’ts to ensure the end products met our expectations.”

Installation challenges

Craft Interior was responsible for the installation and worked

with Sto and CDA to finalise the design, including the most

appropriate panel dimensions as well as the sub-construction

calculations.

Aluminium T-profiles, horizonal rails and stainless steel wall

brackets were fixed across various substrates throughout the

building prior to installing the StoVentec Glass panels. The

entire process was delivered while the Printworks remained

open to the public.

Tried and tested

The StoVentec Glass A rainscreen system also provides

significant safety benefits. Independently certified by the

British Board of Agrément (BBA), the system has an A2-s1,

d0 reaction to fire classification to EN13501-1 and a service

life in excess of 30 years. It has also passed stringent bomb

blast tests. As the tempered safety glass is securely bonded

to a carrier board, a composite unit is created so in the event

of a blast, glass fragments stay bonded to the board. This

design also protects the sub-construction holding the panels

and allows any broken panel to remain in place until it can be

replaced.

www.sto.co.uk

60

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GLASS AND GLAZING

TRADITIONAL WINDOWS UPDATE

BESPOKE DEVELOPMENT IN

CONSERVATION AREA

Premium window and door designer, The Residence Collection, has completed a

newbuild development in the conservation area of Woolley, near Wakefield, featuring

more than 200 Residence 9 windows. Specify & Build reports.

The high-end luxury development in Wakefield, named

Old Beech Farm, now features more than 200 Residence

Collection windows across six new-build properties.

Alongside fabricator HWL Windows and an independent

housebuilder, the traditional R9 windows were added in the

Painswick colourway, to complement the stone exterior of the

homes. This project has also recently won Commercial Project

of the Year award at the G23 Awards.

Residence 9, the original timber alternative window, is widely

accepted in conservation areas and for Grade II-listed buildings

across the UK. This is because the collection adheres to

the key principles, shapes and dimensions of the Article 4

Conservation Area guidelines for windows. This particular

window system was chosen by the developer due to its low

maintenance and superior performance features, as well as its

high-end finish, which fit with the premium development.

This selection of windows, which meets Part L requirements

with a u-value of 1.2W/m 2 k and surpasses British Building

Residence 9, the original timber

alternative window, is widely

accepted in conservation areas and

for Grade II-listed buildings across

the UK.

Regulation requirements, was based on their thermal efficiency,

heritage, and attractiveness to end-users. The windows also

achieve a certified A++ window energy rating and attains

Passive House standards with u-values of 0.74W/m 2 k with

44mm triple glazing.

The Timberweld jointing technique was employed in the

fabrication of the Residence 9 windows. This welded joining

method creates a seamless butt-joint appearance on both

the exterior and interior of the windows, offering an authentic

timber look and enhanced strength.

The Residence Collection windows can be delivered without

glazing, facilitating easier on-site handling. For the Old Beech

Farm project, however, the windows were supplied with prefitted

Georgian bars; nevertheless, to provide installers with

flexibility in sourcing glass locally, HWL also supplied Georgian

bars in kit form.

Jo Trotman, Marketing Manager at The Residence

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

offering a selection of new windows that not only enhance

the aesthetics of properties but also deliver long-lasting

performance. This particular project opted for a colour that

perfectly complemented the exterior of the building, while still

capitalising on all the other performance qualities that the R9

boasts.

“Establishing quality partnerships is crucial in the delivery of our

superior design, manufacturing, and installation services that

we consistently provide to our customers. We are delighted

to have successfully concluded yet another project with HWL

windows and look forward to many more in the future.”

www.residencecollection.co.uk

62


GLASS & GLAZING

PRODUCTS

PYROGUARD UNVEILS NEW TECHNICAL BROCHURE

Pyroguard, a leading independent provider of highperformance

fire safety glass, has launched its latest

Technical Brochure. The 2024 edition is packed with all of

the latest technical data, system capabilities, and features

more details of the new Pyroguard Advance.

The brochure provides a comprehensive overview of

Pyroguard’s latest innovations across its product range.

Highlights include new and extensive approvals with a wide

range of framing partners, including Schüco, Reynaers,

Forster and Jansen, plus the debut of Pyroguard Advance,

the ‘next generation’ of cuttable fire safety glass.

Vince Crook, Technical Development Director at

Pyroguard, said: “Our Technical Brochure is an invaluable

resource for our customers. It equips them with essential

data to select the right fire safety glass solutions for their

needs. The 2024 edition reflects our continued growth and

development, following numerous successful collaborations

and test programmes.”

Part of the Technical Fire Safety Group and the svt Group

of companies alongside sister companies Fire Glass UK

and Mann McGowan, Pyroguard is dedicated to continuous

product development and testing. The company offers a

variety of solutions and expert technical advice to help

architects, specifiers and installers create beautiful and safe

living and working spaces.

Products range from cuttable and toughened fire safety

glass to solutions that can provide protection against smoke

and manual attack, delivering one of the largest and most

fully tested ranges to markets across Europe and further

afield, including the Middle East, India and North America.

The new brochure is available upon request from the

company’s website.

www.pyroguard.eu

FRAMEXPRESS SUPPLY AND INSTALL 252 FRAMES TO NEW SENIOR LIVING

FACILITY IN TELFORD

As part of the Extra Care Development scheme,

Framexpress has completed the supply and installation

of 252 frames for the new senior living facility in Telford.

Based on Dawley Road, the new building consists of 20

one-bedroom and 50 two-bedroom apartments, available to

over-55s looking to live independently with the reassurance

of on-site care.

Working with developers, Deeley Group, for the first

time, Framexpress was chosen for the project based on

its 25-year track record of delivering its high specification

as standard products on time, in full and accurately to

customers.

With the specification for the new, all-electric, building

having a huge focus on achieving Net Zero targets,

Framexpress’ Optima Chamfered Casement Windows and

Optima Chamfered Doors were fitted with triple glazed units

– achieving U-values of 1.0W/m²K and 30dB acoustic sound

reduction glazing.

All frames were fitted with an external Anthracite Grey

Grained Foil and White internal colour and finish, offering a

modern finish to the exposed brick building. The frames also

benefitted from triple glazing; all relevant Secured by Design

and PAS 24 certifications and Chrome key low level locking

handles.

Eamonn Gorman, Deeley Group’s Project Manager,

spoke about its first project in partnership with Framexpress,

saying: “Deeley Group appointed Framexpress for our Extra

Care Development project in Telford due to its impressive

range of products and faultless service. It was the first

time they had partnered with us on a project, and they

did not disappoint. Craig, Sarah and the rest of the team

were professional and accommodating from the onset and

throughout the design and installation process, working

with the Deeley team to fulfil the project requirements with a

fantastic range of products and a high-quality installation.”

Sarah Price, Framexpress’ Commercial Sales Manager,

reflects on the now completed project saying: “It’s

always nice when a local project we’ve worked on comes

together. It’s even nicer to have worked with the Deeley

team to complete the project to deadline and without any

hiccups, so to have been chosen to provide our products

and services to a project so close to home is incredibly

rewarding for us.”

www.framexpress.co.uk

63


GLASS & GLAZING

BI-FOLDS GET A GLOW-UP

Paul Higgins, Commercial Director at TuffX, explains why bi-fold doors continue to rise in

popularity, ways to get creative with configurations and how, thanks to technological

developments, this type of glazing can now double up as a heat source.

External bi-fold doors have – in all

their forms – evolved to provide

an ideal balance of practicality,

aesthetics and functionality, whether it’s

a two-door unit specified to add depth to

a slim living space or a five-metre run of

doors connecting open-plan indoor living

to the garden.

A popular option for newbuilds, bi-folds

– often combined with rooflights – are

a great way to ensure as much natural

daylight as possible enters the property.

Given the proper planning permission

for existing properties, bi-folds can also

bridge the gap between new and old,

making a feature when juxtaposed with

period brickwork and features.

Whatever the project involves, it’s

essential to consider how the bi-fold

doors will integrate with the surrounding

spaces. When deciding whether to

include a traffic door for convenient

single-door access to the garden, or

determining the direction in which the

doors should slide and gather, think

about how this will affect the exterior

layout and functionality. For example,

consider whether the doors should

fold and stack internally or externally to

ensure complete layout freedom either

on the patio or within the internal room

as preferred.

Creative solutions

While the most commonly specified

bi-fold configuration is a row of units

in a straight line, multiple options are

available that can be a desirable feature

that will add value to a property. In

the right scenario, installing two sets

of doors at either 90° or 135° to each

other creates a cornerless bi-fold

configuration. This could be recreated on

two corners for a dramatic single-storey

living space or used to add a twist to a

side-return extension.

The primary consideration when

planning a corner-less configuration is

the structural aspect of the site, and

there are a couple of options a structural

engineer may advise to achieve the

requirements needed to ensure the

weight of the building’s upper floors and

roof is supported. The first solution is

a corner post, potentially together with

RSJs on either side of the opening, and

the second recommendation may be

a cantilever roof, with either solution

providing reassurance that the building is

structurally safe. To avoid any issues with

the sliding and functionality of the bi-fold

doors, it’s crucial to ensure that there

isn’t excessive weight on the door frame

once it’s in place.

Create a glow with heated glass

One solution that supports total interior

layout freedom is heated glass for bi-fold

doors, which enables natural daylight

and thermal comfort to be enhanced

simultaneously.

Tuffx’s Future Homes Standard-ready

Glow-heated glass comprises a sealed

unit layered with an intelligent conductive

coating that is electrically heated to

convert electric power into radiant heat,

with no visible trace of a heating system

inside. The coatings used are completely

undetectable, so from a homeowner’s

perspective, the glass will look the

same as in any other bi-fold door. An

energy-efficient solution, the glass units

are also thermostatically controlled,

creating ambient temperatures perfect

for installation within aluminium bi-folding

door systems.

The glass surface temperatures reach

35-40°C and are controlled via a

wall-mounted thermostat, allowing

Glow to become the primary heat

source, enhancing the interior layout

opportunities and freeing up wall space

where traditional radiators would

normally need to be placed. This radiant

heat technology has an average hourly

cost of around 9p per bi-fold door,

so, for example, a three-door bi-fold

configuration running for five hours

per day will cost around £1.35 (based

on an electricity cost of 25p/kWh).

Glow installation costs are lower than

electric underfloor heating or traditional

radiators, making it a more budgetfriendly

option.

The Glow heated glass system is fully

compliant, conforming to EN12150 and

EN1279 Parts 1-4 and, as a solution

that meets the needs of the upcoming

Future Homes Standard, it’s a direct

replacement for soon-to-be-obsolete

gas heating systems. With an emphasis

on retaining heat efficiently, Glow boasts

impressive U Values as low as 0.7m 2 /K,

ensuring optimal warmth without the risk

of overheating.

Heated glass also dramatically reduces

condensation, preserving uninterrupted

views and potentially contributing to

a healthier indoor environment. Plus,

no ongoing maintenance is required,

providing a hassle-free heating solution

compared to systems that need regular

servicing, further adding to the benefits

of heated bi-fold glazing.

tuffxglass.co.uk

64

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CASE STUDIES

KNAUF AIRLESS PROVIDES SPEED AND QUALITY FOR HOSPITAL EXPANSION

Knauf Airless Finish spray plaster has provided a flawless,

sustainable interior wall finish and contributed to the

BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating at the new unified breast unit at

Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr Hospital.

According to Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

(ABUHB), the breast units in its area are the busiest in

Wales, so ABUHB is building a new unit to bring together its

breast cancer services.

Leading the project development is BAM Construction

with subcontractors, including Richard Kemble Contracts,

who recommended using Knauf Airless spray instead of

traditional methods, such as the full taping and jointing

finish which was originally specified, or traditional gypsum

plastering.

Director of Richard Kemble Contracts Mathew Kemble

explains: “I’ve completed several projects using Knauf

Airless Spray Finish and have been impressed with its

excellent application and finish. This project really showed

the system’s value compared to a full taping and jointing

finish in both time and money. Here, it worked out cost

neutral as it didn’t require a primer sealer.”

A traditional tape and jointing finish to BS 8000-8:2023

involves bedding paper joint tape into jointing compound,

followed by two further stages of increasing widths of

jointing compound (including drying time between each

layer). A primer/sealer is then needed before a decorative

finish.

Knauf Airless Finish can be applied instead of the

additional passes of jointing compound in line with BS 8000-

8:2023, after bedding the Knauf Paper Joint tape and filling

to shoulders of the taper, saving time and materials, with no

primer necessary.

Applied internally to the plasterboard partitions at the new

centre, Knauf Airless Finish is a spray applied alternative to

traditional gypsum plaster. The ready-mixed finish is quicker

to install than traditional methods, provides a high-quality

finish and brings significant health and safety benefits,

including less dust inhalation due to it being pre-mixed, and

less strain on the body. A further benefit is that the product

comes ready-mixed, which minimises water needed on site.

www.knauf.co.uk

PROCTOR AIR DELIVERS PERFORMANCE FOR THE FUTURE AS PART OF

MANCHESTER TOWN HALL RENOVATION

Proctor Air, the roofing membrane developed by A. Proctor

Group, is being installed as part of the renovation of

Manchester Town Hall.

Once construction work on the nearly 150-year-old

building is complete, it will benefit from Proctor Air’s

combination of vapour permeability and air permeability.

The scheme to redevelop the Grade I-listed Town Hall is

one of the biggest heritage projects in the UK, with every

aspect of the building being worked on during the partial

restoration and full refurbishment.

At roof level, the restoration efforts include dismantling

and rebuilding 30 of the 34 chimneys and replacing 140,000

roof tiles.

Removing the roof finish has afforded the opportunity to

install a new pitched roof underlay. The project architects

specified Proctor Air, with Mac Roofing & Contracting

carrying out the installation.

The complexity of the roof forms, combined with the

age and heritage value of the building fabric, means

opportunities to provide modern roof ventilation are limited.

A key advantage of Proctor Air, as an air permeable lowresistance

(APLR) membrane, is that it removes the need for

separate roof ventilation. In fact, it provides a more

uniform flow of air in the roof space than normal vents,

ensuring there are no ‘dead zones’ where air movement

may be restricted.

Air permeability performance must also work alongside

good vapour permeability. With an Sd value of 0.015m and

a vapour resistance of 0.075MNs/g, Proctor Air is one of the

highest performing vapour permeable membranes on the

market.

Pitched roof underlays are a true ‘fit and forget’ product.

Hidden from view, they attract little interest from building

users but play a vital role in protecting people from the

elements, and from unhealthy indoor climates.

When the weather-tight wrap and 3,700 tonnes of

scaffolding are finally removed from the Town Hall, the

building and its users will benefit from a reliable, high

performance APLR underlay.

proctorgroup.com/products/proctor-air

66


ONDULINE HELPS CITY FARM UPGRADE ANIMAL HOUSING

Onduline Building Products recently supported Spitalfields

City Farm in London by donating and installing muchneeded

roofing solutions.

Spitalfields City Farm offers a sanctuary for both

animals and people, providing educational opportunities

and empowering people of all ages to gain new skills,

confidence and combat social isolation. The two-acre site is

home to a wide variety of animals, including goats, donkeys,

pigs, and chickens, with animal care and welfare at the

heart of the organisation.

Onduline’s corrugated roofing sheets are perfect for

animal housing and farm buildings thanks to their noisereducing

properties, as they are designed to be four

times quieter than metal options, maintaining a peaceful

environment especially in adverse weather conditions

like rain or storms. The sheets are also weather resistant,

preventing leaks and maintaining a dry environment for

animals even during heavy rain.

Nisha Kumar, Head of Marketing at Onduline UK, said:

“We believe in giving back to local communities, and

Spitalfields City Farm is a remarkable organisation that

embodies this spirit. Their dedication to both the animals in

their care and the vibrant local community is truly inspiring.

It was a rewarding experience to contribute to the farm’s

efforts.”

Jenny Bettenson, Farmyard Manager at Spitalfields City

Farm, concluded: “We’re so pleased with Onduline’s support

as we renovate our facilities. We value ongoing support

from businesses and volunteer groups so we can continue

to serve the local community. Onduline’s roofing sheets

stood out as a durable and well-designed solution that

will contribute to the wellbeing of the animals on our farm.

Additionally, we loved the selection of colours available for

the ONDULINE CLASSIC sheets and are delighted with our

final choice of brown, which beautifully complements our

farm.”

www.onduline.co.uk

CASE STUDIES

SOUND SPACES FOR INCLUSIVE LEARNING

Creating good classroom acoustics is essential for all

students, but it holds even greater significance for those

with special educational needs (SEN). Ensuring effective

acoustics in all learning environments is necessary for

fostering an atmosphere where every child can thrive and

reach their full potential.

SEN pupils can be sensitive listeners, particularly

children with autism where extra sensitivity to sounds

can cause emotional reactions. In ‘Acoustics of Schools:

a design guide’ published by the Institute of Acoustics,

there are a range of special hearing requirements that

need to be considered when designing SEN classrooms.

These can include hearing impairments, speech, language

and communication difficulties and auditory processing

disorders. The importance of good classroom acoustics

is further reinforced in the performance standards set out

in Building Bulletin 93 (BB93).

BB93 sets out performance standards for schools in

England and Wales to achieve improved acoustic design

standards for SEN classrooms. It states: “Pupils with special

educational needs are generally even more sensitive to the

acoustic environment than others. Consequently, required

reverberation times are shorter, sound insulation between

adjacent spaces is higher and indoor ambient noise levels

(and the capacity for distraction) lower than in environments

for other pupils. This is reflected in the tables contained

within this document.

“Pupils with hearing impairment, autism and other special

needs are often very sensitive to specific types of noise,

particularly those with strong tonal, impulsive or intermittent

characteristics. This should be taken into consideration in

the design of areas which may be used by such children.”

The need for the correct noise levels, controlled

reverberation and a conductive auditory environment is

therefore vital for a sound learning environment.

The correct soundproofing and absorption are vital

when it comes to designing classrooms in order to control

reverberation and reduce sound transmission. Specifiers

can use materials to their advantage, such as acoustic

suspended ceiling systems that can absorb more acoustic

energy.

Zentia has a range of effective ceiling tiles to help design

SEN schools effectively.

www.zentia.com

67

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September 2024 Issue

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