Specify & Build, January 2025 edition

January 2025

www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

Exploring practical solutions for today’s built environment challenges

A PROCTOR GROUP LTD PRODUCTION

A1 REACTION

TO FIRE

LIGHTWEIGHT

& ROBUST

SCORE

& SNAP

HOUSING

SUSTAINABILITY

& RENEWABLES

ROOFING & CLADDING

HEATING, PLUMBING

& VENTILATION

DRAINAGE & WATER

MANAGEMENT

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www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ January 2025

JANUARY 2025

LETTER FROM

THE EDITOR

EDITOR

PUBLISHING

DIRECTOR

DESIGN &

MARKETING

MANAGER

ACCOUNTS &

CIRCULATION

SALES

MANAGER

THE TEAM

JENNIE WARD

T: 07971 968611

E: jennie@mappedout.media

JAKE ROXBOROUGH

T: 07482 181961

E: jake@mappedout.media

LAURA KING

T: 07891 626272

GEORGIA HENDERSON

E: accounts@mappedout.media

HELEN CONSTANTINOU

helen@mappedout.media

07977 308 595

PUBLISHED BY MAPPED OUT MEDIA LIMITED

Registered in England No.

15185328

Registered Offi ce:

The Old Barn, Wood Street,

Swanley, England, BR8 7PA

As we welcome 2025, everyone at Specify

& Build magazine would like to wish all our

readers a prosperous and inspiring New

Year. The turning of the calendar offers

an opportunity for us all to refl ect on the

challenges and triumphs of the past year while setting our

sights on the opportunities and challenges that ahead.

2024 was a year that tested the resilience of our industry.

A turbulent housing market, supply chain pressures, and

continuing economic challenges kept us all on our toes. Yet,

amidst the challenges, we have seen innovation fl ourish.

New sustainable building practices are being introduced,

the digital world is transforming the way we build, and

the rise of modular construction is proving that our sector

remains forward-thinking and adaptable.

This year will bring a fresh set of opportunities,

bolstered by key updates to planning regulations aimed

at streamlining approvals and speeding up the planning

process. These changes could be pivotal in addressing the

UK’s critical housing shortages while maintaining a focus on

sustainable development and creating more environmentally

friendly, sustainable homes. However, challenges remain,

particularly as the housing market continues to grapple with

affordability issues and market uncertainty.

Our hopes for 2025 lie in fostering a culture of

collaboration, working together to embracing technological

advancements, and championing sustainability as we

work toward growth and renewal. Together, we can lay

the foundation for a stronger, more innovative construction

industry.

Here’s to a successful year ahead!

January 2025

www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

All rights reserved. No part of this publication

may be reproduced or transmitted in any

form, without the consent of the publisher

- Mapped out Media Limited. While

every eff ort is made to ensure accuracy,

the publishers do not accept liability for

errors – printing or otherwise – appearing

within this publication (and website). The

views expressed by contributors are not

necessarily those of the editor or publisher.

Exploring practical solutions for today’s built environment challenges

A1 REACTION

TO FIRE

A PROCTOR GROUP LTD PRODUCTION

LIGHTWEIGHT

& ROBUST

SUSTAINABILITY

HOUSING ROOFING & CLADDING

& RENEWABLES

SCORE

& SNAP

HEATING, PLUMBING

& VENTILATION

DRAINAGE & WATER

MANAGEMENT

Specify & Build Front cover_Cement Board.indd 1 19/12/2024 1:35:59

01_SB0125.indd 1 20/12/2024 12:37

A. Proctor Group recently held a roundtable

event exploring how to bridge the performance

gap between specification and installation. The

discussion centred on how manufacturers can

create new solutions that meet the needs of both

specifiers and contractors, such as A. Proctor’s A1

Cement Board.

3

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14

24

16

26

CONTENTS

06. News

22. New Products

HOUSING SUSTAINABILITY & RENEWABLES

12. Housing Products

14. Colour the world with render

16. Bespoke masonry and brick-slip solutions create

seamless aesthetic

18. Why specifying quality fixings is so important

20. Building a brighter tomorrow

21. New developments in global energy transition

24. Now is not the time to drop the ball on

sustainability

26. The art of a high-performing home

28. Looking ahead to sustainable commercial hot

water heating

ROOFING & CLADDING

32. Arboflex gets top billing at BFI roof refurbishment

4

04-05 SB0125 Contents 2 30/12/2024 13:39

36

38

42

58

36. Looking up and to the future

38. From bungalow to barn-style: redefining a rural

residence

40. The evolution of low-pitched roofing

42. When the going gets tough...

44. Roofing and Cladding Products

HEATING, PLUMBING & VENTILATION

46. Get ready for heat network regulation changes

48. Meet the challenges of integrating MVHR systems

52. Go electric ahead of heat network growth

54. Passivent plays its part in new Passivhaus school

DRAINAGE & WATER MANAGEMENT

58. Blue-green roof terrace creates sustainable

urban drainage

60. Saniflo Sanicom helps launch iconic London bar

62. Drainage & Water Management Products

64. Surface & Design Show Preview

5

04-05 SB0125 Contents 3 30/12/2024 13:39

January 2025 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

LATEST NEWS

NEWS \\ INDUSTRY UPDATES

Cladding targets ‘meaningless’ without addressing skills

New government targets to speed up

the process of replacing dangerous

cladding on high-rise buildings have

been described as ‘meaningless’ and

‘unrealistic’, unless the government also

tackles the shortage of skilled labour

and materials.

The Remediation Acceleration Plan,

published on 2 December, set out that

buildings higher than 18 metres, which

are covered by government-funded

schemes, must have any unsafe cladding

fixed by the end of 2029.

Distributor CCF passes its CCPI assessment

CCF, a nationwide distributor of

insulation and interior building products,

has passed the Code for Construction

Product Information (CCPI) assessment

for merchants and distributors.

The CCPI was created in response

to the Grenfell Tower tragedy

and the construction industry’s

subsequent need to improve the

way product information is managed

and communicated. It aims to raise

standards in the management,

marketing and advertising of product

information and facilitate a culture of

transparency, with specific criteria for

best practice set out for manufacturers,

merchants and distributors.

CCF was found to have the right

product information processes and

systems in place to uphold the CCPI,

and is committed to diligently adhering

to the CCPI and to promoting CCPI

adoption with its suppliers.

As part of the CCPI assessment,

CCF also had to demonstrate that

its employees are fully supported

and aware of what needs to be done

Within five years, any building higher

than 11 metres with unsafe cladding

must also have a date for those works

to be completed, or landlords will face

‘severe penalties’.

A joint action plan will also be

published with developers to accelerate

their cladding remediation work.

Peter Johnson, Founder and

Chairman of Vivalda Group, welcomed

the aims of the Accelerated Remediation

Plan, but expressed concerns that a lack

of skilled cladding installers and building

safety inspectors will significantly hamper

progress.

He said: “The Construction Industry

Training Board estimates the UK will need

an extra 225,000 workers from 2023–

2027, and a significant proportion of

these must be involved in cladding. The

government’s only strategy to address

this huge gap involves granting overseas

workers with the right qualifications Visas

to work in England.

“This might fill a few hundred

vacancies at best, [but] I was hoping

to see a more meaningful initiative to

encourage unemployed workers in the

to continuously improve product

information and keep it up-to-date

and unambiguous.

CCPI assessment requires

a commitment to continuous

improvement. CCF will be regularly

reviewing its internal processes

and how the company works with

its manufacturing partners to raise

standards in the information the

distributor shares with its customers.

CCF’s Managing Director,

Catherine Gibson, said: “Through

collaboration within CCF’s different

internal departments we are now in

an even stronger position to support

our customers with reliable product

information to help them select the right

products for their projects.

“We are proud to have passed the

CCPI Assessment for Merchants and

Distributors and are committed to

proactively working with the CCPI to

raise standards in product information

and continuously improve the product

information we supply.”

www.ccfltd.co.uk

UK to take up a career in construction.”

To fill the gap in on-site skills, Peter

added that off-site fabrication could play

a major role in creating a more efficient

remediation supply chain. He said: “It

makes sense that we should be making

cladding remediation as simple as

possible, while not compromising quality

or safety.”

Seven years on from the Grenfell

Tower tragedy, remediation work has

been completed on only 1,436 of the

4,834 buildings 11 metres and over in

England that were identified as having

unsafe cladding. Estimates suggest there

are between 4,000 and 7,000 buildings

in England with unsafe cladding still to be

identified.

New appointment

for A. Proctor Group

The A. Proctor Group has promoted

Margaret Airth to the position of

National Sales Manager.

Margaret will oversee the

Regional Sales Managers, providing

them with further support and

direction, while reporting to Sales

Director John Johnston.

John said: “Margaret’s extensive

knowledge of our business,

products, pricing structure, routes

to market, and culture, made her

the ideal candidate to take on the

role of National Sales Manager.”

Managing relationships with

national distributors and merchants,

as well as key regional accounts,

will remain part of Margaret’s new

role. She will also work closely

with Will Jones, Head of Business

Development, to strengthen

collaboration between the RSM and

business development teams.

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LATEST NEWS


Changing regs ‘to blame’ for UK skills shortage, research says

Almost three quarters (72%) of

construction workers believe the

changing regulatory landscape is one of

the biggest causes of the industry’s skills

shortage, according to new research.

The findings come as the 2024 UK

Trade Skills Index revealed that the UK

construction sector is short of 700,000

staff, with 350,000 new apprentices

needed to deliver the Government’s

housing and net zero targets.

Research among 200 construction

professionals, conducted by Siniat,

also found 67.5% believe that current

skills in the sector are outdated when

considering new regulations and

government targets.

The impact of changing regulations

and incoming legislation is especially

prevalent in medium-sized firms (250-

500 employees), with 81% citing this as

the main reason for the skill shortage

in construction. However, 61% said

that upskilling and re-skilling existing

talent would help ensure a competent

workforce and help plug the skills gap.

Siniat’s Head of Marketing, Andy

Mudie, said: “As the industry adjusts to

the huge changes implemented under

the Building Safety Act, it’s no secret that

the industry is under pressure to increase

building standards.

“Our research shows that SMEs are

particularly concerned about changes

to regulations, but it’s clear that both

the government and the sector need to

put a solid strategy in place to support

businesses not only with upskilling

existing team members but also with

taking on apprentices and attracting

young talent.”

Other factors to blame for the skills

shortage were:

• The loss of EU workers (68.5%)

• Liability concerns causing firms to

employ outsourced workers (66%)

• Increases in minimum and living wage

(66%)

Smaller firms (100-249 employees)

said they were most impacted by the

loss of EU workers, with 71% saying this

had the most detrimental effect on skills

in the sector.

Iain Mcilwee, CEO of the Finishes and

Interiors Sector, said: “We find ourselves

at the epicentre of a competence crisis

that is currently being masked by a

softening in the construction market. The

reality is that we have not evolved from

a reliance on migrant workers, which in

parts of the UK made up more than 50%

of the workforce. Our existing workforce

is ageing and the infrastructure to

support training indigenous workers

just isn’t there. Politically, we have also

failed to invest effectively in embedding

adequate careers advice in schools and

structure support for further education.”

Hire local to support economic growth, SNIPEF urges

Following the announcement by City

of Edinburgh Council that 3,000 new

homes will be built in the Capital,

Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of the

Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing

Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF), has

urged developers to help support the

plumbing and heating profession by

hiring local companies and contractors.

Hodgson said: “The West Town

development represents a crucial

opportunity to demonstrate confidence

in the construction industry, while also

tackling the ongoing housing crisis.

“The plumbing and heating

profession looks set to benefit

greatly from these new homes and

we welcome the City of Edinburgh

Council’s determination to support the

construction sector. We are also greatly

encouraged by their commitment to

sustainability, with the guaranteed

integration of renewable energy

systems that our plumbing and heating

professionals will install and maintain.

“In the spirit of benefiting the next

generation, we hope that developers

take this opportunity to use local, SME

and micro businesses with the aim of

stimulating the local economy.”

Hodgson said this latest

development comes when additional

employment costs, such as the

upcoming National Insurance rises

for employers, will cause additional

challenges for small businesses.

She continued: “We welcome that

this project will give our plumbing and

heating companies the ability to provide

more sustained job opportunities,

allowing them to recruit more into the

profession at a time where there is a

critical workforce shortage.

“SNIPEF aims to see more

apprentices thriving in our profession,

and we hope this will help provide the

security needed for local companies to

actively support the next generation of

workers in Scotland.”

Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF

8

08-09_SB0125 2 30/12/2024 13:47



Developers ‘face increased challenges finding sites’

Local government and developers

will face increased challenges fi nding

specifi c development land as a result

of the new National Planning Policy

Framework (NPPF), according to

TerraQuest, the operator of Planning

Portal.

The revised NPPF is intended to

support the government’s aim of

delivering 1.5 million new homes –

Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, through

its brands British Gypsum and Isover,

has released a new episode of its

Building Better series, focusing on

the role of women in the construction

industry.

The second episode explores how

the construction industry is evolving,

with women making signifi cant strides

in a traditionally male-dominated sector,

and emphasising how progress marks

the beginning of the journey towards

achieving true gender equality in

construction.

Highlighting the importance of this

latest episode, Rachel Kelly, Head

of Brand at Saint-Gobain Interior

Solutions, said: “Diverse teams are vital

for driving innovation and achieving

long-term success in the industry. By

championing opportunities for women

in construction, we can build a more

inclusive workforce that strengthens the

sector’s resilience and unlocks its full

370,000 a year – over the current

parliamentary term. It implements the

government’s ‘grey belt’ policy, requiring

local government to review green belt

allocations where needed to meet

housing targets, while maintaining a

brownfi eld-fi rst approach.

For developers and local authorities

charged with delivering the 1.5 million

new homes the government is calling for,

Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions

champions women in construction

potential to build better communities for

future generations.”

This second episode of the Building

Better series highlights stories from

women across the construction

sector and illustrates eff orts to create

more inclusive roles where individuals

can impact the future of the built

environment and enhance workforce

diversity.

www.saint-gobain.co.uk/

building-better-hub

this means quickly identifying the most

suitable land for development.

Geoff Keal, CEO at TerraQuest,

said: “The new NPPF is a welcome

development that has the potential to

help unlock land for housebuilding.

The challenge now will be in identifying

enough specifi c sites for development.

“Identifying and acquiring these sites

will be a signifi cant challenge, especially

for SME developers and local planning

authorities. The effi cient identifi cation

of suitable sites will be essential here.

Our team is experienced in leveraging

knowledge of the planning system and

our industry contacts to identify sites.”

TerraQuest has published a white

paper identifying a range of opportunities

for developers arising from the recent

planning announcements, which it argues

is a “turning point for housing land”.

The white paper, Plotting the Future,

argues that the single biggest constraint

on new homes is the availability of land.

It assesses the factors that constrain

availability, from planning constraints,

to infrastructure, economic and

market factors, examining how recent

government announcements have

impacted these constraints.

www.terraquest.co.uk

Office projects

stand out for 2025

Work on offi ce projects stands out as

one of the most promising sources

of new contracts for the year ahead,

according to the Glenigan Construction

Industry Forecast 2025-26.

As businesses modernise

to accommodate the growth of

hybrid working and meet higher

energy effi ciency regulations, more

refurbishment and fi t-out schemes are

getting underway. The new Glenigan

Construction Industry Forecast 2025-

26 points to a sharp rebound in activity

in the sector starting next year, with

a growing requirement for Grade A

premium offi ce space supporting

an upturn in new offi ce and retrofi t

construction.

Major contractors are already seeing

more demand for offi ce fi t-out and

refurbishment. After a 21% fall this year,

the value of offi ce starts (with a project

value under £100m) will rise by 18% in

2025 and a further 4% in 2026.

LATEST NEWS

9

08-09_SB0125 3 30/12/2024 13:49

Bridging the performance gap between specification and

installation

During an A. Proctor Group roundtable event about reducing the performance gap, it was observed that:

“The site operative is perhaps the most important person.” A construction project relies on the people

building it to install the specified products with care and attention. With that in mind, Will Jones, Head of

Business Development at the A. Proctor Group asks what role can product manufacturers play in improving

the link between specification and installation?

Our performance gap roundtable featured a wideranging

discussion covering topics related to designing

and constructing buildings. But one of the most

compelling answers to reducing the performance gap

depended on being considered before design even gets

underway: agreeing end performance criteria right from

the start.

If the desired outcome is a low-carbon building, or energy

performance assessed by post-occupancy monitoring,

then contractual arrangements need to reflect it. A

contract based on meeting building regulations for the

lowest price offers no incentive or additional fees for a

contractor or developer to deliver more than the bare

minimum.

inform more of what happens on site. But communication

works both ways and design should also learn from, and

adapt to, what happens on site.

Somehow that distance needs to be bridged. If it is not

done by contractual arrangements, then manufacturers

can step up to the plate by innovating and creating new

solutions that meet the needs of both parties.

Sheathing boards: a case study

A real-world example of what we’re describing is the

specification of sheathing boards for facade build-ups,

together with our Wraptite ® external air barrier.

The roundtable participants all felt the construction

industry does not operate as collaboratively as it

could. In part, this is due to different roles shifting over

time. The role of the architect is seen as having been

diminished, while contractors have more power and

can overrule design decisions – especially if breaking

the specification makes a saving.

A disconnect between specifier and installer

Nor is it always about cost. Sometimes a specification

is broken because there is an alternative product that

the contractor finds easier to use or better to install.

However, breaking specifications for any reason can

lead to performance gaps being more likely in finished

buildings.

This represents a significant disconnect – a lack of

collaboration – between a specifier aiming primarily for

performance and a contractor focusing on time and

cost. To reduce the performance gap, design needs to

Specify&Build_DPS_cement board.indd 1

Untitled-1 1 20/12/2024 12:56

Traditional fibre cement sheathing boards offer a variety of

benefits, and are frequently specified in conjunction with

Wraptite. As a fully self-adhered airtightness membrane

which is also vapour permeable, Wraptite allows the

airtightness line to be moved to the external face of the

structure. In addition, its W1 classification for water holdout

means it can provide temporary weather protection to the

structure, without the need for tapes and sealants.

However, contractors have come to prefer gypsumbased

sheathing boards to fibre cement. They are lighter,

and therefore easier to handle, and easier to cut thanks

to being score and snap. When contractors break a fibre

cement board specification, it’s not uncommon to see the

accompanying Wraptite removed at the same time. Gypsum

boards offer airtightness and weather protection benefits

(with taping and sealing), but not to the same extent that

Wraptite offers.

Contractors are choosing a sheathing board that is easier

to handle, but which introduces extra processes to the

installation – and which may reduce the level of performance

intended by the specifier.

Manufacturing products that contractors want to use:

Proctor A1 Cement Board

In an effort to support specifiers and contractors, we have

launched a new score and snap sheathing board called

Proctor A1 Cement Board.

Key to its development was the desire to offer the best

possible all-round solution. As a result, Proctor A1 Cement

Board combines the benefits of traditional fibre cement

boards with the desirable qualities of newer gypsum

sheathing boards. Where fibre cement products are heavy

and difficult to cut on site, Proctor A1 Cement Board is a

cementitious board that is both lightweight and, uniquely,

score and snap.

Thanks to its excellent durability, the new sheathing board

can be left exposed for longer periods. Taking into account

Wraptite’s water holdout performance too, it means

structural frames are protected even if project timelines are

delayed across installation of the sheathing board and air

barrier system.

Through-wall fire testing has been carried out on the new

sheathing board with Wraptite, ensuring the compatibility

of the two. As a cementitious product, Proctor A1 Cement

Board is automatically classified as non-combustible. The

testing delivered a result of 120 minutes without integrity

failure, so customers can feel assured when choosing a fullyadhered,

vapour permeable external air barrier.

The combination of Proctor A1 Cement Board and

Wraptite is suitable for all projects, but in particular supports

compliance with fire safety requirements for relevant

buildings and helps specifiers and contractors move more

towards a system solution.

Furthermore, Proctor A1 Cement Board is backed up by

third-party certification, comprehensive technical support,

plus on-site support including all complementary fixings and

accessories. In short, it delivers performance while also being

contractor-friendly.

https://proctorgroup.com/all-products

01250 872 261

contact@proctorgroup.com

www.proctorgroup.com

19/12/2024 12:35:53

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HOUSING PRODUCTS

ENVIROECOWALL TACKLES THE AFFORDABILITY CHALLENGE

Following several years of development and testing,

EnviroEcoWall has achieved the prestigious KIWA BDA

Agrèment certification. Derek Ward, Managing Director of

EnviroEcoWall, said: “This certification not only reaffirms

our dedication to excellence but also highlights our mission

to develop affordable housing options for young people

and first-time buyers.”

The housing market is currently facing many significant

challenges, not least of which is affordability for young

buyers. EnviroEcoWall aims to tackle this issue through its

Enviro Eco Buildings concept, which prioritises innovative

design while ensuring that housing remains economically

accessible for the next generation.

The Enviro Eco Building’s fireproof and flood-resistant

construction methodology is a game-changer in the

industry, the company says. During product development, a

two-storey house was constructed in just a few days. Once

fully furnished, the company intentionally started fires in the

ground-floor living room and a first-floor bedroom. Under

controlled conditions, architects, engineers, and council

officials could safely navigate the building during the tests,

touching walls and doors, and demonstrating the safety

of the structure. The house was restored and ready for

occupancy in just four hours – all without any lingering smell

of smoke.

One of the most compelling aspects of EnviroEcoWall

buildings is their speed of construction. A bungalow can be

built in as little as four days, while a two-storey home can

be completed in five to six days. This rapid turnaround not

only reduces costs but also addresses the urgent need for

housing solutions.

Other features include enhanced safety. Working with

Envirograf, the buildings have been engineered to the

highest safety standards and are completely fireproof,

providing critical time for occupants to evacuate in

emergencies.

Suitable for both newbuild and retrofit projects, they are

also designed with energy conservation in mind, lowering

heating and cooling costs and making them more affordable

for homeowners. The off-site fabrication process ensures

strict quality control, with precise dimensions, reduced build

time, and minimal on-site waste.

Derek said: “We have developed a diverse range of

buildings – from bungalows and houses to blocks of flats

and school classrooms but now, with the ongoing housing

crisis and the pressing demand for affordable options,

our latest designs are tailored to help young buyers and

first-time homeowners. EnviroEcoWall’s flexible design

capabilities also empower architects to create customised

affordable houses that can be completed both quickly and

economically.”

www.enviroecowallpanels.com

LEVIAT UPGRADES ANCON OPTIMA RANGE

Leviat has launched the Ancon Optima 6 and Ancon

Optima 8 in response to growing customer requests for

a faster and more efficient brickwork support solution for

lower loads.

Together with an increase in the cavity range for all

Optima systems to accommodate wider wall cavities up

to 200mm, the new products now provide a full range of

off-the-shelf bracket angle systems for common brickwork

support applications up to 14kN/m.

Capable of supporting unfactored masonry loads of up to

6kN/m and 8kN/m respectively, the Optima 6 and 8 systems,

like the existing Optima 10, 12 and 14 systems, are standard

systems comprising laser-cut brackets, two-step angles and

locking wedges.

They are particularly useful for single-storey lifts of

masonry, or where support is required above window

heads, where the existing Optima 10 system can prove

uneconomical. To prevent possible confusion on site, all

angles are colour coded (Orange for Optima 6 systems and

Yellow for Optima 8), while all brackets are universal across

the full Optima range and can be simply changed on site, if

required, to accommodate cavity variations.

The new Optima 6 and 8 systems are designed to be

lighter in weight and easier to handle on site than the more

complex welded support systems, providing significant cost

and time savings to contractors. They are specified using

simple load/cavity charts, without the usual requirement for

detailed layout drawings.

Angles for the new Optima 6 and 8 systems, as well as

new brackets for up to 200mm cavities, will be available

from stock with immediate effect, subject to initial demand.

www.leviat.com

12

12_SB0225.indd 4 20/12/2024 10:21

M A N T H O R P E F E L T L A P V E N T S

LIFE INTO LOFT SPACES

Simple and effective ventilation to combat condensation

Simple and easy installation which can be carried out by professionals and home owners.

Creates 3000mm 2 airflow for each G630 product installed.

Combats roof-space condensation.

Environmentally friendly product with high percentage recycled content.

Available over the counter from most builders merchants.

Lightweight and easy to handle.

FIND OUT MORE.


HOUSING

COLOUR THE WORLD

WITH RENDER

Elaine Gilligan of K Rend explores the crucial role of

colour in external façades and how choosing the

right render can transform a building’s aesthetic

and elicit an emotional response from passersby.

Colour plays a vital role

in shaping our built

environment, extending far

beyond mere decoration.

The visual appeal of the

outer skin of a structure, achieved

through carefully selected coloured

renders, can significantly influence

how people perceive and interact with

architecture. It also helps to shape and

define a street or community, often

going further than merely fitting into the

environment.

In architecture, the importance of colour

should not be understated and we

cannot ignore the influence of colours

on people. Colour is often the first thing

we notice on a home’s exterior and

it can leave a lasting impression. The

colours we choose for the exterior of our

homes shape how we perceive them,

triggering emotional responses based

on our experiences with certain shades.

From the simplicity and innocence of

white, to the warmth and energy of reds,

oranges, and yellows, and the tranquility

of blues, purples, and greens, colour has

a profound effect on our emotions and

experiences.

From Bristol to Burano, Copenhagen

to Cape Town, the use of colour in

façades has shaped the identities of

neighbourhoods. The multicoloured

townhouses of London’s Notting Hill

in particular demonstrate how a wide

array of both soft and bold coloured

pastel tones can radiate charm and be

a striking and welcoming contrast to

dreary grey façades so often seen across

the nation’s capital. These façades have

become familiar the world-over, showing

the power of colour to make a strong

first impression.

Building on this pastel trend,

housebuilders and developers are

moving away from identical white boxes

in favour of adding colour and texture to

enhance visual appeal. Through coloured

renders are a popular choice, providing

a low maintenance finish that eliminates

the need for painting – an attractive

option for the homeowner. Additionally,

the use of different colours can help to

break up street scenes, creating a more

dynamic and cohesive development.

14

14_SB0125.indd 6 18/12/2024 16:56

HOUSING

Choosing the right colour

When specifying a coloured render, it’s

important to consider the surrounding

context. The hue, tone and texture

should complement the local architecture

and landscape, creating a cohesive and

visually appealing streetscape.

Lighter colours can help to make a

building feel more spacious and airy,

while darker shades can add depth

and drama. Textural finishes can also

contribute to the overall character, from

the smooth uniformity of a fine finish to

the tactile appeal of a more textured

surface. And, of course, a house can use

multiple colours to build contrast, outline

features and add detail. The outside of

a home can be considered in the same

way as the inside, ensuring everything

builds a storyboard and pallet together –

including the windows, doors and tiles.

Collaboration with the render

manufacturer is crucial to ensure the

chosen colour and finish meets the

project’s design goals. K Rend’s through

coloured renders are available in 20

standard colours, with the option to

colour match using the NCS colour

system for bespoke shades.

Modern renders also offer a variety of

finish options, from thin coat to scraped

texture to roughcast and dash. Samples

are essential to verify colour and texture

choices.

Coloured renders offer housebuilders

and specifiers a versatile and durable

solution for creating visually striking new

homes. By carefully considering colour,

texture and the surrounding context, the

exterior façade can be transformed from

a generic ‘brick box’ into a distinctive,

memorable building that elicits an

emotional response. As the demand

for more vibrant and personalised

new-build homes continues to grow,

coloured renders will play an increasingly

important role in shaping our evolving

built environment.

www.k-rend.co.uk

15

14_SB0125.indd 7 18/12/2024 16:57


HOUSING

BESPOKE MASONRY AND BRICK-

SLIP SOLUTIONS CREATE

SEAMLESS AESTHETIC

In the Greengate area of Salford, close to Manchester city centre, Colliers Yard is a

stunning development featuring new homes across three meticulously designed

towers, each with detailed brick podiums ranging from four to five storeys high.

Built by main contractor Renaker

and specialist brickwork

contractor PLF, and delivered

by Denton Corker Marshall, the

centrepiece is Cortland, a 50-storey

tower comprising 559 luxury apartments,

penthouses, and a broad mix of shared

amenities. IG Masonry Support was

approached to design and manufacture

bespoke masonry support and A1 firerated

brick slip solutions for the project,

addressing critical safety requirements in

high-rise construction.

The project presented a series of

challenges. The design of the building

featured an exceptionally wide 460mm

cavity which could not accommodate

standard fixing solutions. The corners

of the building also presented structural

challenges, requiring bespoke solutions

to ensure stability and aesthetic

consistency. The perimeter brickwork

needed to support substantial loads,

specifically two floors of masonry at

14kN. The design also had to account

for and avoid concrete edges of piers

running up the building, adding another

layer of complexity to the support

system design.

IG Masonry Support provided a full

package of solutions including Welded

Masonry Support, Brick Slip Lintels

and brick cutting. The wide cavities

required IG’s standard fixing solutions

to be redesigned. IG Masonry Support

incorporated bespoke dropper brackets

and Top Hat systems, which joined

together to help accommodate the

cavities at the corners of the building and

support the B.O.S.S. A1 units.

Continuing from the bespoke solutions

mentioned, these systems also had to

account for supporting the perimeter of

the brickwork’s high-bearing loads. The

Welded Masonry Support systems had

to follow the profile of the columns of

the corners of the building and support

two floors of masonry at 14kN. The

concrete edge that the fixings were

attached back to required rigorous

design testing. Careful consideration was

taken to address the complex design

of the corners, with several FEAs (Finite

Element Analysis) being carried out.

As the masonry support would not be

flush with the slab that it would secure

back to, and to avoid the concrete edge

of the piers running up the building, IG

Masonry Support designed bespoke

Top Hats to accommodate the parts

of the slab that projected outwards.

Throughout the process, rigorous testing

protocols were implemented to verify the

structural integrity and performance of

these bespoke solutions.

Once the design for the initial floors

of masonry support was approved, it

could be replicated for the remaining

floors to streamline the construction

process. IG Masonry Support’s technical

team provided full support, especially in

complex areas of the building where the

slab was not flush, or where the masonry

support had to navigate corners or piers.

The B.O.S.S. A1 and Brick Slip Lintel

units used in the project are fully A1

fire-rated and BBA approved, ensuring

compliance with stringent building safety

standards.

IG Masonry Support also provided

extensive brick cutting services for the

project, processing a total of 12,442

bricks. This involved cutting standard

stretcher and pistol bricks from Wickford

Antique Brick stock to precisely fit the

masonry support systems. Each piece

integrated seamlessly with the support

framework, maintaining the building’s

aesthetic and structural integrity.

igmasonrysupport.com

Project: Cortland at

Colliers Yard

Products Used: B.O.S.S.

A1 (Brick on Soffit System),

Welded Masonry Support,

Specials, Brick Slip Lintels, Brick

Cutting, Ancillaries

Delivery Architect: Denton

Corker Marshall

Main Contractor: Renaker

Brickwork Contractor: PLF

16

16_SB0125.indd 2 20/12/2024 10:22

EnviroEcoBuildings

Fireproof Building System

BE PREPARED FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

BUILD AFFORDABLE HOUSING

THAT HAS BUILT-IN PROTECTION FROM FIRE & FLOOD

Drill & pour the concrete piles

Fix the steel subframe

Lay the floor panels

Erect wall panels & construct roof

Add an external finish

A unique low-waste method for rapid construction that can

be completely finished in a few days

Completely fire resistant

Fully insulated

Tested for thermal and acoustic qualities

Speedy construction

Eco-standard low air permeability

Comprehensively tested and certified by KIWA

Protected from flood damage by unique metal sub-frame

+44 (0)1227 286410 sales@enviroecowallpanels.com

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HOUSING

WHY SPECIFYING QUALITY

FIXINGS IS SO IMPORTANT

From providing major

structural support to

thwarting squeaky

floorboards corrosion,

choosing the right fixings

help projects meet the

right standards, explains

James Robinson, Sales and

Marketing Director of

Samac Fixings.

When planning a construction

project, it’s understandable that

the focus often falls on major,

visible elements like the overall design,

structural materials and of course,

the finishing touches. But beneath

these obvious layers lies a foundation

of smaller, but just as important,

components – fixings and fasteners.

They may seem minor, but they play

a critical role in a building’s durability,

safety and overall integrity. For specifiers,

selecting the right ones is essential

to ensuring projects meet the highest

standards of quality and performance.

Fixings such as screws, bolts and nails

are the connectors that hold each part of

the structure together, distributing loads

and managing stresses across materials.

When specifiers choose high-quality

fasteners, they are directly investing in

the building’s structural integrity, ensuring

that it can withstand the forces placed

on it.

The right fasteners can also make a big

difference in speeding up installations

and keeping the site running smoothly.

Self-drilling and self-tapping screws, for

example, have tips designed to create

their own holes, so there’s no need to

pre-drill. There are other features to look

out for that speed up installations: a

Type 17 point is a sharp, fluted tip that

makes starting easy and helps prevent

splitting; a waxed or lubricated coating

reduces friction; while self-countersinking

ribs create a flush finish without needing

additional countersinking.

Taking the floor

Insufficient or loose screws under

flooring can result in squeaky floorboards

as they shift with use. In drywall,

incorrect fixings can lead to cracks

or sagging, especially when fixtures

like shelves or cabinets are mounted.

Fasteners that lack corrosion resistance

may rust, particularly in bathrooms

or kitchens, weakening structural

elements over time. Even seemingly

small mistakes, like using undersized

screws, can lead to loose fittings and

compromise the build’s overall quality

and longevity.

Choosing fasteners designed to prevent

movement and provide a long-lasting,

stable finish is key when it comes

to flooring. Samac’s Performance

Flooring Screws for example, are ideal

for preventing squeaks in chipboard

flooring and other timber sheet materials.

They have a countersunk head with

self-countersinking ribs to give a flush

finish, and the Performance Flooring

Screw along with the Stainless Steel

Performance Decking range have a

coarse locking thread that gives a tight,

firm grip, preventing board movement.

Corrosion

Any fasteners or fixings used outdoors

must be able to withstand harsh

environmental conditions, including

moisture, fluctuating temperatures

and UV radiation. Rust prevention is

always a major consideration when

choosing outdoor screws, as moisture

from rain, humidity and direct ground

contact can cause corrosion. Screws

that have a Ruspert coating are a good

solution. Ruspert is a layered, protective

coating with a metallic finish that

provides exceptional protection against

environmental challenges, including salt

spray and chemicals, ensuring durability

and long-lasting performance.

Corrosion doesn’t only occur due to

weather, however; when different metals,

such as steel and aluminium, are in

direct contact, galvanic corrosion can

occur, especially in outdoor or humid

environments. This can compromise

the integrity of connections over time.

Specifiers should choose corrosionresistant

fasteners, such as stainless

steel or galvanized options, and use

insulating materials like washers

to separate dissimilar metals when

necessary.

Timber

Timber is another popular material

in construction, but it poses specific

challenges for fasteners, particularly as

it expands and contracts with seasonal

moisture changes. Using the correct

fastener is essential to prevent timber

from splitting or loosening over time.

Attention to detail is always what

defines quality and durability. Fixings

and fasteners, though small, are

vital elements in the larger picture

of structural integrity, efficiency, and

sustainability. For specifiers and

housebuilders, choosing the right fixtures

isn’t just about completing the job, it’s

about building structures that are safe,

long-lasting and capable of withstanding

the demands of time and environment.

www.samacfixings.co.uk

18

18_SB0125.indd 2 19/12/2024 10:29

BRAND NEW LOOK,

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FIXRA0624 V1 | © SIG Trading Ltd 2024. All rights reserved.

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


HOUSING

BUILDING A BRIGHTER TOMORROW

Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions is helping to lead the charge in tackling the current

construction skills shortage. Here, Head of Training Academies James Maclean offers

insight into the factors surrounding the issue and how we can bridge the skills gap.

The construction industry faces a

significant challenge – a widening

skills gap that demands 937,000

new workers by 2032. This issue has

many contributing factors; one-third

of the current workforce, who are over

the age of 50, are expected to retire

within the next decade. This, along with

Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, has

significantly shaken up the construction

industry, increasing the existing skills

gap and highlighting the urgent need

for targeted intervention to address the

widening difference between skilled

labour supply and industry demand.

One major challenge has been attracting

young talent to the construction sector.

Industry research has identified that

only 6% of 18 to 24-year-olds see

construction as a potential career

choice, with 98% of young women

feeling they wouldn’t want a career in

construction.

With other sectors often seen as

more appealing and construction

misunderstood as manual and low-tech

work, engaging the next generation

has become increasingly challenging.

More needs to be done across all

areas of construction, including

specifiers, engineers, contractors, skilled

tradespeople and project managers,

to make it a more attractive industry to

work in.

Being proactive

Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions has

created initiatives such as the Build

Better Academy, recognising the pivotal

role of education and training in nurturing

a skilled workforce. Providing accessible

and comprehensive training programmes

can empower individuals with the

specialised skills and knowledge crucial

for excelling in the interior solutions

industry.

The Academy offers a blended learning

model combining digital platforms with

practical, hands-on training, to cater

to diverse learning styles and ensure

learners gain theoretical understanding

and practical skills. Using interactive

e-learning modules alongside immersive

workshops and simulations helps bridge

the gap between classroom education

and real-world

challenges.

Investing in

education and

training also

promotes a culture

of continuous

learning and

professional

development that

can help companies

can attract and

retain top talent.

One way many are

responding to this

issue is by focusing

on reskilling, which

equips workers

with competencies

aligned with

emerging

technologies and

sustainability practices, as well as

advanced tools such as BIM or robotics.

This helps reduce reliance on outdated

methods, boosts productivity and

enables the industry to meet complex

project demands and environmental

standards.

Collaboration is vital

Closing the skills gap cannot be

achieved alone; collaboration is

fundamental in the industry’s battle to

tackle the skills shortage. Our Thistle

Partnership Scheme, a testament to

the industry’s collective efforts, has

significantly expanded its support

to various colleges and students

throughout the past academic year.

From April 2023 to April 2024, our

academy trained 2,362 students. We

have also allocated resources from

the Saint-Gobain Levy to assist one

of our key contractors, sponsoring 10

apprentices annually with an investment

of £140,000.

We’ve also made significant

contributions to charitable causes,

including Women into Construction,

where 18 female learners received

specialised plastering training.

Partnerships with the Construction Youth

Trust and YouthBuild have also enabled

60 learners to explore retrofit solutions.

These partnerships serve as a catalyst

for aligning qualifications with the

evolving needs of the construction

landscape. In an industry where skills

requirements are constantly changing,

it’s essential to ensure that workforce

skills remain relevant and current.

Through collaborative initiatives,

companies can collectively identify

emerging skills gaps, develop tailored

training programmes and advocate

for industry-wide standards and

certifications.

By fostering a culture of cooperation

and knowledge sharing, companies

can tackle systemic issues such as

inadequate education and training

infrastructure, limited access to

resources and shifting workforce

demographics. Collaborative efforts aim

to create holistic solutions that address

underlying structural challenges rather

than merely treating symptoms.

Fostering a culture of innovation and

collaboration is key to addressing the

skills gap; prioritising ongoing training,

mentorship programmes and recognition

initiatives all help retain skilled workers

and build loyalty.

www.saint-gobain.co.uk

20

20_SB0125.indd 2 19/12/2024 10:37


NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN GLOBAL

ENERGY TRANSITION

New alternative combustion solutions and energy alternatives are being developed by major global

manufacturing brands. Chris Goggin of Rinnai offers insight into the direction these new fuels,

energies and technologies are taking.

HOUSING

Global economies and major

manufacturing brands are actively

seeking out and employing

decarbonising fuels and appliances

for purchase and consumption. Huge

product manufacturing brands are

collaborating and undertaking solo

projects to deliver products capable of

operating without fossil-based fuels,

including hydrogen cartridges and waterpowered

cars.

Hydrogen has been demonised by

sections of the mainstream UK media,

yet is the subject of optimism elsewhere

across the world. In July 2023, the Dutch

village of Stad aan‘t Haringvliet voted to

switch to hydrogen for heating.

Mallorca inaugurated Spain’s fi rst

hydrogen pipeline in September this

year. The 3.2km pipeline infrastructure

will deliver green hydrogen to the island’s

main gas distribution hub. The Green

Hysland project will power 115,000

homes and 2,000 businesses. This could

be replicated in other island regions such

as Madeira, Tenerife, Chile and Morocco.

Japanese manufacturing giant Toyota

has developed a portable hydrogen

cartridge with the aim to provide power

to the company’s next generation

hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. The

hydrogen cartridge is light and compact

and would allow vehicle owners to

simply swap cartridges once hydrogen

levels decrease. This concept has

been widened further to potentially

include providing power to homes and

household appliances. Toyota believes

that, due to the compact size of

hydrogen cartridges, they could also be

used as a source of electricity.

Rinnai and Toyota have collaborated

with each other to produce a prototype

of a domestic cooking stove that can

be powered by a hydrogen cartridge

designed originally for a car. The

collaboration has demonstrated that a

car’s hydrogen cartridge can be removed

from the car and be used to power

household appliances.

Another Toyota engine is under

development that uses water as its

main source of power. A sealed tank

housing water situated inside the car

with electrodes will use electrolysis to

separate water into the basic elements

of oxygen and hydrogen. After hydrogen

is isolated, it is then directed towards

the combustion chamber where it will

ignite in a similar manner to compressed

natural gas providing the car with power.

www.rinnaiuk.com

Enhance Heat Pump Performance

With the Caleffi HED® Series 5516 High Efficiency Deaerator

NEW

Key features:

Allows the separation up to 99 % of the air

contained in heat pump systems from the first

passage.

Automatically removes the air present in the

circuit down to micro-bubble level, even at low

temperatures.

Flexible installation on horizontal,

vertical and angled pipes.

Available with pre-formed insulation shell.

21_SB0125.indd 3 03/01/2025 15:38


NEW PRODUCTS

NATURAL FLEXIBLE INSULATION FOR ROOFS, WALLS, CEILINGS AND FLOORS

Ecological Building Systems has launched IndiBreathe Flex

– a flexible insulation product – as part of a partnership with

IndiNature.

IndiBreathe Flex is a breathable, natural highperformance

thermal and acoustic insulation that helps

regulate humidity within a building structure for better indoor

air quality. The insulation material has also received BBA

Approval Inspection Testing Certification (24/7266) for

timber frame, pitched-roof constructions and suspended

timber intermediate floors and ground floors.

Suitable for use in newbuilds and retrofits and particularly

for timber frame constructions, it provides superior thermal

performance with a low thermal conductivity of 0.039W/mK.

It also offers excellent overheating protection for buildings

during summer, thanks to its combination of high density

and exceptional specific heat capacity (2,370J/kgK), which

helps keep indoor temperatures stable both in warm and

cold weather.

As a result of its vapour open hygroscopic composition,

IndiBreathe Flex can absorb excess moisture to help

regulate humidity and lower the risk

of interstitial condensation and mould

forming within the building envelope.

This ensures a drier and more durable

building fabric.

IndiBreathe Flex is manufactured

from UK grown industrial hemp and

recycled jute fibres from repurposed

coffee bean sacks. The insulation

also provides acoustic benefits by

dampening external noise, with its

dense natural fibre composition

contributing to quieter and more

private living and working spaces.

IndiBreathe Flex insulation is light

and soft to the touch and therefore

easy to handle and install, without

the need for personal protective

equipment.

www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.

com

THE EVOLUTION OF MONOCOUCHE RENDER

A monocouche render using increased levels of recycled

material is now available to help housebuilders achieve

sustainability targets.

weberpral E by Saint-Gobain Weber uses the next

generation of cement replacement, resulting in a 22%

reduction in carbon emissions from fossil fuels and by 10%

overall compared to its current monocouche. The render

also cuts non-renewable energy consumption by 19%, uses

28% less water in the raw material supply and saves 25%

energy consumption in total over the lifecycle of the product.

With many renders requiring 20mm thickness in locations

classed as ‘severe exposure’ to combat high levels of

wind-driven rain and frost, weberpral E has reduced water

absorption so can be applied at just 15mm thickness to

achieve the same performance. This means around 25%

less material is needed.

James Mead, R&D Director, Saint-Gobain Weber said:

“Our customers are increasingly turning to us to help them

achieve their ambitious sustainability targets. We’ve worked

with a panel of professional renderers across the UK to help

develop and test weberpral E to make sure it’s not only more

sustainable than previous renders but that it carries the

same industry-leading standard of performance.”

To reduce the reliance on using traditional cement, many

of Weber’s products use cement replacement technology.

However, the new approach for weberpral E introduces a

more sustainable alternative resource.

www.uk.weber/weberpral-e

22

22_SB0125.indd 4 20/12/2024 10:30


ROSEVIEW WINS BEST SASH WINDOW AWARD

Roseview Windows Ultimate Rose has won the

Best Sash Window at the 2024 BuildIt Awards.

The prestigious national award was presented

at the annual gala dinner on Friday 8 November

at Hilton Bankside in London, where Keane

Grantham, Marketing Manager, and Emma

Hodges, Sales & Customer Care Executive,

attended and collected the award on behalf of

Roseview.

Ultimate Rose was recognised for its

exceptional authenticity in the sash window

market. The judges praised Roseview’s ongoing

commitment to innovation and traditional British

heritage, highlighting how the Ultimate Rose

blends classic design with market-leading

energy, acoustic and security performance.

Richard Burrells, Managing Director of

Roseview Windows, said: “We are incredibly

proud to receive this award. It is a testament

to the dedication and hard work of our team,

who have perfected Ultimate Rose as the ideal

solution for traditional, heritage and conservation

projects. This product not only exceeds

expectations but also helps installers stand out

in a competitive market.”

The BuildIt Award win reinforces Roseview’s

position as an industry leader, setting the

standard in manufacturing high-quality,

authentic sash windows. It also underpins the company’s

commitment to offering a complete range of sash windows

that cater to all project types and budget requirements.

www.roseview.co.uk

NEW PRODUCTS

FURLONG FLOORING ROLLS OUT NEW LOOP PILE CARPET GOBI

Furlong Flooring has launched Gobi, an economical, stylish

and durable loop pile carpet designed to suit the demands

of busy households.

The Gobi carpet has a textured finish that adds depth

and interest to any room in the house. Manufactured with a

5/32-gauge construction, it is designed to offer a balance of

comfort and resilience. Made from 100% Easycare fibres,

Gobi is both mothproof and completely bleach cleanable.

“Gobi represents our commitment to providing flooring

solutions that combine durability, and affordability,” said Ian

Collacott, Sales Director at Furlong Flooring. “This

has seen the creation of an affordable carpet that

not only looks fantastic but can also withstand the

challenges of everyday home life.”

Available in a curated selection of nine colours,

Gobi comes with a five-year warranty and also

offers a thick blue felt backing that not only makes

it comfortable underfoot, but also simplifies the

installation process.

Gobi is manufactured by Regency Carpets in the

UK, which ensures reliable stock levels and swift

delivery times around the country. To help customers

visualise the Gobi carpet in their own spaces, Furlong

has also launched a new ‘Room Viewer’ tool on the

website, allowing users to see how the flooring will

look in their homes before making a purchase.

As a UK-based family business, Furlong Flooring

remains dedicated to offering dependable solutions

for every area of the home. The company’s mission

is to provide stylish, contemporary, and well-fitting

flooring options while supporting clients in growing

their businesses and enhancing their reputations.

www.furlongflooring.com

23

22_SB0125.indd 5 20/12/2024 10:30


SUSTAINABILITY &

RENEWABLES

NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO DROP

THE BALL ON SUSTAINABILITY

Oliver Cripps, Head of Sustainability UK & Ireland at Siniat, discusses how

sustainability and performance must go hand in hand to futureproof the

UK’s building stock.

With the largest set of Building Regulation updates to

impact the construction sector in over a decade, the

industry is grappling with the requirement to comply

with new and often complex legislation and processes, as well

as increased concerns around liability.

Much of this, as we know, has been the result of some highprofile

building safety failures. However, the industry-wide

recognition of where things have gone wrong over recent

decades has been a significant catalyst for change. Many of

us have seen the changing landscape of construction not only

as a challenge, but as an opportunity to do better, to shift our

approach and reframe our focus. This has been no small feat

and certainly isn’t easy, but we are beginning to see more

accountability and meaningful action.

This optimistic attitude is critical to ensuring the safety and

performance of our buildings. However, we must not forget

that to truly build for the future, sustainability must play a

fundamental role. As an industry we need to move away from

seeing sustainability as a luxury and view it as a necessity in

line with factors like cost, time and quality.

Top of the agenda

While the sector is coming to terms with the new regulatory

landscape, we cannot let net zero fall to the wayside. While

important developments have been made, particularly when

it comes to operational carbon – for example, the uptake

of lower energy systems in line with Part L – progress has

been slow. The latest Construction Leadership Council

(CLC) progress report on the CO2nstruct Zero Performance

Framework shows the industry is only meeting its net zero

targets in four of nine priority areas.

By making sustainability and waste

reduction a core focus, we can

create a real step change that could

have a huge impact on the future.

Waste is a vital area that needs to be addressed. The

construction industry is too reliant on landfill and, according

to the Construction Products Association (CPA), five million

tonnes of construction and demolition waste currently ends

up being buried. In fact, the construction industry generates a

whopping 62% of the UK’s waste, with 32% of this being sent

to landfill.

By making sustainability and waste reduction a core focus, we

can create a real step change that could have a huge impact

on the future. This must include how we can design out waste

in the first place, how we can minimise the extraction of raw

materials and prioritising products with high recycled content.

For example, a main component used in the manufacture of

Siniat plasterboard is gypsum, which is infinitely recyclable. In

fact, Siniat plasterboard contains over 20% post-consumer

recycled gypsum content, compared to a UK sector average

of 9.6% (based on 2022 data). So, by going the extra mile to

collect and reuse gypsum waste within our factories and from

sites, we can limit our consumption of natural virgin resources.

The environmental impact of the manufacturing process, and

the inclusion of recycled and recyclable content in materials

should always be important considerations when specifying

products. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) measure

the environmental impact of a product, including how it

performs at different stages of its lifecycle. While carbon

(known as Global Warming Potential in an EPD) is the most

recognised measure, other indicators such as acidification,

eutrophication and water use are also included.

One key driver for EPDs in the construction sector has been

the credits gained under green building schemes such as

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment

Method (BREEAM) or Leadership in Energy and Environmental

Design (LEED). But Whole Life Carbon assessments are

becoming more widespread and there are discussions that the

UK could follow France in introducing maximum thresholds

for carbon per m 2 for certain building types. So, specifiers

looking to source products with both high performance

and sustainability credentials should look out for these

accreditations as a priority.

www.siniat.co.uk

24

24_SB0125.indd 2 20/12/2024 10:32

A Sash Above The Rest

A SASH

ABOVE

THE REST

A GREAT SASH

WINDOW IS

MORE THAN

A SUM OF ITS

PARTS

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

True authenticity comes from a

Single features may grab attention,

blend of heritage styling and

but a true heritage sash window is

modern performance.

designed to ensure the seamless

integration of all its parts.

Single features may grab

Everything has to work attention, together: but a true heritage

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horns, true mechanical Everything joints, has deep to work together:

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chamber covers, to profiles, name a but 35mm a few. midrail, heritage

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Add to that a 1.2 W/m sash 2 k horns, u-value true mechanical

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sash window with name outstanding but a few.

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Only Roseview’s Ultimate Rose

sash window delivers all this.

Award-winning for its true authenticity, featuring the slimmest Because 35mm it’s more midrail, than a sum

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01234 712657

trade@roseview.co.uk

www.roseview.co.uk

#TraditionRedefined


SUSTAINABILITY &

RENEWABLES

THE ART OF A

HIGH-PERFORMING HOME

A stunning Devon home with sea views also offers high-performance and thermal

efficiency thanks to rock mineral wool insulation. Specify & Build reports.

Labrador House is a property born

out of the surrounding landscape.

When a couple were looking for a

new home near the village of Shaldon,

Devon, they found the perfect spot,

nestled in the coastal cliffs. They decided

they wanted to build a home that

followed the contours of the cliffside and

used a dark palette of materials to blend

into the background of the surrounding

woodland.

As well as being architecturally stunning,

Labrador House is a high-performing

home with wall U-values of 0.15 W/

m 2 K, achieved using Knauf Insulation’s

Rocksilk RS45.

Connecting to the landscape

VESP Architects specialise in unique

residential projects in the south-west of

The property uses two

air source heat pumps

and mechanical

ventilation with heat

recovery (MVHR) to

extract air from the

bathroom and kitchens,

and cycle warm air

throughout the house.

England. The challenge was to build a

550m 2 home that didn’t impose on the

landscape as a single mass. Instead, the

property would be broken up into three

main areas, linked by flat roof corridors

covered with coastal plants.

As well as this decentred design, VESP

wanted to achieve a high standard of

thermal efficiency, taking advantage of

the large glazing areas on the seaward

side of the property. The property

uses two air source heat pumps

and mechanical ventilation with heat

recovery (MVHR) to extract air from

the bathroom and kitchens and cycle

warm air throughout the house. These

technologies perform most efficiently in a

well-insulated environment.

An airtight thermal envelope

To achieve an airtight and efficient

thermal envelope, the timber clad

sections of the house used 175mm

slabs of Rocksilk RS45, a rock mineral

wool product, fitted between the studs

of the steel frame system.

Rocksilk RS45 is a versatile rock

mineral wool slab that can be used in

multiple applications including floors,

pitched roofs and internal walls, as well

as light steel frame and timber frame

walls. It is non-combustible, with the

best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to

fire classification, and is manufactured

using ECOSE Technology, a plantbased

binder that contains no added

formaldehyde or phenol.

Installation is key

One of the biggest factors in the

specification of Rocksilk RS45 was the

installation process. Director Ian Phillips

explains: “We now specify mineral wool

for any full-fill insulation we need. Rigid

boards such as PIR perform well on

paper but are not quality control friendly

– the boards don’t sit as closely to the

timber as they need to.

“Mineral wool can be pushed into a

space and fills it so easily. Over the

past decade we’ve used mineral wool

more and more – it’s a key part of our

specification process now.”

Mineral wool products like Rocksilk

RS45 are flexible enough to adapt to

minor imperfections in the substrate, in

this instance timber cladding. At abutting

edges, the fibres will also ‘knit’ together

to create an airtight layer of insulation

without taping.

Ian also explains that Knauf Insulation’s

technical support makes them his first

choice as a supplier of mineral wool.

“Knauf Insulation have always been

very approachable whenever we’ve

needed technical advice,” he says. “The

resources they have are useful – the

technical and installation documents and

the U-value calculator. It’s good to know

I can rely on them for support when it’s

needed.”

knauf.com/en-GB/knauf-insulation

26

26_SB0125.indd 2 20/12/2024 10:33

FIT ANY

ROOF TILE

WITH ISOLINE

Any tile, old or new, and still keep your roof

watertight, even at a pitch as low as 10 degrees.

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

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

ISOLINE LOW LINE. The long-lasting, waterproofing solution for heritage, retrofit and new

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

For more information email us at

enquires@onduline.net

or scan the QR code.

www.onduline.co.uk


SUSTAINABILITY &

RENEWABLES

LOOKING AHEAD TO

SUSTAINABLE COMMERCIAL HOT

WATER HEATING

Chris Goggin of Rinnai

explores how the drive for

net zero is changing the

provision of hot water

heating in commercial

sites.

Hot water heating provision in

commercial sites can be satisfied

by a wide variety of systems,

especially now with the move to achieve

net zero targets, which is still the main

market driver. There is a pressing need

to use hot water heating systems based

on the principle of ‘practical, economic

and technical’ feasibility.

Product developments for commercial

sites – those found in healthcare,

hospitality, leisure, retail and offices –

have come fast in the last 10 years or

so since the net zero ethos took hold.

Before then it was usually one of the

following – domestic and/or commercial

boilers ganged together to meet the

demand and load, direct-fired cylinders

and indirect cylinders support by boilers

or electric heating.

But change was coming because the

big selling point of continuous flow was

that they were much more economical,

lighter, space saving and with virtually

non-stop flows of hot water that is

temperature accurate. These were gasfired

units dedicated to only heating and

delivering hot water, and the capital and

operational cost was dramatically less

than the stored equivalent.

Today, there are a number of reputable

manufacturers offering a range of

commercial continuous flow hot water

heating units that meet and exceed UK

regulations and current legislation. While

some still believe in storing hot water

in cylinders ready for when demand

kicks in, the capital and operational

expenditure on gas-fired hot water

heaters has been proven to be less than

the stored mode.

The biggest change to hot water heating

– and the whole market – is the advent

of net zero targets. These are accepted

as being necessary and the consensus

on energy efficiency appears to be that

we must do what we are doing but do

it faster. The UK is seeing an inexorable

move towards ‘renewables’ gaining

market share with all points of the

supply chain, from end user through to

component manufacturer.

Of course, things don’t change overnight

and gas will be employed for many years

yet. In 2021, the UK Oil & Gas Industry

Association said the following about the

future use of fossil fuels in its publication

‘Energy Demand Scenarios: A Window

into the future’:

“Globally, oil and gas are expected to

provide at least half of total cumulative

energy demand over the next thirty

years through to 2050 against a range

of scenarios, albeit these may not

all comply with the aims of the Paris

Agreement.

“In all UK Climate Change Committee

(CCC) scenarios (all of which are netzero

compatible) oil and gas accounts

for between 47% and 54% of total

cumulative energy demand between

2020- 2050.

“In 2020 domestic offshore oil and gas

production accounted for more than

70% of UK oil and gas demand and has

the potential to continue to meet at least

half of demand through to 2050.”

This means gas-fired water heaters are

here for a good while yet, but there are

changes you can offer customers if they

want to reduce their carbon footprint

and contribute to meeting our net zero

targets. One of the biggest advances

is the hybrid system – a system

configuration of either solar and or heat

pumps plus auxiliary hot water heaters.

One final point to keep in mind in the

rush to renewables – on a site in London

recently, a new and expensive hotel,

the owner insisted on heat pumps to

provide the hot water system. They

had to be sited on the very top level

in a plant room, which required steel

girder reinforcement of the floor as

the units weighed almost 500kg. The

equivalent continuous flow unit was a

single 55kW hot water heater weighing

29kg and providing the same flow

rates and outputs. Clearly, critical to

the future of heating and domestic hot

water is understanding the true practical,

economical, and technical feasibility of all

our nuanced UK building stock.

www.rinnaiuk.com

28

28_SB0125.indd 2 19/12/2024 12:09


SUSTAINABILITY

PRODUCTS

COMMERCIAL HEAT PUMP OFFERS HIGH TEMPERATURE DECARBONISATION

Daikin has launched the CZ-HT high-temperature air-towater

inverter heat pump for commercial installations.

The CZ-HT can reach an impressive 70°C heating water

temperature in all weather conditions. It also works in high

delta T conditions allowing the supply of heating water to

different heating applications in the installation space.

The R-454C refrigerant used within the product is

GWP148, which is compliant with upcoming F-Gas

regulations and, like R32, has low-flammability. Available in

nine sizes ranging from 19 to 70kW, the heat pump allows

for flexible and cost-efficient installations.

Each unit is equipped with Daikin’s inverter scroll

compressors and Daikin-designed electronically

commutated fans for optimal performance.

The CZ-HT is suitable for multiple applications in all

commercial and larger scale residential settings, such as

offices, gyms, hotels, hospitals and student accommodation.

Additionally, it is suitable for both new and retrofit

applications and can be used as a direct replacement for

commercial fossil fuel boilers.

All the units in the range can be configured in reduced

noise mode, making them particularly suitable for noisesensitive

applications such as schools and hotels. The CZ-

HT control logic allows flexibility of operation to cover both

comfort and domestic hot water production, including an

anti-legionella control function for the external storage tank.

The CZ-HT features Daikin’s core technology, Inverter

Scroll Compressors, Inverter Driven Fans and a copper

tube and aluminium fin heat exchanger coil. The unit uses

inverter-driven fans, with high-efficiency designed glass

reinforced resin impellors to maximise airflow performance.

www.daikin.co.uk

NEW WHITE PAPER HIGHLIGHTS THE ‘MISSED OPPORTUNITY’ OF

HYBRID HEAT PUMPS

A white paper exploring the policy landscape around

hybrid heat pump systems has been launched, featuring

key findings to inform a recommended rollout of the

technology in the UK.

Baxi, a leading manufacturer of heating and hot water

solutions, commissioned Gemserv to research and produce

the report Unlocking the Power of Heat Pumps with Hybrid

Installations.

The paper explores the suitability of heat pumps

deployed in hybrid configuration with new or existing

gas boilers for UK homes, highlighting a series of policy

recommendations designed to help accelerate heat

decarbonisation. These include consideration for eligibility

under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, better representation

of hybrid systems’ carbon-saving benefits under the Clean

Heat Market Mechanism and a rebalancing of electricity

prices.

Jeff House, External Affairs and Policy Director at Baxi,

said: “We wanted to commission this report to demonstrate

there is a real missed opportunity when it comes to including

hybrid systems within these policies.

“While heat pumps will be one of the key mass market

drivers of decarbonised heat, we have a responsibility

to ensure a balanced and equitable transition in line with

consumer needs. A hybrid system offers advantages as

a transitional technology, not only in terms of overcoming

some technical barriers to make them more cost effective in

difficult to decarbonise homes, but also for energy system

flexibility and resilience.”

The launch event included an in-depth panel discussion

on hybrid systems (pictured) with industry experts from

Gemserv, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero,

the Heat Pump Association and Passiv UK.

www.baxi.co.uk

30

30_SB0125.indd 4 19/12/2024 12:19


ROOFING & CLADDING

ARBOFLEX GETS TOP BILLING

AT SOUTHBANK ROOF

REFURBISHMENT

A PU waterproofing system

from Carlisle Construction

Materials was specified for

the refurbishment of the

iconic BFI venue on London’s

Southbank. Specify & Build

reports.

The British Film Institute (BFI)

Southbank is a very popular venue

and the UK’s leading destination

for film lovers. The Grade II*-listed

heritage structure, located directly

underneath Waterloo Bridge, has a

350m 2 roof area running on each side of

the bridge that needed refurbishment.

The roof is an unusual construction

with raised GRP decks made up of 38

sections, each with a rooflight and an

expansion joint between each section.

There are also metal decked gulleys

separated from the bridge pavements by

a wall approximately 1m high.

The BFI’s in-house facilities team

stipulated that a cold-applied liquid

roofing system would be used for the

project and consulted with Martins

Roofing, who recommended the

ARBOFLEX PU waterproofing system

from CARLISLE. ARBOFLEX PU is a

versatile cold-applied liquid roofing

system. For the warrantied 20-year

system, a U/V protection coat is applied

to the cured liquid membrane to

complete the installation.

GRP roof sections

Each of the GRP roof sections have

raised channels a few millimetres high

running from side to side across the

thin strip of roof, creating a continuous

pattern of horizontal lines. Because of

the undulations in the roof sections,

it was not possible to use the usual

matting as part of the ARBOFLEX PU

system, because this would not have

delivered a smooth and seamless

result. Instead, two additional coats

of ARBOFLEX PU were proposed

for the GRP roof sections, with each

coat allowed to cure before the

next application to form a robust

waterproofing layer. The U/V top coat

was then applied to the cured surface

to provide a fully-warrantied 20 year

system.

Installation of the waterproofing system

had to be co-ordinated with replacement

of the rooflight units for each roof section

to prevent the risk of any water ingress

through the vacated rooflight apertures.

A cure accelerator was added to the

ARBOFLEX PU liquid system for the

sections around the rooflight apertures

so each new unit could be fitted within

an hour of the waterproofing being

completed. For the vented vertical

sections, the ARBOFLEX PU system

was applied with the correct ratio of

thickener, providing thixotropic properties

and suitable viscosity and adhesion.

Gulleys

The gulleys between the raised GRP

sections and the wall separating the

roof from Waterloo Bridge are a profiled

metal deck, which was stripped back to

the original substrate and cleaned using

CARLISLE’s G500 cleaner.

Each section was then primed using

CARLISLE’s FG35 Primer before an

ALUTRIX 600 vapour control layer was

laid onto the prepared deck, followed

by a non-combustible mineral wood

insulation that was fully adhered. A

further application of FG35 Primer and

another layer of ALUTRIX 600 as a

carrier membrane was then installed,

followed by a conventional application

of ARBOFLEX PU that comprises

waterproofing liquid, matting and U/V

resistant top coat.

Drainage was another key consideration

for the gulley areas. The roof

refurbishment had to work within the

parameters of the existing drainage

channels because these could

not be modified. Loose-laid 500 x

500mm HERTALAN EPDM squares

were positioned onto the completed

ARBOFLEX PU installation to encourage

rainwater to run off via the existing

drainage channels.

The project has now been completed

and the modest size of the two roof

areas belies both the complexity of the

refurbishment and the importance of this

roof area as part of a prominent tourist

attraction.

Duncan McKeich, Head of Facilities at

the BFI, says: “This project brought a lot

of challenges and constraints, especially

being next to the listed structure of

Waterloo Bridge, as well as having the

working area directly next to the main

bridge pavement and above our main

foyer.

“The solution allowed us to carry on

with our normal operations below with

very limited disruption and gives us

confidence in the roof again, which is

especially important as we have public

space and exhibitions below.”

www.ccm-europe.com/gb

32

32_SB0125.indd 2 27/12/2024 11:07


SOPREMA WATERPROOFING SUPPORTS SUSTAINABLE AFFORDABLE HOMES

ROOFING & CLADDING

PRODUCTS

The thermally efficient roofing build-up at The Everglades

development in Hounslow has been designed using

waterproofing and insulation products from SOPREMA,

allowing for the introduction of zero carbon technology and

biodiversity onto the roof space.

The site originally housed a 1960s four-storey sheltered

accommodation block and three, three-storey blocks of flats.

The four-storey building was demolished and redeveloped

to anchor the site. Two reinforced concrete frame infill

buildings have also been constructed between the existing

housing, together creating a vibrant community space

that provides 33 homes across the three new residential

buildings.

Essex-based DF Roofing successfully delivered the

specification with SOPREMA collaborating with the main

contractor, Wates Construction, on all design aspects of the

flat roof. Together, the team delivered a watertight solution

that met architect BPTW’s specified U-value requirements,

all with a 40-year warranty.

The project features a warm, inverted roof, incorporating

green roofing areas specified at the planning stage to

encourage biodiversity.

For the main roof and larger terrace areas, SOPREMA

Duoflex and XPS insulation were used. The high-quality

elastomeric bitumen is hot bonded to the concrete substrate

as part of the Duoflex Hot Melt waterproofing system, which

includes a fleece layer.

Modified with root-repellent additives and reinforced with

non-woven polyester, the elastomeric bitumen membrane

serves as the upper layer waterproofing system specifically

designed for green roofs, ensuring long-term durability and

protection.

Achieving the required 0.10W/m 2 K, Sopra XPS insulation

was a priority to support the overall thermal efficiency of the

roofing system. The uninsulated balconies were protected

using the Sopralene two-layer felt system.

www.soprema.co.uk

POWERDECK F PIR BOARD OFFERS VERSATILITY FOR ALMOST ANY

DESIGN AND SIZE

Tapered insulation is increasing in popularity among flat

roof projects thanks to its versatility, which means it can

be used on complex applications of almost any size and

shape.

The product is suitable for any design that requires a fall

to perimeter gutters, valley gutters, outlets and a range of

non-standard details. When designed to achieve a minimum

1.80 fall in accordance with BS 6229:2018 (flat roofing best

practice), tapered insulation provides effective rainwater

run-off.

BBA certified Powerdeck F is a design-led flat roof

insulation board that achieves thermal compliance and

upholds weathertight protection in built-up felt and singleply

membrane waterproofing applications. Lightweight, with

a variable lambda value of between 0.024 and 0.027W/

mK, Powerdeck F boards can achieve good thermal

performance in any roof design including falls, and other

details such as mansafe railing and PV panels.

Faced with a mineral-coated glass fleece, Powerdeck

boards’ compressive strength and dimensional stability

ensure a flat surface finish, with the insulation performing asdesigned

in concert with the single-layer roofing membrane

elements.

Advances in off-site manufacturing procedures and

digital software has aided the development of tapered roof

insulation and, in the process, helped expand architects’

design pallet. From the roof downwards, this could see the

UK’s structural landscape filled with evermore imaginative

and exciting buildings. As part of a well-designed and

installed tapered insulation scheme, Powerdeck F is ideal for

keeping roofs, varying in size and detail, in good shape.

www.recticelinsulation.com/en-gb/powerdeck-f

33

33_SB0125.indd 5 20/12/2024 10:37


INSTALLER SHOW 2025

IT’S MADNESS: OUR HAUS, IN THE

MIDDLE OF INSTALLERSHOW

When the doors open at

the NEC on 24 June

2025, InstallerSHOW

will be the proud home

of HAUS, a full scale,

two-storey, three-bedroom house. HAUS

will provide the perfect focal point within

the new InstallerBUILD hall, linking

together over 800 suppliers of innovative

low-carbon building solutions.

HAUS is an exciting collaboration

between Natural Building Systems,

award-winning architects IF_DO,

and InstallerSHOW, and has already

generated a huge response from

suppliers wishing to be involved in this

project. Both InstallerSHOW favourites

and new suppliers joining us at

InstallerBUILD recognise the attraction of

HAUS to local authorities, housebuilders,

developers, and specifiers interested

in solutions to building affordable and

sustainable homes.

There are many reasons why partners

and suppliers are so excited about

HAUS at InstallerSHOW. Firstly, this is

a real house. HAUS will be taken from

InstallerSHOW, rebuilt, and lived in by

a family. Conversations are underway

about where the house may go, from

academic research establishments to

new housing developments. Wherever

it does appear, it will continue to attract

attention long after InstallerSHOW 2025

has ended.

Another reason HAUS has generated

so much interest is our key partner on

the project, The University of Suffolk,

which will study its energy performance.

Built to Passivhaus standards, HAUS

will be a futureproof scalable model for

development for local authorities and

commercial developers.

HAUS will also provide a blueprint for

how sustainable high-quality homes

can be built using modern methods and

offsite construction. Building a real house

for InstallerSHOW, with an immoveable

deadline, allows Natural Building

Systems to demonstrate the latest

in Modern Methods of Construction,

low-carbon materials, and clean tech

innovation. Unlike other projects, the

completion of HAUS cannot be delayed,

and it will provide crucial learnings for

both developers and local authorities –

proving that you can build to a deadline.

The design of the HAUS you will see at

InstallerSHOW will provide cutaways and

information about products to explain

how the fabric and systems within it are

designed to work together. Crucially,

we are working with suppliers to

explain the circularity and sustainability

of the products used – ensuring the

sustainability credentials stand up to

scrutiny.

It’s not just our

suppliers and

partners that are

excited. HAUS

will generate

wide ranging

media coverage

and publicity,

positioning

collaborators at

the forefront of

innovation in the

built environment.

Supplier partners on board already

include:

• Abode

• Correla

• Egger Group

• Grundfos

• Gutmann

• Hanson Plywood

• Impey

• Jaga

• NIBE

• ProTilerTools

• Senstec

• SIG Roofing

• Topps Tiles

• Triton

• Wienerberger

The HAUS will be surrounded by a

who’s who of construction product

manufacturers. InstallerROOFING will

see Swisspearl, Pentagon, Catnic and

Hambleside Danelaw exhibit alongside

SIG roofing and Wienerberger. Flooring,

Tiles and Surfaces zones will also bring

more brands such as Egger, Mapei

and NoMorePly together as part of

InstallerSHOW’s 800+ exhibitor line

up, showcasing to over 30,000 visitors

between 24-26 June 2025 at the NEC,

Birmingham.

If you would like to find out more and

how you could get involved, please

contact Nathan Garnett today at

ngarnett@lyricalcomms.com.

www.InstallerSHOW.com

34

34_SB0125.indd 6 30/12/2024 13:31

Limited stand space remains

for InstallerSHOW 2025!

InstallerSHOW - 24-26 June 2025, NEC Birmingham - is leading the

charge towards sustainable building and retrofitting with the launch of

InstallerBUILD in 2025.

This is the perfect platform to collaborate

with fellow professionals as we work

together towards a Net Zero future and

a more sustainable built environment.

Over 85% of the floorplan is already sold out!

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to

position your brand at the forefront of the

sustainable building movement.

Get in touch with David Ventris-Field at dventris-field@lyricalcomms.com

or scan the QR code for more information about exhibiting.

Visit www.installershow.com to find out more.

The HAUS, a full scale two-storey house build,

will serve as the heartbeat of InstallerBUILD,

surrounded by manufacturers and suppliers who

share the vision to showcase sustainability

and shine a light on innovation.

24-26 June 25

NEC Birmingham


ROOFING & CLADDING

LOOKING UP AND TO THE FUTURE

Philip Moors, Managing Director of Elevate UK & Ireland, discusses the trends and

opportunities shaping the roofing industry in 2025.

After another challenging year for

construction, we begin 2025

with cautious optimism. The

industry is showing signs of stabilising

and a modest return to growth, albeit

at a slower rate than we had hoped.

Uncertainty will remain but running

alongside this common theme are key

trends that should help the flat roofing

industry to thrive.

Collaborative growth

Although the residential market is still

sluggish, there are several sectors

offering glimmers of hope. The funding

announced in the Chancellor’s October

Budget should boost work in the

education, healthcare and industrial

sectors. With billions now available to

upgrade schools, extend hospitals, and

potentially develop new logistics facilities,

there are clear opportunities ahead.

To take advantage of these, collaboration

is essential. At Elevate, we have

implemented several initiatives to

strengthen partnerships and, in turn,

drive growth in non-residential sectors.

These include developing a full technical

team in the UK to support contractors,

specifiers and distributors. We have

also launched specialist training for

commercial contractors focusing on the

installation of our full systems.

To enhance contractor partnerships we

now offer site inspections with drones,

improving productivity and accuracy.

As well as providing a quicker, safer

and more efficient survey, the software

is linked with our estimating tool. This

enables us to create a fast and precise

digital list of all the materials and labour

needed for a roofing refurbishment,

removing the need for manual methods.

New approaches to labour

challenges

An aging workforce, training gaps and

rising costs are just some of the factors

that will continue to exacerbate the skills

shortage, especially in roofing. This issue

will take years to fix, and we need to find

new ways to help address the challenge.

Product innovation will be vital in the year

ahead. Self-adhesive technology, such

as Elevate’s RubberGard EPDM SA,

for example, has a crucial role to play,

making it quicker and easier for installers

to refurbish large flat roofs.

Environmental sustainability

To meet net zero targets, the need to

minimise buildings’ operational and

embodied carbon will remain a priority in

2025. As roofing design plays a key role

in sustainable construction, it gives the

roofing industry the potential for further

growth.

As well as designing more green and

blue roofs, specifiers are seeking

waterproofing systems which can

positively impact a property’s lifespan

as well as maintenance, waste and

recyclability. Single-ply membranes

tick all these boxes. For refurbishment

projects, it is estimated that up to 80%

of single-ply membranes can remain in

place as an underlay. If the roof does

require stripping, it is possible to recycle

the old single ply.

We have also developed a RIBAapproved

CPD seminar to help specifiers

design roofs that improve sustainability.

With a focus on flat roof construction,

the CPD provides guidance on how to

choose the most appropriate materials

and the environmental benefits of singleply

waterproofing. Delegates also gain a

greater understanding of how to comply

with UK British Standards and codes of

practice.

System solutions

It’s vital to take a systemic approach to

roofing projects for the safety of those

who live and work inside a building, as

well as the long-term protection and

security afforded by the building itself.

Tested and certified systems, installed

by trained, licensed contractors,

with comprehensive support from a

dedicated technical services team,

ensure compliance with building codes

and achieves optimum compatibility

between all roof components.

Single-point responsibility warranties

backed by Holcim provide confidence for

the specifier and peace of mind for the

building owner.

This year Elevate launched its new

roofing system warranties, which include

cover for not only the waterproofing

membranes and related accessories, but

also the cover boards, thermal insulation

boards, air and vapour control layers,

adhesives and fasteners that make up

the complete flat roof system.

While challenges will inevitably persist

in 2025, a greater focus on partnership

working, innovation, and sustainability

should bolster the roofing industry.

www.holcimelevate.com/uk-en

36

36_SB0125.indd 2 20/12/2024 10:39

BBA Certified

Waterproofing Solutions

If you are looking for a waterproofing system ideally suited for inverted

roofs, green roofs and podium areas, Soprema’s DUOFLEX Single Pour

Waterproofing and SOPRA XPS Insulation systems come with many

advantages.

+ Ease of application

+ Homogenously bonds to the substrate

+ Prevents tracking of water

+ Ideal for phased works

+ SOPRA XPS Insulation is cradle to cradle certified

+ SOPRA XPS has excellent compressive strength making it suitable for high traffic

areas

+ System classed as unrestricted according to building regulations in relation to

BROOF(T4) in the UK

+ System comes with a 30-year SOPRACOVER single point warranty

WWW.SOPREMA.CO.UK

E: TECHSUPPORT@SOPREMA.CO.UK

T: 0330 058 0668

specify_build_mag_20241024_xps_duoflex_advert_A4.indd 1 24/10/2024 17:03


ROOFING & CLADDING

FROM BUNGALOW TO BARN-

STYLE: REDEFINING A RURAL

RESIDENCE

Catnic’s Urban standing seam roofing and

cladding have been installed at a

contemporary barn-style newbuild home in

Oxfordshire. Specify & Build reports.

Meeting planning

requirements and

complementing the

rural Oxfordshire

countryside, The Trail is a

contemporary barn-style newbuild home

that replaces a 60-year-old bungalow

with an outdated tiled roof, blending

modern design with traditional influence.

Set in an area of vast, active farmland,

the neighbouring corrugated steel

and wood farm buildings inspired the

exterior design of The Trail. Echoing

this agricultural theme, the combination

of Catnic Urban steel powder-coated

roofing and cladding contrasts with

vertical timber boarding – a more

sustainable alternative to the previous

white render.

Having made the purchase,

homeowners Jonathan and Karen

approached Oxfordshire-based DP

Architects intending to update and

reconfigure the existing chalet-style

bungalow, which had been extended

multiple times. The couple wanted

a more contemporary solution. Not

bigger in terms of footprint, but with an

improved layout for the internal spaces,

and one that would make the most of

the property’s expansive garden.

Homeowner Jonathan says: “One day in

the architect’s office, we had a bit of an

‘a-ha’ moment. We realised there were

more red lines than black on the plans,

so we agreed to knock it down and start

again!

“We did have an idea of the layout we

wanted. We’d done a lot of research,

from Pinterest boards for every room

in the house to reading the usual home

build magazines and visiting shows and

38

38_SB0125.indd 6 19/12/2024 13:10


ROOFING & CLADDING

exhibitions. However, it was our architect

who helped us refine the design and

take it to the build stage.

“When it came to the roofing selection,

they narrowed down the choice of

material too. Overall, the cost and

aesthetic balance tipped it in favour

of Catnic Urban, and availability. At

the time, we were designing about six

months ahead of where we needed to

start to build. Product availability was

good.”

Sitting on a similar footprint, the new

510m 2 scheme has been designed

around open plan living with a kitchen,

dining and living space at its heart, with

four bedrooms in total.

Bespoke finish without complex

detailing

Director at DP Architects James Kestell-

Cornish says: “This was the first time as

an architectural practice we’ve specified

Catnic Urban. Initially, we intended to use

zinc but the decision to use Catnic was

made because it was more cost-effective

and easily looks as good as zinc.

“I like the fact that you can select from a

range of colours. We went for Anthracite,

which allowed us to match with the grey

powder-coated aluminium windows and

doors.

“Mostly though, I was impressed by the

fact that from a detailing perspective,

it’s so straightforward. It’s a kit of parts.

Considering the bespoke nature of this

house’s design, the Catnic Urban system

allowed us to specify a comprehensive

detailing and drawing pack for the

contractor. It involved multiple intricate

junctions and interface detailing, yet

nothing was bespoke – it’s purely

standard details from Catnic so we didn’t

have to reinvent the wheel.”

The ridge of the roof was raised by

0.75m, as were the eaves by 0.35m,

to create extra living space in the roof.

However, the building’s single-storey

design is still very much apparent to

the front of the house. Catnic Urban

has been used to create the roof and

the large gable, which forms the main

entrance.

Seamless lines

Similarly to the rear, two new full-height

glazed gables define the elevation,

creating a light open living space and

significant office space that forms a

connection to the extensive gardens,

as well as a courtyard for outdoor living.

Once again, the Catnic Urban roofing

and cladding are installed to the roof and

walls. Within the main roof is a hidden

gutter so from ground level, it looks like

the wall is simply a continuation of the

roof.

Experienced Catnic Urban roofing

contractor, Steel Roof Installers UK, took

care of the gutter’s bespoke lining, also

incorporating contemporary flush Neo

rooflights.

Owners Chris Bates and Andy Morris,

who have been installing the roofing and

cladding product for 20 years, add: “The

ease of installation is a huge advantage

for us. It’s a quick fit system with invisible

fixings developed specifically to offer

fast, simple, on-site installation – it looks

the business on completion too. We

work exclusively on Catnic Urban jobs

and have done for many years now.”

Steel Roof Installers UK also returned to

complete phase two of the project – an

automotive studio. This stylish, hi-spec

structure combines Catnic Urban roofing

and cladding with aluminium glazing,

blending effortlessly with the main house.

Installed in 2017, Jonathan adds: “It’s

worn well. Some bits could do with a

little bit of cleaning near where the trees

are, but there’s no wear or tear. It was

exactly the right choice for The Trail.”

With a 25-year Confidex Home

Guarantee, Catnic Urban (previously

known as Colorcoat Urban) is a

lightweight, versatile standing seam roof

and wall cladding system that is BBA

& UKCA certified. Made in the UK from

pre-finished steel, it is rated A+ under

BRE certification, meaning it has the

lowest overall environmental impact. It

is also available with Catnic SolarSeam,

a bonded solar panel integration,

or supplied with clips for traditional

crystalline solar panels.

www.catnic.com

39

38_SB0125.indd 7 27/12/2024 11:11


ROOFING & CLADDING

THE EVOLUTION OF

LOW-PITCHED ROOFING

Paul Duffy, Managing Director for Onduline Building Products, explores the evolution

of low-pitched roofing, the key challenges it has faced, and the innovations that are

shaping its future.

Low-pitched roofs, generally

defined as having a slope of less

than 20 degrees, have long been

associated with architectural styles that

prioritise form over function, favoured

for their aesthetic appeal in modern,

minimalist designs. However, the

reduced angle of these roofs can come

with inherent drawbacks.

Historically, the primary challenge with

low-pitched roofs has been water

management. With less slope to direct

water runoff, rain and snow are more

likely to pool, leading to water leakage

and damage. Traditional materials,

particularly those designed for steeper

pitches, often proved ineffective at

waterproofing low-pitched roofs,

resulting in costly repairs and reduced

longevity.

For much of the 20 th Century, material

options for low-pitched roofing were

limited. Asphalt shingles, clay tiles,

and even thatch were not suited to the

demands of shallow slopes, and flat

roofing materials like tar and gravel were

prone to cracking and deterioration. This

further restricted the adoption of lowpitched

roofs.

Another factor contributing to the

historical underutilisation of low-pitched

roofs was the trade-off between

aesthetics and functionality. While lowpitched

roofs could lend a sleek, modern

look to a building, they often required

frequent maintenance and repairs to

address weather-related wear.

However, recent advancements in

roofing technology have addressed

many of these historical challenges. New

materials offer improved waterproofing

solutions, and better installation

techniques have significantly enhanced

the viability of low-pitched roofs.

One of the most significant innovations

driving the resurgence of low-pitched

roofing is the development of advanced

materials specifically designed to

withstand the unique demands of

shallow slopes. Modern membranes,

such as single-ply systems, are highly

durable, flexible, and waterproof, offering

superior protection against water

ingress.

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene

Monomer) and TPO (Thermoplastic

Polyolefin) are two examples of

high-performance synthetic rubber

and plastic-based materials that are

now widely used in low-pitched roof

applications. These materials are not

only highly resistant to UV radiation,

temperature fluctuations and weathering,

but they also provide excellent insulation,

contributing to energy efficiency in

buildings.

Furthermore, the development of

sub-roof systems that combine both

durability and ease of installation,

such as Onduline’s ISOLINE LOW

LINE solution, show how innovation is

transforming this once-challenging area

of roofing.

ISOLINE LOW LINE is designed to be

installed beneath any roof tile at a pitch

as low as 10 degrees. The bituminous

nature of the system offers superior

waterproofing properties compared to

traditional roofing materials, ensuring that

water infiltration is prevented even under

extreme weather conditions.

Improved installation techniques

Proper installation is critical to the

performance of low-pitched roofs.

Modern installation techniques have

significantly improved, ensuring that lowpitched

roofs can be installed with the

same confidence as steeper roofs.

For instance, liquid-applied roofing

systems, which involve applying a

seamless membrane directly to the

roof surface, eliminate seams and

joints, reducing the risk of leaks. The

development of self-adhering and heatwelded

roofing membranes has also

revolutionised installation practices.

Refurbishment and heritage projects

Many historical buildings feature lowpitched

or even flat roofs, and preserving

these structures while ensuring they

meet modern building standards

requires careful attention.

In heritage projects, maintaining the

visual integrity of the building is often a

top priority. Clay and slate alternatives

that mimic the appearance of traditional

materials, while offering modern

performance benefits, are helping to

ensure that low-pitched roofs on historic

buildings can be restored to their former

glory without compromising on durability

or weather resistance.

www.onduline.co.uk

40

40_SB0125.indd 2 27/12/2024 11:13

Liquid waterproofing you can rely on

ARBOFLEX ® PU is a long lasting liquid waterproofing with fast and easy

installation. It’s ready to use straight out of the tin and can be installed all year round.

ARBOFLEX ® PU is BBA certified and offers a 20 year product warranty*.

With ARBOFLEX ® PU you can be certain of a watertight flat roof while the world

above and below the roof is constantly changing.

For Sales and Distribution enquiries call 01623 627285

*When installed with ARBOFLEX ® PU UV PROTECT

www.ccm-europe.com


ROOFING & CLADDING

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH…

Vivalda Group’s Trading Director Andy Thomas looks at the growing importance of

impact data when it comes to selecting rainscreen cladding.

Given the importance of building

safety, it’s no surprise that

architects and specifiers have

focused a lot of attention on the issue

of fire ratings when it comes to the

selection of façade material. However,

as designers grow in their knowledge

and confidence when using high

performance cladding, we are seeing

more interest in the topic of impact

resistance, especially where schools,

colleges and mixed-use developments

are concerned.

While contractors and installers are

rarely involved in the initial specification

process, we think it is important for all of

those involved in the façade supply chain

to have a good working knowledge of

the various tests that building materials

are subjected to.

In spite of Brexit, building product testing

in the UK is still undertaken under the

guidance of the European Organisation

for Technical Assessment (EOTA),

which is a Europe-wide association

of technical assessment bodies for

construction products established under

the Construction Products Regulation

(CPR). In short, these are the people that

validate and provide CE markings on

products.

Guidance for the testing of mechanically

fixed, external wall cladding, is provided

by the European Assessment Document

(EAD), which was published in July

2018. Annex G of this document

outlines the various tests for impact

resistance, which must be carried out at

This recent residential project, supplied by Vivalda, demonstrates the effective use of category 1

cladding.

an approved test centre such as those

operated by BRE and Vinci here in the

UK. For the sake of clarity, the EAD

replaces the earlier regime known as

ETAG 034.

The tests themselves may appear

remarkably simple – being undertaken

using nothing more scientific than

various steel balls and heavy bags filled

with sand. However, the size of balls

and bags, their weights and the height

from which they are dropped are all

meticulously stated within the EAD.

Hard body tests range from H1 to H3,

where the toughest challenge comprises

a 1kg steel ball being dropped from a

height of 1.02m on the cladding material.

Soft body impacts range from S1 to S4,

where a 400-joule impact is achieved

using a 50kg soft body impactor from a

height of 0.82m.

A good example of this new thinking –

considering impact resistance as well

as fire retardation – can be seen on the

recent flagship development of a former

cotton mill in Bolton, which has been

transformed from a disused industrial

building into attractive accommodation.

Cotton Gardens used A2-rated Hardie

Architectural Panels on the modern

extension to this development, which

needed not just a non-flammable

façade, but one that could also

withstand the wear and tear anticipated

in a busy public space. The new façade

delivers an attractive, modern aesthetic

that juxtaposes with the Victorian

frontage to create a contemporary

environment for residents.

In tests, Hardie Panels are rated in

Category 1, which means that they are

suitable for lower-level areas of public

space that are vulnerable to hard body

impacts. It’s important for both specifiers

and installers to have a good working

knowledge of the categorisation system,

which ranges from 1 to 4. As illustrated

above, while category 1 cladding can

be used at ground level where impacts

are likely to occur, materials classed

in category 4 should only be used on

higher levels, which cannot be hit by a

thrown object.

Bolton’s Cotton Gardens is another project that considered impact resistance in its choice of

cladding material.

The importance of impact testing on

façade panels cannot be overstated

when considering the lifecycle of

buildings and their sustainability. Using

appropriate, fully tested cladding that

is suitable for specific environments

makes huge commercial sense. Indeed,

a better understanding of impact testing

minimises incidents of damage once a

building is finished, therefore reducing

costly repair work needed to replace

poorly specified facades.

www.vivalda.co.uk

42

42_SB0125.indd 2 20/12/2024 11:48

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The mounting system may be installed in a portrait

or landscape orientation with a specific frame

for each format, suitable for small installations

(less than 3kWp) and large roofs.

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ROOFING & CLADDING

CASE STUDIES

THIN FLAT ROOF TILES INSTALLED ON NORTH AYRSHIRE CARE HOME

FP McCann has supplied its Thin Flat thin leading edge

interlocking concrete roof tiles to a care facility in Largs,

North Ayrshire. Once complete, the 80-bed home will

provide accommodation over three levels, as well as

activity rooms, dining areas, a café, gym and a cinema.

The former Warren Park Nursing Home was demolished

in 2022, with the building work undertaken by Northern

Ireland-based construction group Corramore on behalf of

the Care Concern Group.

To complement the surrounding properties, many of

which have slate tiled roofs, a colour-matched FP McCann

concrete roof tile has been installed, significantly saving on

cost, with nearly 16,000 tiles together and 360 ridge tiles

required to complete the roof. The FP McCann Thin Flat

Black roof and ridge tiles were supplied from the company’s

new £30 million tile factory in Cadeby near Nuneaton,

Warwickshire. This modern looking low-profile tile, also

available in Anthracite, Grey, Terracotta and Brown, features

a smooth non-textured finish and straight cut edge.

Sean Osborne, Procurement Manager for Corramore,

said: “The low-profile black concrete tiles have given the

building’s roof a distinctive slate-like appearance. The

durable tiles were easy to fix with minimum breakage

recorded. We will certainly consider using FP McCann roof

tile range on future construction projects.”

Further expansion at the Cadeby factory will shortly mean

the introduction of additional tile profiles. All FP McCann

concrete roof tiles and accessories are covered by a 15-

year guarantee.

www.fpmccann.co.uk

BELFAST TRANSPORT HUB FEATURES MAGPLY AI FIRE RESISTANT ROOF BUILD-UP

A notable infrastructure project in Northern Ireland is

nearing completion with the specialist roofing contractor

installing a PVC system across an intermediate level deck.

Originally marine grade plywood had been specified, but

specialist subcontractor Thornton Roofing changed this to

achieve A1 fire performance by recommending A1 noncombustible

Magply boards from IPP.

The £340m development is being undertaken for

Translink by Farrans Sacyr JV to create a major new

transport interchange, featuring eight railway platforms and

26 bus stands, together with multiple public facilities.

The 20mm Magply boards all came from merchant JP

Corry. The 5m-wide roof deck extends around two sides of

the building to cover a total area of 850m 2 , bounded by the

safety balustrade and a section of standing seam aluminium

roof. The boards are screw fixed into steel purlins with no

requirement for thermal insulation in the build-up.

With a Class 1 fire rating backed by BBA Agrement

certification, Magply MOS boards are a fire-safe and

environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plywood

or OSB products. The production process enhances stability

and durability, creating an ideal substrate for installing the

full spectrum of waterproofing systems.

The different panel thicknesses are also widely used as

a substrate board for the direct application of proprietary

render systems, as well as for flooring and pitched roof

build-ups. Additionally, for the conversion or construction of

apartment buildings where fire performance is a top priority,

Magply is not just being used as part of the cladding

build-up, but also internally to form pattresses behind

plasterboard drylining to support the weight of cupboards

and bathroom fittings.

www.magply.co.uk

44

44_SB0125.indd 4 20/12/2024 11:50

ULTIMATE FIRE PROTECTION

EUROCLASS A1

A1 Non Combustible Magply

Recovery/Protection Roofing Board

Magply recovery and protection boards have been developed to meet the

roofing industry need for a cost-effective, lightweight and fireproof board that

will provide an inert and stable separating layer for all types of waterproofing

overlay applications. It can also be used as a tough, durable and reusable

protection layer over completed installations.

Available in 6mm, 9mm and 12mm thicknesses, to suit both light and heavy

traffic applications, the board can be easily cut to fit around penetrations and

at abutments and can either be mechanically fixed or bonded into position

when used in overlay applications.

6mm Magply can achieve B-roof T4

18mm and 20mm also available for roofing.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

magply.co.uk

PHONE-FL +44 (0) 1621 776 252

PAPER-PL ollie@magply.co.uk


HEATING, PLUMBING &

VENTILATION

GET READY FOR HEAT NETWORK

REG CHANGES

The design, operation, and management of

heat networks across the UK will likely be

impacted by new regulations in 2025. Alex

Hill, Managing Director at Whitecode

Consulting, outlines these new regulations

and why seeking independent advice is

vital.

as managing agents, considers not just whether they work, but

how efficient they are.

Heat network owners, or any building owners with a heat

network, will likely become the regulated party. As a result, they

will need to comply with legally binding duties relating to the

operation, management, and reporting of the heat network.

Additionally, information on the efficiency of the network and

how energy tariffs are calculated will also need to be provided.

The incoming Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme

(HNTAS) regulations mean all existing legacy networks

and newbuild heat networks will need to meet minimum

technical standards and key performance indicators, such as

efficient water flow temperatures and pipe insulation. Those

that do will gain Heat Network Certification.

As the regulator, Ofgem will award a licence to a technical

standards Code Manager. They will maintain the code

documents, including any assurance procedures for how

compliance is demonstrated, technical specification for what

the heat networks must comply with, and any assessor

requirements on who is able to assess compliance.

Why is this being introduced?

Although they are well-intentioned, contractors and managing

agents often attempt to muddle through heat network

management. The upcoming heat network regulations are

being brought in to give consumers access to more reliable

and energy efficient heat networks and greater protections,

such as compensation, should they lose access to heating.

Enabling consumer protections to keep pace with a steadily

growing market, the new HNTAS regulations will give

consumers similar rights to those living on traditional electricity

and gas connections. More vulnerable customers, such as

the elderly or those living with health conditions, may be given

access to increased protections. It’s imperative that anyone

responsible for monitoring and managing heat networks, such

Often, building owners won’t have planned maintenance

contracts. This means they’re more reactive than proactive

when it comes to potential issues. Consequently, heat network

efficiency will need to be written into their contract. HNTAS will

give building owners and tenants the opportunity to look into

what legislation is in place and whether building owners are

complying. As a result, it’s essential for anyone responsible for

the heat network to prioritise the maintenance and governance

of the network. Doing so will help them comply with regulations

but also ensure a more reliable and affordable supply of heat

for occupants.

Seek advice and guidance

If the owner of the network refuses to make the necessary

changes or cannot afford the costs of doing so, it is important

to think about the implications. Furthermore, if the responsibility

for the management of the network sits between different

parties, who will need to ensure compliance?

Waiting until regulations come into effect to make the required

changes, or full non-compliance, could mean potential

sanctions from Ofgem, alongside penalties and damaged

reputations.

Alongside ongoing support and guidance, and the

peace of mind that comes with seeking professional

assistance, receiving advice from experienced heat network

consultants will ensure any defects are quickly identified and

comprehensive plans are configured.

It is also recommended that anyone responsible for heat

network management should seek advice from certified CIBSE

Heat Network Consultants and a consultancy firm on CIBSE’s

new heat networks consultants register.

Better network efficiency and full compliance for building

owners and managing agents can also be ensured by

improving education on how heat networks work and how they

are maintained. This will also reduce the current skills gap and

lack of understanding in the industry.

The government is aiming to increase the amount of heat

from heat networks to as much as 20% by 2050, meaning

the regulations will set certain technical standards while also

providing extra consumer protection. Ultimately, end users

will have more flexibility and choice in regard to choosing their

energy tariff, and importantly, the opportunity to reduce their

energy consumption and expenditure.

www.whitecode.co.uk

46

46_SB0125.indd 2 19/12/2024 14:39

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Specify_Build_Quantum.indd 1 13/12/2024 13:33:20


HEATING, PLUMBING &

VENTILATION

MEET THE CHALLENGES OF

INTEGRATING MVHR SYSTEMS

Ruth MacEachern, Product Manager at EnviroVent, addresses the challenges of

integrating mechanical ventilation systems in ever more airtight homes.

Modern buildings are required

to be more airtight and energy

efficient than ever to meet

Building Regulations requirements

and create more sustainable homes.

Although airtight buildings can be more

comfortable, effective mechanical

ventilation is essential to maintain

consistently high levels of indoor air

quality and ensure condensation and

mould is not allowed to form.

The main purpose of mechanical

ventilation systems is to introduce

fresh, filtered air and exhaust stale,

contaminated air. These systems

remove pollutants, allergens and odours,

improving the overall health and comfort

of occupants.

In addition, with the rise of pollutants

such as carbon particulates in the

atmosphere, there has become a

greater need for high-grade filtration

systems. Mechanical ventilation systems,

particularly those used in Passivhaus

buildings, are often equipped with

high-efficiency filters that can effectively

remove airborne particles and maintain a

clean and healthy indoor environment.

Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery

(MVHR) systems can be the answer to

making an airtight home energy efficient

while achieving high levels of indoor air

quality. These systems are designed

to recover the heat from the outgoing

air and transfer it to the incoming fresh

air. This heat exchange process means

MVHR systems can significantly reduce

the energy required to heat or cool the

incoming air, resulting in lower energy

consumption and reduced carbon

emissions. Heat recovery systems can

typically recover between 73 to 95% of

the heat in exhaust air.

Overheating can be mitigated with an

effective Summer by-pass function

measuring indoor and outdoor

temperatures, adjusting the ventilation

speed accordingly. However, it is

important to consider the main fabric of

the building, orientation and shading to

avert any potential overheating issues.

While mechanical ventilation systems

offer numerous benefits, their integration

in airtight homes comes with its own set

of challenges. Maintaining the integrity

of the building envelope is crucial as any

unintended air leakage can compromise

the performance of the mechanical

ventilation system.

Typically, in newly constructed buildings

duct leakage can range from 25 to

40%, which is unacceptable for high-

performance Passivhaus buildings. To

address this challenge it is essential to

ensure ductwork is correctly sealed,

which should minimise leakage to less

than 3% of the system’s air volume.

This requires effective design, quality

installation and rigorous testing

and inspection to achieve optimal

airtightness.

Design considerations

Accurate system design and sizing of

mechanical ventilation units is critical to

their effective operation. Factors such

as building occupancy, room sizes and

ventilation rates need to be carefully

considered.

Undersized systems can lead to poor

indoor air quality, while oversized

systems may result in unnecessary

energy consumption and increased

costs. Working with a ventilation

manufacturer from the design stage can

help ensure the right balance for optimal

performance.

Commissioning and maintenance

Commissioning is also a vital step. At this

stage, the installer ensures the system

is operating as per manufacturer’s

guidance and meets the design

requirements of the build. Installers will

test the system’s performance, verify

airflow rates and ensure proper control

and functionality.

One way to optimise performance is

through regular maintenance. Filters

play a vital role in removing pollutants

and reducing the risk of irritation and

respiratory issues. This helps maintain

proper airflow distribution and prevents

blockages that can hinder the ventilation

system’s performance.

Air ducts and components should be

inspected periodically and cleaning of

units and replacement of filters should

be carried out as directed by the

manufacturer in order to enhance system

efficiency and ensure high levels of air

quality.

www.envirovent.com

48

48_SB0125.indd 2 27/12/2024 11:14

Free Accredited CPD Seminars

Safe Cladding Systems for Higher Risk

Buildings (HRBs)

Are you up-to-date with the changes to

the Building Safety Act in 2025?

Valcan’s Accredited CPD sessions provide an essential

learning opportunity for architects and construction

professionals.

CPD Provider: 21338

Credits Awarded: 1

Covering subjects including:

• Rainscreen Cladding: Understanding the fundamentals and importance

of rainscreen cladding in contemporary building practices.

• Exploration od the Golden Thread: Delving into the concept of the

Golden Thread and its significance in ensuring building safety and

regulatory compliance.

• In-Depth Analysis of the Building Safety Act: Examining the gateways

established by the Building Safety Act, the changes to be implemented

in 2025 and their role in safeguarding buildings and occupants.

• Identification of Safe Cladding Solutions: Providing insights into safe

and compliant cladding solutions tailored for relevant buildings.

Our CPD sessions can either be held online or on-site by one of our

Facade Consultants and are typically between 1-2 hours long.

Scan the QR code to register

for your free CPD

4.7 Star Rating

or visit

www. valcan.co.uk/cpd

Based on client

feedback in 2024

T: 01278 428245

E: enquiries@valcan.co.uk

W: www.valcan.co.uk/cpd


HEATING, PLUMBING &

VENTILATION PRODUCTS

HEAT PUMP TRAINING GAINS LCL LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION

Mitsubishi Electric’s Hatfield Training Centre has been

approved as a LCL Level 3 training centre for air source

heat pumps. This accreditation is a testament to the

company’s commitment to providing top-tier education and

training for installers in the renewable heating sector.

Those who register for the LCL Level 3 training, and who

meet the grant eligibility criteria, can benefit from a £500

grant to cover most of the training cost. On completion of

the three-day course, they will receive an LCL Awards Level

3 Certificate, which is recognised by the Microgeneration

Certification Scheme (MCS).

The LCL Level 3 award is a nationally recognised

qualification that signifies excellence in training and

competency in the installation and maintenance of heat

pump. Receipt of the accreditation ensures that Mitsubishi

Electric’s training programmes meet rigorous industry

standards and equip participants with essential skills and

knowledge.

The comprehensive courses are designed to support the

growing demand for sustainable heating solutions, providing

a thorough understanding of heat pump systems including

design, installation and maintenance.

The Hatfield Training Centre is a state-of-the-art facility

with the latest Ecodan heat pumps, staffed by experienced

trainers who are experts in their field. The centre offers

classroom based, hands-on training sessions, including

virtual reality technology and online learning to ensure

participants gain a comprehensive understanding of heat

pump technologies.

Mitsubishi Electric is also offering a two-day training

course in low temperature and hot water.

les.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/installers/installer-training

NEW CIBSE-APPROVED PASSIVHAUS CPD FROM NUAIRE

Indoor air quality and ventilation manufacturing specialist

Nuaire has released a new CIBSE-approved CPD – An

Introduction to Passivhaus. The CPD, which is aimed at

the commercial market, focuses on the principles that

define a Passivhaus and its ventilation criteria; the benefits

of Passivhaus, especially in relation to net zero; along

with a comprehensive understanding of the Passivhaus

certification process. The CPD can be delivered in-person

or online by Nuaire ventilation experts who have completed

certified Passivhaus Tradesperson Training.

With buildings contributing significantly to harmful carbon

emissions, Passivhaus provides proven solutions to deliver

net-zero-ready buildings that also provide a high level of

occupant health and wellbeing. Passivhaus adopts a wholebuilding

approach with clear, measured targets, focused

on high-quality construction, certified through an exacting

quality assurance process.

For a building to achieve the Passivhaus Standard in the

UK, a mechanical ventilation system with highly efficient

heat recovery is typically required. Nuaire provides

Passivhaus-certified Boxer Packages Solutions (BPS) air

handling units and XBOXER XBC+ Passivhaus packaged

heat recovery units. These products have been rigorously

independently tested under realistic conditions to ensure

they meet the strict Passivhaus efficiency, thermal comfort,

and indoor air quality criteria.

www.nuaire.co.uk/commercial/passivhaus

50

50_SB0125.indd 4 19/12/2024 14:59

SURFACE DESIGN SHOW

IS THE UK’S LEADING

EVENT FOR SURFACE

MATERIAL INNOVATION,

ATTENDED BY OVER 6000

ARCHITECTS AND

DESIGNERS.

Showcase your products in

front of our quality audience

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HEATING, PLUMBING &

VENTILATION

GO ELECTRIC AHEAD OF HEAT

NETWORK GROWTH

Altecnic explores how electronic heat interface units can provide specifiers, designers,

installers, and operators with the flexibility to improve system performance.

No matter how efficiently the

system has been designed,

the demands on a heat

network are likely to change

over its operational life. As

such, and with the impending regulation

of heat networks on the horizon, how do

specifiers design in the required flexibility

to keep their heat network efficient?

Heat networks are a key part of the

government’s strategy to reach net zero

emissions by 2050. The Committee

on Climate Change has estimated that

around 18% of UK heat will need to

come from heat networks by 2050 if the

UK is to meet its net zero target. Putting

this into context, heat networks currently

provide about 2-3% of the UK’s heat

demand.

Guidance does exist on heat network

design and performance, such as

the CIBSE CP1 (2020) standard and

schemes like BESA Heat Interface Unit

(HIU) testing. While these provide a

benchmark for heat network design and

performance, complying with either is

voluntary.

Following years of poorly performing

heat networks delivering high prices

and frequent outages – disappointing

outcomes for consumers – the

government has appointed Ofgem as

regulator. For end users, Ofgem’s role

as the regulator aims to give customers

on heat networks access to similar

protections as other energy customers.

This includes providing greater

transparency and information about their

heat – and providing options for redress

if things go wrong.

Statutory technical standards will be put

in place in the form of the Heat Network

Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS).

Ofgem will monitor compliance with the

HNTAS and will be given powers to take

enforcement action where heat networks

are not meeting the required standards.

HNTAS will accommodate all heat

networks, from single-building

‘communal’ networks up to large

‘district’ heat networks supplying

multiple buildings. HNTAS is expected

to build on the conventions of

industry best practice, as well as

developing standardised processes

for demonstrating compliance with

established and agreed technical

standards. Overall, heat network

regulation will improve how heat

networks are designed, installed, and

ensure operators continue to monitor

and improve in-use performance.

When designing or upgrading a heat

network, how can specifiers designin

the required flexibility needed to

future-proof the network? One option

to consider is the role of electronic heat

interface units.

Mechanical HIUs have been around for

a long time, but the latest electronic

HIUs offer significant improvements,

greater efficiency, and more features. For

example, the SATK range of electronic

HIUs from Altecnic feature the following:

Return temperature limitation

The low heating demand in today’s

apartments mean that only a very small

flow rate is required on the heating

circuit. This low flow rate makes it

very difficult to balance the radiators

in an apartment. The result is that

52

52_SB0125.indd 4 19/12/2024 15:21


Guidance does not

exist on heat network

design and

performance such as

the CIBSE CP1 (2020)

standard and schemes

like BESA Heat

Interface Unit (HIU)

testing. While these

provide a benchmark

for heat network design

and performance,

complying with either is

voluntary.

HEATING, PLUMBING &

VENTILATION

most apartment heating systems

are not balanced correctly, and the

return temperature will be high and

subsequently transferred to the network

and the effi ciency of the whole network

will be greatly reduced. Electronic HIUs

are equipped with Return Temperature

Limitation (RTL), which allows you to

set a maximum return temperature on

the network. Once set, the HIU will

control its output into the apartment

to ensure that this pre-set, primary

return temperature is met. The network

protected from ineffi ciency and failure

caused by small delta T’s and high

primary fl ow rates.

Configurable preheat

Many HIUs have a permanent, in-built

preheat function. This bleeds energy

through the HIU constantly 24 hours

a day. If the tenant only uses their hot

water a few times a day, having preheat

on permanently makes no sense and

costs money. The confi gurable controller

can be set to allow the tenant to set the

preheat function to come on and go off

automatically only when required.

Primary flow rate limitation

UK apartments have a typical heating

demand around 3 to 4kW. However, for

the fi rst 10 – 15 minutes of the heating

coming on, the apartment can take

8 or 9kW from the network. If lots of

apartments are heating at the same time,

say at 7:00am on a weekday morning,

then the network may not have enough

capacity. Some HIUs have the facility to

set the maximum fl ow rate it can take

from the network. A HIU connected to

a 3kW apartment can only take 3kW,

protecting the network from failure and

reducing demand peaks.

Modbus connection

Modbus connection allows a HIU to be

interrogated and any fault messages

read. This ensures that when a

maintenance engineer attends a site,

they have the required spare parts before

they arrive. It is even possible to read

the current apartment temperature and

compare and change the heating set

point on the HIU. All advanced features

such as RTL, fl ow rate limitation and

preheat methodology can also be read

and changed via the Modbus network.

The drive to make buildings ‘smart’

continues apace and there are now

specifi c companies that specialise in the

operation and running of these smart

buildings. The Modbus allows more

accurate network control based on

demand and the HIU facilitates a much

more effi cient network.

Anti pump clog and control valve

cycling

During the summer months, or if

the tenant is away on holiday, an

apartment’s heating system might not

be used for many weeks. It’s possible

in these situations for pumps to clog

and/or bearings corrode. All Altecnic

HIUs with a pump include an anti-clog

feature. Every 24 hours, if the heating

18%

of UK heat will need to

come from heat

networks by

2050

system has not been used, the HIU

will run the pump for fi ve seconds to

ensure it stays in optimum condition.

If the control valves have not been

operated for a 24-hour period, the unit

will cycle the control valves from fully

open to fully closed independently.

This takes seconds to complete, but

the subsequent fl ow rate through the

circuit ensures the control valves stay

free of any dirt or debris and allows for

the circulation of chemicals in the LTHW

system.

Electronic HIUs help heat network

designers ensure their designs are

regulation ready. They off er useful tools

and allow for continuous improvements

to be made to a network throughout

its operational lifecycle. This helps the

industry work towards its net-zero aims

and overarching objectives of improving

the end-user experience by preventing

outages, improving comfort, increasing

effi ciency and lowering bills.

www.altecnic.co.uk

53

52_SB0125.indd 5 19/12/2024 15:21


HEATING, PLUMBING &

VENTILATION

PASSIVENT PLAYS ITS PART IN NEW

PASSIVHAUS SCHOOL

Passivent has supplied its patented SoundScoop acoustic cross-talk attenuators for

use in a new purpose-built primary school in Wales designed to meet Passivhaus

standards and achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating.

With a focus on sustainability

and wellbeing, Ysgol Penbre

(Pembrey School) near Llanelli

was designed by Carmarthenshire

County Council as part of its multimillion

pound Modernising Education

Programme, in collaboration with

the Welsh Government’s Sustainable

Communities for Learning Programme.

The school’s ventilation strategy has

been enhanced through the use of

Passivent’s versatile SoundScoop units,

which have been installed within the

classroom areas to contribute to the

creation of a comfortable interior learning

environment, both in terms of air quality

and noise reduction.

At just 320mm high, the discrete design

of Passivent’s SoundScoop allows it

to be easily accommodated within the

bulkheads that supply the rooms with

fresh air, which can also be heated or

cooled, via a centralised air-handling

plant. The SoundScoop units then

passively exhaust air back out into the

central circulation space for it to be

extracted, tempered and redistributed

back into the classrooms by the main

air-handling plant.

As the SoundScoop system is passive

in operation, it requires no mains power

supply or maintenance, making it a

cost-effective solution for a busy school

environment. It combines exceptional

acoustic attenuation with very low

airflow resistance, enabling cross-flow

ventilation between internal spaces of

a building. It also complies with both

Building Bulletin 93 (acoustic design

of schools) and Building Bulletin 101

(ventilation, thermal comfort and indoor

air quality in schools). SoundScoops

can also be fitted with a fire damper

(by others) in fire walls to satisfy fire

regulations.

Providing technical support at the design

and installation stages, the Passivent

team worked closely with project

partners Bullock Consulting, specialist

contractor Narbeths Mechanical

Services, and local contractor TRJ

(Betws).

Sian James from Bullock Consulting

said: “The unique design of the

SoundScoop cross-talk attenuator made

it the perfect choice for attenuating noise

between the classrooms and circulation

spaces. As the SoundScoop is passive

in operation and requires no energy to

operate, this contributed greatly to the

sustainability goals for the school.”

www.passivent.com

54

54_SB0125.indd 2 20/12/2024 11:57

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HEATING, PLUMBING &

VENTILATION PRODUCTS

DAIKIN ANNOUNCES THE INTRODUCTION OF CO2 VRV

Daikin plans to launch a VRV range with R-744 refrigerant

(CO 2

) in the UK in April 2025. This refl ects Daikin’s drive

to develop solutions that lower the carbon footprint of its

systems. This includes the revision of ENER Lot 21, with

many in the industry calling for increases in seasonal

effi ciency requirements as well as F-Gas changes that are

moving the industry towards natural refrigerants.

R-744 (CO 2

) refrigerant has many benefi ts. CO 2

is

a natural refrigerant, classifi ed as non-fl ammable (A1)

according to ISO817 and, with a GWP value of 1, it has a

very low Global Warming Potential.

R-32 VRV5 is designed for most commercial and

industrial applications. With both R-32 and CO 2

refrigerant

options, Daikin will have solutions for all commercial

applications.

Steve Molloy, Daikin’s Sustainability & Commercial

Solutions Manager, said: “We know there is growing

demand for CO 2

refrigerant in the UK [and] our new range

will help to meet this. Launching R-744 products at an

early stage will give the sectors’ early adopters access

to a cutting edge product. At the same time it will build

our expertise and help us develop a wider range of CO 2

products in the future.

“Adding CO 2

to Daikin’s broad portfolio of VRV solutions

diversifi es the choices on the market and lays the foundation

for further developments. It is tailored for targeted

decarbonisation initiatives such as supermarkets and retail

establishments, focusing on heating and cooling systems

that necessitate the use of natural refrigerants.”

APPLIED PRODUCTS SECTOR ANTICIPATES GROWTH IN HVAC SECTOR

Applied Products in the HVAC sector are set to experience

a global growth rate of almost 7% in the coming few years,

according to a leading market intelligence and research

agency. The market is being propelled by all governments

instigating immediate initiatives to encourage individuals

and industries to use energy effi cient HVAC devices.

The industry growth is being driven by the global demand

for more energy effi cient and acceptable HVAC products

and systems, which are non-carbon fuelled and, in the case

of refrigerants, as least harmful as possible – hence the

proliferation of R290 low GWP refrigerant.

This sea change is occurring at the same time as gasfi

red appliances such as commercial and residential boilers

are likely to be on the descent with ever-decreasing market

share.

Electricity seems likely to be the dominant global fuel of

the future, with hydrogen, synthetic, Liquifi ed Natural Gas

and BioLPG also being developed for the mass markets.

Electricity will be generated from a variety of sources but

nearly all of them will be renewable and sustainable sources

such as solar thermal or heat pump appliances.

Building services consultants, designers, larger M&E

contractors and end users will need to adapt to this

changing market.

Tony Gittings of Rinnai said: “I have spent my career –

almost 45 years now – in product manufacturing and I have

never seen a greater need for fl exibility and versatility from

the manufacturers and suppliers.”

www.rinnaiuk.com

56

56_SB0125.indd 4 20/12/2024 12:01

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Renewable Heating Technology


DRAINAGE & WATER

MANAGEMENT

BLUE-GREEN ROOF

TERRACE CREATES SUSTAINABLE

URBAN DRAINAGE

A new office space in Leeds has been enhanced with a blue-green roof terrace from

Polypipe Civils & Green Urbanisation that supports the local ecosystem and offers

smart, sustainable urban drainage. Specify & Build reports.

Located in the heart of Leeds city

centre is Bruntwood SciTech’s

West Village – a new office space

that combines innovation, flexibility and

environmental responsibility. The space

was created as part of a redevelopment

project, transforming the building into an

environmentally friendly haven.

Polypipe Civils & Green Urbanisation’s

involvement in the project began in 2021.

The CGU team worked alongside The

Environmental Protection Group (EPG)

to bring Bruntwood SciTech’s vision to

life, creating a roof terrace with a smart

blue-green roof system, comprised of

Polypipe CGU’s Polysync, Permavoid,

Permavoid Permatex Capillary Geotextile

and Aquadrain products.

Nicholas Wright, Polypipe CGU’s

Business Development Director for

Specification, says: “The vision for this

project was to create something that

was clean, inviting and inspirational that

emphasised wellness.

“Blue-green roofs create attractive green

spaces in urban areas that wouldn’t

usually be available. The trees and

vegetation help filter airborne impurities

and pollutants to improve air quality, as

well as the health and wellbeing of the

community. On the biodiversity front,

blue-green roofs create quality habitats

that allow ecosystems to thrive. They

also help to mitigate the heat island

effect, where cities are warmer than

surrounding rural areas.”

George Hudman, Flood Risk and

Sustainable Water Management

Engineer at EPG, adds: “With it being

a newbuild, we should essentially have

had complete control of the levels and

such but, because it was an extension

connected to the existing building we

were limited with the existing thresholds.

That was the number one concern

throughout the project – and it’s the

reason we opted to not use standard

passive irrigation for this project.”

Instead, Polysync was the ideal fit. Using

attenuation technology and real-time

weather forecasting, Polysync is a

cloud-based system that helps mitigate

the effects of extreme weather events

to create smart, sustainable urban

drainage. Controlled and monitored

remotely via a smartphone, tablet

or computer, the system combines

monitoring sensors, remote valve

operation technologies and cloud

computing to provide adaptive irrigation,

creating the ideal conditions for plant life,

while maximising efficient water usage

and helping to futureproof drainage

systems.

“As we worked through our process,

we gained more information about the

surfacing and levels. One significant

change was the introduction of ramps to

raise the building’s thresholds so that it

wouldn’t flood,” George continues.

“It was a new building, but I’d almost

class it as a retrofit because there

were so many details to tie in with and,

because you were so limited with the

thresholds, you’re obviously limited to

what you can actually do on the roof.

There were some tweaks when we got

to the final design stages and began

the installation, and that’s really where

the real-time collaboration flourished.

We were able to sit on calls, with the

Polypipe team on site with the installers,

and me changing the drawings on

the computer as we were discussing

it, which worked really well, and the

installation went smoothly.”

Matthew Morten, Building Surveying

Director at Bruntwood SciTech, said:

“The Polysync blue-green roof at West

Village is a key sustainable element

of the West Village redevelopment

project, ensuring that significantly less

rainwater reaches the Leeds drainage

infrastructure, especially during periods

of heavy rainfall. Rainwater is stored on

our fourth-floor roof terrace and used

to water our multiple green walls – only

once all green walls are watered and

rainfall has stopped does the Polysync

system consider releasing rainwater into

the Leeds drainage infrastructure. Plus,

excess rainwater in the roof is always

released ahead of forecasted heavy

rainfall.

“The green element of our blue-green

roof works with our vertical external

Hyvert green walls and stepped terrace

extension, which have been designed to

provide a stepped exit up and out of the

West Village courtyard and support city

dwelling wildlife such as bees and birds.”

www.polypipe.com/civils

58

58_SB0125.indd 2 20/12/2024 12:02


DRAINAGE & WATER

MANAGEMENT

SANIFLO SANICOM HELPS

LAUNCH ICONIC BAR IN

CANARY WHARF

A Saniflo Sanicom 1 single-pump unit and a Saniflo Sanicom 2 twin-pump unit have

helped transform a seemingly insurmountable design challenge at the Oasis Bar &

Terrace – a groundbreaking venue redefining Canary Wharf’s hospitality landscape.

The Oasis bar features a striking

glass and wood construction, and

two bespoke staircases linking the

bar with a terrace boasting a stunning

open-air space and panoramic views of

London’s skyline. Conventional drainage

solutions were out of the question

because it is directly above the London

Underground infrastructure and within a

strictly enforced ‘no dig’ zone.

Following a visit to the site to establish

the ideal solution to the operational

needs of the new bar, Saniflo’s technical

team recommended two advanced

Sanicom pumping systems. In the

downstairs bar – at 17m the longest in

Canary Wharf – a powerful Sanicom 2

has twin pumps which can handle the

large volume of water, but also ensures

continuity of service in the event of a

failure.

While the pumps work alternately to

ensure even wear and tear, a single

pump can also assume the work of the

other if one stops working. The waste

pipes run from the Sanicom underneath

the floor and outside to the drains within

the external customer WCs. A Sanicom

1 – with a single pump – is installed in

the upstairs bar, with the waste falling

and ultimately being plumbed into the

same pipework as the larger unit.

Petr Ivanisevic is Operations Director

of the Oasis Bar & Terrace. He says he

is very happy with the pumps, which

have worked flawlessly since installation,

explaining: “Gravity drainage wasn’t

an option for the bar because we are

directly above the London Underground

and shops, so civil work was impossible.

The Canary Wharf Group also has a

‘no dig’ policy in this area, so we would

always need a pumped solution. The

plumbers on the job had previously used

Saniflo and put in a call to the technical

team, which proved really useful in

getting the right products for the job.”

Amanda Mills, Marketing Manager at

Saniflo UK, adds: “Our mission is to

transform constraints into opportunities

for innovation. The Oasis Bar & Terrace

is a testament to how our solutions can

turn ambitious designs into reality.”

www.sfasaniflo.co.uk

60

60_SB0125.indd 2 19/12/2024 16:41

Delta Pumps

Delta Pumps and Basement Drainage your partner of

choice for the design, and manufacture of packaged

pumping stations for a wide range of applications such

as ground, surface, and foul water solutions, ensuring

reliability and efficiency.

Discover peace of mind today

Call 01992 523 523 or email info@deltamembranes.com for details

www.deltamembranes.com


DRAINAGE & WATER

MANAGEMENT PRODUCTS

EVOLVING FROM BASIC TO EXTRAORDINARY WITH DELTA PUMPS & THE HLA PLUS

Delta Membrane Systems is known for quality, reliability,

and expertise in waterproofi ng with products suitable for

both new and refurbishment projects.

The sector’s ongoing focus on cost effi ciency drives the

need for products that enhance performance and provide

better long-term value for customers. Delta has evolved

into the design and manufacture of pumps and basement

drainage, developing the fi rst App-linked high-level alarm,

monitoring and notifi cation device.

Delta specialises in designing and manufacturing

pumping stations for applications including ground,

surface and foul water solutions, ensuring reliability and

effi ciency. Delta’s 3,500ft 2 Distribution Hub specialises

in manufacturing pumping systems, including pumping

stations, packaged pump stations, and basement drainage

products. Delta also offers BBA-approved packaged

pump stations, high water level alarms, control panels,

battery backups and pipework fi ttings. An in-house team

of fabricators is equipped to meet the growing demand

for premium basement drainage solutions, fabricating the

Delta 710, 910, and 800 Series chambers for structural

waterproofi ng, as well as customising bespoke systems to fi t

any size and confi guration.

Delta’s newest product is the Delta HLA Plus and HLA

Plus Intelligent monitoring device designed for precise

tracking of pumping stations. It offers real-time notifi cations,

ensuring immediate detection and response to critical alarm

conditions, enhancing operational effi ciency and safety.

The Delta HLA Plus is suitable for various water pumping

needs including groundwater, surface water, and foul water,

offering versatility and reliability. Its proactive and preventive

capabilities ensure pumps operate at peak performance for

maximum protection.

Delta’s Specifi cation Managers can help customers

create bespoke pumping systems to suit any project, with

an online pump calculator making specifi cation simple and

straightforward. Delta’s Pumping System Specifi cations

are site-specifi c, include technical details, and conform to

British Standards and Regulations.

www.deltamembranes.com

‘FABRIC FIRST’ PRINCIPLES SHOULD BE ADOPTED BY THE WATER INDUSTRY

Historically, the environmental impact of water usage has

been largely ignored, but recent environmental concerns

and energy costs have highlighted the link between the

water coming out the tap and our environment. Recent

surges in energy prices have also focused attention on the

cost of using water.

To date, much of the water industry’s focus has been on

adapting customer behaviour, but Britain’s grey sky and

regular rainfall makes it harder to encourage consumers

to embrace the necessary behavioural change. Instead,

a change in the ‘fabric’ of the water network may be the

solution.

Water companies are regulated to provide a minimum

standard of pressure and fl ow of water, but in many areas

due to network structure and gravity fed systems supply is

much greater. So, run a hose for fi ve minutes at the bottom

of the hill, and your lawn will be greener than the gardener

that does the same at the top. These ‘time controlled’

uses, such as cleaning teeth or taking a shower could be

standardised down if all households received the same

acceptable, ‘standardised’ supply.

Groundbreaker’s NRv2 LoFlo offers a simple method

of working towards current water usage reduction targets.

NRv2 LoFlo regulates the level of fl ow entering customer

premises – regardless of network pressure, meaning a

reduction in the level of water used by customers when

‘variable use’ appliances are used. As the fl ow of water into

the premises is limited, the amount used by the customer

is also limited – but without providing a degradation of

service and requiring no behavioural change on the part

of the customer, leading to a ‘natural’ reduction in water

consumption.

The NRv2 LoFlo can be fi tted easily to any meter

installation, or retrofi tted on meter exchange or when

upgrading or remediating underground meter chambers.

This allows water companies to manage demand with little

or no impact on consumers and at minimal cost.

A number of fl ow modulation ranges are available which

enable the perfect balance between usage reduction

and service provision. The NRv2 LoFlo can also provide

whole site protection against contamination by back fl ow –

effectively a three-in-one solution.

www.groundbreaker.co.uk

62

62_SB0125.indd 4 20/12/2024 12:04


SURFACE DESIGN

SHOW PREVIEW

EXCITING NEW FEATURES FOR

SURFACE DESIGN SHOW

The Surface Design Show

(SDS) is the event of choice

for architects and designers,

and a place where the

entire design community

immerses themselves in the latest and

most inspiring materials for the built

environment. Held on 4-6 February,

2025, at The Business Design Centre in

Islington, London, SDS 2025 will focus

on ‘Creative Conscience’, a commitment

to sustainable, ethical, and innovative

design. SDS is inviting visitors to

discover innovative materials, gain new

insights and network with like-minded

designers, architects, and suppliers.

From Green Grads and the Innovation

Gallery, through to CIUK’s Material

Library, the 2025 edition of Surface

Design Show will have even more

features for visitors to discover in 2025.

The event will bring together the best in

material innovation, with more than 180

companies showcasing thousands of

materials. Many of these will be launched

at the show, alongside a range of

features and collaborations designed to

educate and inspire.

Exhibiting at the Surface Design Show

2025 for the first time are the Green

Grads, a platform that spotlights recent

graduates from UK universities who are

confronting the world’s most urgent

environmental challenges.

Founder and curator Barbara

Chandler, who brings over 25 years

of experience as the Design Editor

of the London Evening Standard,

explains: “Our graduates are tackling

sustainability, climate change, circular

production, waste and pollution,

biophilia, bio-diversity and much more.

They include engineers, product and

furniture designers, material scientists,

ceramicists, textile and graphic

designers, craftspeople, artists, and film

makers.”

The materials showcased include

biomaterials made from woodchips,

breadcrumbs and wool, algae-based

dyes, an alternative to synthetic and

often toxic pigments, and materials

made from organic waste such as

eggshells and banana peel.

Commercial Interiors UK (CIUK) will

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SURFACE DESIGN

SHOW PREVIEW

be launching its Supplier Finder Material

Library at SDS, a curated collection

of groundbreaking materials from its

members. Visitors to the stand can

explore over 100 innovative material

samples, which have been designed

with commercial interiors in mind,

including textiles, wallcoverings, solid

surfaces and timber. The interactive

displays offer a tactile experience with

materials displayed on wire mesh

panels with informative tags that provide

sustainability credentials and production

processes along with information about

the brand.

The Innovation Gallery is also making

its debut in 2025. The gallery is designed

to champion up-and-coming material

innovators, and is the place to discover

groundbreaking materials and concepts

emphasising new companies at the

forefront of material innovation. With a

strong commitment to fostering small

businesses, the Innovation Gallery

provides an invaluable platform for

independent creators and SMEs to

showcase their work on a global stage.

A team from the Journal of Biophilic

Design, the publisher and broadcaster

of research into the health and

environmental benefits of Biophilic

Nature-inspired Design, will be present

to bring visitors knowledge, inspiration,

case studies and ideas on how to design

and help businesses reach net zero,

how to increase biodiversity, and how

biophilic design improves the whole

value chain from real estate to employee

costs.

For Everyday.Life (FE.L) will showcase

‘Housing Salinas’, a project that was

designed in response to community

displacement in Puerto Rico as a result

of Hurricane Maria. It is the creation of a

long-term solution that strives towards

a future where residents can live, work,

and flourish in an environment that

embodies the highest standards of social

and environmental responsibility.

The low-cost, 3D-printed housing

solution is constructed from mortarbased

concrete and combined with

the robotic capabilities of construction

company, ICON. Jorge Mendez-

Caceres, Co-Founder at FEL says:

“The Housing Salinas project highlights

our commitment to creating a vibrant

and sustainable solution that could be

measured against the United Nations

Sustainable Development Goals. The

ambition is to provide more than just

houses; there is an aspiration to cultivate

a harmonious living environment that

prioritises social inclusivity, environmental

responsibility, and economic prosperity.”

Other features returning for 2025 include

Surface Spotlight, The Stone Tapestry,

Furnishing Futures and Mastercharge.

Located right in the heart of the show,

Surface Spotlight will once again

be presenting a selection of carefully

selected surfaces, finishes and materials

that embrace the 2025 show theme

‘Creative Conscience’. Curated by

material, design and trend expert Sally

Angharad, the trends highlighted will be

blended, softened, curved and polished.

Surface Spotlight is an interactive display

that allows visitors to get up close and

personal with some of the materials that

will be shaping our future.

SDS is proud to announce its continued

partnership with Furnishing Futures –

an incredible charity founded by interior

stylist, writer, and social worker Emily

Wheeler. Furnishing Futures focuses

on creating beautifully designed, fully

furnished healing homes for women

and children who have suffered from

domestic abuse.

After escaping domestic abuse these

individuals often find themselves in social

housing without basic amenities, such

as flooring or white goods. The charity

addresses this critical gap by partnering

with the interiors industry to repurpose

good quality ex-display items, returns,

props, or donated furnishings and

designing beautiful safe spaces. Based

in Leyton in East London, Furnishing

Futures will be present at the show,

giving visitors the opportunity to see

examples of their work and discuss this

important topic in more detail.

Returning for 2025, Mastercharge will

provide a recharge point for all exhibitors

and visitors to use during the three-day

show. As well as being a sponsor for the

show, Mastercharge’s recharge point will

focus on integrating wireless charging

technology into various surfaces without

affecting the appearance.

SDS25’s new Main Stage Partner is

Procédés Chénel International, a team of

creative individuals that help designers

with worldwide development, production

and distribution of decorative solutions,

technologies and materials. Their team

will be designing and installing the main

stage at the show which will hold the

extensive programme of debates, panel

talks and insights into the latest material

innovations.

The Stone Knowledge Hub is also

returning to the 2025 Surface Design

Show, with confirmed exhibitors

including Albion Stone, Arcturus Stone,

Brittanicus Stone, Burlington Stone, Fila

Surface Care Products, Stone Cladding

Systems and Welsh Slate. The goto

place for architects and designers

looking to find inspiration and information

for their natural stone projects, the Stone

Knowledge Hub plays host to some of

the leading names with the UK natural

stone sector.

www.surfacedesignshow.com

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CASE STUDIES

WEATHERCLAD GIVES CARDIFF MODULAR HOMES A DURABLE EXTERIOR FINISH

Euroform’s wood effect fibre cement shiplap planks have

been used by @Home MMC to finish 57 modular homes,

part of a new scheme of 154 transitional homes in Cardiff.

With its natural timber look, WeatherClad is designed for

external applications where durability and performance are

required.

Cardiff Living’s development Ffordd-y-Rhaffau in

Grangetown, a partnership between Cardiff Council and

Wates Group, provides temporary accommodation for 154

families while the Council works with them to find a more

permanent housing solution. The last few units were handed

over to the Council in October.

Built offsite using modern methods of construction,

following groundworks, the energy-efficient, one to fourbedroom

homes were transported to site and lowered into

position. Euroform supplied WeatherClad in a range of

colours to @Home MMC’s manufacturing facility. The planks

are easy to work and fix. A comprehensive range of colour

matched profiles and trims were also provided.

Conformity assessed to BS EN 12467:2012+A2:2018,

WeatherClad carries third-party BDA Agrément certification

from KIWA. It has a BS EN 13501-1 Reaction to Fire

classification of A2-s1,d0. Weatherclad is part of the range

of Euroform’s Code for Construction Product Information

(CCPI) assessed products.

Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Cllr

Lynda Thorne, said: “Our innovative modular development

at Ffordd Y Rhaffau has delivered modern, comfortable

and energy-efficient homes for families experiencing

homelessness in considerably less time than via traditional

construction methods.”

www.euroform.co.uk

KEYFIX HELPS CONSTRUCT STYLISH WANDSWORTH APARTMENT BUILDINGS

Keyfix was recently contracted to work on a £190m

newbuild project in Wandsworth, London. The Smugglers

Way project, overseen by McAleer & Rushe, involved the

construction of 554 build-to-rent and affordable apartments

across 13 blocks.

The project involved Keyfix supplying more than 11,000

metres of Non-Combustible Cavity Trays (NCCT), 4,000

pre-formed Corner Units, 5,000 Reveals and 45,000 Non-

Combustible Weeps.

As well as working closely with McAleer & Rushe, and

brickwork contractor, Callan Construction, Keyfix also used

products from sister company’s Keystone Lintels and IG

Masonry Support to ensure the slab edge was decongested.

This close collaboration meant that communication was

smooth and fast, while the client was provided with a onestop-shop

solution that enhanced build quality and provided

quality assurance.

With such a tight area within the cavity, the project faced

a significant challenge. However, as Keyfix’s NCCT system

is self-supporting and takes up less space in the cavity,

while eliminating clashes with other components, installation

was fast and simple. Keyfix NCCT is a fix-and-forget system

that is assembled using split pins, massively speeding up

installation time on site.

With an A1 Fire rating and with a lifespan that will outlast

the building, Keyfix’s NCCT is crafted using Grade 304

austenitic stainless steel, guaranteeing the building remains

compliant and provides the client with peace of mind.

keyfix.com

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Introducing Impact - the theme

driving Futurebuild 2025.

Impact reflects our shared

commitment to positive change

in the built environment, with a

focus on sustainability and

innovation. By visiting

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experience this transformation

but also take part in it.

Discover cutting-edge

solutions, connect with

industry leaders, and gain

the tools and insights to

make a meaningful impact in

your work and beyond.

Register today

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Green Roofs

The features and benefits of the

various green roof types and SuDS,

plus biodiversity net gain.

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Specify & Build, January 2025 edition

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