February 2025

February 2025

www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

FIX-R PVC Sytem - Magazine Cover Image v1.pdf 1 03/02/2025 12:28 PM

Exploring practical solutions for today’s built environment challenges

COMING

SOON

MARCH 2025

WWW.FIX-R.CO.UK

COMMERCIAL

& RETAIL

OFFSITE

WINDOWS, DOORS

& ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

SMART TECHNOLOGY

TIMBER

01_SB0125.indd 1 05/02/2025 10:04

Bringing it together.

APPLICATION

TECHNOLOGY

>Design

>Solve

>Test

>Train

EJOT APPLITEC

MORE THAN FASTENER ENGINEERING

www.ejot.co.uk

>

EJOT APPLITEC is the UK’s foremost technology centre, equipped to support the development

and testing of modern fastening systems that span all our market sectors; from safety-critical

anchoring to high performance automotive engineering. More than that, our investment goes

beyond R&D to bring genuine value to OEM partnerships, maintain quality systems, and deliver

responsible training designed to expand best practice knowledge.

www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ February 2025

FEBRUARY 2025

LETTER FROM

THE EDITOR

EDITOR

PUBLISHING

DIRECTOR

DESIGN &

MARKETING

MANAGER

ACCOUNTS &

CIRCULATION

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

PUBLISHED BY MAPPED OUT MEDIA LIMITED

Registered in England No.

15185328

Registered Offi ce:

The Old Barn, Wood Street,

Swanley, England, BR8 7PA

The UK construction industry has faced a turbulent

few years, navigating the challenges of rising

material costs, economic uncertainty, and

an ongoing skills shortage. The twin blows of

declining private housing newbuild starts and a

slowdown in repair, maintenance, and improvement have

weighed heavily on the sector, making the past two years

particularly diffi cult. However, there are growing signs that

the worst may be behind us, and a recovery potentially on

the horizon.

While challenges remain – most notably the upcoming

increase in National Insurance contributions and persistent

labour shortages – the latest forecasts from the Construction

Products Association (CPA) offer a more optimistic outlook.

The industry is expected to see a gradual recovery this

year, with total construction output projected to grow by

2.1% and accelerating to 4.0% in 2026.

Encouragingly, the CPA’s State of Trade Survey for Q4

2024 indicates that the recovery may have already begun,

with construction product manufacturers reporting a third

consecutive quarter of growth. Notably, both lightside and

heavyside manufacturers saw increased product sales in

Q4 2024, reinforcing the industry’s positive momentum –

albeit from a very low start.

While uncertainties persist, these fi gures suggest that

confi dence may fi nally be returning to the sector. If this

trajectory continues, the UK construction industry could

be on the path to sustained and meaningful growth in the

coming years.

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.

The Fix-R range of pitched and flat roofing

solutions is expanding. Available exclusively from

SIG Roofing, new PVC single-ply products are

coming soon in March 2025. See p12 for more

information.

3

03_SB0225.indd 1 05/02/2025 10:22

24

14

18

28

CONTENTS

06. News

14. Looking ahead: 2025 interior design trends

COMMERCIAL & RETAIL

16. Top 10 design ideas to enhance your workspace

18. Drywall systems specified for luxury London

development

20. Design know-how delivers complex building

core

22. New Products

OFFSITE

24. Offsite manufacturing: the way forward

26. Modular construction offers new ways to grow

28. Modern methods of construction can help solve

modern building challenges

30. New Products

32. Case Studies

34. Special Feature: How changing US energy policy

could impact global efficiency trends

4

04-05 SB0225 Contents 2 31/01/2025 15:49

36

42

52

58

WINDOWS, DOORS & ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

36. Modern window upgrade for Tudor home

38. Diversification is key for windows and doors

40. Abseiling and anti-social hours: the challenges of

window refurbishment

42. Nelson Place puts student accommodation on a

pedestal

44. Windows, Doors & Entrance Systems Products

48. New Products

SMART TECHNOLOGY

54. Futureproof newbuilds with full fibre connectivity

56. Smart Technology Products

TIMBER

58. Elevating Morchella restaurant to new heights

60. Timber Products

62. Futurebuild Exhibition Preview

64. Case Studies

5

04-05 SB0225 Contents 3 31/01/2025 15:50

February 2025 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

LATEST NEWS

NEWS \\ INDUSTRY UPDATES

New housing ‘contributed £50bn to local economies’

Housebuilding has contributed more

than £50 billion to local economies

across England and Wales in 2023-

2024, according to new research by the

Home Builders’ Federation (HBF).

Ahead of this month’s New Homes

Week a series of regional reports have

been published to examine the role

of housebuilding in supporting local

economies, improving communities

and delivering essential infrastructure.

The reports show developers currently

deliver around 226,000 homes a

year, boosting local economies and

generating billions in investments for

crucial community projects.

In 2023-24 more than £10 billion was

invested in affordable housing,

£6.4 billion spent in local shops and

£1.4 billion allocated to infrastructure.

This included more than £630 million for

new and improved schools and £200

million for open spaces, as well as the

creation of over 800,000 jobs.

Looking regionally, the East of

England saw 28,640 homes delivered,

generating £6.3 billion in economic

activity and supporting 100,000

jobs. The East Midlands built 22,790

homes, contributing £5 billion to local

economies and creating almost 5,000

school places. Similarly, the South East

saw 38,760 homes built, generating

£8.6 billion in economic activity and

supporting 135,000 jobs.

London, as the largest metropolitan

area, delivered 32,160 homes last year,

generating £1.5 billion for affordable

housing and contributing almost

£1 billion to local spending.

Despite these positive economic

impacts, the reports found a lack of

awareness within local communities of

the contributions housebuilders make

to local economies and infrastructure.

To help address this, HBF is considering

how a ‘badging scheme’, similar to

the blue plaque system, could be

introduced to help the public easily

identify infrastructure and community

facilities funded by developers.

HBF is also calling for strengthened

financial resources for local authority

planning departments to help them

better manage and monitor Section 106

contributions, which are vital for funding

community projects, as well as greater

transparency.

The Federation says Government

should consider introducing stronger

guidance or legislation to ensure

developers’ contributions are spent in

line with their intended purpose.

Alsecco expands EWI

training for specifiers

Alsecco has expanded its in-house

external wall insulation training for

specifiers, contractors and installers

to boost knowledge around the

need to demonstrate competence

under the Building Safety Act.

The act requires all parties to

demonstrate competence in the

specification and application of

systems used in tall buildings.

Tailored to project and sector

requirements, the training offers

in-depth knowledge of Alsecco’s

façade systems, covering correct

installation, key indicators of

incorrect application, system

checks, materials and standards.

The training offers valuable insight

to ensure a thorough understanding

of performance and compliance

tailored to participants’ specific

roles.

Offered both on site and inhouse,

training can be tailored to

fit around project schedules, with

sessions lasting for half a day, a full

day or up to a week.

The training also covers

recladding certification, how the

products arrive on site, how they

have to be stored, and what to look

for during installation.

GROHE opens London Specification Hub

GROHE has opened its first UK

Specification Hub within the Business

Design Centre in Islington, London.

Catering primarily to designers,

specifiers and architects, the

Specification Hub will be managed by

GROHE UK’s Sales and Projects team.

Visitors can make an appointment

and will be able to attend events,

training demonstrations and product

launches.

Chris Dodds, Leader, UK &

Ireland, LIXIL EMENA, said: “Our

new Specification Hub in London is

a significant step for us. We want our

partners in the projects sector – many

of whom have global influence – to have

a dedicated space in which they can

spend time with GROHE products and

our specification team.

“It is intended to be a resource for

many stakeholders, and we invite our

customers to bring their own clients to

visit us for specification discussions.”

6

06_SB0225 2 05/02/2025 10:10

Untitled-1 1 07/05/2024 15:42


LATEST NEWS


Social housing policy could unlock £20 billion investment

Government could unlock an additional

£20 billion in private capital to deliver

240,000 units of social housing over the

next five years by committing to a 10-

year rent settlement, according to the

British Property Federation (BPF).

In a response to the Future Social

Housing Rent Policy consultation, the

BPF has argued that the proposed fiveyear

settlement does not provide the

conditions to support the Government’s

ambition to deliver significantly more

social housing as part of its 1.5 million

new homes target.

The BPF’s submission highlights

that annual social housing construction

starts currently sit at 43,400, against the

need for 145,000 new homes a year.

Meanwhile, 1.29 million households

are on housing waiting lists across the

country.

To attract long-term institutional

investment to boost supply, the BPF

has called for a more ambitious 10-year

rent settlement, with increases set at the

Government’s proposed rate of CPI plus

1%. This would offer investors greater

income stability, support valuation of

existing social housing and increase

the impact of Government subsidies

which, allied with greater private sector

investment, would support the delivery of

more affordable homes.

The BPF submission also supports

‘rent convergence’, a policy which allows

cheaper rents to rise more quickly to

ensure alignment between rents on

similar properties.

Independent analysis by the BPF has

also found that at least £20 billion of

private capital is ready to be deployed

into UK social housing, if the policy

environment is supportive. Assuming

investors use 50% debt financing, and

an average unit cost of £250,000, 10-

year rent settlements could help unlock

240,000 additional units over a five-year

period.

Ian Fletcher, Policy Director at

the BPF, said: “Ambitious housing

targets require ambitious policy, and

announcements on rent policy send

a signal to investors. Ten-year rolling

rent settlements would demonstrate

a long-term outlook and would have

significant benefits, not only in attracting

private investment but also raising the

valuation of existing homes and therefore

increasing the capacity of housing

associations to invest. A five-year policy

would not deliver the same boost, and

delivery would continue to be restricted,

particularly as providers face challenges

around upgrading older stock and

meeting building safety requirements.

“With over a million people on housing

waiting lists it is critical that we achieve

a step-change in delivery. Increasing the

provision of social housing will mean

less people are forced into the private

rented market, where both tenants and

Government bear much higher costs.”

\\ THE A. PROCTOR GROUP

HAS WELCOMED TERESA

THOMSON AS FINANCE

DIRECTOR. SHE IS A QUALIFIED

ACCOUNTANT EXPERIENCED IN

ACQUISITIONS, FINANCIAL

CONTROLS AND BUSINESS

STRATEGY.

\\ SIG ROOFING HAS

APPOINTED DAN ANSTEY AS

DIVISIONAL MANAGING

DIRECTOR FOR THE NORTHERN

REGION. HE HAS A KEY FOCUS

ON CUSTOMER SERVICE AND

STRENGTHENING CUSTOMER

RELATIONSHIPS.

\\ GRANT UK HAS ADDED

THREE NEW ROLES TO CREATE A

NEW BUILD AND SOCIAL

HOUSING SPECIFICATION

TEAM. GARY MUIR, IAN LAWLEY

AND CRAIG PAYNE HAVE JOINED

AS REGIONAL SPECIFICATION

MANAGERS.

New fire-resistance testing lab opens in Warrington

Warringtonfire, a leading provider of fire testing, inspection,

and certification services, has launched a new laboratory at

Birchwood Park, Warrington.

Part of the Element Materials Technology group, at

101,000ft 2 Warringtonfire’s £24 million fire-resistance testing

laboratory is one of the largest of its kind in Europe.

Leigh Hill, Director of Built Environment of Element

Materials Technology Group, said: “Fire safety continues

to be a pressing priority for all stakeholders working in the

construction industry.

“We took the decision many years ago to invest in this

new facility to better serve the fire safety industry, knowing

that regulations, standards, and legislation would continue to

tighten in the built environment, while products and materials

would become more sophisticated. Most importantly, we

wanted to provide a sustainable and future-proof solution to

the well-known capacity issue across the testing, inspection

and certification industry.”

There are five furnaces at the Birchwood Park laboratory,

with two more due to come online by the end of 2026.

8

08-09_SB0225 2 05/02/2025 10:14



Robust BEMS performance ‘illustrates

growing confidence’ in smart tech

A 3.2% year-on-year increase in the

Q3 UK building energy management

systems (BEMS) market performance

emphasises the growing demand for

smart buildings and acknowledgement

of the importance of reducing energy

consumption through BEMS.

While the construction industry

as a whole is combating significant

challenges, including a major skills

shortage, the building controls sector

continues to grow, with companies

and organisations using technology to

Triton Showers has been named winner

of Planet Mark’s Employee Engagement

award, underscoring the business’

commitment to reducing carbon

emissions through its ‘Sustainability Six’

programme.

The programme, established in April

2023, outlines six initiatives with each

one addressing a sizeable aspect of

the manufacturer’s baseline carbon

footprint, as part of its long-term

ambition to achieve net zero by 2035.

More than 40 of Triton’s employees

form a cross-functional team tasked

with delivering its sustainability

projects. Initiatives include adopting

a gas-free site, fuel-free fleet, circular

products, use phase optimisation,

net zero components and sustainable

packaging.

Managing Director David Tutton

said: “Being part of the Sustainability

Six initiative has given our team a

better understanding of the company’s

improve energy efficiency and reduce

carbon emissions.

BCIA President Stacey Lucas said:

“The BEMS industry remains a vital

lynch-pin of energy efficiency and that’s

set to increase further as we move into

2025 and beyond.”

The BCIA’s quarterly MIS report

takes a closer look at the data, breaking

the BEMS market down into three key

components; product, installation value

added, and service and maintenance.

The total value of products supplied

Triton’s carbon reduction efforts

recognised with award win

commitment to the goal of net zero, and

the activities we need to do or change

to continue to reduce our impact.

“Seeing this ambition first-hand has

given us a greater sense of purpose and

drive to ensure that we deliver the best

possible outcome for the business.”

Last year Triton was presented

with the King’s Award for Enterprise

in recognition of its commitment to

sustainable development – one of only

29 organisations to be recognised.

to the BEMS market dipped slightly in

Q3 2024, falling 1.8% from the previous

quarter and amounting to £39.2 million.

However, this compares favourably to

Q2, which saw a larger drop of 5.8%.

Despite the overall drop, and

product sales to system installers

falling by 17.0%, there were signs of

encouragement, with manufacturers’

own systems seeing a strong quarterly

growth of 28.9%. This was likely due

to an increased need for bespoke

BEMS and a real focus on sustainability

and energy efficiency across the built

environment.

Driven by distributors and others,

which saw a year-on-year growth of

3.3%, the rolling year total for product

sales remained steady, with a marginal

increase of 0.4%. Rolling year figures for

the value added through engineering,

commissioning, panels, and installations

showed encouraging 3.8% growth.

Stacey continued: “Despite the

construction industry as a whole

stagnating, the BEMS market continues

to offer value, highlighting its importance

to the building controls industry. The

BCIA is focused on increasing awareness

of the need to embrace building controls

technology to ensure a greener and

brighter future for the built environment

and keep the UK on the path towards

net zero.”

Steering Group

restructure will focus

on competence

The Industry Competence Steering

Group (ICSG) has announced a

restructure to enhance competence

and safety standards across the built

environment.

Established in response to the

Grenfell Tower fire and subsequent

Hackitt Review, ICSG has transitioned to

become a formal working group of the

Industry Competence Committee (ICC)

under the Building Safety Regulator

(BSR), signalling a strategic shift

towards more rigorous industry-wide

competence frameworks.

ICSG was set up to enable culture

change in relation to competence

across the built environment. It provides

the UK built environment industry

access to appropriate competences,

so they may safely contribute to the

creation and use of built environments

and can demonstrate their competence

to others.

LATEST NEWS

9

08-09_SB0225 3 05/02/2025 10:15


NEWS FOCUS

CORE ISSUES AFFECTING THE

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

IN 2025

Ian McKinnon, Managing Director at Veriforce CHAS, highlights some critical issues that will

define the construction sector in 2025 and outlines how industry players can adapt.

The construction industry is

navigating a period of significant

change, shaped by new

government initiatives, regulatory shifts,

technological advancements, and global

challenges. These factors are creating

both obstacles and opportunities for

growth.

Ambitious Government building

plans

The UK government’s ‘Get Britain

Building Again’ programme has set the

target of constructing 1.5 million homes

over the next five years. This effort is

guided by a revised National Planning

Policy Framework (NPPF), prioritising

brownfield redevelopment and selective

greenbelt land release (referred to as

grey belt). The plan also includes support

for New Towns and infrastructure

improvements.

While there is scepticism that these

numbers are achievable in the proposed

timescale, these initiatives promise to

boost employment for contractors.

However, rising workplace fatalities

highlight the need for better training and

strict safety compliance.

• Action: Contractors should adopt

best practices like the Common

Assessment Standard to enhance

safety, credibility, and tender

prospects. Tools like the Veriforce

CHAS Client Portal can help identify

verified local contractors to maintain

compliance and ensure efficient

project delivery.

Building safety overhaul

The Building Safety Act 2022 continues

to reshape safety regulations and

accountability in construction. From

March 2025 all new care homes,

regardless of height, must include

sprinkler systems. Meanwhile, the

expiration of the old-style CSCS cards

signifies an ongoing drive to upskill the

sector.

• Action: Sign up to the Building

Safety Regulator e-bulletin to

stay up to date with regulatory

changes. BESA’s ‘Play it Safe’ guide

communicates safety concepts

in accessible terms and can help

ensure all workers understand their

responsibilities.

Launch of Central Digital Platform

The Central Digital Platform (CDP),

set to launch this month alongside

the Procurement Act 2023 represents

a significant modernisation in public

procurement. This centralised hub aims

to streamline government procurement

activities, increase transparency, and

enhance efficiency, particularly for small

and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

With features like a unique supplier

identifier and a ‘Tell Us Once’ system

for supplier data, the platform should

simplify processes for both suppliers and

contracting authorities. However, it does

not replace prequalification checks or

due diligence.

• Action: To prepare for registration

suppliers should gather essential

information, including company

details, financial standing, and

records of exclusion grounds.

However, be aware that while

the CDP simplifies data handling

through its centralised approach, it

does not verify or evaluate supplier

qualifications, making it crucial for

suppliers to maintain compliance

with prequalification standards like

the Common Assessment Standard

to enhance their eligibility for

government tenders.

Putting occupational health and

safety front and centre

With the latest Health & Safety Executive

(HSE) figures revealing a 20% rise in

fatal construction injuries over the past

five years, the construction sector must

intensify its focus on health and safety

to protect workers and prevent further

tragedies. The high-risk nature of the

industry, combined with the pressures

of increased construction activity under

ambitious government building plans,

makes stringent safety measures a

top priority. Businesses must ensure

compliance with updated regulations

and promote a culture where safety is

embedded at every level.

• Action: Companies should

implement regular safety audits and

training programs to minimise risks.

Adopting recognised standards can

enhance safety credibility and the

Veriforce CHAS Client Portal can

help businesses find subcontractors

that meet robust standards.

Driving sustainability in construction

Sustainability is no longer optional.

Regulations such as the Procurement

Act 2023 require companies to

demonstrate factors such as

environmental responsibility to

secure contracts. Meeting net-zero

targets means adopting low-carbon

materials, energy-efficient designs, and

better waste management. Beyond

compliance, sustainability offers cost

savings, improved reputation, and a

competitive edge.

• Action: Conduct a sustainability

audit to identify areas for

improvement. Certifications such

as BREEAM and LEED can help

showcase environmental leadership.

By being aware of these critical issues

and addressing them proactively, the

industry can overcome challenges, seize

opportunities and build a safer, more

sustainable and resilient future.

www.chas.co.uk

10

10_SB0225.indd 2 31/01/2025 15:54

GreenCoat ® – colour coated

steel with bio-based coatings

for sustainable buildings

At SSAB Swedish Steel, we are always looking for innovative architects who strive to create sustainable

buildings. Our GreenCoat ® colour coated steels provide architects with a modern, durable and sustainable

building material using a coating where Swedish rapeseed oil and other renewable raw materials are used.

This reduces the environmental footprint significantly – and it makes the GreenCoat ® colour coated steel

product portfolio one of the greenest offer for roofs, façades and rainwater systems on the market.

GreenCoat ® colour coated steel products comply with current REACH regulations, are chromate free,

and come in a wide range of colours and finishes.

Wick Lane, East London.

Architect: dRMM, London.

Fossil freedom is just around the corner!

At Futurebuild 2025 SSAB is presenting SSAB Zero, a steel made

of recycled steel and produced with virtually zero carbon emissions.

This steel will make an impact on our future city construction in a

more sustainable way.

Learn more on ssab.com/fossil-free-steel

SSAB Swedish Steel Ltd

T 01384 472300

greencoat.uk@ssab.com

ssab.co.uk/GreenCoat

Follow GreenCoat ® on

FIX-R PVC Sytem - Magazine DPS v1.pdf 1 03/02/2025 12:28 PM

WE’RE

EXPANDING

OUR RANGE…

SCAN

TO VISIT

FIX-R.CO.UK

FIX-R PVC Sytem - Magazine DPS v1.pdf 2 03/02/2025 12:28 PM

PVC SINGLE

PLY SYSTEMS

AVAILABLE

EXCLUSIVELY

FROM

MARCH 2025


INTERIOR DESIGN

TRENDS

THE DESIGN TRENDS YOU’LL SEE

EVERYWHERE IN 2025

A deep understanding of how consumers want to live and what they expect from

their homes is key to creating successful interior design solutions. Here, we take a

look at the design trends that suppliers believe will be key in 2025, and how you can

incorporate them into your projects.

GROHE, the sanitaryware improved skincare. Some showers, touch points within the home.

and kitchen fittings

like the GROHE Rainshower Aqua

manufacturer, has identified Pure shower, feature an innovative filter

three leading macro-trends invisibly integrated into the thermostat

that will shape the interior

landscape over the next 12 months

and beyond, alongside accompanying

microtrends such as colours, textures,

materials, and shapes.

Lewis Neathey, Leader, Product

Management LIXIL EMENA, and GROHE

UK, believes experiential design,

personalisation, and the drive to be more

sustainable will have a significant impact

on interior design trends, particularly

around the bathroom and kitchen.

Recent design trends have shifted

towards solutions and spaces that

promote relaxation and mindfulness. This

mirrors the evolving role of the bathroom

– once a utilitarian space and now

seen as a sanctuary for self-care and

revitalisation. There are early signs that

this trend is now gaining momentum,

with the bathroom being reimagined as a

space for immersive experiences rather

than just functional use.

This can take many forms, from satin

finishes that bring a tactile sensation

into the bathroom, to fittings that

provide wellness benefits such as

that purifies the hand-shower water

of chlorine and subsequent odours –

making the water exceptionally gentle on

skin and hair.

Evergreen

Both a colour trend and a continued

societal shift, the ‘Evergreen’ trend will

see green, earthy, nature-inspired hues

become an interior staple once more,

alongside increased biophilic design and

eco-friendly fittings.

Shades of green, brown and milky

creams will likely dominate, with a

focus on reconnecting with nature and

conscious living. Trend forecasting

experts WGSN has identified

‘Transformative Teal’ as its Colour of the

Year for 2026, which represents change,

redirection and a focus on the complex

climate challenge.

Elsewhere, The Pantone Colour Institute

announced Mocha Mousse as its Colour

of the Year for 2025, described as ‘a

rich brown hue infused with earthy

refinement’. This earthy brown shade

offers rich comfort, with luxurious

undertones that will be seen across all

Beyond colour choices, there will

also be continued demand for ecofriendly

fittings that provide day-today

functionality along with resource

efficiency and guilt-free usage such

as opting for recycled materials and

low-flow bathroom fittings. Customers

will also seek to invest in quality fittings

at the initial specification stage, as they

look to prioritise longevity and quality

instead of upfront savings.

Personalisation and customisation

The concept of personalisation is

becoming increasingly important in

bathroom and kitchen design. Individuals

are seeking to tailor their functional

spaces to meet their unique preferences,

customising the layout, fixtures, finishes

and accessories to create a space

that reflects their personal style and

enhances their wellbeing.

In a recent European study, more than

40% of respondents said design and a

pleasant environment in the bathroom

is important. Recently, we’ve seen the

design and aesthetics of a bathroom

being prioritised alongside functionality,

and this is being particularly shown in

showers and fittings. There are a number

of different styles and PVD colour

finishes available to meet this demand,

allowing specifiers to create a bespoke

environment that reflects their own

personal style.

This personalisation also extends to

the bathing experience. In the shower

space, users are able to use models

that provide spray options for a person’s

preference, with many premium models

now providing multiple spray settings.

Elsewhere, smart shower toilets can

provide users with saved profiles,

meaning their preferred settings are

instantly accessible.

www.grohe.co.uk/en_gb

Authentic connections

These trends for nature-inspired, earthy

14

14_SB0225.indd 6 31/01/2025 16:00


INTERIOR DESIGN

TRENDS

hues and improved experiences are

also expected to extend to bathroom

and kitchen tile choices. Think nostalgic

touches, natural materials and artisanal

details.

Molly Woodward-More, Creative Director

at Stone Superstore explains that

checkerboard tile patterns are making

a huge comeback, offering a nostalgic

nod to classic interiors with a fresh twist.

Whether used in classic monochrome

or modern colour combinations,

checkerboard designs bring a sense

of structure and drama to kitchens,

bathrooms, and entranceways. Opt

for matt finishes to keep the design

grounded and modern, or use glazed

or polished surfaces for more of a

traditional, maximalist look. You can

also pair checkerboard tiles with sleek

furniture and gold accessories for a cool,

eclectic look, or lean into its retro charm

with antique furniture pieces and vintage

finds.

Earthy terracotta

Terracotta-inspired tiles are reigning

supreme in 2025, bringing warmth,

texture and an authentic natural touch

to interiors. From deep rust tones to

soft, sandy hues, these tiles form a

connection to nature within your home,

creating a grounding and relaxing

undertone to your decor scheme.

Suitable for kitchens, garden rooms or

feature walls, their organic appeal feels

timeless yet modern. The versatility of

these earth-based colours makes them a

stand-out design trend for 2025. Paired

with natural materials like raw wood,

neutral fabrics, and lush greenery, these

tones can create a calming, grounded

aesthetic that meets the growing desire

for wellness within interiors.

Warm neutrals

As we wave goodbye to grey, we are

continuing to prioritise warm, inviting

neutrals over the cooler shades of

white, silver and grey. Beige, taupe, and

almond tones will dominate interiors

this year, offering a versatile undertone

for both contemporary and traditional

styles. Combine warm neutrals with

soft lighting, tactile surfaces and fresh

planting to create a holistic, calming

environment, ideal for bathrooms and

ensuite washrooms where tranquillity is

key.

Use large-format tiles to reduce grout

lines, creating a sleek and seamless

appearance that enhances the sense

of openness in your space. This not

only makes a room feel larger but also

promotes a calming atmosphere by

minimising visual clutter.

Artisanal details

2025 trends celebrate craftsmanship,

with handmade inspired tiles becoming

a focal point. Think deliberately imperfect

details, hand-painted patterns, and

glazed finishes that embody a unique,

one-of-a-kind quality. These tiles bring

character and individuality to interiors,

perfect for feature walls, vintagestyle

bathrooms, or classic kitchen

backsplashes. Pair handmade tiles with

modern furniture to create a juxtaposition

of styles, allowing their detail and

character to shine, or lean into the rustic

feel with traditional design elements such

as shaker cabinetry and antique furniture

finds.

Matt marbles

Matt, marble-effect tiles offer a

softer, modern take on the classic

polished marble look. With their muted

appearance and subtle veining, they

feel elegant and inviting to the touch,

creating a soothing sense of understated

luxury to any space. Use matt marble

tiles on both walls and floors in

bathrooms, or in open-plan spaces to

create continuity and an all-embracing

feel that enhances the overall sense of

luxury.

Joyful colour

2025 is all about injecting joy into

your interiors through large splashes

of colour. Bold, feel-good colours are

taking centre stage, with shades like

olive green, mustard yellow, and teal

blue transforming kitchens, bathrooms,

and beyond. These hues both brighten

spaces and uplift moods to make your

interiors radiate personality, positivity and

a bold sense of individuality.

Rooted in reimagining classic colours

with richer, warmer shades, this is a

trend that certainly won’t date. Whether

through jewel-toned onyx marbles,

daring mix-and-match patterns, or even

unexpected metro tile combinations like

stripes, this trend is about turning heads

and sparking conversations. For spaces

that crave individuality, joyful colours are

your ticket to creating a home that’s as

unique as it is inviting, breaking free of

go-to neutrals and embracing decor that

reflects your personality.

For 2025 we are embracing design that

fosters balance with timeless designs,

nature-inspired palettes and touches of

authentic emotion at their core. Elements

such as decor, paint, fixtures and tiles

within a home are no longer merely

practical choices; they’re a key element

in shaping the mood and character of

our homes.

www.stonesuperstore.co.uk

15

14_SB0225.indd 7 31/01/2025 16:00


COMMERCIAL & RETAIL

TOP 10 DESIGN IDEAS TO

ENHANCE YOUR WORKSPACE

Here, Zentia offers 10 top

office design ideas,

showcasing how you can

elevate any workspace.

Creating an inspiring and

functional offi ce environment is

crucial for boosting employee

morale, productivity, and collaboration.

Modern offi ce design is about more

than aesthetics; it’s about creating

environments that foster productivity,

collaboration, and well-being. By

incorporating these top ten design ideas

you can transform any offi ce into a

vibrant and effi cient workspace.

Embrace open spaces

Open-plan offi ces encourage

collaboration and communication among

teams. Acoustic baffl es, canopies and

tiles can help manage noise levels

while maintaining an airy feel, creating

a harmonious balance even in an open

workspace.

Incorporate biophilic design

Integrating natural elements into your

offi ce design can improve employee

wellbeing. In addition to using natural

materials, such as ceiling tiles that mimic

natural textures, consider using colour

palettes inspired by nature, such as

greens, browns, or blues, to promote a

calming and relaxing atmosphere. Muted

browns and earthy colours are very

popular at the moment, as they perfectly

complement the inclusion of plants in

the space, so think about incorporating

foliage into the design to further improve

indoor air quality.

fact, the reduced noise pollution will not

only aid communication, collaboration,

productivity and inclusivity, it will also

help to reduce stress.

With workforces much more diverse

than in previous decades, the needs of

individuals with neurodiverse conditions

also need to be recognised. Often, they

will have heightened senses, meaning

noise will disturb them more severely

than others, so incorporating soundabsorbing

products will help to minimise

distractions and improve comfort.

Personalise workspaces

Encouraging employees to personalise

their work areas can also boost

engagement and satisfaction. Versatile

partition systems can create semi-private

spaces where individuals can express

their style while maintaining a cohesive

design. As well as boosting productivity,

giving staff personalised spaces will

enhance their privacy and positively

boost their emotional and cognitive

wellbeing. In fact, people primarily want

to work in, and are more engaged with,

spaces that they feel embody who they

are, not only individually but also as part

of their company.

Incorporate technology

Integrating technology into offi ce design

is essential for modern workplaces.

Zentia’s smart ceiling solutions can

house lighting and audio-visual

equipment, ensuring a clean, uncluttered

look while giving employees access to all

the technology they need to boost their

productivity.

Choose the right colours

Colour psychology plays a signifi cant

role in workplace mood and productivity.

Incorporate a palette that refl ects

your brand and creates a welcoming

atmosphere. Zentia’s custom ceiling

tiles can be designed in various colours,

allowing you to curate the perfect look

for your offi ce.

Design for flexibility

With the rise of remote work, fl exible

offi ce spaces are more important than

ever. Often, they will need to adapt to

changing needs, whether that’s diff erent

teams working in the offi ce on alternate

days, or diff erent rooms being required

depending on which members of staff

are in the building at any one time.

Modular systems, such as offi ce pods,

can be quickly moved or reconfi gured

to suit the ever-changing needs of the

business.

Maximise natural light

Maximising natural light can improve

employee well-being and reduce energy

costs. Use transparent or translucent

ceiling solutions to allow light to fi lter

through, creating a bright and inviting

environment.

Create breakout areas

Designated breakout areas encourage

relaxation and informal meetings. Use

ceilings, walls and creative partitions to

create comfortable breakout zones that

enhance collaboration and creativity.

www.zentia.com/en-gb

Use multi-functional spaces

Design your offi ce to accommodate

diff erent activities such as meetings,

collaboration and relaxation. Use

modular canopies to create fl exible

zones within open areas to encourage

creativity and interaction among staff .

Conversely, fl exible canopies also enable

the creation of more secluded areas that

promote focus and concentration.

Focus on acoustics

Noise can signifi cantly and negatively

impact productivity. Investing in soundabsorbing

ceiling tiles and baffl es can

create a quieter work environment. In

16

16_SB0225.indd 2 27/01/2025 14:02

60 YEARS

IN THE MAKING

It has to be

Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra®

Trust in the most established pre-finished steel building

solution with Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra®. Developed and

improved for over 60 years, and renowned in the industry

for its aesthetics, durability and long-lasting performance.

Order your free sample pack

Call +44 (0) 1244 892434

Visit colorcoat-online.com

or scan the code

Guaranteed for up to 40 years


COMMERCIAL & RETAIL

DRYWALL SYSTEMS SPECIFIED

FOR LUXURY LONDON

DEVELOPMENT

Early collaboration with Knauf enabled delivery architects TW-2 to achieve

specification by integrating Knauf specialist drywall systems into a prestigious

commercial and residential development in London.

Triptych Bankside in Southwark

is a mixed-use development

designed by London architects

Squire & Partners. Three striking,

sculptured buildings with undulating

curves comprise an office building, retail

and cultural facilities, and two residential

towers featuring 169 high-end, luxurious

apartments, as well as outdoor spaces

and private amenities.

The development’s name reflects its

distinctive architecture with the three

sculptured buildings. It is based on the

meaning of Triptych – a set of three

associated artistic, literary or musical

works intended to be appreciated

together.

This was a complex project with

multiple contractors, manufacturers

and designers. For the interiors, proper

integration for the wall systems and the

overall design was critical. Through early

engagement with Knauf, TW-2 was able

to successfully create a specification

which streamlined and simplified

installation.

The support from Knauf was invaluable

as Vikki Knight, Architectural Designer

at TW-2 explains: “After the initial wall

specification with Knauf, the technical

advisors and Project Design Manager,

Stuart McNeil, remained on hand to

answer my queries relating to changing

design requirements and provide

useful details and wall spec updates

throughout the project.”

As a result, a combination of Knauf

products has been installed in the

residential towers by drylining and

façade specialist Conneely Group.

Knauf Soundshield Plus has been used

on the ceilings to enhance acoustic

performance and provide the necessary

levels of fire resistance.

Richard Cockerton, Contracts Manager

from Conneely Group, agrees on the

benefits the Knauf system brought to

the build. “All the products worked

seamlessly together, both in terms of

specification and installation,” he says. “It

made meeting the strict building safety

requirements easier. When it came to

working on site, having the Knauf team

available to answer questions on wall

detailing or systems was really helpful.”

The Knauf Isolator system divides the

individual apartments and communal

spaces. This twin stud system combines

high performance plasterboards

to ensure the maximum acoustic

performance. The fully integrated

Independent ‘I’ Stud wall lining system

has been used in limited access areas

for services and pipes, and to improve

wall acoustic and thermal levels.

Inside the apartments, Knauf Performer

partition systems were specified

between rooms with staggered partitions

constructed between kitchens and

bedrooms or where sound reduction

was needed. Different board solutions,

including AQUAPANEL for wetrooms

and areas with tiles and PIR laminates,

complete the drywall systems and

achieve enhanced levels of thermal

insulation.

Externally, the Knauf AQUAPANEL

Cement Board was specified as the

substrate for a render finish in some

external areas, such as where service

risers went through the rooftops or in

separated plant areas. The product is

unaffected by water and offers the levels

of noise and fire protection required by

high-density residential buildings such as

Triptych.

Vikki Knight concludes: “Knauf was

integral in assisting us with ensuring high

standards were met and Building Control

requirements achieved through the

correct allocation and technical detailing

of their products.”

knauf.com/en-GB

Triptych Bankside by JTRE London

Principle Architect: Squire &

Partners

Delivery Architect: TW-2

Developer: JTRE London

Subcontractor: Conneely Group

Products used: Knauf

Soundshield Plus, Knauf Isolator,

Independent ‘I’ Stud, Knauf

Performer, Knauf AQUAPANEL

18

18_SB0225.indd 2 03/02/2025 10:33


INSPIRING VETERINARY TRAINING CENTRE CREATED USING FORBO’S

FLOOR COVERINGS

Improve International has invested heavily into enhancing

the training facilities at its Swindon site. Adding two

surgical wet-lab training theatres and a radiology suite,

there was a keen focus on branding, comfort and

sustainability across the new spaces. Kerr Office Group

looked to meet this brief using a range of Forbo’s flooring

solutions, including its Marmoleum, Allura LVT and

Surestep safety vinyl.

Abbie Thorne, Project Designer at Kerr Office Group,

said: “We had to come up with a cohesive flooring scheme

that would tie each area together nicely. Forbo’s wide range

of designs meant we had plenty of colourways to choose

from.

“We had the walls painted in its signature purple, blue

and green colours and created a hospitality feel with Forbo’s

Allura Flex LVT in Deep Country Oak. Laid in a lovely Ashlar

pattern, this created a modern and grounded feel to the

space. We installed the flooring adhesive free, enhancing

the sustainability of the space and making it easier to

remove or replace.”

Connected to this breakout area are two lecture rooms,

with both spaces featuring Forbo’s Flotex flocked flooring

in the Metro Nimbus colourways. Abbie explained this

specification, saying: “Not only is Flotex durable and

provides good acoustic properties but it is also extremely

easy to clean. This was incredibly important to the client,

as they can often have live animals in the lecture rooms for

ultrasounds and other procedures.”

Forbo’s Surestep safety vinyl and Marmoleum floor

coverings were installed in the two laboratories and

radiology suite.

www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/segments

COMMERCIAL & RETAIL

PRODUCTS

MARLON CLICKFIX BRIGHTENS DOMUS III HANGER AT

FARNBOROUGH AIRPORT

Brett Martin’s Marlon Clickfix polycarbonate panel glazing

system has provided a key architectural feature for

Farnborough Airport’s new 175,000ft 2 Domus III hangar.

Part of the hanger’s door system, the Clickfix panels allow

daylight to flood the hanger and reduce the need for

artificial lighting.

Aviation specialist architectural practice Gebler Tooth

designed the facility to include the use of translucent

automated doors along the entire length of the building

to optimise natural light. Alongside an intelligent artificial

lighting system that dims when the daylight is sufficient, this

would ensure that the facility is highly energy efficient.

Jewers Doors was awarded the contract to supply and

install the doors by main contractor McLaughlin & Harvey.

Jewers Doors specified its Esavian Type 126 power

operated steel frames, powder coated RAL 9007 with Brett

Martin’s Marlon Clickfix VF90 clear glass polycarbonate

cladding panels to create the doors. Each door measures

approximately 7.3m wide by 10.6m high and has four equalwidth

leaves that run on four independent tracks.

Marcus Allen, Director of Jewers Doors, said: “Efficiency

was also an important factor but with a U-value of 0.99W/

m 2 K, Marlon Clickfix ticked all the boxes for this project and

integrated well with our door frames.”

Marlon Clickfix is manufactured from premium multiwall

polycarbonate. The 40mm interlocking modular panels

have low thermal conductivity, resulting in its low U value

and providing a highly efficient wall construction. With two

framing system options, façades of up to 12m in height can

be created with a seamless finish and continuous corners.

Marlon Clickfix also comes in a pearlescent finish, with

special colours and colour matching available on request.

www.brettmartin.com

19

19_SB0225.indd 5 05/02/2025 10:08


COMMERCIAL & RETAIL

DESIGN KNOW-HOW DELIVERS

COMPLEX BUILDING CORE

Doka’s design expertise, bespoke formwork and hydraulic climbing platforms

combined to deliver a huge, architecturally complex concrete core for a spectacular

new development in London’s West End.

the SKE50 plus was adapted to

accommodate specialist platforms that

enabled the completion of the core’s

internal cells concurrently with external

works. In these areas, the system’s

‘mast’ feature allowed for hanging

formwork on upper levels to be rolled

back from walls in preparation for the

next hydraulic lift, resulting in a climbing

process that was as safe and practical

as it was time and cost-effective. In total,

each concrete core lift contained more

than 1,000m 2 of Doka formwork.

Located in London’s Knowledge

Quarter along Tottenham Court

Road, the Network Building

is designed as a highly sustainable

structure that can offer offices or

laboratories tailored to life sciences

research.

The net-zero carbon development, on

behalf of Derwent London, will comprise

three volumes: 500m 2 street-level retail

and café space; 15,000m 2 office space,

and an attractive upper level featuring

terraces and green roof areas.

Doka was selected by engineering

specialist Keltbray to provide its design

knowhow, formwork and climbing

platforms for the 10-storey, 45-metrehigh

concrete core. The steel-frame

building will occupy a 42,000m 2

footprint, with its huge core including

several intricate details such as corridors

and staggered beams, all of which had

to be considered as part of Doka’s

formwork design.

Detailed collaboration

The greatest challenge for Doka’s design

team was meeting the project architect’s

precise requirements for the core’s

detailing. Many hours of collaboration

between the parties were key to

achieving the desired layout of plywood

joints, as well as the symmetrical

positioning of tie holes around them. To

help inform the main core’s final design,

Doka supported the construction of a

trial shutter using a specially designed

formwork panel, with different plywood

and tie-hole designs tested by the

architect.

When it came to the core’s construction,

Doka’s Top 50 wall formwork facilitated

the specialised architectural finish while

its Framax systemised wall panels were

used for standard wall areas. Each

formwork panel was preassembled by

Doka and delivered to site in sequence

with the works programme.

Doka’s crane independent hydraulic

SKE50 plus climbing platforms proved

ideal to enable a coordinated anchor

pattern around the form ties and facilitate

the core’s external design details. The

system, which was also preassembled,

is particularly adept in areas of restricted

space.

For the Network Building project,

In terms of other considerations for

Doka’s design team to include as part

of the Network Building programme, its

SKE50 plus climbing platforms needed

to be planned so as not to clash with the

site’s tower crane, which was sited close

to the core. Additionally, the formwork

needed to be designed with a void for

the positioning of a concrete placing

boom.

Pre-project design also accounted for

the ‘hiding’ of platform anchors in raised

floor zones and avoiding vast sections

of steel embedded within the concrete

cores. Due to such detail complexities,

Doka’s engineering teams invested

considerable engineering hours on the

design and preassembly of formwork,

climbing platforms and accommodating

subsequent structural changes.

Doka’s success on this project was

the result of a true team effort, both in

respect of its working relationship with

Keltbray and the architect, but also in

its dealings with internal agencies. Doka

UK called upon additional expertise from

its worldwide cache of engineers to

help support the programme’s smooth

progress and completion.

Doka’s carefully engineered solutions

to the series of complex challenges

presented by this mid-rise, high-profile

building project provide a towering

example of excellent communication and

industry knowhow.

www.doka.com

20

20_SB0225.indd 2 27/01/2025 14:20

BBA Certified

Waterproofing Solutions

Visit us at Futurebuild - stand D50

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 27/01/2025 14:51:41


NEW PRODUCTS

GLIDEVALE PROTECT EXPANDS ITS FIRE-RATED WALL MEMBRANE RANGE

Glidevale Protect has strengthened its flame retardant

offering with the launch of its Protect FrameSafe 5000

FR external wall membrane for open façade cladding

applications.

Manufactured only with printed lap lines and with

no logos to the external face of the membrane, Protect

FrameSafe 5000 FR is an unbranded version of standard

Protect FrameSafe FR, achieving the same Class A2-s1, d0

reaction to fire rating, when used as a system with Protect

FR sealing tape. Designed for use on the external side of

the frame on open joint rainscreen cladding applications

where gaps are included as a design feature, the membrane

is suitable for low, medium and high-rise buildings over

11m or 18m in height, or seven or more storeys, including

those multi-occupancy, high-risk buildings covered by the

Building Safety Act.

Both Protect FrameSafe 5000 FR and Protect FrameSafe

FR feature an intricately woven glass fibre fabric with a

waterproof and fire resistant coating.

www.glidevaleprotect.com

BEAT THE CURV WITH MANTHORPE’S UNIVERSAL TILE VENTILATOR

Manthorpe Building Products’ Cowled Universal Roof

Vent, or CURV for short, is a truly universal tile ventilator,

the company says. It can be used with a variety of single

lapped roof tiles and slates, making it especially useful

where the installer may not know what the roof covering

is. It can be used with large and small format interlocking

tiles, both flat and profiled in design, including deep bold

roll styles of tile. With a minimum roof pitch of just 12.5° it is

one of the lowest pitch ventilators on the market, making it

suitable for lean-to house extensions.

The vent is fitted with a versatile flashing skirt that can be

dressed to match the relevant profile of the roof covering

and comes with an adhesive mastic backing which securely

seals the flashing down to the roof. The hooded cowl

protects the opening from the elements while providing an

airflow path into the roofspace. An integral 4mm louvred

grill within the cowl prevents the entry of debris and large

nesting insects. For mechanical extraction or soil stack /

vent pipe termination, the lower outlet is stepped to allow

for 4”, 5” or an oval 6” connection. The CURV has been fully

independently wind-driven rain tested.

Meanwhile, Manthorpe’s interlocking plain tile ventilator

is designed for use with small-format twin, or duo plain tiles.

This product incorporates a patented design feature – a

sliding mechanism – to adjust its width to suit the different

sizes of tiles available. This means it suits all the versions of

concrete interlocking plain tiles currently on the market.

www.manthorpebp.co.uk

22

22_SB0225.indd 4 21/02/2025 14:11


A. PROCTOR GROUP LAUNCHES A1-RATED WRAPTITE-COMPATIBLE

SHEATHING BOARD

The A. Proctor Group is introducing a score and snap

sheathing board to its range of facade solutions. Used

in conjunction with the Wraptite external air barrier,

the Proctor A1 Cement Board can help specifi ers and

contractors move towards a system solution.

While suitable for all buildings, the through-wall fi re

testing carried out featuring Proctor A1 Cement Board

means it can be used with Wraptite to support compliance

with fi re safety requirements for relevant buildings.

“As a cementitious product, Proctor A1 Cement Board

is automatically classifi ed as non-combustible,” said Will

Jones, Head of Business Development at the A. Proctor

Group. “Through-wall testing has confi rmed the sheathing

board’s compatibility with our Wraptite membrane, delivering

a result of 120 minutes without integrity failure.”

As the membrane offers a W1 classifi cation for water

hold out, there is no need to use tapes and sealants on

the Proctor A1 Cement Board to provide airtightness and

temporary weather protection.

Proctor A1 Cement Board combines the benefi ts of

traditional fi bre cement boards with the desirable qualities

of newer gypsum sheathing boards, and is backed by

comprehensive technical and on-site support.

www.proctorgroup.com

NEW PRODUCTS

RINNAI TO INTRODUCE NEW E-SERIES CONDENSING EXTERNAL WATER HEATER

Rinnai is introducing its updated Rinnai E-Series early in

2025 with the 17CE Condensing External Water Heater.

Each unit is designed to reduce customer costs and

provide continuous hot and clean water upon demand. The

gas-fi red water heaters are lightweight so there is no need

for heavy lifting gear. The continuous fl ow water heaters are

powerful yet diminutive with a max fl ow rate of 20 litres/min

making them a suitable water heating solution where space

is limited.

The inclusion of microprocessors enables customers to

pre-set the delivered water temperature accurately to +1/-1 o

of the set point, helping eradicate legionella proliferation

and delivery temperature inaccuracies that could create

discomfort or scalding.

Rinnai’s continuous fl ow hot water systems use only the

required amount of energy to increase water temperature

while supplying multiple litres of clean hot water. Continuous

fl ow systems do not require energy consumption while not

in use, so the customer does not pay any costs when the

system is not operational.

The 17CE is an ideal solution for glamping sites, leisure

facilities, festival ablutions, small commercial outlets and

wherever there is a requirement for cost effective and

durable condensing water heaters.

The 17CE model weighs just 18kg and the unit is

compact, ensuring easy installation that requires far less

space than alternative systems. The range of temperature

is between 37 and 65 o C, while hot water delivery capacity

is 20 litres/min. Gross effi ciency is measured at 93%.

Further additions include direct electronic ignition and frost

protection.

The 17CE condensing water heater is a Bio-LPG ready

water heater and the Natural gas continuous fl ow water

heater is I2HY20 ready for hydrogen blends of 20%. The

range of temperature is between 37 and 65 o C and hot water

delivery capacity is 17 litres/min.

www.rinnaiuk.com

23

22_SB0225.indd 5 03/02/2025 10:46


OFFSITE

OFFSITE MANUFACTURING:

THE WAY FORWARD FOR

CONSTRUCTION

Offsite construction offers a cost-effective, efficient and safe way to build new

infrastructure such as housing. Jonathan Lynch, UK Building Product Manager at

EGGER UK, explains how.

Modern building methods such

as offsite construction are

becoming increasingly popular

within the construction industry, with

one study finding that 57% of architects

and engineers have been involved in

offsite projects across 2023. Offsite

construction offers a cost-effective,

efficient and safe way to build new

infrastructure, such as housing.

For more than a century the UK has

relied on traditional, on-site building

techniques. Not only can these

techniques be labour intensive, but

they are also more likely to be affected

by delays and site constraints due

to weather or other external factors.

It is perhaps no surprise therefore

that, with the rapid growth of the

industry and alternative methods of

construction coming to the forefront,

offsite manufacturing has seen a steady

increase in prominence. An estimated

3,300 newbuild modular homes were

constructed in 2022, one in 60 of all new

houses built that year.

Not only can offsite methods reduce

waste, making construction more

sustainable – especially important

when looking to meet the Future

Homes Standard – but it can also offer

productivity gains, improved safety

and allow for superior quality control.

With this in mind, many developers

and specifiers use offsite methods

of working, designing ‘pods’ or

cassettes that can be produced offsite,

before being transported to site and

promptly assembled. To assist with the

construction of these pods, it can be

beneficial to specify modular products

that aid with offsite principles, such as

large panel chipboard-based structural

flooring.

Suitable for ‘traditional’ housing projects

on site, the value of chipboard-based

structural flooring boards only increase

when you use them in the offsite sector.

Larger panel sizes in particular can be

ideal for this sub-sector, with the larger

surface area resulting in less time being

needed to complete each cassette. Due

to there being fewer joints, less adhesive

is also required – an additional time and

cost saving.

Another main benefit of offsite

construction is the improved quality

control that it can offer, with each section

or pod constructed in a controlled

factory environment.

Large panel chipboard-based structural

flooring can help enhance this further,

with fewer joints meaning there is a lower

likelihood of moisture working its way

into the boards and causing damp or

damaging the integrity of the structure.

Structural flooring boards with a tongue

and groove joint help to create a more

reliable, watertight seal.

However, it isn’t just the time spent

at the factory which needs to be

considered from a specification and

quality standpoint. Due to their very

nature, flooring cassettes may be

left exposed to the elements once

installed onsite, before the rest of

the building is made watertight. Any

building material used must be able

to withstand this exposure without

impacting on performance or delaying

project timelines. Chipboard-based

structural flooring can help to meet this

requirement, with some options, such

as EGGER’s new Peel Clean Xtra Large,

manufactured with a protective, peelable

layer. This layer not only prevents

moisture ingress but can also be antislip,

protecting on-site workers who use

the boards as a working platform.

Another benefit of chipboard-based

structural flooring is sustainability, with

each board made from a renewable

material and easily recyclable. When

compared to concrete structural flooring,

which is high in embodied carbon, it is

clear to see why wood-based solutions

are a popular choice. This again aligns

with the Future Homes Standard, which

aims to make homes more sustainable

throughout their entire lifecycle.

EGGER’s Peel Clean Xtra Large

structural flooring boards, for example,

share all the benefits of its standard

EGGER Peel Clean Xtra product, with

a protective, peel-away, anti-slip film

that ensures a safe working platform.

This can then be easily removed to

reveal a clean surface for a smooth site

handover. This protective layer also

means each board can be left exposed

to the elements for up to 60 days.

to.egger.link/pcx

24

24_SB0225.indd 2 31/01/2025 16:18

Putting

fire safety

in the frame

High performance, Class A2 external

flame retardant breather membrane

Fire protection in the design and construction

of buildings is paramount. That’s why we’ve

used our 40 year industry experience to

meticulously develop a new fire rated

wall membrane, exceeding Building

Regulations Part B requirements.

Protect FrameSafe FR is independently

fire tested and achieves Class A2 reaction

to fire, both free hanging and as part of

a system with sealing tape.

Providing up to six months’ UV exposure to

suit all building heights, it’s time to choose

the hidden protector you can trust.

Class

A2-s1, d0

free hanging or

onto substrate*

*For technical fixing details, fire classification test reports and

substrate information for Protect FrameSafe FR, contact us on

+44 (0)161 905 5700 or e-mail info@glidevaleprotect.com

www.glidevaleprotect.com/framesafe

Now available - NEW Protect FrameSafe 5000 FR for open joint façades

24_11_05-gvp-framesafe_ad-A4.indd 1 05/11/2024 14:51


OFFSITE

MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

OFFERS NEW WAYS TO GROW

With the Government pledging to build 1.5 million homes in the next five years, Gavin

Robinson, Polypipe Building Services’ National Business Development Director -

Added Value Solutions, explains how growing confidence in modular construction is

driving industry change.

A

cursory scan of construction

newsfeeds will reveal that

significant industry-wide changes

are afoot. While modern methods of

construction (MMC) have been slower

to take hold in the UK than in Germany

and Japan, developments such as

the completion of the tallest modular

building in the world in October 2022 (a

44-storey steel frame tower in Croydon)

demonstrate that confidence is growing

in new building techniques.

This new-found confidence could be

timely. According to a 2023 report by

Make UK Modular, the Government’s

housebuilding targets cannot be met

with the current labour force available

without radically changing how we build

our homes.

With the sector also under pressure to

improve sustainability both in terms of

construction methods and the buildings

themselves, we are now seeing the

significant changes being made by

architects and designers being passed

onto subcontractors. As a result, at

Polypipe we have seen a doubling in

demand since 2020 for our Advantage

Service, which supplies bespoke

solutions, pre-fabricated off-site, for

a wide range of commercial projects

including apartments and mixed-use

buildings.

We’re also seeing many of the

companies landing some of the biggest

contracts are those specialising in

modern construction techniques, such

as bathroom pods and steel framing.

Increasingly, homes are being built by

modular manufacturers, something

that would have been unimaginable

less than a decade ago. These sorts of

developments are why we at Polypipe

now have a strong focus on providing

drainage and supply systems which

support modular projects.

Having made significant investment in

our manufacturing facility in Aylesford,

Kent, Polypipe now has the technical

capabilities needed to fully pre-fabricate

our Terrain drainage stacks, which

are manufactured from high density

polyethylene (HDPE) to individual project

specifications. HDPE is ideal for this

purpose because it offers greater design

flexibility than traditional materials and

can address the challenges specifically

posed by modern construction projects.

Meeting exact specifications

Today, specifiers are looking to design

engineers and fabricators to create

systems that meet exact project

specifications while making installation

more efficient and cost-effective. These

systems remove the need for specialist

on-site installation teams and can be

fully tested before being delivered to site.

Building in this way also leaves a smaller

carbon footprint, since tailor-made prefabricated

systems reduce the amount of

on-site waste, and scheduled deliveries

minimise transport emissions through

fewer lorry deliveries, benefitting those

living nearby in terms of reduced noise,

pollution, and disruption.

An analysis by our Advantage team

revealed that many large-scale drainage

projects involve repeating similar

configurations across floors, with large

amounts of time spent on repetitive

sizing, cutting, and welding jobs. Our

Terrain FUZE Stax series has been

developed pre-fabricated in the most

Having made

significant investment

in our manufacturing

facility in Aylesford,

Kent, Polypipe now has

the technical

capabilities needed to

fully pre-fabricate our

Terrain drainage

common configurations, which are 65%

faster to install than loose components.

The benefits of off-site and modular

construction in terms of efficiency,

quality assurance, health, safety and

our environment mean the advantages

of MMC will have a significant impact

on the industry. Shifting to a controlled,

factory-based manufacturing process

also drives continuous improvement

and efficiency. This approach can also

provide secure, stable jobs for those

who might otherwise be unable to enter

skilled sectors, while increasing the

number of design and engineering roles.

If we’re to create a modular construction

industry capable of mitigating the

challenges of a labour shortage, we

need to build a modular supply chain

based on innovative products and

processes which can create the capacity

to build the homes the country needs.

Modular producers are quickly learning,

from other established manufacturing

sectors including aerospace, how to

scale up and realise the opportunity,

while becoming more efficient and

effective. Manufacturers should expect

to play a pivotal role in providing effective

solutions to current challenges – and

those of the future.

www.polypipe.com/advantage

26

26_SB0225.indd 2 31/01/2025 14:33

TOTAL70 and

SKYFORCE

A winning combination for the Retrofit Project,

Cavernham Court.

Selected by long-standing partner Midpoint

Windows, these systems were the perfect

solution for transforming a 7-storey office

building into 113 luxury apartments. The result –

a stunning high-end apartment complex

showcasing REHAU’s TOTAL70 window system

and SKYFORCE Juliet balconies.

To find out more simply scan the QR code.

enquiries@rehau.com

Tel: 01989 762600

REHAU TOTAL70 & Skyforce NFA Winners Adverts (Februay 2025) - Specify & Build.indd 1 22/01/2025 12:53


OFFSITE

MODERN METHODS OF

CONSTRUCTION – A SCALABLE

WAY FORWARD

Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical Building Solutions at REHAU UK,

explores how offsite construction can help solve common building problems.

The swift integration of panels

and modules within a controlled

environment is key to offsite

construction’s enduring appeal,

providing specifiers and contractors

with optimised, scalable and replicable

installation processes. Yet reports of

subpar components causing plumbing

leaks and insulation breakdowns has

dented confidence in modern methods

of construction (MMC). These concerns

can be resolved, with MMC – the rapid

construction of high-quality properties

– remaining attractive, especially

considering escalating demand for

buildings in densely populated urban

areas.

Projects in these areas are frequently

constrained by a lack of space. Building

upwards may present a possible

solution, but cramped site conditions

can compromise quality control. This is

further exacerbated by continued skills

shortages in the construction sector.

Data from the Office of National Statistics

suggests the industry faces the secondhighest

workforce shortages in the UK,

with 16% of sector businesses reporting

a lack of skilled labour.

Considering these challenges, MMC can

offer intriguing possibilities, especially

when considered alongside the

Government’s increased housebuilding

targets. A significant scaling up is

required if the sector is to achieve

these targets, and meet the growing

demand from the commercial sector

for new student accommodations and

hotels. REHAU’s guide ‘Offsite Trends

in Building Services’ explores MMC’s

role in alleviating construction pressures.

It sheds light on offsite construction’s

potential and also seeks to increase

awareness of MMC technologies and the

impact these solutions could have on

industry best practice.

Yet MMC itself is not new. Offsite

construction is a rapidly evolving sector

encompassing various installation

approaches beyond the offsite subassembly

method that’s most popular

in the UK. In Europe, where offsite

construction is well-established,

innovation has continued apace with

products and practices becoming more

refined over time. For instance, the

ability to integrate Building Information

Modelling data with bills of materials in

MMC projects offers stakeholders the

opportunity to streamline processes,

enhance quality control, and ensure the

availability of key components. This can

reduce material waste by up to 90%

while also reducing on-site noise and

the possibility of tool loss. As a result

durable, energy-efficient properties

can be built at scale in a cost-effective

fashion, even with skills shortages

continuing to affect the sector.

Installation methods

Different installation methods are also

detailed within the guide. Volumetric

construction, which involves fabricating

entire 3D elements like bathrooms

offsite, complete with plumbing and

components for installation within a

superstructure, will undoubtedly be of

interest to building and construction

professionals. Panel construction,

which entails manufacturing wall or

roof modules offsite as flat panels with

plumbing and heating installation on-site,

offers another way forward.

These methods will likely grow in

popularity as demand for new buildings

increases, allowing the construction

of high-quality properties swiftly and

effectively. Emerging methods such as

timber-concrete hybrid construction are

also detailed in the guide, and can help

project stakeholders meet increasingly

prominent sustainability requirements.

By replacing precast concrete panels

with timber composites, construction

becomes faster and less carbon

intensive.

Stay up to date with new

technologies

The practices and technologies available

demonstrate that offsite construction is

an expansive field. Collaborating with

third-party experts, such as REHAU, is

therefore essential to remain updated

on current MMC solutions and future

advancements.

For example, trends such as the growing

adoption of modular shafts offer new

avenues to deliver mechanical services

into prefabricated units efficiently. Further

possibilities can be found in the risers

used on offsite projects to facilitate

the delivery of mechanical services to

modules and units. These components,

which have traditionally been made of

copper and steel, are now available in

newer materials such as fiber-reinforced

PP-R, which is available in larger riser

sizes that are easier to transport.

Additionally, these components can

be prefabricated and tested offsite for

greater assurances over performance.

MMC is emerging as an appealing way

to achieving high-quality buildings amidst

industry pressures.

www.rehau.com/uk-en/specifiers

28

28_SB0225.indd 2 03/02/2025 11:07

A PROCTOR GROUP LTD PRODUCTION

VAPOUR

PERMEABLE

SELF

ADHERED

BBA

CERTIFIED

EASY TO

INSTALL

WRAPTiTE

AiRTiGHTNESS SiMPLifiED

A self adhesive, breathable, airtight membrane which makes achieving low air leakage rates

a faster and easier process from drawing board to on site installation.

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

S&B_FP_Wraptite_210x297.indd 1 31/01/2025 10:08:20


NEW PRODUCTS

AIM’S IMPROVED OSCB AND WCB RANGES MEET RAINSCREEN FIRE

PROTECTION CHALLENGES

Significant investment in product development and testing

for its Open State Cavity Barrier (OSCB) and new Wall

Cavity Barrier (Red Edition) ranges has enhanced their

suitability for rainscreen cladding systems, says AIM –

Acoustic & Insulation Manufacturing.

Open state cavity barriers and full fill cavity barriers

are crucial to fire safety within rainscreen cladding on

medium and high-rise buildings. Together they can

achieve compartmentation within the void created by the

rainscreen cladding. This then provides an effective barrier

to the passage of hot smoke and fire behind the cladding

system. The OSCB is installed horizontally to permit free

flowing ventilation through the cavity in a vertical plane

and the wall cavity barrier is fitted vertically to complete

compartment lines.

AIM’s six OSCBs allow the ventilation necessary within

the wall construction to prevent problems of condensation

allowing free airflow and drainage with either a 25mm or

44mm air gap. They can fill voids up to 425mm (or greater

in particular circumstances). In the event of a fire, heat

activates the OSCBs intumescent strip which expands

quickly to close the cavity fully. They offer either a 60, 90

or 120-minute performance for both integrity and insulation

confirmed by testing in accordance with ASFP Technical

Guidance Document 19 and to the general principles of BS

EN 1363-1:2020.

For use in cavity voids up to 600mm AIM’s new Wall

Cavity Barrier (Red Edition) range is available cut to size or

in slab form. Available in three thicknesses, 75mm, 100mm

and 125mm, they prevent the passage of heat, flame and

smoke within the cavity for 30, 60 or 120-minute fire rating

periods tested to BS EN 1366-4:2021. This makes them

suitable for medium to high-rise buildings.

www.aimlimited.co.uk/cladding

BRITISH GYPSUM LAUNCHES 100% RECYCLED PLASTERBOARD

British Gypsum, part of Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, has

unveiled Gyproc SoundBloc Infinaé 100, a manufactured

plasterboard made from 100% recycled gypsum.

Dean O’Sullivan, Managing Director at Saint-Gobain

Interior Solutions, said: “The new Gyproc SoundBloc Infinaé

100 is a testament to British Gypsum’s commitment to the

circular economy and to shaping a more sustainable future

for construction.”

The new product is the result of a new industrial process.

Plasterboard waste from construction sites is transformed

into high-quality plasterboard, supporting the circular

economy and helping construction companies achieve their

sustainability targets. It builds on the success of British

Gypsum’s plasterboard recycling service. Contractors can

sign up for British Gypsum to collect newbuild waste and

scrap from not only new British Gypsum plasterboard but

also Gyproc Driwall Adhesive and most Thistle plasters.

Dean said: “Our innovative 100% recycled plasterboard

is a further step towards a circular future where business

and environmental goals align for a better world.”

The launch of Gyproc SoundBloc Infinaé 100 recycled

plasterboard is another UK first sustainability initiative from

British Gypsum, which is committed to reaching net zero

carbon by 2050.

“By focusing on recycling, reusing and regenerating

materials, we aim to reduce environmental impact, conserve

finite resources and drive sustainable economic growth,”

Dean concluded. “The circular economy not only benefits

the environment but also fosters more resilient systems and

stimulates further advancements in sustainable practices

across the industry.”

www.british-gypsum.com/soundbloc-infinae

30

30_SB0225.indd 4 04/02/2025 14:59


RAK CERAMICS REINTERPRETS TRAVERTINE

WITH NEW TILE COLLECTION

Tile manufacturer RAK Ceramics has extended its

Signature Collection with the Pontino tile range.

With travertine tiles enjoying a resurgence in popularity,

the Pontino collection replicates the organic beauty of

travertine while offering the practicality and durability of

porcelain. This, the company says, will elevate commercial

spaces and bring an air of elegance to kitchens, bathrooms

and living areas.

The tiles have been developed using Sync Effect digital

technology to create defined, realistic designs that provide

a modern interpretation of travertine, which is known for

its diverse patterns and colours. They are available in two

shades of Ivory and Light Grey to complement both classic

and contemporary interiors.

Scratch and stain resistant as well as easy to clean,

Pontino tiles come in Maximus sizes of 135x305cm

and 120x280cm with thicknesses of 14.5mm and 6mm

respectively, as well as a 60x120cm version.

www.rakceramics.com/uk

NEW PRODUCTS

NEW NATURAL INSULATION COMBINES GRASS

AND JUTE FIBRES

Ecological Building Systems, a leading supplier of natural

building products for sustainable construction, has

introduced Gramitherm – the first insulation to be produced

from grass.

Sourced from public parks and grass verges, then

combined with recycled jute fibres and a recycled polyester

binder, the grass produces one of the most sustainable

forms of insulation on the market and is exclusively available

from Ecological Building Systems in the UK and Ireland.

Resistant to mould, Gramitherm has natural hygroscopic

properties to help regulate humidity within the building

envelope and enhance breathability. It has also secured

an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) which

demonstrates that 1kg of Gramitherm sequesters 1.5kg of

CO 2

, equivalent post production, making it a highly efficient

and eco-friendly insulation choice.

Gramitherm also holds European Technical Approval

confirming compliance with the relevant standards, as

well as its sustainability credentials and low environmental

impact. Gramitherm is carbon negative (cradle to gate)

and has achieved A+ ratings in VOC (Volatile Organic

Compounds) emission tests. Highly sustainable, each

hectare of grass can produce 200m 3 of insulation.

www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com

GREENCOAT OFFERS COLOUR-COATED STEEL

WITH BIO-BASED COATINGS

GreenCoat is SSAB’s brand offering sustainable colourcoated

steel solutions for roofs, facades and rainwater

systems. GreenCoat products offer an extensive range of

more than 400 colours, with most use a coating comprised

of Swedish rapeseed oil and other renewable raw

materials.

This helps reduce the environmental footprint significantly

and makes GreenCoat’s colour coated steel product

portfolio one of the greenest for roofs and façades.

SSAB is a Nordic and US-based steel company that

builds a stronger, lighter and more sustainable world

through value-added steel products and services. Working

with partners, SSAB has developed SSAB fossil-free steel

and is working to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions from

its own operations. SSAB Zero, a largely carbon emissionfree

steel based on recycled steel, further strengthens

SSAB’s comprehensive, sustainable offering independent of

the raw material.

www.ssab.com/en-gb

31

31_SB0225.indd 3 17/02/2025 18:40


CASE STUDIES

DEVELOPMENT ENHANCED BY ONE GOOD CEMENT BOARD

One Goodmayes is a residential development located

within the vibrant community of Goodmayes in East

London. Comprising 573 studio, one, and two-bedroom

apartments, of which 35% are assigned as affordable

homes, the spaces have been meticulously designed

by Frank Reynolds Architects with modern living and

sustainability in mind.

Plans also include a large urban square and 60% of the

site has been designated as high-quality public areas with

professional landscaping.

A number of Knauf products have been installed

throughout the development, including its range

of performance plasterboards as well as the Knauf

AQUAPANEL Indoor Cement Board. The AQUAPANEL

Indoor Cement Board has been specifically designed to be

water-, moisture- and vapour-resistant and has been used

in apartment wet areas such as bathrooms. Knauf’s Fire

Panel, Moisture Panel and Sound Panel have been used

throughout each apartment to provide enhanced acoustic

qualities, moisture resistance and added fire safety.

Knauf ThroughWall has also been used throughout

the building’s fabric – a full system made up of Knauf

Plasterboards, Knauf SFS, Knauf Insulation, Knauf Windliner

and Knauf External Insulation RainScreen Slab. RainScreen

Slabs were used on the external side and Knauf OmnitFit 30

on the internal side.

The Knauf ThroughWall system meets building

performance requirements while offering the flexibility for

various external finishes. Suitable for buildings taller than 18

metres, its versatile configuration options ensure compliance

with regulatory standards. Moreover, Knauf ThroughWall

provides comprehensive design services and expert

support throughout the entire project lifecycle.

www.knauf.co.uk

VICTORIAN BUILDING TRANSFORMED WITH VINYL TILE

Picture credit: Leighton James

A former care home and Victorian-era cottage turned into

premium flats, Willow Tree Apartments in Yate, Bristol,

has been fully refurbished and remodelled. Formerly a

care home from the early 1980s until 2018, Willow Cottage

was bought by developers Fairholm Group, who chose

to reinvigorate the historic building into nine new stylish

apartments.

Seeking to create a warm and natural interior in keeping

with the building’s heritage, contractor Rudge Brothers

and James specified the Allura Dryback range from Forbo

Flooring Systems.

Rudge Brothers and James was employed to assist

with specifying and installing the internal finishes. Director

Jim Heal explained: “We were appointed by Fairholm to

advise on some of the internal specification jobs, including

the flooring. We recommended they install Forbo’s Allura

Dryback Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) range for a number of the

apartments. We’ve used it many times on other projects

and have never had an issue with it. It’s a hard-wearing,

great looking and long-lasting flooring solution that offers

an incredibly long lifespan. We instructed Fairholm to use

the 0.7mm wear layer version as it would provide enhanced

durability.”

Acoustics was another priority. Jim explained: “A

combination of rubber and chipboard acoustic underlays

were installed on this project, as reducing impact noise

was a key objective. Forbo’s Allura has been installed fully

adhered in the lounge, kitchen and dining areas, as well as

the corridors between each of the apartments. We predicted

that these would be the most high-traffic areas and, as such,

needed a more practical and hard-wearing solution, like an

LVT.”

www.forbo.com

32

32_SB0225.indd 4 31/01/2025 16:21

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.


ENERGY EFFICIENCY

A NEW DAWN FOR

AMERICA – WHAT IMPACT ON

GLOBAL ENERGY?

Rinnai’s Chris Goggin looks at the potential impact the

new American President, Donald Trump, may have on

international energy issues such as carbon emissions,

energy efficiency, net zero and climate change.

The second presidency

of Donald Trump could

potentially impose a new

direction of energy issues on

America which could travel

across the Atlantic towards Europe.

This article’s objective is not to adopt a

bipartisan stance on political matters,

but instead to reflect the range of

opinions being voiced by clean-energy

focused multimedia, broadcast outlets

and mainstream print, as well as digital

publications. Domestic and international

energy distribution is a complex issue

that could be further complicated by the

proposed policies of the new President.

Since President Trump’s first term

of presidency, America has passed

the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that

is designed to reduce the federal

government budget deficit through

investing in clean domestic energy

production.

The IRA ensures that tax credits are

expanded for renewable projects,

meaning that the potential for greater

financial rewards is increased. A recent

article in The Guardian newspaper has

revealed that in a self-commissioned

report the US, alongside India, has made

the most progress in implementing

climate policies since the 2016 Paris

Agreement.

As a result, multiple renowned and

established big businesses from across

34

Specify & Build Feature_template_IDML_v2 6 27/01/2025 15:10


hydrogen projects with federal funds,

ensuring clean energy introduction into

the American transmission grid. Project

2025 could also reportedly instruct the

Interior Department to seek out further

fossil fuels on American federal land.

Although US domestic renewable energy

distribution could remain intact under

the Trump administration, America’s

international commitments towards clean

energy dispersal and agreed climate

control measures could be scrapped.

He will most likely remove America from

the Paris agreement, which aims to

limit global warming by no more than

2 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial

levels.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Europe, the UK and Asia have identified

America as the ideal opportunity to earn

large turnovers of revenue – and all have

invested accordingly. But with President

Trump returning to the White House, will

America continue on a net zero path?

Will America remain a member of the

Paris Agreement?

The United States reverting to

widespread domestic usage of fossil

fuels is unlikely, despite President-elect

Trump selecting the CEO of oil and gas

drilling technology company Liberty

Energy – Christopher Wright – as the

new DOE Secretary of Energy.

An article published by The Guardian

late last year states that solar power

has been added to the American

grid at 300% the rate of gas capacity

throughout 2023. The same article goes

on to provide more detail, revealing the

political cross-party complexity that the

Inflation Reduction Act has created.

President Trump is on record as saying

he aims to repeal IRA legislation, but

doing so could jeopardise 300,000 new

jobs and $150 billion in manufacturing

investment – most of which rest in

Republican party states.

Instead, President Trump may prefer

to target fossil fuel extraction and

usage despite major groundwork being

completed that provides America

with fertile commercial conditions that

encourage foreign investment.

If he cannot repeal the IRA, his

administration is expected to reverse

important Environmental Protection

Agency regulations that limit emissions

from power plants as well as light and

heavy-duty vehicles. From the available

information on the subject, it seems he

would prefer to both repeal the IRA and

axe environmental regulations.

A new route to green energy?

A Trump administration could also take a

different route towards the path of green

energy utilisation. Project 2025, said to

be a Republican policy platform, calls

for the restructuring of federal agencies

such as The Department of Energy,

Department of Interior and Environmental

Protection Agency. Reducing or nullifying

the roles of these agencies could

potentially impact funding for future clean

energy projects.

A key funding program that could be

cut by the Trump administration is

Department of Energy Loans Programs

Office, which holds around $400 billion of

finances. This department has provided

numerous solar, nuclear and clean

Experts from the across the world

believe that a Trump administration

will attempt to slow the international

energy transition rather than completely

reversing all progress. Huge amounts of

money and labour in Republican states

are reliant on renewable projects and

clean energy – to jeopardise these jobs

and investments could be politically

counterproductive to an avowedly

populist president.

A further four years of Trump politics will

mean that more American fossil fuels

will be in the domestic and international

markets. However, there is too much

clean energy infrastructure and policy in

place, and too many nations switching

to cleaner fuels for a global reduction,

for changes in American policy alone to

have a definitive impact on the global

stride towards net zero.

By keeping UK customers informed on

all international energy matters, Rinnai

aims to provide insight into possible

energy market maneuverings and,

therefore, give a better understanding of

global energy options and how the UK

can make better product choices and

more efficient energy procurement.

www.rinnaiuk.com

35

Specify & Build Feature_template_IDML_v2 7 27/01/2025 15:10

Month 2024 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

WINDOWS, DOORS &

ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

MODERN UPGRADE FOR

TUDOR HOME

The Residence Collection has supported the renovation of a 1930s Tudor-style

property, sited in a conservation area in Knowle, near Solihull, with 10 new Residence

9 windows. Specify & Build reports.

In collaboration with installer Mainstream Windows, and

fabricator Stedek Windows and Doors, 10 R9 windows in

the external Painswick and internal Grained White colourway

were added to the property to provide elements of 1930s

tudor-style architectural design, replicating the style of the

original structure. These windows offer modern functionality

and energy efficiency, aligning with the preservation needs of

the conservation area.

R9 was chosen for this project not only for being one of the

best flush windows on the market, but also because of its

quality and the perfect fit it offers with the external tudor style.

The Knowle-based property demonstrates the strong appeal

that timber frame alternative window systems have in period

homes.

To complete the property with a traditional aesthetic, the

Timberweld joint manufacturing method was used to replicate

a classic timber joint. Triple decorative glazing was added

featuring antique square leads and soldered joints, capturing

the timeless aesthetic of traditional leaded lights. To enhance

practicality, the leading was placed inside the glass, making

it easier to clean both inside and out while ensuring the

appearance stays fresh and new throughout the unit’s lifetime.

Conservation compliance

When it comes to sensitively upgrading existing windows

in heritage projects, which are often restricted due to their

historical importance, The Residence Collection has gained

widespread approval from local authorities in conservation

areas and Grade II-listed buildings throughout the UK.

This approval allows for a smoother installation process

for installers, eliminating a major obstacle in preserving the

historical character of these heritage properties.

In the case of the Tudor-style building renovation project, the

R9 triple-glazed windows exceed British Building Regulation

standards with a U-value of up to 0.8W/m²K, the Residence

Collection says, offering the homeowners A++ energy ratings.

The R9 collection is available in 20 colours, and provides

optimal insulation and energy savings.

Bob Dhillon and Richard Elson, Directors at Mainstream

Windows, commented on the project, saying: “We are thrilled

with the final result of this project. Residence 9 windows have

long been a favourite among homeowners.

“These windows not only elevate the aesthetic appeal of

properties but also deliver the modern functionality and energy

efficiency that is essential for conservation areas. The attention

to detail, from the Timberweld joints to the antique-style

glazing, ensures the property retains its historical charm while

meeting contemporary standards.”

Jo Trotman, Marketing Manager at The Residence Collection,

adds: “This project is a perfect example of how The Residence

9 windows seamlessly blend traditional design with modern

performance. We are proud to see our products contributing

to the preservation of the UK’s heritage while offering a

sustainable and energy-efficient solution. The collaboration

with Mainstream Windows and Stedek Windows and Doors

has been fantastic, and the outcome speaks for itself.”

www.residencecollection.co.uk/collections/r9

36

36_SB0225.indd 8 27/01/2025 15:19

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

slim overlapping putty-line sash window profiles, is designed to

a 35mm midrail, heritage ensure the chalk seamless integration

finishes, seamless of ornate all its parts. sash

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

cills and innovative slim balance overlapping putty-line

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

chalk finishes, seamless ornate

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

without specialist glass, joints, deep and you cills and innovative

have a true conservation-grade

balance chamber covers, to

sash window with name outstanding but a few.

modern performance. Add to that a 1.2 W/m 2 k u-value

without specialist glass, and you

have a true conservation-grade

sash window with outstanding

modern performance.

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

putty-line profiles, mechanical joints, deep cills, and a 1.2 of W/m²k its parts. U-value – the

Ultimate Rose sets the standard for conservation-grade sash windows.

01234 712657

trade@roseview.co.uk

www.roseview.co.uk

#TraditionRedefined


WINDOWS, DOORS &

ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

DIVERSIFICATION IS KEY FOR

WINDOWS AND DOORS

For the UK window and

door industry,

diversification is no longer

a strategic luxury – it is a

necessity, says Ian Cocken,

aluplast’s Director of Sales

and Marketing.

With a fresh hike in inflation,

subdued levels of consumer

confidence, and increases

in National Insurance on the horizon,

2025 – at face value – appears to be

off to a challenging start. With all that

in mind, it could be all too easy for the

entire industry to fall into a ‘doom and

gloom’ outlook for the year ahead. But

we must remember that growth has

also been forecasted, with both the

newbuild and RMI (Repair, Maintenance

and Improvement) sectors expected to

expand significantly this year.

Glenigan has forecasted a “construction

boom” throughout 2025-2026, with a

13% rise in newbuild housing starts in

2025 alone. And, according to a recent

survey by Redrow, home improvement is

the number one New Year’s commitment

for Brits in 2025, making up 39% of

resolutions – and outshining common

goals such as weight loss and career

promotions.

But while opportunities for growth are

predicted to grow this year, they are only

valuable if you choose the right quality

products to set yourself apart from the

crowd and capitalise on current demand

and your clients’ changing requirements.

Embracing change

We believe that adapting to the

changing dynamics of the market this

year means embracing innovation and

expanding beyond ‘traditional’ offerings.

Spearheading this approach is our

partnership with RegaLead in creating

their exciting new Engineered Door. It

is a product that combines aesthetic

flexibility with unparalleled performance,

and reflects a gap in the market for

premium alternatives to traditional

products, fuelled by the growing demand

for visually stunning, high-performance

doors.

Composite doors, for example, have

long been the go-to choice for those

seeking a blend of design and durability.

However, the Engineered Door now

offers fabricators – who already have

expertise in manufacturing aluplast Ideal

4000 and Ideal 70 systems – a chance

to compete in this space. Featuring our

aludec and woodec foils, the Engineered

Door replicates the refined aesthetics of

aluminium and timber, while leveraging

the cost-effectiveness and performance

benefits of PVC-U.

Changing perceptions

Historically, PVC-U doors have been

viewed as economical, but limited in their

design scope. However, the introduction

of the Engineered Door turns this

narrative on its head. It can achieve

the sophisticated look of aluminium or

timber without the associated price tag,

eliminating both aesthetic and budgetary

concerns.

It also goes a step further by

incorporating design features like

bolection mouldings – decorative

enhancements that evoke the

craftsmanship of authentic timber

detailing. This enables specifiers

to choose a bespoke product that

challenges the dominance of composite

doors, while giving installers the

opportunity to upsell premium doors with

strong margins.

A door to the future

I like to think that our partnership with

RegaLead exemplifies the importance

of collaboration in innovation. But at

the end of the day, diversification is

not merely about expanding product

lines; it’s about anticipating and shaping

market trends. For fabricators and

specifiers, the adoption of premium

solutions like the Engineered Door

marks a step toward futureproofing their

businesses, by differentiating themselves

from their competitors, and meeting

the demand for high-performance,

high-quality products. We believe

diversification is not just a strategy; it

is the key to resilience and success in

2025 and beyond.

www.aluplast.co.uk

aluplast secures new seven-year social housing supply contract

Tai Tarian, one of the largest social landlords in Wales, has signed a

new seven-year supply deal with aluplast, citing excellent sustainability

credentials, quality of product, and ease of installation, as key reasons for

partnership.

“We look after 9,200 houses,” Steve Meredith, Housing Maintenance Officer

at Tai Tarian, says. “We manufacture and replace all the windows on a 25-

year programme, which means the profile and other components need to be

excellent quality. Our products also need to achieve certain criteria, such as

Secured by Design accreditation; that means that it has to pass PAS24(2022)

testing. aluplast meets all of these needs with ease. It’s tried and tested. We

completed our first five years with aluplast, which we were very happy with,

and we’ve decided to extend our next contract term to a seven-year period.”

38

38_SB0225.indd 2 03/02/2025 11:10

We’ve got just

the ace up our

sleeve you’ve

been looking

for, at this

year’s FIT Show.

WE’VE GOT

Pop along and

see what’s new

on Stand F38!

UP

COME AND VISIT US AT FIT SHOW 2025

STAND F38

The Residence Collection is the industry leading designer for flush sash,

specialising in timber alternative windows and doors for fabricators and

installers across the UK and Ireland.

trade@residencecollection.co.uk


WINDOWS, DOORS &

ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

ABSEILING AND ANTI-SOCIAL

HOURS: THE CHALLENGES OF

WINDOW REFURBISHMENT

Shoreditch refurbishment project offers significant challenges for Associated Steel

Window Services to overcome, as Specify & Build reports.

As a specialist in the art of

steel and aluminium window

refurbishment, Associated

Steel Window Services (ASWS) makes

use of multiple skills and strategies

to ensure clients’ ambitions can be

fulfilled. One such project was carried

out within London Shoreditch’s ‘Tech

City’ district, where ASWS had to work

outside of normal working hours, using

its abseiling team to address some

challenging problems affecting relatively

modern W40 windows.

The project came about after one

of the capital’s leading property

consultancies asked ASWS to conduct

a full condition survey on the building’s

1990s fenestration. Detailed paperwork,

drawings and proposed interventions

provided the basis for the eventual

tender documents and, as is often the

case with such demanding window

repair projects, ASWS was subsequently

invited to tender on the work by all four

main contractors who were bidding for

the work. The technical challenges were

further exacerbated by the pandemic

restrictions ending before work started

on site, which meant all the window

repairs had to be carried out at times

when the offices were empty of their

computer-game designers.

The very narrow pavements along one

side of the 1960s-built office block

prevented scaffolding being erected,

so ASWS had to bring in a team of

abseilers, who also undertake glazing

upgrade work, while its site engineers

addressed the repair issues from within.

ASWS Managing Director, Laura Mercer,

explains: “When the W40 series windows

were first introduced 30 years ago to

offer improved energy performance and

a more modern aesthetic, they were

‘gasket glazed’ similar to aluminium

framed systems. Unfortunately, back

in the 1980s and 1990s the in-situ

installed W40 gaskets were not

vulcanised and tended to break down

quite quickly, which has required a

complicated technique to replace them.

“What we do to mitigate the problem

now is to top cap them both inside and

out, which offers a far more effective and

enduring seal. So, on this City project,

the gaskets were actually hanging out of

the frame and, therefore, offered almost

no performance in terms of air leakage;

and the draught excluder had also

become brittle and failed.

“Our proposal was to carry out a ‘light

touch’ service and overhaul of the

various lights cleaning out the rebates

and oiling the mechanisms. Not only

were the draught excluders replaced

with contemporary alternatives, the

perished gaskets were removed and new

top cap silicone fillets, which were RAL

9005 Black to match the old gaskets,

inserted as a two-stage operation.”

ASWS’s technique was to leave the

4-20-4 sealed units in-situ and remove

the internal gasket replacing it with the

top cap silicone sealant. Once that

had dried, the procedure was repeated

externally. In addition to replacing the

half dozen glazing units which had

failed, ASWS also undertook the repair

of minor damage which had occurred

to the powder coated ironmongery and

replacement where necessary.

Despite ASWS’s interventions totalling

some five months’ works, these

weekends and other out-of-hours shifts

were spread over a whole year, with

the abseilers last to complete their

weather dependent duties. Finally, to

save the architects and other members

of the project team having to undergo

protracted training as abseilers, detailed

photographs and reports were supplied

of all the completed external window

restoration work.

A solid heritage

Among the many historic buildings

where ASWS has provided its skillset

are Woolwich Arsenal, the South Bank’s

County Hall building, The Royal Academy

of Arts, the iconic retail emporium

Whiteleys and the recently redeveloped

Battersea Power Station. Both the Royal

Academy and award-winning renovation

work on one of the Crown Estate’s most

public properties - Quadrant Arcade

on Regent Street - saw the specialist

offering advice to leading architectural

practice Barr Gazetas.

Karen Fuller of Barr Gazetas says: “We

regularly use ASWS and the project

went really well. The initial schedule of

work that they produced was incredibly

useful and detailed. It was quite a tricky

project for them and they did a good

job, especially considering the budgetary

constraints and number of windows

involved. Their advice and expertise

were very helpful, especially with the

ironmongery.”

asws.co.uk

40

40_SB0225.indd 2 30/01/2025 13:58

Passive House

Certified Door

System offering

outstanding thermal

performance

System 5-35D Hi+

Commercial Door

Diverse

Range of

Profiles

Low Air

Permeability

Performance

PAS 24

Security

Tested

For technical information or to discuss

your next project please contact us:

technicalenquiries@metaltechnology.com

Follow us on

| metaltechnology.com

Scan QR code to

view our Passive

House brochure


WINDOWS, DOORS &

ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

NELSON PLACE PUTS STUDENT

ACCOMMODATION ON

A PEDESTAL

Metal Technology’s high-performance,

architectural glazing products have

been installed in Nelson Place – Belfast’s

largest, purpose-built student

accommodation scheme to date.

Specify & Build reports.

Designed by Fletcher Joseph Associates and delivered

by Graham Construction, Nelson Place is an impressive

12-storey residential project located close to the

University of Ulster and provides a fantastic living and social

environment.

The prestigious student accommodation scheme offers 774

luxury en-suite and studio rooms, and includes a sky lounge

with panoramic city views, a bookable hosting kitchen for

dinner parties, study rooms, a cinema room and a games

room, providing students with a unique living experience which

enhances both social and academic life.

It is also home to the University of Ulster’s new, state-of-the-art

sports centre and wellbeing facilities, which comprises a spin

studio, a gym, a dedicated cardio mezzanine and a 600m 2

four-court badminton hall. It even boasts a rooftop running

track, which will be used to host wellbeing events such as

sunrise yoga and after-class circuits.

Student Roost’s Nelson Place property was designed to

meet the current building standards and is an exemplar

Purpose Built Managed Student Accommodation (PBMSA)

scheme that incorporates a zero-carbon energy strategy and

high-performance building envelope. The 245,000t 2 student

residence delivers a BREEAM Very Good and EPC A-rating

and recently picked up a Green Apple Environment Award.

Metal Technology’s architectural glazing systems were

specified for the project via approved fabricator, Turkington

Windows, delivering the necessary thermal requirements

(a U-value of 1.4w/m 2 k) across the built glazed façade and

onerous acoustic performance due to its city centre location

and nearby motorway.

Nelson Place welcomed students in September 2024, bringing

much needed, high-quality student accommodation to Belfast.

The products installed were System 17 Curtain Walling,

System 4-35 Hi+ Thermal Casement Windows, System 5-20D

Hi+ Thermal Heavy-Duty Hinged Swing Doors and System 23

Glazed-In Louvres.

The windows used a new opening mechanism to facilitate safe

operation of room ventilation for its student occupants, while

the curtain walling used a 230mm structural mullion to create a

seamless double-height retail glazing areas on the ground floor

and reception areas.

Metal Technology has vast experience in providing fenestration

solutions for student accommodation developments

throughout the UK. Further recent projects include Tribeka

Leeds – the former technology campus of Leeds University;

The Edge – a new PBSA student development located in

Belfast, Northern Ireland; and Bottleworks in Co. Cork, Ireland

– the largest property in the Novel Student portfolio, bringing

fantastic student living to these cities.

www.metaltechnology.com

42_SB0225.indd 2 31/01/2025 13:46

WE

SUPPLIERS

AND

SPECIFIERS

TOGETHER

GET YOUR FREE TICKET TO BE

PART OF FIT

NEC BIRMINGHAM•

29 APRIL - 1 MAY 2025

Scan to

register today!

fitshow.co.uk

ATTEND THE UK’S NUMBER ONE TRADE SHOW FOR THE

WINDOW, DOOR, FLAT GLASS, HARDWARE, COMPONENTS &

ROOFING INDUSTRY - MISS FIT, MISS OUT!


WINDOWS & DOORS

PRODUCTS

GLOUCESTER FARMHOUSE RECEIVES SUSTAINABLE WINDOWS AND DOORS

The Sash Window Workshop was recently contacted

to provide new timber windows and doors for a large

renovation and extension project in Gloucestershire. The

joinery needed to have a traditional appearance while

meeting modern performance standards, something that

The Sash Window Workship specialises in.

Prior to placing the order, the client visited The Sash

Window Workshop for a tour of the premises and to see

the level of care and attention to detail that goes into the

manufacturing process. They then placed an order for 21

new windows, including some bay windows, and three new

doors.

The windows and doors were manufactured by The

Sash Window Workshop to meet the customer’s exact

designs before being installed by their fitters. After the work

was completed, the client said: “We are so pleased and

happy with the end result. The windows and doors were

instrumental in the transformation of our building into a

beautiful family home.”

The Sash Window Workshop specialises in high-quality,

sustainable timber windows and doors. All its new windows

and doors are made at the company’s manufacturing

facilities in Bracknell, Berkshire, and are designed to meet

building and planning regulations while also improving

energy efficiency.

The Sash Window Workshop has more than 30 years’

experience working on a wide range of renovation,

extension, and newbuild projects. The company offers a

supply-only service nationwide, with an installation service

across London and Southern England. As well as sash

windows, it also manufactures casement windows and

external doors.

New joinery is manufactured to the highest specifications,

providing the best possible performance while combining

minimum maintenance with maximum lifespan, and

complementing the architectural style. The company uses

Accoya, which is a sustainably sourced timber known for its

stability, durability, thermal efficiency, and 50-year anti-rot

guarantee.

The Sash Window Workshop uses low-E glass to further

improve energy efficiency. FINEO glass is also available,

with a U-value roughly equivalent to triple glazing, if

required. Where necessary, the windows can comply with

conservation area and listed building regulations, including

using single-glazing or heritage slim double-glazing.

www.sashwindow.com

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 a gala dinner on 8

November in London, where Marketing Manager Keane

Grantham, and Sales & Customer Care Executive Emma

Hodges collected the award on Roseview’s behalf.

The judges praised Roseview’s ongoing commitment to

innovation and its traditional British heritage, highlighting

how the Ultimate Rose window blends classic design with

leading energy, acoustic and security performance.

Richard Burrells, Managing Director of Roseview

Windows, said: “This award 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 underpins the company’s

commitment to offering a complete range of sash windows

that cater to all project types and budget requirements.

“We’d like to send a massive thank you to all our

customers, partners and staff for supporting us and

championing the Rose Collection,” Richard continued,

“This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without

their continued trust and feedback to develop a range of

products to suit everyone’s needs.”

www.roseview.co.uk

44

44_SB0225.indd 4 03/02/2025 11:14

Make it a reality

with Reynaers.

Your vision. Our technical support.

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

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

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

friendly technical and engineering support team.

WINDOWS

DOORS

SLIDING/

FOLDING DOORS

CURTAIN

WALLS

SOLAR

SHADINGS

We are contributing to more sustainable buildings

and developing circular products. Ensuring

we reduce our ecological footprint while never

forgetting we are a caring company.

With over 50 years of

global product development,

7 testing centres worldwide,

you can be reassured with

Reynaers Aluminium.

Together for better

reynaers.co.uk/architect


WINDOWS & DOORS

PRODUCTS

STORMGUARD WINDOWS NOW SUPPLIED WITH 30-YEAR WARRANTY

NorDan UK’s StormGuard windows now have a unique

30-year warranty as standard. StormGuard features robust

internal gearing and a simple, yet innovative three-handle

tilt-and-turn locking system that makes the window safe,

secure and airtight, while still being easy to use and

maintain.

With timber at the core, like all NorDan windows,

StormGuard has signifi cantly lower embodied carbon values

than PVC alternatives, while its design helps keep homes

warmer, helping to reduce both energy bills and carbon

emissions.

Craig Greenwood, Managing Director of NorDan UK,

said: “StormGuard has become a design classic because

it looks great and works brilliantly. We know the demands

from social landlords, including low maintenance, energy

effi ciency and longevity, attributes that perfectly describe

StormGuard.”

Because of its energy effi ciency and minimal

maintenance requirements, NorDan’s StormGuard has

become increasingly popular with housing associations and

local authorities for newbuild and refurbishment projects.

StormGuard was created following traditional

Scandinavian window design. It is built from engineered

timber using advanced vacuum impregnation to maximise

durability, even from the harshest elements. It prevents

corrosion in environments by the sea or in areas with high

levels of pollution. As a result, the windows are GSB Grade

C5 Sea Proof Plus certifi ed.

The three-handle tilt and turn locking system requires

minimal maintenance. It can also be tailored for any need

via multi-sash confi gurations, such as wheelchair user

accessibility.

StormGuard’s adaptable design includes a removable

bottom handle for controlled ventilation, ensuring safety in

bedrooms, hotels, hospitals, high-rise buildings and student

accommodation projects.

nordan.co.uk/landing-pages/stormguard

ACOUSTIC CALCULATOR TURNS UP THE DIAL ON NOISE PERFORMANCE

Reynaers Aluminium has developed an Acoustic Calculator

to provide an insight into the level of noise protection

built into its window, door and curtain walling systems.

The calculator provides a seamless way to match

project specifi cations with existing test reports, with the

ability to calculate the acoustic performance of various

confi gurations for Reynaers’ systems.

Acoustic performance is a key element for all fenestration

systems, ensuring a comfortable living or working

environment, particularly in high rise or city centre projects

where design specifi cations typically require higher levels of

sound reduction.

The calculator allows Reynaers customers to outline

project requirements and modify elements used within that,

specify the system range, model, and additional product

details. This includes stipulating the total height and width,

and glass sound reduction values.

James Murray, Technical Manager at Reynaers

Aluminium UK, said: “When tackling the important issue of

noise control and supporting acoustic specifi cation from the

earliest stages, the acoustic calculator offers our customers

an intuitive online tool enabling them to compare multiple

systems and confi gurations across our range.

“The calculator’s user centric design and functionality

speeds up the process of matching project specifi cations

against Reynaers’ extensive library of tested solutions

providing support, transparency, and easy access to

technical details.”

The acoustic calculator is available to all Reynaers’

customers through the company’s customer portal. While

the tool offers a guide to acoustic performance, a detailed

analysis by an acoustics engineer will still be required for

specifi c projects.

www.reynaers.co.uk

46

46_SB0225.indd 4 31/01/2025 16:37


STERNFENSTER LAUNCHES NEW VISOFOLD 1000 SLIM ALUMINIUM BI-FOLD

Sternfenster has launched a Visofold 1000 Slim aluminium

bi-fold door from Smart Architectural Aluminium. Sightlines

of the original Visofold 1000 have been reduced by

10mm to 122mm, making the glazed area even larger for

homeowners seeking to maximise light and views.

A new Quick-Glaze Bead, featuring an integrated gasket

that can be simply tapped-in without a wedge gasket,

promises to make installations faster, reducing time spent on

site.

“The Visofold 1000 Slim is available in a range of opening

configurations to suit any application,” said Sternfenster’s

Sales Director, Nathan Court. “We know how crucial it is for

installers to be able to offer homeowners design flexibility,

so the fact that the doors can be folded internally or

externally to provide uninterrupted spans, opens the door

for installations in smaller spaces, or where space is at a

premium.”

Kitemarked and

security-tested to

the PAS24 standard,

Visofold 1000 Slim

features a thermal

break to deliver

enhanced thermal

performance and

energy efficiency.

Multipoint locking

mechanisms on the

main opening sashes ensure security, as do shootbolt locks

on the ‘floating’ mullions, with the option of either a low

or rebated threshold. The Visofold 1000 Slim is available

in a choice of colours, including dual colour and Smart’s

Sensations range of textured finishes.

This latest launch is backed by Sternfenster’s

newly launched EasyAdmin+ - an advanced business

management system developed for its customers. The

cloud-based software gives installers full control of the

quoting and delivery process. Using real-time integrated

pricing, customers can use EasyAdmin+ to quote for work

and then place the resulting order - which is automatically

programmed into Sternfenster’s manufacturing software and

sent straight to production - without having to re-enter data

or re-confirm details.

www.sternfenster.com

WINDOWS & DOORS

PRODUCTS

Beautiful Traditional Timber

Windows and Doors

Energy efficient, Accoya windows and doors for

new builds, extensions, and renovation projects.

- Supply only or supply and install.

- 50 year anti-rot guarantee.

- Sustainably sourced timber.

- Conservation Area specialists.

01344 868 668 www.sashwindow.com

47

47_SB0225.indd 5 04/02/2025 15:04


NEW PRODUCTS

NEW UNVENTED WATER HEATER RANGE FROM

RINNAI

Rinnai has introduced new unvented water heaters to

complement its existing cylinder solutions. They are

available in capacities from 80 to 500 litres and as built-in

expansion, Solar, Slimline, SuperSlimline, Horizontal, Heat

Pump and Heat Pump 28 models.

Rinnai’s Infinit-E range is an optional three-phase allelectric

water storage heater for commercial hot water

applications. All units are fitted with between one and six

titanium elements. The kW rating of the Infinit-E range is

scalable from 12kW to 72kW, ensuring that all units are

suitable for a wide variety of applications. All electrical

elements can be fitted to a single-phase supply, should site

limitations dictate. Each element within the appliance range

has its own controllable thermostat with a temperature range

of between 49 and 90 o C. All elements are fuse protected

and there is no need for sacrificial anodes due to the

stainless-steel build. The use of stainless steel also makes

the Infinit-E range lightweight and easy to manoeuvre and

handle when compared to glass-lined variants. The empty

weight of the Infinit-E is 54kg maximum.

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk

COUNTRY HARDWOOD INVESTS £700,000 IN

CUTTING-EDGE CNC MACHINERY

Country Hardwood, a leading manufacturer of bespoke

hardwood products, has announced a significant £700,000

investment in cutting-edge CNC machinery.

Established in 2007, Country Hardwood offers a

comprehensive array of hardwood joinery including

conservatories, orangeries, roof lanterns, windows and

doors. Crafted from FSC-certified hardwoods, the range

features a blend of machinery and hand finishes by a skilled

in-house team.

The new CNC machine represents a major leap forward

in Country Hardwood’s manufacturing capabilities, allowing

for intricate, computer-controlled cutting and shaping of

hardwood components. This will dramatically reduce the

potential for human error and ensure consistent, high-quality

results across all products.

For architects and developers, the investment also opens

up new possibilities in custom designs. The CNC machine’s

capabilities allow for more intricate and complex patterns,

expanding the creative options available for bespoke

projects.

Mark Osborne, Managing Director at Country Hardwood,

said: “This investment is just part of a bigger picture. We are

dedicated to providing timber products that meet the everevolving

needs of the industry, while ensuring we are able to

retain the renowned craftsmanship and attention to detail we

have become known for.”

www.countryhardwood.com

GLIDEVALE PROTECT ANNOUNCES NEW

PARTNERSHIP WITH RGB FACADES

Glidevale Protect has announced a collaborative

partnership with RGB Facades, bringing its new range

of fire-rated external wall membranes to RGB Facades’

customers. RGB Facades offers modern cladding solutions

including brick and stone, metal, decorative panels and

glass fibre-reinforced concrete – all designed to support

clients in achieving high-quality, cost-effective façades

tailored for their exact project requirements.

Glidevale Protect’s Class A2-s1, d0 fire rated external

wall membrane, Protect FrameSafe FR with its Protect FR

lap sealing tape is available as a fully fire tested system.

It will be joined by the newly launched Protect FrameSafe

5000 FR, which is manufactured with printed lap lines

and no logos, making it suitable for open façade cladding

applications while its strong UV stability means it can

withstand up to six months’ exposure during construction.

Protect FrameSafe FR and Protect FrameSafe 5000 FR

are designed for use on the external side of the frame to

integrate with façade wall structures on low, medium and

high-rise buildings over 11 or 18m.

www.glidevaleprotect.com

48

48_SB0225.indd 2 31/01/2025 16:39


HEATING &

VENTILATION

HIU INSTALLATIONS LEAD TO FREE ENERGY FOR TENANTS

Brewham Lodge in North Brewham, Somerset, is a small

estate consisting of one main house, which dates back to

the 17 th century, and three 150-year-old cottages, together

with several barns. Amber Heating of East Knoyle, Wiltshire

was brought on board to modernise the heating system for

the estate.

The Brewham Lodge cottages were modernised 15 years

ago but run on oil-fired heating, a costly heating solution with

negative environmental impact. Amber Heating approached

Altecnic to advise, design and develop an effective heat

network running off a ground source heat pump, that would

meet the requirements of residents while providing a highquality,

reliable and energy efficient solution appropriate for

21 st century living.

The original concept was to integrate domestic hot water

(DHW) storage within the network. In the majority of cases,

DHW storage has negative effects on the efficiency of a heat

network. Altecnic’s team recommended the removing of the

DHW storage and showed that the DHW requirements could

be met by the SATK20307 HIU, that has been specifically

designed for heat pump-led networks with low primary flow

temperatures.

The team calculated the typical flow and return

temperatures that could be achieved and showed the

benefits of instantaneous DHW generation over a more

traditional stored DHW solution. As a ground source heat

pump installer, this was the first time Amber Heating had

used HIUs and they benefited from the Altecnic team’s

continued advice and expertise throughout the project.

The advice and solution that the Specification Team

provided resulted in many benefits to its client, Amber

Heating, as well as the end users. The HIUs installed

provide instantaneous domestic hot water and control the

space heating, while taking up minimal space within the

cottages. Previously each cottage was costing around

£1,200 a year in fuel. Now the year-on-year savings are so

influential that tenants aren’t being asked to pay anything

by the landlord. Considering the overall product lifespan

and a highly beneficial 6.7-year Renewable Heat Incentive

payback period, the projected return on investment is a

staggering £306,118.

Bob Roddy, Managing Director of Amber Heating, said:

“We hadn’t worked with Altecnic before, but the team

offered excellent specialist advice from the start and were

able to provide the high quality and efficient systems we

needed to deliver the best solution. Using the latest heating

technology in such old buildings shows that it’s not just a

solution for newbuilds.”

www.altecnic.co.uk

DOMUS VENTILATION DUCTING TO BE MANUFACTURED WITH RECYCLED PLASTIC

UK ventilation manufacturer Domus Ventilation has

announced that its ventilation ducting will now be

manufactured primarily from recycled plastic. The company

already uses 100% recycalate on its rectangular ducting

and more than 95% of its fittings use 100% High

Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), which comes from postconsumer

recycled plastic. As part of the Genuit group,

Domus Ventilation has now progressed to manufacturing its

entire ducting range primarily from recycled plastic. This

will make Domus Ventilation ducting one of the lowest

carbon choices on the market.

Product Manager Paul Williams said: “The built

environment accounts for approximately 30% of annual

carbon emissions in the UK. While the lion’s share is

generated in the day-to-day operation of buildings, carbon

emissions embodied into buildings during manufacturing

and construction are significant. As a manufacturer

in the building sector, we fully accept our

responsibilities. Using plastic that is destined for landfill,

recycling it, and using it in our ducting is just one way

we are making our products and manufacturing more

sustainable. I would like to reassure customers that the

quality of our ducting will not be affected by this. While

colour variation is to be expected, the form, fit, function and

quality remains.”

Domus Ventilation ducting is available as flat channel,

round pipe, and Radial semi-rigid duct system and

comes with a range of problem-solving accessories. It has

been designed to work in harmony as part of a ventilation

system and has been third party tested for end-to-end

system performance.

domusventilation.co.uk

50

50_SB0225.indd 4 03/02/2025 11:26


WATER MANAGEMENT

BOOST WATER EFFICIENCY TO

TACKLE SUPPLY CHALLENGES

Efficient water

management is required

to tackle potential water

shortages. Angela Nilsson,

Divisional Managing

Director at Aquatronic

Group Management and

Stuart Turner Group,

explains.

Efficient water management has

become increasingly important in

the UK, particularly in commercial

settings, with the Environment Agency

warning of potential water shortages

in England by 2050. To prevent this,

a comprehensive approach is required

that involves strategic planning,

enhanced worker training and a focus on

innovation.

In the UK, the average daily water

consumption per person is 142 litres.

Alarmingly, 47 litres of this is wasted

due to inefficient appliances, faulty

plumbing and careless habits. This issue

is exacerbated in commercial buildings,

where up to 30% of water can be lost

due to poorly maintained and inefficient

equipment, leaks and poor process

control.

These significant figures reflect the

broader challenges the industry

has faced over the past decade,

underscoring the pressing need for

innovative solutions and the continuous

development of water management

skills.

However, maintaining older, less

efficient equipment, such as fixedspeed

pumps, can lead to increased

energy consumption and higher

long-term costs. Investing in more

energy-efficient alternatives, such as

variable-speed pumps, offers significant

long-term savings. Not only this, newer

technologies and products in this arena

can offer greater savings and a reduction

in operating issues and breakdowns

when compared to older systems that

may have become worn and outdated.

Current challenges

Water companies tend to bundle

frameworks, combining multiple

specialisms (eg, water boosting,

electrical and air conditioning) under

broader categories such as building or

facilities management. This approach,

while seemingly efficient, can lead

to a lack of specialised expertise.

Consequently, opportunities to optimise

systems or implement more modern

solutions are overlooked.

With growing budget pressures,

businesses are being compelled to

closely scrutinise their spending,

which potentially leads to deferred

maintenance and a subsequent increase

in emergency callouts. Additionally,

environmental changes such as heavy

storms, increased flooding, and periods

of drought have placed further strain on

water networks.

The need for expertise

Arguably, one of the largest obstacles

affecting the entire technical sector

is the ongoing skills shortage, which

significantly impacts how water

management is handled. The depletion

of UK engineers can be attributed to

many factors, including an outdated

perception of the role and the lack

of uptake in education. The ageing

workforce means 19.5% of engineers

currently working in the UK are also due

to retire by 2026, and will be leaving a

major experience gap.

Developing a skilled workforce is

integral to addressing the UK’s water

management challenges. This includes

understanding that each level of

expertise plays an important role in

supporting networks across the UK –

from apprenticeships to more advanced

certifications.

Innovation and taking a bespoke

approach to each project is key to

reduce energy consumption while

improving water boosting and

pressurisation levels. Asset surveys of

plant rooms can provide a healthcheck,

identifying efficiency savings and areas

for improvement.

The adoption of new products and

systems is essential if we are to push the

sector forward. This includes AI-powered

leak detection systems, smart water

meters, or water recycling technologies

such as rainwater harvesting.

www.stuart-turner.co.uk

The importance of planning

Having a consistent water supply is of

paramount importance, particularly when

it comes to critical water users or highdemand

sectors such as hospitals, care

homes, prisons, schools and universities.

Historically, the industry has focused

on extending the lifespan of water

management assets; many see this as

value for money and, understandably,

there is always pressure on minimising

capital expenditure on replacing assets if

it can be avoided.

52

52_SB0225.indd 2 31/01/2025 16:44

Registration is now live 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.

InstallerBUILD will tackle the key issues of building sustainably

and retrofitting our buildings, encouraging collaboration between

trades and specifiers as we head towards Net Zero and a more

sustainable built environment.

To register for your FREE ticket,

including FREE parking, scan the

QR code today!

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


SMART TECHNOLOGY

FUTUREPROOF NEWBUILD

DEVELOPMENTS WITH FULL FIBRE

CONNECTIVITY

Pulse Fibre explains how installing 10Gb full fibre connectivity in modern developments can

meet today’s needs while paving the way for tomorrow’s advancements.

New technologies and the increasing reliance on digital

platforms for work, education, and entertainment

underscore the need for robust and scalable

connectivity solutions in residential and commercial

developments.

As the world’s digital landscape continues to evolve, highspeed

internet connectivity is necessary. From remote working

and binge-watching Netflix to Internet of Things (IoT) devices

and cloud computing, the need for stable, high-capacity

internet is continually growing. Industry studies forecast that

global data traffic will continue to grow exponentially, driven

by the expansion of smart cities, 5G networks, and immersive

technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality.

This immense growth is placing pressure on traditional

broadband solutions, which often fall short in terms of speed,

reliability, and scalability. This is where 10Gb full fibre networks,

like those offered by Pulse Fibre, come into play, providing a

foundation that supports these increasing demands.

Full fibre connectivity

Pulse Fibre’s full fibre solutions deliver speeds beyond standard

broadband, offering impressive benefits for developers and

end-users alike. With speeds of up to 10Gbps, users can

stream, download and upload without interruptions, ensuring

lag-free experiences for bandwidth-heavy applications like

video calls, gaming, or media production.

While 10Gb fibre may exceed current requirements for many,

its ability to handle future advancements in technology makes

it a critical investment in both residential and commercial

developments. As AI-driven services, smart homes and

connected devices proliferate, this infrastructure can expand

to accommodate future demands without the need for costly

upgrades.

Fibre networks are inherently more energy efficient than

copper-based alternatives, reducing energy consumption and

contributing to sustainability goals. Developments that are

already equipped with high-quality connectivity solutions also

stand out in the market, attracting buyers and tenants who

value the benefits of high-speed internet.

Why futureproofing matters

Futureproofing a development means designing it to adapt

to evolving needs and technologies. Installing 10Gb full fibre

connectivity ensures that properties are not just meeting

current standards but are also equipped to support innovations

such as autonomous systems, smart appliances, and nextgeneration

entertainment formats. For developers, this

proactive approach translates into long-term cost savings

and increased desirability for their projects. For residents and

businesses, it guarantees an easy digital experience for years to

come.

Pulse Fibre specialises in delivering lightning-fast full-fibre

broadband to new developments, creating a strong digital

backbone for communities. By investing in advanced fibre

networks, it enables developers to offer state-of-the-art

amenities that set their properties apart from the rest.

Its high-speed internet is tailored to fit the unique needs of

each development, ensuring developments are futureproofed

with 10Gb connectivity has never been easier. Traditionally,

homeowners are required to wait for internet once they have

moved in due to requiring hardware to be delivered and waiting

for installation.

Pulse Fibre offers a temporary internet connectivity service,

Construction Mode, which is designed to provide developers

with internet access during a project’s build phase, ensuring

seamless access to meet construction requirements. This

means smart devices such as EV chargers or security systems

can be configured by developers before homeowners move in.

Once the development is complete, Pulse Fibre can activate the

internet connection with a flick of a switch, enabling immediate

internet access for new homeowners.

By choosing to invest in 10Gb full fibre solutions now,

developers can secure their projects against obsolescence,

creating spaces that cater to the demands of modern living

while remaining adaptable to tomorrow’s innovations.

Pulse Fibre’s commitment to delivering high-capacity, scalable

networks ensures that developers have a trusted partner in

navigating the rapidly evolving broadband landscape.

www.pulsefibre.co.uk

54

54_SB0225.indd 2 03/02/2025 11:29

Kubu

Kubu Smart Security

Your Front Door is Unlocked

Now

BEST COMPONENT

SUPPLIER ‘23

BEST NEW

PRODUCT ‘23

BEST WINDOW

COMPONENT ‘23

BEST DOOR

COMPONENT ‘23

BEST MARKETING

CAMPAIGN ‘22

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

sensors that fit seamlessly into your doors and windows, and

integrates with other Smart Home devices to create a next

generation perimeter alarm system that is simple to fit, and

provides added value for the fabricator, installer or property

developer with virtually no additional cost.

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

to your business:

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

Be Sure It’s Secure, with Kubu


SMART TECHNOLOGY

PRODUCTS

AICO CELEBRATES 35 YEARS OF HOME LIFE SAFETY WITH NEW LAUNCH

Aico is celebrating 35 years of innovative technology,

quality alarms and sensors. Founded in 1990, Aico has

experienced significant growth and development with a

reputation for innovation, quality and customer service.

The company’s technology offers a variety of alarms and

sensor types to ensure full-circle protection for every

home. In addition to products, Aico’s focus on education

is reflected in its multiple award-winning CPD-accredited

training courses.

Aico designs products to simplify the creation of safer

homes, such as the HomeLINK Connected Home Solution,

which has grown to connect over 451,000 devices across

the UK and 74,496 live gateway systems. These systems

aim to support landlords and protect residents.

The company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

programme, introduced in 2018, has supported more

than 16,400 students with educational visits, as well as

organising a volunteering programme that has accumulated

7,547 employee volunteering hours for 247 causes.

The company has also announced the launch of its

HomeLINK Case Management (HCM) system, designed

to address landlords’ biggest challenges in maintaining

safe and compliant homes. HCM provides landlords with

a comprehensive, intuitive solution to manage issues like

damp and mould, with plans to expand into fire and CO

compliance and decarbonisation in future updates.

HomeLINK is a leading provider of smart property

management solutions, dedicated to helping landlords

create healthier, safer living environments through advanced

technology and data-driven insights. Aico created HCM to

help property managers meet compliance requirements and

streamline complex processes.

“HCM is a direct response to the needs and concerns

of landlords, delivering a robust solution that not only

makes compliance easier but also promotes proactive

management and tenant satisfaction,” said Chris Jones,

CEO of HomeLINK.

The HomeLINK Case Management System helps

landlords identify potential property issues quickly using

data insights and resident surveys. Landlords can manage

their entire portfolio without requiring pre-installed hardware,

with task management features to ensure issues are tracked

and resolved.

Data visualisations offer insights into property conditions,

including comparisons with portfolio and national averages.

HCM also enables landlords to overlay interventions, such

as upgrades to insulation or heating, to see whether these

efforts improve outcomes over time.

The system’s comprehensive record-keeping captures

every detail of case management, from maintenance

updates to resident feedback, ensuring full transparency,

compliance and a complete audit trail for each case to

support regulatory requirements.

www.aico.co.uk

KNIGHTSBRIDGE BOOSTS CHARGING WITH POWERFUL USB SOCKET

Delivering faster and more efficient charging for modern

devices, the 13A SP Switched Socket with Dual USB-C

(65W Dual Fastcharge) from Knightsbridge is a powerful

dual socket featuring USB charging and an important

upgrade to the company’s existing 45W model.

The socket features dual USB-C outputs that can deliver

up to 65W total power. Users can charge two devices

simultaneously at 45W and 18W or power a single device,

such as a laptop, at the full 65W without any need for bulky

adaptors. At the core of the socket’s performance is GaN

(Gallium Nitride) technology, achieving over 94% efficiency

while reducing energy loss and heat.

Designed with a single pole switch, outboard rocker,

and twin earthing points, the socket has a retrofit- and

installation-friendly design to simplify upgrades without

extensive rewiring.

The 13A SP Switched Socket is available in four styles:

raised edge square, raised edge round, curved edge and

screwless designs. The socket also includes advanced

safety features such as overheat and overload protection.

www.mlaccessories.co.uk

56

56_SB0225.indd 4 03/02/2025 11:32

IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING,

HELP IS HERE!

24/7 FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORT TO ANYONE

WORKING IN CONSTRUCTION

EMOTIONAL

WELLBEING

MENTAL HEALTH

RELATIONSHIPS

LONELINESS

TRAUMA SUPPORT

BULLYING

LOSS & BEREAVEMENT

SUICIDAL THOUGHTS

PHYSICAL

WELLBEING

ILLNESS

INJURIES

ADDICTIONS

SLEEP

DIET & NUTRITION

EXERCISE

HORMONE SUPPORT

FINANCIAL

WELLBEING

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

BENEFIT ENTITLEMENT

BUDGETING

DEBT MANAGEMENT

TAX & CIS

LEGAL ADVICE

TRAINING & CSCS FEES

UK 0345 605 1956 ROI 1800 939 122

Support available in over 100 languages.

Visit lighthouseclub.org

UK Charity Registration No 1149488. ROI Charity Registration No 20200334. Company Registration No 08244118.


TIMBER

FIT OUT ELEVATES

RESTAURANT TO NEW HEIGHTS

New fine-dining destination in London, Morchella, combined historic features and

contemporary materials to create a chic dining experience. Specify & Build reports.

Located in a beautifully

restored former bank near

Exmouth Market, Morchella

is a Mediterranean-inspired

restaurant and wine bar,

offering one of the capital’s chicest

dining experiences. Perfectly combining

historic and contemporary features,

the restaurant achieves a welcoming

atmosphere where the warmth of natural

timber contrasts with the latest in solid

surface technology.

It’s a project that not only exhibits the

very best in modern hospitality design,

but also serves as a great showcase of

both the range and the breadth of James

Latham’s products and the ingenious

ways in which they can be fabricated to

achieve design perfection.

Crafting the vision

The secret of a great dining experience

is the setting, just as much as the food

and the service. To enhance Morchella’s

interiors, the owners commissioned

specialist fabricator Parker & Co Design

& Build to help bring their ambitious

multi-sensory vision to life.

In this busy restaurant, Parker & Co

knew the choice of finishes was pivotal.

That’s why they selected durable,

easy-to-clean materials that could both

withstand continuous use and pack a

visual punch.

Creative Director Tim Parker chose

James Latham’s HIMACS material

specifically for its ultra-hygienic

properties and workability alongside a

range of oak hardwood products, for

their versatility and durability. HIMACS

is a solid surface made from a blend of

75% natural mineral and pigments set

in an acrylic matrix. Sheets are worked

mostly in the same way as wood and

can be used to achieve an almost infinite

variety of designs. HIMACS can be

combined easily with other materials

such as wood and metal.

James Latham is one of the UK’s

leading independent timber, panels

and décors distributors. With a history

dating back more than 260 years, it

supplies products to a broad range

of customers from contractors and

merchants, through to designers and

makers. Lathams has its origins in timber

products, panels and doors, but has

expanded significantly over the years

and now supplies cutting-edge materials

technologies including decorative

laminates, veneers, thermoplastics and

acrylics – particularly suitable for the

commercial restaurant and retail sectors.

To help specifiers make the best and

most sustainable material choices,

Lathams has launched an online carbon

calculator that enables architects,

designers, specifiers and material users

to understand the carbon impact of

products they select. Both carbon

HIMACS was chosen as a key material on the

project in line with the owners’ desire to push the

creative boundaries, giving the space a highly

original and unusual flourish set to get diners’

tongues wagging.

58

58_SB0225.indd 4 28/01/2025 09:57


TIMBER

footprint and biogenic carbon content is

shown on Lathams’ key documentation

such as quotations, delivery notes

and invoices, meaning users can fully

understand the carbon impact of the

products they choose.

Operating from 12 branches throughout

the UK and Ireland, James Latham

works with construction professionals,

designers, architects and more, enabling

the most demanding designs and

construction projects to become reality.

Pushing the boundaries

HIMACS was chosen as a key material

on the project in line with the owners’

desire to push the creative boundaries,

giving the space a highly original and

unusual flourish set to get diners’

tongues wagging.

Morchella’s tables feature 86 unique,

hidden drawers with cutlery inserts

sculpted from HIMACS. To achieve this,

Parker & Co laminated 12mm Terrazzo

Classico on top of 20mm Alpine White to

create a 32mm block before carving out

spaces for the cutlery. This experimental

approach produced a distinctive

design that exceeded the fabricator’s

expectations.

Ensuring thematic continuity was crucial,

so seven sheets of Terrazzo Classico

were used to create four round dining

tables and three large waiters’ station

worktops, adding elegance. For tonal

contrast, three sheets of muted HIMACS

Maui were used for three different

waiters’ stations, further enhancing the

visual interest of the interiors.

Natural elements

Solid and veneered oak, as well as

maple, was specified liberally throughout

Morchella, achieving an attractive

organic quality to complement the use

of HIMACS. The cabinetry, tables and

bar tops feature rich, honeyed hardwood

tones, contributing to the overall

ambiance of the restaurant.

Solid oak provided a sturdy and timeless

foundation, while the veneered oak

offered a refined finish, maintaining the

wood’s natural beauty and supporting

the Mediterranean theme. Maple, known

for its durability and smooth finish,

contributed an extra layer of style and

sophistication, without compromising on

required performance.

Ultimately, the interplay between the

natural timber and HIMACS showcases

how modern and traditional can merge

for truly striking results.

Tim Parker, Creative Director at Parker

& Co Design & Build, says: “We strive

to create spaces that not only impress

visually but also function seamlessly for

our clients and end-users. It was a joy

to work with James Latham throughout

this process. Their consultancy was

invaluable, especially in the ingenuity

needed to work with HIMACS in a new

way.

“Such a great material that allowed us,

through creative solutions, to produce

something truly unique. Not only that,

the quality and finish of its sustainably

sourced hardwoods and veneers

are second to none. When you see

the finished space and the seamless

dialogue achieved between these

materials, I think the results speak for

themselves.”

www.lathamtimber.co.uk

59

58_SB0225.indd 5 28/01/2025 09:57


TIMBER PRODUCTS

TAYLOR LANE TIMBER FRAME RETAINS STA

GOLD ASSURE

Taylor Lane Timber Frame has secured STA Gold Assure

membership for another year. This demonstrates the

manufacturer’s continued commitment to superior quality

and performance through conformity and compliance.

Taylor Lane is a long-standing member of the Structural

Timber Association. In recent years, the timber frame

manufacturer has held the highest level of membership,

STA Gold Assure.

This membership level confirms Taylor Lane Timber

Frame holds the relevant accreditations or standards and is

Site Safe fire compliant, uses STA Installer Training Scheme

(ITS) certified and competent erector/installer companies,

holds Conformity compliance (for components), is subject

to STA Assure third-party assessment 85% + assessment

score, and utilises STA Gold/Silver Assure designers (or

equivalent standard).

To retain its STA membership, Taylor Lane is subject to

an annual assessment by the Structural Timber Association.

In holding this certification, Taylor Lane also has the

necessary accreditation to comply with the Construction

Products Regulation, plus relevant and applicable

construction product conformity compliance. CE/UKCA

marking of products (where applicable) is a condition of STA

membership.

www.taylor-lane.co.uk

CORDEK EXPANDS ITS PORTFOLIO WITH NEW

ENGINEERED WOOD CAPABILITIES

Bespoke formwork solutions provider Cordek has acquired

the assets of Cambian Engineering Solutions. This sees

members from the engineered wood specialist join the

Cordek team, bringing decades of experience in delivering

innovative wood structures.

Cordek is known for its bespoke Expanded Polystyrene,

model board and Glass Reinforced Plastic Infrastructure

and Superstructure formwork, as well as patterns and

moulds for off-site construction. Now, with the addition

of engineered wood to its portfolio, Cordek can deliver

integrated and optimised solutions, using the best possible

materials for every application. This will also provide

customers with the benefits of a single source of supply for

bespoke formwork, patterns and moulds as well as finished

architectural features in engineered wood.

The acquisition will also complement and strengthen

Cordek’s existing Computer Aided Design and Computer

Aided Manufacture capabilities to efficiently deliver

everything from simple components to complex assemblies,

based on the requirements of the project.

www.cordek.com

GREY EXTERIOR CLADDING OFFERS A TOUCH

OF THE ARCTIC FOR SPECIFIERS

Lunawood has introduced a new range of grey exterior

cladding products to its Lunawood Collection.

The Lunawood Collection offers a comprehensive range

of premium, chemical-free wood products for modern

architecture and design. Crafted in Finland, Lunawood’s

tongue-and-groove cladding products, batten profiles,

and decking boards enable creative wooden surfaces and

structures in a truly sustainable manner.

As well as the established caramel brown Lunawood

profiles, the Lunawood Collection 2025 has introduced an

instant grey product family called Luna Arctic, designed

to achieve a uniform grey exterior cladding finish that

resembles naturally weathered wood and is also highly

suitable for interior use.

Also new for 2025, Lunawood’s Luna Panel System

product family has also seen minor changes being made,

offering five high-quality panel products, all of different

sizes, that can be combined to create unique and attractive

wooden surfaces. Lunawood Decking products are installed

using a hidden fixing system, ensuring a clean-cut end

result without visible screw holes. To simplify the installation

process, new installation boxes have been introduced

containing 100 pieces of both Profix fixing clips and

stainless steel screws.

lunawood.com

60

60_SB0225.indd 2 03/02/2025 11:38

THE FUTURE IS

GOLDEN!

WITH PREMIUM

GOLD BATTEN

Don’t forget to protect your

batten end cuts with...

BATTEN SHIELD

• Makes batten cut ends complaint with BS 5534

• Prevents water damage

• 0% VOCs

* Relevant standards: BS 8417:2011 (Preservation of Timber) and BS 5534:2014+A2:2018

*Third party accreditation regularly audited by CATG (UKAS Accredited) to ensure continued

and consistent application of British Standards.

• Visually graded roofing

battens

• Fully compliant to all

relevant standards*

• Third party accreditation*

• Available in 25mm x

38mm / 50mm

Did you know SR Timber can also supply...

Graded Carcassing

OSB

Cedar Shingles

01623 446 800 | www.sr-timber.co.uk

SRTA0724 V2 | © SR Timber 2024. All rights reserved. The information contained in this document

is believed to be correct at the date of publication. Images shown are for illustration purposes only.


FUTUREBUILD PREVIEW

FUTUREBUILD: A CRUCIAL EVENT

FOR SPECIFIERS IN THE BUILT

ENVIRONMENT

Futurebuild is celebrating its 20 th anniversary in 2025 by celebrating the future of

sustainable design and construction. Here, we look at what visitors to the event will see.

As Futurebuild celebrates 20

years of leading innovation

and collaboration, the

2025 edition is built around

its core theme: Impact.

The event will run from 4-6 March

at Excel London and is an essential

platform where specifiers can discover

innovations that directly address the

challenges of modern construction, from

reducing carbon emissions to meeting

regulatory demands and integrating new

technologies. With access to thought

leadership, practical solutions, and

pioneering products, it’s designed to

be the go-to event for those shaping

sustainable building practices and

delivering results that matter.

Futurebuild 2025 will play host to

a diverse range of exhibitors and

products focused on transforming the

built environment. You can engage

with leaders in sustainability like

Adaptavate, pioneers in carbon-negative

technologies, and E.ON, delivering

cutting-edge energy solutions for homes

and businesses.

You can also discover innovative

materials with Sunamp, known for

its thermal storage technology, and

Milbank Concrete Products, a specialist

in precast solutions that enhance

energy efficiency. Soprema, a leader

in waterproofing and insulation, and

Geocel, providing high-performance

sealants, will also showcase practical

solutions to today’s construction

challenges.

The Innovation Trail

The Innovation Trail connects visitors

with forward-thinking exhibitors

championing sustainability and

innovation. Companies such as

Heidelberg Materials UK, innovators in

sustainable building solutions, and LKAB

Minerals, experts in industrial minerals,

will present groundbreaking technologies

that address evolving industry demands.

For specifiers, the trail offers direct

access to products and materials that

can make projects more sustainable and

cost-effective.

The Big Innovation Pitch

Returning for another year, The Big

Innovation Pitch will see three shortlisted

finalists presenting their innovations

live to a panel of judges chaired by Dr

Oliver Jones, Associate Director for

Sustainability and Innovation at Cundall.

Impact 20x20

New for 2025, the Impact 20x20: Call

for Papers invites visionaries to share

bold, innovative ideas through dynamic

Pecha Kucha-style presentations.

These fast-paced sessions are part of

the Knowledge Programme, offering

attendees a glimpse into the future of

sustainable design and construction and

presenting an opportunity to spotlight

transformative research and solutions.

Spanning the exhibition is the CPDaccredited

Knowledge Programme,

62

62_SB0225.indd 6 31/01/2025 16:47


FUTUREBUILD PREVIEW

which includes The Futurebuild Arena,

fi ve Impact Stages and the National

Retrofi t Conference and Expo.

The Futurebuild Arena

The Futurebuild Arena programme

focuses on three pivotal themes:

• Circularity and Reuse: Strategies

for embedding circular principles in

design and construction.

• Sustainability and Social Justice:

Exploring the intersection of

environmental goals and equity.

• Making It Happen: Practical

steps for achieving these ambitious

objectives.

Each session aims to equip specifi ers

with the tools and knowledge to meet

their climate targets while delivering

socially responsible projects.

The Five Impact Stages

Designed to provide deep dives into

sector-specifi c topics, the Impact Stages

present expert-led sessions and panel

discussions tailored for the needs of

architects, engineers, and specifi ers.

• Buildings Impact Stage

(sponsored by HG Matthews):

Explore pathways to designing netzero,

climate-resilient buildings.

Sessions include insights from partners

like Passivhaus Trust and UKGBC,

with topics ranging from modular

construction innovations to compliance

with the Future Homes Standard.

• Materials Impact Stage

(sponsored by Aggregate

Industries):

Focused on sustainable material

selection, this stage addresses issues

like traceable supply chains and waste

minimisation. Impact partners such as

The Concrete Centre and Built By Nature

share actionable guidance for specifying

greener materials.

• Placemaking Impact Stage:

Beyond individual buildings, this stage

highlights the creation of vibrant,

connected communities that align with

sustainability goals. Partners including

the Urban Design Group and Landscape

Institute contribute practical knowledge

on enhancing placemaking.

• Energy Impact Stage (sponsored

by Kensa):

With decarbonisation high on the

agenda, this stage explores integrating

renewable energy systems into projects.

Discussions feature partners like CIBSE

and the Sustainable Energy Association,

covering topics such as heat pumps,

solar solutions, and thermal storage.

• FutureX Digital Disruptors

Impact Stage:

Discover how digital technology can

transform construction, driving effi ciency

and sustainability. This stage explores

advancements in AI, BIM, and other

innovations.

The National Retrofit Conference &

Expo

For specifi ers involved in retrofi tting, the

co-located National Retrofi t Conference

& Expo is a must-attend. Sponsored by

Sustainable Building Services, it spans

three days of curated content. It will

focus on scaling retrofi t ambitions and

overcoming industry barriers, as well

as empahsising how cities and regions

can be transformed through retrofi tting.

Days one and two have content curated

by Retrofi t Academy CIC, while day

three will see the National Retrofi t Hub

taking the lead with a range of expert-led

sessions.

New for 2025, The National Retrofi t

Expo will showcase innovative products

and solutions making retrofi t possible,

from exhibitors like Trustmark, q-bot,

and E.ON. Attendees can also witness

the Big Retrofi t Challenge, where six

shortlisted innovators will pitch their

transformative ideas to tackle retrofi t

challenges.

For specifi ers, Futurebuild 2025

represents:

• Product Discovery: Evaluate the

latest materials, technologies, and

solutions tailored to sustainable

construction.

• Networking Opportunities:

Connect with thought leaders,

manufacturers, and peers to

exchange ideas and forge

partnerships.

• Knowledge Sharing: Gain insights

from leading experts on carefully

curated topics.

Martin Hurn, Event Director, says:

“Futurebuild isn’t just an event; it’s a

catalyst for change. For specifi ers,

it’s the ideal platform to connect with

forward-thinking brands and explore

innovations that make a real impact.”

Plan Your Visit

Whether you are seeking inspiration for

your next project or practical solutions

to current challenges, Futurebuild 2025

is the event that empowers specifi ers to

shape the future of the built environment.

With a focus on actionable insights,

groundbreaking technologies, and

collaborative opportunities, the event

ensures attendees leave equipped to

drive progress in their projects and

across the industry.

Scan the QR code to

register for your ticket to

Futurebuild

63

62_SB0225.indd 7 31/01/2025 16:47


CASE STUDIES

MOUNT PLEASANT PROJECT REQUIRED KEYFIX’S PINNACLE OF CAVITY TRAYS

A major newbuild construction project in the heart of

London, Mount Pleasant required Keyfix’s A1 fire-rated

Non-combustible Cavity Tray System (NCCT) to ensure it

was future-proofed for many years to come.

The £45 million project, overseen by main contractor and

developer McAleer & Rushe, involved the transformation

of the former Royal Mail Mount Pleasant sorting office in

Farringdon, London, into 131 new mixed-tenure residential

apartments across three blocks, varying in heights of four,

eight, and 10 storeys. The development also includes

external communal spaces, cycle storage, car park spaces,

and a wellness centre.

Speed of installation was imperative, and Keyfix’s

expertise and proven Pre-Formed Corner units were

required from Phase Two of the project. Keyfix supplied

2,400m of its NCCT, including 1,830 pre-formed Corner

Units and 9,500 Non-combustible Weeps. Keyfix’s sister

company Keystone Lintels also provided Non-combustible

Cavity Tray Lintels (NCCTL).

Keyfix’s A1 fire-rated NCCT was chosen as it exceeds the

current building regulations and does not contribute to fire

loading. The enduring quality of the stainless steel ensures

the system typically outlasts the lifespan of the building.

The build was designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very

Good’ rating and a Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4

certification, so Keyfix’s NCCT was the ideal choice as it

is manufactured from Grade 304 austenitic stainless steel,

which is 100% recyclable. It is also designed so that the

stainless steel tray is self-supporting across the cavity.

keyfix.com

SANIFLO’S SANIPLUS UP FACILITATES GARDEN RETREAT BY SHACK CABINS

Thanks to a Saniplus UP from Saniflo, a new garden retreat

in the capital has been elevated to a new level of comfort

and convenience. The solution, chosen for a customer by

former DJ and TV presenter Sam Pinkham, owner of Shack

Cabins, facilitated the luxury of a fully functional WC in a

stylish garden office and leisure space.

The garden building, which was supplied and built by

Shack Cabin, sits slightly below the level of the main house,

presenting a challenge for traditional waste drainage. The

quiet Saniplus UP macerator system provided an ideal

solution, efficiently pumping waste to the main soil stack.

Installed discreetly behind a demountable panel, the unit

is hidden, yet accessible for maintenance. This seamless

integration means visitors to the space would never know it

was there.

The Saniplus UP, part of Saniflo’s macerator range, is

designed for use with a full bathroom suite. It offers robust

performance and quiet operation, with a powerful motor

capable of pumping waste up to 5m vertically or 100m

horizontally, making it suitable for projects where gravity

drainage isn’t an option. Its compact design and nearsilent

operation make it a practical and discreet solution for

challenging installations.

The customer’s garden shack now serves as both an

office and a relaxation area, complete with the modern

convenience of a private WC thanks to the versatile and

practical Saniflo solution.

www.saniflo.co.uk

64

64_SB0225.indd 4 31/01/2025 16:51

Join over 18,000 industry

influencers with the

power to change the

future of the built

environment.

Shape the future of the built environment

with the industry’s brightest minds. At

Futurebuild, you’ll discover cutting-edge

solutions, collaborate with innovators,

and gain insights from leaders driving

real change. Whether you’re looking to

make an impact on sustainability,

innovation, or collaboration, this is your

chance to be part of the movement

towards a net-zero future.

Register today

www.futurebuild.co.uk


CASE STUDIES

SMART FLOORING SOLUTION ENHANCES KITCHEN REFURBISHMENT

Setcrete Level-Smart floor levelling compound has been

used to deliver a super-smooth floor prior to the installation

of vinyl floorcoverings as part of a fast-track kitchen

refurbishment at a residential property in Rugby.

James Peck Property Services were contracted to

undertake the project from conception to completion,

including removing and replacing previous flooring. The first

step was to use Setcrete Rapid Repair mortar to fill a deep

channel left behind where a gas main had been excavated

to make room for a new appliance, as well as other minor

surface defects.

Setcrete Rapid Set Repair Mortar was selected as it’s

an easy-to-use, single component mortar for conducting

non-structural repairs to a wide range of damaged or worn

concrete surfaces. It is mixed with water and applied with a

trowel to horizontal or vertical surfaces. Resistant to moisture

and frost, it is suitable for use in both internal and external

settings and is walk-on hard in just 60 minutes.

James Peck Property Services then applied Setcrete

Level-Smart throughout the entire area to create a smooth

surface for the receipt of floorcoverings. The water-mix

product can be applied over old adhesive residues left

behind following the removal of the original floorcoverings.

In such situations, there is no need to prime beforehand,

saving further time and expense. Areas without adhesive

residues were primed with Setcrete acrylic primer

beforehand.

Fast-setting and fast-drying, Setcrete Level-Smart is walk-

on hard in as little as 60 minutes after application and ready

to receive floorcoverings from just four hours.

James Peck said: “We opted to use Setcrete Level-Smart

in this situation as we were working over old adhesive

residues and it speeds up the process. We were impressed

with how easy Setcrete Rapid Repair Mortar was to use and

how quickly it set.”

www.setcrete.co.uk

FUTUREPROOFING NEW HOMES AS PART OF A REGENERATION PROJECT

Keyfix has been working with Ardmore Construction on

the Kidbrooke Station Square regeneration project. The

£100m newbuild development includes 413 new homes

in six residential blocks, each requiring brick trays and

corner units/reveals. Developed by Notting Hill Genesis,

with main contractor Ardmore Construction, Glen Howells

Architects, and brickwork contractor Kegel Construction,

the residential buildings will sit within six new blocks that

feature brick-built facades.

The first phase of the £100m build also incorporates

public amenities, a new public square and an improved

transport hub connecting Kidbrooke Station and local bus

services.

Ardmore Construction required a third-party certified,

high-quality, and trusted A1 fire rated Non-combustible

Cavity Tray System (NCCT) to exceed current building

regulations, prevent moisture ingress and enhance fire

safety.

One of the main challenges in this project was the high

number of corners and reveals close to the external wall

build-up. To decongest the slab edge, Keyfix supplied a

myriad of pre-formed Pier Units, removing the need for site

forming products and helping achieve uncompromised

quality and safety. The pre-formed Pier Units allowed for a

more efficient and effective installation of the product and

faster construction. Furthermore, this robust system ensures

that water is expelled back out of the building, ensuring that

the building is damp-proofed.

Keyfix was specified due to having a BBA Certified NCCT

system that exceeds current regulations, provides a superior

level of fire safety, and effectively prevents moisture ingress.

Working closely with Ardmore Construction, Keyfix

designed and supplied 4,500 metres of its Non-combustible

Cavity Tray System, which encompassed 3,700 Corner

Units and Reveals, pre-formed Pier Units, and 14,000 Noncombustible

Weeps across all six residential blocks.

keyfix.com

66

66_SB0225.indd 4 31/01/2025 16:53

Advertise your products

and services to

18,800

(10,300 print, 8,500 digital)

SCAN HERE

for more information

and to view

our media pack

specifiers working on

current projects with

Specify & Build magazine

\

UPCOMING FEATURES

March

>> Housing

>> Hospitals & Health Care

>> Roofing & Cladding

>> Kitchens, Bathrooms & Washrooms

>> Heating, Plumbing & Ventilation

>> Security & Fire Protection

April

>> Commercial & Retail

>> Hotels & Leisure

>> Windows, Doors & Entrance Systems

>> Insulation & Acoustics

>> Bricks, Blocks & Lintels

>> Exhibition Preview - FIT Show

Feature in our fortnightly e-newsletter delivered to

8,500 inboxes, plus our regularly updated website

Working alongside

To discuss an upcoming campaign, contact Jake Roxborough

jake@mappedout.media

07482 181961

www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

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.

94/3055

For more information email us at

enquires@onduline.net

or scan the QR code.

www.onduline.co.uk

February 2025

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template ?