Specify & Build April 2025

April 2025

www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

Exploring practical solutions for today’s built environment challenges

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01_SB0425.indd 1 28/03/2025 11:59

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www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ April 2025

APRIL 2025

LETTER FROM

THE EDITOR

EDITOR

SALES

PUBLISHING

DIRECTOR

DESIGN &

MARKETING

MANAGER

ACCOUNTS &

CIRCULATION

THE TEAM

JENNIE WARD

T: 07971 968611

E: jennie@mappedout.media

JIM MOORE

T: 07414 237 853

E: jim@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’s ambitious target to build 1.5 million homes

by 2029 has ushered in signifi cant planning reforms

aimed at addressing the housing crisis. These include

reintroducing mandatory housing targets for councils,

prioritising brownfi eld development, and making it

easier to build on so-called ‘greybelt’ land.

As the construction industry responds to these reforms, it

is imperative for specifi ers to prioritise sustainability from the

outset. Embracing a fabric-fi rst approach – focusing on the

building envelope to enhance energy effi ciency before considering

mechanical systems – is essential. This strategy involves selecting

high-performance insulation, windows, and doors, ensuring

airtightness, and minimising thermal bridging. By optimising the

building fabric energy consumption is reduced, leading to lower

carbon emissions, reduced operational costs and lower energy

bills.

A holistic view of energy effi ciency encompasses not only the

building’s design and materials, but also the use of renewable

energy sources and sustainable technologies. Specifi ers should

work closely with the entire building and construction supply chain

to implement solutions that align with the UK’s net-zero-carbon

objectives. This includes considering the full lifecycle of materials

used, promoting the use of low-carbon and recycled products,

and ensuring that new homes are futureproof and prepared for the

future climate challenges we may face.

These latest planning reforms give us a unique opportunity to

reshape the UK’s housing landscape, both in newbuild properties

and when retrofi tting the existing housing stock. By championing

sustainability and adopting a fabric-fi rst, holistic approach to

energy effi ciency, specifi ers can lead the way in delivering homes

that are not only abundant and affordable, but also resilient and

environmentally responsible.

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 from SIG Roofing offers a

comprehensive range of solutions for the

refurbishment and maintenance of flat and pitched

roofs, or for the laying of a new flat roof. Whether

applying EPDM, liquid roofing or GRP systems,

there is a solution for all requirements. See p12 to

find out more.

3

03_SB0425.indd 1 28/03/2025 14:32

16

26

22

32

CONTENTS

06. News

10. News Focus: Designing for Net Zero and beyond

14. New Products

COMMERCIAL & RETAIL

16. Tiles are a sound investment for Howdens

18. Sustainable envelope supports Net Zero logistics

20. Commercial & Retail Products

22. A high-spec deployment of Ejot ColorFast

HOTELS & LEISURE

26. The beauty of bespoke showering solutions

28. Keeping fit for the future with door hardware

30. Custom metalwork elevates country Inn

SPECIFIERS’ GUIDE: MARMOX

32. Everything you need to know about Marmox

– the British company that provides highquality

insulation and waterproofing products

for the construction and refurbishment

industries

4

04-05 SB0425 Contents 2 26/03/2025 16:15

60

44

62

46

WINDOWS, DOORS & ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

38. ‘Get the retrofit right’ to improve the UK’s social

housing

40. FIT Show exhibition preview

44. Louvres are all around

46. Fighting back against a challenging market in

2025

48. Windows, Doors & Entrance Systems Products

50. Building a sustainable future through

architectural glazing

BRICKS, BLOCKS & LINTELS

54. Mortar supports classic brick look for London

residence

56. Look at the bigger picture to make a sustainable

choice

INSULATION & ACOUSTICS

60. Sustainability credentials hit the right note

62. More education needed around ventilation

64. Case Studies

5

04-05 SB0425 Contents 3 26/03/2025 16:15

April 2025 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

LATEST NEWS

NEWS \\ INDUSTRY UPDATES

Government invests to plug construction skills gap

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has

announced £600m-worth of investment

to train up to 60,000 more skilled

construction workers in an attempt to

plug the construction skills gap and

boost housebuilding.

She said: “We are determined to get

Britain building again...but none of this is

possible without the engineers, brickies,

sparkies and chippies to actually get the

work done.”

The latest Office for National Statistics

figures show more than 35,000 job

vacancies, with employers reporting that

over half can’t be filled due to a lack of

required skills.

The funding announced will see

£100m invested in 10 new Technical

Experience Colleges and £165m to

help colleges deliver more construction

courses. Skills Bootcamps will also be

expanded, with £100m funding to ensure

new entrants, returners or those looking

to upskill are able to do so.

Local Skills Improvement Plan areas

Head of New Build and

Architecture for Westwood

Cold-applied liquid roofing and

waterproofing manufacturer

WestWood has appointed a Head of

New Build and Architecture.

Suffolk-based Luis Ramos,

originally from Portugal, brings a

wealth of experience in the flat

roofing industry. He has held key

technical and sales positions at

leading waterproofing manufacturers

and suppliers across the UK,

growing business operations and

establishing long-term partnerships

with contractors and architects.

will receive £20m to form partnerships

between colleges and construction

companies to boost the number of

teachers.

Education Secretary Bridget

Phillipson said: “Skills are crucial to

this government’s mission to grow the

economy and nowhere is that clearer

than in the construction industry. We are

being held back by the large-scale skills

Factory investment brings more

plasterboard to the UK

Etex has officially opened an expanded

plasterboard production facility in

Bristol. This £170m investment

has resulted in Etex’s most efficient

plasterboard production line in Europe in

terms of line size, speed and complexity.

The site will produce plasterboard for

the Siniat brand, allowing the business

to produce more than 98% of its

portfolio of boards in the UK.

Increasing local production gives

Etex greater flexibility and allows for

significant carbon savings by decreasing

the need to transport boards from other

countries, the company says.

The new site is a zero waste to

landfill plant and part of Etex’ strategic

sustainability roadmap which, in the

UK, includes rainwater harvesting and

increasing its product recycled content

year-on-year. Etex’s plasterboards

contain from 23% up to 45% recycled

content.

John Sinfield, UK & Ireland Country

Manager, said: “The new Bristol plant

expansion is proof of Etex’s strong

footprint in Europe and its commitment

shortages in the construction sector.”

In August 2025, construction will

be one of the sectors that will see new

apprenticeships, backed by an additional

£40m in funding, with employers

receiving £2,000 for every foundation

apprentice they take on and retain in

the construction industry, on top of

fully funding training costs through the

Growth and Skills Levy.

to continually investing in innovation.

This will give our UK customers

additional confidence that we are ready

for market recovery and able respond to

increases in demand, in line with wider

Governmental drives.”

6

06_SB0425 2 26/03/2025 16:20

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


LATEST NEWS


Government outlines new planning reforms

The UK government has introduced

the Planning and Infrastructure Bill,

which aims to accelerate housebuilding,

streamline planning processes, and

speed up delivery of major construction

projects across the country.

Published on 11 March, a key

element of the Bill is the overhaul of

the planning system for Nationally

Significant Infrastructure Projects

(NSIPs), intended to make it quicker

and easier deliver critical infrastructure

projects. The legislation requires

National Policy Statements (NPS)

to be reviewed at least every five

years, ensuring they remain up

to date with policy and legislative

changes. The application process for

major infrastructure projects will be

streamlined, making pre-application and

acceptance stages more efficient. The

Secretary of State will also gain powers

to direct certain projects through

alternative consenting routes where

appropriate. Local authorities involved

in NSIPs will now be required to follow

guidance from the Secretary of State,

ensuring greater consistency in planning

decisions.

The Bill also includes significant

reforms aimed at accelerating

housebuilding. Local planning

authorities will be granted new powers

to set planning fees and, to improve

decision-making, the Bill mandates that

planning committee members undergo

formal training. A national scheme

of delegation will be introduced to

clarify which planning functions should

be handled by officers rather than

committees.

Environmental considerations

are also being addressed, with the

introduction of a nature restoration levy

to fund Environmental Delivery Plans

(EDPs). These plans, prepared by

Natural England, will outline required

conservation measures for protected

sites and species. Developers will have

the option to pay into the levy instead

New ladder CPD for specifiers

Premier Loft Ladders has announced a

new CPD – ‘Specifying Loft Ladders’.

This RIBA-approved CPD is designed

to provide architects and designers with

all the information they need to specify

the most suitable loft ladder for their

project.

With a greater focus on fireprotection

and environmental

performance of buildings, identifying the

correct loft ladder has become much

harder.

Getting the specification right will

improve the health and safety of building

occupants, while ensuring suitable fireprotection

is maintained and costs are

kept to a minimum.

The seminar explores the types

of loft ladder available and the

applicable industry standards and

building regulations. It also covers

important considerations such as

identifying who will be using the ladder,

critical dimensions, environmental

performance, fire safety and security.

www.premierloftladders.co.uk/cpd

of conducting individual environmental

assessments.

Compulsory purchase laws will also

be reformed to facilitate public-sectorled

development. The Bill simplifies

procedures for issuing notices, expands

the use of electronic delivery, and

accelerates land acquisition. Reforms to

compensation rules will remove “hope

value” in some cases, particularly for

affordable housing projects.

As well as planning and infrastructure

reforms, the Bill introduces financial

incentives for communities near major

energy projects. Households located

close to new or upgraded electricity

pylons may receive annual energy bill

discounts of up to £250 for 10 years,

funded by energy companies. This is

designed to reduce local opposition

to the large-scale renewable energy

projects that are essential for meeting

the UK’s 2030 clean power targets. A

community fund will also be established

to support local initiatives.

8

08-09_SB0425 2 26/03/2025 16:22



Skills shortage is affecting heat pump installations

A national skills shortage in the HVAC,

heat pump installation and wider UK

energy industry is a growing issue

that needs close attention as it could

have a very serious impact on net zero

objectives, according to Rinnai’s Tony

Gittings.

Tony said: “The skills shortage affects

two key areas that are vital components

of the drive towards UK carbon

neutrality. Progress in domestic and

commercial heat pump installations, as

well as large infrastructure projects, is

being negatively influenced by a lack of

trained professionals.”

The number of qualified heat pump

engineers increased from just 3,000

in 2022 to 7,800 in 2023. In the

first nine months of 2024 a further

7,000 had completed a recognised

qualification, but for the UK to realise

its net zero objectives the UK Heat

Pump Association estimates that a total

of 33,700 fully approved heat pump

engineers is needed – with at least

27,000 by 2028.

A lack of domestic demand is

also having an impact on the market.

Charlotte Lee, Chief Executive of the

Heat Pump Association, has warned

that increased consumer demand

is needed “to encourage trained

individuals to become active in the

workforce”.

Additional factors that have

influenced heat pump workforce size

projections include poor government

support, retirement and senior heating

engineers being reluctant to retrain.

Tony continued: “There are many

obstacles in attracting qualified UK heat

pump engineers and, in the heat pump

market, that makes for problematic

installations.

“Suspending or even cancelling large

infrastructural projects due to a lack of

recognised skilled labour is arguably a

bigger challenge than attracting heat

pump engineers. Huge electrical grid

upgrade projects face being postponed

due to a gap in skilled workers able

to carry out required tasks. There are

numerous projects across the UK that

centre on upgrading the electrical

transmission grid.”

To satisfy future electrical supply

and demand, the UK National Grid

has announced plans for the ‘Great

Grid Upgrade’ to adapt the Grid ready

for the transition from fossil fuels to

electrification. This will include grid

connections to offshore wind and rural

solar installations that allows for the

easy transfer of renewable power to all

corners of Britain.

The UK Government is committed to

decarbonising the UK electrical grid by

2030, hence the huge levels of labour

and financial investment but, for all this

work to be completed, a well-motivated

and professional workforce is essential.

A workforce survey carried out by the

Prospect public and private sector trade

union shows 82% of workers inside the

electrical sector believe staffing levels

are too low, while 69% believe there is a

tangible skills shortage.

Tony concluded: “For the UK to

encourage domestic and commercial

heat pump installation as well as

complete large and meaningful

infrastructure jobs, a well-motivated and

professional workforce must be in place.

Without a skilled selection of workers,

the UK will find progress in achieving net

zero targets substantially harder and the

switch away from fossil fuels much more

difficult. Training a new generation of

engineers is integral to creating growth.”

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk

LATEST NEWS

Vent-Axia football tournament

supports Cancer Research UK

Vent-Axia brought 70 leading building

design professionals to London for a

Charity Powerleague five-a-side Football

Tournament in aid of Cancer Research

UK, raising £1,625 for the charity.

Hosted at Powerleague in

Shoreditch, eight teams battled

it out in a five-hour fiercely

contested tournament, representing

Chapmanbdsp, XCO2, WSP, WP3,

Etch Associates, Cudd Bentley,

Bryden Wood, and Vent-Axia. Cudd

Bentley finally lifted the trophy, while

Chapmanbdsp secured the Plate after a

hard-fought match against runners-up

Vent-Axia.

Shaan Patel, Cudd Bentley’s team

captain, said: “It was a fantastic day,

bringing together industry colleagues

in a fun and competitive setting while

raising money for Cancer Research UK.

A huge thank you to Vent-Axia.”

Alongside the on-pitch action, Vent-

Axia ran an exclusive auction to further

support the charity before hosting a

barbecue for all involved.

In the last 50 years, Cancer

Research UK has helped double survival

in the UK. Fundraising spokesperson

Sharon Baldwin said: “Thanks to the

dedication and generosity of supporters

like Vent-Axia, for over 120 years we’ve

been making discoveries that have

saved countless lives, and which benefit

millions of people around the world. We

can’t thank Vent-Axia enough.”

Promat secures

gold certification

Passive fire protection specialist Promat

has secured Indoor Air Comfort Gold

certification in Eurofins VOC testing to

demonstrate its fire protection boards

support a healthy indoor environment

and sustainability-led building design.

All Promat’s standard calcium silicate

and mineral bound fire protection

boards have now been certified under

the global scheme that measures

emissions of volatile organic compounds

(VOCs) to prove the product fulfils low

emissions requirements.

Tested to EN 16516, the third-party

certification also demonstrates that

the products, which are used to create

structural protection and fire-resistant

compartments in buildings, comply with

leading sustainability certifications such

as BREEAM and LEED. Promat has 26

Environmental Product Declarations in

place across the global brand to further

support sustainable building design.

9

08-09_SB0425 3 26/03/2025 16:22


NEWS FOCUS

DESIGNING FOR NET

ZERO AND BEYOND

The transition to net zero

housing is no longer a

distant ambition. A recent

roundtable discussion,

hosted by Polypipe

Building Products, brought

leading architects,

specifiers and developers

together to examine the

challenges and solutions

in designing sustainable

homes. Specify & Build

reports.

One of the most pressing

discussions during the

Polypipe round table

centred around the UK’s

ambitious net zero targets

and the growing role of heat pumps in

achieving them. The Climate Change

Committee has projected that, by 2040,

half of UK homes will need to be fitted

with heat pumps. While participants

acknowledged heat pumps as a crucial

part of the solution, they questioned

whether they are the only viable option.

Many agreed that a fabric-first approach

– where buildings are designed with high

thermal efficiency – should be prioritised

to minimise energy demand before

considering heating technologies.

Ventilation also emerged as a key

component of the net zero conversation.

As homes become more airtight to

improve efficiency, proper ventilation is

essential to maintain indoor air quality

and prevent damp issues. Mechanical

ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)

systems were highlighted as a promising

solution, allowing homes to retain heat

while ensuring fresh air circulation.

Passive ventilation strategies were also

discussed as an alternative approach.

Design elements such as strategically

placed vents, green walls and natural

airflow systems can significantly improve

indoor air quality without relying on

energy-intensive systems. Some

architects are exploring ways to integrate

these features into new developments,

balancing energy efficiency with

occupants’ health and wellbeing.

Embodied vs. operational carbon

Another hot topic was the balance

between embodied carbon (the

emissions associated with materials and

construction) and operational carbon

(the emissions generated by a building’s

use). While operational carbon reduction

has been the primary focus in past

years, there is increasing recognition

that embodied carbon must also be

addressed.

A growing trend among architects

is to prioritise the reuse of materials

wherever possible. The idea of circular

construction – where buildings are

designed with future adaptability in mind

– was discussed as a way to reduce

waste and extend the lifespan of building

materials. Some are even exploring ways

to reclaim and repurpose steel beams,

bricks, and insulation from demolished

structures.

Furthermore, the importance

of integrating whole-life carbon

assessments into the design and

construction phases was highlighted.

By measuring the full carbon impact of a

building from production to demolition,

developers can make more informed

choices about material selection and

sustainability

strategies. Many

participants

emphasised that

embedding carbon

measurement into

regulations would

be a critical step

in driving industrywide

change.

One particular

challenge noted

was the perception

that sustainable

materials come at

a premium. While

some eco-friendly

options may have

higher upfront

costs, they often

lead to long-term

savings in terms of

energy efficiency

and maintenance.

More education

and awareness is

needed to shift mindsets and highlight

the benefits of investing upfront in

sustainable materials.

While heat pumps dominated

much of the discussion, alternative

renewable energy solutions were also

explored. The potential of district

heating networks, particularly in urban

environments, was identified as an

underused resource. By pooling heat

from multiple sources – including waste

heat from industrial processes – district

heating can provide a more efficient

and scalable solution for low-carbon

heating. However, participants noted

that many local authorities are lagging

in their planning for such systems,

creating missed opportunities for

large-scale decarbonisation. Another

potential avenue for reducing carbon

emissions in homes is the integration

of hybrid heating systems. These

systems combine heat pumps with

other low-carbon technologies, such as

solar thermal collectors or hydrogenready

boilers. By using multiple energy

sources, hybrid systems can offer

greater resilience, particularly in colder

months.

Overcoming the skills shortage

A major roadblock to delivering net zero

housing at scale is the industry-wide

skills shortage. Installing heat pumps,

designing and maintaining MVHR

systems, and ensuring airtightness

in buildings all require specialised

expertise that is currently in short

supply. Participants highlighted the

10

10_SB0425.indd 6 28/03/2025 09:09


non-drinking water to be reused for toilet

flushing, irrigation, and even laundry,

thereby reducing demand on mains

water supplies.

The importance of retrofit

While much attention is given to

newbuild developments, the UK’s

existing housing stock presents one

of the biggest challenges for net zero

goals. Many older properties are highly

inefficient, leading to excessive energy

use and high emissions. Retrofitting

solutions such as better insulation,

draught-proofing, and upgraded heating

systems, are essential in bringing

these homes up to modern efficiency

standards.

NEWS FOCUS

need for more investment in training and

apprenticeships to build a workforce

equipped for sustainable construction.

One proposed solution was increasing

the use of off-site manufacturing and

modular construction. By assembling

key building components in controlled

factory environments, companies can

improve quality, reduce waste, and

minimise on-site labour requirements.

Some developers are already leveraging

this approach, producing pre-fabricated

mechanical and electrical systems

that can be quickly installed in new

homes. Additionally, early collaboration

between manufacturers and developers

can help address knowledge gaps and

ensure that sustainable solutions are

incorporated effectively. Engaging with

product suppliers at the design stage

can help architects and engineers

identify the best materials and

technologies for reducing a building’s

carbon footprint.

Is Government doing enough?

The discussion also touched on the

role government policy will play in netzero

housing. While the Future Homes

Standard is set to come into effect,

many in the industry feel that current

regulations do not go far enough.

Participants agreed that the government

should take a stronger stance in

incentivising the use of low-carbon

materials and setting clear, enforceable

targets for reducing embodied

emissions. Another concern was the

financial burden placed on developers

to meet sustainability standards. While

green finance options are emerging,

including sustainability-linked loans

and green mortgages, the industry still

faces significant cost barriers. Some

participants called for greater financial

incentives, such as tax breaks or grants,

to support the transition.

The role of water management

Beyond energy efficiency and heating,

another crucial aspect of sustainable

housing is water management. Climate

change has led to an increase in

extreme weather events, with heavier

rainfall and longer droughts becoming

more common. This places additional

pressure on urban drainage systems,

necessitating smarter solutions for water

retention and distribution.

Blue-green infrastructure – such as

rain gardens, permeable pavements,

and green roofs – was identified as an

effective strategy for managing water

in urban developments. By integrating

natural water absorption and filtration

systems, buildings can reduce the risk

of flooding while also creating more

pleasant and biodiverse environments.

Water recycling technologies, such

as greywater reuse and rainwater

harvesting systems, were also discussed

as viable solutions for reducing potable

water consumption. Some new

housing developments are beginning

to incorporate these systems, allowing

One promising approach is the

integration of heat networks into retrofit

schemes. By connecting multiple

properties to a centralised low-carbon

heat source, existing homes can benefit

from sustainable heating solutions

without requiring costly individual system

overhauls.

Despite the challenges, there was

a strong sense of optimism that the

industry can and must work together

to drive sustainable change. The

roundtable underscored the importance

of early collaboration between

architects, specifiers, manufacturers and

policymakers to ensure that sustainability

is embedded from the outset.

The round table attendees were:

• Danielle Michalska, Barratt

Redrow

• Amelia Charman, Wandle

Housing Association

• David de Sousa, AHR

Architects

• Louise Scannell, WW+P

Architects

• Kerry Heath, Hexagon

Housing Association

• Kate Watson, Turner &

Townsend

• Michela Ravaglia, Wates

Group

• Jennie Ward, Specify & Build

• Gavin Robinson, Polypipe

Building Services

• Adam Pointon, Geniut Group

• Simon Mason, Polypipe

Building Products

• Chris Smith, Polypipe Building

Services

• Hayley Hayes, Polypipe

Building Products

• Jakes Parker, Architects’

Datafile.

11

10_SB0425.indd 7 28/03/2025 09:09

Untitled-2 2 28/03/2025 13:58

Untitled-2 3 28/03/2025 13:58


NEW PRODUCTS

PRESERVE ALL CUT ROOFING BATTEN ENDS

UK building legislation stipulates that all cut timber roofing

batten ends should be properly preserved in every

new pitched roofing or re-roofing project. This not only

enhances the durability and integrity of roofing structures

but also adheres to industry standards.

The National House Building Council, the UK’s largest

single Approved Inspector for Building Regulations,

specifies in chapter 7.2.17 of its 2024 standards that:

“Battens and counter battens located at wet or dry verges

should have their cut ends treated with a preservative.”

This guideline is also reflected in British Standard

BS5534: 2014+A2:2018, which serves as a code of practice

for slating and tiling on pitched roofs and vertical cladding.

It states: “Cut batten ends at the verge should be treated

with a suitable preservative approved for this purpose.” This

requirement is emphasised in legislation and considered an

important area of best practice by the National Federation of

Roofing Contractors.

All cut ends of roofing battens must be treated with a

preservative and BATTEN SHIELD from SR Timber has

been specifically designed for this purpose. Compatible

with all graded roofing battens, this water-based cream

makes battens water-repellent, protecting the cut ends from

moisture and rot. The wood pores remain open, allowing the

wood to breathe.

sr-timber.co.uk/Product/batten-shield

VENT-AXIA SUPPORTS GLOBAL RECYCLING DAY

Vent-Axia has celebrated Global Recycling Day, which

took place on 18 March, 2025. The ventilation manufacturer

is committed to reducing its environmental impact, with

its sustainability targets including a goal of 90% of the

plastic it uses in its own manufacturing to be from recycled

sources by the end of FY2025.

The company recognised that transitioning from virgin

plastic to recycled plastic was essential to reduce carbon

emissions and promote a circular economy. Vent-Axia

initially faced a challenge since test houses would not certify

products made from recycled material due to recycled

plastic content variations and the absence of materials

data. So Vent-Axia batch-tested recycled plastics in its own

labs, creating a pioneering materials database to share with

test houses, enabling product certification and third-party

accreditation.

Meanwhile, manufacturing with recycled plastic reduces

a product’s carbon emissions by up to 40%. To achieve

this transformation, Vent-Axia collaborated with AO, which

supplies recycled High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) and ABS

from fridges it collects and recycles.

www.vent-axia.com

RAVAGO BUILDING SOLUTIONS SHOWCASES ITS

‘WINNING HAND’ AT FUTUREBUILD 2025

Visitors to the Ravago Building Solutions UK stand at

Futurebuild 2025 discovered how the UK XPS insulation

manufacturer offers ‘winning hand’ in insulation.

With comprehensive Declarations of Performance (DoPs),

full transparency on compressive creep across its entire

product range, and the low thermal conductivity of its UKmanufactured

XPS board, as well as a BBA certificate for

its Ravatherm XPS X ULTRA, Ravago gives its customers

performance, reliability and a heritage they can trust.

Throughout the event, Ravago’s core commercial team

offered specifiers tailored advice on the extensive variety

of Ravatherm XPS X thermal insulation boards for inverted

roof, floor and other construction applications. Available in a

wide range of thicknesses and compressive strengths, these

boards can meet diverse project requirements.

Ravago’s stand also showcased its sustainability

initiatives, particularly its efforts in waste reduction at

its King’s Lynn manufacturing plant, where it has been

producing XPS insulation for over 65 years. Ravago

has developed a recycling process that captures and

repurposes 100% of the plant’s manufacturing off-cuts.

ravagobuildingsolutions.com/uk/en

14

14_SB0425.indd 2 27/03/2025 10:51

Helvetica Neue 10pt Light reium nimenec aborum hilland

Kingfisher Louvres - the sound choice for hotels and leisure

Kingfisher Louvres manufactures and supplies a comprehensive range

of architectural louvres for a wide range of end uses. For over 20

years its products have been tried, trusted and tested in buildings

across many sectors, including hospitality and leisure. Made

from extruded aluminium, the range includes louvres which

provide screening, weather protection, ventilation, solar shading

and acoustic attenuation.

One Berkeley Street, London

Located in London’s prestigious Mayfair conservation

area, this 19,500 m 2 mixed-use development, designed

by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris architects and built

by DE Group Contracting, transformed two 1970s

buildings whilst retaining 81% of the original structure.

It includes the first ‘1 Hotel’ outside North America, retail

spaces and offices. To attenuate noise and screen the

plant equipment on the roof, Kingfisher supplied 245

of its KA150/20 acoustic louvre modules and 1,600 m

of KC120 screening louvre blade plus ten single doors.

Bespoke penetrations were also needed in some specially

designed acoustic louvre modules for a mansafe support

system. The project won ‘Best Mixed-Use Scheme’ at

the Building London Planning Awards in October 2024.

© Timothy Soar Photography

© Timothy Soar Photography

Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, Silverstone

The Hilton Garden Inn is a £30M hotel development on

the Hamilton Straight at Silverstone. This six-storey hotel

includes track-side rooms and terraces, hospitality suites,

restaurants and a sheltered roof terrace for spectators.

A footbridge from the top floor spans the track to the

conference centre. This was a complex louvre project

installed by Metclad. 1,800 m of Kingfisher’s KW75Z single

bank louvre blades, 170 mullions and five doors provided

screening, ventilation and weather protection to the

plant equipment on the ground floor. The louvres formed

three parallelogram shapes and were part of a design

which reflected its inspiring racetrack surroundings.

Image courtesy of Metclad

Kingfisher Louvres products can be found on NBS Source which allows specifiers to quickly

and easily find, select and specify four of Kingfisher’s key products - KC120 screening

louvres, KW75Z and 100Z weather louvres as well as KW75HPG high performance louvres.

For further advice or support with take-offs, quotations, schedules or any other detail,

contact Kingfisher’s Technical Sales team via the details below.

To read more about these projects or for further information visit kingfisherlouvres.com/case-studies,

email admin@kingfisherlouvres.com, phone +44 (0) 1773 814102, or follow us on LinkedIn

Screening

Weather

Protection

Ventilation

Solar

Shading

Acoustic

Attenuation

kingfisher_advertorial-specify_build-full_page-25_03_21.indd 1 21/03/2025 12:20

COMMERCIAL & RETAIL

A SOUND INVESTMENT

FOR HOWDENS’ OFFICES

64%

recycled content in

Zentia’s Prestige family

of products

Sustainability, acoustics and aesthetics were the key focus when specifying the ceiling for

Howdens Joinery Group’s new UK national logistics hub. Specify & Build reports.

When choosing ceiling tiles for

its new office space at Warth

Park, near Northampton,

Howdens Joinery Group was clear that

they had to offer solid sound absorption,

be responsibly and sustainably sourced,

as well as offering great aesthetics to

align with Howden’s business model.

Howdens is a leading UK specialist

kitchen supplier, selling only through

trade customers. Founded in 1995,

Howdens has grown since from just 14

depots to nearly 950 across the UK and

Europe.

Now at 2.5 million ft 2 , Warth Park is

considered one of the leading logistics

and business parks in the UK due to its

excellent connectivity adjacent to the

A45, based approximately 10 miles east

of Northampton.

Howdens now occupies three units

at Warth Park as part of a strategic

£104 million, three-unit, campus-style

arrangement located within Roxhill

Developments’ 160-acre logistics and

The fit-out of the office

space called for the use of

responsibly sourced and

sustainable products

business park. Presentation, exhibition

and product launch space is supported

by open plan offices, a staff canteen

and refectory, as well as custom

arrangements for the assimilation of

several design and sales teams within a

single, purpose-built facility.

The 600,000ft 2 of warehouse space, built

to a 15m clear internal height suitable for

rack-stored raw material and product,

is further supplemented by 40,000ft 2 of

three-storey office space, intended to

create a modern and purpose-designed

staff environment across three interlinked

floors.

The fit-out of the office space called

for the use of responsibly sourced and

sustainable products, aligned with the

modern design aspirations set out in

Howden’s business model. Acoustic

ceilings were needed to prevent noise

breakout from private office spaces and

absorbing sound in the larger, open-plan

shared office areas. Moisture-resistant

finishes were also required for the staff

sanitary and changing facilities as well

as the canteen space, with a modern,

industrial aesthetic ensured throughout

via the use of intermittent canopy-type

arrangements.

Zentia’s Prestige hA+ (previously known

as Ultima+ OP) 600mm x 600mm

Tegular24 edge tiles were installed with

Axiom canopies in open-plan office

and breakout areas, and also as wall-

to-wall ceilings in meeting rooms and

toilets, at Raunds 2 in Warth Park near

Northampton.

Zentia’s Prestige family of products is

manufactured using up to 64% recycled

content and is, itself, 100% recyclable.

It is available in three core densities

that allow specifiers to engineer sound

absorption and attenuation for optimum

and balanced acoustic performance.

Specifiers can choose from lowdensity

Prestige hA+, mediumdensity

Prestige, and highdensity

Prestige dB for improved sound

attenuation, up to 41dB. Prestige

Colour is also available, offering Class B

sound absorption.

The Prestige family of mineral tiles

and planks features a bright white

lightly textured surface, with 87% light

reflectance. At Raunds, the white tiles

in the canopies were installed under

the black soffits to give a contemporary

industrial aesthetic and to complement

Howdens’ corporate ID.

Bespoke Construction Services’

Contract Director Paul Jackson said:

“On this project, co-ordination with M&E

fittings was critical and the aesthetic

floating look was imperative to the client.

The Zentia products gave a very clean

and crisp finish to all areas.”

www.zentia.com/en-gb

16

16_SB0425.indd 2 25/03/2025 14:53

A1

RATED


COMMERCIAL & RETAIL

SUSTAINABLE EXTERNAL ENVELOPE

SUPPORTS NET-ZERO LOGISTICS

Hathaway and Building Systems UK have collaborated to design, supply and install

the external envelope of a new logistics and distribution facility on the banks of the

River Mersey in Birkenhead.

ARC 500, said to be the largest

distribution and production unit in

Merseyside, is a new 494,750ft 2

facility designed to accommodate largescale

logistics operations. Its strategic

location offers excellent access to the

M53 motorway and the Port of Liverpool,

making it an ideal choice for businesses

seeking a well-connected hub.

Hathaway specialises in the design,

manufacture and installation of roof and

wall cladding systems, while Building

Systems UK, a Tata Steel enterprise,

offers comprehensive building envelope

solutions such as insulated roof and wall

panels, site-assembled systems, profiles,

structural roof and floor decking, and

steel processing services.

Appointed by Winvic Construction

as part of the delivery team, both

companies are committed to ensuring

ARC 500 is constructed as a net-zero

carbon facility. The project aims to

achieve significant environmental, social,

and governance (ESG) credentials,

including a BREEAM Excellent rating

and an EPC A+ target, adding a valuable

economic asset to the ARC 500

Birkenhead Freeport.

As part of the Green Supply Chain,

Hathaway works closely with Winvic to

develop sustainable product solutions

with a focus on carbon reduction and

energy-efficient materials. The primary

objective is to minimise the embodied

carbon emissions across the entire

lifecycle of projects.

Shaping the future

As the key supplier for the ARC 500

project, Building Systems UK provided a

complete building envelope solution. This

included Trisobuild site-assembled roof

and wall systems, along with a newly

developed profile designed specifically

for the building’s office areas.

Building Systems UK also developed a

new external façade profile specifically

for the project, conducting fire and

weather testing, and producing a specific

Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)

for the profile to ensure it met all required

sustainability and safety standards.

Building Systems UK also holds

Responsible Sourcing certification

under the BES 6001 standard.

This commitment to environmental

transparency and responsible sourcing

significantly contributes to achieving

sustainability goals, such as obtaining

credits for a BREEAM Excellent rating,

which was targeted for the ARC 500

project.

Driving down emissions

Building Systems UK’s manufacturing

facility in Shotton, North Wales, is

located just 15 miles from the ARC 500

project site, which significantly reduced

delivery emissions in line with the

project’s sustainability goals.

To further decrease carbon emissions

and support the transition to net-zero

construction, freight deliveries for the

project were conducted using bio-fuelled

vehicles. Switching to Hydrotreated

Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel for these

deliveries resulted in a significant

reduction in CO 2

emissions compared to

fossil-fuel diesel. Additionally, Hathaway

also supplied HVO fuel for on-site plant

and machinery, which can help reduce

associated emissions by up to 90%.

Tough innovation

New innovations are essential in

Hathaway’s journey towards achieving

their net zero target. One new

technology that came into its own on the

ARC 500 project is ToughCAD, which

offers indestructible site plans, drawings,

and project information that are both

weatherproof and recyclable.

ToughCAD was selected for the ARC

500 project not only for its sustainability

and environmental benefits, but also

for the convenience and efficiency it

provides during cladding installation.

The weatherproof and indestructible

qualities of ToughCAD ensure these

documents remain intact throughout

the project’s duration, reducing the

need for replacements. Its recyclability

at the end of life is another significant

benefit, contributing to reduced waste

sent to landfill. These innovations and

collaborative efforts underline Hathaway

and Building Systems UK’s commitment

to leading the way in sustainable

construction practices while achieving

project goals efficiently and safely.

www.buildingsystemsuk.co.uk

18

18_SB0425.indd 2 25/03/2025 15:03

ULTIMATE FIRE PROTECTION

EUROCLASS A1

A1 Non Combustible Magply

Recovery/Protection Roofing Board

Magply recovery and protection boards have been developed to meet the

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

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

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

protection layer over completed installations.

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

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

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

when used in overlay applications.

6mm Magply can achieve B-roof T4

18mm and 20mm also available for roofing.

Safe Sure Secure

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

magply.co.uk

PHONE-FL +44 (0) 1621 776 252

PAPER-PL ollie@magply.co.uk


COMMERCIAL & RETAIL

PRODUCTS

ELTA’S EXPLOSION PROOF FANS EARN ELITE IECEX CERTIFICATION

Elta has achieved IECEx Certifi cation, giving specifi ers of

explosion-proof equipment peace of mind.

IECEx is the International Electrotechnical Commission’s

(IEC) certifi cation program for equipment and services used

in explosive atmospheres. A globally recognised standard, it

ensures that products and services comply with the highest

safety requirements for use in hazardous environments.

In November 2024, Elta, a leading specialist in air

movement equipment, achieved the certifi cation following a

two-year auditing period.

Eurofi ns Scientifi c, a UKAS-accredited notifi ed body and

provider of certifi cation services, awarded the certifi cation

to Elta’s Fareham factory for its range of direct driven

axial fans. Already ATEX-rated, the latest achievement

underscores Elta’s dedication to providing reliable and safe

solutions for industries operating in potentially explosive

atmospheres such as on offshore oil and gas platforms,

power generation, and chemical processing.

Although IECEx certifi cation is voluntary, governments

in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and many countries

in South America already adopt the IECEx certifi cation as

a mandatory requirement to tender for projects related to

explosive atmospheres.

Neville Tubb, Chief Engineer at Elta, said: “Safety

always needs to be of the utmost importance in hazardous

environments. All industries where there is the potential

for explosion are beginning to see the value in having

equipment that is third-party certifi ed, and that is why we are

thrilled to receive the IECEx certifi cation.

“It is a testament to our team’s hard work and our

unwavering commitment to safety and quality. It reinforces

our position as a trusted partner in the industry and

highlights our ability to meet the stringent safety standards

required.”

Elta’s journey to IECEx certifi cation involved rigorous

testing and evaluation of its products and processes.

The certifi cation process included factory production

control audits, comprehensive assessments of design,

manufacturing, and quality control procedures to ensure

compliance with IEC standards.

eltauk.com

UNLOCKING DECARBONISATION WITH DAIKIN’S CZ-HT

The commercial sector has long needed a complete heat

pump solution for decarbonisation that also manages

to reach high temperature even in extreme ambient

conditions. The Daikin CZ-HT high temperature commercial

heat pump provides exactly that, setting a new benchmark

for performance and fl exibility, while providing a highly

effi cient and low-carbon alternative to traditional heating

systems.

Designed to meet the needs of various commercial

and large-scale residential environments, the Daikin CZ-

HT delivers hot water up to 70°C. Available in capacities

ranging from 19kW to 83kW, it features Daikin’s inverter

scroll compressors and EC fans, ensuring high energy

effi ciency and performance. With its capability to operate

in high delta T conditions, the system can effi ciently

distribute heating water across multiple applications within a

commercial installation. This makes it an optimal choice for

businesses transitioning from fossil fuel-based heating.

The unit uses R-454C refrigerant (GWP146), which

complies with upcoming F-Gas regulations, offering an

environmentally friendly solution with low fl ammability

characteristics. The CZ-HT allows for fl exible and costeffective

installations in eight different sizes ranging from

19-83kW.

The CZ-HT is suitable for comfort heating, domestic

hot water production and comfort cooling, providing an

excellent solution for offi ces, gyms, hotels, hospitals, student

accommodations, and more. The unit is also suitable for

newbuild and retrofi t projects, directly replacing fossil fuel

boilers.

All units can be confi gured in a reduced noise mode for

noise-sensitive environments such as residential buildings,

schools, and hotels. The system’s advanced control logic

ensures seamless operation using the factory installed

circulating pump and its ability to operate in Master/Slave

arrangement for up to four units.

At the heart of the CZ-HT lies Daikin’s inverter scroll

compressors, which enhance seasonal effi ciency through

advanced vapor injection and economiser technology.

Inverter-driven fans with high-performance glass-reinforced

resin impellers maximise airfl ow effi ciency, while the copper

tube and aluminium fi n heat exchanger coil is optimised for

extreme heating conditions, incorporating acrylic-coated

aluminium fi ns for superior corrosion resistance.

With decarbonisation becoming a priority for businesses

across all sectors, the CZ-HT presents a direct replacement

for traditional boilers, with the ability to reliably generate

hot water up to 70°C. The full inverter design of the CZ-HT

allows it to closely match the building’s heating and cooling

load profi le, signifi cantly improving seasonal effi ciency and

reducing operating costs.

www.daikin.co.uk

20

20_SB0425.indd 4 28/03/2025 12:20

ccountability

The Building Safety Act has been updated.

Do you know your new responsibilities?

Class A Fire-Resistant Façade System

Revisions to the Building Safety Act mean we are now all more

accountable when specifying fire safe products within buildings.

Fire management can be complex, so we’ve removed all uncertainty by

introducing new products that meet and exceed the standards.

By providing you access to our industry experts, and technical

professionals, ARBO ® is your assurance of protection and peace of mind.

For sales and distribution enquiries please call: +44 1773 826 661

YOUR ACCOUNTABILITY BEGINS WITH ARBO ©

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YST1088_ARBO_ADS_x3_2025_V4.indd 3 26/02/2025 13:34


COMMERCIAL & RETAIL

HI-SPEC DEPLOYMENT OF

EJOT COLORFAST AT NEW

LOGISTICS PARK

EJOT Colorfast fasteners have been used extensively in the construction of eight new

high-specification warehousing and logistics buildings at the Urban 8 Logistics Park

in King’s Norton, Birmingham.

The £32.9m development by St

Francis Group, in partnership

with Tristan Capital Partners

and Canmoor, breathes

new life into a redundant

brownfield site that was once the Triplex

Safety Glass factory. Latterly owned by

Pilkington and then GKN Aerospace,

the plant was previously a world-leading

facility for the manufacture of toughened

glass for the automotive and aviation

industries, at its peak employing around

700 people.

After GKN Aerospace ceased its

operations in 2019, the prime 26-acre

site was unused until being acquired for

the development of warehousing and

distribution units. When fully occupied

by businesses operating at full potential,

the developers estimate the site could

provide employment for 900 people and

play a key role in the growth of the local

economy.

The eight new buildings that form

the development are designed to be

highly environmentally sustainable,

as demonstrated by their BREEAM

Excellent and EPC A ratings. The units,

delivered by main contractor GMI

Construction, provide warehousing

space of between 26,000ft 2 and

70,000ft 2 , with each benefiting from roofmounted

solar PV panels, sustainable

drainage systems (SuDS) and air source

heat pumps for renewable heating and

cooling.

Airtightness at its heart

With an estimated roofing area of

36,000m 2 , this extensive building

envelope project required a system

and component specification capable

of delivering on the client’s demanding

aesthetic, performance and longevity

objectives. The envelope was designed

22

22_SB0425.indd 4 28/03/2025 12:22

COMMERCIAL & RETAIL

with a high level of airtightness in mind

– just 1.5 cubic metres per hour – and

a thermal performance that would go

beyond mere compliance levels to

make day-to-day operations by future

occupiers as energy-efficient as possible.

Meeting the brief was the Tata Platinum

Plus roof and wall system, which was

specified to offer a guaranteed 25-

year lifespan, in conjunction with FM

Approved EJOT Colorfast self-drilling

fasteners. These over-moulded colourmatched

fasteners are approved for use

with Tata building systems given their

proven ability to provide an effective and

secure seal that minimises the potential

for water ingress and air leakage, while

also maximising corrosion-resistance

and visual appeal.

EJOT’s A2 grade stainless steel bimetallic

JT3 Colorfast fasteners were

used extensively in the project, with the

integral nylon heads coloured in Sirius,

Anthracite and Goosewing Grey to

colour match the chosen roofing and

wall panels.

Industrial roofing and cladding design

and installation specialist Roofdec

was tasked with delivering the building

envelopes and was supported by EJOT

UK throughout. This included regular site

visits by EJOT Sales Engineer Michael

Swain, who helped the Roofdec team

to maintain productivity by ensuring

Colorfast fasteners were arriving on site

and performing as expected.

As well as this ongoing site support,

ahead of the contract EJOT UK also

hosted a knowledge-sharing day for

Roofdec’s Contracts Manager Andy

Metterick and his installer colleagues at

its Applitec Centre – a state-of-the-art

technical and R&D laboratory complex

within the EJOT UK headquarters

near Leeds. This brought together the

OEM, Tata Steel, EJOT UK’s technical

team and those who would ultimately

be involved in installing the system to

ensure fastening best practice could be

established and applied throughout the

project.

Metterick says: “EJOT’s support in this

project has been excellent from the

outset. One important dimension to

installation best practice we covered at

the Applitec Centre was the importance

of inspection and seal testing on the

installed fasteners. This has now

become a feature of our regular QA

procedures and supports the stringent

standards we expect in all Roofdec

projects.

“The Colorfast product itself is extremely

reliable in terms of ease of installation

and longevity of performance. That is

really important for us because it enables

our team to maintain productivity on-site

and achieve consistently high quality.”

Michael adds: “It has been a pleasure

to support Andy and the Roofdec team

on this exciting newbuild warehousing

project. While Colorfast may have

proven itself as a technically superior

fastener for high-spec metal building

envelopes, through close collaboration

during this project we’ve been able to

deliver outstanding quality for the client

and ensure the product’s long-term

advantages can be fully realised.”

EJOT Colorfast has developed over

three decades to offer a high-performing

fastening solution where the goal is to

match the colour of roofing and cladding

sheets to the fastener heads. Its nylon

over-moulded head provides a host of

building performance benefits and can

be matched to around 400 colours in

line with recognised colour matching

systems, such as RAL, NCS, British

Steel, and Pantone. Bespoke corporate

colour matches can also be achieved.

www.ejot.co.uk

23

22_SB0425.indd 5 27/03/2025 10:58


P

ADVERTISEMENT

FEATURE

CEDRAL FACADES PROVIDE

ARCHITECTURAL SOLUTIONS FOR

STYLISH MAKEOVERS

When a dated split-level

home in the Scottish

countryside needed a

modern makeover, Cedral

provided a stylish solution.

Cedral facades recently

provided the design

inspiration for a jaded

1990s home in Stirlingshire,

Scotland. Not only did

the stylish cladding provide the clean,

modern look the owners wanted,

transforming their home from dated to

timeless, but it also ticked several other

boxes on their list of requirements,

including sustainability, energy efficiency

and ease of installation.

Eòlas Architects, a Scottish firm based in

Aberfeldy, Glasgow and Aberdeenshire,

was called in to modernise the split-level

home on an elevated site with beautiful

Highlands views.

“We knew the classic look Cedral

provides would fit the brief and it’s

also low maintenance for ease and

comfort,” said Eòlas Director Oliver

Hardiman. “Cedral absolutely lived up

to our expectations and the clients were

really pleased with the finished look.

Cedral cladding is very stable, doesn’t

expand and contract significantly, is very

resistant to water and frost damage,

maintains its appearance and is low

maintenance. The renovation turned out

really well and we were all very happy

with it. I would absolutely recommend

Cedral to others.”

Cedral cladding was also a hit with the

judges of the prestigious Livingetc Style

Award for Best Exterior Cladding in

2024. The judges said: “Easy to use on

both newbuilds and existing properties,

it’s the range of options available at

Cedral that made this so appealing.”

The benefits of Cedral’s cladding include:

• Long-lasting durability: Cedral

fibre cement facades have a

minimum life expectancy of 50

years.

• Contemporary designs and

colour collections: Cedral

Lap facades create a traditional

clapboard aesthetic, while Cedral

Click’s tongue and groove design

offers a modern, flush fitting finish.

Colours are curated into four

unique collections, with 21 on-trend

shades.

• Low maintenance upkeep: Fibre

cement doesn’t rot, rust, warp or

crack and is insect-, bacteria- and

algae-resistant. It doesn’t need

painting and is easy to clean.

• Easy-to-install products:

Straightforward all-in-one cladding

solutions.

• Excellent fire performance

classification: Cedral materials

comprehensively meet the fire

performance classification A2-s1,d0

to EN 13501-1:2018.

• Energy efficiency and insulation:

Rainscreen cladding helps buildings

stay cooler in summer and warmer

in winter for improved thermal

comfort and energy saving, while

ventilated air cavities improve

thermal and acoustic insulation

and help reduce condensation and

humidity.

• Sustainable options: Cedral

wants to build a more durable world

and bring sustainability to life, each

day focusing its business towards

building a more sustainable world

for those around us.

www.cedral.world

24

24_SB0425.indd 4 24/03/2025 11:44

PLATINUM GREY

FACADES

www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ Month 2024

NAME HERE

FEATURE SECTION

INSPIRING FACADES

TO BRING YOUR

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Introducing the Cedral Collections. Four unique

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INTRODUCING THE

EXPLORE THE COLLECTIONS AT

WWW.CEDRAL.WORLD

COLLECTIONS

5

24_SB0425.indd 5 24/03/2025 11:41


HOTELS & LEISURE

THE BEAUTY OF BESPOKE

Simon Boocock, Managing Director at CR Laurence, discusses the creation of a

striking new American apartment tower that redefines luxury living, and how

bespoke showering solutions were the secret behind the bathrooms’ success.

When American architects

Gensler were designing the

Landmark, the tallest luxury

apartment tower in West Los Angeles,

the bathrooms were meticulously

designed to complement the dazzling

glass and steel building. Standing

349 feet tall, this 34-storey structure

on Wilshire Boulevard features 376

apartments with panoramic ocean and

mountain views thanks to their floor-toceiling

glass walls.

For Gensler, continuing the building’s

modern, sophisticated aesthetic all

the way into the bathrooms was key,

making bespoke showering solutions the

obvious choice. In many hotel settings

space comes at a premium, which has

historically limited hoteliers’ ability to

create truly luxurious showering spaces.

However, bespoke frameless shower

enclosures are extending the possibilities

of bathroom design as today’s guests

demand indulgent bathrooms where they

can relax.

The ultimate luxury, it’s no surprise that

bespoke showers are now featuring

in a growing number of hotels, where

style, comfort and technology are

prioritised in equal measure. The growing

wellness movement has made spa-style

bathrooms one of the biggest trends

across the residential and commercial

sectors.

This is all driving demand for bespoke

shower enclosures

that can

accommodate any

style, shape and

size of bathroom.

Walk-in showers

featuring minimal

framing, ontrend

finishes

and beautiful wall

panelling are taking

centre stage,

introducing a feeling

of quality and luxury.

Made for

personalisation,

CR Laurence’s bespoke showers are

available in several designs and 11 ontrend

finishes. Popular options including

Chrome, Antique Brass, Brushed Nickel,

Matte Black and Polished Copper

feature across the different systems.

Hardware to suit any interior can

be specified alongside CRL Stone’s

exclusive collection of large-format

porcelain surfaces. Highly durable and

simple to care for, Ceralsio ceramic

and Inalco MDi from CRL Stone is an

example of the options available in a

large slab format that can be perfectly

cut to size at the same time as the

glass, with no grout lines creating a

super-stylish and ultra-hardwearing

floor to ceiling wall surface. In fact, the

material is ideal for the bathroom, being

water resistant, heat, scratch and stain

resistant and non-porous.

This wide range of options made CRL

the natural choice for Gensler, which

worked in collaboration with glazing

contractor Roundtree Glass to create

the bespoke showers in each of the

Landmark’s luxury apartments. CRL’s

Polished Chrome square Style Hole-in-

Glass Fixed U-Clamps, which secure

fixed panels of glass in frameless shower

enclosures, provided a stylish alternative

to traditional U-channels to enhance the

all-glass look. Constructed from solid

brass, they come in a wide range of

design-led finishes including Gun Metal,

Bronze and Matte Black.

Working with heavy glass doors meant

traditional hinges couldn’t be used,

so a sturdy and stable alternative was

provided by CRL’s Polished Chrome

Vienna 037 Series Wall Mount Full Back

Plate Hinges. Wanting to create a stylish,

cohesive design, CRL Polished Chrome

Back-to-Back Paddle Knobs provided a

complementary look thanks to their flat

‘paddle’ shape and square corners, as

did the CRL Polished Chrome 24’’ Towel

Bar with Contemporary Knob.

Minimalist in their appearance,

these high-quality shower enclosure

components provide long-lasting

stability, durability and safety – displaying

the meticulous attention to detail Gensler

required. Their finishes are also resistant

to wear and corrosion, ensuring the

hardware will maintain its beauty and

functionality over time.

www.crlaurence.co.uk

26

26_SB0425.indd 2 18/03/2025 09:51


HOTELS & LEISURE

KEEPING FIT FOR THE FUTURE

Garrath Willshaw, Business Development Manager at HOPPE (UK), explains the things

specifiers need to consider when choosing new door hardware for leisure centres.

Leisure centres are part of the fabric

of life, but the maintenance, safety

and accessibility of these facilities

is often taken for granted. Equipping

such buildings to provide access for

all requires knowledgeable design and

planning.

According to Sports England there are

more than 2,000 public leisure centres

in England, more than 800 of which

have pools. In a bid to keep these vital

resources open for public use, at the

end of 2023 the government released

£20 million in funding to help with the

operational and maintenance costs.

There are also almost 5,000 privately

operated gyms in the UK, making up

more than two-thirds of the country’s

provision.

Hardwearing designs

Leisure centre users can range from

families with young children to teenagers

and older adults, school groups and

sports clubs, individuals or groups with

disabilities or special needs. Designing

for such a wide range of users requires

careful thought and consideration.

Sports England has guidance for

designing leisure facilities that includes

sections on accessibility, swimming

pools and combined leisure provision.

The choice of door hardware is a key

element of this design process and can

significantly impact how customers and

staff experience the building.

A hard-wearing finish is key, such as

HOPPE’s Resista range. Hardware

should also look good and there are

options available in a range of colours as

well as polished or satin effect.

Good hygiene is a vital

element of running a

safe and successful

leisure centre, and the

right door hardware

finish can help ensure

customers stay safe

and well.

A long surface guarantee, as well as

a mechanical operation guarantee, is

something specifiers should prioritise,

especially for cash-strapped leisure

centres. Choosing quality products will

mean minimal maintenance and repair,

resulting in lower lifetime costs.

Clean and safe

Good hygiene is a vital element of

running a safe and successful leisure

centre, and the right door hardware

finish can help ensure customers stay

safe and well.

Polished stainless steel is a good choice

from a hygiene perspective, being a

smooth and easy to clean surface.

Specifiers might also choose satin

anodised aluminium or Nylon, as neither

require specialist cleaning and they don’t

easily harbour bacteria.

For even more peace of mind,

ironmongery products can be

manufactured from materials with inbuilt

antibacterial or anti-microbial properties,

or covered with a special coating that

will give similar protection. While these

products can’t eliminate all germs,

they do provide an additional level of

protection and can help to maintain

better hygiene standards.

Accessible for all

Everyone should be able to access

and navigate a building safely, and

BS 8300:2:2018 is a definitive source

of authoritative recommendations

on inclusive and accessible building

design. PAS 6463 is a guide to help

the design of inclusive spaces for

neurodivergent groups who can find

certain environments uncomfortable on

a sensory level. Meanwhile, The Inclusive

Design Overlay provides insights,

knowledge and best-practice guidance

for every stage of a project.

Handles within a leisure centre must

withstand frequent use and comply with

accessibility requirements, with the finish

also playing an important part. It is a

requirement of Approved Document M

that door opening furniture on manually

operated doors should visually contrast

with the surface of the door. Nylon

ranges are often available in all primary

colours, as well as black and white, to

provide a stark contrast against any door

design, while also complementing the

interior design of the building. A wideranging

colour palette can also help

members of the public find their way

around the leisure centre.

Ironmongery for swimming pools

Leisure centres often include warm,

humid environments and, when

specifying ironmongery for gyms, pools,

showers and changing rooms, Nylon

is a great choice as it doesn’t corrode

with chlorine. Coordinating accessories

including signage, hooks, finger plates

and pull handles are also available to

match.

Good hardware design can help make

leisure centres welcoming, accessible

and safe for all. Choosing the right finish

is an essential part of this mix and longlasting,

cost-effective solutions will help

ensure these facilities remain fit for the

future.

www.hoppe.com/gb-en

28

28_SB0425.indd 2 18/03/2025 10:00


HOTELS & LEISURE

CUSTOM METALWORK ELEVATES

COUNTRY INN

The refurbishment of a

historic pub in Charlbury,

Oxfordshire, saw the

restoration of traditional

materials and metalwork

take centre stage.

Specify & Build reports.

The Bell sits on Church Street

in the historic Cotswold

market town of Charlbury.

First built as an inn in the

1600s, it is located in the

centre of the original marketplace and

was a hub for farmers and market goers

– until the 1970s the local livestock

market still took place in the rear car

park!

Today, the 17 th century pub is owned by

Daylesford Stays, part of the Bamford

Collection. It boasts 12 pub rooms, a

barn for private hire and an extensive

garden. While much of the building

had previously been modernised, key

elements such as the original roof,

fireplaces and flagstone floors have been

preserved and celebrated. Honouring

this history and preserving the character

of the inn were important considerations

during a recent restoration project, which

prioritised the use of natural materials

and traditional techniques.

As a preferred supplier, Winthill

Engineering was tasked with creating

bespoke interior and architectural

metalwork for the uniquely designed

traditional country inn, most notably the

hanging pub sign, façade signage and

bar top.

All images © Martin Morrell

Restored hanging pub sign

Pub signs are a tradition that originated

in Rome where vines were hung outside

a building that sold wine. The tradition

began in Britain in the 12 th century when

most people were illiterate and images

were easier to understand. Daylesford

Stays took inspiration from these early

signs and asked Winthill to design, make

and install the hanging pub sign with a

30_SB0425.indd 6 18/03/2025 13:49


Winthill engineered

and installed the

façade signage in

powder-coated mild

steel to complement

the hanging pub sign

mild steel to complement the hanging

pub sign. Each letter was laser cut to

produce an accurate representation

of The Bell’s logo and is in proportion

with the architectural details of the front

elevation.

Interior details

The bar is the heart of any pub – it’s a

place to laugh, love, and commiserate.

Visitors to The Bell can do all this in style,

leaning against the custom-made bar

while resting a foot on the elegant foot

rail.

HOTELS & LEISURE

with a functioning bell. For authenticity,

Winthill sourced a reclaimed bell for the

centrepiece of the hanging pub sign,

which was restored at the company’s

workshop in Worcestershire. A frame

was then designed to house the bell. It is

fabricated from laser cut mild steel and

powder coated for a durable and striking

fi nish. The top bar bears ‘The Bell’

moniker, which Winthill hand-painted in

the brand’s serif font. The hanging sign

sits atop a chamfered timber post which

stands tall and stark against the honeyed

Cotswold stone buildings.

Winthill engineered and installed the

façade signage in powder-coated

The polished bar top was fabricated

by hand, with the maker’s marks and

unfi nished brass patina complementing

the pub’s historic interior. Laser cut brass

was also punched and folded to form

drip trays that slot eff ortlessly into the

brass bar top. The foot rail is formed

from solid brass tubing, custom-built to

follow the curves of the bar.

For added privacy, Winthill also made

a replica of a traditional stable partition

using Iroko timber and powder-coated

mild steel. This creates a visual break

between the kitchen and restaurant.

Set in an apple orchard, the garden

is the perfect place to meet and relax

during the warmer weather. The garden

bar, a sympathetic wooden structure,

stretches out over two terraces and

looks out across the orchard. Winthill

also fabricated and fi tted the support

system for the serving hatches.

www.winthill.co.uk

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first sight

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31

30_SB0425.indd 7 28/03/2025 09:04


SPECIFIERS’ GUIDE

FROM FOUNDING FATHER TO

FIREPROOF FOUNDATION BLOCK

Marmox (UK) is a British company that provides competitive, highquality

insulation and waterproofing products for the construction

and refurbishment industries. Specify & Build reports.

Born a couple of years after The

Battle of Britain, when Harry

Parsons left school at the

age of 16 to begin a course for site

managers at the Brixton School of

Building in South London, the country

was still working on replacing the

housing and infrastructure destroyed

during the war.

Although Harry has always been a very

practical person, the maths and science

he learned in the late 1950s made this

young man’s mind very receptive to new

technologies, while he also harboured

ambitions for adventure and foreign

travel. All of this eventually led to a fateful

encounter in Egypt as the Millennium

approached.

Speaking from his home not far from

Marmox’s Kent offices, Harry explains:

“Having left school in 1958, I got my

Ordinary National Certificate from Brixton

and began work with firms like Waites

Construction in Norbury and then

Wimpey as a management trainee.

“I was with Costain when a story in their

house magazine about projects overseas

took my interest: but an inquiry indicated

the department concerned was only

interested in applicants with experience

abroad. But, a call from HR a few

months later explained they had been

let down by an employee for an urgent

vacancy, and was I available to go out

the following week?”

That unexpected opportunity led to him

spending the next 14 years in Nigeria,

initially running the ‘small contracts

department’ though that euphemistic

title covered anything which could be

supervised by one Ex-Pat – starting with

a gin distillery.

Harry reflects: “It was the broadest

and best education I could have had.

I realised I wasn’t equipped for UK

building sites but then spotted a vacancy

being advertised by a coatings company

for a Middle East manager based here.

“My patch, covered during a series of

three week jaunts, stretched from Turkey

in the North down to Yemen and as far

east as Bangladesh – but it gave me the

confidence to think about starting my

own business.

“That step came when I flew into Cairo

one night and was asked by my local

agent to meet a Dr. Kamal the next

morning. It turned out the learned doctor

owned multiple businesses and showed

me a number of products, including

a polyester resin and the coated XPS

insulation that has come to be known

as Multiboard. I was surprised to be told

it sold well in Germany, but that the UK

was a difficult market, so I arranged for

him to send me some samples I could

show around when I returned home.”

Harry started Marmox from his garage

in the spring of 2000. In 2005 he moved

Harry Parsons, Founder of Marmox

from his first small office in Rochester

into the 4,000ft 2 Laker Road premises

before, in 2010, the company took over

its current Caxton House headquarters,

which offers quadruple the storage for

pallets and now accommodates 16 staff.

The early years saw Showerlay and

Soundboard added to the range, then

Thermoblock proved a landmark in 2010

by tackling cold-bridging. Innovation

continues apace with the A1 rated

Fireboard, introduced two years ago,

and a fireproof version of the floor-wall

Thermoblock, which is now awaiting

BBA approval.

32

32-36 April Specifiers Guide Marmox 2 26/03/2025 16:11


THERMOBLOCKS SPECIFIED ON

PASSIVHAUS DEVELOPMENT

Marmox’s Thermoblocks helped solve the cold-bridging

challenge in a Passivhaus development in Wigan.

The final phase of a PassivHaus

development in Wigan, has

been completed with high

performance Thermoblocks from

Marmox being used to counter coldbridging

beneath a highly insulated

timber frame construction.

The St. Mary’s project was undertaken

for Wigan Metropolitan Borough

Council by principal contractor Tyson

Construction, with Pozzoni Architecture

acting as the lead architectural

consultant and BTP Architects as the

specialist PassivHaus assessor.

Matt Horrocks, Site Manager for

Tyson Construction, comments: “To

fit the timber frame soleplates, it was

necessary to do a ‘setting out’ course

across the block-and-beam, with dense

concrete block serving to contain the

screed.

“The 140mm Thermoblocks were laid

beneath all the external walls, followed

by a 140 common brick course and

then standard blocks. This was repeated

for internal and party walls, but with

a course of 100 mm Thermoblocks

creating the fully insulated barrier.”

Thermoblocks in 100mm and 140mm

widths, along with boxes of Marmox 360

adhesive, were supplied through Travis

Perkins.

The scheme to provide affordable,

easy to heat homes was part-funded

by the Government’s Department for

Levelling Up, Housing & Communities.

The development provides eight onebedroom

apartments, nine two-bed

houses and ten three-bed houses, plus

four four-bedrooms and 16 one and twobedroom

bungalows.

THERMOBLOCK

Marmox Thermoblock is a block of loadbearing

insulation material designed to

be placed at the base of a masonry or

timber-frame wall to address the thermal

bridge. Its thermal conductivity is

0.05W/mK, which will result in a

significant reduction in y values when

used at wall to floor junctions.

Thermoblock is a block

of load-bearing

insulation material

designed to be placed

at the base of a

masonry or timberframe

wall.

Its mean compressive strength is

9N/mm 2 , allowing it to be used under

most load-bearing walls and its

characteristic shear strength is

0.18N/mm 2 . Because they are

impermeable to water they can be used

in damp conditions without any loss of

their insulating properties. So, not only

does Thermoblock thermal insulation

products reduce thermal bridging, but

they also create a moisture barrier.


Marmox 140mm Thermoblocks were laid beneath all the external walls

33




MARMOX MAINTAINS A

POSITIVE OUTLOOK

Marmox’s Managing Director, Sarah Viney, reflects on the

manufacturer’s future within the construction industry.

As an innovator, Marmox

is continuing to develop

new products that meet

the requirements of both industry

regulators and our growing client

base, though we have come to

accept that it can take time for

markets to understand the full

benefits of what are novel solutions.

It was a decade ago that we introduced

Thermoblock to tackle cold-bridging at

places like the floor/wall junction, with

their concrete mini-columns ensuring

structural continuity. It took a long time

for specifiers to realise the advantages

under SAP etc, but now we are seeing

sales into housebuilding booming.

This is happening not just in the social

housing sector, but also in private

developments and extension projects.

And, now, the range is ready to

welcome a fire-rated version; which

is only awaiting final award of its BBA

certification.

The uptake of our recently developed

Fireboards has been most encouraging.

There have also been plenty of visitors

on the stand at recent building

exhibitions keen to hear about what

is a unique Class 1 non-combustible

product, and sales there are starting to

grow as well.

It’s about communicating the potential

applications: there clearly being a

need for a fireproof tilebacker and

also a substrate which is perfect for

taking render finishes in EWI buildups.

Crucially, Fireboard offers ways of

satisfying the new Building Safety Act

as well as addressing the concerns of

building insurers.

‘receiver’ with a recess sculpted to take

the slips. This is likely to be a game

changer: it’s easy to handle and fix in

place.

And, of course, our original launch

product – Multiboard – sustains excellent

market share in tiling and wet room

applications: along with a diverse range

of shower trays, drains and related

products.

Looking beyond our domestic progress,

Marmox has not had any problems with

the international supply chain, despite

the headlines about global conflicts and

disruption to shipping in the Red Sea.

We ship direct from Alexandria in Egypt,

and our lead times have remained

stable, as have our costs. So, as well as

maintaining our stock levels in Kent, lead

times on new orders continue to be three

to four days maximum while most are

met next day.

Beyond this, Marmox also still prides

itself on having excellent customer

relations, including support from our

technical team and trade training section.

While Marmox is a family business, most

important is the fact that, across the

company, we have the right people in the

right jobs, and we’ve been so fortunate

we have enjoyed very good retention:

the majority of our staff having been with

us from the very early days in one role or

another: Our current finance director, for

instance, worked with our accountants

when the business was first set up.

Overall, I’m excited about the future.

We’re going from strength to strength,

with a good team who really enjoy their

work within a stable company. Parts of

the construction industry are growing

strongly and we expect a greater shift

towards off-site fabrication, which our

boards are absolutely ideally suited to.

www.marmox.co.uk

Staying on the subject of fire safety, we

are in the process of introducing another

product with the same core and coating

as Fireboard. This is a special brick slip

panel that we’ve developed with a slip

manufacturer – basically a Fireboard

Marmox’s head office at Caxton House in Chatham, Kent.

34



FLYING HIGH WITH

MARMOX

A top-flight porcelain specialist picks Multiboard for its

many performance benefits while working on a high-end

bathroom renovation project.

A

Maidstone-based specialist

tiling contractor, which fits out

exclusive bathrooms using

large format porcelain sheets, has

come to depend on the multiple

performance benefits of Marmox

Multiboard as the company carries

out the projects across Kent and

Sussex for clients who demand the

highest of standards.


J. Jupp Tiling was set up by Josh Jupp

seven years ago to target the top end

of the residential market. Working on

recommendation for the property owners

as well as the developers of bespoke

properties, he typically takes three weeks

to complete each bathroom and expects

to be working on the current contract

- a five-bedroom new-build, barn style

holiday home near Tunbridge Wells – for

up to six months.

The challenge there involves sheathing

the lightweight metal stud partitions with

19mm plywood, followed by 12.5mm

Marmox Multiboard to provide a stable,

waterproof substrate to secure the 6mm

thick grey porcelain.

Josh Jupp comments: “I have been

using Multiboard and the accessory

products, including the washers, tape

and 360 sealant, since I started in this

business – it’s a really good all-round

board and is also one of the few you can

guarantee for use outdoors.

“A couple of years ago I covered the

entire back wall of a large house in

Maidstone with 130m 2 ´of 2m-long

porcelain tiles. That was on 12.5mm

Multiboard, the same as we are using

here, where we’ve been for two months

already and are due to finish next Easter.

We are doing five en-suites and a full

wet room, which serves the basement

gymnasium.

“Once we’ve installed all of the Marmox

– close to 100 boards here – for its ‘tileable’

and waterproofing properties, we

Marmox Multiboard installed as part of a high-end bathroom refurbishment in Kent.

are cutting the XL format 2.8 tiles on site

to accommodate all of the plumbing and

drainage connections. You can’t make

a mistake and have to have a sound

substrate because you just cannot

break one – aside from the cost it can

take weeks, or even months, to bring a

replacement into the country.”

Summing up the versatility of Multiboard,

Josh added: “I have used the 50mm

and 60mm thick version of Multiboard

to make up vanity units in the past and

last year even constructed a large bath

for one customer using the material and

then covering it with porcelain. It’s just

totally reliable, which is why I always

recommend it to the clients and

builders we work for.”

Marmox Multiboards are manufactured

from extruded polystyrene or XPS

encapsulated in reinforced polymer

concrete, produced in a range of

thicknesses up to 50mm and offer a

variety of positive physical characteristics

in addition to being fully waterproof.

They are light to handle and easy to cut,

while being able to sustain substantial

loadings if required, such as for flooring

applications. They further offer good

thermal insulation performance, helping

to cut condensation risk.

35




FIREBOARD OFFERS A SAFE

SOFFIT FOR RADIANT HEATERS

Marmox’s Fireboard offers a practical and innovative alternative

to plasterboard during the refurbishment of this derelict bungalow.

The refurbishment of a semiderelict

bungalow near

Southampton, has highlighted

the fire resistant and thermal

insulation benefits of the latest

addition to Marmox’s portfolio.

The property had suffered damage while

being left empty for two years, with

rain ingress bringing down ceilings in

the lounge, hall, kitchen and bathroom.

Rather than replacing the plasterboard,

the new owner instead specified Marmox

Fireboard with the intention of installing

all-electric heating: including ceilingmounted

radiant panel heaters.

This versatile Marmox product will

reduce the rate of heat loss into the

roof-space and mitigate the risk of ceiling

joists and other materials potentially

catching fire from malfunctioning panels.

More than 100 20mm-thick Fireboards

and recommended fixings were duly

purchased from Marmox.

Fireboard is suitable for internal

and external wall insulation (IWI/

EWI) applications, while the Stone

Wool-based board features the

same ‘honeycomb’ surface structure

as Marmox Multiboard, to create a

weatherproof, A1 non-combustible

certified render-backer.

Fireboards are available in thicknesses

of 20mm, 50mm and 100mm, in sizes

of 600x1,200mm, and can also be

specified for internal walls or ceilings for

plastering. Fireboards have a nominal

density of 150 kg/m 3 , while their core

material offers a compressive strength of

90 tonnes/m 2 .

The 20mm Fireboard is especially suited

for lining window and door reveals,

to tackle cold-bridging and improve

U-values; their thermal conductivity of

0.037W/mK delivering very good thermal

insulation thanks to tiny air pockets

within the micro-fibre structure of

Stone Wool, which also reduces sound

transmission through solid materials

such as stonework or other masonry.

FIREBOARD

Marmox Fireboard is a mineral rock

product designed to tackle fire hazards,

intrusive noise and the biting cold.

Adaptable enough to fit into both interior

and exterior spaces, Fireboard can be

fitted to masonry, timber or steel frame

constructions.

Available in 20mm, 50mm and 100mm

and the new 12mm sizes, Fireboards are

rigid enough to be fitted directly to timber

battens, while being lightweight enough

to be installed single handed.

Marmox’s Fireboard is a mineral rock product designed to tackle fire hazards.

Fireboards are made using a blend of

Marmox mineral stone wool, which

is then coated on the sides with a

fibreglass mesh embedded in Marmox’s

honeycomb cement-based surface.

36


Giving wetrooms the backing they need!

Curved Boards

Walls

Pipe Boxing

Niches

Toilet Cistern Boxing

Vanity Units

Bath Paneling

Showerlays

Floors

Look out for the Honeycomb Finish!

It means... Genuine Marmox and an

ultra-strong surface for adhesion!

Waterproofing

Insulating

Walls & Floors

Tiles or Plaster

Decoupling Membrane

Use for Construction

Lightweight

Easy to Cut

CELEBRATING

W: www.marmox.co.uk T: 01634 835290 T: sales@marmox.co.uk

Specify & Build April 2025.indd 1 27/03/2025 14:23


WINDOWS, DOORS &

ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

‘RETROFIT RIGHT’ TO IMPROVE

SOCIAL HOUSING

The retrofitting of windows

and doors is key to

accelerating the energy

efficiency of millions of

social homes, according to

a new report from REHAU.

With local authorities and housing

associations facing acute

pressure to upgrade millions

of social homes in line with modern

net zero and thermal performance

standards, retrofitting energy-efficient

windows and doors will offer a vital way

forward.

This is the view of Retrofit Right – Making

Social Housing More Energy-Efficient,

a whitepaper that explores how the

sector can decarbonise the 4.4 million

UK social homes across the UK –

mostly built between 1945 and 1980

– in line with legislative requirements

and available funding. The report, from

polymer specialist REHAU, confronts the

scale of this challenge by demonstrating

the crucial nature of informed

specification of window and door

systems. It underlines the importance of

these key components in affecting heat

loss in residential properties, detailing

the relevant standards, regulations and

metrics such as those governing thermal

performance, noise attenuation, security

and ventilation.

England’s social housing sector

produces three percent of England’s

overall carbon footprint. This striking

fact underscores the urgent need to

decarbonise existing building stock.

Achieving net zero emissions by

2050 is not just a goal, it’s a legally

binding target, with a 78% reduction in

emissions required by 2035. Additionally,

the Government has mandated that

social housing providers must achieve

Energy Performance Certificate ‘C’ by

2035, or 2030 for fuel-poor households.

These goals present a challenging

roadmap for local authorities and

housing associations facing the dual

pressures of decarbonisation and

resource constraints.

bolstering and maintaining supply chains

to ensure the specification of high-quality

components in these retrofitting efforts.

As explained by Martin Hitchin, CEO

at REHAU UK, this third-party supply

chain support is also key to bridging

knowledge gaps and easing workloads

within the social housing sector that

may be exacerbated by the scope of the

required works.

“The UK’s residential sector is under

great pressure to reduce emissions in

line with net zero targets, including a

78% drop in emissions by 2035 and

carbon neutrality by 2050,” he explains.

“As social housing is publicly owned,

there’s undoubtedly additional pressure

on local authorities to decarbonise, and

also to ensure that every pound spent

works as hard as possible to achieve the

desired energy efficiency improvements.

For strained local authorities and housing

association teams, this combination

of raised expectations and the sheer

scale of decarbonising millions of social

housing properties make this a daunting

challenge.

“As major sources of heat loss within

properties, windows and door systems

have a key role to play in improving

the thermal performance of social

housing. This is why we launched this

latest whitepaper – it provides valuable

advice on how to approach the frame

specification and upgrading process,

complying with relevant standards

and regulations, and the importance

of medium retrofits in achieving these

goals.”

Retrofit Right goes on to emphasise

the importance of selecting sustainable

materials such as coextruded polymer

and advises social housing stakeholders

to go beyond the point-of-purchase

when selecting new frames. Specifically,

it encourages decisionmakers to explore

data-driven technologies including

integrated digital ID cards for individual

frames to streamline later maintenance

works for local authorities and housing

associations.

“Material considerations and

performance standards of frames are

undoubtedly key for local authorities

and housing associations carrying out

retrofitting projects,” Martin concludes.

“However, those selecting these

components should also see how

added services can streamline ongoing

maintenance works, including breakages

and installing additional accessories.

“Innovations such as REHAU’s Window.

ID provide quick access to key data and

fenestration experts, greatly reducing the

need for time-consuming inspection or

measurement appointments. As detailed

in Retrofit Right, these innovations

can allow housing associations and

local authorities to save money by

reducing the number of visits to affected

properties, ensuring efficient and

effective maintenance. REHAU advises

fenestration professionals and social

housing stakeholders alike to read this

latest whitepaper and take on board

its insights ahead of future retrofitting

works.”

The full whitepaper can be downloaded

online from REHAU’s website.

window.rehau.com

The report emphasises the importance

of local authorities in establishing,

38

38_SB0425.indd 2 18/03/2025 14:17

WE

PEOPLE

AND

PRODUCTS

TOGETHER

BE PART OF FIT 2025

Scan to

register today!

NEC BIRMINGHAM • 29 APRIL - 1 MAY 2025

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!


FIT SHOW PREVIEW

GET READY FOR FIT

The FIT Show 2025 is fast approaching,

and if you’re a specifier, contractor,

architect, or construction professional

focused on windows, doors, roofing and

building envelope solutions, this is the

unmissable event of the year.

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 29 April

to 1 May 2025, the FIT Show is a leading UK trade

event for the window, door, flat glass, hardware,

components and roofing industries. As a specifier,

this event is the ultimate opportunity to explore

cutting-edge solutions for your commercial and domestic

projects – from innovative windows and doors to energyefficient

roofing systems, rooflights, lanterns, fascias, soffits

and much more.

A must-see event for specifiers

As demand grows for energy-efficient

and easily installable products, the FIT

Show is the ideal platform to connect

with suppliers, explore the latest

innovations, and stay ahead of emerging

trends in roofing and fenestration

solutions. Visitors can discover

innovative window and door products,

explore lightweight roofing systems,

advanced rooflights, lanterns, and

facades from industry leaders such as

Ultraframe, SupaLite, Made For Trade,

Brett Martin, and First Glass Roofs.

The Installer Demo Zone, sponsored by

Smart Systems, will showcase real-time

installations of windows and doors –

from the construction of a timber window

with the Timber Joinery Network through

40

40_SB0425.indd 6 25/03/2025 14:21


FIT SHOW PREVIEW

to sliding doors and lantern roofs with brands including ALUK,

Brett Martin and Made for Trade. Visitors can gain insight into

best practices, fixing techniques, and compliance to ensure

quality in your own projects.

You can also stay up to date on tools, fixings and accessories

with specialist tools that improve efficiency, reduce installation

time, and ensure durability for your projects.

FIT Show also helps you stay ahead of regulatory and

sustainability trends with CPD-certified learning on the

latest updates to Part L regulations, building compliance,

sustainability, and thermal efficiency, helping you stay compliant

and future-proof your designs.

Plus, all visitors can make the most of even more benefits,

including:

• Ensure your specifications are up to date: Stay

competitive by ensuring your project specifications

incorporate the latest products that meet industry

standards and evolving client needs.

• Exclusive show-only deals: Many exhibitors will be offering

show-only promotions, exclusive product bundles and

discounts available only to FIT Show attendees.

• Build strategic relationships by meeting with leading

manufacturers, exploring exclusive trade offers, and

building partnerships that will enhance the success of your

upcoming projects.

Industry experts and special guests

FIT Show 2025 will feature leading experts such as Robin

Clevett – a renowned carpentry, joinery, and building expert

with more than 113,000 YouTube subscribers. Robin will

deliver hands-on demonstrations, providing valuable insights

into installation techniques, material selection, and best

practices for building professionals.

FIT Show launches comprehensive CPD programme

Registration is also now open for FIT Show 2025’s extensive,

CPD-certified learning programme. Key highlights include:

• Lock it down: Protecting your tools and livelihood.

Speakers: Alice Lester Brookes, Senior Brand and PR

Manager at On The Tools, Shoaib Awan AKA ‘The Gas

Expert’, founder of Trades United. This session explores

practical tips and strategies to prevent tool theft, from site

security to marking equipment.

• State of the nation: Behind the data. Speakers: Elton

Boocock, Managing Director, Business Pilot & Tom Butler,

Head of Sales & Marketing, GGF. This session uses

curated data to provide insights into the glass and glazing

market, focusing on future consumer trends and market

demands.

• Are you ready for the Future Home Standards?

Speaker: Kevin Jones, Senior Technical Officer, GGF,

offers practical guidance on upcoming changes to ensure

businesses are equipped to navigate the transition.

• The future of training and competence in the glass

and glazing sector. Speaker: John Mannell, GGF,

showcases a bespoke course on the new GGF Training

online learning platform, highlighting its capabilities for skill

development.

• Entrepreneurs and leadership in the industry. A

panel discussion moderated by Robin Clevett offers

advice on achieving business success and entrepreneurial

perspectives from industry leaders.

• Fabricators and installers under fire: Cybersecurity

threats and your bottom line. Speaker: Greg Du Feu,

Managing Director, Du Feu IT addresses rising cyber

threats facing fabricators, focusing on real-world impacts

like downtime and lost revenue.

• Digital transformation and AI: Moving beyond the hype

to practical tools. Speaker: Elton Boocock, Business

Pilot explores how digital tools can streamline workflows,

improve efficiency, and enhance project management.

• The latest colour and texture trends to stay ahead

of the curve. Leon James, Product Manager, RENOLIT

UK, provides insights into current market trends and future

colour demands, exploring popular colours and textures.

The CPD-Certified learning programme will be supported

by practical demonstrations on The Installer Demo Zone,

sponsored by Smart Systems. The Installer Demo Zone will

include live product demos from the likes of Made for Trade,

ALUK, Bereco, Smart Systems and Brett Martin. The Timber

Joinery Network will also be running live machinery and

demonstrating the construction of a timber window.

Nickie West, FIT Show Event Director, said: “We’re thrilled to

launch our most comprehensive learning programme yet for

FIT Show 2025. With expert-led sessions, live demonstrations,

and a focus on the future of our industry, this is an unmissable

opportunity for professionals to enhance their skills and

knowledge.”

Don’t miss this opportunity

Registration for FIT Show 2025 is now open, offering FREE

access to all exhibits and seminar sessions.

With no FIT Show until 2027, this is your only chance to

experience the full supply chain in one place, compare

products side by side, and future-proof your projects with the

latest innovations.

www.fitshow.co.uk

41

40_SB0425.indd 7 27/03/2025 11:30


WINDOWS, DOORS &

ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

LOUVRES ARE ALL AROUND

John Park-Davies, Group Managing Director for IKON Aluminium Systems, discusses

PAS 24 aluminium louvred products, rising sales and the value of early specification.

Louvres are a common feature in our built environment.

Typically they provide airflow, light control, privacy,

weather protection and aesthetics. PAS 24 louvre

products go one step further, offering all this plus enhanced

security. These attributes mean they have long been popular

with specifiers, but awareness and appreciation of them

appears to be widening. Over the past 12 months or so,

sales of IKON Aluminium Systems’ PAS 24 aluminium louvre

products have grown 55% year-on-year – they are more

popular than ever.

Compliance with the PAS 24 British Standard means that

these products – including louvres and single and double

doorsets – are considered secure enough for homes and

commercial buildings. They improve security, which in turn can

reduce crime, withstand attack and make homes and buildings

safer.

Typically, these enhanced security louvre products are used for

access to computer server rooms, plant and generator rooms,

bin stores, bike stores, and underground car parks. They are

especially important for buildings where security is paramount,

such as schools, healthcare facilities and commercial offices.

Broader awareness of the benefits of these products means

decision makers are selecting PAS 24 louvres and doorsets

to complement other aluminium fenestration products, such

as windows and single and double entrance doors, etc, to

maximise their design impact.

and use aluminium products as a high-value sales tool.

In choosing aluminium PAS 24 louvres and doorsets,

developers can ensure that the more functional elements of

the build, such as bin storage and bike stores, also fit the brief

– they can be both secure and more attractive. Beyond the

mutual performance benefits, a suite of aluminium products

can also be united with a powder-coated finish, which is harder

to achieve with a mix of materials.

Ventilation explosion post-Covid

Louvres can also play a crucial role in improving indoor air

quality and reducing the risk of airborne transmission. Covid

has accelerated the will to provide better ventilation solutions in

both new buildings and pre-existing structures, with ventilation

hygiene now a key criteria for many specifiers.

We believe this demand is one of the main drivers for

the overall rise in louvre sales, as decision makers better

understand the benefits of aluminium louvres and recognise

their importance in creating healthy buildings. The positive

impact of this is greater awareness of the wider louvre range

and capabilities, such as PAS 24 louvre products.

Early specification

This understanding also means that louvres are being

considered earlier in the process. For too long they have

been the forgotten fenestration product but, with forethought,

they can be designed into the building envelope for optimum

performance and aesthetics.

Complementary aluminium

Aluminium is one of the most durable and sustainable building

materials available, and this has led to more widespread

appreciation in recent years. Long associated with commercial

developments, aluminium products are becoming increasingly

common in domestic projects. Thanks to its inherent benefits

and sleek aesthetics, consumers are turning onto aluminium,

and property developers and landlords are keen to capitalise

Architects are increasingly appreciative of the natural

aesthetics of louvres, with their symmetry and bold lines, and

early specification allows them to become an integral design

feature, especially when coated in a powder finish. Contractors

and installers also benefit from a well-specified louvre system

with bird and insect deterrents fitted in the factory, for example,

saving time onsite.

www.ikonaluminium.com

55%

growth year on year of

aluminium louvres

sales

44

44_SB0425.indd 2 18/03/2025 16:25

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

MORE THAN

JUST WINDOWS

Join us at Stand Q60 to discover how Roseview

goes beyond sash windows to help support and

grow your business.


WINDOWS, DOORS &

ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

FIGHTING BACK AGAINST A

CHALLENGING MARKET

Richard Hall, Managing Director of Reynaers Aluminium, explores the challenges,

trends and changes expected for the windows and doors sector in 2025.

While there is no doubt the past

couple of years have been

tough for the construction

industry, growth is being tentatively

forecast across trade and retail and

commercial sectors for 2025. With the

latest Glenigan Report predicting an

average 8% rise in project starts, this

could see confidence return and, in turn,

renewed investment in commercial and

residential markets, which would be

welcome news.

However, mixed messages remain

around exactly what economic outlook

to expect. Homeowners are still

feeling the effects of the cost-of-living

crisis and the Construction Products

Association (CPA) has predicted growth

will be slower than initially anticipated.

We are also still navigating a complex

landscape in terms of new and updated

legislation with the introduction of the

Building Safety Act, and question marks

remaining over Parts L, F and O of the

Building Regulations. Furthermore,

project starts have been impacted by

delays at the new Gateway 2.

Despite the economic challenges to

date, companies that have continued to

invest in systems and products to help

meet the need for best practice in safety,

performance and sustainability will be

well placed to move forwards.

In addition, the need to demonstrate

– and action – a commitment to

sustainability is resulting in a magnifying

Reynaers Aluminium

has invested heavily in

creating tailor-made

systems that deliver

up-to-date

sustainability and

performance data

glass being put against ESG policies to

ensure this is supported throughout the

supply chain.

Building Safety Act

Demonstrating the ability to support

the golden thread and meet the

requirements of the Building Safety

Act will be non-negotiable in the

coming years, and this move should be

embraced.

While short-term delays, and a residual

level of confusion of how this will work in

practice currently remain, comprehensive

performance testing, expert technical

support and accessible data will be vital

to supporting the industry through the

changes.

Reynaers Aluminium has invested

heavily in creating tailor-made systems

that deliver up-to-date sustainability

and performance data, with product

passports now accessible via Reynaers’

bespoke DigiTrace system. These cover

the materials used, end of life/recycling

information, performance data and

installation requirements – along with

the capacity to demonstrate competent

installation by uploading images to

support the golden thread. Reynaers

believes it is up to manufacturers

to support stakeholders in meeting

legislative requirements – and to provide

the reassurance specifiers need when

working with systems.

Supporting a sustainable future

Changes to Part L have long been

mooted for 2025, however there is as yet

no clear outline as to what changes the

industry can expect. While a consultation

has taken place into the Future Homes

Standard, at the time of writing the

industry still awaits the response.

Reynaers has adopted sustainability as

a key pillar of its strategy. New products

such as MasterLine 8 and 10 have

built-in low U-values for better thermal

efficiency, with a comprehensive offering

across all product ranges that can meet

the current Part L values, as well as

products that provide Passive House

performance levels. Whether U-values

remain at 2022 levels or move towards

0.8 W/m 2 K, Reynaers can support its

customers and the industry’s demands.

Retrofit

Within the demand for a sustainable

economy, retrofit projects will be a

major industry focus. Bringing buildings

into line with new environmental

requirements, enabling change of use

and optimising grey and brownfield

sites will see a shift in thinking. Building

simplicity into systems to support this

will be important as the demands of

retrofit differ to newbuild. Reynaers’

SlimLine 68 window, for example, is

designed specifically to make it easy to

use in like-for-like replacements through

its 68mm frame, which meets many

standard designs.

In looking at both cost and carbon

efficiencies, a compelling case also

remains for modular and volumetric

construction. While the UK has been

cautious of adopting this approach,

the results speak for themselves with

projects such as the College Road

Tower, Croydon, estimating a 40-50%

cut in carbon emissions thanks to offsite

methods. The market has demonstrated

the demand for volumetric efficiency and

there may also be increased interest in

exploring this option.

www.reynaers.co.uk

46

46_SB0425.indd 2 27/03/2025 11:32

REHAU TOTAL70:

Total performance

& security

REHAU’s TOTAL70 window and door system

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

glazed units. With this high energy saving

performance, REHAU are preparing for changes

to meet the Future Homes Standard 2025 and

2030 net zero targets.

The TOTAL70 System is certified under the

BSI Kitemark License, for the highest weather

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

Enhanced Security PAS24, whilst also being

accredited by Secured by Design.

Windows. Reinvented for modern life.

window.rehau.uk

enquiries@rehau.com

Tel: 01989 762600

REHAU TOTAL70 Total Performance & Security Specify & Build A4 Advert (April 2025).indd 1 19/03/2025 14:21


WINDOWS, DOORS &

ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

JELD-WEN SIGNPOSTS SECTOR-SPECIFIC STANDARDS

JELD-WEN UK, a leading UK manufacturer of high-quality

timber doorsets, has launched a new brochure to support

easier specification across a range of market sectors – and

to highlight its commitment to sustainability.

The brochure has been designed to provide specifiers

with all the information they need across a range of sectorspecific

uses, including education, hospitality, healthcare,

residential settings, student accommodation and offices.

Recognising the increased importance of a demonstrated

ESG policy in the supply chain, the brochure clearly sets

out the company’s commitment to sustainability. Taking a

top-level view, the brochure clearly signposts performance

testing for standards including acoustics, fire resistance,

durability and security – as well as guarantee details and fire

door data tagging capability.

Further to highlighting the testing needed for use in

a particular sector, the brochure flags up the additional

technical expertise offered by JELD-WEN to support

accurate specification at the earliest stage of a project,

including QR links to the NBS specification platform and

CPD training.

Breaking down the qualities of the door by project

application, the brochure also includes details such as

DDA compliance, Part M compliance, access control, and

bespoke sizing.

It also sets out JELD-WEN’s key sustainability targets and

benchmarks the company’s performance in meeting these.

The brochure also details how the company can support

compliance under the Building Safety Act through thirdparty

certification and the use of its recently launched

fire door data pin, which is embedded into fire doorsets

to store vital information to evidence the golden thread

through the product’s lifetime.

www.jeld-wen.co.uk/literature

PRESENTING THE SOHO WINDOW

Homeowners’ interest in steel-look windows and doors

has surged in recent years, captivated by the timeless

elegance and industrial charm these designs bring to both

period homes and modern properties. However, traditional

steel options often fall short for thermal performance –

something that has become increasingly crucial in today’s

market.

The OW-70 Soho Window from Origin, a leading

manufacturer of handcrafted aluminium windows,

takes inspiration from one of Manhattan’s most chic

neighbourhoods. Expertly crafted from high-grade

aluminium, it achieves an authentic look while its

performance surpasses current building regulations.

Available in both casement and fixed frame

configurations, the Soho Window is a versatile choice for

residential and commercial properties. Each window is

made to order, tailored to customer specifications, with over

150 RAL colour options to choose from, including textured

and dual-coloured finishes to create a truly personalised

look. The Soho Window also benefits from an exceptional

finish, thanks to the Qualicoat-accredited, in-house powder

coating facility. This 10-stage pre-treatment process

guarantees a flawless surface before the chosen colour is

applied, ensuring durability and a premium finish.

Engineered from high-grade aluminium, the Soho Window

offers ultra-slim sightlines of just 65mm, true glazing divides,

and square beading for a sleek, refined finish. Plus, for

added reassurance, it comes with a guarantee of up to 20

years.

As well as strong aesthetics, the Soho Window achieves

U-Values as low as 1.4 W/m²K. This exceeds current

building regulations, enhancing energy efficiency and

reducing heating costs. Advanced weathertight seals

provide further insulation to help regulate temperatures yearround

whilst protecting homes from the elements.

It also features a stainless steel multi-point locking system

which has been carefully engineered to align perfectly with

the keeps. The number of locking points varies depending

on window size, ensuring robust security no matter the

dimensions. Additionally, the Soho Window meets PAS:24

standards, offering homeowners complete peace of mind.

trade.origin-global.com

48

48_SB0425.indd 4 27/03/2025 11:33


KINGFISHER LOUVRES CHOSEN FOR PRESTIGIOUS MAYFAIR DEVELOPMENT

Kingfi sher Louvres has delivered more than 600 acoustic

louvre modules and 1,600m of screening louvre blade for

a new mixed-use redevelopment project incorporating a

luxury hotel in London.

Facing the Ritz and located within the Mayfair

conservation area, One Berkeley Street is a 19,500m 2

development that includes the fi rst 1 Hotel outside North

America along with offi ces and retail units. It was formed

through the refurbishment of two 1970s buildings and

retains much of the original structure, creating a vibrant,

modern building that is sympathetic to its past. The

extensive development, delivered by DE Group Contracting,

Kingfi sher Louvres’ client and main contractor, features

three new extensions including a two-storey rooftop

extension.

Kingfi sher Louvres’ Technical Sales team collaborated

with architects from Allford Hall Monaghan Morris to create

a solution to screen the plant equipment situated on the roof

and to also provide effective sound attenuation to minimise

the noise from the HVAC systems. Kingfi sher KA acoustic

louvre modules, which provide permanent ventilation

combined with the reduction of airborne sound transmission

into or out of buildings, together with the company’s KC120

screening louvres, helped provide the perfect blend of

acoustic performance and screening.

A total of 646 acoustically treated aluminium louvres – a

mix of KA150/20 modules and KA270/20 modules – were

supplied in RAL 7047 matt at different depths to meet the

varying sound attenuation requirements for the building.

Bespoke penetrations were also required through some

of the acoustic louvres on the roof to allow for a man-safe

support system – therefore, each penetration needed a

specially designed unit.

On the roof of the development, Kingfi sher’s KC120

screening louvres were installed to form several plant

screens alongside 10 single doors for access to plant

equipment. The KC120’s Z-profi le blade can be angled

upwards or downwards for screening from any angle.

With the project requiring so many bespoke elements,

a dedicated assembly line was set up within Kingfi sher’s

Nottinghamshire factory. The deliveries also had to meet

stringent timescales due to the restrictions of the busy

Central London location.

Darren Rees, Project Manager at DE Group Contracting,

commented, “This was a complex louvre installation on

a very prestigious project. Not only did the louvres have

to provide sound attenuation and screening for the plant

equipment, they also had to fi t with the architectural

aesthetics of the development, as well as incorporating a

specialist man-safe system which added to the stringent

level of detail that was required. We were delighted with

the technical and logistical support provided by Kingfi sher

Louvres throughout the project and the subsequent quality

of the installed louvres.”

The project won the Best Mixed-Use Scheme at the

Building London Planning Awards in October 2024.

www.kingfisherlouvres.com

WINDOWS, DOORS &

ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

NEW HANDLES FROM STEEL WINDOW FITTINGS

Steel Window Fittings has launched new high-quality steel

window and door handles. The 1040 door handle joins the

company’s existing range and features the popular classic

lever-lever confi guration with anti-droop technology, while

boasting a subtle, ornamental appearance for heritage

homes, listed buildings or properties designed with a

classic touch.

The handle is available on any of SWF’s existing

backplates – Rose, Oblong or Long – allowing for fl exibility

when choosing a style that complements a particular

property. The handle can be paired with escutcheons for

key-locking capabilities.

SWF’s standard fi nish colours include Satin Chrome,

Antique Black, Antique Brass, Gun Metal, ORB or RTD, but

RAL colours can be facilitated for matching with coloured

frames.

www.steelwindowfittings.com

49

49_SB0425.indd 5 28/03/2025 12:25


WINDOWS, DOORS &

ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH

ARCHITECTURAL GLAZING

Metal Technology is committed to making a positive environmental impact through

its responsible business practices, achieving Platinum status in the 2024 Northern

Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey.

Since 1985, Metal Technology has

been defining spaces through

its architectural glazing solutions

and has grown to become one of the

UK and Ireland’s leading designers and

suppliers of bespoke aluminium window,

door, curtain wall and solar shading

systems for commercial and residential

applications. Committed to excellence

in all aspects of sustainable product

design, customer service and technical

support, the company has become a

trusted partner of specifiers, developers,

contractors and architects.

Building a sustainable future

Metal Technology has recently added

to its suite of Passive House products,

with the launch of its Passive House

Door. The company has also invested

in its third solar installation; purchased

three new electric forklifts; installed full

LED lighting upgrades to all offices and

signed a new contract for purchased

energy from renewable sources, bringing

Metal Technology’s overall sustainable

investment to circa £400,000.

Dedicated to reducing its carbon

footprint, Metal Technology is

committed to reducing its Scope 1 and

2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50%

by 2030, as well as measuring and

reducing its Scope 3 GHG emissions.

Metal Technology is also certified to

BES6001 for the responsible sourcing

of construction products and, through

its ISO14001 environmental quality

accreditation, has been able to

reduce the environmental impact of its

operations year on year.

Metal Technology’s product portfolio

encompasses more than 30 window,

door, curtain walling, brise soleil and

louvre systems. Its Thermally Enhanced

(Hi+) portfolio offers specifiers a wide

choice of profiles that provide structural

integrity, weather performance, thermal

enhancement and security. The

introduction of its new Passive House

range is further testament to Metal

Technology’s commitment to the built

environment. The System 17 Hi+ Curtain

Walling, System 5-45 Hi+ Window and

System 5-35D Hi+ Door have all been

certified by the Passive House Institute

(PHI), with further Passive House

products under development.

Commercial and residential projects

Contracted for many commercial and

residential schemes throughout the

UK, Metal Technology has supplied

its architectural glazing systems for

developments such as CABI’s stunning

low-energy headquarters in Wallingford;

the award-winning CDE Global

Headquarters in Cookstown; and The

Keep in Belfast city centre – a major

refurbishment of an existing 70,000ft 2

premium commercial site that now

accommodates high-value brand retail

suppliers such as Apple and Deichmann.

Metal Technology has also applied

its expertise to deliver economical

yet technically robust solutions for

the healthcare sector. The company

supplied its high-performance glazing

systems for the National Treatment

Centre for NHS Highland – an ‘exemplar’

healthcare facility for ophthalmology and

orthopaedic surgery in Inverness, and

for the prestigious, £233m Baird Family

Hospital.

The company also has vast experience

within the education sector, providing

fenestration solutions for universities,

colleges, schools and student

accommodation developments

throughout the UK. Recent education

facilities include the new Wallyford

Learning Campus in East Lothian, the

new East Calder Primary in Scotland,

and the £40m Causeway Campus at

Northern Regional College in Northern

Ireland.

Passive house solutions

Metal Technology’s Passive Housecertified

systems provide the overall

requirement of Passive House criteria

for a significant number of sustainable

education projects. Metal Technology

supplied its high performance glazing

systems for St Columbas RC High

School and Woodmill High School,

which caters for 2,700 pupils. Designed

by AHR Architects, the £122m high

school development is part of the supersized

Dunfermline Learning Campus,

believed to be one of the world’s largest

ever Passive House education projects

at 26,666m 2 .

East Calder Primary School, West Lothian, Scotland

Extending beyond the education sector,

Metal Technology’s Passive House

aluminium glazing systems are also

being installed at the new, state-ofthe-art

Blairgowrie Recreation Centre,

Scotland’s first Passive House leisure

facility.

www.metaltechnology.com/passivehouse

50

50_SB0425.indd 2 28/03/2025 12:28

Play your cards

right and make

it a full house

at this year’s

FIT Show.

Come and see

what’s new on

Stand F38!

Be our VIP!

Register Today

COME AND VISIT US AT FIT SHOW

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.

residencedoors.co.uk


SPECIAL FEATURE

BUILD BETTER EFFICIENCY INTO

HIGH-PERFORMANCE FACADES

Mark Halliday, Divisional Façade and Technical Manager at ARBO, part of CARLISLE

Construction Materials, discusses the need for a fabric-first approach to façade

specification as part of improved building performance.

With global warming sending

more storms and extreme

weather our way, energy prices

soaring, and an urgent need to reduce

carbon emissions, it has never been

more important to prioritise airtightness

in building envelope specification.

According to Climate Group, the

international not-for-profit organisation,

buildings account for around 40% of

global carbon emissions, and this figure

is set to double by 2050 if action is not

taken. Energy efficiency and renewables

are part of the answer, but the building

fabric also has a significant role to play,

with a performance-led approach to

design and specification needed.

Fire safety and performance

Regardless of the façade finish, the

specification of materials used in the

build-up is just as important as the

performance and aesthetics of the

exterior walls. In 2023, changes to the

Building Safety Act (BSA) embedded

greater accountability for specification

choices and their contribution to building

performance across the delivery chain,

which means that the whole project

team needs to prioritise functionality,

buildability, and sustainability.

Carlisle Construction Materials prioritised

those principles when developing

ARBOShield Pro, which brings together

a range of high-performance products

to deliver complete solutions that

elevate performance and buildability.

The ARBOShield Pro Fire-Resistant

Façade System is an extensive group

of products with Class A or B reaction

to fire, and W1 resistance to water

penetration.

But specification of the façade

membrane is not the only critical factor

in ensuring performance. Any building

product can only deliver its designed

performance if it is appropriately

specified and correctly installed, which

is why the ARBOShield Pro range has

been developed for ease of installation

and buildability, backed by technical and

on site support.

Performance in detail

Structural openings are the most

vulnerable parts of any façade and

poor performance or installation values

can compromise the airtightness,

watertightness and fire safety of the

whole façade. For this reason, selecting

rigorously tested and compliant systems

that combine performance with ease of

installation is essential.

The ARBOShield Pro External

Perimeter Class A Membrane (EPAM)

has been developed to address these

requirements by ensuring a neat,

fire safe, compliant installation on all

window, door and façade structural

openings. Creating a watertight and

airtight seal with certified fire resistance,

the ARBOShield Pro EPAM connects a

concrete structural frame or steel frame

to SFS sections and exceeds current

Building Regulation and Approved

Document B requirements for a fire and

weathertight seal.

For projects where an EPDM façade

membrane has been specified, the

ARBO Easy Stick GS EPDM provides

an airtight and waterproof membrane

for around windows and structural

ARBOShield Pro brings

together a range of highperformance

products to

deliver complete solutions

that elevate performance

and buildability.

openings. Naturally UV-resistant,

permanently flexible, and resistant

to extreme temperature variations, it

provides a robust, long-term solution for

improved performance.

Sealing for success

Alongside façade membranes and tapes,

sealants can also play an important

role in façade performance. Delivering

a waterproof seal that acts as a barrier

against moisture, air infiltration, dust and

other contaminants, sealants protect a

building’s structure and aesthetics by

preventing water damage and thermal

bridging.

ARBO’s extensive sealant range of

sealants includes solutions for all

façade requirements. Where fire

safety is essential, the ARBO range

of intumescent and fire resistant

mastics and sealants can deliver

safety, waterproofing and airtightness

performance for expansion joints,

glazing, windows and doors, and brick

and blockwork.

Façade designs can be complex,

particularly at the most vulnerable points

where complexity and installation error

could compromise building performance.

Selecting products designed to

work together, developed for ease

of installation, and proven to deliver

performance can make a substantial

difference to the safety, thermal

efficiency, and longevity of the façade.

www.arbo.co.uk

52

52_SB0425.indd 2 27/03/2025 09:41

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53_SB0425.indd 2 28/03/2025 12:14

TSWW-Specify-and-Build-HHP-Mar2025-pressready.indd 1 20/03/2025 08:51


BRICKS & BLOCKS

MORTAR SUPPORTS CLASSIC

BRICK LOOK FOR LONDON

COMPLEX

CPI EuroMix has supplied specialist dry

mortar for a residential development at

the heart of one of London’s most

desirable districts.

Located in Canary Wharf where premium office space,

boutique retail, restaurants and green areas abound, 8

Habord Square is a New York-style complex comprising

82 modern, sophisticated apartments. This architecturally

outstanding building draws on the dockland area’s heritage,

particularly the brick warehouses that once populated its

landscape. Featuring 12 storeys with a 1,400ft 2 building

footprint, 8 Habord Square – designed by Karakusevic Carson

Architects – includes a wraparound terrace offering spectacular

views of London.

8 Habord Square contains around 13,500ft 2 of brickwork

across its external façade and internal blockwork, meaning a

bespoke mortar was needed. CPI EuroMix was selected by

contractor, Swift Brickwork, to deliver on this all-important

task, with around 800 tonnes of dry mortar being designed

and manufactured from CPI EuroMix’s Harlow plant. To

complement the brickwork’s classic aesthetic, which

comprised Ashbury Red Bricks and Cinder Coal Black Bricks,

CPI’s Natural M4 mortar was selected.

The mortar was delivered, ready mixed and ready to install, in

two silos to Canary Wharf. It was then craned into the building

site. Silo storage offers several benefits for the end user; the

mortar is provided with all-weather protection, ensuring it

remains moisture and contamination-free. This means the

mortar retains its workability, significantly reducing material

waste. Silos also improve efficiency and minimise material

handling time due to their controlled dispensing system. With

bulk storage a route to reduced packaging and delivery costs,

silos represent a more sustainable, fiscally expedient way to

use mortar to its optimal effect.

Completed in December 2024, 8 Habord Square is a dream

residence for those seeking a high-end living experience. With

this environmentally-conscious development, green spaces

offering tranquillity and escape are as accessible as stunning

city vistas, bustling bars, shops and restaurants. CPI EuroMix

is proud that its superior dry mortars were selected to uphold

the appearance and structure of the brick-built complex that

reflects so well on Canary Wharf’s past, present and future.

www.cpieuromix.com

Supporting skills for life

CPI EuroMix was pleased to support the recent

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), which

took place between 10 and 16 February to highlight

the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals,

businesses and the wider community.

Stuart Russell at CPI EuroMix commented: “We

welcome programmes that promote opportunities for

youngsters in the construction industry. Helping to build

the infrastructure that is so integral to our towns and

cities inspires a real sense of personal satisfaction and

reward.”

CPI offers a range of in-house training opportunities

across its nine sites in the UK, as well as supporting

external apprenticeship schemes. The company donates

silos of quality lime sand training mortar to colleges

for bricklaying apprentices to use, including Hertford

Regional College. CPI also supplies the same material

to the Guild of Bricklayers in support of its regional

apprentice competitions. In addition, CPI has dry mortar

silos based at NHBC-run training hubs in Tamworth and

Cambridge.

Stuart added: “The construction industry urgently

needs to attract a new generation of skilled workers.

In doing so, it’s important to remember that as well as

being a great opportunity for trainees, apprenticeships

benefit the employer in so many ways. Trainees bring

new ideas, new attitudes and energy to the workplace.

They are the future and with our support, they must feel

empowered to lead construction’s evolution as a smarter,

more sustainable industry as the century progresses.”

54

54_SB0425.indd 2 27/03/2025 11:36


An environmentally-friendly mortar made

from recycled plastic and silica aerogel

has been developed by Newcastle

University researchers to improve

insulation and reduce plastic waste.

The cement mortar mix was

developed by replacing sand with silica

aerogel and recycled PET plastic, which

showed improved thermal insulation

and weighs less. Aerogels are known for

their high insulation properties and are

increasingly used for thermal insulation,

particularly within the building sector and

aerospace sectors. Testing showed that

the new mortar mix reduced heat loss

by up to 55% compared to conventional

mortar, the University said, while

maintaining the required strength for

masonry construction.

It also meets international standards

(BS-EN 413-1:2011, ASTM C270-10,

AS 1012/AS 3700), presenting an ecofriendly

alternative for energy-efficient

and sustainable construction. The team

believes this could improve sustainable

construction practices while reducing

heat loss in buildings in areas where

you get thermal bridging, for example

through gaps between bricks in the walls

which are filled with mortar.

COULD NEW MORTAR REDUCE HEAT LOSSES?

Professor Lidija Šiller, Professor

of Nanoscale Science at Newcastle

University’s School of Engineering and

one of the study’s lead authors, said:

“This study demonstrates that our

formulation of recycled PET plastic waste

can be used to produce cement-based

mortars, and it is an effective way to

reduce their impact on the environment.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to reduce

heating bills in our newbuilds and at the

same time significantly reduce plastic

waste?’’

The new mortar mix

Seven different formulations were

tested alongside traditional mortar with

the most effective of the new mortar

mixes proving to be 7% untreated

silica aerogels replacing natural sand

combined with 3% recycled PET

(polyethene terephthalate) plastic.

The PET plastic particles used in

the study came from shredded plastic

bottles waste and were coarse, irregular

in shape and between 2.5-3.5 mm. The

scientists washed the plastic pieces with

water after shredding and left them to

dry at room temperature for 24 hours.

The team analysed key properties,

such as setting time, flowability (a

measure to determine the workability

of cement mortar), density, strength,

and thermal conductivity. The new

formulation helped reduce the thermal

conductivity of mortar by up to 55%,

compared to standard mortar samples.

The scientists are now looking for

partners to help them test the new mix in

a large-scale, real-world setting.

BRICKS & BLOCKS

PRODUCTS

IG MASONRY SUPPORT DELIVERS STRIKING EXTERIOR FOR WATERFRONT HOTEL

The NYX Hotel is a new €40m, six

storey, 175-bedroom accommodation

overlooking the Grand Canal in

Dublin. Designed to be in harmony with

its historical Georgian quarter setting,

this boutique hotel designed by John

Fleming Architects is predominantly brick

and demonstrates an awareness of the

local architectural aesthetic.

The building’s façade, a combination

of brick, stone and metals, includes a

juxtaposition of red and cream brick,

creating contrast on the elevations.

Further depth is added through the dark

grey stone façade columns, pressed

metal seam cladding and deep brick

soffit details. To achieve these complex

architectural features, contractor Stewart

Construction partnered with IG Masonry

Support thanks to their long-standing

relationship and ability to design and

manufacture systems that could achieve

the deep soffit detail required for the

project.

The project presented a number of

challenges. On Levels 2, 3 and 4 of the

south elevation, the design included

vents that needed to be accommodated

without compromising the masonry

support systems. To add to the

complexity, protruding concrete nibs

on the main slab’s front face required a

creative fixing solution.

IG also had a unique challenge on

the fourth floor east elevation, where

it had to fix to two different structure

elements – RHS steel beams at the

front and concrete at the rear, while

accommodating an unusual, angled slab

edge design that necessitated a custom

support solution.

To accommodate the vents, the IG

team ensured there were single brick

gaps within its units to fit around the

pre-installed vents, ensuring ease of

installation and no clashing once onsite.

The concrete nib issue on the front face

of the slabs was overcome using Welded

Masonry Support brackets designed to

fix to the front edge of the nibs, with a

soffit restraint angle added to the bottom

of the B.O.S.S. (Brick on Soffit System)

to prevent clashes.

IG designed its B.O.S.S. and Welded

Masonry Support to enable the front to

accommodate the RHS Steel Beams

and, at the rear, to fix to concrete. On

the fourth floor, IG designed a bespoke

Folded Angle Masonry Support System

which matched and accommodated the

line and angle of the slab.

igmasonrysupport.com

55

55_SB0425.indd 5 27/03/2025 11:47


BRICKS & BLOCKS

MAKING THE

SUSTAINABLE CHOICE

Looking at the bigger picture is the key to building truly sustainable homes, says

Jenny Smith-Andrews, Head of Marketing at H+H UK

Even as the construction

industry strives for

sustainability on the road to

net zero, there is no common

consensus as to what that

actually means. At H+H UK our view is

that true sustainability lies in designing

resilient, high-performing homes with low

whole-lifecycle carbon emissions.

Embodied carbon is a key element

of this process, of course, but with a

vast range of building materials and

construction methods available, a

standardised approach to calculating

embodied carbon is crucial to help the

entire industry make sustainable choices.

Only when we have a level playing field

for measuring and reporting embodied

carbon can we conduct accurate

comparisons between different products

and materials.

Making true comparisons

The construction industry has

established guidelines and technical

guidance in the form of product category

rules (PCRs) and environmental product

declarations (EPDs).

However, comparing EPDs for

different products can be complex as

there are elements that may not be

consistent from one EPD to another.

These may include the use of different

methodological approaches; generic

rather than product-specific data;

different units of measurement, and nonrequired

fields that may be included in

some EPDs and not in others.

A detailed analysis of the data, rather

than relying on any commentary, is

essential to understanding a material’s

true carbon footprint. The focus should

be on ‘whole life’ or ‘cradle-to-grave’

carbon emissions. We believe that

any embodied carbon figure quoting

only the ‘up front’ or ‘cradle-to-gate’

manufacture is not a true reflection of the

environmental impact of that product,

which is why our EPDs report the full

lifecycle of our products.

Will it last a lifetime?

Product EPDs that contain biogenic

carbon, such as timber, are required to

be modelled on their full lifecycle. The

RICS Whole life carbon assessment

(WLCA) for the built environment does

allow for cradle-to-gate EPDs, but only if

biogenic carbon is totally excluded.

It is worth noting that an older

requirement, dating back to 2013,

allowed cradle-to-gate for biomass

materials. This has allowed some timber

products to report carbon credits instead

of impacts, which can be misleading

56

56_SB0425.indd 4 25/03/2025 12:44

BRICKS & BLOCKS

The UK imports around

80% of its wood, making

it the world’s second

largest importer of

wood after China.

where legacy EPDs are referenced.

The length of a ‘whole lifecycle’ is

another topic for debate. Homes in the

UK are designed for a minimum of only

60 years. Put in the context of how

long these homes will actually need to

last to accommodate our current rate

of replacing existing housing stock - a

shocking 2,000+ years – and this makes

little sense.

Viewed through this lens the case is

strengthened for using a longer lifespan

for the calculation of lifetime carbon.

It also highlights the importance of

considering, at the specification stage,

the lifespan of different materials.

Masonry products top the list with their

comparatively longer lifespan of over 100

years.

When demand outstrips supply

Timber is often promoted as a

sustainable building material due to

its ability to sequester carbon during

its growth. However, its long-term

sustainability depends not just on

carbon storage, but also on supply chain

resilience, responsible sourcing, and

lifecycle performance.

The UK imports around 80% of its wood,

making it the world’s second largest

importer of wood after China. Offshoring

the UK’s wood supply to this extent

creates supply chain vulnerabilities.

This problem is set to worsen as the

global demand for timber increases. The

World Bank estimates that global timber

demand will quadruple by 2050, which

may create challenges for sustainable

timber production, and potentially issues

for longer term decarbonisation.

One solution being explored is to

increase the use of homegrown

softwood timber. However, there is

already a gaping chasm between the

amount of softwood timber grown in the

UK and the amount required to meet

demand. This gap will widen even further

if we increase the volume of timber used

in construction.

With the length of time it takes to grow

timber suitable for structural purposes,

this has put the UK on the back foot in

terms of having homegrown structural

grade timber to use in the near future.

Decarbonising manufacture

In the time it would take for the UK to

grow enough construction grade timber

to meet demand, other industries will

have decarbonised their own production

processes.

We are working towards decarbonising

our manufacturing process, which

will have a significant impact on our

embodied carbon numbers, with the

carbon footprint of our aircrete products

continuing to decrease as manufacturing

processes evolve and the UK’s energy

grid shifts to renewables.

In addition, the supply chains for

masonry products such as aircrete are

short, predominantly being produced

using locally sourced raw materials, in

factories based in the UK.

To prioritise true sustainability we

must look at the whole picture. By

making informed choices based on fair,

standardised carbon assessments we

can build durable, low-carbon homes

that will truly stand the test of time.

www.hhcelcon.co.uk

57

56_SB0425.indd 5 25/03/2025 12:45


EXHIBITION PREVIEW

MORE PRODUCTS, MORE TECH,

MORE CONNECTIONS AT

INSTALLERSHOW

InstallerSHOW is a must-visit event for professionals in the built environment, bringing

together more than 800 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors at the NEC Birmingham.

InstallerSHOW will take place across three halls and three

days at the NEC Birmingham between 24 and 26 June,

2025. With a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and

collaboration, this year’s event will be bigger and better than

ever before.

InstallerBUILD

Tackling the key issues of building sustainably and retrofi tting

our buildings, InstallerBUILD will encourage collaboration

between trades and specifi ers as we head towards net zero

and a more sustainable built environment.

Integral to this will be the inaugural Building Safety Week, in

partnership with Building a Safer Future (BSF) and the Code

for Construction Product Information (CCPI). Focusing on

education, networking, sharing best practice, and brands

showcasing product innovation, the aim is to bring the industry

closer together to improve the safety of the buildings in which

we live and work. The week will also champion best working

practices so we can continue to improve safety as we build.

The HAUS

The HAUS at InstallerSHOW 2025 is a full-scale, Passivhaus

standard two-storey house build that will take centre stage

within Hall 4 of the NEC, serving as the heart of InstallerBUILD

and InstallerROOFING.

Designed by award-winning architects IF_DO and built using

regenerative materials by Natural Building Systems, The

HAUS will sit surrounded by manufacturers and suppliers who

share the vision to showcase sustainability and shine a light

on innovation. The HAUS will be built using NBS’s ADEPT

integrated and demountable modular system to ensure it

can be completed in three days. ADEPT is designed for full

adaptability and non-destructive disassembly to aid circularity.

The design will feature cutaways and product information

to explain how the fabric and systems are designed to work

together. Crucially, InstallerSHOW is working with suppliers to

explain the circularity and sustainability of the products used

– ensuring its sustainability credentials stand up to scrutiny.

Supplier partners already on board include: Abode, Correla,

Egger Group, Grundfos, Gutmann, Hanson Plywood, Impey,

Jaga, NIBE, ProTilerTools, Senstec, SIG Roofi ng, Topps Tiles,

Triton, and Wienerberger.

Industry-leading theatre programme

InstallerSHOW 2025 will also boast 10 content streams

covering both domestic and non-domestic buildings, as well

as solar energy, smart buildings and the electrifi cation of heat.

In partnership with the National Home Improvement Council,

the NHIC Knowledge Hub will feature expert panels and key

debates relevant to both newbuild and refurbishment work,

all designed to help you make homes healthier, more energy

effi cient and aff ordable.

The Solar Pavilion will return, supported by Solar Energy UK

and MCS. With capacity on rooftops and on the ground now

estimated to be more than 18 gigawatts, solar is playing an

increasingly important role in decarbonisation and bolstering

energy security – meeting around 4.7% of the UK’s electricity

demand last year. But delivering the government objective of

70GW by 2035 means greatly expanding the skilled workforce.

The Solar Pavilion feature will deliver expert demonstrations

and talks on the MCS certifi cation process, PV module

technology, mounting systems, battery storage, how heat

pumps and solar power can work

together, and much more.

To join us for three unforgettable days this

June, scan the QR code and secure your

FREE ticket. PS: Parking’s on us!

Be in with the chance to win £10,000!

What would you do with £10,000? A dream

holiday? A new garden offi ce or studio? The

possibilities are endless! Specify and Build is giving away

£10,000 to one lucky visitor and it couldn’t be easier to

enter! Simply register for your FREE ticket to the show,

collect your passport from the show’s entrance, visit the

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58

58_SB0425.indd 2 28/03/2025 12:30

Have you got your ticket to

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.

There’s no time like the present!

Scan the QR code to register for

your FREE ticket. PS. Parking is

on us!

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


INSULATION &

ACOUSTICS

SUSTAINABILITY CREDENTIALS

HIT THE RIGHT NOTE

Around 23,000m 2 of Knauf Insulation’s FactoryClad Roll 35 was used to insulate the

roof of the new Co-op Live – helping to create one of the world’s most

energy-efficient indoor arenas.

Manchester is known for its

rich cultural heritage, but

now Co-op Live, the UK’s

largest indoor arena, aims

to put the city on the

world stage for sustainability. Designed

to be a 100% electrically powered venue

and featuring 6,400m² solar panels as

well as air source heat pumps – the

building needed a highly efficient building

fabric to ensure these products would

operate effectively.

With Knauf Insulation’s St Helens

manufacturing plant based just 30

miles down the road, the company was

a perfect partner for sub-contractor

Lindner Prater, which was responsible

for constructing the arena’s 12,000m 2

twin roof. Lindner Prater contacted

Knauf Insulation’s Specification Team

to discuss the project’s insulation

requirements.

Finding a partner

The Co-op Live roof comprises two

independent roof systems, the lower

cassette and the upper standing seam

roof, working in conjunction with one

another to meet the high-performance

requirements of the arena. Each element

of the build was meticulously examined

to ensure the products installed achieved

on all fronts.

Karl Moxon, Associate Director at

Lindner Prater, says: “For the upper

standing seam roof there were a number

of key factors required for the insulation.

Firstly, thermal performance. The

standing seam roof is a tapering built-up

system onto a flat concrete slab, and we

needed to meet the overall performance

requirements taking into consideration

the unique twin roof design.

“Secondly, for a venue of this size and

with our own policies ensuring that

the highest standards of fire safety

are achieved, it was imperative that

we sourced an insulation material that

was non-combustible. In addition, the

products used had to be sustainable

and our key project partners had to align

60

60_SB0425.indd 4 27/03/2025 11:51


associated transport-related carbon

emissions. It also reduces the amount

of plastic packaging required per m 2 of

insulation.

As well as prioritising the use of

sustainable products, Co-op Live

has a zero-waste direct to landfill

policy. Knauf’s product packaging

film is made from up to 50% Post-

Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic,

mainly plastic milk bottles, that would

otherwise have gone to landfill. It

can also be recycled through the

development’s own recycling schemes

once the products have been

unwrapped.

INSULATION &

ACOUSTICS

to the sustainable goals of the project.

We needed a partner ready to exceed

in technical excellence and prepared to

innovate when required. Knauf Insulation

exemplified this in its approach to Co-op

Live.”

Creating a new product

The design intent was to use a 0.035W/

mK lambda mineral wool insulation

installed in two layers at a range of

depths between 220mm and 440mm

within the built-up metal roof. With the

tapered void between the deflecting flat

slab and the standing seam finish, the

product also needed to be manufactured

in five thicknesses ranging between

60mm and 220mm.

After reviewing several options, Knauf

Insulation agreed to develop a new

glass mineral wool product, FactoryClad

Roll 35, specifically for the Co-op Live

project.

FactoryClad Roll 35 is a glass mineral

wool insulation that is naturally

non-combustible with the best

possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire

classification. Because it is made of

mineral wool, it also acts as a sound

absorbent lining, so can help control the

reverberation of internal sound. It comes

in five thicknesses between 60 and

220mm and is manufactured at a width

of 1,200mm for speed of fitting. It also

has a high tear strength which ensures

its durability and ease of handling during

installation.

Reducing environmental impact

Karl continues: “The product’s thermal

and fire safety performance were only

part of the equation. Sustainability sits at

the heart of the Co-op Live project, so

any construction products we proposed

also had to meet the most rigorous

sustainability standards – and Knauf

Insulation ticked all the boxes.”

Reducing the embodied carbon of its

products has long been a priority for

Knauf Insulation. Fifteen years ago, it

developed ECOSE Technology, the biobased

binder used in the manufacture

of most of its insulation, including

FactoryClad Roll 35. It contains no

added phenol or formaldehyde and is

less energy-intensive to manufacture

than traditional binders.

Products manufactured with ECOSE

Technology have been awarded

Eurofins ‘Indoor Air Comfort’ Gold.

This is a European-wide accreditation

for low-VOC products that go beyond

the legislated minimum standards and

contain no added formaldehyde or

phenol. Knauf Insulation’s entire glass

mineral wool range is also accredited as

Declare ‘Red List Free’, which means it

doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals

on the ‘Red List’.

Its glass mineral wool insulation is made

from up to 80% recycled content, mainly

glass bottles and jars collected from the

local area. In other words, the equivalent

of approximately 123,000 empty glass

wine bottles is being used to insulate the

new Co-op Live arena roof.

The flexible structure of mineral wool

insulation allows it to be compressed

during the packaging process. To

maximise this potential, Knauf Insulation

has invested in advanced compression

packaging so that there’s more product

per pack and per pallet. This reduces

the number of trucks on the roads and

High-performance cladding panels

Knauf Insulation also worked with

partner Euroclad to supply insulated

sandwich panels. To support the

rainscreen, Euroclad supplied 20,000m 2

of Rainspan external wall sandwich

panels in 175mm thickness for the

building exterior. These panels use a

115kg/m 3 density rock mineral wool

core manufactured by Knauf Insulation

to provide fire, thermal and acoustic

performance.

The Euroclad team also supplied

1,500m² of Rockspan Extra panels, a

cost-effective external wall solution, also

with a rock mineral wool core made by

Knauf Insulation, that uses fixed joint

details to enable faster construction.

Rockspan panels are suitable for

rainscreen construction both for their

buildability and for fire performance, with

a Euroclass A2-s1,d0 reaction to fire

classification.

“Our longstanding partnership with

Euroclad allows us to bring products

to market that use high-performance

materials and are designed with

buildability in mind,” says Luke Davies,

Rock Mineral Wool Product Manager

at Knauf Insulation. “Using rock mineral

wool manufactured in the UK helps to

reduce the embodied carbon of the

rainscreen and sandwich panels and

realise Co-op Live’s sustainability goals.”

Knauf Insulation’s commitment to

sustainability, innovation and supplier

collaboration meant that it proved to be

the perfect insulation partner for Lindner

Prater. The development of FactoryClad

Roll 35 means that Knauf Insulation has

played a key role in helping Co-op Live

achieve its ambitions of becoming one of

the most sustainable and energy-efficient

indoor arenas in the world.

www.knaufinsulation.com

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INSULATION &

ACOUSTICS

MORE EDUCATION NEEDED

AROUND VENTILATION

Thermal efficiency targets are front and centre of retrofit projects to improve the

sustainability of the UK’s housing stock. Ben Robinson, Technical Manager at Alsecco looks

at how to ensure ventilation remains effective when improving external wall insulation.

With the Government setting a

target to bring all energy poor

homes up to an EPC energy

rating of C by 2030 in support of its drive

to reach net zero by 2050, insulation

will play a key role in achieving these

ambitious goals.

However, it is important that ventilation is

considered at all stages of an insulation

upgrade – and that the importance

of ventilation is clearly communicated

to homeowners and occupants to

avoid trapped moisture becoming a

problem. Education of the whole supply

chain, from specifier to contractor and

homeowner, is central to that if we are

going to raise awareness of the fact that

homes will always need to breathe.

An estimated 35% of thermal loss

occurs through walls, which makes

insulation a priority in addressing energy

emissions generated through heating

a home. Ventilation – and the potential

for damp – must be a key consideration

from the start of an insulation upgrade

project. Poor insulation can be a cause

of condensation, leading to the formation

of mould and mildew as cold walls foster

damp conditions, which can lead to

serious health problems for occupants if

allowed to continue.

Where external wall

insulation is being

upgraded, the main

contractor should

always check there is

adequate ventilation in

place, such as trickle

vents on the windows

and extractor fans in

the bathrooms.

Improving external wall insulation is a

solution to this problem which, at the

same time, can also improve the overall

thermal efficiency of the home itself.

However, care must be taken to achieve

the right balance so that air and moisture

still has an outlet to ensure optimal living

conditions, as changing the fabric of a

structure will also fundamentally change

how it operates.

Technical competency in the

specification and installation of the

external wall insulation is essential,

alongside careful collaboration with

specifiers, architects and principal

designers. A good quality installation

will ensure the temperature of the

wall remains stable, while shutting out

moisture and interacting with other

retrofit measures in a complimentary

manner.

This work also needs to be underpinned

by competent installation. Gaps must be

avoided to stop moisture and heat loss

affecting walls, including where insulation

boards join together, for example. In

addition, any thermal bridging should

be mitigated to avoid pockets of cool

air condensing within insulation gaps

and voids, or where different materials

have been used, or pipework or soffits

pass through the insulation. Taking care

to avoid these gaps, or sealing them,

will help to avoid the problems thermal

bridging can cause. Any potential issues

in the building should be flagged up at

the earliest stages with a condensation

risk analysis, which can then be

incorporated into the build.

Where external wall insulation is

being upgraded, the main contractor

should always check there is adequate

ventilation in place, such as trickle vents

on the windows and extractor fans in

bathrooms and any room subject to

moisture release. There also needs

to be a shift in approach to highlight

the importance of ventilation and that

increased insulation will demand greater

consideration of this from homeowners.

In making changes to support a better

future, it is essential to ensure best

practice to support optimal living

conditions into the future.

alsecco.co.uk

62

62_SB0425.indd 2 25/03/2025 13:14

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CASE STUDIES

COLLABORATION HELPS COMMUNITY CAMPUS ACHIEVE PASSIVHAUS STANDARD

Two primary schools, an Early Learning and Childcare

Centre, and other community facilities will all be housed in

the new £34m Faifley Community Campus in Clydebank.

Due to be completed in 2026, the project is being delivered

in compliance with the Net Zero Public Sector Buildings

Standard as part of funding through the Learning Estate

Investment Programme (LEIP2).

As such, the new campus will be certified to the

Passivhaus standard, which requires a thermally efficient,

airtight building fabric. To achieve this, the campus’ external

wall build-up features A. Proctor Group’s Wraptite UV

external airtightness membrane.

Architects Holmes Miller have embedded the Passivhaus

standard into their work. Their track record in delivering

Passivhaus-standard buildings includes East End

Community Campus, which features A. Proctor Group’s

standard Wraptite membrane.

The Wraptite UV membrane allows the campus buildings

to benefit from moving the airtight line to the exterior face of

the external wall. Doing so avoids a lot of complex detailing

(such as around services and other penetrations) that often

occurs at the internal face.

The composition of Wraptite UV makes it more resilient

to the effects of UV exposure. It is typically used behind

open-jointed cladding, though this wasn’t a consideration at

Faifley Community Campus with its masonry and sinusoidal

cladding facing materials. A benefit of Wraptite UV’s

resilience is that it can be left exposed for longer if required,

which may have benefited the construction programme in

this particular case.

Wraptite UV is fully adhered and doesn’t require a primer,

saving on labour and material costs. It is also vapour

permeable, so it can achieve a high level of airtightness

without increasing the risk of condensation.

proctorgroup.com/products/wraptite-uv

HADDONSTONE ‘MERMAIDS’ ADORN DUCHY PROJECT

One of Haddonstone’s long-term clients has supplied a

set of three cast stone mermaid panels, created by artist

Charles Gurrey, for a housing development on Duchy of

Cornwall land in Newquay. The 540-acre site will eventually

provide some 4,000 new homes together with a diverse mix

of businesses.

South-West Brick and Stone, based in Devon, was

contacted by Morrish Homes regarding the commission and

director Gary Norton subsequently set up a meeting with

Haddonstone at its Northampton manufactory. Joined by

Charles Gurrey, Gary met with members of Haddonstone’s

experienced team to discuss how Charles’ 1,210mm x

963mm original mermaid, carved in Jesmonite, could be

faithfully replicated for the housing project.

The three plaques are being produced in Haddonstone’s

TecLite glass-fibre reinforced material. The material’s high

strength-to-weight ratio makes it suitable for retrofit projects

because it can be used to create designs no more than

45mm thick, while still achieving the crisp detailing found

in the original. A profile was taken of the mermaid to ensure

the artist’s detailed work was reproduced for the mould and

when the panels were cast. The final panels were produced

in a Portland colour finish, and a large headed fixing was

cast into the reverse side of each one, allowing them to be

resin anchored into place on site.

Gary said: “We set up the company 20 years ago to be

the region’s foremost supplier of brick and stone, chimneys

and associated GRP components, and we have dealt with

Haddonstone since the beginning. Charles was very keen

that his design would be replicated in all its detail; while also

respecting all the practical requirements such as weight,

how it would be installed into the brickwork recesses, the

slenderness or optimum depth for the castings, and even

how they would be backlit. It is on this sort of detail where

Haddonstone is very strong.”

As a founding member of the UK Cast Stone Association,

Haddonstone offers an extensive range of bespoke

architectural and landscaping products in a selection of

natural colours. Many of the designs reflect popular period

styles such as Georgian, Greek Revival and Classical.

www.haddonstone.com

64

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FUTUREPROOF WATER HEATERS OFFER PEACE OF MIND AT CARE HOME

Rinnai has supplied two N Series continuous flow water

heaters to the Sycamore Care Home in Huddersfield,

ensuring a reliable and efficient hot water heating system.

Installed by CBFM, the system includes a 300-litre cylinder

store, providing a first-hour flow rate of 2407 litres and a

continuous flow rate of 1907 litres, with a recovery time

of just 15.7 minutes at 60°C with a 50°C temperature

difference.

The Rinnai N Series water heaters are fully modulating

(58kWh – 4.4kWh) and fully condensing stainless steel

heat exchangers. They have been independently tested for

hydrogen blends of 20% and renewable liquid fuels like Bio

LPG, ensuring future compatibility with greener gases.

One of the standout features of the Rinnai N Series

is its 12-year warranty, which offers peace of mind and

demonstrates the company’s commitment to reliability and

durability. This long-term warranty ensures that customers

can trust in the performance and longevity of their hot water

heating system.

CBFM, known for its bespoke installation and

maintenance contracts, emphasises service excellence

and energy efficiency. Harl Bowman of CBFM stated: “We

have built our reputation on service excellence, ensuring

the job is done with minimal fuss. Our team of highly trained

and qualified engineers consistently deliver outstanding

results.”

CBFM’s Gas Safe commercial heating teams also

recently installed a commercial water heater and cylinder at

a local community centre, providing essential services to

the kitchen and toilets, along with LPG gas for the kitchen

catering equipment.

Rinnai offers cost-effective domestic or commercial hot

water solutions, with a variety of options based on location

and requirements. The design team can size any site and

suggest optimum solutions based on installation space and

customer needs. Rinnai also provides full product availability

24/7 for next-day delivery of all hot water heating unit

models, including 48-58kW units.

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk

CASE STUDIES

SENIOR ANSWERS THE CALL AT MERSEYSIDE’S NEW FIRE STATION

Safe, secure, and sustainable aluminium fenestration

solutions from Senior Architectural Systems have been

installed at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service’s new fire

station in Aintree.

Working closely with supply chain partner G G Glass &

Glazing, Senior has supplied an effective combination of

some of its most popular products, including its slimline

SF52 aluminium curtain wall system, award-winning

PURe aluminium windows, and stylish Ali FOLD bi-folding

aluminium doors.

Designed by Ryder Architecture and constructed by

Wates, the new fire station is the first phase of development

on the new 12-acre site, which will also see the creation of a

new Training Academy. The fire station replaces Merseyside

Fire & Rescue Service’s existing facilities in both Aintree and

Croxteth and has been designed to offer both operational

and environmental efficiencies.

The new fire station building has been designed with

sustainability in mind, with both the exact location and

orientation of the station considered to create a lower carbon

footprint and a clear pathway to net zero. The thermal

performance of both Senior’s SF52 aluminium curtain wall

system and low U-value PURe aluminium windows has

contributed to a more efficient building envelope. Senior’s

thermally broken SPW501 aluminium doors were also used

throughout to provide safe and secure access.

Designed to be operational 24 hours a day, the new

station also includes youth engagement facilities and

meeting spaces for community use. On the timber-framed

pavilion, Senior’s SF52 aluminium curtain wall system was

©Aintree Community Fire Station

installed with 200m feature profile caps, which extend over

the façade to offer solar shading and shelter.

The new fire station represents a significant investment

in community safety and emergency response. It is set to

enhance the operational capabilities of Merseyside Fire &

Rescue Service while also serving as a hub for training and

community engagement. The addition of a new Training

Academy will further support the professional development

of firefighters and emergency personnel, ensuring they have

access to state-of-the-art resources to carry out their vital

work effectively.

www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

65

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FINAL THOUGHT

THE UK’S PLAN FOR REGIONAL

ENERGY DEVOLUTION

Rinnai’s Chris Goggin provides an overview of plans to devolve regional energy

decision making to local authorities. Will the introduction of a decentralised system

help move the UK towards net zero?

A

full plan to devolve power to a

local level has been published by

the UK government. The ‘English

Devolution Whitepaper’ details how

the current centralised UK government

system can transition into a more

localised form of governance that is

sensitive to regional requirements.

devolution are York and North Yorkshire,

who have combined to create the York

and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

(YNYCA) and have been overseeing local

and regional matters since 2022. The

YNYCA is committed to becoming a net

zero region by 2034 and carbon negative

by 2040.

Currently, all major decision making

relating to regional and local policy is set

by centralised government agencies.

Future devolved regional authorities will

be more aware of local demands and will

provide relevant solutions designed to

interact with the local environment and

economy. Town mayors could become

pivotal figures in policy enforcement.

Devolution in the UK is not a new

concept. When Margeret Thatcher

became Prime Minister in 1979 the

then-Conservative government began

decentralising local authorities and

transferring regional and local decision

making to Whitehall.

The English Devolution Whitepaper

details the new powers regional

authorities will hold regarding localised

energy matters:

• Control of retrofit funding as part

of the Integrated Settlements,

providing a strengthened route to

local delivery of the Warm Homes

Plan.

• Strategic Authorities will have a

strategic role in the delivery of the

Great British Energy Local Power

Plans, delivering local sustainable

energy generation.

• They will also have a role in the

wider energy system, delivering our

transition to net zero, become the

zoning co-ordinators for local heat

networks, and with their plans taken

into account in the National Energy

System Operators’ Regional Energy

Strategic Plans.

• The Strategic Authorities’ role in

leading Local Nature Recovery

Strategies will be expanded.

Two UK areas that have been granted

To achieve this the YNYCA has launched

several initiatives. In 2023 a £7 million

net zero fund was made available to

carbon-reducing projects across the

region. A new £10 million Carbon

Negative Challenge Fund is designed to

accelerate the introduction of carbonreducing

technology and systems,

which will run until 2028. Devolution has

enabled local funding to be directed

towards localised issues. Part of this

funding focuses on decarbonising

commercial buildings with a selection

of energies and technologies, including

heat pumps and green hydrogen.

This will ensure that localised gas

consumption is reduced while still being

able to use current infrastructure.

The issue of energy could present

a variety of challenges. UK energy

decisions are currently made up by a

national government that views energy

distribution along national requirements.

For example, the rural east of England is

made up of vast amounts of flat farmland

which has access to regular sunlight.

These conditions mean the area is ideal

for solar power generation. Coastal areas

with steep inclines will be better suited

towards offshore and onshore wind

manufacturing. Yet both landscapes are

currently reliant on natural gas for energy.

In a decentralised approach the region’s

requirements will be considered.

For example, if a natural gas-based

northwestern UK industrial city gains

access to a successful hydrogen

economy, hydrogen could become

the easiest way to heat homes and

businesses. Although devolution can

be regarded as a more fluid form of

governance, potential friction between

national net zero goals and local energy

demands could become apparent.

What happens if a certain area

authority prefers to use cost effective

but environmentally harmful natural

gas instead of renewables? What if

an economically split region adopts

an expensive decarbonising solution?

And what if stringent net zero aims are

introduced, forcing government to make

devolved councils adopt strategies that

are not consistent with their own?

Devolving local energy affairs to regions

is a good idea in theory, but there is a

possibility for friction around national

net zero aims, local energy options and,

therefore, costs that could arise from a

decentralised energy approach.

National net zero objectives are currently

enshrined in law and therefore have to

be obeyed – but an approach centred

around regional autonomy cannot

comply with previously agreed policy

that is supposed to affect national

energy options. The two ideas would

appear to be incohesive. Constituents

could potentially demand energies that

will have to be delivered even if those

sources of power go against net zero

aims. Town mayors and locals alike will

hold decision-making power, and it is

highly likely that cost will be the principal

concern.

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk

66

66_SB0425.indd 2 27/03/2025 11:57

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