Specify & Build July/August 25

July/August 2025

www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

Exploring practical solutions for today’s built environment challenges

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Innovative windows, doors

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Part of ASSA ABLOY

HOUSING

WINDOWS, DOORS

& ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

ROOFING &

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SECURITY & FIRE

PROTECTION

SMART

TECHNOLOGY

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01_SB070825.indd 1

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www.specifyandbuild.co.uk \\ July/August 2025

JULY/AUGUST 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

As we move through the summer, the UK specifi cation

landscape is continuing to shift – and the changes

are coming fast. From updates to the Future Homes

Standard, changes to the Building Safety Regulator

and the mounting urgency around retrofi t and

embodied carbon, there’s no shortage of change to navigate. For

specifi ers, that means balancing compliance, performance, and

innovation, often under increasing time and budgetary pressures.

In this issue, we’re diving into two sectors that are particularly

active right now: roofi ng and housing. With housing targets still

a political priority – and practical deliveries still falling short –

the spotlight is fi rmly on how we can all build smarter, faster,

and more sustainably. Meanwhile, in the roofi ng and cladding

sector, product innovation, evolving regulations, and whole-life

considerations are transforming what products are being specifi ed

and how.

Across the board, digital tools are playing a bigger role in

how project specifi cations are written and managed. And, more

integrated control systems are also helping building managers

keep a closer eye on whether their buildings are living up to the

proposed energy effi ciency and carbon levels.

As ever, Specify & Build is here to help you stay ahead. In this

issue, we’re looking at how specifi ers are responding to the current

wave of change — and what it means in practical terms, whether

you’re working on newbuild housing, roofi ng upgrades, or projects

in the wider built environment.

July/August 2025

www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

All rights reserved. No part of this publication

may be reproduced or transmitted in any

form, without the consent of the publisher

- Mapped out Media Limited. While

every eff ort is made to ensure accuracy,

the publishers do not accept liability for

errors – printing or otherwise – appearing

within this publication (and website). The

views expressed by contributors are not

necessarily those of the editor or publisher.

Exploring practical solutions for today’s built environment challenges

Innovative windows, doors

and curtain wall systems

HOUSING

WINDOWS, DOORS

& ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

ROOFING &

CLADDING

Bring your

vision to life

SECURITY & FIRE

PROTECTION

Part of ASSA ABLOY

SMART

TECHNOLOGY

01_SB070825.indd 1 08/07/2025 13:16

Senior Architectural Systems is one of the largest

fenestration systems companies in the UK today. It

offers an extensive range of aluminium architectural

façade systems, backed by its own powder coating

facilities and a fleet of eco delivery vehicles. See

page 13 to find out more about how the company

supports the specification market.

3

03_SB070825.indd 1 09/07/2025 12:13

18

30

38

20

CONTENTS

06. News

12. Technical Focus: How hard and soft water issues

can impact DHW systems

14. New Products

HOUSING

18. Net zero ambition ‘needs a plan of action’

20. Materials to build nature back in

22. Why timber frame must be part of the

Government’s plan for new towns

24. How heat networks will transform UK housing

26. Housing Products

28. Case Study: Lift offers inclusive experience for

service station visitors

30. Specifiers’ Guide: Tata Steel

WINDOWS, DOORS & ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

36. ’No compromise on style or performance’

38. The key to smarter commercial door specification

40. Windows, Doors & Entrance Systems Products

4

04-05 SB06725 Contents 2 08/07/2025 13:22

58

42

50

70

42. Case Study: ‘Redefining student living’

46. Specifying GRP rooflights in 2025 and beyond

ROOFING & CLADDING

48. Designing urban environments for a hotter future

50. When is a cladding system, not a system?

51. Roofing & Cladding Products

54. Flat Roofing: The new hot melt code of practice

56. A blueprint for sustainable roofing

SECURITY & FIRE PROTECTION

60. Why fire safety has never been more important

62. Bridging the gap in fire and CO safety

64. Looking back over 15 years of change

SMART TECHNOLOGY & CONTROLS

68. Zoning in newbuild heating systems

70. Why energy management systems are essential

72. Concerns grow around water neutrality

5

04-05 SB06725 Contents 3 08/07/2025 13:22

July/August 2025 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

LATEST NEWS

NEWS \\ INDUSTRY UPDATES

Spending review announces £39bn for

affordable housing over the next decade

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has reiterated

the Government’s commitment to the

housing sector by earmarking £39bn for

social and affordable housing over the

next 10 years.

In the Labour Government’s first

spending review, Reeves said spending

in the Affordable Homes Programme

will reach £4bn in 2029-30, and then

rise in line with inflation. This funding is

intended to help housing associations

buy thousands of new homes built

by private developers as part of their

affordable housing commitments.

A further £2.5bn in low-interest loans

will be available to help social housing

providers invest in new developments.

To speed up the remediation of social

housing and improve tenant’s living

conditions, more than £1bn will be

invested between 2026-27 and 2029-30.

Finally, the Chancellor confirmed

£4.8bn between 2026-27 and 2029-30

to attract additional private investment

for new housebuilding, to be managed

by Homes England.

The construction industry gave the

review a cautious welcome, with most

pleased to see that housing continues to

be a key focus.

Andrew Orriss, Chief Executive of

the Structural Timber Association, said:

“Housing is the biggest challenge that

the UK currently faces, and the Labour

Government underpinned it as one of its

main objectives throughout the election

campaign and budgets. It was positive to

see that the Government has reaffirmed

this commitment with a pledge of £39

billion for affordable housing over the

next 10 years.

“With the Government reconfirming

its commitment to the revised Timber

in Construction Policy Roadmap

in February 2025, there is certainly

no doubt that increasing the use

of structural timber and offsite

manufacturing is a key aspect of

ensuring the rapid and high-quality

delivery of these vitally needed homes.

“The STA remains wholly committed

to working collaboratively with

government, industry partners, and

stakeholders to drive a transformative

approach.”

Meanwhile, fire safety engineering

consultancy Harmony Fire noted that

the scale of the £39bn investment in

the Affordable Homes Programme had

already seen “universal approval as

transformative for the sector”.

Director Lee Goodenough continued:

“This major investment in social housing

will change the calculus for many

organisations that have previously been

scaling back their newbuild programmes

and redirecting funding to upgrading

and modernising existing assets.

Through this new commitment, housing

associations and local authorities will

now have the capital allocations to both

continue on vital programmes to improve

the safety and comfort of homes for

residents, while simultaneously building

new infrastructure to tackle the urgent

housing crisis.”

Peter Rainier, Principal Director of

Planning at law firm DMH Stallard,

added: “To ensure the wider aspiration

for high volumes of housing over

the coming years, there is still much

to be done, particularly in ensuring

local planning authorities are properly

resourced, SMEs are assisted and,

through the Planning Bill, that strategic/

local plans are progressed efficiently and

development is not unduly hampered by

concerns relating to surface water and

environmental protections.”

Jeff House, Director of External

Affairs and Policy at Baxi, added: “It is

great news to see confirmation of the

full £13.2bn funding earmarked for the

Warm Homes Plan, which will see vital

investment in the rollout of heat pumps

and other measures to improve efficiency

in homes, lower bills and reduce

emissions from heat. The industry

remains committed to playing its part

in the decarbonisation of buildings and

homes.”

Section 106 issues ‘delay planning process’

Local authorities have reported a 20%

rise in Section 106 (S106) negotiation

timelines, delaying the construction of

much-needed homes, a new report

from the Home Builders’ Federation

(HBF) has found.

Home builders are now waiting an

average of 515 days for infrastructure

agreements to be finalised, with the

HBF’s new analysis highlighting serious

delays in the S106 agreement process.

Some 76% of local authorities say

average negotiation timescales are

exceeding 12 months.

S106 agreements between local

authorities and developers are a vital

part of the planning process, setting

out the contributions developers must

make to support the local community.

Responses to a Freedom of Information

request to Local Planning Authorities

(LPAs) reveal that the average time to

finalise S106 agreements has increased

by 20% over two years, from 425 days

in 2022/23 to 515 days in 2024/25.

The research also found that 35%

of all S106 agreements took longer

than 12 months to complete, with the

longest recorded timescale reaching

2,679 days, or seven years.

6

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LATEST NEWS


Forecast predicts 24% surge in construction

A renewed sense of optimism is

spreading across the UK construction

industry, with Glenigan’s latest forecast

predicting a 24% rise in project starts by

2027.

After a flat 2024, 2025 started

slowly, but Glenigan data suggests that

momentum has started to build, with a

boost in public sector activity and early

signs of recovery in construction starts.

Private housing starts have already

shown a marked improvement

during the first four months of 2025,

bolstered by more favourable market

conditions. While a brief retrenchment

is anticipated in Q2, this is expected

to be temporary. Encouragingly, the

housing market is forecast to strengthen

considerably during the latter half of

2025 and throughout 2026, driven by

rising household incomes, reduced

mortgage rates and improving economic

conditions. Glenigan has forecast that

private housing growth will reach 8% in

2025, before rising to 10% in 2026 and

18% in 2027.

The industrial construction sector is

set to be another strong performer, with

growth projected to resume this year,

primarily driven by increasing demand

for logistics space as rising consumer

spending boosts requirements from

online retailers and third-party carriers.

Meanwhile, retail construction is

facing a more gradual recovery path,

with near-term challenges from National

Insurance increases and minimum wage

rises creating cost pressures for retailers.

While an excess of vacant retail premises

will likely constrain new developments,

opportunities exist in repurposing existing

spaces into mixed-use locations.

Hotel and leisure construction, which

rebounded in 2024, faces similar labour

cost challenges. However, improving

household finances are expected

to increase discretionary consumer

spending, strengthening investor

confidence and driving sector growth

through 2026-2027.

The office sector is also forecast to

return to growth as financing conditions

improve. This follows a 16% decline in

starts last year, amid higher borrowing

costs and surplus floorspace. This has

been prompted by increasing office

refurbishment work, as premises are

remodelled for hybrid working. Likewise,

environmental performance requirements

will generate demand for retrofit and

newbuild projects.

Despite some ongoing challenges,

many commercial sectors are regaining

ground as investment and consumer

spending increase. Education

construction has demonstrated particular

strength in recent years, with school

building projects surging 41% in 2023

and continuing to grow through 2024,

bolstered by increased Department of

Education capital funding and RAAC

remediation programmes. The current

financial year anticipates 100 new school

rebuilding projects, alongside additional

further education investments, though

university construction faces constraints

from financial pressures.

Healthcare construction has

recovered from the disruptions

experienced in 2023, with increased

NHS capital funding for 2025/26

targeting RAAC issues, estate repair

backlogs and technology investments.

On the civils front, a raft of

infrastructure projects are forecast

over the next three years, supported

by increased funding for road repairs

and transportation networks. The

utilities sector shows particular promise,

with water industry investment nearly

doubling to £104bn over five years for

pollution reduction and infrastructure

improvements, while renewable energy

and grid enhancement projects advance

under net-zero policies.

“The industry has faced a series

of frustrating years, but we’re finally

turning a corner. Consumer confidence

is returning, the Government is investing

strategically, and conditions are right

for a rebound,” Allan Wilen, Glenigan’s

Economic Director, said.

National Housing Bank to build 500,000 homes

Hundreds of thousands of homes

will be delivered through a new

government-backed ‘housing

bank’ supported by private sector

investment, the government has

announced.

The National Housing Bank, a

subsidiary of Homes England, will be

publicly owned and backed with £16bn

of financial capacity, on top of £6bn

of existing finance to be allocated this

Parliament, to accelerate housebuilding

and leverage in £53bn of additional

private investment, creating jobs and

delivering over 500,000 new homes.

Homes England, the national

housing and regeneration agency,

will be able to issue government

guarantees directly and have greater

autonomy to make the long-term

investments needed to reform the

housing market and deliver strong

returns.

The government said the National

Housing Bank will “act as a consistent

partner to the private sector, bringing

the stability and certainty that housing

developers and investors need to make

delivery happen”. It will also support

SMEs with new lending products and

enable developers to unlock large,

complex sites through infrastructure

finance.

Deputy Prime Minister and Housing

Secretary Angela Rayner said: “This

government is delivering reform and

investing in Britain’s renewal through

our Plan for Change. Our foot is firmly

on the accelerator when it comes

to making sure a generation is no

longer locked out of homeownership

– or ensuring children don’t have

to grow up in unsuitable temporary

accommodation, and instead have the

safe and secure home they deserve.”

The Bank will deploy some of the

£2.5bn in low-interest loans announced

at the Spending Review to support

the building of social and affordable

homes.

It also builds on the £39bn

investment announced at the

Spending Review for a new 10-year

Affordable Homes Programme, which

the Government says is the biggest

boost to social and affordable housing

investment in a generation.

8

08-09_SB0725 2 08/07/2025 16:09



ARB to overhaul international registration process

The Architects Registration Board

(ARB) has announced a major revamp

of its international registration process

following a recent public consultation.

The changes aim to simplify access

to the ARB for internationally qualifi ed

architects and align with ongoing

reforms to UK architectural education

and training.

The consultation, held from October

2024 to January 2025, sought

feedback on proposed reforms to the

Prescribed Exam and the UK Adaptation

Assessment, key components of ARB’s

international registration process. Of

the 59 formal responses received, a

majority backed ARB’s move toward a

competence-based assessment and the

introduction of a single gateway to the

UK Register — eliminating the need for

multiple examinations.

Candidates will now undergo a

competence-based assessment based

on ARB’s updated Academic and

Practice Outcomes, rather than simply

having to prove the equivalence of

qualifi cations.

A single exam will replace the previous

need to prove equivalence to Part 1 and/

or Part 2 and, in addition, require a Part

3 UK-accredited qualifi cation.

Simplifi ed eligibility criteria will focus

on qualifi cations that are architecturespecifi

c and supported by relevant

professional experience, rather than

years spent in education.

ARB will introduce an online gateway

assessment, focused on UK-specifi c

knowledge and professional readiness.

This will also serve as the revised UK

Adaptation Assessment.

Instead of accrediting exam providers,

ARB will adopt a contract model, directly

commissioning one or more providers to

deliver assessments. This approach is

intended to give ARB greater oversight of

cost and quality.

Architects with ARB-accredited Part

2 and Part 3 qualifi cations but no Part

1 will have access to a new, exam-free

route to registration through a revised

Competency Standards Group.

The new assessment framework is

scheduled for rollout in 2027. However,

the alternative route for those with partial

UK qualifi cations is expected to launch

sooner, potentially by the end of 2026.

LATEST NEWS

Roundtable explores skills shortage

The National House Building Council

(NHBC), in partnership with the

Construction Industry Training Board

(CITB), has welcomed The Rt Hon

Baroness Smith of Malvern, Minister for

Skills, to a roundtable discussion with

senior leaders from across the housebuilding

industry to explore urgent

solutions to the sector’s ongoing skills

shortage.

The event brought representatives

from SME builders, major housebuilders

and industry trade bodies together to

discuss how to build the workforce the

country needs. Attendees highlighted

the commercial challenges employers

face, and how market uncertainty often

limits investment in training. There was

agreement on the importance of training

providers delivering programmes that

refl ect employer needs and ensuring

apprentices add value quickly on site.

Topics also included the role

of transferable skills, the need for

modular and fl exible training pathways

and increasing incentives for smaller

employers to take on apprentices.

Baroness Smith thanked NHBC and

CITB for their leadership in tackling

the skills challenge and emphasised

construction skills are a vital part of the

Government’s wider growth strategy

and ambitions to increase the delivery of

new homes.

Construction Channel brings you

all the latest videos highlighting

innovative construction

products and solutions. Visit

constructionchannel.co.uk

to learn more about all things

construction! This month:

• Why we all need to address

climate change

• From EPS Waste to XPS

Insulation: The Process Explained

• How does Hydrogen heating

work?

• Magis M Heat Pumps explained

• Onduline Isoline Low Line: how

does it work?

• Proctor Air Application Explained

• Triton’s ENVi Next Generation

electric showers.

9

08-09_SB0725 3 08/07/2025 16:09


LATEST NEWS


Labour to miss housing target ‘by eight years’

As Labour marks one year in

Government, new analysis suggests it

still needs 12 years to deliver the 1.5m

net additions to England’s housing

supply, despite pledging to reach this

target in five years during the General

Election.

Analysis by West One Loans,

a provider of property finance and

specialist mortgages, shows that in the

three quarters that have passed since

the party came to power in Q3 2024,

work has started on a total of 86,000

new homes in England. This marks a

significant increase compared to the

previous three quarters (Q4 2023 – Q2

2024) when starts totalled 68,080.

When outlining its 1.5m housing

target, Labour talked in terms of ‘net

additions’, a term that includes the

creation of new dwellings through things

such as property conversions and

changes of use of existing buildings.

However, historic data shows that 89.8%

of net additions come through newbuild

development. This means newbuilds

can be expected to account for around

1.35m of Labour’s overall 1.5m target.

Since coming into power, Labour has

overseen an average of 28,667 newbuild

starts each quarter, which equates to an

average of 114,667 per year.

At this rate, West One Loans believes

it is going to take the government 11.8

years to meet their newbuild target of

1.35m new homes.

Thomas Cantor, Co-Head of Short-

Term Finance at West One Loans, said:

“The Labour Government was quick

to hang its hat on an ambitious target

with respect to housing delivery and,

with previous government’s having

consistently fallen short, this was

understandably met with a great degree

of scepticism.

“Of course, it is still early days and

Labour may well be in the process of

laying the initial groundwork required to

eventually pave the way for an explosion

in new home delivery.

“But while it’s possible that they need

time to overhaul planning rules, cut

red tape, and prepare and incentivise

the nation’s housebuilders to increase

output, it’s already looking as though the

task of delivering what was promised is

running away from them.

“This will come as little surprise to

the industry who have been consistently

calling for further market stimulation via

government intervention of monetary

policy. Given the lack of movement in

interest rates of late, the worry is that

we aren’t unlocking the full potential of

development activity when it’s needed

most.”

Greater Manchester turns to low-carbon heat

Mayor of Greater Manchester,

Andy Burnham, has signed a new

collaboration agreement with Daikin

to further the company’s work in the

city-region, building on a long-term

relationship to grow the use of lowcarbon

heating.

The agreement saw Daikin

designated the first member and Chair

of the newly formed Greater Manchester

(GM) Low Carbon Heating Industry

Group. The Group aims to create a

joint space for all willing organisations

committed to innovating in Greater

Manchester and accelerating low-carbon

heat deployment in the city-region.

This will be the first time a group of

low-carbon heating ‘innovators’ will

work together in this way, focussing on

delivering the GM Five-Year Environment

Plan target of installing 64,000 lowcarbon

heating systems across Greater

Manchester between 2025-2030.

The agreement was signed by Andy

Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester,

Tomoji Miki, Managing Director of Daikin

UK, and Tsubouchi Toshitaka, President

of Daikin Europe, at the UK Pavilion of

World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

Andy Burnham said: “Daikin has

played a significant role in our journey

to make Greater Manchester a greener,

more sustainable place to live. Our

partnership has delivered low-carbon

heating technology through the

installation of 1,500 heat pumps, while

educating our young people about

sustainable technologies and boosting

our green skills offering. Daikin’s ongoing

investment in skills, innovation and low

carbon technology is exactly the kind of

partnership we need to help drive lasting

change.”

The plan confirms Daikin’s

commitment to, among other goals,

invest in a new training centre, bringing

capacity up from 1,400 people annually

to 4,200, and train 100 people each year

up to 2030 in the LCL L3 Heat Pump

course, offering places to individuals

who don’t have the means to fund the

course.

10

10_SB0725 copy 2 08/07/2025 16:11


TECHNICAL FOCUS

HOW HARD AND SOFT

WATER ISSUES CAN IMPACT

DHW SYSTEMS

Pete Seddon, Head of Technical at Rinnai UK, explains

the terms “hard and soft water” and expands on

the long-term effects hard water can have on

DHW systems.

Hard water areas can affect

the internal components of

DHW systems, resulting in a

less than optimal performance and a

reduction of system efficiency, which

can ultimately contribute to a hot water

system’s decline. ‘Hard water’ is water

that contains a high concentration of

dissolved minerals such as magnesium

and calcium. It forms when dissolved

minerals are transported by flowing

rainwater over certain rocks like chalk

and limestone, ultimately filtering into the

UK water supply.

Hard water is particularly present

around the south and south-east of

England; in the Thames Valley corridor,

the Cotswolds, London and a large

part of the Home Counties such as

Kent, Sussex and Surrey, due to the

proliferation of chalk and limestone in the

areas.

When hard water reaches a domestic

hot water system, the limescale attaches

itself to the internal components,

compromising performance and

efficiency as it builds up. The limescale

behaves as an insulator, preventing

heat being transferred to the water. This

means the unit must work harder and

longer, resulting in higher energy costs

and increased component fragility. The

limescale can also cause corrosion

and erosion, meaning customers will

have to deal with leaks, an increase in

maintenance costs, structural damage,

operative failure and finally an early end

to the product lifecycle.

Water softeners are one potential route

of limescale prevention that can also

remove existing limescale build up,

even if the removal will take time. Once

a water softener is attached to the

incoming water main, an ‘ion exchange’

process begins. This replaces calcium

and magnesium with sodium and

potassium to soften the water content,

though the process does have its

drawbacks so always carry out research

when choosing the most suitable

treatment.

Limescale converters such as Aquabion

are another option – a mechanism that

resembles a pipe is inserted into the

plumbing pipework, instantly starting

to treat the hard water when drawn

off. These devices could also start to

disintegrate any limescale formations

in the system. Unlike a salt softener,

limescale converters typically use a

physical process to alter the structure

of lime particles in the water, often

using a device with a sacrificial anode,

typically zinc. As water flows through the

device the lime particles are modified,

becoming less likely to stick to surfaces

and forming fewer hard deposits. This

method can be preferred due to the

minerals within the water being kept but

also adding zinc into the water, all of

which can have health benefits.

Magnetic and electronic water

conditioners are two further devices that

offer a non-chemical solution to hard

water limescale removal. These alter the

structure of minerals such as calcium

and magnesium using magnetic and

electronic fields to make it far less likely

that limescale will attach itself to the

internal elements of a hot water system.

If limescale is already present within an

appliance or system, at a basic level

a light acidic solution such as white

vinegar can be used to breakdown

limescale. White vinegar contains acidic

properties that can dissolve nefarious

hard water accumulations. Various

chemical descaling solutions are also

available – acids such as hydrochloric,

phosphoric, sulfamic, lactic and oxalic

acid compounds are all well suited to

destroying limescale. It is always better

to use a descaling solution rather than

rely on the treatment options mentioned

earlier, because a limescale remover will

be far more effective and take less time

to remove any build up or deposits.

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk

Hard water impact and limescale

infestation upon DHW systems and

indoor plumbing pipes has been

recognised as a major problem, with

many chemical and natural technologies

available to stop the hard water from

forming.

12

12_SB070825.indd 2 09/07/2025 10:55

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NUAIRE VENTILATION SYSTEMS NOW HAVE PASSIVHAUS CERTIFICATION

Indoor air quality and ventilation manufacturing specialist

Nuaire has achieved Passivhaus certification on its BPS

Passivhaus air handling units (AHU) and XBC Passivhaus

packaged heat recovery units.

With buildings contributing significantly to harmful carbon

emissions, Passivhaus provides proven solutions to deliver

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

occupant health and wellbeing. Passivhaus adopts a wholebuilding

approach with clear, measured targets, focused

on high-quality construction, certified through an exacting

quality assurance process. For a building to achieve the

Passivhaus standard in the UK, a mechanical ventilation

system with highly efficient heat recovery is considered a

core principle.

Rigorously independently tested under realistic

conditions to ensure they meet the strict Passivhaus

efficiency, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality criteria,

Nuaire’s BPS Passivhaus AHUs in sizes 12,17, 22, 32 and

42, and XBC Passivhaus packaged heat recovery units in

sizes 55 and 65 have now been certified as Passivhaus

compliant components.

BPS Passivhaus is a range of high-specification

packaged AHUs designed and engineered to provide an

efficient, high performing, compact solution for a multitude

of applications. Efficiency comes from a dual compressor

system that uses less energy than one single large

compressor, a high efficiency thermal wheel, and minimal

air leakage (it has the top L1 leakage classification). BPS

Passivhaus AHUs feature a high-quality, double lined

acoustic end panel insulated with Rockwool for reduced

noise breakout and low leakage, ensuring the unit is airtight.

BPS Passivhaus AHUs feature M5 extract air filters, enabling

pollutants as small as 1 micron to be captured, and G4

and G7 supply air filters which are designed to stop larger

pollutant particles from entering.

With a plate heat exchanger with efficiencies of up to

95%, XBC Passivhaus are high-performance packaged

heat recovery units designed to improve indoor air quality

whilst saving energy. High classification F7 and G4 extract

filters have been installed to ensure the units meet the high

Passivhaus air quality standards, while airtight seals prevent

heat or air loss up to L2 leakage classification. They have

been designed with the lowest possible noise breakout for

user acceptance, and are easy to install, commission and

maintain.

www.nuaire.co.uk/commercial/passivhaus

TUCSON PUMPS UNVEILS REVAMPED WEBSITE

Tucson Pumps has revitalised its website to create a

practical, easy-to-navigate resource hub. The updated

platform features clear, up-to-date product information,

quick-access technical data, as well as guidance and

support to streamline every stage of the pump selection

and maintenance process. The new website is designed

to empower the trade community with the information and

tools they need to work smarter and more efficiently.

Each Tucson pump now has its own dedicated webpage,

which details the product information, technical data,

what accessories are included, and links to supporting

literature. Certification and warranty information is also

clearly marked so that tradespeople can choose the correct

pump with ease and confidence. Tucson’s latest brochure

is also available to view for those looking to browse the

entire product range. What’s more, the website now hosts

a support hub to help with frequently asked questions,

covering topics such as ErP compliance, maintenance

needs and troubleshooting tips.

Neil Wilson, Head of Marketing, Tucson Pumps, said:

“We’re proud to relaunch the Tucson Pumps website and

have created a platform that truly meets the needs of today’s

installers, merchants and housing professionals. The new

site reflects our promise to deliver innovative design and

practical support at every step.

“In addition to offering technical information and expert

advice, our revitalised website truly embodies the next

chapter for the Tucson brand. At its core, Tucson is

dedicated to enhancing everyday life through innovative,

reliable water and heating solutions for the home. But this

commitment extends beyond the end user – our new site is

designed to support the entire Tucson community, making

it easier for specifiers to find essential product information

and for installers to access troubleshooting through FAQs in

seconds. It’s a platform built around the idea of Innovative

Design that’s Boosting Your Everyday – from the home to

the trade.”

www.tucsonpumps.com

14

14_SB070825.indd 4 08/07/2025 15:17

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www.onduline.co.uk


NEW PRODUCTS

SOLARSEAM BONDED SOLUTION SUPPORTS STANDING SEAM ROOFS

Catnic has launched SolarSeam, a photovoltaic (PV)

solution for standing seam roofs that has been engineered

to deliver high performance without compromising on

aesthetics. Catnic SolarSeam consists of a flexible solar

laminate bonded to the Catnic Urban standing seam

roofing panel, delivering efficient renewable energy without

the traditionally highly visible frames. Catnic SolarSeam

panels can be installed on roof pitches down to five

degrees for true design flexibility. Supplied as a complete

kit of parts, including the panels, flashings and fixings,

SolarSeam is simple to order and straightforward to install.

Catnic SolarSeam uses Copper Indium Gallium Selenide

(CIGS) solar technology. The MCS-certified low-profile

CIGS cells are made up of multiple diodes, meaning they

have excellent ambient light performance. Unlike traditional

monocrystalline panels, they have high shade tolerance,

which means that more energy is captured, even on cloudy

days, and homeowners are not restricted to installation

on south-facing roofs. In fact, with monocrystalline panels

shading reduces energy production by as much as 80%,

while for CIGS panels it is as little as 10%. CIGS cells are

also lighter, more flexible and more resistant to damage,

cracking and physical impacts.

It also provides further sustainability benefits, because

Catnic SolarSeam’s CIGS cells are manufactured in the UK

and require significantly less energy to produce compared

with monocrystalline products, resulting in a lower carbon

footprint. Additionally, the Catnic Urban panel that the

cells are bonded to is also made in the UK, with BES 6001

Responsible Sourcing certification and a BRE A+ rating,

demonstrating it has the lowest overall environmental

impact. All this makes Catnic SolarSeam ideal for

environmentally conscious customers.

With fire performance an essential consideration, the

solar panel when bonded to a Catnic Urban panel has been

tested in accordance with CEN/TS 1187-4 and classified as

BROOF(t4) for external fire performance, the highest rating

possible, with minimal flame spread and no fire penetration

for at least 60 minutes.

For customer peace of mind, Catnic SolarSeam is

supplied with multiple guarantees. There is a 25-year

Confidex Home Guarantee on the Catnic Urban roof

substrate as well as a 10-year solar product guarantee.

The performance of the solar is also covered by a 25-year

guarantee.

Amanda Hinks-Edwards, Business Manager at Catnic,

said: “With the target for a 68% reduction in greenhouse

gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2030, renewable energy,

and solar in particular, has never been more important.

Recent indications from the Government suggest that solar

panels could be mandatory on all new homes from 2027

and with a target to build 1.5 million new homes within this

parliamentary term, the expansion of residential solar could

be considerable.

“Catnic SolarSeam therefore provides an ideal solution

for new and refurbishment projects that not only delivers

excellent solar performance but also allows design flexibility

and uncompromised aesthetics. It also represents an

opportunity for roofing professionals with skills in the

installation of standing seam roofing to expand their offering

to customers.”

www.catnic.com

JELD–WEN BOLSTERS COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT WITH

VOLUNTEER DAY

JELD-WEN UK has underlined its commitment to

employee development with a volunteer day at St Lukes,

in Sheffield. Ten members of the JELD-WEN team spent

a day volunteering for St. Lukes, a palliative care hospice

specialising in supporting patients and their families. The

hospice relies on donations, with government funding

making up just 25% of the £20m it takes to deliver its

services.

The JELD-WEN team attended the central donation and

sorting hub, helping sort through public donations of books,

toys, furniture and bric-a-brac to be sold in St. Luke’s charity

shops.

Sallyann Charlton, Interim Head of HR at JELD-WEN,

said: “We were pleased to see an enormous amount of

public donations for the charity and we enjoyed spending

the day helping to sort products that will go on to provide

an essential income for the charity. Volunteering together

nurtures continuous improvement and a positive workplace

culture across the company.”

www.jeld-wen.co.uk

16

16_SB070825.indd 4 09/07/2025 12:18

Class

A2-s1, d0

free hanging or

onto substrate*

*For further technical information and fire test reports, contact us

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

www.glidevaleprotect.com/frsolutions


HOUSING

NET ZERO AMBITION NEEDS A

PLAN OF ACTION

Simon Storer, Chief Executive of the Insulation Manufacturers Association, discusses

why the relaunch of the Net Zero Council is an encouraging sign for construction.

The relaunch of the Net Zero

Council and the Housing Minister’s

renewed commitment to largescale

housing delivery has the potential

to accelerate the transition towards

a net zero future, but only if ministers

can turn their words into reality. As the

industry gears up for significant change,

it is clear that while ambition is essential,

execution will be the key to achieving

meaningful progress.

Energy Secretary and Net Zero Council

co-chair Ed Miliband’s assertion that

accelerating towards net zero presents

the economic opportunity of the 21 st

century will no doubt resonate across

the construction industry. Tackling the

climate crisis while fostering job creation

and reducing bills aligns perfectly with

the vision of building a cleaner, more

sustainable economy.

However, as we have said many times

before, it’s not enough to simply talk

about ambition – it’s time for action.

The Net Zero Council’s new mission

to drive investment, innovation, and

industrial transformation to make the

UK a clean energy superpower must be

followed through with clear, measurable

milestones. There can be no room for

complacency. Businesses and industry

leaders, such as NZ Council member

David Thomas from Barratt Redrow, are

right to emphasise the urgent need for

large-scale retrofit initiatives to improve

the energy efficiency of the UK’s 27

million existing homes. But, equally

critical is ensuring that the progress we

make is real, verifiable, and aligned with

the targets set.

I cannot stress enough how crucial

it is that the government embeds

transparency and accountability into

ensuring homes are climate ready.

The programme must have teeth, with

clear milestones and the ability to hold

stakeholders accountable for their

progress. If we are to truly meet the net

zero targets, we need more than rhetoric

– we need implementation that matches

the scale of ambition.

Rhetoric to reality

In parallel with the Net Zero Council’s

efforts, the Housing Minister’s

recent focus on large-scale housing

development is another step

forward. While Matthew Pennycook’s

announcement of the government’s

support for the New Towns Taskforce

and the New Homes Accelerator is a

promising sign, it is imperative that this

ambition is balanced with an emphasis

on quality, not just quantity.

The push for more homes is

undoubtedly important, but we cannot

afford to add properties to the future

retrofit challenge by building homes that

will require substantial retrofitting and

refurbishment in the coming decades.

New houses must not cut corners on

performance – they should be built to

high standards from the start.

More importantly, we need robust

inspection processes in place to

guarantee compliance with net zero

regulations. Holding housebuilders

accountable is essential. Builders should

We need robust

inspection processes in

place to guarantee

compliance with net

zero regulations.

no longer be allowed to cut corners

or deliver homes that will need to be

refurbished before 2050. We need

stricter regulations, and we need to

make sure they are followed.

Closing the performance gap

As we look to the future, it’s critical

that we close the performance gap

by tightening regulations and ensuring

that all new developments meet the

highest standards of energy efficiency

from day one. Regulators must have the

tools and the authority to enforce these

standards, even denying the ability to sell

these homes if they are not compliant.

Creating high-performance homes and

reducing energy demand now will save

us from expensive problems later and

propel us towards our net-zero goals.

A clear, consistent and enforceable

policy framework is necessary for the

housing sector to have the confidence

to invest and innovate. We are at a

critical juncture, and if we are to meet

our climate goals and deliver on the

promises made to future generations, we

must act with urgency, transparency, and

resolve.

www.insulationmanufacturers.org.

uk

18

18_SB070825.indd 2 08/07/2025 15:19

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HOUSING

MATERIALS TO BUILD

NATURE BACK IN

With biodiversity loss a national priority, manufacturers must design products that

enhance habitats, not just meet specifications, explains Maisie McKenzie, Biodiversity

Manager at Wienerberger UK & Ireland.

Embracing change

While the introduction of BNG was

undoubtedly a step forward, it has

presented significant challenges for

developers. From identifying which

parts of a project should incorporate

biodiversity measures to meeting the

10% improvement target and accounting

for long-term monitoring costs, the

complex requirements of BNG have

sparked widespread industry debate.

A

year on from the introduction

of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

requirements, manufacturers have

become essential partners to architects,

designers and developers in sustainable

urban development by integrating

biodiversity into product design. Under

the Government’s BNG strategy, it is

now mandatory for developers to deliver

a net 10% gain in biodiversity value on

their site – making sure that habitat for

wildlife is in a better state than it was

before development.

The changes came into force in February

2024 for larger developments, and in

April 2024 for smaller sites. For the

first time, all habitats, no matter how

important, were recognised in the

planning system for their value for nature

and people. BNG can be delivered either

fully or in part through on-site habitat,

off-site habitat or, as a last resort, the

purchase of statutory biodiversity credits.

Now, more than 12 months on from the

mandatory requirements, it is clear that

this change has brought both remarkable

16%

of UK species are

threatened with

extinction

potential and undeniable challenges.

Why does biodiversity matter?

Wildlife is in a state of decline across

the UK, with 41% of species declining

in numbers since 1970. Bats have fallen

dramatically in numbers over the past

50 years and our most common bat,

the common pipistrelle, has declined

by almost 70%. House sparrows have

declined by around 50% in the same

period and are now red-listed as a

species of high conservation concern,

while the number of swifts and starlings

has also dropped dramatically over

recent years.

Today, 16% of UK species are

threatened with extinction. BNG aims

not only to offset the ecological impacts

of new developments but to enhance the

natural world for future generations. By

focusing on habitat creation, long-term

conservation and sustainable design,

it provides a blueprint for transforming

our built environment into a network of

nature-rich communities.

BNG offers a practical pathway to boost

biodiversity, but it relies on sustainable

design at every level, including products.

These can include permeable pavers,

which promote sustainable landscaping

by reducing water runoff, mitigating soil

erosion, and lowering flood risks in urban

areas, or rainwater harvesting systems,

which enable the collection and reuse of

rainwater for everyday tasks.

Wienerberger’s eco-habitats such as

bat boxes and roof tiles, bird boxes and

bee bricks also provide developers with

opportunities to deliver improvements,

by creating protected spaces that

support local wildlife. These solutions not

only help meet compliance requirements

but also bring meaningful benefits to

communities.

Essential partners

By integrating sustainable design

principles into buildings and

hardscape features, developers can

make meaningful progress towards

improvement. Eco-habitats are a

fantastic example. Initially driven by

architect demand for more discreet

solutions, wildlife boxes can be

integrated into the fabric of a building

as it is built or renovated. They are

produced to UK standard brick and

roof tile sizing for ease of installation

and can be faced in any brick type or

stone, regardless of manufacturer, stone

finish or suitable for render. Roofing

eco-habitats are also available, providing

everything needed to support species

and increase biodiversity with ease.

www.wienerberger.co.uk

20

20_SB070825.indd 2 08/07/2025 15:21

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HOUSING

WHY TIMBER FRAME MUST BE

PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S

PLAN FOR NEW TOWNS

Brian Adams, Senior Director of Sales and Business

Development at Arclin, explains how timber frame and

technology such as weather-resistant barriers can help

overcome site challenges for faster new home delivery.

used in timber frame walls and roofs,

SIP systems and cassettes. Integrated

weather resistant barriers, such as

Arclin’s Arctek Dryshell, can be fused to

OSB sheathing boards in the factory.

The UK has a housing defi cit of

4.3 million homes. To address the

issue, the New Towns Taskforce

has 100 possible sites for the creation of

new towns across the country. Building

new towns isn’t a new idea, but new

town building fell out of favour in the

1970s and recent proposals have not

been successful. Plans to build 10

new ecotowns under the last Labour

government resulted in just one small

development in Northwest Bicester.

Today’s new towns seek to provide

“aff ordable housing, vital infrastructure

and access to open green spaces

and nature, to transform the lives of

working people”. Homes must also be

sustainable given the impending net zero

deadline. To come to fruition, new towns

must be built at speed.

Faster construction is necessary

Previous governments have consistently

fallen short of housing targets. So, to

ensure plans to build whole towns are

not destined for failure, the UK must

transition to timber frame. Outside of

Scotland, timber frame construction has

not been widely embraced in the UK,

which presents a missed opportunity.

Timber allows for faster build times and

less weather-related disruption. Some

sources have referenced the National

Home Building Council’s suggestion that

building with timber frame using modern

methods of construction could reduce

construction time by around three

months. Multiply this by the 1.5 million

homes target for the parliamentary

term, and the timescale may become

achievable.

Timber is also sustainable. Trees

sequester carbon, removing it from

the atmosphere and locking it away

in the wood, so making timber very

low in embodied carbon. A report by

researchers at Aalto University and the

Finnish Environment Institute found that

if 80% of Europe’s residential buildings

were built with wood, they could store

up to 55m tonnes of carbon dioxide a

year. This eff ectively off sets around half

of Europe’s cement industry emissions.

Timber also helps reduce operational

emissions. Energy effi ciency regulations

will continue getting stricter to meet the

UK’s net zero target, but there’s a limit

to how wide brick and block cavities can

feasibly be built to accommodate the

insulation depths needed to meet these

targets. Timber-framed systems are

more versatile and can accommodate

more thermal insulation. Barratt, Taylor

Wimpey and Persimmon have all recently

made major investments in timber frame

manufacturing.

Barriers address onsite challenges

While timber buildings are quick to

construct, they are vulnerable to water

ingress until weathertight. Care must

therefore be taken to protect panels

from moisture. This is usually undertaken

using housewrap which, when applied

on or off site, can be time consuming to

install. The answer lies in new technology

that instantly protects OSB boards

The UK has a

housing deficit of

4.3 million homes.

Timber frame products arrive on site

with the weather-resistant barriers in

place, so weathertightness can be

achieved more quickly. Once installed,

the weather-resistant barrier forms a

durable, airtight and windtight layer,

providing instant physical protection.

They reduce the risk of moisture

penetrating timber panels during

construction. In addition, the vapour

permeability allows incidental vapour to

escape the building envelope to avoid

interstitial condensation. And, because

they’re applied in a continuous layer

to the exact size and shape of the

sheathing board, there’s no waste on

site.

If the UK is serious about solving its

housing crisis and achieving net zero

targets, a shift toward timber-based

construction must become central to

new town development. Timber-frame

construction, together with innovations

such as weather-resistant barriers,

will help ensure the high-performance

homes the country needs can be

delivered swiftly, sustainably and at

scale.

arctek.arclin.com

22

22_SB070825.indd 2 05/07/2025 17:32


CORNISH RESTORATION SPECIALISTS ‘HAYLE’ MULTIBOARD’S BROAD BENEFITS

A trio of experienced, multi-skilled tradesmen are

currently employing three different thicknesses of Marmox

Multiboard to tackle not just damp issues, but generally

poor energy performance within a stone-built cottage

located in the town of Hayle, Cornwall.

Andrew Bourne of ‘Bourne to Build’, and Mike Chellew

of Southwest Renovations, have worked together since

the early 2000s. Peter Adams joined them five years ago,

adding his talent for bespoke carpentry to his partners’

prowess at stonework, roofing, building services and other

trades.

In the case of the Hayle project, they are renovating

a 150-year-old home built from the local shaletype rock

which, along with some later blockwork walls, are being

lined with 40mm-thick Marmox Multiboard. The 10mm

version of the product is being used to upgrade the

window reveals without encroaching on the actual frames.

In addition, 60mm-thick Multiboards have been used to

cover a concrete floor; radically improving the insulation

performance and providing a substrate for a hydronic

underfloor heating system.

Peter says: “The owner was seeking to significantly

improve the thermal performance of what had been quite a

cold house, which had also suffered from damp problems.

Here, we are installing Multiboard across the inner face

of all the external walls. As well as installing a new dampproof

course, we have laid new joisted timber floors across

much of the ground floor, but were confronted with a 60mm

drop in level in one place. To build up the existing slab we

bedded the 60mm Multiboard into the adhesive. For the

wall areas, in addition to the dot-and-dab plasterboard

adhesive, we are using the Marmox washers fixed in place

with drywall screws or standard screws where there are

any timber studs. A massive bonus to using Multiboard

instead of standard plasterboard is the difference in the

sound quality – you don’t get that hollow sound when you

tap it: the walls feel more substantial.”

Marmox Multiboards are manufactured from extruded

polystyrene or XPS encapsulated in reinforced polymer

concrete, produced in a range of thicknesses up to 60mm.

They are light to handle and easy to cut, while still being

able to sustain substantial loadings if required.

www.marmox.co.uk

HOUSING CASE

STUDIES

IDEAL HEATING COMMERCIAL TAKES EXTRA CARE WITH HUDDERSFIELD

HEAT NETWORK

Fifty Ideal Heating Commercial POD Heat Interface Units

(HIUs) and Evomax 2 condensing boilers have been

installed into Ash View Extra Care in Huddersfield as part

of a heat network designed to heat the 50 one- and twobedroom

flats and communal areas, along with hot water,

at a new development for Kirklees Council.

Evomax 2 is highly efficient, with up to 99.6% full load

efficiency and up to 110% part load efficiency. It can

operate at up to 30° ΔT, and has a high turndown of 5:1. The

four Evomax 2 boilers are running in cascade on a standard

height frame and header kit delivering 400kW of output for

an energy efficient solution, as the cascade can turn down

to accurately match any load from 400-20kW (20:1). This

method also increases the proportion of time where the

boilers are modulating at part load, instead of cycling on

and off, to satisfy the changing demands of the network over

a day.

The PODs installed in each of the self-contained flats at

Ash View Extra Care are indirect i305 HIUs, meaning they

contain two highly efficient stainless-steel brazed plate heat

exchangers to provide complete separation between the

heat network for both heating and hot water.

V&T Plumbing & Heating Services were contracted

to install the heating system via Equans, the principal

contractor.

“Our past experience of working with Ideal boilers had

an impact on selection, especially with the aftercare service

provided,” said Tom Crawford, Design Engineer at V&T.

“When we were looking at which HIUs/boilers to propose for

the scheme, we looked at the commercial range offered by

Ideal and decided to go with both the POD and Evomax 2

as they both met our criteria. It also made sense to stick with

one manufacturer.”

www.idealcommercialheating.co.uk

23

23_SB070825.indd 5 08/07/2025 15:26


HOUSING

HOW HEAT NETWORKS WILL

TRANSFORM UK HOUSING

Josh Collins, Altecnic’s Heat

Networks Manager,

explores how heat

networks are set to

fundamentally reshape

how UK housing is

designed, delivered,

maintained and

experienced.

The drive to decarbonise domestic

heating is accelerating at pace.

Residential heating accounts

for a significant proportion of the UK’s

carbon emissions, and reducing this

footprint is essential if the country is to

meet its net-zero obligations by 2050.

Heat networks – systems that distribute

thermal energy from a centralised

source to multiple dwellings – are fast

emerging as a practical and scalable

solution. Traditionally, each home in the

UK has had an individual heating system,

usually a gas boiler, making large-scale

upgrades costly and carbon intensive.

Heat networks offer an alternative

model: one central energy centre

providing heating and hot water to many

properties. This shift in infrastructure

means that residential design can be

reimagined.

Newbuild developers are increasingly

integrating heat network infrastructure

at the master planning stage.

Energy centres, thermal stores, and

underground distribution pipework are

now being considered alongside water

and electricity. Removing the need for

in-home boilers frees up space and

reduces the number of maintenance

tasks for occupants. In high-density

housing, such as social housing

schemes, build-to-rent developments,

or multi-occupancy buildings, this

change in layout can improve energy

use, enhance building performance,

and futureproof assets for incoming

regulation.

Delivering net-zero-ready

infrastructure

The long-term environmental potential

of heat networks lies in their versatility.

Unlike fossil-fuel systems, heat networks

can accommodate a broad range of heat

sources, including combined heat and

power (CHP), heat pumps, biomass, and

waste heat recovery from data centres,

industrial facilities, or wastewater plants.

As the energy mix evolves, networks

can be decarbonised centrally, without

requiring disruptive retrofit work in

individual homes.

In this way, heat networks enable a

phased approach to net zero. The

transition from gas to low-carbon heat

sources can happen incrementally,

swapping out boilers in a central plant,

rather than one property at a time. This

has significant cost and operational

advantages and aligns with the

Government’s goal for heat networks to

deliver 20% of national heating demand

by 2050. As these networks scale up,

housing developments connected to

them will be well-positioned to meet

future emissions regulations with minimal

intervention.

Enhancing affordability and energy

resilience

For residents, the transformation is not

only technical but experiential. A welldesigned

and efficiently operated heat

network offers consistent heating and

hot water, often with lower operating

costs and reduced exposure to volatile

gas prices. Heat Interface Units (HIUs),

installed in individual dwellings, allow

household-level control and metering

while drawing energy from a communal

network. In social housing and

regeneration projects, where fuel poverty

is a concern, this model supports more

equitable access to affordable warmth.

It also reduces maintenance burdens,

as system servicing can be centralised

rather than carried out home-by-home.

Driving standards and accountability

A key limitation of past heat network

projects in the UK has been

inconsistency in design, installation, and

performance. Legacy systems often

suffered from poor insulation, oversized

components, and inefficient operation.

That is now changing.

The introduction of the Heat Network

Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS)

marks a pivotal moment. For the first

time, the industry will be regulated by

Ofgem, with clear technical standards

for network performance. Operators will

be held accountable for outcomes such

as heat losses, flow temperatures, and

carbon intensity, aligning the sector with

other regulated utilities. For developers,

this raises the bar: housing schemes

connected to heat networks will need to

meet rigorous technical benchmarks.

The rise of heat networks signals a

profound transformation in UK housing.

From decarbonised infrastructure and

enhanced energy resilience to smarter

design and regulatory accountability,

these systems offer a new blueprint for

sustainable living.

www.altecnic.co.uk

24

24_SB070825.indd 2 08/07/2025 15:28

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CASE STUDIES

WRAPTITE CONVERTS PROPERTY DEVELOPER TO BENEFITS OF EXTERNAL

AIRTIGHTNESS LAYER

An experienced property developer has seen immediate

benefits from using the A. Proctor Group’s Wraptite

external air barrier solution. So good were the results of

the airtightness testing at the property on Scalby Road

in Scarborough that the testing company thought their

equipment was broken and needed recalibrating!

The Scalby Road property features a 140mm timber stud

filled with insulation. To the outside of the stud is a sheathing

board, another 50mm of rigid insulation, and the Wraptite

membrane.

The membrane continued from the walls to the pitched

roof, which was finished in a metal standing seam system.

Wrapping the whole building – first in insulation, and then in

Wraptite – helped to reduce thermal bridging and deliver a

better standard of airtightness.

The membrane’s self-adhered backing makes it an

excellent choice for a complete airtight envelope, as it also

ensures resistance at laps against water penetration, dust,

and air infiltration.

“With the walls and roof covered in Wraptite, the only

areas with the potential for air leakage were the junction at

the ground floor, and around the windows,” explained Chris.

Addressing the former simply meant ensuring the floor’s

radon barrier continued up the external walls to lap with the

Wraptite. To deal with the latter, Chris used Wraptite Liquid

Flashing, supplied by the A. Proctor Group. That meant the

only penetrations through the external airtightness line were

one cable and one water pipe. This is in stark contrast to

an internal airtightness line, where it’s necessary to detail

around floor joist ends, and where any socket box in the

wall or downlighter in the ceiling is a penetration in the

airtightness layer.

Chris had the airtightness test carried out before internal

finishing was complete – just in case he had to install any

airtightness measures internally.

“We normally do quite well with the internal airtightness

line,” said Chris. “We’ve consistently achieved results

between 1.0 and 2.0 air changes per hour (ACH) at 50

Pascals pressure. On Scalby Road, using Wraptite for the

first time, we achieved 0.35ACH.”

In fact, so airtight was the dwelling that when Rydale

Testing set up the blower door test to measure the

airtightness, it pulled the fan right out of the opening! The

fan had to be mechanically fixed into the opening.

proctorgroup.com/products/wraptite

A NEW CHAPTER IN STUDENT LIVING WITH FORBO

The purpose-built Enso student accommodation scheme in

Colchester was designed to encourage social interaction

and offer a sense of balance through the creation of bright

and airy interior spaces. Balancing this design brief with

sustainability, Forbo’s Marmoleum flooring acted as the

grounding material that tied all the spaces together.

Delivered by Melberry Development Management and

Moorfield Group, Colchester’s Enso is a purpose-built

scheme, with a blend of flexible ‘together’ spaces and

generous rooms allowing students to meet, study, relax and

enjoy views over the city.

Ekho Studio was appointed to design and deliver the

interior finishes across the central areas, with an emphasis

on creating spaces that encourage social interaction and

promote relaxation and well-being. The design consultancy

was also tasked with creating the look and feel for the

scheme’s 282 student rooms, devising a colour palette that

would tie in harmoniously.

Rachel Withey, Founding Partner at Ekho Studio, said:

“This was an incredibly special project for us, being the

first student accommodation scheme we had worked on.

It was fantastic to be a part of, especially considering we

were given relatively free rein by the client – they were very

open to doing something different and bringing a unique,

contemporary and attractive identity to the space.”

For the project concept, the team took inspiration from a

sense of place, with a particular focus on Colchester’s rich

and historic Roman past. Nature formed the second thread,

with the surrounding countryside full of strong textures and

dramatic forms and colours.

Marmoleum is Forbo’s own brand of linoleum,

manufactured from up to 98% natural raw materials

and independently certified as climate positive (carbon

negative), from cradle to gate, without offsetting. Available

in sheet and modular tile formats, Marmoleum is available in

over 300 colours and more than 12 different structures.

Ekho Studio specified a range of colourways across

the scheme, including Agate, Granada and Oyster

Mountain from Forbo’s Marmoleum Vivace collection, the

manufacturer’s liveliest and most outspoken blend.

www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/marmoleum

26

26_SB070825.indd 4 08/07/2025 15:33

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27_SB070825.indd 1 11/07/2025 15:09


CASE STUDY

LIFT OFFERS

INCLUSIVE

EXPERIENCE FOR

SERVICE STATION

VISITORS

Stannah Lifts has

delivered a multi-lift

project for Welcome

Break’s 60 th service

station. Specify & Build

reports.

Welcome Break opened its 60 th

service station at Junction 33

on the M1 in January 2025,

featuring a Stannah escalator, passenger

lift and goods lift. Spanning 32,000

square feet, and located between

Sheffield and Rotherham, the services

offer a variety of dining options, as

well as 28 EV charging stations and

dedicated HGV amenities. Designed

to resemble a traditional Yorkshire

village, the two-storey service station

also includes retail, gaming, restrooms,

seating, a children’s play area and

remote workspaces. It marks Welcome

Break’s first new motorway service in

two decades.

Stannah Lifts collaborated with principal

contractors, HML Construction,

architects Whittam Cox and SVM

Associates on this £55 million project,

creating a cohesive lift solution and

modern design that delivers an inclusive

and convenient experience for visitors.

Back of house, Stannah installed a

Goodsmaster lift to facilitate the safe

and efficient transportation of goods

between floors while improving workflow

and minimising manual handling risks.

For front-of-house, a Stannah A2C

escalator and a 13-person passenger lift

were selected to optimise visitor traffic

flow, improve accessibility and enhance

overall experience.

To optimise operations and resources,

Stannah collaborated with teams

across its divisions to ensure successful

execution. Its Microlifts division

installed the Goodsmaster lift, while the

Passenger Lifts Division handled the

passenger lift installation and the Major

Projects Division oversaw the escalator.

This coordinated effort and meticulous

planning ensured a seamless and

efficient installation process, enhancing

overall project delivery.

To improve accessibility for wheelchair

users and those less mobile, Stannah

installed a 13-person stainless steel MRL

(Motor Room Less) traction passenger

lift from the Maxilift range, with a 1,000kg

weight capacity. Operating at 1.0 metres

per second across two floors, the lift

features efficient VVVF drives for a

smooth, quiet and energy-efficient ride.

Integrated remote monitoring ensures

reliable operation, while LED lighting

and standby shutdown contribute to an

A-rating in BREEAM.

The lift’s design includes adjacentopening,

two-panel entrances, stainless

steel walls and premium vinyl stone

black concrete floor, providing a sleek

and spacious feel. Equipped with

intelligent controls, GSM connectivity

and compliant with EN81-73 safety

standards, it offers both safety and ease

of maintenance, providing a futureproofed

and high-performance solution

for the service station.

Stannah also proposed its A2C escalator

solution featuring a 1000m wide step

to ensure maximum pedestrian flow

during peak hours. Operating at 0.5

metres per second, a 30-degree angle

offers a gradual transition from flat to

inclined, providing a smoother and more

comfortable ride.

The A2C-30 escalator is equipped

with a toughened glass balustrade for

enhanced durability, a hot-dip galvanised

truss for improved protection in damp

environments and an auxiliary brake for

an added layer of safety. Designed with

efficiency and sustainability in mind, the

escalator features speed monitoring

that slows down when not in use. This

is ideal for locations with varying traffic

flow, helping to reduce operating costs

and extend the product’s lifespan. It also

delivers a quiet and efficient ride thanks

to its low-vibration, low-noise motor and

VVVF drive.

To facilitate safe goods transportation,

Stannah installed the Goodsmaster

CD goods-only lift. This heavy-duty

goods lift, capable of carrying 1,000kg,

features a robust steel cladding structure

with protective epoxy finish, nonslip

aluminium checker plate flooring

and bump rails. Operating at 0.15

metres per second, the lift has frontfacing

entrances for easy loading and

unloading. The Goodsmaster is supplied

with interlocking car and landing gates

to prevent load movement during travel,

car safety gear and a load weighing

device to prevent overloading. The

goods lift also includes LED lighting with

an automatic timer for energy efficiency,

ensuring long-term reliability and

performance.

The multi-lift solution provided by

Stannah prioritises accessibility, safe

operation and energy efficiency,

integrating three lift solutions into the

building’s structure and completing the

project ahead of schedule and within

budget.

www.stannahlifts.co.uk

28

28_SB070825.indd 2 08/07/2025 15:34

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Specify & Build Feature_template_IDML_v2.indd 2 25/04/2025 09:20

April 2025 \\ www.specifyandbuild.co.uk

SPECIFIERS’ GUIDE

Tata Steel is a global steel manufacturing company with operations

in multiple countries, producing a wide range of products including

its Colorcoat pre-finished steel range. Specify & Build reports.

WHY CHOOSE PRE-FINISHED STEEL

FOR ROOFING AND CLADDING?

Most buildings built today can

reasonably be expected to

still be in use well beyond

2050, so the choice of materials

that can last decades is essential,

especially for the building envelope.

One popular option for roofi ng and

cladding is pre-fi nished steel, for

everything from public sector buildings

to industrial developments such as

warehouses and datacentres. It is often

selected for its strength, colour choice

and design versatility, with different

choices available depending on the

project and its location. For example, a

power plant in the Middle East will have

different specifi cation requirements to

a retail park in the UK, as a result of

weather differences.

With a building envelope exposed to

the elements throughout the life of the

building, it can play a big part in the

selection of the roofi ng and cladding

materials. Indeed, there are a number of

factors that can affect the performance

of external building materials, with UV

solar radiation and weather conditions

being the most detrimental. Exposure

to UV solar radiation can cause a

deterioration of colour and gloss,

both of which are precursors of paint

cracking and delamination, and various

weather conditions can contribute to the

corrosion of the material itself.

Choosing a roof or wall cladding system

manufactured from a high quality pre-

fi nished steel is one way to ensure

long-term performance. Products such

as Colorcoat Prisma and Colorcoat

HPS200 Ultra, from Tata Steel, deliver

greatly enhanced corrosion resistance

and durability. Pre-fi nished steel products

typically consist of a series of different

layers, each with a specifi c function.

For example, a key part of the

manufacturing process is galvanisation,

where a protective metallic coating

is applied to the steel to provide

corrosion protection. Colorcoat products

incorporate Tata Steel’s corrosion

protection experience, with the steel

prepared for the painting process with

a Galvalloy metallic coating. Consisting

of 95% zinc and 5% aluminium, this

is applied to the base steel substrate

before a pre-treatment layer is added,

forming a sacrifi cial protective layer to

provide unrivalled corrosion protection

even at cut edges.

Not all pre-fi nished steel products

offer the same performance levels.

Manufactured with several different

layers, including topcoat, primer and

pre-treatment, all applied to the steel in

a carefully controlled process, it is the

quality, type, thickness, consistency and

application of these layers that dictate

the overall durability and quality of the

product.

European Standards have put ratings

into place to help specifi ers understand

how pre-fi nished steel solutions will

perform, enabling a more informed

specifi cation decision from a corrosion

and UV performance point of view.

These performance classifi cations

include RC and Ruv ratings as per

EN 10169:2022. The RC rating, with

classifi cations from RC1 to RC5+,

express the corrosion resistance of prefi

nished steel, as stipulated by standard

EN 10169. To achieve RC5+ (the highest

classifi cation), the pre-fi nished steel is

subjected to extensive natural weathering

tests. Samples must spend a minimum

of four years at an extreme coastal

location, certifi ed as a C5 environment,

and be able to resist blistering, surface

damage and edge peel to less than

2mm.

The UV resistance of pre-fi nished steel

is classifi ed from Ruv2 to Ruv5, with

the latter being the highest resistance

classifi cation. To meet the requirements

of Ruv5, the European Standard

stipulates that product samples have

to undergo a minimum of four years’

weathering in a UV exposure site,

meeting specifi c colour and gloss

retention results.

Despite Ruv and RC ratings highlighting

the performance of different factors,

they should not be considered in

isolation. Instead, specifi ers should look

at choosing products that meet all the

requirements of the project, as well as

being backed up with a comprehensive

guarantee.

30

30-35 JulyAug Specifiers Guide Tata Steel.indd 2 05/07/2025 17:44


THE HISTORY OF COLORCOAT

Tata Steel has been developing

its world-renowned Colorcoat

pre-finished steel for 60 years,

bringing innovation and continued

product performance improvements

to the industry. This heritage is a

mark of the experience that Tata

Steel has in working with customers

to understand their needs and deliver

products that the market requires.

In contrast to the new products that

are frequently introduced into the

construction industry, high-quality

pre-finished steel has been a staple for

decades, with Colorcoat leading the way.

It has provided a durable, sustainable

and aesthetic option for the roofing and

cladding of a diverse range of buildings.

This includes warehouses, distribution

and logistics hubs, as well as schools

and leisure applications.

Initially launched in 1965, the first

generation of Colorcoat came in 12

colours and, at the time, was the first

product of its kind in Europe. With a

nominal 200-micron thick coating layer, it

represented an extremely durable option

for specifiers. Next came the introduction

of Colorcoat HP200, which gave

customers a greater colour choice and

an increased 20-year performance life.

The 1990s was an important decade in

the ongoing development of Colorcoat. In

1992, the brand introduced its Confidex

Guarantee. Unlike anything else in the

market at the time, this truly set the bar

for performance levels for pre-finished

steel. The guarantee provided customers

with peace of mind that the product

would last for decades, even in the most

environmentally challenging locations.

This decade also saw the introduction of

other innovations that are fundamental

elements of Colorcoat to this day. This

includes the advanced Galvalloy metallic

coating, which delivers exceptional

corrosion resistance and cut edge

protection. In addition, its unique Scintilla

emboss was also introduced as a mark

of authenticity. Differentiating Colorcoat

from other pre-finished steel products

on the market, this supported the

reputation the product had established

for durability and performance. Further

improvements to colour and gloss

retention performance followed, as well

as an extended 27 shade colour palette.

The 2000s saw the launch of the latest

and current version of the leading

Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra pre-finished

steel. This was the result of research

into advanced topcoat technology and

the development of a phthalate free

formulation to offer enhanced durability,

as well as environmental benefits. At this

point, the Confidex Guarantee period

was also extended to up to 40 years

on Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra. Colorcoat

Prisma was also launched at this time,

further expanding the Colorcoat offering.

With pre-finished steel continuing to gain

popularity with architects, specifiers and

designers, Repertoire was launched – a

service that offered bespoke shades,

allowing specific branding colours to be

achieved.

The 2010s was a decade that built on

the success of Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra,

with a particular focus on improved

durability and sustainability, testing the

product beyond the current limits.

High-quality prefinished

steel has been

a staple of the

construction industry

for decades, providing

a durable and

sustainable option.

To meet the growing need for

renewable energy installations, a further

enhancement to the Confidex Guarantee

was implemented in 2014. This allowed

the use of clip and fix PV frame modules

to be installed over the product without

invalidating or reducing the Confidex

Guarantee term length.

In 2017, in line with new European

product standards, the primer and

pre-treatment of the product was

redeveloped to make it chromate free,

including hexavalent chrome. The

strength of research and development

meant this was accomplished with no

impact on either the quality or durability

of the product.

A new generation of Colorcoat Prisma

was launched incorporating a threelayer

technology that delivered greatly

enhanced aesthetics with superior colour

and gloss retention.

In 2022, new EN 10169 standards for

durability of pre-finished steel were

introduced and with it the conclusion of

extended weathering of the Colorcoat

products at a C5 exposure site.

Colorcoat Prisma and Colorcoat HPS200

Ultra achieved the new RC5+ category

for corrosion resistance – the highest

European classification for pre-finished

steel. In addition to testing to these

standards, the longevity and durability of

the product is supported by even more

extreme real-world testing and global

data, having been installed around the

world in many of the most demanding

environments.

SPECIFIERS’ GUIDE: TATA STEEL

Colorcoat Prisma was fitted on the Netherlands-based International School in Almere.

Over 60 years of research and

development is what has made

Colorcoat the tried and trusted product

for building envelope applications that it

31




Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra pre-finished steel comes with the Confidex Guarantee from Tata Steel

is today. However, product development

has not stopped, and it will continue to

advance to meet the evolving needs of

the industry. Both products are available

through Colorcoat supply chain partners.

WHY GUARANTEES ARE

SO IMPORTANT

Product guarantees are a key part of

the industry and have an important role

for specifiers and their clients. However,

not all guarantees are the same, and

so it is important to choose products

that are supplied with one that is both

comprehensive and avoids unnecessary

complexities.

Guarantees are important for several

reasons, especially when it comes to

the building envelope materials that are

exposed to the elements for the lifespan

of the structure. Guarantees provide

customers with added peace of mind

and protection in the unlikely event of an

issue with that element of the building.

For specifiers and customers alike,

guarantees also provide an indication

of product quality. Therefore, the details

of the guarantee are important when

comparing different products.

The first factor to consider is the length of

the guarantee period. Typically, the longer

the guarantee, the higher the product

quality and durability that customers can

expect. This is because manufacturers

will only offer guarantees that span

decades if they have confidence in

their product, often backed by rigorous

testing. However, it is also important to

check the conditions of the guarantee as,

for some, the duration is dependent on

various factors and conditions.

The Confidex Guarantee from Tata Steel

is valid for up to 40 years, which is a

testament to the research, development

and real-world testing that has gone

into Colorcoat-branded products, as

well as demonstrating the excellent

corrosion resistance and durability. It is

offered on their Colorcoat Prisma and

Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra pre-finished

steel products.

First launched in 1992, the Confidex

Guarantee marked a step-change for

building envelope products and remains

the most comprehensive guarantee

for pre-finished steel in Europe. For

example, unlike some other warranties,

the Confidex Guarantee is offered

direct to the building owner and does

not distinguish between different roof

pitches, offered on roofs with a pitch as

low as one degree.

When evaluating a product guarantee,

another important factor to consider is

any restrictions that might be included.

For example, it may not allow additional

elements to be installed, such as

Photovoltaic (PV) panels. Despite being

launched more than 30 years ago, the

Confidex Guarantee has been updated

to align it with modern building envelope

requirements, such as the rapid increase

in the adoption of PV frame modules.

Since 2014, the guarantee has included

the use of clips to fix PV modules on

Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra, which was

extended to Colorcoat Prisma in 2020.

This gives building owners further

confidence in the product and provides

the assurance that the presence of PV

modules, installed now or in the future,

will not have a detrimental effect on the

longevity of the material or invalidate the

guarantee.

It is also important to look at how the

product warranty is offered, as this can

make a significant difference to how

easy it is for the owner to claim in the

event that there is an issue during the

guarantee period.

Building product guarantees are often

passed down through the contractual

supply chain, from the material

manufacturer to the system manufacturer

to the cladding contractor and on to the

main contractor, before reaching the

building owner. This means that in the

event of an issue, the owner would have

to navigate back through the supply

chain in a highly complex and timeconsuming

process.

On the other hand, Confidex is uniquely

a direct agreement between Tata Steel

and the building owner, meaning that, in

the unlikely event of a product failure, it

avoids the complications of an extended

contractual chain. Additionally, the

Confidex Guarantee is fully transferable

should the ownership of the building

change.

Product guarantees have an important

role, but not all such agreements

offer the same level of assurance and

simplicity for the building owners. There

is a reason that the Confidex Guarantee

from Tata Steel has been trusted by the

industry for more that 30 years with over

65,000 guarantees registered across

Europe to date.

www.colorcoat-online.com/confidex

32



THE ROLE OF DURABILITY IN

SUSTAINABILITY

While sometimes overlooked,

the quality of building

products has a significant

effect on the overall sustainability

of the building through reducing the

whole lifecycle embodied carbon

emissions.

Sustainability is a priority for all

developments, with a growing focus on

the environmental impact of a building

material, as well as how efficient it is

when in operation and considering the

whole lifecycle of a building.

Calculations by the Royal Institute of

British Architects (RIBA) on the whole

lifecycle carbon impact of buildings

reveals that embodied carbon can

represent the majority of a building’s

carbon footprint, as well as the significant

impact of embodied emissions after

practical completion – those associated

with repairs, replacements and

refurbishment of elements of the building

throughout its life. In the office building

example, this was found to be almost

as much as all the embodied carbon to

practical completion – 35% of the total

up to completion and 32% over the

lifecycle.

specified, one that will potentially last the

whole life of the building, the embodied

carbon can be reduced substantially.

That is why durable pre-finished steel

products that have undergone rigorous

testing and backed by long term

guarantees are an increasingly popular

specification.

For example, Tata Steel’s pre-finished

steel products are BBA certified

in excess of 40 years. Even for

refurbishments, upgrading to a higher

quality product that will last will help

minimise the total embodied carbon over

the whole lifecycle and help reduce costs

in the long term.

To ensure a sustainable specification

there are several key features to look for.

Firstly, pre-finished steel cladding and

roofing products will typically include

some form of galvanising, with products

that include an alloy metallic coating (zinc

and aluminium) able to achieve an even

better corrosion resistance compared to

Hot-Dipped Galvanised (HDG) steel. This

is because the alloy coating can offer

a combination of increased barrier and

sacrificial protection.

However, the longevity of pre-finished

steel will also be influenced by the quality

and thickness of the factory applied

layers of pre-treatments, primers and

paint.

Generally, the topcoat on pre-finished

steel will have a nominal thickness that

ranges from 25 microns to 200 microns.

To put this into perspective the thickness

of paint on modern cars is around 120

microns, with the building envelope

expected to last significantly longer.

As an example, Tata Steel’s Colorcoat

HPS200 Ultra pre-finished steel has a

nominal 200-micron thick structure that

incorporates a unique protective layer

and the latest polymer technology, as

well as the Galvalloy metallic coating,

made with a special mix of 95% zinc and

5% aluminium.

With embodied carbon now a core

consideration in evaluating the

sustainability of a building, specifying

high quality products that will have

extended lifespans is not only a sound

financial decision but the sustainable

one.


An industrial building is typically expected

to have a lifespan of between 60 and

100 years, but certain elements of the

building may have a much shorter life if

not specified correctly. This is especially

true for roofing and cladding that will be

exposed to the elements throughout the

lifespan of the building, with the location

and usage also being key factors.

This can have a significant effect on

both the long term costs for the building

owner and the environmental impact.

For example, if a lower quality material

solution is specified and it only lasts

10 years before it deteriorates and

requires remedial works, the resources,

money and embodied carbon involved

in repairing or removing and replacing

it would be significant. If a like-for-like

or similar quality replacement is always

used, the cumulative environmental and

cost impact over the building’s lifespan

can become significant.

Alternatively, if a high-quality product is

The RC rating expresses the corrosion resistance of pre-finished steel, with RC5+ the highest

classification

33




RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

RESULTS IN QUALITY OPTIONS

Colorcoat pre-finished steel products from Tata Steel are the result of 60 years of

research and innovation, giving specifiers high-quality options to suit

different projects.

Colorcoat Prisma and

Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra

offer excellent durability,

demonstrated by achieving the

highest standards for corrosion

resistance under the latest EN 10169

standards.

One of the reasons for this is that

both feature an optimised Galvalloy

metallic coating, consisting of a special

mix of 95% zinc and 5% aluminium.

This carefully developed formulation

offers a combination of increased

barrier and sacrificial protection for

superior corrosion resistance and cut

edge protection when compared to

conventional Hot-Dipped Galvanised

(HDG) coatings.

Additionally, both Colorcoat Prisma

and Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra are made

in the UK for a lower carbon footprint

and certified to BES 6001 Responsible

Sourcing standard. Both are fully

recyclable at the end of the product’s

extensive lifespan and are also BBA

Certified for a durability in excess of 40

years.

Colorcoat Prisma and Colorcoat

HPS200 Ultra are engineered and

manufactured to achieve a minimal

impact on air quality. The products are

independently tested for the liberation

of volatile organic compounds (VOC)

against EN ISO 16000-9 and achieve

an A+ rating. They are fully REACH

compliant and free of chromates,

including hexavalent chrome.

Both Colorcoat products also support

the integration of renewable energy

installations into the design of buildings.

The pre-finished steel can be used

under Photovoltaic (PV) modules, with

no reduction in guarantee duration. This

means all parts of the roof or wall are

covered for the same full term of the

guarantee.

COLORCOAT PRISMA

Colorcoat Prisma, renowned in the

industry for its superior aesthetics, is

a three-layer product with a protective

clear layer that provides an additional

barrier to enhance UV resistance. It

offers an extensive choice of colours

and finishes, including a textured finish

that delivers a striking effect for building

facades. The colour range includes

metallic and matt colours, as well

as unique matt metallics and natural

metal shades. Colorcoat Prisma is also

available in an array of solid colours,

ranging from oxide red and sargasso

blue to white, black and a choice of

greys. Colorcoat Prisma is tested and

certified to meet EN 10169:2022 Ruv5

and RC5+ standards, demonstrating

excellent colour and gloss retention and

corrosion resistance.

COLORCOAT HPS200 ULTRA

Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra is designed to

withstand even the most demanding and

aggressive environments. It has been

rigorously tested and certified to meet

the requirements of EN 10169:2022

for Ruv4 and surpasses RC5+, proving

excellent colour and gloss retention and

corrosion resistance.

Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra has a nominal

200-micron coating structure, up to four

times thicker than many other options, to

deliver enhanced longevity and durability.

Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra has been

tried and tested in climates around the

world, from coastal locations to extreme

environments, with installations across

Europe, the Middle East and South

America. It is available in a wide array

of colours including blues, greys, reds,

greens and blacks from the Signature,

Classics and Matts ranges.

Both products are available through

Colorcoat’s supply chain partners.

Both Colorcoat Prisma and Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra are made in the UK.

CONFIDEX GUARANTEE

For peace of mind on the long-term

performance, Colorcoat Prisma and

Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra are supplied

with the industry renowned Confidex

Guarantee. This offers up to 40 years

protection for buildings when registered

online – the most comprehensive

guarantee on the market – and covers

both inland and coastal environments.

The Confidex Guarantee is direct with

the building owner for simple rectification

in the event of an issue and can be

easily transferred in the case of a change

of building ownership.

www.colorcoat-online.com

34


60 YEARS

IN THE MAKING

It has to be

Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra®

Trust in the most established pre-finished steel building

solution with Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra®. Developed and

improved for over 60 years, and renowned in the industry

for its aesthetics, durability and long-lasting performance.

Order your free sample pack

Call +44 (0) 1244 892434

Visit colorcoat-online.com

or scan the code

Guaranteed for up to 40 years



WINDOWS, DOORS &

ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

NO COMPROMISE ON STYLE OR

PERFORMANCE

Creating sash windows

with modern performance

and all the aesthetics of

heritage style is what

Roseview is about.

Specify & Build reports on

Roseview’s Rose

Collection.

Sash windows have always been an

ideal option for classical and highend

architecture, and Roseview

Windows has been manufacturing high

end, heritage-style uPVC sash windows

for more than 40 years. Its Rose

Collection is a suite of three windows –

Charisma, Heritage and Ultimate Rose –

that have been designed to suit any style

of building, from newbuilds to classic

buildings. However, they don’t just focus

on traditional style, they also deliver

modern performance and compliance, to

the benefit of architects, specifiers and

homeowners alike.

Energy efficiency and weather

protection

With windows making up, on average,

25% of the external surface area of

a house, windows need to provide

security, energy efficiency, weather

proofing and – in some cases – good

acoustics, as well as fitting a building’s

aesthetic. All three of Roseview’s

windows are A-rated as standard, with

a standard U-value of 1.5W/m 2 K that’s

upgradeable to 1.4W/m 2 K by changing

the glass. Ultimate Rose and Heritage

Rose offer an optional upgrade to

ThermoVFlex technology, which reaches

1.2W/m 2 K. Energy efficient windows

offer effective heat regulation all year

round, ensuring the home stays warm in

the winter and doesn’t overheat during

the warmer months. Not only does

this make homes more comfortable,

it’s an eco-friendly choice that helps

homeowners save on energy.

Living in the UK means that the weather

is often unpredictable, so windows that

can face the challenges the climate

throws at them is a must. All the

windows in the Rose Collection are

independently tested to BS6375 for air

and water permeability and wind loading.

All Rose Collection sash windows

achieve Class 3 for air permeability,

Modern performance

doesn’t mean having to

compromise on the

style and authenticity

Class 8A for water tightness, and 1600

Pa (114.3mph) for wind loading, which

is classed as hurricane level. To reduce

draughts, each window has a system

of six separate weather seals – a UVresistant

combination of QIon, brushpiles

and EPDM gaskets – in the frame,

around the recessed, stepped sashes

and across the interlocks.

Noise reduction as standard

Comfort isn’t just about weatherproofing;

it’s about providing a calm and quiet

living environment. With so many

new and existing homes on or near

main infrastructure, busy roads, urban

developments and brownfield sites,

noise ingress can be a significant

problem. Where possible, noise

insulation should be designed into

projects without compromising other

design elements. Rose Collection sash

windows have been independently

tested and accredited to provide noise

reduction of up to 38dB.

Security is a top priority for homeowners,

which is why security is built into the

heart of every Rose Collection sash

window. The windows are internally

reinforced with steel, increasing the

strength and rigidity of the profiles.

For enhanced security, the full suite of

windows come with the optional addition

of Secured by Design and PAS24:2022

accreditation, with Part Q compliance for

newbuilds.

Style without compromise

Modern performance doesn’t mean

having to compromise on the style and

authenticity. Roseview’s 40 years of

experience in sash windows has enabled

Roseview to develop features that keep

the traditional charm and character

of period timber. Each window can

be fully customised, from sash horns

to woodgrain finishes, cills, internal

staff beads, external chamber covers,

astragal bars and window furniture,

there is an array of traditional features for

homeowners, specifiers and architects

to choose from. Once the building is

inhabited, there is no time-consuming

maintenance or regular repainting

required.

The Rose Collection is listed on

NBS Source, offering direct access

to structured product data and

documentation. Roseview also provides

a full range of technical resources,

including datasets, test reports and CAD

drawings, making compliance simple.

www.roseview.co.uk

36

36_SB070825.indd 2 26/06/2025 09:58

Passive House

Certified Window

System, offering

a diverse range

of profiles

System 5-45 Hi / Hi+

Tilt and Turn Window

PAS 24

Security

Tested

Single / dual

colour RAL

finishes

Advanced

thermal break

technology

For technical information or to discuss

your next project please contact us:

technicalenquiries@metaltechnology.com

Follow us on

| metaltechnology.com

Scan QR code to

view our Passive

House brochure


WINDOWS, DOORS &

ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

THE KEY TO SMARTER

COMMERCIAL DOOR

SPECIFICATION

Andrew Cooper, National Specification

Manager at Senior Architectural

Systems, explains why sourcing different

commercial door systems from a single

supplier can provide tangible benefits

across the full building envelope.

When it comes to making an entrance, the devil is

in the detail. The need to balance design briefs

with stringent safety, security and accessibility

requirements can present a number of challenges, especially

when multiple door types are often needed on the same

project. The best commercial door systems strike a balance

between form and function. Some will be tasked with creating

a strong first impression, others with providing secure

emergency exits or withstanding frequent, daily use in busy

high-traffic areas. The varied demands of these spaces mean

no single door type can meet every need.

This is where flexibility of the choice of door system becomes

essential. The ability to specify a mix of commercial door

types, from automatic entrances to robust manual doors, lowthreshold

options and sleek bi-folds and sliding doors, means

each area of the building can be tailored to its specific use

without compromising on aesthetics or performance.

Where multiple door types are required within the same

project, particularly when they form part of a larger fenestration

package of windows and curtain walling, working with a single,

experienced supplier can offer major benefits. Not only does

it reduce the risk of incompatibility between different systems,

but it also provides a single point of accountability. Essentially,

this gives reassurance around warranties and aftercare by

keeping everything with one supplier.

The use of complementary aluminium systems and coordinated

hardware, handles and other fixtures and fittings, can

also create a more unified aesthetic across different elevations

and entrances. Taking this type of holistic approach is a key

way that specifiers can ensure that all doors, whether these are

used as high-traffic entrances or secondary access points, are

appropriate for the building’s use and accessible to all.

navigation, particularly when combined with contrasting frame

colours and accessible ironmongery.

Similarly, choosing automatic operation can also assist those

with limited mobility, as can the specification of low thresholds.

In schools, healthcare buildings or other high-traffic facilities,

the specification of anti-finger trap stiles, although not a legal

requirement, also demonstrates best practice. The use of BIM

further streamlines this process, improving coordination and

supporting compliance from the outset.

Security first

Security is another vital factor specifiers must address when

selecting commercial doors, particularly in buildings that

require controlled access or added protection for occupants,

such as schools, hospitals and retail premises. Commercial

aluminium door systems that can support PAS 24 and Secure

by Design standards offer enhanced resistance to forced entry

without compromising on aesthetics, ensuring that safety and

ease of operation can go hand in hand.

The advantages of aluminium

Aluminium has become the material of choice for commercial

door systems. Its inherent strength allows for wider and taller

openings, supporting larger glazing panels that offer slim

sightlines and greater visual transparency for modern buildings,

embracing the principles of biophilic design and the greater

use of natural light.

In terms of durability and longevity, aluminium is hard to beat

as it is resistant to both corrosion and weathering, and can be

endlessly recycled. Critically, aluminium door systems also offer

excellent thermal performance and, following the introduction

of stricter U-values targets in line with Building Regulation Part

L, energy efficiency and high insulation performance are no

longer optional extras. Aluminium systems can exceed these

requirements, helping support broader sustainability goals such

as improving BREEAM ratings.

www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

Inclusive designs

The choice of commercial doors also plays a vital role

in creating buildings that are accessible to all users.

Considerations include door width, opening mechanism,

threshold height and visibility and here, close and early

engagement with both the product manufacturer and

specialist contractor who is fabricating and installing the

system can make a huge difference. For example, opting for

large-glazed panels, made possible by the inherent strength

of the aluminium frame of these types of doors, can help aid

38

38_SB070825.indd 2 26/06/2025 15:08

Window.ID

The new digital

innovation

Revolutionising traceability of the Fenestration

Supply Chain.

The first of its kind in the fenestration market,

this new innovative industry solution offers

numerous benefits. Window.ID creates a lifelong

connection to your products, ensuring efficiency

along the entire supply chain and completely

satisfied customers.

Comprehensive. Innovative. Future-orientated.

rehau.uk/windowid

enquiries@rehau.com

Tel: 01989 762600


WINDOWS & DOORS

PRODUCTS

THE RESIDENCE COLLECTION LAUNCHES NEW TIMBER ALTERNATIVE

DOOR RANGE

The Residence Collection has launched a timber alternative

entrance door, which is available in all three of its current

systems: R9, R7 and R 2 . The doors come in a range of

colours, including some new exclusive shades. They are

compatible with a variety of manufacturing techniques,

including Timberweld, providing even greater potential for

bespoke customisation for the end customer.

The new open-in door sash is chamfered to perfectly

suite with their existing open-out door and window sashes,

ensuring a consistent and visually appealing aesthetic as

well as exceptional quality finishes. The range retains the

traditional timber alternative look, featuring an authentic

large mid rail, stackable deep bottom rail and a patented

decorative panel trim that hides the gasket line and gives

the appearance of a moulded timber panel, while offering

the expected durability and efficiency of modern materials.

When partnered with the Residence 7 frame, the open-in

door is flush both inside and out, offering a sleek timber

alternative solution.

The bespoke 130mm mid-rail option allows for the

inclusion of a full-sized letterbox, while the exclusive timber

alternative patented panel surround trim offers a moulded

timber aesthetic that hides the gasket line. The entrance

door also features a deep bottom rail with positive click

engagement for easy fabrication, that can be stacked to

replicate timber doors.

Fabricators and installers can tailor these doors to any

desired specification, with sash sizes available up to 900mm

wide and 2300mm high. The new entrance door can be

made in a variety of configurations, including French door

options. The doors are available with a low threshold, as

well as a full-frame option for Residence 2 , a low aluminium

threshold is ideal for wheelchair access, ensuring that the

range is accessible for all.

The new range is fully PAS24/SBD compliant and has

been tested for weather, strength, and performance to

meet the BS6375 standard. The range includes matching

hardware, including monkey tail and pear drop handles,

as well as the new Knurled handle as part of the Regal

hardware range. The doors also offer 28mm double and

44mm triple glazing options.

www.residencedoors.co.uk

JELD-WEN DOOR RANGES AWARDED CRADLE TO CRADLE CERTIFICATION

Door manufacturer JELD-WEN has been awarded Cradle

to Cradle certification for doors created at its factory in

Penrith. Recognised as a leading third-party certification

for sustainability, the robust Cradle to Cradle Certified

standard is awarded to products that meet the circular

economy requirements and can be recycled or reused.

The Cradle to Cradle Bronze level certification applies

to all non-glazed doors produced at the factory, including

moulded hollow doors, plywood hollow doors and moulded

fire doors.

Meeting all five categories of the standard to achieve

Cradle to Cradle Certified status – material health, product

circularity, clean air and climate protection, water and soil

stewardship and social fairness – the award reflects JELD-

WEN’s commitment to sustainability.

Steps introduced at the company’s Penrith site include

switching to electric vehicles, using renewable energy,

adding sensors to taps, using FSC-certified and sustainable

timber, using waste to power biomass boilers, and installing

more efficient manufacturing systems.

This has been supported by an ongoing commitment

to employee equality and supporting wellbeing – such as

investment in health and safety systems, mental health

support, and supporting flexible working policies wherever

possible.

Marcin Bacik, EHS Manager at JELD-WEN, said:

“Securing Cradle to Cradle certification for doors made at

our Penrith site is a huge accomplishment and demonstrates

our commitment to taking direct action to support

sustainable building design, and helping to reduce waste

associated with construction and the built environment. We

are incredibly proud of securing this certification.”

www.jeld-wen.co.uk/sustainability

40

40_SB070825.indd 4 08/07/2025 15:41


ALUK HELPS ESH (PROJECTS) LTD BROADEN

MARKET APPEAL

A product range suitable for both volume residential and

light commercial markets, as well as its customer support,

has helped to convince ESH (Projects) that AluK was the

right aluminium supply partner to support its growth plans.

ESH (Projects) is a commercial fabrication and installation

specialist based in Ipswich, which is looking to broaden its

mid-market appeal among developers of apartments and

mixed use retail projects.

ESH Director Daniel Elliston said: “AluK’s product line up

enables us to offer proven and competitive solutions right

across windows, entrance doors, sliders and curtain walling.

A few of our fabricators and estimators were really positive

about how easy and connected the systems are to work

with, and that’s definitely proved to be the case.”

Daniel continued: “We’ve had great technical support on

fabrication and installation, and there’s expert help available

on design, specification, sales, marketing and compliance.

We’ve already won new work from customers who have

been impressed by the AluK products and overall set up.”

uk.aluk.com

WINDOWS & DOORS

PRODUCTS

SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS UNVEILS ITS NEW

SPD150 COMMERCIAL DOOR

A new SPD150 aluminium door system from Senior Architectural Systems is opening up new opportunities in the

commercial market. The system has been developed to meet the demands of high-traffic environments where

accessibility, performance, and durability are key.

Developed as a non-rebated door and framing system, the SPD150 can be fabricated

as single or double doors, with various configuration options such as emergency exit

versions and anti-finger trap stiles. One of its key advantages is its low threshold design,

which provides easier access for wheelchair users and reduces the risk of trips.

The use of low thresholds can also contribute to a more streamlined interior design,

making the new SPD150 commercial door suitable for use across a variety of sectors

including healthcare, education, office schemes, and other public use buildings. For

specifiers seeking a clean, modern aesthetic, the system also supports the integration of

concealed closers and hardware for a minimalist appearance.

Fully recyclable and offering enhanced thermal performance, the SPD150 door

system achieves U-values as low as 1.3W/m²K when triple-glazed (CEN standard)

and 1.6W/m²K when double-glazed. The system is also fully tested to meet PAS24 for

enhanced security and BS6375 parts 1 and 2 for weather tightness and durability.

www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

RIBA-APPROVED CPD EXPLORES MODERN STEEL SOLUTIONS

Crittall Windows is running a RIBA-approved CPD seminar

designed to support architects and specifiers working

across both restoration and contemporary design projects.

The CPD, titled Steel Windows and Doors for the 21 st

Century, offers a practical and in-depth guide to specifying

steel. It provides essential knowledge around design,

construction methods and emerging technologies, giving

professionals the confidence to integrate steel solutions into

a wide variety of building types.

The course is available either face to face at Crittall’s

headquarters in Essex or delivered online across the UK.

It is listed on the RIBA and NBS platforms and covers the

properties of steel that make it a compelling choice for

both external windows and doors and interior applications.

Emphasis is placed on performance, longevity and

sustainability – topics increasingly relevant to modern

architectural practice.

Two structured modules are available. The first focuses

on exterior steel windows and doors, covering compliance,

performance and aesthetic considerations. The second

addresses the use of steel for interior glazing, now a

hallmark of high-end residential, retail and commercial

interiors.

www.crittall-windows.co.uk

41

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WINDOWS, DOORS &

ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

REDEFINING STUDENT LIVING

Metal Technology, a leading UK and Ireland architectural aluminium systems manufacturer,

has supplied glazing and façade solutions for a number of landmark student living spaces.

Combining architectural flexibility

with high-performance

engineering, Metal Technology’s

systems are being used to deliver

striking, sustainable and future-ready

student living spaces in the Purpose-

Built Student Accommodation sector

(PBSA) that meet the evolving needs of

today’s academic communities.

Nelson Place, Belfast

Metal Technology’s products were

specified for Nelson Place, Belfast’s

largest purpose-built student

accommodation project to date. Installed

by Turkington Windows, the aluminium

fenestration systems achieved a U-value

of 1.4W/m²K and delivered excellent

acoustic insulation – essential thanks to

the development’s city-centre location

and proximity to a motorway.

Designed by Fletcher Joseph

Associates, and delivered by Graham

Construction for Greystar and Lacuna

Developments, the 12-storey, 245,000ft 2

scheme includes 774 luxury en-suite and

Metal Technology’s

systems are being used

to deliver striking,

sustainable and futureready

student living

spaces

studio rooms. The

accommodation

features a sky

lounge, bookable

kitchen, cinema,

games room and

study spaces.

It also houses

Ulster University’s

new sports and

wellbeing centre, complete with a gym,

spin studio, badminton courts, and a

rooftop running track.

Awarded Gold at the 2024 Green Apple

Environment Awards and rated BREEAM

‘Very Good’ and EPC ‘A’, Nelson Place

exemplifies zero-carbon, student-first

design. Lacuna Developments also

secured Commercial Development of

the Year at the 2024 Belfast Telegraph

Property Awards for this outstanding

scheme.

Tribeka, Leeds

Formerly the site of the Leeds University

technology campus, Tribeka is a highspec

19-storey PBSA project in the

city’s Woodhouse district that sets a

new standard for urban student living.

Delivered by McAleer & Rushe and

designed by DLA Architecture, the

development provides 514 student

apartments in studio and cluster formats,

along with ground-floor commercial

units.

Metal Technology supplied its System

17 Hi+ High Rise Curtain Walling,

System 5-35 Hi+ Tilt and Turn Windows,

high-performance doors, and brise

soleil systems – contributing to the

building’s distinctive façade and energy

performance. Students at Tribeka benefit

from a suite of communal amenities,

including a gym, study zones, sky

lounge, games room, and coffee lounge,

as part of the city’s wider regeneration

efforts.

Upcoming developments

Metal Technology is currently working

on several large-scale PBSA projects

that are set to welcome students for the

upcoming academic year.

• Avon Point, Bristol: A £75 million

development on Feeder Road

delivering 595 student apartments

and 3,500m 2 of commercial space.

Communal features include study

areas, a gym, cycle storage, and a

rooftop terrace. Metal Technology’s

high-performance glazing solutions

are being installed by APiC UK

Limited for RG Group.

• iQ Cullen House, Glasgow: Located

on Bath Street, iQ Cullen House is

a new PBSA scheme featuring a

suite of Metal Technology products

– including curtain walling, windows,

doors, and louvres – installed by

NetZero Facades. Students will

enjoy panoramic views of Glasgow

from rooftop terraces and have

access to a variety of communal

spaces, including a gaming arcade,

cinema, private dining area, and

study zones.

Metal Technology manufactures

architectural aluminium systems for the

construction industry. With a strong

emphasis on innovation, performance,

and sustainability, the company

delivers high-quality façade, window,

door, and curtain walling solutions to

projects across education, residential,

commercial, and public sectors.

www.metaltechnology.com

42

42_SB070825.indd 2 08/07/2025 15:44

A GREAT SASH

WINDOW IS

MORE THAN

A SUM OF ITS

PARTS

True authenticity comes from a

blend of heritage styling and

modern performance.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Single features may grab

attention, but a true heritage

sash window is designed to

ensure the seamless integration

of all its parts.

Everything has to work together:

slim overlapping putty-line

profiles, a 35mm midrail, heritage

chalk finishes, seamless ornate

sash horns, true mechanical

joints, deep cills and innovative

balance chamber covers, to

name but a few.

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

without specialist glass, and you

have a true conservation-grade

sash window with outstanding

modern performance.

Only Roseview’s Ultimate Rose

sash window delivers all this.

Because it’s more than a sum of

its parts.

01234 712657

trade@roseview.co.uk

www.roseview.co.uk

#TraditionRedefined

WINDOWS, DOORS &

ENTRANCE SYSTEMS

DOORS FOR DEMANDING

LOCATIONS

Vicaima’s Marketing Director, Paul King, explains how the company’s interior timber doors

can help specifiers meet the needs of demanding locations.

Interior timber doors can often fall short of expectations

when specified to fulfil the many requirements presented by

demanding locations. Swindon-based Vicaima offers a range

of doors that offer long-term performance, consistent quality,

and innovative designs that specifiers can rely on.

For sectors spanning from specialist living to medical,

education and beyond, the high quality of Vicaima’s extensive

door range is exemplified by two particular products, including

Lacdor Satin White, which has been a firm favorite with

specifiers for many years.

Prized for its ultra-smooth and durable factory applied

lacquered paint finish, Lacdor incorporates solvent free and

low energy technologies to safeguard sustainable product

supply both today and in the future. Available in a choice of

Satin White RAL 9003 and Satin Pure White RAL 9010, these

doors are supplied with a matching edge banding as standard.

Both glazed and decoratively grooved variations are available

to cater for specifiers’ specific design needs.

A choice of monochrome look

Acting as a counterbalance to the Lacdor Satin White within

the monochrome look trend sits Vicaima’s new Dekordor HD

Magnet Black. Part of the company’s ever-growing laminates

offering, Dekordor HD Magnet Black is one of an array of

trend-driven solid colour options and wood effects, offering

a robust surface finish and presenting high resistance and

durability for challenging spaces.

Whichever end of the spectrum is selected, these design

options are available to meet stringent regulatory and

performance requirements. Whether the need is for sound

reduction, where acoustic parameters encompass up to

45dB; security considerations, incorporating both Secure by

Design or PAS 24 certification to ensure a safe environment;

or fire performance with EN1634/BS476 tested and third-party

accredited fire doors and door sets in FD30, FD60 and FD90,

specifiers can choose Vicaima’s products to ensure complete

peace of mind, whatever the project.

Another important factor for demanding locations is door

size. Dimensional flexibility can often present frustrating

limitations when striving to meet project objectives, with many

specifiers feeling frustrated by the constraints imposed by

some door manufacturers and distributors. Vicaima can fulfil

the full spectrum of metric and imperial sizes, together with

over-height or enhanced mobility widths whenever the project

requires.

To help specifiers choose the right door for demanding project

locations, Vicaima has also launched a new Interactive Interior

Door Selector. This is a constantly evolving resource filled

with the latest design inspiration, technical assistance and

budgetary guidance, where specifiers can see and choose the

best interior doors and door sets from Vicaima, for use in all

types of applications.

www.vicaima.com/en-gb

44

44_SB070825.indd 2 08/07/2025 15:51


ROSEVIEW BRINGS COLOUR AND INNOVATION

TO FIT SHOW 2025

Roseview Windows made a major impact at this year’s FIT

Show, showcasing not only its sash windows but also its

growing range of additional services.

Headlining the stand was the new Emperor sash horn,

a fully milled, seamless horn design exclusive to Ultimate

Rose – Roseview’s authentic heritage-style sash window. It’s

the latest addition to the company’s collection of traditional

horn designs, all designed to replicate the fine detailing of

original timber windows.

Also on display was Foilit, the foil lamination company

Roseview acquired in 2023. Visitors saw four bespoke foiled

sash windows, including three in bold decorative finishes

and a fourth in Claystone – a subtle tone that Roseview is

tipping as the next trending colour for sash windows.

Particularly popular at the show was Roseview’s new range

of matching foiled trims.

“Customers kept telling us how difficult it is to find trims

to match our popular chalk white finish,” said Roseview

director Mike Bygrave. “Some even said that it had stopped

them offering chalk white altogether. Thanks to Foilit, we’ve

fixed that – now we can offer colour-matched trims in bar

length with window orders, all delivered together.”

The new trim range includes chalk white, crystal white

and white woodgrain options, in nine popular styles, all

designed to complement Roseview’s window colours and

streamline installation.

www.roseview.co.uk

WINDOWS & DOORS

PRODUCTS

VICTORIAN SLIDERS LAUNCHES DEEP BOTTOM RAIL FOR ECOSLIDE SASH WINDOWS

Victorian Sliders has launched a new deep bottom rail option for its ECOSlide elegant sash windows. The new product

responds directly to customer demand for a more traditionally styled sash profile that better replicates the visual

proportions of heritage timber windows.

The deep bottom rail is featured on the bottom sash of the ECOSlide window and is designed to replicate traditional

mortise-and-tenon craftsmanship. Designed for enhanced authenticity, particularly in period homes and conservationsensitive

projects, it offers the aesthetic depth and proportions historically associated with timber sash windows.

The deep bottom rail maintains all the core benefits of the ECOSlide system, including Toughened Glass in both sashes

and a range of heritage colours and woodgrain finishes

www.victoriansliders.co.uk

DECEUNINCK SECURES 14 TH HEALTH AND

SAFETY AWARD

Deceuninck has been awarded its 14 th consecutive RoSPA

award in recognition of its commitment to maintaining high

standards of health and safety across its operations. After

receiving the gold-standard for nine consecutive years

between 2010 and 2019, Deceuninck has now received

another President’s Award after achieving the accolade for

the past five years.

The RoSPA Health and Safety Awards are among the

most respected industry schemes worldwide, recognising

organisations that demonstrate excellence in the

management of occupational health, safety and wellbeing.

Deceuninck’s continued success reflects its strategic

focus on embedding robust safety processes into its daily

operations.

“Health and safety is integrated into every one of our

processes,” said Darren Woodcock, General Manager at

Deceuninck. “The consistency demonstrated by our teams

in achieving this award ensures that we maintain safe and

reliable manufacturing standards, minimising any potential

disruption for our customers.”

Deceuninck also holds ISO 45001 for health and safety,

ISO 9001 for quality management, and ISO 14001 for

environmental management. Day-to-day operations with

these recognised standards, alongside the frameworks

set out by RoSPA, has helped streamline processes and

improve collaboration across teams.

www.deceuninck.co.uk

45

45_SB070825.indd 3 08/07/2025 15:53


ROOFING & CLADDING

SPECIFYING GRP ROOFLIGHTS IN

2025 AND BEYOND

Following the withdrawal of the BS 476 national fire tests, Mark Wilcox, Chairman of

the Rooflight Association, explains how prompt action by the Association and

National Federation of Roofing Contractors ensures the continued use of GRP

rooflights under new fire classifications, and what specifiers must now consider.

every industrial estate in England would

be negatively impacted by the changes.

Swift and decisive action was essential.

Image credit – Brett Martin Daylight Systems

Last year, the Ministry of Housing,

Communities and Local

Government (MHCLG) announced

the withdrawal of the BS476 national

fire classifications from Approved

Document B, unaware of the unintended

devastating consequences for the Glass

Reinforced Polymer (GRP) rooflight

industry and wider industrial roofing

sector, despite this being included in

several responses during the Public

Consultation. The changes to Approved

Document B threatened an industry

worth around £6 billion and the

potential closure of three manufacturing

businesses with a combined turnover of

£76 million and 418 employees.

The issue was compounded by an

unworkable six-month transition to

the EN13501 standard, particularly for

internal reaction to fire, where existing

translucent GRP technology could

not achieve the necessary equivalent

classification to EN13501-1 while

maintaining the key attribute of a rooflight

– light transmission.

The potential consequence would have

been to outlaw the use of GRP rooflights

despite industrial buildings and the

position of GRP rooflights within them

typically being low risk and no evidence

known to the Rooflight Association (RA)

of any situation where the performance

of GRP rooflights has been shown

to have worsened a fire situation or

resulted in serious injury or loss of

life. Historically, they have achieved

consistently good results to the National

Classes. The types of buildings they

are used in are typically non-residential

and predominantly single storey,

with many escape routes. Rooflights

usually account for less than 15% of

the floor area and are therefore a small

percentage of the overall building fabric.

The role of GRP rooflights

GRP rooflights are, in most cases, the

only method for introducing natural

daylight into metal or fibre cement clad

industrial buildings and have been so

for more than 70 years. These buildings

represent nearly all industrial buildings

in the UK, typically factories and

warehouses.

While alternative polycarbonate rooflights

that meet the necessary classification

to EN13501-1 do exist for some metal

clad buildings, most buildings, including

the majority requiring refurbishment, will

be left with no technical or commercially

viable solution due to the volume of

profiles required. As a result, almost

The RA pulled together a response

team – one with the knowledge,

skill, and experience to highlight and

address these concerns. This included

other trade associations, such as

the National Federation of Roofing

Contractors (NFRC). A series of robust

and constructive discussions with

the Building Safety Regulator (BSR)

and Health & Safety Executive (HSE)

ensued, during which we stressed

the need for positive action to provide

certainty in the supply chain. Following

months of intense communication and

engagement, an agreement was reached

that ensures GRP rooflights can continue

to be used for their main application in

industrial and storage buildings (Purpose

groups 6 and 7(a)), provided they

achieve a TP(a) rigid rating when tested

in accordance with BS2782-0, Method

508A.

Eagle-eyed readers will have noted that

this is not the EN13501 standard. It is

an alternative means of compliance that

safeguards the industry and successfully

avoids the cliff edge and chaos that

the change in regulation would have

otherwise created. However, in the

background GRP rooflight manufacturers

and their supply chain are working hard

on new technologies that in the future

should allow GRP rooflights to achieve

suitable performance to the EN13501-1

standard.

The prompt and resolute action of

the RA and its partners has ensured

that GRP rooflights continue to be

recognised as a safe and compliant

means of daylighting industrial and

storage buildings, both new build and

refurbishment. They can continue to

be confidently specified and used in

accordance with Approved Document B

FAQ 8.

rooflightassociation.org/fireperformance

46

46_SB070825.indd 2 26/06/2025 15:16

ARCHITECTURAL ALUMINIUM FABRICATION SPECIALISTS

ROOFLINE PERFECTION

Bespoke Fascia, Soffits and Cladding for Unmatched Quality and Aesthetics.

01202 785 200 enquiries@icbfabrications.co.uk icbfabrications.co.uk

ROOFING & CLADDING

The following illustration depicts the energy flow of sunlight hitting a conventional flat roof (left) and a cool roof covered with a white membrane or

coating (right)

DESIGNING URBAN ENVIRONMENTS

FOR A HOTTER FUTURE

With infrastructure often designed for a climate that no longer exists, many cities now face a

critical question: how can we adapt urban environments for long-term climate resilience?

Sika believes that one answer is right above our heads: cool roofs.

Cities around the world are feeling

the heat. As global temperatures

rise, urban areas are becoming

more vulnerable, not just to extreme

weather, but to a phenomenon known

as the urban heat island (UHI) effect.

In essence, cities are heating up faster

and more intensely than their rural

surroundings. The dense concentration

of buildings, roads, vehicles and human

activity generates and traps heat,

creating microclimates that can be

several degrees warmer than outlying

areas. This temperature spike isn’t just

uncomfortable, it’s a major public health

concern, an energy efficiency challenge,

and a growing threat to liveability.

UHIs are driven by the materials that

dominate cityscapes such as asphalt,

concrete, and dark rooftops. These

surfaces absorb and retain solar

radiation during the day and slowly

release it at night, creating persistently

elevated temperatures. In major

metropolitan areas, urban temperatures

can rise by as much as 10°C compared

to neighbouring rural zones. The

consequences of UHIs are wide-ranging.

More energy is used to cool buildings,

increasing electricity demand and

carbon emissions. Air quality worsens,

heat-related illnesses become more

common, and vulnerable populations

face heightened risks. Add in the stress

on water resources, urban infrastructure,

and social services, and the need to

respond urgently becomes clear.

Cool roofs are one of the most impactful

technologies available to address the

UHI effect. They are engineered to

reflect more sunlight and absorb less

heat than traditional materials. Often

featuring light-coloured, reflective

coatings or membranes, cool roofs

help maintain lower surface and

indoor temperatures. They lower the

temperature inside buildings, cutting the

need for air conditioning and reducing

energy bills. And, by reflecting more solar

energy back into the atmosphere, they

reduce ambient heat in the surrounding

environment, helping to cool entire

neighbourhoods.

Where heatwaves are becoming more

frequent and severe, this is a matter

of public health. By decreasing indoor

and outdoor temperatures, cool roofs

can help reduce cases of heatstroke,

respiratory issues, and other heat-related

health concerns.

Building resilience from the top

down

The resilience benefits of cool roofs

extend well beyond individual buildings.

Cities that invest in cool roofing systems

see measurable reductions in energy

demand during peak times, leading to

a more stable and efficient power grid.

Water consumption is also positively

affected as buildings require less

irrigation and cooling support. The use

of durable, reflective roofing materials

can increase the lifespan of rooftops

by reducing thermal expansion and UV

degradation. When deployed at scale,

cool roofs become a powerful tool in

a city’s climate adaptation strategy.

They align closely with net-zero goals,

air quality and public health, making

them a win-win for urban planners and

policymakers.

Among the industry leaders helping cities

implement cool roofing technologies

is Sika, a global provider of highperformance

building solutions. Sika’s

cool roof systems combine energy

efficiency, durability, and long-term

performance, making them suitable for

residential and commercial buildings,

industrial facilities and municipal

infrastructure alike.

The beauty of cool roofs lies in their

scalability. They can be incorporated

into new developments or retrofitted

onto existing structures. With supportive

policies and planning frameworks, cities

can adopt cool roofs as standard, with

the benefits being cumulative. Each

cool roof adds to the collective impact,

lowering local temperatures, easing

demand on cooling systems, and

improving quality of life for residents.

It’s an opportunity to deliver climate

action that is visible, measurable, and

immediately effective.

The future of our cities will be shaped by

how we respond to rising temperatures

and evolving climate risks. Cool roofs are

not a silver bullet – but they are a smart,

proven, and accessible solution. As part

of a broader strategy to create climateresilient

urban environments, they tick

multiple boxes: sustainability, affordability,

48

48_SB070825.indd 2 05/07/2025 18:11

EASY TO

INSTALL

BBA

CERTIFIED

AIRTIGHT

MEMBRANE

VAPOUR

RESISTANT

Collaborate with A. Proctor Group today and stay ahead in the industry with our groundbreaking solutions.

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

S&B_Procheck_210x297mm.indd 1 02/07/2025 09:14:58


ROOFING & CLADDING

WHEN IS A CLADDING SYSTEM,

NOT A SYSTEM?

Nigel Waring, Specification

Manager at Vivalda

Group, advises architects

to tread carefully when

specifying ‘oven-ready’

façade systems.

Since the formation of the Building

Safety Regulator in 2022, there

has been a sea change in the

culture of the industry, which is now

striving to set the very highest standards

of safety and compliance. However,

with so many new regulations, it’s little

wonder that architects are finding it

tough to keep their understanding of

cladding specification up to date.

In an effort to satisfy building regs, many

firms like the idea of picking ‘oven-ready’

façade systems off the shelf where the

fixings, framing, breather membranes,

insulation and the rainscreen panels

are all fully tested and ready to go on

the wall. The trouble is, while the term

‘system’ suggests an organised set

of products that fit together to make a

single compliant solution, this may not

be the case if a single part of that ecosystem

is changed.

Cladding specification in practice

Steel framed wall systems, (known

as SFS external walls) form the main

structure for any rainscreen cladding

structure and are subject to the

test criteria in BSEN1364 (for nonloadbearing

SFS) and EN1365 (for

loadbearing SFS). Many manufacturers

claim to provide complete external wall

systems, including the final rainscreen

cladding panels.

Any proposed cladding system

comprises a large number of elements,

all of which create a single façade

solution. Change a single subcomponent

and the whole thing comes

crashing down in terms of regulatory

adherence. Whichever ‘system’ is

specified will need to supply test

evidence of this compliance. This

test will be from internal lining boards

right through to sheathing board.

Some manufacturer tests include the

rainscreen slab too and will have a

specified performance of insulation and

integrity. Crucially, their ‘through wall’

tests are very specific to the products

used, with no leeway for substitutions.

Provided you, as the specifier, have

complied with the requirements the SFS

manufacturer has tested with, then there

should be no issues. Any deviation from

this will require the Fire Design Engineer

to apply an assessment based on ‘Field

of Direct Application’. The word ‘through

wall’ refers to a manufacturer that has

tested all elements of the external wall

from inside to outside and vice versa

and some, to the face of the rainscreen.

In the real world…

For example: an architect specifies

a particular metal wall lining system,

comprising one 15mm fire-resistant

plasterboard, 50mm partition roll,

100mm SFS studs, 12.5mm sheathing

board and 50mm rainscreen insulation.

This through-wall system is marketed as

being fully tested with 60 minutes of fire

performance in both directions – certified

to EN1364 with the use of a specific

brand of SFS studs and components.

No mention is made of the rainscreen,

since it is required to comply with

EN13501.

When the project goes to site, the main

contractor doesn’t have a supply chain

agreement with the business selling

the system, so replaces the boards

with a comparable brand. But this is no

longer a ‘system’, since the collection of

products that gained approval through

testing is no longer the same. In most

cases, a fire design engineer will need to

be consulted on whether the 60 minutes

is still valid. One way around this issue

might be to ask the manufacturer to

supply their evidence of compliance

with EN1364 and compare it with the

specification for your own external wall

build up. Again, any deviation will require

a fire design engineer’s input.

The contractors undertaking this swap

out aren’t doing so with mal intent; it’s

more down the realities of their supply

agreements. However, architects would

be well advised to consider carefully the

implications of opting for a ‘throughwall

system’, given the limitations this

approach gives in terms of specification

flexibility.

If you’re involved in a project with

little likelihood of façade changes or

revisions, then a though-wall system

may be a sound decision. However, in

practice this can limit choice. In the end,

more transparency across the supply

chain and better, open communication

between specifier, contractor, fire safety

officer and product manufacturer are

key.

vivalda.co.uk

50

50_SB070825.indd 2 08/07/2025 15:57


NEW TECHNICAL INSTALLATION BOOK

SUPPORTS ROOFING PROFESSIONALS

Onduline Building Products, a manufacturer of lightweight

roofi ng solutions, has published an updated Technical

Installation Book to provide clear, practical guidance for

specifi ers, roofi ng contractors and architects working with

its roofi ng systems.

The new guide brings together the latest installation

methods for Onduline’s sheets and accessories into one

comprehensive resource. Designed to support the correct

application of the manufacturer’s roofi ng systems, it

ensures installers can work effi ciently while maintaining high

standards of performance and compliance.

Available as a free download from the Onduline website,

the updated book refl ects the company’s commitment to

supporting the industry with high-quality technical materials

and helping professionals achieve consistently successful

outcomes on-site.

Greg Hissey, Sales Manager at Onduline Building

Products, said: “We know that professional installers,

architects and specifi ers are under pressure to deliver

quality work quickly and consistently. This new guide is

designed to make their lives easier by providing a single

trusted source for Onduline installation advice. It refl ects our

commitment to technical excellence and to supporting those

who choose the Onduline range.”

www.onduline.co.uk/professionals

ROOFING & CLADDING

PRODUCTS

LRWA LAUNCHES UPDATED HOT MELT CODE OF

PRACTICE

The Liquid Roofi ng and Waterproofi ng Association (LRWA)

has launched an updated Hot Melt Code of Practice. It

provides critical technical guidance that refl ects the latest

advancements and regulatory standards in the sector,

developed in collaboration with experts from across the hot

melt waterproofi ng industry.

The document supports specifi ers and contractors

by offering comprehensive information on the design,

specifi cation, installation, and maintenance of hot-applied

polymer-modifi ed bitumen systems, more commonly known

as hot melt.

It also provides clarity on the nuances of zero falls

design, especially relevant to inverted and blue roof

systems, and includes detailed information on structural

concrete decks, backfalls, surface preparation and

moisture management. It also outlines product certifi cation

requirements, installation techniques, health and safety

considerations, and ongoing maintenance.

The 2025 Hot Melt Code of Practice is available to

download free of charge from www.lrwa.org.uk.

SIKA UNVEILS EASY-TO-DOWNLOAD ROOFING

STANDARD DETAILS

Sika has refreshed its roofi ng standard details to make

them more accessible than ever. The updated suite of

roofi ng detail drawings are presented on easy-to-navigate,

single-page A0 drawing fi les, available for free download,

without the need for registration.

These comprehensive resources are offered in both

PDF and DWG formats, allowing users to download for

immediate use in design applications. The roofi ng standard

details include all of Sika’s roof waterproofi ng systems

including reinforced bituminous systems, hot melt structural

waterproofi ng systems, liquid applied roofi ng systems,

and single-ply roofi ng systems, ensuring that architects,

contractors, and roofi ng professionals have access to the

pre-approved methods of detailing needed for a wide range

of roofi ng applications.

The standard details cover most common roofi ng

situations, providing industry-leading methods for design

and installation. For projects requiring customised

solutions, Sika also offers a free bespoke drawing service.

This service is designed to address complex or unique

roofi ng challenges where Sika roofi ng systems are being

considered for use or specifi cations.

“Our goal is to provide easily accessible, high-quality

resources to support the success of our customers’

projects,” said Richard Aldred, Head of Compliance and

Technical Services at Sika. “By offering these updated

roofi ng standard details in downloadable formats, along

with our bespoke drawing service, we continue to prioritise

innovation, customer service, and the highest standards of

roofi ng excellence.”

gbr.sika.com/en

51

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ROOFING & CLADDING

PRODUCTS

MANTHORPE TILE VENTILATORS HELP SPECIFIERS CONTROL MOISTURE

IN BUILDINGS

The latest government initiatives aimed at reducing

carbon emissions in buildings can have a direct and

significant impact on the risk of condensation. For example,

tighter building envelopes with enhanced insulation and

airtightness are effective in reducing heat loss and energy

consumption, but they can also trap moisture inside

buildings.

The adoption of high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and

air conditioning (HVAC) systems, while contributing to

energy savings, may alter the temperature and humidity

dynamics within buildings, especially if the system is poorly

balanced or incorrectly maintained. This all means that good

quality ventilation of the structure – as well as the living

space – is more important than ever to ensure effective

moisture control.

Manthorpe’s roof tile ventilators are a practical and

efficient solution to addressing the ventilation needs in roof

structures. The Manthorpe In-line ventilator range includes:

• Non-profiled tile ventilators to suit most large format flat

interlocking tiles.

• Mid and large-format profile ventilators to suit common

tile shapes, including 15x9 castellated tiles and single

concrete pantiles.

• An interlocking plain tile ventilator for use with smallformat

twin plain tiles. This ventilator features a sliding

mechanism that can adjust its width to suit all three

styles of interlocking plain tiles: Redland DuoPlain,

Marley Ashmore and Forticrete Gemini.

• A plain tile ventilator to suit traditional double lapped

plain tiles.

• A large format 600x300mm slate ventilator, which

can also be used for 500x250mm slates by trimming

the adjacent slates. There is also a small format

500x250mm slate ventilator, which can be used with

slates down to 400 x 200mm.

Manthorpe’s in-line ventilators are available in a wide

range of colours, including textures to suit sand-faced tiles.

They provide a quick and simple solution to roof space

ventilation, mechanical extraction, and soil stack ventilation.

The entire range of roof tile and slate ventilators has been

tested and certified by the British Research Establishment

(BRE) for resistance to rain penetration in accordance with

CEN Standard FprEN 15601. The test conditions represent

typical worst-case conditions expected in northern Europe

during a 50-year return period. The testing showed the

weathertightness performance of the ventilators to be better

than that of the surrounding tiles.

BRE has also measured the ventilators’ aerodynamic

characteristics under various air flow conditions, which

means Manthorpe can provide accurate data to designers

of mechanical extraction systems.

www.manthorpebp.co.uk

PASSIVENT’S ROOF TERMINALS NOW AVAILABLE IN IES VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT

Passivent has partnered with Integrated Environmental

Solutions (IES) to make its full range of roof ventilation

terminals available for modelling within the latest IES Virtual

Environment (VE) 2024, Feature Pack 1.

The IES platform enables specifiers to simulate

the performance of natural ventilation products within

VE models. It can efficiently model natural ventilation

strategies, configure operations, run thermal simulations

and conduct compliance analysis as part of the early-stage

design process.

The full range of Passivent roof terminals includes the

Airscoop roof terminal for displacement ventilation, the

Airstract and Airstract iAT terminals for passive stack

ventilation and the Hybrid Plus Airstract. Also included is

the Litevent Airstract, which combines a rooflight with a

controllable ventilator.

The Airscoop, Airstract, Airstract iAT and Hybrid Plus

Airstract terminals come with a 15-year no leak guarantee

and in a range of designs, sizes and colours.

www.passivent.com/ies

52

52_SB070825.indd 4 08/07/2025 15:59

VITRADUAL

A1 Aluminium Cladding

Sleek, modern, and non-combustible -

VitraDual delivers high performance and style

for any façade.

®

BENEFITS INCLUDE

• NON-COMBUSTIBLE Classified as A1 in accordance with BS EN 13501-1,

offering the highest level of fire safety for your projects.

• LIGHTWEIGHT Exceptionally rigid yet lightweight, making it easy to handle

and install.

• VERSATILE Customisable into a wide range of shapes and dimensions. It

can also be perforated or curved for specific design applications, offering

exceptional versatility.

• HIGH DURABILITY Engineered for strength and impact resistance, ideal for

use in high-traffic environments.

• PAINT SYSTEM Finished with industry-leading PVDF Kynar 500 or FEVE

coatings, ensuring long-lasting durability and superior resistance to

weathering and industrial pollutants.

• LONG-TERM WARRANTY Backed by a warranty of up to 30 years for peace

of mind and long-term performance.

• COMPLETE SYSTEM Available as standalone panels or as part of a fully

integrated, non-combustible cladding system.

Specify this product

online with NBS Chorus

Environmental

Product Declaration

Recyclable

Available as a

complete system

Order your free samples or arrange a meeting with one of our

Facade Consultants by contacting enquiries@valcan.co.uk

or calling 01278 428 245

T: 01278 428245

E: enquiries@valcan.co.uk

W: www.valcan.co.uk

Scan for more information and to order samples


ROOFING & CLADDING

FLAT ROOFING:

THE NEW HOT

MELT CODE OF

PRACTICE

Mike Bradbury, Technical Guidance Manager at the Liquid Roofing and

Waterproofing Association, discusses the newly updated Hot Melt Code of Practice

and its importance for the flat roofing industry.

Over the past decade,

construction industry guidance

and practices have evolved

significantly and continue to do so.

These changes have had a direct impact

on flat roofing, driving the need for

technical resources reflecting the latest

developments. The Liquid Roofing and

Waterproofing Association’s (LRWA) new

Hot Melt Code of Practice is a prime

example, providing a valuable resource

for specifiers and contractors alike.

Informed by technical experts from

across the UK’s hot melt industry, the

document provides comprehensive

guidance on the design, specification,

installation and maintenance of hotapplied

polymer modified bitumen

– frequently referred to as Hot Melt –

waterproofing systems. It covers a range

of applications, including roofs, podiums,

terraces, balconies, and walkways.

It aims to improve and

maintain system

performance as well as

quality standards.

Drivers of change

The LRWA first produced a Hot Melt

Code of Practice in 2014. Since then,

significant industry advancements

have prompted the need for updated

guidance. New technology has

introduced single-layer hot melt systems

alongside traditional two-layer versions.

The use of inverted roofs has increased

significantly, and there has been a

growing need for blue roofs to support

sustainable urban drainage strategies.

British standards have changed

too, specifically BS 6229 which has

influenced best practices in flat roof

design, specification and installation.

The LRWA’s 2025 Hot Melt Code of

Practice reflects these developments,

ensuring specifiers and contractors can

access the latest technical information.

Covering product selection and

application, it aims to improve and

maintain system performance as well as

quality standards.

Navigating zero falls

Following the update to BS 6229 in

2018, the LRWA has worked with other

trade associations to review advice

about falls for inverted roofs. The

outcome of this work is incorporated

into the Hot Melt Code of Practice,

providing clarity on how to achieve the

correct falls on structural roof decks.

For inverted roofs, zero falls can range

from completely flat (0 degrees), to a

slight slope of up to one in 80. However,

for inverted blue roofs, absolute zero

falls is required, meaning the surface

must be completely flat with no slope at

all. In either case, backfalls need to be

avoided.

A major challenge is that construction

tolerances and weight loads can cause

unintended slopes or deflections,

sometimes leading to water pooling

in unwanted areas. Standing water

can create structural loads the roof

was not designed for, putting a strain

on materials and components while

reducing the roof’s thermal performance.

The document’s ‘Structural concrete

decks and finishes’ section explains

these issues in more depth, including

the importance of eliminating backfalls

to ensure suitable drainage. Advice

on suitable substrates, finishes and

screeds is also incorporated into this

section along with recommendations

on moisture and surface contaminant

checks, preparation, testing and

installation methods.

Meeting performance expectations

Design and installation considerations

are covered extensively in the Hot Melt

Code of Practice, including compliance

with national building regulations and

standards. The guidance explains how

hot melt waterproofing systems must

satisfy key physical properties, including

resistance to fire and moisture, as well as

the importance of suitable materials and

workmanship.

Certification is also a key focus. The

document recommends systems

should be assessed under European

Assessment Documents () EAD 030350-

00-0402 and EAD 030065-00-0402)

or hold an Agrément certificate from

recognised bodies such as the British

Board of Agrément (BBA) or Kiwa

(BDA). These confirm system suitability

and provide assurance of long-term

performance.

Additional specification considerations in

the code of practice include user loads,

durability, climate, and thermal insulation

together with installation advice on

gutters, upstands and rooflights. The

guidance also has sections dedicated to

health and safety, substrate preparation,

application, quality control, training and

maintenance. By considering these

factors, specifiers and contractors can

ensure that hot melt waterproofing

systems perform as expected, aligning

with both the client’s requirements and

the latest regulatory standards. The

2025 Hot Melt Code of Practice can be

downloaded for free from,

www.lrwa.org.uk

54

54_SB070825.indd 2 07/07/2025 13:54


ICOPAL LAUNCHES MULTI-LAYER FLAME-FREE BITUMINOUS ROOFING SYSTEM

BMI Icopal has launched TorchSafe TA, a fl ame-free

bituminous waterproofi ng system that removes the

need for naked fl ames during the application

process, reducing fi re risk during application

compared to traditional roof installation methods.

In line with Construction (Design and

Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM),

designers must consider fi re risks during

design and specifi cation. The TorchSafe TA

self-adhesive system supports compliance

by removing the need for gas torches during

installation, reducing on-site fi re risk, and

enhancing safety during installation.

Simon Ashworth, Portfolio Manager for fl at

roofi ng at Icopal, said: “We’re seeing a growing

demand for fl ame-free bitumen solutions because

of the reduced risk to building fabric and worker

safety, two factors specifi ers need to consider to

adhere to CDM Regulations. TorchSafe TA is designed

to meet this growing demand, while still providing the

quality Icopal is known for. We back this up with a guarantee

of up to 25 years. In addition, our Approved Contractor

network ensures that installers have been fully trained in the

relevant application techniques.”

TorchSafe TA can only be installed by companies that are

part of Icopal’s Approved Contractor schemes, such as IMA.

A fl at roof installed by an IMA contractor to Icopal’s agreed

specifi cation can be guaranteed to provide peace of mind

for up to 25 years.

The TorchSafe TA system incorporates products

featuring Syntan, an acrylic-based coating that is used as a

substitute for sand, reducing the weight of the membrane.

The new waterproofi ng system can achieve classifi cation

to BROOF(t4) achieving the highest possible external

fi re performance for roofs. The TorchSafe TA System

incorporates products currently holding BBA certifi cation

(09/4645 - Product Sheets 2 & 4 & 23/6935 - Product Sheet

3).

www.bmigroup.com/uk

ROOFING & CLADDING

PRODUCTS

NEW FLEX-R RUBBERBOND AVCL GUARDS AGAINST MOISTURE DAMAGE

Flex-R has expanded its product range with the

RubberBond Air & Vapour Control Layer (AVCL), a selfadhesive

bituminous membrane with an aluminium foil

laminate and glass fi bre reinforcement.

This additional layer in the construction of a fl at roof is

required to prevent interstitial condensation and potential

moisture damage, which can lead to mould and even

structural damage. The product allows a fl ame-free, cold

application process. It is puncture-resistant and self-

adhesive, and the range includes a

specialised primer to improve adhesion

on porous or vertical surfaces.

The RubberBond AVCL features

an upper aluminium surface coated

with polyester, which protects against

alkalis and provides a bonding surface

for polyurethane insulation adhesives.

It offers high vapour resistance due

to its foil laminate, so is suitable for

use in high-humidity environments

such as swimming pools, sports halls,

bathrooms and kitchens. The AVCL

is compatible with several common

substrates including concrete,

plywood, OSB and metal decks. It can

also withstand foot traffi c during the

installation process. It is available in

22-metre rolls, each measuring 915mm

in width.

The RubberBond Fleeceback EPDM,

AVCL and LQD-PUR systems can only be purchased

from Flex-R by contractors who are members of Flex-R’s

Specialist Installer (SRI) scheme. These installers have

completed the Flex-R product training courses and show

continuous high standards of workmanship and customer

care. Scheme members benefi t from exclusive product

availability and technical project support.

flex-r.co.uk

55

55_SB070825.indd 5 09/07/2025 11:12


ROOFING & CLADDING

A BLUEPRINT FOR

SUSTAINABLE ROOFING

Luis Ramos, head of newbuild and architecture at WestWood Liquid Technologies,

explains the role of green and blue roofs in sustainable urban development.

As urban spaces continue to

expand and climate pressures

intensify, the role of roofing

systems in shaping a more sustainable

built environment has never been more

significant. Architects, developers, and

specifiers are increasingly being called

upon to deliver solutions that go beyond

merely providing shelter. Roofs must

now help manage water, improve energy

efficiency, and reduce emissions.

We know that green roofs have emerged

as one of the most effective ways to

combine aesthetics with sustainable

functionality. But beyond creating visually

appealing spaces and supporting

biodiversity, planning authorities are

also increasingly restricting rainwater

discharge rates. Architects and

developers are seeking more effective

ways to meet sustainability targets while

mitigating environmental impact.

Seeking smart solutions

Green roofs can extend the lifespan of

roofing membranes by protecting them

from UV-induced thermal stress while

simultaneously reducing energy costs

through their insulating properties. There

is also synergy between green roofs and

solar technology, as vegetation helps

maintain lower temperatures, preventing

efficiency losses of up to 20% in solar

panels. The build-up of a green roof

also plays a critical role in extending

the lifespan of the roof itself, and the

correct specification of the waterproofing

membrane is vital.

Blue roof specification

Urban planners and developers are

increasingly being challenged by

stringent discharge restrictions imposed

by planning authorities. With more

frequent and intense rainfall events

across the UK, cities are at growing

risk of surface water flooding. This is

where blue roofs come into their own.

The growing adoption of blue roofs as

an essential component of Sustainable

Drainage Systems means rainwater can

be managed at the source; reducing

flood risk in urban environments

and aligning with critical legislative

requirements, including the Flood and

Water Management Act 2010.

Robust waterproofing design

At the heart of every successful green

or blue roof system lies durable and

versatile waterproofing. For truly

sustainable outcomes, the materials

chosen must not only perform under

demanding conditions, but also

contribute to energy and carbon

reduction goals. This is where PMMA

(Polymethyl Methacrylate) liquid

waterproofing systems stand out for

green and blue roof applications.

At the heart of every

successful green or

blue roof system lies

durable and versatile

waterproofing.

PMMA solutions are cold-applied and

fast-curing, offering seamless protection

with minimal disruption on site. They

outperform traditional bitumen-based

systems in terms of flexibility, durability,

and adaptability to complex detailing

- making them ideal for the intricate

designs often required by green and blue

roof systems.

From an environmental perspective,

PMMA coatings are hugely beneficial.

Unlike conventional roofing membranes,

which often rely on LPG during

installation – releasing up to 3kg of CO₂

per kilogram burned – PMMA systems

require no flame, reducing onsite

emissions and improving safety.

In cases where a green roof cannot be

specified and installed, the use of lightcoloured

PMMA finishes with high Solar

Reflectance Index (SRI) values is an

effective approach; as it contributes to

cooler roof surfaces. This not only lowers

building cooling costs but also helps

mitigate the urban heat island effect,

where built-up areas retain heat and

exacerbate high summer temperatures.

As the construction sector adapts to

increasingly rigorous environmental

standards, the specification of roofing

materials that deliver on performance,

safety, and sustainability is no longer

optional – it’s essential. Green and

blue roofs, underpinned by innovative

waterproofing systems like PMMA, are

proving that smart design can solve

multiple urban challenges at once.

www.westwood-uk.com

56

56_SB070825.indd 2 08/07/2025 09:02


ROOFING & CLADDING

GLIDEVALE PROTECT PROVIDES

COMBINED MEMBRANE SOLUTION FOR

EXCLUSIVE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

A selection of Glidevale

Protect’s products have

been specified for an

exclusive residential

development in Matlock

Road, Wessington,

Derbyshire, demonstrating

how a coordinated

approach to the design of

the building envelope can

enhance the energy

efficiency of new homes.

Developed by Oakworth

Construction for AG Properties

(UK), the scheme comprises nine

individually designed, four-bedroom

family homes set in the picturesque

Derbyshire countryside. Constructed

offsite using pre-insulated panels

at Oakworth’s timber frame division

– Oakworth Timber Engineering’s

Sheffield factory, the homes benefit

from precision-engineered offsite

construction techniques to improve

thermal performance and reduce carbon

emissions.

Protect TF200 Thermo, a highperformance

reflective external wall

breather membrane, has been integrated

into Oakworth Timber Engineering’s

Varytherm timber frame system,

ensuring excellent thermal performance

and contributing to improved energy

efficiency. Protect TF200, a non-reflective

breather membrane has been applied

to the spandrel

panels, providing

weather

protection during

the construction

phase and

reducing the

risk of interstitial

condensation. In

addition, Protect

VP200, a highperformance,

vapour

permeable

pitched roofing

underlay, has

been installed

across all roofs

to minimise the risk of roof space

condensation in line with BS 5250.

The new build project follows a fabricfirst

approach, with the timber frame

construction designed to deliver

exceptionally low U-values. By using the

reflective TF200 Thermo wall membrane

with a strong aged thermal resistance,

this helps the performance overall

wall build up, with Oakworth Timber

Engineering achieving an average

through-wall U-value of 0.16W/m²K.

Combined with air-source heat pumps

as the primary heating source, the

development prioritises low-carbon,

energy-efficient living. Designed to

exceed Parts F, G, L, and O of the

Building Regulations, the homes are also

expected to deliver carbon emissions at

least 35% lower than notional regulatory

requirements, reinforcing the project’s

commitment to sustainability.

Glidevale Protect specialises in ventilation solutions,

condensation control and energy efficiency across the built

environment. With more than 40 years’ experience and

technical expertise, Glidevale Protect’s roofing range includes

roofing underlays, roofing ventilation and roofing accessories including

membrane and ventilation products for use on cold and warm pitched

roofs with in-roof solar PV panels. The construction range includes

construction and airtightness membranes, cavity trays, loft hatches

and solutions for building ventilation. The latest addition to the range is

Protect FrameSafe FR - a Class A2-s1, d0 flame retardant external wall

breather membrane offering fire protection across low-, medium- and

high-rise buildings.

Liberty Roofing, a long-standing

Glidevale Protect supply chain partner,

was appointed as the roofing contractor

on the scheme, specifying Protect

VP200 for its durability and proven

performance in wind uplift zones 1 and

2, covering the majority of England. With

the Matlock Road site located close to

Glidevale Protect’s manufacturing facility

in Pinxton, Nottinghamshire, this allowed

for roofing membrane materials to be

efficiently sent to site on a timely basis.

Jon Rees, Operation Director at

Oakworth Construction, commented:

“Working with Glidevale Protect and

specifying the right reflective membrane

product for this project has been

instrumental in helping us achieve the

high standards of energy efficiency

required for this development. Protect

TF200 Thermo integrates seamlessly into

our timber frame wall system, supporting

our commitment to sustainable, lowcarbon

construction.”

Matt Neary, Product Manager at

Glidevale Protect, added: “Through

our involvement at the Matlock Road

development, we have been able

to demonstrate our commitment to

delivering innovative, high-performance

solutions that meet market demands and

stringent industry standards, positioning

us as a trusted partner in modern

housing development.”

www.glidevaleprotect.com

58

58_SB070825.indd 2 08/07/2025 16:02


SECURITY & FIRE

PROTECTION

WHY CONSIDERING FIRE

SAFETY HAS NEVER BEEN

MORE IMPORTANT

John Duffin at Keyfix underlines the importance of

designing and constructing high-risk buildings with

fire safety in mind, and especially, the use of fire-rated

and trusted products.

In an era of urban expansion and

population growth, building designers

and architects are under increasing

pressure to create modern, sustainable,

and efficient buildings. Amid this push

for greener materials and cutting-edge

technology lies an absolutely imperative

and non-negotiable priority – fire safety.

In fact, more people are becoming

aware of the substantial impact certain

materials can have on the spread of

smoke and fire throughout high-risk

buildings (HRBs).

While the Home Office’s online Incident

Recording System (IRS) revealed there

were 707 fires in HRBs in England in the

year ending September 2023 – a 17%

decrease compared to a decade ago, it

illustrates the risk fires still present and

why the specification and installation

of fire-rated materials is so crucial.

With protecting lives and property,

ensuring the continued functionality of

the building, and minimising damage

critical, designing and constructing

buildings with fire safety in mind isn’t just

a regulatory box ticking exercise; it’s a

fundamental responsibility.

Prevention of fire and smoke spread

Fire and smoke can very quickly pass

through cavity walls and gaps if fire

safety has not been fully incorporated

into the design of a high-rise building.

By implementing compartmentalisation

and fire breaks into the building design,

architects and building designers can

play a critical part in fire prevention and

safety. In fact, creating fire-resistant

walls and floors – also known as

compartments – can help contain fires

within specific areas, and strategically

placing fire-resistant barriers in the

building’s facades can prevent horizontal

and vertical fire spread.

With fire safety in HRBs

under increasing scrutiny,

more stringent

regulations have been

introduced.

Ensuring structural integrity

Using the finest materials and

incorporating fire safety into the design

of a building means architects, building

designers, and contractors are able to

ensure structural integrity and reduce

the chance of the building collapsing.

Indeed, specifying and installing passive

fire protection systems, such as firerated

walls and cavity trays, can not only

help to prevent the spread of fire but

also minimise damage to the building

and its contents, reduce the need for

costly repairs, and ensure the structural

elements remain intact.

Regulatory compliance

With fire safety in HRBs under increasing

scrutiny, more stringent regulations

have been introduced. Indeed, the

recent Approved Document Part B

amendments focused heavily on a ban

on combustible materials in and on the

external walls of buildings, updated

provisions on residential buildings with

storeys over 11m, and the removal of

national classes for reaction to fire and

roofs.

The Building Safety Act increased

responsibilities on dutyholders involved

in the design and construction of HRBs

and established a system of gateways

to control the planning, design and

construction of these buildings. The BSA

also introduced the Golden Thread to

emphasise the importance of providing

all members of a project with up-to-date

and accurate information at all times. So,

while enhancing occupant safety through

the implementation of fire safe practices

and materials is absolutely crucial, doing

so will also ensure that contractors,

architects, building designers, and

building owners comply with all relevant

regulations.

The importance of fire-resistant

materials

Identifying materials that prevent the

spread of smoke and flames through

comprehensive fire-resistance is a crucial

part of building design. Additionally,

using products proven not to create a

thermal bridge also reduces the chance

of heat easily transferring to surrounding

areas and the resultant energy

expenditure.

Keyfix’s non-combustible cavity trays

(NCCTs) are manufactured from

austenitic Grade 304 stainless steel,

ensuring the highest standard of fire

resistance for any building. As well as

offering damp-proofing performance,

Keyfix’s NCCTs boast incredible longevity

and ongoing resilience, while ensuring no

thermal bridging and removing the need

for on-site fabrication. With fire safety in

HRBs heavily in the spotlight, building

design and the specification of trusted

and fire-resistant materials has never

been more important.

keyfix.com

60

60_SB070825.indd 2 08/07/2025 09:23


ONLINE TOOL GIVES QUICK ACCESS TO FIRE STOPPING GUIDANCE

FSi Promat has launched a new online tool to make it easier

to access information on its fi re stopping range, helping

to identify the best product to use. The Quick Selector

online tool is a searchable database containing test

standards, performance details, and supporting third party

documentation for particular applications and products.

This helps ensure correct specifi cation and use when

reinstating compartmentation, essential to effective passive

fi re protection in buildings.

With live links embedded in the documentation, the Quick

Selector provides an intuitive solution when searching for

information on the scope of a product with users able to

search different products, standard details and applications,

such as for use in fl exible, rigid and load bearing walls.

Each technical detail includes a series of illustrations

and descriptions of correct installation. All other information,

such as related TDS, SDS and DOP are available online.

Emma Taylor, Marketing Manager at FSi Promat, said:

“The tool provides comprehensive access to data and will

meet around 90% of project demands, while FSi Promat will

be able to offer support for projects that fall outside of that

scope. This also supports the need for ease of access to

information in line with the traceability needed to support

the golden thread of information.”

SECURITY & FIRE

PROTECTION PRODUCTS

PYROGUARD JOINS NEW UMBRELLA BRAND

SAVERTO

The svt Group, a provider of passive fi re protection

solutions, is restructuring its international brand

architecture by introducing Saverto as its new umbrella

brand, under which Pyroguard will now operate. This

reinforces Pyroguard’s position in the sector and

establishes a cohesive, future-oriented brand landscape for

passive fi re protection across international markets.

The name Saverto is derived from ‘to save’ and ‘to

avert’, encapsulating the core values safety, reliability, and

structured solutions. The new brand enhances Saverto’s

international visibility, providing customers with clear

orientation, a distinct market position, and direct access to

trusted brands across all segments.

As a specialist for fi re safety glass, Pyroguard contributes

more than 40 years of expertise to the Saverto brand

network and assumes a central role as a core brand.

Pyroguard will continue to operate in the market with

its existing portfolio, familiar contacts, and established

services. The former holding company, Technical Fire Safety

Group, will now operate under the name Saverto UK.

www.saverto.com

ROCKWOOL BUILDS FIRE SAFETY EXPERTISE WITH FIRE-STOPPING INVESTMENT

ROCKWOOL has launched a global centre of excellence

for fi re-stopping in Birmingham, where it will manufacture

a new range of products. This new multi-million pound

investment builds ROCKWOOL’s in-house expertise on

fi re safety. ROCKWOOL’s new fi re-stopping range, which

is due to launch this summer, will include coated batt,

sealants, collars, wraps, pillows and socket boxes. The

facility will enable ROCKWOOL to manage the product line

from conception to delivery and support ongoing innovation

and the pursuit of industry-leading performance and

sustainability.

Later this year, ROCKWOOL will also open a specialist

training centre at the Hams Hall site to support partners

in the construction industry. Clients will have the chance

to experience product demonstrations and install

ROCKWOOL’s fi re-stopping, HVAC and fi re protection

products across a series of rigs that mirror a variety of

common building applications.

Visitors will be able to bank these learning sessions as

credits towards their Continual Professional Development

(CPD).

www.rockwool.com/uk

61

61_SB070825.indd 3 08/07/2025 16:03


SECURITY & FIRE

PROTECTION

BRIDGING THE GAP IN FIRE AND

CO SAFETY

Geraint Edwards from FireAngel explores

how hybrid fire and carbon monoxide

alarm systems are helping to raise safety

standards across all types of housing.

With the regulatory landscape evolving and

expectations rising around domestic safety, specifi ers

and installers are under growing pressure to

deliver systems that go beyond compliance to off er genuine

protection. This growing pressure to improve safety outcomes

is reinforced by recent fi gures from the Home Offi ce, which

highlight just how far there is still to go. In 2024, research

showed that smoke alarms were present and raised the alarm

in only 47% of dwelling fi res. Even more concerning, in 29%

of cases, the smoke alarms failed to operate or did not raise

the alarm at all. These failures were often attributed to poor

positioning, maintenance issues or the fi re starting in a room

without coverage. In total, 31% of fatalities in dwelling fi res

occurred in properties where a smoke alarm had raised the

alarm, demonstrating that early detection alone is not always

enough.

This data suggests that while alarm presence is important, it’s

only part of the equation. For true eff ectiveness, alarm systems

must be properly designed, installed, and interconnected

to ensure that an alert in one room is heard throughout the

property. Hybrid alarm networks, made up of wirelessly linked

smoke, heat, and CO alarms, off er a scalable way to achieve

this, even in domestic properties where full mains wiring may

not be practical.

Hybrid systems enable both mains and battery-operated

alarms to be wirelessly interlinked across a property, forming a

cohesive, intelligent network.

When any single device detects

danger, whether it’s smoke, heat

29%

of cases showed

smoke alarms failed

to operate

or carbon monoxide, all alarms sound simultaneously. This

ensures occupants receive the earliest possible warning.

From an installation perspective, this off ers signifi cant

advantages. Because devices communicate wirelessly, there

is no need for disruptive rewiring, channelling or trunking. This

makes hybrid systems particularly suitable for retrofi t projects,

social housing stock upgrades, private rentals and heritage

properties where extensive electrical work is not feasible. For

contractors, the reduced installation time translates into more

effi cient job scheduling and a lower likelihood of return visits,

while ensuring maximum protection.

Importantly, hybrid systems also provide fl exibility to tailor

protection to the needs of the occupants. Additional alarms

can be added to support changes in risk levels, for example,

if an elderly relative moves in or if part of the property is

converted into rental accommodation. By selecting alarms that

support connected technologies, installers can futureproof

the system, off ering landlords and property managers remote

monitoring capabilities through gateways and apps.

The ability to remotely monitor alarm status in real time is

another critical advantage of connected hybrid systems.

Landlords, housing providers and family members can be

alerted instantly if an alarm activates, or if a device is tampered

with or fails to test properly. This enables a faster emergency

response and supports compliance with fi re safety regulations

by creating a clear audit trail.

With smoke alarm failure contributing to a signifi cant number of

dwelling fi res, the case for more proactive and intelligent alarm

systems is stronger than ever. Passive alarms that rely on

occupant action or awareness are no longer suffi cient in many

domestic settings, particularly when dealing with vulnerable

individuals, such as those living with cognitive impairments or

mobility challenges. Hybrid alarm systems also represent a

step towards smarter, more integrated

homes. As consumer expectations rise

around connected technology, systems

that can interact with wider smart home

infrastructure are increasingly seen as

desirable.

While regulations vary across the UK,

the trend is unmistakable: interlinked,

multi-sensor alarm systems are

becoming the benchmark for best

practice. Whether driven by compliance,

tenant demands, or a commitment to

delivering high-quality outcomes, hybrid

systems aren’t just a technical upgrade,

they’re a strategic decision that

improves safety, simplifi es installation,

and equips properties for the evolving

needs of modern living.

www.fireangel.co.uk/trade

62

62_SB070825.indd 2 08/07/2025 16:04


SECURITY & FIRE

PROTECTION

LOOKING BACK OVER 15 YEARS

OF CHANGE

In 2010, the construction

industry was introduced to

RiserSafe – Ambar Kelly’s

modular riser flooring

solution. Here, the

company looks back at

how the world has

changed in the 15 years

that have followed.

Fifteen years ago saw the

introduction of the Building

Regulations 2010 in England

and Wales. As well as promoting

energy efficiency and conservation,

the regulations aimed to ensure the

health, safety and welfare of people

in and around buildings. As well as

issues such as ventilation, drainage,

structural stability, thermal insulation and

accessibility, the regulations also focused

on fire safety.

The most important aspect of the 2010

regulations was the requirement that

certain types of building work must

be supported by evidence to show

they meet the required standards.

This documentation would require the

inclusion of any calculations undertaken

to show compliance, test reports on

building materials and products used in

the construction, third-party certification,

and evidence of any building work

designed and constructed in accordance

with the plans and specifications

submitted as part of the Building Control

Application.

Health & Safety Executive data revealed

falls from height accounted for 20

deaths and 3,957 major injuries in the

construction industry in 2010, this

became a major focus for those in the

built environment. With the commonly

used scaffolding becoming costly, timeconsuming,

and unsafe, alternatives

were sought. This prompted the

introduction of two contrasting products

in 2010 – Ambar Kelly’s RiserSafe

modular riser flooring system, and GRP

grating. RiserSafe was designed with

superior riser shaft safety in mind, not

only stopping the spread of smoke and

flame between floors, but also enhancing

fall protection by providing a fully

covered steel frame. The key differences

between RiserSafe and GRP grating

are that Ambar Kelly’s product is noncombustible

and factory produced as a

module with all M&E holes pre-cut offsite,

while GRP grating is combustible,

site installed, and has holes cut on-site.

How has the construction industry

changed since?

A lot has changed since RiserSafe was

launched in 2010. The tragic events at

Grenfell Tower in 2017 shone a spotlight

on fire safety in high-risk buildings (HRB),

increasing the importance of using noncombustible

materials and highlighting

how shafts and cavities can cause the

chimney effect, which exacerbated fire in

this tragedy.

Years later, the Building Safety Act was

introduced to focus on fire safety and

evacuation provisions. The changes to

Approved Document B saw references

to the national classification for fire

resistance, known as BS476 Parts 6

& 7, removed. Consequently, modern

construction materials must now be

classified in accordance with Euroclass

EN13501-1, with performance classes

A1 and A2 for non-combustible products

and B, C, D, and E for combustible

products.

Another significant change since 2010

has been the substantial improvements

in Building Information Modelling (BIM),

with main contractors employing BIM

managers, and their subcontractors

designing in 3D to coordinate the

building in the virtual world. These

Cloud-based collaboration meetings

eliminate potential clashes in the

federated model well before a spade

is put in the ground. Ambar Kelly has

invested heavily in Trimble Tekla bespoke

RiserSafe macros, allowing the company

to take the Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractor

models and use them to factory-produce

a RiserSafe modular flooring unit. This

is then dropped into the structural

frame and cast in, ready to receive M&E

services.

Conversely, GRP grating installation still

relies on numerous small contractors

offering to fill holes on-site with

combustible materials, only for bits of

the grating to be cut away on site to

allow M&E services to pass through.

This can often be in different positions to

the ones initially designed, leading to site

clashes, project delays, and additional

costs.

In the 15 years since RiserSafe’s

launch, the world has faced substantial

challenges, with rising interest rates

and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis

increasing the pressure on contractors

to compete for projects and stay in

budget. Systems such as RiserSafe

are a highly effective way of removing

problems and speeding up design and

construction processes.

www.ambar-kelly.com

64

64_SB070825.indd 2 08/07/2025 09:54

• National network of trusted installers

• Reduce false alarms

• Simple installation and ongoing maintenance

• Networking capability for complex projects

• Trusted by the biggest brands around the world

Over 100 years of excellence in life safety products

Learn more


SECURITY & FIRE

PROTECTION PRODUCTS

SELF-TESTING ‘INTERNET-OF-THINGS’ FIRE DOOR LAUNCHED BY HARMONY

Harmony has launched Auro Door, a fully integrated

and certifi ed Internet of Things (IoT) fi re door. Auro Door

is initially being launched as a self-testing, 30-minute

rated (FD30), UK-manufactured fi re door that helps keep

residents safe 24/7 by actively monitoring its performance.

Landlords increasingly report that their mandatory

compliance inspection regimes for fi re doors are often

incomplete through lack of access to homes, increasing

risks to those individual residents and the wider building

community if fi re doors are found to be non-compliant. Auro

Door provides invisible, always-on fi re door compliance

monitoring, protecting residents every day of the year

between annual inspections.

As well as real-time compliance notifi cations, Auro

Door provides asset managers with essential predictive

maintenance information to ensure wearing components,

for instance door closers, can be replaced in line with

product specifi cations and ahead of more costly failure,

that could also compromise door integrity.

Designed to embrace the Golden Thread of Information

ethos, Auro Door provides landlords with immediate

validation on installation, then performance against strict

measurement tolerances is tracked in real-time for the

lifetime of the door. Embracing developments in AI, Auro

Door is a continuously learning product, with pattern

recognition data constantly informing future development

and predictive maintenance regimes.

Auro Door can connect to existing facilities management

systems, or act as a standalone system, and the fl exible

interface enables customised dashboard confi gurations,

warnings and alert notifi cations. The ability to remotely

provide an instant and comprehensive overview of fi re door

compliance is a major leap forward in the use of IoT data to

protect residents and building assets.

Ged Moore, Managing Director at Auro by Harmony,

said: “Auro Door addresses a major challenge facing

organisations with responsibility for resident safety, that

of access to homes to assess fi re door compliance.

Registered Providers regularly report that over a third of fi re

doors cannot be annually inspected due to access issues,

with Auro Door providing an innovative solution for safety

compliance that is constantly vigilant and self-reporting.

“As a front-line defense against the ingress of smoke

and fi re into homes, Auro Door is a life-saving barrier,

manufactured to the highest quality standards and

incorporating a unique active monitoring system that

transforms fi re door compliance from annual inspection to

self-reporting and diagnosis.”

aurodoor.com

HOCHIKI EUROPE: A CENTURY OF LIFE SAFETY INNOVATION FOR THE UK

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

For more than a century Hochiki has been designing and

manufacturing innovative fi re detection and emergency

lighting solutions. The company’s commercial and

industrial fi re detection and emergency lighting products

have a reputation for long-term reliability thanks to

Hochiki’s commitment to research, development, and

stringent testing, including in what it says is the world’s

largest purpose-built fi re test laboratory. This translates

into systems that offer strong performance, minimise false

alarms, and provide peace of mind for specifi ers, installers,

and end users alike.

Hochiki has a group sales turnover exceeding £400

million, making it a wholly independent, multinational and

publicly listed company. This independence fosters a longterm

vision, unburdened by short-term pressures, allowing

for continuous investment in technology.

The business has more than 2,000 employees worldwide

across six manufacturing plants, 38 sales offi ces, and 14

subsidiaries. This global reach, combined with dedicated

local support from Hochiki Europe in the UK, ensures

prompt service, readily available products, and expert

technical assistance for even the most demanding projects.

With production facilities in the UK, Japan, the USA, and

Europe, Hochiki offers international continuity in quality,

service, and supply, which means UK specifi ers can rely

on a consistent standard of excellence.

www.hochikieurope.com

66

66_SB070825.indd 4 08/07/2025 11:34

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


SMART TECHNOLOGY &

CONTROLS

ZONING IN NEWBUILD

HEATING SYSTEMS

Zoning is an essential aspect of heating system design in newbuild properties across

the UK. Fausto Grilo, Technical Director at ESi controls Ltd, and Neil Stone, Managing

Director of REDD, explain what zoning is, the regulations that apply and how zoning

works with different heating systems.

Zoning refers to the division of

a home’s heating system into

independently controlled areas

or zones. Each zone is equipped with

separate temperature and scheduling

controls, enabling different parts of the

house to be heated at different times and

temperatures. For example, living areas

may require heating during the day,

whereas bedrooms might only need heat

in the evening and early morning.

A well-designed zoning system helps

to improve the energy efficiency of the

home by only heating the required areas.

Heating bills could be reduced because

unoccupied spaces and areas, such

as bedrooms, are only heated when

needed, so the homeowner’s comfort is

increased by allowing the temperature to

be controlled to suit their needs. Zoning

is easy to use, as it works effectively

with smart controls for automation and

remote management.

Zoning in England and Wales is regulated

under Part L of the Building Regulations,

which covers the conservation of fuel

and power. It states: ‘For wet heating

Previously, Building

Regulations Part L

stated there should be

a minimum of two

zones in all properties,

but that didn’t benefit

smaller two and three

bed homes, because

the room stats were too

close together and

conflicted with one

another.

systems in new dwellings

with a floor area of 150m 2 or

greater, a minimum of two

independently controlled

heating circuits should be

provided’. Typically, these

will be the downstairs

living area and the upstairs

sleeping area. If radiators are

the chosen heat emitters,

thermostatic radiator valves

(TRVs) should be fitted in

all rooms without a room

thermostat to allow room-byroom

temperature control.

Each zone is controlled

by zone valves, which

are typically motorised

and controlled by electric

actuators, to open and close

the valve based on the input from the

room thermostat. The thermostats

regulate the zone valves to maintain the

desired temperature in each zone. When

the valve is open, it allows hot water to

flow through the heating system into the

designated zone. And when the valve

is closed, it stops the flow, shutting off

heating to that area.

Previously, Building Regulations Part

L stated there should be a minimum

of two zones in all properties, but that

didn’t benefit smaller two and three bed

homes, because the room stats were

too close together and conflicted with

each other. With good insulation, the

whole house would heat up at the same

rate, so the regulations have gone back

to one zone for smaller properties (ie, the

whole house is controlled with one room

thermostat and timer and TRVs on each

radiator) and at least two zones for larger

properties (over 150m 2 ).

For newbuilds in other parts of the UK,

the Scottish Building Standards and

Building Regulations (Northern Ireland)

apply. While the regulations vary slightly

between regions, the common theme is

a strong emphasis on energy efficiency

and effective heating control through

zoning, TRVs, and programmable

thermostats. Both the Scottish and

Northern Ireland Standards currently

follow the same guidance as England &

Wales (under Building Regulations Part

L) as stated above.

Newbuilds with gas boiler systems heat

up very quickly. The room thermostats

can be set to come on before the

household wakes up, so the upstairs will

be nice and warm, and the living area

will be cosy during the evening, or if they

are at home during the day. TRVs allow

individual control of each room, so they

can be turned up or down to suit. This is

particularly important with today’s highly

insulated, airtight properties, which keep

in the warmth for longer.

Smart controls really come into their

own in this situation, because they will

ensure the boiler, and consequently

the different zones, run as efficiently as

possible. So, whatever flow temperature

the end user sets, a multi-zone control

with OpenTherm will run the boiler at

its optimum efficiency, smoothly and

without the on/off cycling that can cause

wear and tear on system components.

www.esicontrols.co.uk

68

68_SB070825.indd 2 09/07/2025 11:15


NET-ZERO CARBON STANDARD ‘SET TO BOOST’

ENERGY MANAGEMENT SECTOR

The pilot version of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (UKNZCBS) – designed to offer a clear and consistent

methodology for defi ning and achieving net zero carbon in the built environment – is set to positively impact the building

energy management systems (BEMS) sector in the coming months, the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has

said.

While the UK’s net zero by 2050 target has sharpened the focus on sustainability, the lack of a unifi ed approach has

led to inconsistency and confusion around the defi nition of net zero carbon in buildings. To counter that, the UKNZCBS

provides strict guidelines to help specifi ers prove compliance. Setting out clear limits and metrics for embodied carbon,

operational energy use, and on-site renewable electricity, the UKNZCBS standards will exacerbate the need to use the

latest advancements in technology and smart buildings – increasing the importance of BEMS.

With the reporting of operational carbon under the UKNZCBS led by building performance in practice, rather than during

the design stage, the regular and accurate reporting provided by BEMS will enable building owners to demonstrate their

net-zero carbon alignment with confi dence.

This will also avoid the risk of developments achieving net zero carbon at the design stage but failing to maintain this

performance in practice. Furthermore, the UKNZCBS will ensure that claims of net-zero carbon performance are reliable

and verifi able, building trust in the built environment.

By leveraging this framework, specifi ers, building owners and developers can confi dently engage in sustainable building

practices and seek out ways to reduce embodied and operational carbon emissions. As a result, smart buildings and BEMS

will gain signifi cance and awareness of the cost and environmental benefi ts of using this technology will be increased.

In fact, BEMS’ ability to intelligently control heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting systems ensures energy

is used only when needed, reducing energy bills and lowering carbon emissions. Additionally, the real-time monitoring of

a building’s operations and performance allows for better control over energy usage and the ability to track and regulate

energy more effi ciently.

Ultimately, the pilot UKNZCBS programme will lead to increased clarity and consistency when it comes to sustainable

business practices and zero-emissions buildings and shine a spotlight on innovative ways of reducing operational and

embodied carbon emissions – such as BEMS.

www.bcia.co.uk

SMART TECHNOLOGY

PRODUCTS

PULSE FIBRE AND UNTYPICAL HOUSEBUILDING GROUP PARTNERSHIP OFFERS

HIGH-SPEED CONNECTIVITY

Pulse Fibre has announced a partnership with the untypical

housebuilding group. The partnership, initially set to last

three years, will give thousands of new homeowners

access to lightning-fast connectivity from the moment they

move in. As part of this collaboration, Pulse Fibre will work

alongside untypical’s housebuilding brands, Tilia Homes

and Hopkins Homes, to deliver a future-proof broadband

infrastructure.

All new homeowners will enjoy 12 months’ free

broadband, with Figure Telecoms providing early site

offi ce connectivity and diversionary consultancy services

alongside Pulse Fibre’s full-fi bre connectivity.

untypical has ambitious growth plans, aiming to deliver

more than 2,000 homes per year in the near future. David

Newell, Group Commercial Director at untypical, said: “We

are pleased to have partnered with Pulse Fibre to provide

our new homeowners with state-of-the-art connectivity from

day one. This is just one of a number of new customer

focussed initiatives that we are exploring to put the customer

at the forefront of everything we do.”

Nathan Davis, Head of Development at Pulse Fibre, said:

“We are excited to partner with untypical to ensure their new

homeowners have instant access to reliable, lightning-fast

internet. Connectivity is no longer a luxury; it’s an essential

part of modern living. This partnership reinforces our

commitment to bridging the digital divide and enhancing the

homeownership experience.”

pulsefibre.co.uk

5

69_SB070825.indd 5 08/07/2025 12:04


SMART TECHNOLOGY &

CONTROLS

WHY ENERGY MANAGEMENT

SYSTEMS ARE ESSENTIAL

Clarke Controls Founder Clive Bodenham explores how an energy management

system can support smarter building performance, technology, and benefits owners,

occupiers, and facilities teams.

With growing pressure on

building owners and the

construction industry to

improve energy efficiency and meet

net zero targets, smart controls are

emerging as an increasingly popular

solution. Energy management systems

(EMS) offer a way for specifiers to reduce

carbon footprints and energy costs in

commercial and industrial buildings,

particularly those with complex heating

demands.

Despite technological advances,

heating is still the biggest energy drain

in many non-domestic buildings. From

warehouses and showrooms to retail

parks and office complexes, heating can

account for up to 75% of total energy

consumption. Yet, in many cases,

systems remain inefficient, decentralised,

or reliant on outdated manual controls.

This creates two major issues: wasted

energy and uncontrolled costs. It also

risks businesses missing sustainability

targets. Smart energy management

offers a smart solution: by making

heating systems more intelligent, data

driven and responsive, organisations

can control their energy use and help

futureproof their buildings.

An EMS is a cloud-based platform that

allows real-time monitoring, control,

and optimisation of heating systems

across one or more buildings. Unlike

conventional control setups, an EMS

allows facilities teams to automate and

tailor heating strategies. Clarke Controls’

EMS integrates with both new and preexisting

heating infrastructure, ensuring

a cost-effective upgrade without

disruption. Through zoning, automation

Case Study: Farrells saves thousands through new control system

Farrell is a UK-based global manufacturer of rubber mixing machines that

sells to all of the top 100 tyre manufacturers. The north of England business

operates a large, traditional ageing factory and required a reliable, flexible,

energy-efficient heating solution to maintain comfortable working conditions

and reduce energy waste.

In just four months, the factory saved 280 kilowatt hours, which translates

into £28,000 in energy savings – enough to cover the full cost of the new

system. The new system reduced costs, thereby cutting emissions, and

improved working conditions. It gave the team complete zonal heating control

and zero complaints from staff.

“I’d recommend Clive and his team – they’re innovative, and they’ll work with

you to understand and address the issues,” says Philip Battersby, Production

Manager at the factory. “The results have been better than expected, and we

have saved 280,000kWh in four months and expect to save £50,000 off an

annual bill of £300,000. Why wouldn’t you take the opportunity if you could?”

and smart diagnostics, the system

transforms how buildings consume

energy and how building managers

maintain performance.

Key capabilities of a smart EMS

EMS platforms are designed to meet

the real-world challenges of industrial

settings. Key features available in Clarke

Controls’ systems, for example, include:

• Zoning and scheduling: Buildings

are divided into heat zones, so

only occupied or high-priority areas

are heated, reducing waste and

improving control. Those areas then

have dedicated ‘Boost’ buttons for

when they need targeted heating,

minimising waste.

• Remote access: Cloud-based

platforms allow designated users to

monitor and adjust heating across

multiple buildings from one central

interface.

• Live data and insights:

Dashboards display real-time energy

usage and identify inefficiencies.

• Automated adjustments: The

system can respond automatically

to events like extended door

openings and different working

patterns, including daylight saving

time.

• Scalable architecture: Whether

managing a single building or a

national estate, the EMS can scale

accordingly and grow with your

operational needs.

Through work carried out with our

customers, we believe an EMS can

quickly pay for itself and provide

year-on-year benefits to owners and

operators. Our clients typically see up

to 25% energy savings within the first

year, helping to offset rising energy

prices. Lower energy use also means

fewer emissions, supporting corporate

sustainability and ESG goals. Stable

and zoned heating helps to improve

occupant comfort while reducing the

need for manual adjustments.

Integrating with low-carbon heating

systems

EMS technology becomes even more

critical as the industry shifts towards

more sustainable heat sources, such

as heat pumps, biomass boilers, and

hybrid systems. By effectively managing

and coordinating these systems, an

EMS ensures they operate efficiently,

delivering heat only where and when

needed.

Energy management systems are no

longer niche or specialist technologies

– they’re a key way for commercial

properties to look to the future, save

money, and cut their emissions footprint.

www.clarke-controls.co.uk

70

70_SB070825.indd 2 09/07/2025 12:20

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Kubu is the go-to name in Smart Security for doors and windows.

A precision-engineered range of award-winning sensors designed

to transform every opening into an intelligent, self-monitoring

security point.

Fully concealed, calibration-free and easy to install, Kubu adds

real value to your product range without changing your process.

It helps your installers sell smarter, win more business, and

deliver whole-home protection their customers will love - all with

minimal effort and maximum impact.

Be Smart. Work with Kubu.

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


SPECIAL FEATURE

CONCERNS GROW AROUND

WATER NEUTRALITY

Rinnai’s Chris Goggin

looks at concerns around

water neutrality and the

ways in which its influence

will be felt across the

construction and HVAC

industries.

Water neutrality’ aims to ensure

that when new building

developments are planned and

completed, there is no dramatic increase

in water consumption in the surrounding

area. The idea is to achieve this by

reducing water consumption, reusing

water and offsetting water demand.

Water neutrality is expected to become

a better recognised term as localised

construction projects could be cancelled

due to issues relating to local water

supplies.

An increasing population and more

instances of climate change-induced

drought across the UK has created the

conditions for water neutrality to become

a concern for local district councils

planning new construction projects.

As demand for water and housing

intensifies, real concerns are now being

expressed regarding localised water

supplies.

West Sussex County Council has

enforced a set of measures on property

developers that protect local biodiversity

and natural water supplies. The

Council’s website provides information

for individuals interested in constructing

property. That information reads as:

‘Development proposals within the zone

area that would lead to an increase in

water demand will need to demonstrate

and robustly evidence ‘water neutrality’.

• You will be required to supply a

water neutrality statement with your

planning application which:

- confirms that there would be no

increase in water consumption, for

example, through a combination of

water efficiency, water recycling and

offsetting measures

- includes a water budget showing

details of the baseline and

proposed water consumption, any

mitigation measures proposed and

mechanisms to secure them in

advance of occupation or use.’

A water neutral development may also

have to add measures to buildings such

as roof-based rainwater collection and

smart meters that inform occupants

of ideal water consumption levels. A

concerted effort to repel water neutrality

has begun to oppose the idea that

property developers should adhere to

water neutrality guidelines. A consortium

referred to as Houses for Homes and

consisting of agents, developers,

builders, as well as the Builders

Federation inside the North Sussex

Supply Zone, are collaborating to ensure

that local developers and builders are

not financially punished.

Houses for Homes believe the

responsibility for local water resources

rests with regional water companies – in

this case, Southern Water. Houses for

Homes argues that Southern Water

should be responsible for demonstrating

to West Sussex County Council that

local water supplies are not impinged

upon – not local contractors and

tradesmen.

A representative of an international water

technology company commented on the

lack of clarity regarding the commercial

as well as ecological responsibility

water neutrality encourages, saying:

“It is clear that government policy has

yet to establish a clear and workable

mechanism to allow water neutral

developments to proceed. The need

for new housing and a climate-resilient

water supply are both important and a

clear policy is needed to balance these

two key priorities. It seems likely that this

is on the agenda for the future. For now,

committing to deliver a water-neutral

development could still strengthen

the case for development, particularly

in areas where water availability is

constrained or likely to be in the future.”

Water neutrality is yet to be enshrined

in UK policy and is therefore subject to

separate interpretations from involved

parties leading to a clear lack of

understanding involving best practise.

Technical yet-to-be established legality

issues aside, the subject of water

neutrality is attracting attention for more

basic reasons.

To learn more about water neutrality,

specifiers can take part in Rinnai’s free

water neutrality CPD (places are limited).

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk/training

72

72_SB070825.indd 2 09/07/2025 12:24

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CASE STUDIES

PROBREATHE A2 FIRE-RATED BREATHER

MEMBRANE AWARDED BBA CERTIFICATE

Probreathe A2 from The Proctor Group has been awarded

British Board of Agrément Certifi cation, further validating

its technical performance and suitability for modern

construction demands. Probreathe A2 is an airtight woven

glass fi bre membrane with a PU coating, combining

breathability, water resistance and airtightness in a single,

versatile layer. The BBA certifi cation provides specifi ers

with added confi dence in its reliability and compliance with

UK building regulations.

Key features of Probreathe A2 include A2-s1,d0

Reaction to Fire Classifi cation, increased airtightness

over air permeable membranes, and a vapour permeable

membrane for use either directly onto sheathing or over

insulation. Probreathe A2 is suitable for both rainscreen and

façade construction, and can be used for applications in

relevant buildings and those over 11m /18m. It also allows

for temporary protection of the building until the primary

external covering is installed.

With this BBA certifi cation, Probreathe A2 offers a

combination of limited combustibility, airtightness, and

vapour permeability – making it an optimal choice for safe,

sustainable, and compliant building envelopes.

proctorgroup.com

HOLIDAY PARK ENHANCES HOT WATER SYSTEM

WITH RINNAI N SERIES

Rinnai has installed fi ve N Series 1600i units and a

1000-litre storage cylinder at a leading southwest holiday

resort, Northam Farm Caravan & Holiday Park in Somerset,

to meet increased demand with a practical and economical

new hot water delivery system. This replaced a stored

system, instantly lowering carbon and costs as there was

no need to constantly re-heat potable hot water.

The spacious installation site allowed for an internally

mounted design that met the customer’s requirements. The

Rinnai N series continuous fl ow water heaters arrive with

a 12-year extended warranty that safeguards customers

against additional product payments. All are manufactured

under strict ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 quality and

environmental management guidelines.

Rinnai N Sensei Series continuous fl ow water heaters

provide domestic and commercial access to vast volumes

of cost-effective, clean and temperature controlled hot

water. Each unit offers a more compact and enhanced

combustion design that allows for convenient installation,

superior operational performance and easy accessibility for

servicing.

www.rinnaiuk.com

TRILUX SUPPORTS FLEXIBLE LEARNING SPACES

IN N FAMILY NURSERY ROLLOUT

N Family Club, a leader in early years education, partnered

with TRILUX to deliver a high-end lighting solution for its

network of nurseries. Working closely with the client and

M&E consultant Plenarius Design, TRILUX designed an

energy-effi cient scheme that enhances both indoor and

outdoor spaces.

The nurseries needed lighting solutions that were elegant

and adaptable, creating a high-end look and feel. The

designs were tailored to each nursery location’s unique

character while maintaining a consistent quality experience

across all sites – whether they were conversions of historic

churches, galleries, or purpose-built spaces.

Thanks to the wide range of optical systems in E-Line Pro,

each area could be individually tailored, offering excellent

glare control and a high colour rendering index of Ra >90

perfect for stimulating young minds.

Indoor lighting was carefully zoned to match learning

activities, from focused tasks in classrooms to playful

spaces like the Atelier art rooms. Meanwhile, robust external

lighting ensured outdoor areas remained accessible and

welcoming in all seasons – a key part of the N Family Club

educational philosophy.

www.trilux.com/en

74

74_SB070825.indd 2 08/07/2025 12:54

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