What's New in Building articles from April 2003

What's New in Building archives from April 2003

Eye catching yet affordable cladding.
April 23, 2003... As well as providing an aesthetic and affordable open vented rainscreen system, Gasell Kassetts offer a high degree of design freedom. They are ideally suited to association housing and commercial projects as they interface easily with...

Now it's so easy to design a bathroom.
April 23, 2003... Bathroom design becomes both easier and more exciting following the launch of Matrix - a new concept from Vitra. More than just a suite, this is a complete bathroom system comprising over 60 individual pieces of sanitaryware, furniture and...

Sure way to stay safe as houses.
April 23, 2003... Given the current state of events in the Middle East, Corus sadly couldn't have picked a more appropriate time to launch Surefast. One of the key attributes of this fast track modular building system is that it can protect against explosive or...

Use your imagination in aluminium.
April 23, 2003... Inventive use of aluminium in construction will be saluted at the Aluminium Imagination Awards presentation at the London Marriott Hotel on July 17. The event showcases design excellence and best practice in the use of this material. First...

Roof service package is onto a winner.
April 23, 2003... One of the reasons Alwitra believes it has remained ahead of other single ply roofing membrane producers lies in its comprehensive technical service package. Designers and contractors have access to technical support from start to...

Access? That will do nicely.
April 23, 2003... In one volume the Best Practice design and specification guide from Kingspan Access Floors tells all you need to know about raised floors. Features of the company's system include integrated underfloor air and cable management and CAD...

Driving for improvement.
April 23, 2003... Speaking at the launch of the Knowledge and Innovation in Building Technologies (KIBT) Centre, Dr Rodger Evans, head of construction sponsorship at the DTI, spelled out the programme's aims. `We want to encourage industry to create the...

Bright ideas in Kent.
April 23, 2003... To help create a bright, playful environment at St Stephens School in Canterbury, Kent, architect Cattell Skinner Design Partnership specified colourful weatherboarding systems from CEP Claddings. Versatile Colorpan allows vertical,...

A study in the old tradition.
April 23, 2003... On the picturesque banks of the Cam in Cambridge, traditional brick and block construction is being used to create a prestigious housing development. Riverview Court uses precast concrete basements to provide valuable extra space. The...

Lighting up time in Bayswater.
April 23, 2003... Colour changing CFL LED floodlights from the Light Projects Group are bringing a glow to the domes of Whiteleys shopping centre in London's Bayswater. This is the first application if these 266 x 152mm floods which use combinations of red,...

Brochure from Stannah.
April 23, 2003... Providing a one stop shop for all your vertical platform lift needs, a new brochure from Stannah covers the Midilift range. Each lift is supplied as a fully enclosed structure to provide easy access for disabled people, whether for just a...

Stand out performer.
April 23, 2003... Just out from Ash and Lacy Building Systems is Ashzip, the company's first ever standing seam roof system. Optimised to complement the company's other building envelope components, Ashzip is being introduced in response to customer demand...

Curved screen hits the market.
April 23, 2003... As featured on our cover story in April last year, Segment Systems' curved modular screen and furniture system is now commercialy available. The range allows the creation of private areas in public spaces, offering design freedom as it can...

You can't Knokke it.
April 23, 2003... Colour changing LEDs have been used to provide a striking lighting scheme at an ice rink in Knokke, Belgium. Lake lamp 2W RGB fittings and a programme unit have been supplied by LDi, whose equipment is distributed exclusively in the UK by...

More colours in doors.
April 23, 2003... The Corona pvcu window and door system from Schuco has been expanded to include a choice of over 20 woodgrain and coloured laminated foil finish options. Applied to white or brown base coloured profiles, the foil creates a visually...

Rock on, man of mystery.
April 23, 2003... Can you guess who the mystery celebrity shown below using the EasyRaker router is? We're not allowed to tell you, because that would make us look like proper Charlies. But you'd have to be a bit Dimmock not to recognise him. EasyRaker...

Aircrete plant off the blocks.
April 23, 2003... Brian Wilson MP, Minister of State for Energy and Construction, officially opened H+H Celcon's new #25million aircrete plant at Pollington, Yorkshire, last month. The complex has an annual capacity of 400,000cu m and will produce the new...

Variations on a spirited theme.
April 23, 2003... Diageo, owner of brands such as Guinness, Gordon's gin, Baileys and Smirnoff, has created themed areas representing each brand at its west London headquarters. The offices make extensive use of specialist joinery by Scotts of Thrapston....

Joe proves he's up to the job.
April 23, 2003... Joe Duffy, an engineer for Dyno-Rod, had an interesting challenge dumped on him recently. On a routine domestic blockage callout, Joe was surprised when the homeowner asked to test his workmanship by flushing a pack of sausages one by one...

Always time for a cuppa.
April 23, 2003... Rail travellers passing the Harrogate premises of Taylor's Yorkshire Tea will be reminded that it's time for tea thanks to a giant teapot clock created by Smith of Derby Clockmakers. Sited on top of the warehouse, the clock is synchronised...

Community centre uses Fermacell board.
April 23, 2003... Once just a decaying 18th century hotel, the Qube Centre in Oswestry, Shropshire has been turned into a vibrant arts and community centre with the aid of Fermacell board. The centre provides an arts studio and gallery, offices and IT suite. ...

Casting the first stone.
April 23, 2003... In leafy Surrey, this exceptional private residence uses cast stone dressings to enhance its classical styling and add visual appeal. Winner of the Best Housing Project in the recent UK Cast Stone Association awards for excellence, the work...

Downlight fire protection.
April 23, 2003... Available from Aico is the Firecap AFF 109 series of fire protection covers, designed to stop downlights in fire-rated ceilings from breaching building and IEE wiring regs. Suitable for use with all ceilings including plasterboard and...

Stone circles at nice prices.
April 23, 2003... For premium look block paving at the right price, check out Marshalls' Driveline Elite. Its subtle blend of surface texturing, laid in random courses, creates an authentic stone sett look without creating excessive stock holding for merchants....

Bespoke air curtains.
April 23, 2003... Architects can design their own air curtain to tie in with any interior scheme or entrance, by taking advantage of the bespoke service offered by JS Humidifiers. JS will produce air curtains from any material, in any colour and shape, to...

Intumescent coupling.
April 23, 2003... Further extending its fire protection range, Hunter Plastics has launched the Quickstop intumescent coupling. Effective and simple to install, it's designed for use in pvcu pipework systems and comes in three BBA approved sizes. Copyright:...

Space saving electric boiler.
April 23, 2003... Suitable for applications where gas or oil are unavailable, Aztec from Trianco Redfyre is the only electric boiler the carry the BS Kitemark. The wall mount range has outputs from 2 to 12kW. For larger properties they can be linked to...

Shelter from the non-smokers.
April 23, 2003... Employers can provide a covered smoking facility using shelters from the Shepherd range by QMP. They help prevent litter build-up and maintain a smart corporate image, while allowing smokers to relax and have a good gossip before rejoining...

Halo, halo, it's the Downut.
April 23, 2003... Bored with traditional downlighters? Why not ring the changes with the Downut, a new luminaire from Modular Lighting Solutions. The unit filters light from a hidden source and disperses it to stunning visual effect. Designed to be...

More power from less energy.
April 23, 2003... With the launch of the CD32C condensing combination unit, Alpha Boilers believes it has a solution that gives more heating power while using less vital energy. Not only does it provide Band A efficiency levels, it also comes with a three...

Wash yourself fitter.
April 23, 2003... Contemporary styling and design versatility mark the `fit for leisure' range from washroom system specialist Armitage Venesta. Suitable for wet and dry environments, each of three systems is supported by a choice of lockers and benching....

Silent Door Controls.
April 23, 2003... Silent Macwood air driven units from Woodwood Door Controls have been installed at the British Library in London. Touch activated controls make heavy wooden doors easier to open, while press switches provide automatic opening for wheelchair...

Independent lift service.
April 23, 2003... Fast growing independent Britton Price offers a service that includes lift design, installation and servicing. The company focuses on bespoke lifts - including some projects that other companies won't touch! Through its nationwide...

Multi-purpose seal boasts new formula.
April 23, 2003... Bare and porous concrete, paving slabs, screeds, brickwork or plaster can be sealed and dustproofed using a new formulation of Anglo's Multi Purpose Seal. Solvent-free and virtually odourless, it is easily applied by brush, roller or soft...

Lighter than glass and strong as steel.
April 23, 2003... Lighter than glass yet strong as steel, Secure Balcony and Roof Glazing from Secure Plastics offer low cost alternatives to toughened laminated glass. Compliant with HSG33 and easy to install, the products offer 85% light transmission but...

Resins to be cheerful.
April 23, 2003... In the new extension to Cooplands bakery in Scarborough, Altro Quartz resin flooring has been laid to provide a seamless, hard wearing and slip resistant surface. The trowel applied surface was installed by MGAdams Flooring of Hull and is...

Underfloor heat made simple.
April 23, 2003... With half the self-built homes in the UK now opting for underfloor heating, Penguin Europe can now supply Swedish Kima cables in conventional and mat mounted forms. The mat mounted version (Kimat) is thinner, at just 3mm, easier to install...

No noise is good noise.
April 23, 2003... The answer to system noise is said to be provided by Danfoss-Randall's Revolver thermostatic radiator valve. It allows you to change the flow direction within the valve simply by rotating a setting collar. There is no need to drain down,...

Refurbishment work at Seaham Hall.
April 23, 2003... Extensive refurbishment and new build work at stately Seaham Hall Hotel, Sunderland, has included the application of a long lasting Renderplas finish to the exterior. The exterior has been rendered using StoRend Flex, a through coloured,...

Height of availability.
April 23, 2003... Roof walkway manufacturer HL Plastics has announced that its roof safety access products will now be available through Sheffield based Height Solutions. Height Solutions has recruited Paul Horobin from HL as sales manager for the walkway...

Flowcrete delivers the right look.
April 23, 2003... One of Australia's most prestigious car dealerships turned to Flowcrete to deliver the right look for its customer car park. Deckshield was installed on the car park at Marshalls in Sydney. Around 1,000sq m of the product were used at...

THE LONDON STONE SHOW: Don't get in a fix.
April 23, 2003... Fischer Fixings is to showcase its ACT fixing system for stone cladding at The London Stone Show. Developed by fischer's ACT (Advanced Curtain Walling Technology) department, the system uses Zykon undercut anchoring to fix thin stone...

THE LONDON STONE SHOW: Sealant on the hop.
April 23, 2003... Specialist construction product manufacturer Fosroc will be showing its non-staining Nitoseal MS1100 sealant. Formulated for sealing joints in and around stone cladding, decorative marble, granite and pre-cast panels, it is eminently...

THE LONDON STONE SHOW: Colour range just got broader.
April 23, 2003... Gun-injected mortar producer Easipoint has broadened the range of colours available. As well as the standard 10 colours, the company now offers over 100 exciting new formulations. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Quartz glistens in Surrey.
April 23, 2003... Housebuilder Charles Church has specified Aqualisa's Quartz thermostatic shower system for Rybrook Gardens, a stylish Walton-on- Thames development. Indeed, Quartz is now a standard Charles Church spec' for master bedroom ensuites. ...

Automated gate operator.
April 23, 2003... An eye catching new home in Poole, Dorset, has been made secure with a swing gate system with automated underground operators from FAAC. The 770 operator range provides concealed automation for swing gates up to 2.5m/leaf in length and has...

Comprehensive range of locks.
April 23, 2003... A comprehensive range of high quality Mini Electromagnetic locks has been launched by Videx Security. Designed for use on escape doors, emergency exits and with access control systems, they are simply fitted onto the protected side of the door....

Hotel security aid.
April 23, 2003... Designed to meet a variety of hotel security needs, Miwa Lock Company has introduced its AL5H hotel lock system which combines Magstripe and smart card technologies. The system requires no hardwiring. All programming is achieved by an...

Discrete protection.
April 23, 2003... Introduced to provide inexpensive protection against unauthorised intrusion for smaller properties, the Logisty Compak alarm from Logisty is powered by long-life 9V alkaline batteries. The unit sounds a powerful 110dB siren when its...

All fired up.
April 23, 2003... Offering a stylish, free-standing Fire Point, Tensator's fire extinguisher mounting post effectively reconciles health and safety requirements with a strong aesthetic appeal. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, the unit maximises...

Opening up to video surveillance.
April 23, 2003... Memscan, from Memco, is an activation system for automatic sliding doors that intelligently analysis video images to sense when to open and close the doors. In addition to door control, the system also provides video output for live or recorded...

Two new rectangular burners warm up the market.
April 23, 2003... Introduced by Verine, two new Acclaim rectangular burners are said to provide a wide range of options for installers and end-users. The Acclaim 335 and 420 are available as the Verine Rapport Radiant Hotbox with a choice of finishes, Verine...

Chilly reception for newcomers.
April 23, 2003... Three new chiller ranges have been introduced by Lennox. Launched as part of the company's strategy to develop a product portfolio able to meet Europe-wide product specifications, EcoLean, EcoLogic and EcoMax ranges offer 89 unit capacities...

New insulation material.
April 23, 2003... Said to make the application of underfloor heating to suspended floors dramatically easier, an insulation material with its own purpose designed fixing system has been launched by Unipipe. New Unifoil is a multi-layer bubble film insulation...

Improvements will attract more fans.
April 23, 2003... The range of industrial plate fans from Addvent has been upgraded. The wall mounted axial fans, which range in size from 254 to 634mm in diameter, can now be supplied with variable speed controllers to adjust air flow. There is also a...

The future for Orange.
April 23, 2003... An extensive range of Durapipe ABS pipework has been specified for the chilled water systems installed into The Point, the #55 million new HQ for Orange Communications. Fast to install, the lightweight system required no hot works permits...

H&V solution for GLA Building.
April 23, 2003... The Glazzards Aluminium Linear grille system from Eurotech provided an H&V solution for the GLA Building on London's South Bank: in addition to the requirement for free-air circulation, the proposed floor grilles had to withstand specific point...

Putting a finishing touch to the market.
April 23, 2003... A new range of Premier International automatic taping and finishing tools are now available from Lafarge Plasterboard. Many of the products in the new range are compatible with older ranges from the manufacturer, and include an automatic...

Digital micro-ohmmeter.
April 23, 2003... Ideal for low resistance measurement, the DO7e digital micro-ohmmeter from Cropico is said to combines advanced features with low cost. The unit offers protection up to 415V rms at the measuring terminals, code-protected digital...

What goes around comes around.
April 23, 2003... Introduced by Ryobi are two new 71/2inch circular saws: the 1300 watt WS-6613 and its more powerful cousin, the 1500 watt WS-6615. The two sturdy circular saws have max cuts of 66mm at 90 deg., and 45mm at 45 deg. and incorporate double...

Machine offers precision, speed and consistency.
April 23, 2003... Introduced by Kity, part of the Stayer Group, is the new Hollow Chisel Mortiser. For tooling mortise and chiselling tenoning joints in cabinetmaking and general woodworking, the machine is said to offer precision, speed and consistency in...

Lightweight tool.
April 23, 2003... Continuing the redevelopment of its hacksaw range, Bahco Tools has introduced the new 319 frame. The lightweight tool features a two-component plastic frame moulded around a square steel core, and an unbreakable 24 tpi bi-metal blade. ...

Independent tests confirm quality of Chint's MCB units.
April 23, 2003... Electrical distributor Rowe Hankins Components has launched the Chint NB1-63 series MCBs in the UK. Made under stringent quality control in an ultra modern production facility, the range is independently tested by a major European test...

Same old racquet.
April 23, 2003... Clearview Health and Racquet Club, part of the Esporta chain, has installed ABB's i-bus EIB intelligent control system at its recently built centre in Brentwood, Essex. It allows internal and external lighting scenes to be easily...

Socket to `em.
April 23, 2003... Issue three of the Direct 4 Trade building products catalogue introduces a range of Socket Combo packs from Philex. These include single and double socket/knock out packs of various sizes, a single to double converter set and...

Splendid isolation.
April 23, 2003... Ten switch disconnectors in stainless steel enclosures have been added to the Masterlink range from Eaton Bill Switchgear. They are designed for isolation of three phase loads in kitchens, dairies, hospitals, laboratories and other...

Flexible conduits.
April 23, 2003... Just out from Peek is a range of high performance, non-metallic flexible conduits, which may be obtained from Kopex International. Peek is a specialist polymer for demanding environments (-60 to +260 degrees C) where excellent mechanical,...

Circuit breaker will meet most needs.
April 23, 2003... With the AD range of single pole miniature circuit breakers, Eaton MEM 250 offers a choice of eight units for everyday MCB protection. The type B single pole DIN rail mounted devices in ratings from 6 to 63 amp should meet most domestic and...

Telecoms cut the cost down.
April 23, 2003... Significant cost savings have been delivered for Project Telecom thanks to the Luxmate lighting management system by Ridi Lighting. The lighting scheme at the company's new Nottingham building offers optimum control and compliance with...

Latest pendant fittings.
April 23, 2003... Designed by Professor Olle Andersson as a co-ordinating pair, the ONO and UNO are the latest pendant fittings from Luxo. Featuring both up and down lighting, they have been designed to blend with modern architecture, though their contemporary...

Luminaire is a walkover.
April 23, 2003... Recently introduced by JCC Lighting Products, the Lumis IP68 Walkover/Driveway luminaire offers low thermal glass temperatures. Suitable for retail and leisure complexes, it has two layers of glass to form a thermal break. Copyright:...

No Thorn in your side.
April 23, 2003... One thorn in the side of lighting designers has always been how to use recessed modular fluorescents for areas with display screens. How fitting then that Thorn Lighting should be the one to provide a solution, in the shape of its new...

New lighting range.
April 23, 2003... The Noctis range from Urbis Lighting comprises recessed LED units suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications and consists of three circular versions and a straight line model. They can be used for lighting avenues, parks or town squares,...

Stylish stunners unveiled.
April 23, 2003... German designed and manufactured Spittler architectural lighting can now be used to create stunning lighting designs following its introduction into the UK by Azzuri Lighting. The luminaires themselves range from the simple and functional...

Bigger and better pipe system.
April 23, 2003... Further extending the versatility of its stainless steel push-fit Europipe system, Blucher UK has added a 200mm OD pipe size. This has been introduced to meet the demand for bigger pipe capacities. Highly chemical and temperature...

Oil and petro separators.
April 23, 2003... Certified as meeting the requirements of the Environment Agency's Prevention Guideline PPG3, a new range of oil and petrol separators from Clearwater Environmental Solutions is designed to retain 100% of surface water run off from the drained...

Push-fit for cast iron pipe.
April 23, 2003... Cast iron drainage is now even easier to fit thanks to the introduction of a new generation of push-fit couplings for above ground systems. Two rubber gaskets simplify the process, being easy to fit and repair than the traditional lead and...

Total solutions for the modern washroom.
April 23, 2003... For commercial applications, Geberit offers the Total Washroom Solution, in combination with many energy efficient, labour saving devices. The Duofix frame system for wall hung basins, WCs and urinals can be combined with electronic urinal...

Gutter be a good idea.
April 23, 2003... As part of its ongoing development programme, Coloured Metal Profiles has launched a range of Envirodec gutters that could save building owners thousands of pounds. Gutters are made from Rubberfuse thermoplastic polyolefin membrane pre-...

Why sacrifice quality for price?
April 23, 2003... Quality and price needn't be mutually exclusive, as the latest mini packaged pumpstation from Broadway shows. Suitable for pumping either sewerage or surface water for up to three houses, it is supplied complete with pump, controls, float,...

Modern solution with 16th century characteristics.
April 23, 2003... Specified to match the breathable characteristics of wattle and daub, Klober's Permo Forte breathable membrane and Thermafleece British sheep's wool insulation have been used for the working Tudor kitchen extension attached to an original 16th...

Aluminium roof.
April 23, 2003... A striking, double barrel-vault standing seam roof construction on B&Q's latest development at the Pompey Centre in Portsmouth has been created using Rigidal Ziplok 400 in 0.9mm plain mill aluminium, the sheets being roll-formed on site. ...

Breathtaking display greets shoppers.
April 23, 2003... Shoppers arriving at the new Carlton Centre in Lincoln are greeted by a breathtaking panorama of clay, with dramatically steep roofs and gables, designed by architect Brian Wright. The most striking feature of the development, the roofscape...

Complete roofing solution.
April 23, 2003... A combination of Anderson Waterproofing's Profiles and Rapide pvc has provided a complete roofing solution for the recently refurbished York House in Leicester, which houses the City Council's entire traffic and pedestrian control management...