What's New in Building articles from August 2003

What's New in Building archives from August 2003

Salisbury's glory now fully restored.
August 18, 2003... Every year over 600,000 visitors come to magnificent Salisbury Cathedral, making it the most visited cathedral in England. Consecrated in 1258 in the presence of King Henry III, its spectacular spire, the tallest in England, and lovely...

Single source for fire safe solutions.
August 18, 2003... In partnership with Lafarge and Corofil, Rockwool has announced the introduction of Firepro, a single source portfolio of passive fire protection products and systems for all applications. The idea was born out of a gap in the marketplace...

Two winners share aluminium award.
August 18, 2003... The Aluminium Imagination Award has been won jointly, with the #10,000 first prize going to two London architectural practices, Wilkinson Eyre and Knox Bhavan. The Awards showcase design excellence and best practice in the architectural...

Installers are invited.
August 18, 2003... To further improve its service to housebuilders, the British Woodworking Federation timber window accreditation scheme is to invite companies to become approved installers of BWF windows. The network is expected to attract up to 100 firms,...

Pre-insulated air ducting.
August 18, 2003... Compact features of Kingspan Insulation's Koolduct pre-insulated air ducting have made it the right choice for the new #6.5million Crosby leisure centre in Liverpool. With a height of under 2m in the ceiling void to accommodate all...

Easy way to cut holes.
August 18, 2003... The Alpha attachment, designed to fir any variable speed drill, makes it easy to cut neat round holes without creating debris or marking the surrounding ceiling. The tool consists of a rotary cutter in a transparent bowl designed to...

Dry lining goes on show.
August 18, 2003... Hard wearing dry lining from Fermacell has been used in the construction of the new photographic gallery at London's Victoria & Albert museum. The board's ability to support loads (known as racking strength) gives designers a high degree...

Avanti expands.
August 18, 2003... Office partitioning firm Avanti Systems has expanded into new 20,000sq ft premises, bringing production efficiencies which will improve customer service. A specification binder has also been produced. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Activ in the market.
August 18, 2003... This Austrian hotel has provided one of the first applications for Pilkington's Activ self-cleaning glass. The product is now more widely available, following a launch programme which restricted availability of the glass to carefully...

Heat exchanger unit.
August 18, 2003... Hot water is being supplied to changing rooms and other facilities at the new City of Manchester stadium by Stokvis' Econoplate plate heat exchanger. The unit supplied is capable of supplying installations with over 160 shower heads. ...

Glazing variations.
August 18, 2003... In a #10million project at Edinburgh Park, Scotland, Technal has used several variations of its MC curtain walling system to create a crisp, detailed envelope. Some 2,500sq m of MC were finished in black to contrast with the white...

Paving crackdown.
August 18, 2003... In a move aimed at cracking down on cowboy installers, paving manufacturers association Interpave has joined forces with installers' counterpart Interlay. Interlay will now be known as the Installers' Association of Interpave. First...

New HQ.
August 18, 2003... Just settling in to a new HQ and assembly facility in Slough are the good folk of fan and ventilation specialist Manrose Manufacturing. Not surprisingly, one of the key features of the building is its energy efficient air conditioning! ...

Seven day delivery.
August 18, 2003... Seven day delivery is now promised for the Shield range of fire, security and acoustic steel doors from AccentHansen. Doors are offered in a range of colours, backed by a brochure with full specification checklist. Copyright: CMP...

Dorma Software.
August 18, 2003... UK glass customers can now access Dorma's in-house design and estimating expertise via Dorma Glass Estimating Software - DGES. It gives immediate answers to technical queries and has been developed very much from the user's point of view. ...

Crafted by hand.
August 18, 2003... Handcrafted Blanc de Bierges step components have been used for this amphitheatre style entrance to a retail park in Loughborough. The 6,318sq m town centre development comprises eight non-food units with feature canopies and aerofoil roof....

Pressure is on.
August 18, 2003... Latest stainless steel couplings in the Ensign range from Saint-Gobain Pipelines are able to withstand greater internal pressures. Available in 50 to 600mm diameters, the couplings are supplied with two stainless steel set screws and a two...

CE standard.
August 18, 2003... Polystyrene specialist S&B Eps has passed the tests necessary to enable it to CE performance standard stamp all its flooring grade products. The company makes expanded polystyrene (EPS) products for the construction industry as floors,...

Valves detailed on CD Rom.
August 18, 2003... An interactive CD Rom from Durapipe gives details of the company's extensive range of manual and actuated valves. The disk categorises the company's 400 page technical catalogue as well as the introductory brochure, both being formatted in...

Clad for fire performance.
August 18, 2003... Non-combustible Europanel Fire-Proof composite panel from Euroclad has achieved LPS 1181 grade A fire performance status from the Loss Prevention Certification Board. Tests confirmed the panel achieves 120 minutes integrity and 120 minutes...

New look for stone guide.
August 18, 2003... Completely redesigned and expanded, the 172 page Haddonstone catalogue is now out. Highlights include a contemporary collection of planters and a new section - Innovative architecture, highlighting contemporary projects. Copyright:...

Range to suit all bathrooms.
August 18, 2003... Highly engineered Koralle Geo System enclosures and trays from Twyford Bathrooms combine style and functionality. The range offers a choice of door options with matching trays, Geo Base, in sizes to suit all bathrooms. A magnetic strip on...

Filterbed tiles for refurb' site.
August 18, 2003... Specialist filterbed contractor Bagnall construction has used 10,400 floor tiles from Milton Pipes for Fleckney waste water treatment works near Market Harborough. Precast tiles, often lighter and more durable than clay counterparts, are...

Extract firm hits the road.
August 18, 2003... Customised oval extraction hoods have been provided for 15 Roadchef motorway restaurants by Ledaire Fabrications, working with catering design and build specialists C-360. The hoods have been designed to reflect the Wok Island theme...

Purple Hayes.
August 18, 2003... The colourful design for Hayes School in Bromley, by architects PCKO, has included a large number of steel profiles from Crittall Windows. A two storey, partially transparent IT resource centre forms the hub of the school. Its windows had...

Glass staircase.
August 18, 2003... This glass staircase was created for an open plan mews property, where it maximises light and ties in with other modern elements in the house. The combination of glass and 10mm thick steel stringers means the structure looks as light as...

Energy trust approves.
August 18, 2003... The Energy Saving Trust has approved Warmcel RF and Warmcel 500 loft insulation by Excel Building Solutions as proven energy savers. Made from 100% recycled newspaper, Warmcel has low embodied energy and excellent thermal performance - its...

Stone adds appeal.
August 18, 2003... Semi-dry cast stone in a bath stone finish, is being used to enhance the visual appeal of a major Bovis Homes development in Swindon. The scheme makes extensive use of cast stone by UK Cast Stone Association member Bradstone. Elements...

Concrete pipe.
August 18, 2003... Following several years' development work, Hughes Concrete has launched the DN1200 concrete pipe system. The Hughflex pipe uses a self- lubricating sliding ring jointing system, described by one satisfied contractor as `a brilliant idea'. ...

Board abroad.
August 18, 2003... Fibrecement weatherboards have recently joined the list of products coming into the UK from the US. Fibercement is a mixture of Portland cement, pulp fibre, sand and clay compressed into a board which the manufacturer claims will provide...

Low modulus pave mortar.
August 18, 2003... Low modulus variants have been added to the Easipoint range of paving and hard landscaping mortars to comply with new British Standard for natural stone paving works. LM gun injected mortar and Settpoint LM wide joint mortar have been...

Film makes mirror safe.
August 18, 2003... As well as being produced in an environmentally friendly manner, Pilkington Optimirror now boasts a special safety film backing that protects against possible injury in the event of breakage. Optimirror Protect is available in 4mm and 6mm...

Lids fit any size tank.
August 18, 2003... Grp specialists Dartford Composites have developed a sectional design system whereby lids can be made to fit any size of potable water tank. Airtight Nu-Lid units conform to latest ByLaw 30 and have a screened air inlet to exclude light,...

Discover high security locks.
August 18, 2003... Introduced by GBW to the Discovery range of composite doors is EntryGuard, a high security locking system with integral guard bar. It is designed to offer a stronger, more attractive alternative to chain. Copyright: CMP Information...

Lighting control.
August 18, 2003... Lighting control from Helvar is on the menu at the Savoy Grill, London, following a major refurbishment. The Grill now has a Helvar Ambience 24 control system including wall lights, six main chandeliers and picture lights. They create a...

Safe and simple lifting.
August 18, 2003... Safe and simple lifting of all types of sheet material is possible with the Multi-Lift from Bohle. It uses vacuum force to transport sheets without danger of bending or buckling. One person can move sheets weighing up to 2,000kg. ...

Beam hangers and connectors.
August 18, 2003... Made of galvanised mild steel, Excel Building Solutions' latest beam hangers and connectors are for Masonite beam joists, studs and rafters. Adjustable ridge and eaves connectors are offered too. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Tongue and Grooved blocks.
August 18, 2003... Time and cost savings are said to be offered by Tongue and Grooved Trenchblock from Thermalite. Designed for speedy construction, the blocks easily slot together in one process. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

All rounder is licensed to fill.
August 18, 2003... Specialist BBA certified fire resistant Bond FR aerosol foam combines passive fire protection, air leakage reduction, acoustic and thermal insulation in one easy to apply product, claims Alfas Industries. The product provides up to five...

Guaranteed support.
August 18, 2003... The Force Management anchor range from Uniline Safety Systems is now covered by a 25 year performance and corrosion resistance guarantee. Available for built up metal pitched roofs, composite panel roofs, standing seam roofs, single ply...

Adhesive all set to hit the floor.
August 18, 2003... House builders will appreciate the latest PVA adhesive from Egger. Weyroc is designed for floor laying, and colour matches to Weyroc Protect all weather chipboard flooring. Low viscosity combines with a quick flow cap to ensure speedier...

More panel colour options.
August 18, 2003... Twelve further colours have enhanced the Steni Textureclad panel range from CEP Claddings. They include oxide red, sage and cream options. As well as housing associations, main users include schools and commercial projects. Copyright:...

New look web site now more dynamic.
August 18, 2003... Following its recent relaunch, the Armitage Venesta Design Studio web site is now faster and more responsive, says the company. New sector-by-sector product showcases have been added, along with a prize competition, enhanced styling and...

Bead reduces risk of cracks.
August 18, 2003... The Thin-Coat angle bead from Expamet Building Products reduces the risk of cracking at corner joints. The wide leg angle bead ref 596 has one leg 20mm wide and one 30mm wide, so no scrim is required with a 3mm plaster finish. ...

Pipe insulation.
August 18, 2003... Designed for use on domestic cold and hot water services, nmc Climaflex flexible polyethylene pipe insulation combines energy saving, frost protection and acoustic benefits. The CFC and HCFC-free product has zero ozone depletion potential...

Box clever for data systems.
August 18, 2003... Deep boxes are often required for data applications where high speed LANs need more clearance. Now Marshall Tufflex meets this need with its single and twin gang adjustable box. Depth can be set between 32 and 50mm depending on trunking...

No shady deal.
August 18, 2003... When the local council cut down a row of trees outside Felix Engineering's premises, the boatbuilder decided to install SolarGard film by Bekaert to combat the effects of the sun. The reflective finish of the film also restores some of the...

Steel toilet cubicles.
August 18, 2003... Devizes based washroom and door hardware specialist Relcross is now able to offer Hadrian steel toilet cubicles from stock. In fact, enquiry to installation is possible in only seven working days. Hadrian overhead braced, steel cubicles and...

Shatter-resistant knife blade.
August 18, 2003... Health and safety are key priorities for knife blade manufacturer Lenox. That's one of the reasons the company developed its Lenox Edge shatter-resistant knife blade. Even when forced to bend it will remain intact, thanks to its bi-metal...

Flue kits.
August 18, 2003... As well as its square range of EZ-Fit balanced flues, Grant now offers a range of round (concentric) low level balanced flue kits for easy installation. The kits are compatible with the company's oil fire boilers, including the Vortex...

Roof edge protection system.
August 18, 2003... Roof safety specialist Safesite has installed over 1,000 linear metres of its System 2000 roof edge protection system at Northampton General Hospital. The free standing structure offers a permanent solution without the need to fix to the roof....

Improvements to patio door.
August 18, 2003... Further improvements have been announced to the In Line patio door from Veka. Latest option is a tough aluminium kick plate threshold that will handle high traffic yet also blends into the surround. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Ensuring airy ambience in Birmingham city centre.
August 18, 2003... Assisted ventilation designed by Passivent has helped to create airy ambience throughout new loft-style apartments in the converted former Lucas factory in Birmingham city centre. `Intelligent' extract fans in the `wet' rooms ensure that...

Condensing boiler.
August 18, 2003... The new 30sxi, 30kW high efficiency condensing system boiler from Glow- worm, has achieved SEDBUK A, the highest energy efficiency rating possible, and gained a NOx rating, the best possible mark for low emissions. Copyright: CMP...

Firing up the condensing market.
August 18, 2003... SEDBUK A rated for seasonal efficiency, the Premier floorstanding 50/90 is the first model to be launched from Trianco's new EuroStar Premier oil-fired condensing boilers range. Suitable for installation under kitchen work surfaces, the...

Back to basics.
August 18, 2003... Meeting customer demand for basic, less complex products which are quiet, high duty, reliable and easy to install and use, air treatment company GEA Comfortair has modified its popular Star fancoils to offer an improved basic range of units...

New fluorescent range.
August 18, 2003... Launched by Coughtrie Lighting, the new Mini-Linea fluorescent range is said to combine style with superb engineering in linear luminaires for smaller lamp sizes. The range includes Vennelux, Epilux and Rotolux mini-linear fluorescents...

Less waiting for hospitals.
August 18, 2003... A new series of power distribution products which have been designed to speed up installation times for Britain's hospital build programme is now available from Modular Wiring. The company's latest project is the new University College...

Refurbished hotel is dimming showcase.
August 18, 2003... The Imagine state-of-the-art dimming system from Helvar has been installed in the luxury four-star Caesar Hotel in London as part of a multi-million pound refurbishment. The lighting design for the project was overseen by Anastasia...

Improved illuminance is on target.
August 18, 2003... The new Miela SG from RIDI Lighting is a luminaire tailored to meet the demands of the CIBSRE Office Lighting Standard. This latest evolution of the successful range delivers improved direct ceiling illuminance and an even spread of light,...

LED system.
August 18, 2003... The recently introduced Colourline LED system from Crescent Lighting has been installed in Lacoste's new fashionable Knightsbridge store. The system was installed on both floors, on the upper side of the lighting raft, so that the light...

Silicone rubber and sponge products.
August 18, 2003... Originally developed to meet the strict standards of the Eurotunnel projects, an increased range of extruded and moulded silicone rubber and sponge products including seals and gaskets is available from Samco Silicone Products. Aiming to...

Windows installation.
August 18, 2003... Windows from Rationel have been specified by The Peabody Housing Trust for installation in its Birchfield Housing development in London's East End. The Domus windows selected are produced from renewable, sourced pine heartwood, and feature...

Film provides winning formula for Formula One.
August 18, 2003... Solar glare and heat gain is no longer a problem for visitors and staff at Renault's Formula One centre in the Cotswolds, following the installation of reflective silver 20 solar film from Anglian Technical Window Films. Anglian films are...

Derby need all the support they can get.
August 18, 2003... Giving a little extra support to Derby County Football Club are a selection of bespoke and standard steel lintels from Catnic, specified for the club's new #5 million training academy. A selection of the company's open back CU and CXL...

Living up to their guarantee.
August 18, 2003... Early examples of the composite doorsets pioneered by Lindman in the 1980s are said to be still living up to their guarantee of durability, weather proofing, impact resistance and high security. Since then, the company's doorsets, including...

Offering optimum glare and heat control.
August 18, 2003... Launched by Verosol is the Twin Roller blind which is said to provide optimum glare and heat control. Two blinds are incorporated in a single compact cassette headbox and can be motorised or manually operated or a mixture of both within...

Doors are ready to take on an army of shoppers.
August 18, 2003... Designed to be very robust, with sections made of aluminium of minimum 4mm thickness, Ali-Precinct doors from PollardsFyrespan are ideal for shopping centres and other situations where either an anodised aluminium or powder-coated polyester...

Timber sash windows.
August 18, 2003... Adding an important period feel to the new extension of the Imperial War Museum in London are timber sliding sash windows by Ambass-A-Door, a member company of The British Woodworking Federation (BWF). The company supplied 37 double glazed...

Security products.
August 18, 2003... The latest addition to the range of protection and security products from J Banks is Frame-Guard, offering improved security for timber, aluminium and upvc applications. Designed as a retro-fit product, Frame-Guard incorporates an...

Rooflights installed.
August 18, 2003... Six Conservation Rooflights from The Metal Window Company have met with approval from the City of York District Council and have been installed in the newly-built River Lodge office building near the city centre. The rooflights are said to...

Industrial doors.
August 18, 2003... Fire stations in Fife have been fitted with industrial doors from Hormann. Kirkcaldy and Lochgelly stations have been fitted with fully glazed aluminium ALR 40 doors, which are light yet sturdy. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

No slips this time.
August 18, 2003... Said to be particularly easy to apply, there is now a slip resistant version of Anglo's established floor paint range. The anti-slip aggregate is pre-blended and there is no need to sprinkle grit between coats. When the paint dries an...

Diamonds on the rooftop.
August 18, 2003... Suitable for steel or aluminium roofing or cladding, the premium Diamond range of coatings from Euramax Coated Products gives a `stunning' appearance. The high build polyurethane coating system protects against corrosion and ultra violet...

Hygienic sheen.
August 18, 2003... Formulated for use in kitchens and associated food processing areas, IFS hygienic wall coating from Industrial Flooring Services provides a wipe clean finish for brick, plaster and concrete walls. Best applied as two coats, it possesses...

Diamond Matt resists scrubbing.
August 18, 2003... Reportedly 10 time tougher than even vinyl silk paints, Dulux Trade Diamond Matt resists scrubbing with no effect to the finish. Matt is popular for public and commercial buildings as it reduces glare and hides imperfections. ...

Modernised look for range.
August 18, 2003... Despite its updated livery, Cuprinol Trade has not changed the product inside the can. Explaining the new look, John Hewitt says it gives a premium feel, while highlighting the Trade nature of the paint. The addition of the ICI logo...

Good looks at right price.
August 18, 2003... Aesthetic and affordable open vented Kassetts rainscreen systems from Gasell offer the ultimate in design freedom. They are ideal for both housing and commercial projects, whether new build or refurbishment, as they interface easily with...

Stonechip cladding.
August 18, 2003... An attractive, long term and highly cost effective solution has been provided for two blocks of flats in Norwich by Dollken Stonechip cladding from KR Plastics. The brick facade of the property was unable to retain a painted finish for...

Aluminium is going flat out.
August 18, 2003... In cladding manufacture, the quality of the finished product is totally reliant on the flatness of the material supplied, claims Cashmores. The company supply both standard and non-standard aluminium sheet cut to exact size requirement...

Cladding has calming effect.
August 18, 2003... Claimed to be the most effective system for diffusing natural daylight and redistributing it internally as calming and museum quality light, Kalwall from Stoakes Systems has been specified for TFL International's new headquarters in Preston....

New pattern can create visually unique and dramatic vistas.
August 18, 2003... The range of architectural wiremesh patterns from Potter & Soar has been extended by the introduction of St James mesh, which is tightly woven in a complex pattern to create an unusual and highly individual `herringbone' optical effect when...

Cladding placement system.
August 18, 2003... Following the successful introduction of its PowerClad cladding placement system for horizontal panels, leading powered access rental company Nationwide has launched a new version of the hydraulically- operated system for vertical cladding...

Timber in keeping with clapboard architecture.
August 18, 2003... House builder Berkley Homes has specified Cape Cod timber cladding from Vincent Timber for its Leybourne Lakes development in rural Kent. In keeping with traditional Kentish `clapboard' architecture, the development of townhouses and...