What's New in Building articles from August 2005

What's New in Building archives from August 2005

How to keep track of safety testing without creating a paper chain.
August 11, 2005... Safety certification at the touch of a button is now possible following the development of a time saving system by OCS Technical How long would it take you to produce a safety test certificate for each of your company's sites? Or to...

DDA doors with no alterations.
August 11, 2005... Housing providers across the country can now provide DDA compliant doors to residents without having to alter brick openings in existing properties. Manse Masterdor has created a solution to installing Part M compliment wide door-sets into...

Fitter-friendly roof.
August 11, 2005... Latest conservatory roof system from Ultraframe is Sunroom. The company recognised the need for a fitter-friendly roofing system that simplifies the installation process of highly complex roof shapes. The roofing system uses...

Monodraught boss `honoured'.
August 11, 2005... Terry Payne, managing director of Monodraught, says he is greatly honoured by his appointment as a Special Professor in Building Services Engineering at the School of the Built Environment at Nottingham University. Professor Payne, who...

Seminar should sustain interest.
August 11, 2005... Sustainable construction is fast becoming a mainstream issue, but one that is still misunderstood. This will be the focus of a CPD approved seminar taking place around the UK this year courtesy of Ward Insulated Panels. The aim of the...

Trim and tactile.
August 11, 2005... Helping to create inspirational interiors, Gooding Aluminium's range of Simply Different stair trims provide designers with a new element to stairway design. For aesthetic appeal, tactile comfort and visibility the flat surfaced tops of...

Fourth award for innovation.
August 11, 2005... Manufacturer of the Speedfit push-fit system for plumbing and heating, John Guest has received its fourth Queen's Award for Enterprise. The latest award, in the Innovation category, is for the development of the `Twist and Lock' range of...

Flush fit for doorset.
August 11, 2005... Following the success of the double rebate Apeer composite doorset, New World Developments has launched a flush-fit range called Monno. Secure, durable and attractive, Monno is manufactured in eight styles with a 70mm external scotia frame....

Striking stairs at County Hall.
August 11, 2005... Toughened laminated glass has been used for a striking glass staircase at the refurbished London County Hall. Glass UK worked closely with associate company Metal UK, to deliver a solution in eight weeks. Pilkington's Optiwhite low...

Flooring firm is on the skids.
August 11, 2005... Flooring company Flowcrete has secured a major contract to surface one of the biggest skidpans in the world. Almost 9,000sq m of Peran Skidpan finish is being installed at the site, in Gothenburg, Sweden Mats Johansson, of Flowcrete...

Regency window surround.
August 11, 2005... At the recent Grand Design Exhibition in London Chilstone launched the Regency window surround with reeded jambs that can be adjusted to almost any size to fit any window. This adaptable piece of architectural stonework can also be...

Make plastering easy.
August 11, 2005... Plastering accessories from Expamet fall into three material categories - galvanised steel, stainless steel and upvc. Introduction of the stainless steel beading was largely brought about in response to BS5262, which stipulates that...

Hanger makes strong impact.
August 11, 2005... Since its launch six months ago, the ITB backer-free hanger, designed by Simpson Strong-Tie, is now being used in more than 10% of all new British homes built this year. Featuring top and bottom flanges specially designed to resist...

Bringing outside in.
August 11, 2005... Wendland Roof Solutions has produced a series of marketing literature for its Styal systems. Highlighting the bespoke possibilities offered by the Styal system, the new marketing materials illustrate how homeowners can `bring the outside...

Modern piece of bathroom design.
August 11, 2005... When European shower manufacturer Trevi Showers asked the British public what it wanted in a shower kit and then passed the results onto London design house Studio Levien, the result was Trevi Moonshadow. In Moonshadow, Robin Levien and...

Lights go up at Kent theatre.
August 11, 2005... The lighting control scheme for the refurbished Science Theatre at the Salomons Centre in Kent.features Helvar's Digidim digital lighting control system. The scheme delivers the ease-of-use and flexibility required by a busy, multi-purpose...

Automatic sliding doors.
August 11, 2005... Automatic door manufacturer Tormax was contracted by Systems Aluminium to supply and install bi-parting automatic sliding doors to nine retail units at the Morfa Shopping Park, Swansea. The Swiss-designed TLP operator is renowned for its...

You're getting warm.
August 11, 2005... An external spiral staircase has recently been designed and installed by Spiral Construction at Uxbridge Business Park. The concrete stairs have been imbedded with a trace heating system that warms the stairs if ice or frost starts to...

Thermostatic shower range.
August 11, 2005... Aptly named, the Sphero thermostatic shower range from Swadling combines curves with contemporary inspiration. Visually quite unlike any other collection on the market, this mid- priced collection incorporates Swadling's technologically...

STOP PRESS: Raise the standard.
August 11, 2005... The development of a standard product range is making the benefits of natural stone available to a wider range of construction projects. Stancliffe Stone's architectural masonry range has been developed for use with a standard 10 mm mortar...

STOP PRESS: Two-in-one heat.
August 11, 2005... With the launch of Apollo radiant towel rails from Dimplex, there's a `two in one' combination of heating with towel warming. Ideal for larger bathrooms where conventional towel rails are unable to meet the heating need, and where...

STOP PRESS: Diffusers see off imports.
August 11, 2005... Grilles and diffusers said to compete in price with imported products are available from CCL Veloduct. All air terminal devices combine good looks, efficient performance and reliability, says the company. Its 4-way throw ceiling...

STOP PRESS: Safer and quicker.
August 11, 2005... Said to offer a safer, faster and more economical solution for new or existing flat roofs, Torch Sfae has been introduced by Anderson Monarflex, part of the Icopal Group. Combining self-adhesive and heat activated membrane technology,...

STOP PRESS: Window sealant system.
August 11, 2005... The TechSpec Division of illbruck Sealant Systems has come up with a three level perimeter sealing system. By sealing at three levels of the installation (external, internal and intermediate) the i3 window sealant system eliminates risk of...

STOP PRESS: Spider gives glass support.
August 11, 2005... Lightweight, aesthetically pleasing Sadev spider supports for holding up large panels of glass connected on point fixings have been launched by Prefit. Manufactured from cast stainless steel, the range has a stylish shape and is designed...

STOP PRESS: More heat, more space.
August 11, 2005... Invisible underfloor heating systems will provide discreet comfort for visitors to a new museum devoted to the history of Stockport. The ground floor areas of two Georgian buildings are equipped with underfloor heating systems from Robbens...

STOP PRESS: Doors enhance hi-spec homes.
August 11, 2005... Mentmore Homes has chosen doors from JB Kind fortwo new homes in Gerrards Cross. The high spec five bedroom properties feature over 40 doors from the Royale collection. Both homes are valued at over #2m and boast a Georgian style to...

STOP PRESS: Alternative to tube.
August 11, 2005... Offering a distinctive alternative to tubular balusters, Handrail Design has launched icon CUBE. Developed in consultation with leading architects, it features paired extruded aluminium flat bar uprights braced together by special cube...

STOP PRESS: Specialist has a capital idea.
August 11, 2005... Architectural cast stone specialist Haddonstone has further expanded its range by creating a decorative corinthian capital. Designed for use with the company's existing M3 column, the new capital is decorated with an Acanthus leaf, which is...

STOP PRESS: Faster way to get boxed in.
August 11, 2005... Prefabricated Quickframe bathroom frame system makes boxing in a quicker process, says Ippec. The resultant structure can be covered with any wall boards and then tiled. The system can also be used as a dividing wall between two bathrooms...

STOP PRESS: Tile fixing guidance.
August 11, 2005... Informative guidance on product installation is contained in the System Ardex tile fixing system brochure from Ardex. Clear system diagrams demonstrate which products can be used in a variety of situations with a variety of substrates. The...

STOP PRESS: Stone for the city.
August 11, 2005... Plantation Place office development in the city of London features Burlington's Brandy Crag natural stone throughout its washrooms and lift lobbies. Specified by London-based architects, Arup Associates, who also acted as engineers on the...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Coupling on the farm.
August 11, 2005... Compression fittings from the Philmac universal transition couplings range have been installed at a bottling plant on a Somerset farm. Styles Farmhouse has traditionally manufactured ice cream but recently invested in a spring water...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Gutter for low level.
August 11, 2005... Aesthetics and discreet functionality are combined in the latest gutter design from Brett Martin Building Products. The Prostyle system is based on the Ogee profile which makes it an attractive feature, particularly at low level on a...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: New ways to set the scene.
August 11, 2005... New control options have been added by Hamilton Litestat to its Digital Mercury lighting control system, increasing the versatility of the whole system. The latest additions include four gang four scene, eight gang four scene and four...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: No visible screws on faceplates.
August 11, 2005... Launched by Interplast, the new range of Edison wiring accessories is said to offer a contemporary, streamlined look. Manufactured in high-impact polycarbonate, the new accessories have no visible screws, ensuring an elegant finish. ...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: Stylish products featured in Catalogue.
August 11, 2005... The stylish Rhapsody fitting is among the products featured in the brand new Catalogue No 18 from Franklite. The modern suite features polished nickel fittings with lead crystal candle pans and G9 mains voltage halogen lamps and includes...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Remedy found for HQ.
August 11, 2005... Staff at the HQ of pharmaceutical research company AstraZeneca no longer have to put up with blasts of cold air every time the doors from the street open, following the installation of an ACR recessed air curtain from Airbloc. The ACR has...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Fans for `decent housing'.
August 11, 2005... New iCON bathroom and kitchen fans from Airflow are helping Wycombe Council to implement the Government's Decent Homes standard in nearly 200 properties in the Wycombe area. The Council is installing the fans in the homes as part of a...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Comfort in three seconds.
August 11, 2005... Now available from JS Air Curtains is the Comtesse air curtain with a stylish oval design and built-in lighting system. The new Comtesse is available with water heating, electric heating or as an air only unit. The electrically heated...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Energy Saving Timers.
August 11, 2005... Use of electronic run-back timers from Elkay Electrical can alleviate the problem of electrical appliances, such as heaters or ventilation systems, being left on continuously. The Energy Saving Timers allow an appliance to be powered for a...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Hot water storage cylinders.
August 11, 2005... Staff and pupils at a boarding school in Holbrook, Suffolk now have a reliable supply of hot water following the installation of 20 High Capacity 500 STI indirect unvented hot water storage cylinders from Ariston. The Royal Hospital School...

FLOORING: Floor is in-store attraction.
August 11, 2005... Launched by Gerflor at Euroshop, Attraction is an interlocking tile system which is said to be ideal for retail environments. Designed for rapid installation and heavy traffic use, the product is available in a palette of 20 contemporary...

FLOORING: Latest launch from Armstrong.
August 11, 2005... The Desso Bizz cut and loop pile carpet tile is the latest launch from Armstrong Floor Products. Available in ten fresh modern colours, the product is said to create an intriguing three-dimensional texture and offers a contemporary random...

FLOORING: Laminate flooring specified.
August 11, 2005... PARQCOLOR Gold high pressure laminate flooring and stair treads from Abet have been specified to help create POP, a new retail, hairdressing and Beauty outlet in Cheltenham. The Wenge dark wood effect laminate flooring is said to create a...

FLOORING: Filling gaps in portfolio.
August 11, 2005... Recently acquired by Tarkett to become Marley-Tarkett Floors, Marley Floors has announced the launch of three new products - TORO EL conductive vinyl tiles and sheet, GRANIT AS static dissipative tiles and sheet, and WALLGARD vinyl wall...

FLOORING: Protecting 19th hole.
August 11, 2005... The Frontrunner Entrance Flooring System from Plastic Extruders has been specified for the new clubhouse at Surrey Downs Golf Club in order to maintain high standards of cleanliness. Outside the Club entrance, 100% pvc open grid Frontrunner...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Children's bath screen.
August 11, 2005... A children's bath screen which is designed to bring fun as well as practicality to the bathroom has been launched by Flair International. The attractive curved screen is available in frog and dolphin designs and will fit onto any wall,...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: It's an open and shut case.
August 11, 2005... The self-closing Celmac Tango toilet seat has been launched by Polypipe. Manufactured in high quality Thermoplastic material to give a long life, resilience and totally smooth finish, the seat features a cover with a slow release lowering...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: New timeless classic.
August 11, 2005... The Essence range of bathroom taps unveiled by Grohe is said to feature clear geometric shapes reduced to the essential, and deliberately lack traditional decorative elements that would distract from the pure function. Inside the spout of...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Bathrooms on a budget.
August 11, 2005... The Discovery series of mixer showers has been launched by Mira to provide streamlined shower design for building projects on a tight budget. The new Discovery series offers two mixer control formats - concentric and dual control - both...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Shower pods.
August 11, 2005... A new range of shower pods from Coram Showers eliminate the need for tiling and sealant and can be completely installed by a carpenter in a single operation. The pods are constructed in sections using glass-reinforced polymer (GRP), which...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Italian baths.
August 11, 2005... An elegant duo of baths have been sourced by Healey & Lord to expand its portfolio of bathroom suites. Available in double- and single-ended versions, the Italian- manufactured baths are made from robust seven millimetre Metalcryl which is...

ARCHITECTURAL IRONMONGERY: Desgned to meet M.
August 11, 2005... Specifically designed to satisfy the requirements of Doc M, a double action pivot has been launched by Royde & Tucker. The new H131-400 is manufactured in grade 304 stainless steel, and is used with RT emergency release door stops. The...

ARCHITECTURAL IRONMONGERY: Ready to take on the giants.
August 11, 2005... Enhanced aesthetics and the reduced opportunity for vandalism are just some of the benefits offered by the Perko Powermatic controlled door closer from Samuel Heath, which boasts CE marking. The concealed door closers are invisible when the...

PAINTS & FINISHES: Making sure fun never ends.
August 11, 2005... Weathershield Aquatech Opaque from Dulux Trade has been specified to protect the timber at Crealy Adventure Theme Park in Cornwall. The high performance water-based product provides a flexible opaque finish and is designed to give...

PAINTS & FINISHES: Long lasting treatment for timber.
August 11, 2005... The exterior product range from Centurion Paints has been extended by the launch of Timbercare, a long lasting treatment for rough sawn timber constructions. The water-based, environmentally friendly product is available in a variety of...

PAINTS & FINISHES: Silicone render.
August 11, 2005... A supreme Silicone Render system from Alumasc has been specified by Foster and Partners for the entrance signage to the prestigious Tanaka Business School at Imperial College London. The grey MR ST Silkolitt 1.5mm silicone render is said to...

PAINTS & FINISHES: First class cabins for all.
August 11, 2005... Wood protection from Sadolin has been applied to all the 58 new timber cabins at Forest Holiday's Keldy site in the Cropton Forest in North Yorkshire. Sadolin Classic provides decorative wood protection with a translucent finish that...

PAINTS & FINISHES: Washable eggshell added to white range.
August 11, 2005... A washable, decorative interior Eggshell has been added to the Perma- White range from Zinsser. The new addition to the range of water-based, low-odour, fast-drying mould and mildew proof self-priming paints has been designed for...

LANDSCAPING: A new means to an end.
August 11, 2005... The popular Festival range of seating from Ollerton has been extended by the introduction of new seat ends, known as the Delta End. This stylish design option is a cast feature, incorporating the armrest and leg of the seat. Armrests...

LANDSCAPING: Station upgrade.
August 11, 2005... Fittings have been provided by Kee Klamp for new pedestrian guardrailing at Berkswell Station in the West Midlands as part of continuing upgrade works. The project has involved the removal and replacement of the level crossing with a new...

LANDSCAPING: Fencing does the Continental.
August 11, 2005... Offering simple European elegance and sturdy manufacture, the Continental fencing range from Champion Timber offers a choice of 11 designs. Made with a robust, grooved framework with mortice and tenon joints, the fencing panels are...

GLASS & GLAZING: Sparkling installation.
August 11, 2005... All the glass at a stunning new glass `sensorium' at a north London property has been treated with ClearShield Glass Protect from Ritec to protect the glass from damage caused by weathering and contamination and to ensure that the glass looks...

GLASS & GLAZING: Tough and powerful structural glass.
August 11, 2005... A collaboration between Pilkington and DuPont has created the tough and powerful frameless Planar SentryGlas Plus System. The new system, which enables architects to extend the design opportunities for structural glass, has already been...

GLASS & GLAZING: Kettle is back on at tearooms.
August 11, 2005... By producing solar electricity, PowerGlaz from Romag has helped to turn disused tearooms in the village of Falstone, Northumbria, back into a thriving business. Because of the teashop's remote location, it was necessary to make the...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Banking on easy access.
August 11, 2005... A practical, secure entry solution has been provided by Kaba Door Systems for Lloyds TSB's Bournemouth offices. Replacing the existing main entrance, Kaba installed two Geryon security revolving doors, and a secure pass door was also fitted...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Setting pace for sliding doors.
August 11, 2005... A full range of Pacer sliding door hardware and accessories designed specifically for commercial applications is now available from Henderson. The hardware range offers a choice of straight sliding, folding and multidirectional systems and...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Exclusive appearance.
August 11, 2005... The range of fibreglass doors from HM Doors is said to offer an exclusive appearance for homes without breaking the bank. Each door is available in a wide range of styles and can be finished with an extensive collection of glazing options...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Chosen for restoration.
August 11, 2005... Timber sash windows and doors have been supplied by Mumford & Wood for the sensitive restoration of Lawton Hall in Cheshire. The 17th century Grade II building is now home to a private residential community comprising nine apartments and 30...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Still seeing double.
August 11, 2005... Up and over doors with double door panels are now available from Garador. The redesigned double door panels have been redesigned and are extremely rigid. Spring adjustment is easy and the doors are secured using solid locking bars and...

CLADDING: Dramatic use of natural slate.
August 11, 2005... Natural slate from three different Welsh/Slate quarries was used to form the external walls flanking the main entrance to the Wales Millennium Centre in a design that makes full use of the unique natural aesthetics of Welsh slate's combined...

CLADDING: Panels maintain continuity of colour.
August 11, 2005... Cladding panels from CEP Claddings have been specified for the new main entrance elevation to Preston's Fishergate Shopping Centre. DLG Architects specified 10mm thick Parchment Petrarch panels to maintain a continuity of colour with the...

CLADDING: External wall insualtion system.
August 11, 2005... Supplied by Skanda, the Heraklith Tektalan-E21 external wall insulation system has proved a success on a recently built north London synagogue. Single skin 146mm block walls plus Tektalan-E21 75mm insulation gives a U-value of 0.35 W/m2K...

CLADDING: Tube station is revisited.
August 11, 2005... Having been used successfully on the first phase of Hounslow East Tube Station, Kalwall cladding from Stoakes Systems has been specified for Phase Two, which is now complete. As with the first phase, the highly insulating cladding has been...

CLADDING: Great results for college.
August 11, 2005... Selected for curved elevations, LINEAR cladding from Euroclad has been used for the South East Essex College in Southend-on-Sea, which is a consolidation of four colleges into one state-of-the-art building. The Linear facade system in...

CLADDING: Cladding installed on former factory.
August 11, 2005... A total of 22,000 sq m of Twin-Therm roofing and wall cladding from CA Building Products has been installed on the former Michelin tyre factory in Stoke-on-Trent, which is being transformed into a warehousing and distribution park. ...

CLADDING: PVC repairs fire damage.
August 11, 2005... Cellular PVC shiplap cladding from Swish Building Products has been used in the renovation of administration offices at Stoneleigh Park - home of the Royal Agricultural Society of England - which were badly damaged by fire. Such was the...

CLADDING: New headquarters for Technal.
August 11, 2005... The new, purpose-designed headquarters for Technal in Wakefield have been completed and showcase a number of the company's facade products, including the new MX curtain walling system which will be available in the UK later this year. The...

ROOFING: Bristol sports a diffuse glow.
August 11, 2005... City Academy Bristol's new sports hall boasts 1,500sq m of Brett Martin Daylight Systems double skin, translucent grp rooflights. These limit glare and give an even distribution of diffused daylight. As well as being installed in five runs...

ROOFING: Aesthetic durability.
August 11, 2005... Aesthetic appeal and durability were the qualities that led to FalZinc being specified to roof and part clad St George's Church in Perry Hill, south London. Some 1,000sq m of the raised seam system was installed. With the malleability of...

ROOFING: Waterproofing value for money.
August 11, 2005... Waterproofing integrity and value for money are said to be combined in the System 15 package launched by Acrypol Products. Allowing fast, cost effective refurbishment of commercial, industrial and public sector roofing, the system is...

ROOFING: Inverted follow up to built-up success.
August 11, 2005... Following the success of its cold fusion bonded built-up roofing system, Liquid Plastics is launching a fully cold applied inverted roof system. It differs from conventional alternatives in that it has a seamless Decothane waterproofing...

ROOFING: Pavilion roof knocked for six.
August 11, 2005... Rain and condensation are being kept at bay at Downside School's cricket pavilion by Tyvek Supro roofing membrane. Major renovation work at the school, near Bath, has involved complete stripping and rebuilding of the cold pitched roof. ...