What's New in Building articles from February 2003

What's New in Building archives from February 2003

Cladding cloaks prototype house.
February 12, 2003... Prototype affordable housing units featured at last year's Ideal Home Show are now being shown in regional regeneration exhibitions. The buildings, cloaked in two types of cladding from Eternit Building Materials, have been developed by...

Secure homes at touch of a button.
February 12, 2003... Unveiled in prototype form at Glassex last year, Mila's Centralock system is now commercially available, making keyless central locking a reality for homeowners. Wireless modules allow central locking and unlocking of windows and doors....

Permeable paver will protect against floods.
February 12, 2003... Recent adverse weather conditions have underlined the continued risk that flooding poses across the UK. With this in mind the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Environment Agency have issued guidelines to local authority planners...

Foremans-RBS web site.
February 12, 2003... Pre-owned modular building specialist Foremans-RBS has launched a web site to give local authorities and schools an easy guide to education solutions. Off-site construction is a major benefit, bringing cost control, quality and reduced...

LG to invest in air conditioning.
February 12, 2003... Expansion of LG's UK air conditioning operation is on the cards with a #1.3million investment programme over the rest of the year. New products in all sectors will be backed by extra technical support, sales and administrative staff. ...

Training is on the blocks.
February 12, 2003... Concrete block specialist Tarmac Topblock recently held the first in a planned series of seminars on thin joint block laying systems. The company reports growing interest in the system which focuses on the Durox system large scale aircrete...

Pre-formed flashing speeds conservatory installation.
February 12, 2003... Conservatory designer and manufacturer Ultraframe has launched a pre- formed flashing system that is set to save time when installing conservatories. Conservaflash offer a pre-packed solution to the installer, without any of the...

Tensabarrier system.
February 12, 2003... World Superbike team Foggy Petronas Racing, owned by Carl Fogarty, is benefitting from Tensator's services in the form of its Tensabarrier system. Barrier webbings have been dye printed in the distinctive Petronas green to match the team livery...

Making a splash in the centre of Tonbridge.
February 12, 2003... This spectacular water feature has been designed and installed by Fountainhead at a conference centre in Tonbridge, Kent. The design enables a a modern high fountain to be installed without the need for a large pool to catch splash. The...

Insulation guide updated.
February 12, 2003... An updated edition of Kingspan Insulation's user guide provides information on Therma zero ODP and Kooltherm ranges of rigid urethane and phenolic insulation products. Nilvent airtight and waterproof non-microporous breathable membrane is...

Dimplex does the double.
February 12, 2003... Electric heating specialist Dimplex has more than doubled its permanent stand space at London's Building Centre, showcasing a selection of its 300-strong product range. The prime site is zoned into four sections - commercial/industrial;...

Climate control keeps London Eye visitors cool.
February 12, 2003... Passengers on the London Eye may need a head for heights but they can rest assured they'll not feel a draught thanks to a climate control system designed by Eaton-Williams. The system copes with both the British weather and the doors being...

Celtic is latest slate.
February 12, 2003... Adding a further dimension to the Alfred McAlpine range of roofing slates is the Celtic. With their robust appearance and naturally occurring appearance, they will appeal where a more textural aspect is required of the finished roof. They...

Brick maker bags awards.
February 12, 2003... Projects using Ibstock bricks won eight of the 14 categories at last year's BDA awards. The Argell Town regeneration project in Brixton was judged to be the Supreme Winner as overall best building project for 2002, and also won Best Public...

Light of our life.
February 12, 2003... Latest addition to the Modular Lighting range is the Crosslink, which allows endless lighting combinations from 3D pillars of light to walls of solid illumination. Conceived for compact fluorescence lamps, the range features opaque...

Colourful cladding.
February 12, 2003... As a total solution for roof and wall metal cladding Corus offers Celestia and HPS200 along with the new Celestia colour range. The 10 new shades of Celestia extend the range to 16 metallic finishes, introducing reds, greens and blues, to...

Special award for Ian's tireless work.
February 12, 2003... Confined to a wheelchair following a fall from height, roofer Ian Whittingham was presented with a special recognition award at last year's Working Well Together 4C construction awards. Since his accident, Ian has worked extensively to...

Ceiling tiles fully recyclable.
February 12, 2003... Not only are Armstrong's Dune Supreme and Dune Max ceiling tiles fully recyclable, but the company will even pay transportation costs for full truckloads returned to the Team Valley factory. A new fully sealed edge makes both tiles more...

Active Light Wall to be installed at Debenhams.
February 12, 2003... The UK's first dynamic, colour changing Active Light Wall from Zumtobel Staff has been installed at Debenhams' new store in Basingstoke. The store spans two levels in the new Festival Place shopping centre extension. Copyright: CMP...

Mad, bad and dangerous to know.
February 12, 2003... Lord Byron is the latest addition to the statuary collection of architectural stonework manufacturer Haddonstone. Famously described as `mad, bad and dangerous to know', Byron is currently the subject of a major exhibition at the National...

Multi web presence.
February 12, 2003... Roofing system Kalzip is now featured on the main web site kalzip.co.uk, as well as kalzipgallery.com and kalzipworld.com. Drop down menus on the kalzip.co.uk site give links to other Kalzip, Corus and Teamkal sites. ...

Museum's cool display.
February 12, 2003... Screw down raised floor systems from Kingspan Access Floors have been used to facilitate provision of underfloor air conditioning and routing of cabled services at Manchester's Urbis museum. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Beauty of timber at a price that's right.
February 12, 2003... The attractive looks, durability and flexibility of traditional natural timber cladding can be achieved at a cost saving of 30% on the real thing, using a system from Vincent Timber. Thermowood has been introduced to offer designers a...

Give a boost to pressure.
February 12, 2003... Now available in the Jet range from Pipeline Center is an own brand booster set that should improve water pressure in buildings. The twin pump package is supplied complete with control panel and will boost clean water in blocks of flats,...

In the classical style.
February 12, 2003... One of a number of temples produced by Chilstone in the classical style, this Doric columned structure graces the Royal Horticultural Gardens at Wisley, Surrey. Sited on Battleston Hill it was funded by donations. Copyright: CMP...

Protect your information.
February 12, 2003... To prevent destruction of information systems and data processing equipment from lightning strikes and voltage surges, Wieland Electric has launched wietam and wietap. The range has been designed to enable correct selection of LPZ rated...

24 conservatory roofs.
February 12, 2003... Milton Keynes based Home Counties has supplied 24 conservatory roofs for the refurbished RAF base in Halton. Installers from County Windows fitted each dwelling with a white conservatory, using the K2 roof system, in just three months. The...

Easy way to lift panels.
February 12, 2003... Composite panel installers can now benefit from a cost effective vacuum lifting device that has proved itself quick and easy to use in Holland, where it is produced. The Clad Boy device, made by Dutch based Via-Vac, is available in the UK...

Timber frame beats regs.
February 12, 2003... Developed by Timber Frame Solutions (TFS), Paneltherm is a timber frame wall and roof solution that transforms a standard 89mm stud timber frame panel into an energy efficient building system. U value for walls is 0.18Wm2K, making the...

Just out from Ridi.
February 12, 2003... Just out from Ridi is Waveline, a new spin on the traditional linear diffuser luminaire. This general purpose luminaire has a blend of architectural elements to suit commercial and public sector interior schemes. Available in either...

Instant energy savers.
February 12, 2003... Major lighting users can save financial outlay using the Westinghouse Retrolux system from D&F Lighting. It converts T8 and T12 magnetic ballast systems into T5 high frequency technology. Installation is easy - just remove the starter...

Tapes will provide glowing guidance.
February 12, 2003... The range of slip resistant tapes offered by Watco now includes Safety Tape Photoluminescent. This long lasting, self-adhesive 50mm x 18m roll of resin bonded tapes has a grit surface which is charged by light. When the light goes off in...

Windows give the horn effect.
February 12, 2003... Astraseal, a Rehau fabricator, now makes windows in the Rehau-Tritec 60mm system with run through sash horns in golden oak and mahogany woodgrain finishes, as well as white. Being an integral part of the sash the horns are more durable than...

`Three in one' lighting.
February 12, 2003... The adjustable lampholder on the Troika flat glass floodlight from Thorn is suitable for a range of sports, functional and architectural floodlighting applications. Its reflector combines with a variable position lampholder to give the...

Sockets will fit a standard box.
February 12, 2003... An age old problem faced by those trying to install shaver sockets has been addressed by GET. The company has introduced designs into its ultra slim Ultimate moulded and metal flat plate range that will fit a standard 47mm flush mounting...

Easier fixing for timber.
February 12, 2003... Fixing of timber in a metal stud partition is expected to be improved following the introduction of a new support plate to the Gypframe metal component range. This British Gypsum product is designed to aid installation of plywood into the...

Vintage pavers show a softer edge.
February 12, 2003... Brick maker Baggeridge starts the new year with the introduction of Vintage brindled pavers in blue and red. These reflect the growing trend for tumbled, softer edged products and riven textured finishes. Vintage brindled pavers have a...

Bullring offers arena for blocks.
February 12, 2003... At Birmingham's Bullring shopping centre, Tarmac Topblock has supplied lightweight aggregate blocks for the #500million development. Main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine specified about 1,500sq m of 100mm and 67,000sq m of 140mm Hemelite...

Low odour matt emulsion.
February 12, 2003... To cut the environmental impact of its paints without losing performance, Crown Trade has added a low VOC option to its Covermatt emulsion range. It is suitable for first decoration of newly plastered walls and ceilings, and is moisture...

Easy handling of tricky loads.
February 12, 2003... With its extendable lip, Stertil Stokvis' latest dock leveller can be accurately and positioned in a truck. The HQ unit adjusts automatically to changes in truck height as goods move in or out of the vehicle. Rated load is 6,000 or 8,000kg...

Plates make a mark.
February 12, 2003... Special plates can be made to order that incorporate engraved labelling, allowing end users to quickly identify the function of each switch. This capability is proving useful where fitted appliances are used in kitchens, says Hamilton...

Lo Profile range of fans.
February 12, 2003... The Lo Profile range of fans now includes 5in and 6in options in addition to the existing 4in model. The slim 12mm profile avoids protrusions when mounted on a wall or ceiling, making it suitable for larger bathrooms, utility rooms and...

Chrome, gold or any colour towel rail you like.
February 12, 2003... Contemporary styled Imperia towel rail range can be specified in custom sizes and in chrome, gold or any RAL colour finish. Imperia Classic has straight uninterrupted clean lines, while Imperia Curvo uses a combination of arcs giving two...

Manchester's stylish sign.
February 12, 2003... To add a stylish touch to a neighbourhood renewal scheme in Manchester, this metre high granite signpost has been cut, polished and engraved by Pomery Natural Stone. Its triangular shape with the sloping back at 45 degrees reflects the...

Slates stick to budget.
February 12, 2003... By specifying Del Carmen slates from SSQ for a new nursing home in the grounds of Edinburgh's Corstophine Hospital, architects Archetypes were able to complement the Victorian architecture of the hospital and satisfy the City of Edinburgh...

The PV700 system from Redland.
February 12, 2003... The PV700 system from Redland is being used on a development of 12 new homes on the Newcastle Great Park development, which will provide the buyers with free electricity converted from natural sunlight. The PV700 panels will provide enough...

Environmentally friendly choice of roofline products.
February 12, 2003... PVC roofline products have been selected from Swish for a development of attractive riverside apartments in Southampton because of the company's `green' manufacturing techniques. Transforming a disused scrapyard in an environmentally...

Selected for their quality.
February 12, 2003... Selected for their quality, handcrafted slabs from Blanc de Bierges in a creamy-buff colour have been used for the roof terrace of a refurbished 1950s retail and office complex in London's Knightsbridge. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SUREDECK Safety Decking.
February 12, 2003... Launched by height safety access specialist HL Plastics, SUREDECK Safety Decking has been designed to prevent falls from height when working on the inside of buildings, as an alternative to air bags and bean bags. Copyright: CMP...

Twin-Therm roofing system.
February 12, 2003... The Twin-Therm roofing system from CA Building Products has been specified for the latest of the new generation of B&Q Warehouse superstores, opened recently in Washington, Tyne and Wear. The roofing system was specified in line with the...

The choice of Scandanavia.
February 12, 2003... All those Scandanavians must know something... Index has supplied more than one million square metres of its specialised Firestop membrane to Scandanavian countries in the past 15 years. The APP modified bitumen membrane has flame...

Green venue for the Battle of Flowers.
February 12, 2003... A green roof has been created by Alumasc to provide a recreational area over the underground car park of St Helier's marina development. Based on a system comprising the Hydrotech 6125 waterproofing and other products, the landscaped area...

Vaulted rooflights from Brett Martin.
February 12, 2003... Vaulted rooflights from Brett Martin have been installed to maximise natural daylight in four new production and distribution units at Crossways Business Park, the largest business park on the M25. The units, which vary in size up to 55,000...

Award winning fall protection system.
February 12, 2003... The award winning synthetic cable based fall protection system from Uniline has been specified by Keyclad for the roofs of the new Argos Distribution Centre in Bedford. The fall protection systems, installed by the company's approved...

New box gutter.
February 12, 2003... Developed by Park Lane Conservatory Roof Systems is a new box gutter for its popular Elite roof system. The support bracket of the new box gutter is an L-section steel, powder coated for longevity and designed to fix back to the structure...

Handmade clay tiles for the garage blocks and bin stores.
February 12, 2003... Authentically made roof tiles from Keymer have helped to integrate a new development of homes into an established and archetypal village location in Hampshire. The Priory tiles were specified from the company's Shire range, which is made...

Failed copper roof covering.
February 12, 2003... The failed copper roof covering on a 65,000 volt bulk supply centre at the Wilton International industrial complex in Middlesbrough has been replaced by Tremco's Hi-Therm system, comprising high performance Tremco elastomeric felts bonded using...

Roofing slate selected for eco-friendly centre.
February 12, 2003... Natural roofing slate from Burlington is among the building materials assessed as being ecologically benign and non-toxic which have been used to construct the new National Trust for Scotland Glencoe Visitor Centre. A total of 800 sq m of...

Flat concrete slab roof.
February 12, 2003... The flat concrete slab roof of the new two-storey extension at Exeter University features Thermataper TT47 zero ODP insulation boards from Kingspan, specified for their superb combination of excellent water shedding and highly effective...

Stove to suit small cottages.
February 12, 2003... Specially developed for smaller cottages, town houses or rooms, the Carmen stove has been designed for HWAM by top Danish architects. Though compact in size the Carmen has all the elegance of larger stoves. An unusual front angle of five...

Louvres designed to weather the storms.
February 12, 2003... External louvres are available from the Colman division of Eaton- Williams to meet the ventilation requirements of all building types. They incorporate weather resistant features while permitting free air flow. The standard range is backed...

Electric heat under foot.
February 12, 2003... Electric floor heating systems achieve energy cost savings by giving the same comfort factor from lower room temperatures, says Tyco. The company's T2 systems are quicker and easier to install than hot water underfloor systems with their...

View and adjust temperature levels.
February 12, 2003... The Room Display (RD) user interface for Trend's IQ building services controllers allows the occupant to view and adjust temperature levels within air conditioned environments. Principally serving as an interface for AC terminal unit...

Golfers warm to boiler rig.
February 12, 2003... One of Keston Boilers' prefabricated commercial boiler rigs containing three C55P lp gas modulating condensing boilers has been installed at Singing Hills golf course, Albourne. It replaces old and inefficient electric storage heaters at...

Specialist saw.
February 12, 2003... In response with the rise in popularity of wooden and laminate floors, Bahco Tools has introduced the Laminator, and 11tpi handsaw. there is also the Laminator Superior which has an `ergo' handle and low friction blade. Both version have...

More tools for power range.
February 12, 2003... An extended range of Einhell power tools is available from catalogue and internet retailer Direct4Trade. The Bavaria range of tools offers high power and long service life at favourable prices. The range now includes a 14.4V Cordless Drill...

Screw gun for dry wall tasks.
February 12, 2003... Spit 216 dry wall screw gun from ITW Construction is lightweight, small and fast, making it easier to use. Powered by a 450W motor, giving a speed under load of 0 to 4650rpm, the device weighs just 1.12kg. It features a depth gauge, depth...

Choice chisels.
February 12, 2003... Now available from Marples is the Splitproof Pro range which includes Marple's existing soft touch handle but also uses material designed to absorb repeated hammer blows on its large striking face. The CAB core is a very strong resin that...

Stylish safety.
February 12, 2003... First Base Plus is a special baseball cap from Scott which combines comfort and head protection. The cap has a patented inner sprung head protection shell with large ventilation slots. There is a bump protection certificate to EN812. ...

A clean cut.
February 12, 2003... Pipeslice, from Kopex, is a single-handed, automatically adjusting, plumbing tool which makes copper pipe cutting as easy as a twist of the wrist. It is available in a comprehensive range of sizes. The tool avoids pipe damage and de-burring...

Tools of the trade.
February 12, 2003... 2Avocet Hardware is offering a range of gardening tools and accessories. Tools include a foldaway pruning saw, adjustable handle rake and a range of shears. Garden fork and trowel sets also come with extendable handles. Sprinklers, hose nozzles...

Backing board offers insulation and moisture resistance.
February 12, 2003... Launched by Knauf DIY is Aquapanel Thermal, a tile backing board for floors which offers strength and moisture resistance plus the additional major benefit of excellent thermal insulation. Aquapanel Thermal comprises a Polyfoam core with...

Flooring products help create homely environment.
February 12, 2003... A wide range of products from Gradus have been specified to meet the brief for a comfortable, homely environment that could meet high performance requirements at the recently completed Sedgefield Community Hospital. Drawing on its...

X marks the spot for more eye-catching designs.
February 12, 2003... The X Floors collection from Marley Floors has been extended to over 80 eye-catching designs. Said to offer impressive technical characteristics, the portfolio features the Hard Naturals Collection, which includes Beach Scene, Blue Fleck...

Fleximats range of floorcoverings.
February 12, 2003... New sizes have been added to the Fleximats range of floorcoverings from Plastic Extruders, which are extruded from 100% pvc and supplied in roll format. Available in a variety of raised stud, fluted and ribbed surfaces in a large number of...

Flooring moves up another level.
February 12, 2003... Created by Nexfor, Caberdek flooring has been further improved by the introduction of a new tape which can be used in damper and colder conditions. Caberdek provides builders with the means to utilise the intermediate floors of buildings...

New - no mesh.
February 12, 2003... Joining forces with Bekaert Building Products, Ward has created Dramix steel fibre reinforced concrete with steel decking, which represents a new method of construction for composite floors in multi-storey applications. Dramix is designed...

Linnea range of wood flooring.
February 12, 2003... The Linnea range of wood flooring from Kahrs has been extended, and now features seven wood species and, with a choice of pattern and pre- finish, a total of 27 varieties. All the Linnea floors are just 7mm thick, and feature the company's...

High pressure flooring creates a calming palette.
February 12, 2003... High pressure laminate flooring from Abet has been used in a stunning major refurbishment at a 19th century Grade II listed building in Islington, London. Over 2000 sq m of PARQCOLOR GOLD 1611 Birch HPL flooring was used to help create a...

Carpet tiles are response to market demand.
February 12, 2003... The functional yet minimalist Escolibra collection of carpet tiles has been launched by Desso in response to market demand. Manufactured from Aquafil polyamide yarn, the tiles are available in two subtly textured linear designs known as...

Stunning stones.
February 12, 2003... The creative team at Amtico has turned to nature for its latest collection of flooring products. Included in the range are two stunning stones, Marquino & Biacone, which work well on their own or can be combined for a chequerboard design....

Floor takes flight.
February 12, 2003... A specialist floor from Flowcrete has been used to refurbish a hangar at Manchester Airport. Some 5000 m of Flowcoat SK in grey was installed in the hangar in a staggered installation programme, specified largely for its ability to stand...

Sinks in stainless.
February 12, 2003... Addressing the current fashion for stainless steel in the kitchen, Reginox has unveiled its new Coral tap, said to be ideal for the modern look kitchen. The tap is available in stainless steel and also chrome, and forms part of the 16 tap...

Solution for the smallest room.
February 12, 2003... Launched by Kaldewei, the comfort line Miniluxform bath and Miniluxmedia shower tray combination is said to provide the ideal complete solution for small bathrooms. The units, crafted from 3.5mm steel enamel, can of course be used...