What's New in Building articles from January 2006

What's New in Building archives from January 2006

Dual development makes clay roof tiles an affordable option.
January 13, 2006... As easy to install as concrete tiles, two new products from Sandtoft offer a whole new perspective on the use of natural roofing materials Two large format clay tiles are being launched to specifiers and housebuilders this month by...

NEWS: Making the most of space.
January 13, 2006... Space saving sliding door solutions which allow creation of multi- functional living spaces, are the speciality of PC Henderson. The company's bottom rollered gear and fittings for sliding partitions and doors have been used at this...

NEWS: Jury decides in favour of Irish landscape specialist.
January 13, 2006... Irish based construction products specialist, Acheson & Glover, has supplied TerraPave natural aggregate paving flags for the Jurys Inn Hotel, Heathrow. Over 1,200sq m of Rimini, Florento and Sorrento coloured flags form a piazza area...

NEWS: Heaven's light our guide.
January 13, 2006... Power-projectors and power-floodlights from Sill Lighting have been used to light Portsmouth Harbour's Spinnaker Tower. Sill fittings provide the fixed white architectural lighting on the landward side of the tower. They are mounted at low...

NEWS: It's all in the detail.
January 13, 2006... Square perforated and rolled balcony infil panels from Gooding Aluminium have been used at the Blenheim Court development for student accommodation in Bristol. The curved aluminium panels are used throughout the balcony detailing....

NEWS: Plates provide bespoke audio.
January 13, 2006... At the Grosvenor Quay development, Eastbourne, Hamilton Litestat's Cheriton Victorian wiring accessory plate range has been used to provide a bespoke solution for custom installation company Elephant Communications. This company uses the...

NEWS: Fifty not out for extract firm.
January 13, 2006... Just out from ventilation specialist Xpelair is a comprehensive 160- page A4 sized product directory listing 200 new products, as well as complete information on existing ranges. The directory illustrates, in easy to follow graphics and...

NEWS: Installation speeded up.
January 13, 2006... Installation of windows and doors on commercial and industrial buildings could be speeded up thanks to Paroc Panel System's integrated frame system. The IFS system has been designed to allow window and door units to be installed on-site by...

NEWS: No need to risk work at height.
January 13, 2006... Following market demand, Pilkington has developed Activ Blue glass as a cost effective solution for conservatory roofs. It promises to reduce significantly the danger as well as the chore of cleaning these difficult areas. Activ Blue will...

NEWS: Modern design conservatory.
January 13, 2006... Sheerframe approved window fabricator Coalville Glass & Glazing has started the latest phase of its contract to manufacture and install conservatories for new homes at Lime Tree Village in Warwickshire. Coalville uses the Sheerlite roof, in...

NEWS: Warm tones of rustic Chelsea.
January 13, 2006... Ceracasa, a member of the Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturers' Association (ASCER) has just launched the Chelsea porcelain tile. Chelsea comprises a collection of rectangular and square 31.6 x 63.7cm and 49.1 x 49.1cm porcelain wall and...

NEWS: Tool up in an hour.
January 13, 2006... When you've only got 60 minutes to transform a home, having the right equipment and tools is vital, so TV producers turned to site supplies expert Kem Edwards, to provide building and safety equipment when filming for ITV1's 60 Minute Makeover...

NEWS: Boiler boasts low run costs.
January 13, 2006... Domestic gas boiler manufacturer Sime has expanded its range of HE gas condensing/combi boilers with the addition of the Format HE 25 Combi. Band A Sedbuk rated and measuring just 700 x 400mm, the wall-mounted Format 25 HE Combi achieves...

NEWS: Window wall is so versatile.
January 13, 2006... Described as interchangeable, versatile and cost effective, STW 200 glazing system is the latest offering from Senior Aluminium Systems. A low rise thermal window walling system, STW 200 is suited for a variety of new build and...

NEWS: Cast-iron baths with whirlpool.
January 13, 2006... One of the first ever cast-iron baths with the option of a whirlpool multi-jet system, the Harrington is now available from Imperial Bathrooms. Measuring 1,700 x 750mm, the traditional single ended bath has hand- crafted timber raised and...

NEWS: Arty air conditioning.
January 13, 2006... Art Cool from LG gives a design makeover to the mundane `box on a wall' air conditioner. With the look of an art frame, the units come in various colours and finishes, or can feature renditions of classic art pieces by painters such as Van...

NEWS: Balustrade and open grille panels.
January 13, 2006... Two of Neaco's aluminium systems are proving their capabilities at Centralofts luxury apartments and office development in Newcastle. Spectrum balustrade has been installed on balconies throughout the complex and Techdek and Louvredek open...

NEWS: High impact of versatile light.
January 13, 2006... Providing visual impact for interior design, Ansell Lighting's Deco High Bay luminaire is suitable for various duties. Available in two sizes, the smaller model suits low ceiling heights, whilst the larger model is suitable for higher...

STOP PRESS: Eden Core's tough eco floor.
January 13, 2006... To provide a floor for the Eden Project's new #15 million education centre the Core, Jabfloor from Vencel Resil has been employed. As high floor loadings are likely to be encountered, 100mm-thick Jabfloor Grade 150 was supplied. The...

STOP PRESS: Pipes for music department.
January 13, 2006... Piping supplier Polypipe Civils has supplied Ridgidrain pipes to a special needs school in Berkshire for its music department. Holyport Manor School approached contractor Costain earlier this Summer, seeking a supply of piping for a...

STOP PRESS: Rapid delivery service.
January 13, 2006... EcoTherm UK, which recently acquired the Icopal Rigid Insulation Board manufacturing plant in Essex, has now launched a rapid delivery service for key clients within their small vehicle delivery catchment area. Based in Essex the...

STOP PRESS: Successor puts on the style.
January 13, 2006... Following the launch of the first Galaxy handwash unit two years ago, shower manufacturer Glen Dimplex UK has just unveiled a stylish new successor. Ultra compact Galaxy Aqua XL measures just 242mm high, 190mm wide and 103mm deep, making...

STOP PRESS: Shower range is in demand.
January 13, 2006... To meet growing demand for frameless shower cubicles and wet rooms, Prefit offers a range of shower fittings. Called Vivere II, the range is manufactured by Pauli + Sohn of Germany in 316L marine quality stainless steel and includes sliding...

STOP PRESS: Hafele catalogue.
January 13, 2006... The latest Hafele Essentials soft cover catalogue now includes a range of specialist masonry and wood fixings from Fischer. Wall and board plugs in polyamide, or nylon, are suitable for use with wood, concrete and a range of masonry...

STOP PRESS: Air supply opens the doors.
January 13, 2006... Compressed air is the chosen power source for Woodwood door control systems and Jun-Air is Woodwood's preferred compressor supplier. Woodwood finds compressed air more flexible than an equivalent electrical system. As well as being reliable...

STOP PRESS: Pre-compressed foam sealing tape.
January 13, 2006... To deal with the large-scale differential joint movement associated with timber frame construction, illbruck Sealant Systems has developed Compriband Timber Max pre-compressed foam sealing tape. It has extended joint movement capability...

STOP PRESS: Vauxhall's ski slope.
January 13, 2006... Centre piece of the design of the #4 million bus station, underground and rail complex at Vauxhall Cross, south London is a 12m wide, 200m long, canopy clad in stainless steel supplied by Glasgow based metal rainscreen specialist CGL Systems....

STOP PRESS: Time switch is easier to install.
January 13, 2006... Redesigned ChannelPlus XL electronic programmers and time switches are easier to use and install, says Horstmann. The Series 2 ChannelPlus range features improvements including an easily read, bright blue back lit LCD display and menu...

STOP PRESS: Immediate waterproofing protection.
January 13, 2006... When the original bituminous roof above the Officers' Mess at Royal Air Force St Athan, in the Vale of Glamorgan, showed signs of failure, action had to be taken immediately to stop any risk of water leaking into the buildings. Acrypol +...

STOP PRESS: Door closers for all situations.
January 13, 2006... Two further versions of the TS3000 door closer - the TS3000 BC and TS3000 EN3 - both feature Geze's patented eccentric rack and pinion mechanism for easy opening of single-action doors. Cost effective TS3000 EN3 has a fixed power of EN3,...

STOP PRESS: Natural acrylic stone.
January 13, 2006... Fresh from its success at 100% Design, Tretzo's ebb will be showing at kbb (see our preview on page 16). Using a material called LG Hi-Macs, a natural acrylic stone which is thermoformable, ebb offers a bathroom into one complete unit. ...

STOP PRESS: Stannah factory.
January 13, 2006... Andover-based Stannah has invested #3.5m to build a new 64,500sq ft factory in Newcastle, for its Stairlifts Division. Increased sales for the company have led to a rapid expansion programme and Newcastle could provide the skilled welders...

STOP PRESS: Glazed expression.
January 13, 2006... Glazed pedestrian bridges by Luxcrete form a part of the UK's largest water feature at a new development at Eastbourne harbour and marina complex. Over 310m long, the waterway at Westbury Homes' Sovereign Harbour South development is part...

STOP PRESS: Window beats weather tests.
January 13, 2006... Thermally efficient Comar 5Pi Top-swing Window exceeds the requirements of weather tests: BS 6375: Part 1: 2004, BS EN 1026, 1027 and 122111. The window was water tight at 600Pa, passed air permeability at 600Pa and resistance to wind load...

STOP PRESS: Kerb keeps the roads safer.
January 13, 2006... For the refurbishment of the Haw Bridge site near Gloucester. Brett Landscaping and Building Products supplied its Trief Kerb to improve safety and protect the weak cantilevered footways of the bridge itself. Visibility was poor due to the...

STOP PRESS: Slimline design allows access.
January 13, 2006... Manse Masterdor has provided a solution to a disabled resident in North Tyneside, allowing her to remain in her home. Miss Postings is unable to access her home through her front door while in her wheelchair, as the brick opening is too...

STOP PRESS: Warm welcome at updated site.
January 13, 2006... Visitors to the new look Glow-worm web site can gain instant access to up-to-date information on products and services as well as advice on energy saving, choosing the right system and choosing the right product for an installation. ...

STOP PRESS: Versatile alternative to pre-fabricated framing.
January 13, 2006... Fittings from Kee Klamp have helped construct 48 new driving range bays at the TopGolf Game Centre in Addlestone, Surrey. Providing a more versatile alternative to pre-fabricated framing, the fittings help create tubular structures which...

STOP PRESS: Keeping the air flowing freely.
January 13, 2006... The design of Passivent's latest Airscoop ventilators ensures efficient airflow performance and effective movement of fresh air into the building. Two versions are available, Enhanced and Basic, each using a roof mounted terminal divided...

Preview - KBB 2006: Safe underfloor heat for all.
January 13, 2006... Ensuring safety for all, Devi's devimat is believed to be the only electric underfloor heating mat to have an integrated full-capped aluminium sheath that complies with IEE wiring regulations. This means there is no need for further...

Preview - KBB 2006: Radiator gets a stylish launch.
January 13, 2006... Italian style gurus Perry King and Santiago Miranda will be helping Acova launch its Orfeo radiator. Unusually, its aesthetic appeal does not detract from its performance or functionality. Blending the advantages of steel with the high...

Preview - KBB 2006: Colour range grows.
January 13, 2006... Solid high-gloss acrylic Parapan for vertical surfaces is now available in 20 colours. There are now three additions to the colour palette - aqua, citrus orange and lime green. Cut from solid sheets, Parapan is made to measure. It is...

Preview - KBB 2006: Cornering the market in cool.
January 13, 2006... The Corner Fridge Company will bring a selection of products, including a new corner fridge, a luxury fridge incorporating dual temperature wine storage and a slimline radiator. The corner fridge features all the attributes of the previous...

Preview - KBB 2006: Cooking at a leisurely pace.
January 13, 2006... At KBB this year, Beko will offer under its Leisure brand a full range of new cooking models. Latest appliances include integrated cooking and laundry products, a multifunction double oven and a variety of freestanding and range cooking...

Preview - KBB 2006: Greater choice.
January 13, 2006... Significant developments in Wellmann's range allow a greater choice of colour and accessories while keeping within a sensible budget. The popular high gloss laminate collection will be shown. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Preview - KBB 2006: Beat off bacteria.
January 13, 2006... The range of Silestone quartz worksurfaces will form the main focus of Cosentino's display. Available in over 45 colours, they contain Microban, a built in antibacterial agent that provides continuous protection against the growth of...

Preview - KBB 2006: Lighting for all occasions.
January 13, 2006... Over 70 configurations of bathroom lighting are available from Franklite across a wide variety of ranges, from the traditional to the ultra-modern. A mirror with integral light fittings is a key highlight of the collection. The mirror...

Preview - KBB 2006: New additions pull the crowds.
January 13, 2006... Stylish Rainshower system, updated Grohtherm thermostats and the Essence range of brassware will be attracting crowds to the Grohe stand. The new Rainshower makes the large showerhead accessible to more situations by adding it into a shower...

Preview - KBB 2006: Set sail in the bathroom.
January 13, 2006... Imperial Bathrooms has extended its range of cast-iron baths having introduced a collection of bespoke hand-crafted French-style bateau baths. So named because of their similarity to a small boat, these roll top baths present the ultimate...

Preview - KBB 2006: Solid sinks are built to last.
January 13, 2006... Newly formed Stoned UK has launched its solid granite kitchen sinks onto the market. Hard-carved from a single block of granite, one of the hardest materials known to man, each sink takes between three and five days to be shaped and...

Preview - KBB 2006: Wide range on view.
January 13, 2006... Visitors to the Jacuzzi UK stand will be able to check out a wide range of products on view for the first time, including whirlpool baths, sanitaryware, shower enclosures and shower cabins. Literature has been produced to support the show...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Slimline version unveiled.
January 13, 2006... A new Slimline version of the Fresh Air Module (FAM) unit has been introduced by Advanced Ergonomic Technologies (AET) as an integral component of its Flexible Space Concept, featuring Hiross underfloor air-conditioning, raised access flooring...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Harmonia range extended.
January 13, 2006... The Harmonia range from Imperial Towel Rails is being extended by the launch of a new inset radiator size with five sections and double tubes. This small radiator will fit into small and narrow spaces and is said to make an attractive...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Small and lightweight boilers.
January 13, 2006... Small and lightweight Modena 80 combi boilers from Ferroli are being installed in thousands of council houses across Glasgow. Specified for their reliability, the boilers are also easy to install in all types of housing stock on account of...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Three new for one old.
January 13, 2006... A cascade style installation using three new wall hung condensing boilers from Stokvis Energy Systems to replace a large out-dated model has been carried out at the Yeatman Hospital in Sherborne. The specification was made on the basis of...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Fresh range joins market.
January 13, 2006... A new range of through wall non-mechanical ventilators designed to complement modern home living style has been introduced by Passivent. The fresh TLF provides discreet background ventilation in line with Building Regs Approved Document F1,...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: Floodlighting the market.
January 13, 2006... The Orion IP66 Moulded PBT Floodlight range has been developed by Ansell Lighting to provide a high quality and cost effective solution for general floodlighting applications. As the Orion is manufactured from a high grade of corrosion...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: Answering call for trunking.
January 13, 2006... Several new profiles have been added to the maxi trunking product range from Interplast. Produced from a high impact, rigid pvc formulation, the new trunking systems are said to provide a high quality specification with a pristine design....

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: New accessory range.
January 13, 2006... New from Contactum, Aspire is a white moulded accessory range. Made from a tough, durable super-melamine the range features a new curved profile which makes cleaning and maintenance simple and less time consuming. A new brochure...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: Upgraded street lighting.
January 13, 2006... Lanterns from WRTL Exterior Lighting have been specified by Glasgow City Council as part of a programme to upgrade the city's street lighting infrastructure. Around 18,000 of the company's Arc lanterns will be used to replace existing...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: Greater durability.
January 13, 2006... A new, higher specification lacquer finish has been introduced by Focus SB to its collection of electrical accessory plates. The new lacquer process is said to give the products a greater degree of durability combined with better clarity...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: Raising the urban lantern.
January 13, 2006... The Valor lantern from Aquila Design is described as a progressive and innovative design solution for a wide variety of contemporary urban applications. Designed with simple clean lines, the lantern is available in three sizes. It...

SECURITY & ACCESS CONTROL: Demystifying world of electric locking.
January 13, 2006... Robin Rice, managing director of Abloy Security, takes a look at modern electric lock technology and highlights potential advantages Traditionally, locksmiths and installers have developed their skills around conventional mechanical...

SECURITY & ACCESS CONTROL: Burglar alarm has its say.
January 13, 2006... Introduced by Logisty, Vocalis is a wireless burglar alarm which is said to be five times faster to install than a comparable wired system. The system is aesthetically styled with compact detectors and issues clear voice messages to...

SECURITY & ACCESS CONTROL: Cost effective access control.
January 13, 2006... Launched by BPT, the Impro SupaGate is a cost-effective pedestrian and vehicular proximity access control system for domestic and small commercial premises. Using RF (radio frequency) technology, the gate provides the ideal solution for...

SECURITY & ACCESS CONTROL: New partition.
January 13, 2006... A new Blastwall partition developed by British Gypsum will protect people and assets in the event of a bomb attack. Key to the new system is its lining of British Gypsum's Glasroc Multiboard, a high performance gypsum board with an integral...

SECURITY & ACCESS CONTROL: Seeing off the CO threat.
January 13, 2006... A new range of hard-wired CO alarms specifically for UK housing markets has been launched by Kidde Fyrnetics. Both models in the range feature the company's unique Smart Interconnect facility, which enables a number of Kidde Fyrnetics hard-...

SECURITY & ACCESS CONTROL: Pickproof reliability.
January 13, 2006... Claimed to offer robust, reliable pickproof security, Protec is the latest generation of rotating disc mechanism by Abloy Security. The extremely secure mechanism is ideally suited to demanding applications including hospital, industrial...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Long list of benefits.
January 13, 2006... Following extensive on-site evaluations assessing various materials and systems, the HDPE system from Geberit was chosen as the preferred below ground drainage system for the new #200 million Romford Hospital. With poor on-site ground...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Domestic solution.
January 13, 2006... The Sanivite pump from Saniflo is said to overcome the plumbing problems that accompany unusual locations because it is not reliant on gravity drainage. One of the pumps from the company's domestic range, Sanivite is usually housed in a...

ACCESS FOR ALL: Help where needed.
January 13, 2006... Based on the popular SLK Slimline Audio Kit, Help Point from Videx Security has been designed for use by anyone who needs to call for assistance when faced with obstacles, such as stairways and doors, within a building. The Help Point...

ACCESS FOR ALL: Portable ramp for easy access.
January 13, 2006... The Portable Access Ramp from Watco provides an easy and cost effective solution to access problems. Manufactured from tough aluminium, the ramp has a 300kg loading capacity, but the two models are only eight and 13kg in weight. Easy...

ACCESS FOR ALL: Half-height automatic sensor barrier.
January 13, 2006... Launched by Kaba Door Systems, the HSB is a half-height automatic sensor barrier system which provides easy, controlled access using Kaba's drive and sensor technology within a compact, ergonomically designed cabinet. The two models in the...

COMMERCIAL INTERIORS: Installation of the fittest.
January 13, 2006... Products from Ecophon, including Advantage A tiles, have been installed in pool areas, showers, toilets, changing rooms and fitness rooms in the successful chain of Jackie Skelly Fitness Centres. The moisture resistance and all round...

COMMERCIAL INTERIORS: Restoration work.
January 13, 2006... Restoration work has been carried out by Revival Decorative Mouldings at Breakspear Place, a historic 18th century house in Buckinghamshire which is being converted into apartments. Revival specialises in fibrous plasterwork based on GRG...

COMMERCIAL INTERIORS: Sporting chance at college.
January 13, 2006... The ageing sports hall floor at Tavistock College has been replaced by Altro Mondosport HP W as part of a major refurbishment. The new wood effect Mondosport HP W floor was laid over the summer and has been marked up with a range of courts....

COMMERCIAL INTERIORS: Guests applaud the board.
January 13, 2006... The very high levels of sound insulation required to achieve the Rw 55dB on-site target at Coventry FC's new #60 million stadium have been met by installing Gyproc SoundBloc from British Gypsum. The high performance acoustic board has been...

COMMERCIAL INTERIORS: Inviting office look.
January 13, 2006... The award-winning fully glazed frameless Solare partitioning system from Avanti has been supplied to Uckfield-based Clearwater Group to achieve a transparent and inviting visual effect for its new offices. The Solare system has been...

COMMERCIAL INTERIORS: Floor aims to make school dinners fun.
January 13, 2006... Pupils at King James School in Knaresborough can dine in a funky and sociable environment in an innovatively designed dining hall which features Straticolor multi-colour core laminate from Abet. Working with a limited space, the designer...

COMMERCIAL INTERIORS: The art of flooring.
January 13, 2006... When the flooring in the sixth form building at Lampton School in Hounslow needed replacing, the A level Art students were invited to submit their own designs following a presentation from Floorcraft, the design team from Tarkett-Marley Floors....

COMMERCIAL INTERIORS: First design and build.
January 13, 2006... Jersey's first design and build school is being constructed on a greatly accelerated timescale with innovative building methods using Fermacell wall board from Xella. Le Rocquier school is being rebuilt in stages on its existing site, and...

COMMERCIAL INTERIORS: Products with a silver lining.
January 13, 2006... Available in the UK exclusively from Barwood Products, Actisafe is a range of products for special needs applications which combines the strength of a high-performance coating material with the antibacterial properties of silver. Claimed...

COMMERCIAL INTERIORS: Atrium glass in Eden.
January 13, 2006... Specialist atrium glazing has been supplied and fitted by Planet Partitioning for the latest structure built as part of the Eden Project. The #15m education centre known as The Core will play host to exhibitions, events and school...

FLOORING: Giving an edge to theatre.
January 13, 2006... Stair edgings from Gradus have been installed at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth as part of a #2.5 million refurbishment project. The aluminium stair edgings, with pvc slip resistant inserts in Snowdrift (white) were installed on all...