What's New in Building articles from July 2005

What's New in Building archives from July 2005

Living solution brings a touch of balance to town and city design.
July 18, 2005... Biodiverse living green roofs can help achieve a sustainable balance and offer a variety of environmental benefits, according to Sarnafil The ever increasing demand for housing and work space is expanding our towns and cities, reducing the...

Roof is in the swim.
July 18, 2005... All-in-one Ward Topdek single ply insulated roofing panel was chosen to cover the roof of a new swimming pool at Nidderdale High School, Pately Bridge, North Yorkshire. The project provides swimming facilities for both the school and the...

Lighting fits in well at college.
July 18, 2005... With its combination of aesthetics, performance and value, Ridi Lighting's SQL range has fitted in well at the new Hair and Beauty Department at Croydon College. Designed by Storp of Germany, the SQL range is a simple one-body design...

Grp turrets to match timber.
July 18, 2005... Hampshire-based architectural features company Good Directions produces roof turrets which, although made of maintenance-free grp, look like authentic wood cupolas. It is now possible to replicate old cupolas using measurements taken from...

Students get the glazed look.
July 18, 2005... Oxford area students are benefiting from a glazing package by Senior Aluminium Systems (SAS). Working with fabricators Dorma UK, SAS has installed over 300 SPW 600 windows into the new build of eight student accommodation buildings on...

Laminates stand out.
July 18, 2005... For eyecatching exteriors, a range of exterior grade high pressure laminates from DL Geaves provides specifiers, designers, and architects with an extensive choice of colours and patterns. Suitable for office, retail and domestic...

Shelves feature integral LEDs.
July 18, 2005... Vitro-Light is a complete glass shelving system from Prefit, specialist in fittings for glass, incorporating an integral LED strip so the shelves can be back lit. Aimed at retailers, interiors designers, architects and shopfitters,...

On a learning curve.
July 18, 2005... Impressional panels from Gooding Aluminium have been used at the offices of BPP Professional Education. The `wrap around' reception desk is composed of GA Impressional geometric panels which complement glass and wood veneer finishes. ...

Save time and money tiling.
July 18, 2005... Two tiling products which save both time and money are Ardex D 30 commercial and domestic ready mixed wall tile adhesive and Ardex X 7 G Plus grey flexible adhesive with built-in admix for floor and wall tiling. D 30's high adhesion...

Small gap filler.
July 18, 2005... The Webbseal range of sealants and adhesives from illbruck Sealant Systems now includes a small gap filler. Webbseal Small Gap Filler is a one part solvent based paste for filling and sealing narrow joints between pvcu extrusions and other...

Edge to stop drips.
July 18, 2005... Stainless steel specialist GEC Anderson has launched an edge profile that can be specified with its made-to-measure stainless steel sinktops and worktops. The Anti-Drip edge is a practical yet aesthetically pleasing alternative to the...

Insulation with no hot spots.
July 18, 2005... When Phil Mutter needed a skylight for his kitchen, he found conventional glass would not be acceptable under current energy saving requirements. Instead, he chose Nanogel from Stoakes Systems, a translucent, highly insulating system that...

Off-site works covered by DVD.
July 18, 2005... Two DVDs available from Yorkon show how off-site construction can be used in the health and education sectors. Projects featured include a three storey healthcare facility for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, believed to be the UK's...

Service desk for rapid reply.
July 18, 2005... Rapid response to customer queries is promised following the introduction of a dedicated service desk at Trus Joist's Hopwood headquarters. `We get technical questions about all sorts of specification and installation issues,' says Jason...

Tests cast doubt on safety claim.
July 18, 2005... Even insulations marked as `firesafe' are in fact combustible. That's the finding of tests conducted by Pittsburgh Corning. Tests were conducted on two identical roofs, one using the company's Foamglas, the other an alternative insulation....

Ageing roof is future-proof.
July 18, 2005... As a long term refurbishment solution for ageing metal roofs on the Fareham industrial estate, architect Nelson Bakewell turned to Delvemade. The roofs themselves were in good condition, but the manufacturer's pvc coating needed...

CD Rom on showers.
July 18, 2005... As a guide to thermostatic showers, Swadling has produced a CD Rom. It describes the technology behind the company's thermostatic valve and goes on to feature demonstrations of the showers operating at varying levels of water pressure. ...

Latest recruit to timber scheme.
July 18, 2005... Norfolk-based Install Direct is the latest specialist contractor to join the British Woodworking Federation's Timber Window Accreditation scheme. Around 80% of the company's work involves timber windows to building contractors and...

Catalogue is biggest ever.
July 18, 2005... At 1,100 pages, this year's Hafele architectural ironmongery catalogue is the biggest ever. Each of its 11 colour coded sections is referenced to help specifiers find what they want quickly and easily. The biggest section is devoted to...

Wall chart aids drain selection.
July 18, 2005... Drainage specialist Clark-Drain has brought out a product selector wall chart. It gives details on how to select the right access cover and frame, or surface water drainage product for any application. Also available in a handy guide...

Angela backs safety project.
July 18, 2005... To coincide with the launch of the Work at Height regulations, Safesite has introduced its Project Height campaign. Presented by Angela Rippon, Project Height is based on the actual prosecution of a property manager following the death of a...

STOP PRESS: Cooking with stone.
July 18, 2005... Over recent years Burlington natural stone has become a popular choice in kitchens as both floors and work surfaces. Aside from the aesthetic appeal of natural stone, its technical properties make it an ideal material for kitchens, as not...

STOP PRESS: Modern and traditional.
July 18, 2005... Combining modern features with traditional design, Imperial Bathrooms has introduced the Etoile suite of period hand-crafted sanitaryware. The suite features a traditional square fronted hand basin, with or without pedestal, a bidet and a...

STOP PRESS: Cable system sets standard.
July 18, 2005... North Lanarkshire Council's education department has chosen Rehau's Signo BS powder coated steel cable management system for the science laboratories of many of its secondary schools. An initial contract to install Signo BS in Our Lady's...

STOP PRESS: Simple design is versatile too.
July 18, 2005... Simple yet versatile in design, Interalia is one of Vogue UK's most popular heated towel rails. Handcrafted from brass, the rails have a `tube on tube' design with sleek straight lines. Available in a selection of sizes and finishes,...

STOP PRESS: Acrylic mirrors won't shatter.
July 18, 2005... Developed from Securikey's traditional range of acrylic shatterproof resistant interior and exterior mirrors, these products form part of an ever expanding range designed for specific markets. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

STOP PRESS: Daylight comes in a tube.
July 18, 2005... Rooflight manufacturer Brett Martin Daylight Systems has introduced its Mardome Sunlight tubular rooflight system. Quick and easy to install, it provides high levels of daylight to otherwise dark or artificially lit areas in homes and...

STOP PRESS: Trough in demand.
July 18, 2005... Speed and ease of installation were key factors in the success of RMC Precast Products' cable troughs on a project on the M42. Some 20km of straight and curved troughs with removable lids were supplied, with a peak demand of 3,000 units a...

STOP PRESS: Radiator makes decorating easy.
July 18, 2005... Anyone who has had to remove a radiator to paint behind it will welcome the Adacto from Taps International. Hinged at the bottom with flexible tube connections, the radiator can be angled up to 30 degrees from the wall, allowing easy access...

STOP PRESS: Handrail compatible with DDA recommendations.
July 18, 2005... Under the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act, commercial and public building owners must provide non-discriminatory balustrading on stairways and ramps. The 500 range of Kee Klamp fittings is designed to give a smooth handrail with size...

STOP PRESS: Compact light control system.
July 18, 2005... Expanding its SPECS3 range of fully addressable lighting controls, Simmtronic has introduced systems for corporate development projects where DALI electronic ballasts are specified. The two new compact LCMs are for use in chilled beams and...

STOP PRESS: Strength and flexibility in one.
July 18, 2005... Hanson Aggregates, in partnership with Sika, has launched Flexicrete multi-purpose rapid surfacing system. Combining the strength of concrete with the flexibility of asphalt, the semi-flexible, joint-free heavy duty material enables floors...

STOP PRESS: Top drawer for Dior.
July 18, 2005... In the Dior for Men display at Harrods, London, Springwell Manufacturing's Parapan is being used to display Christian Dior clothing and accessories. Drawers and display units made from black and white Parapan create a glossy monochrome...

STOP PRESS: Rosewood range increases.
July 18, 2005... To meet demand for its cellular pvc roofline and cladding profiles, Swish Building Products has increased its collection of Rosewood foiled boards. The wood grain effect matches existing systems supplied by many door and window...

STOP PRESS: Something for bath disciples.
July 18, 2005... One of four new collections from Deva Tap Company, Apostle has a modern cross-handled design in chrome styling with luxurious finishing touches. The collection of brassware within the range extends to both kitchens and bathrooms,...

SUSTAINABILITY: Will green technology mean no more boilers?
July 18, 2005... Tony Nott, product manager of new technologies for Worcester Bosch, looks at developments in the heating industry As far as boilers are concerned, condensing is now the norm. Manufacturers have harnessed the technology to a standard which...

SUSTAINABILITY: No effect on ozone.
July 18, 2005... As part of Kingspan Insulation's commitment to social responsibility, its KoolDuct ducting has zero ozone depletion potential. It is fabricated from CFC/HCFC-free rigid phenolic insulation panels, faced with reinfoced aluminium foil on both...

SUSTAINABILITY: Seminars on SUDS.
July 18, 2005... Sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) are now the preferred solutions for surface water drainage according to building regulations. To help construction professionals meet the regulations, a series of training seminars has been launched by...

SUSTAINABILITY: Urban tree control.
July 18, 2005... Latest brochure from Addagrip covers the Addastone tree pit and matrix pavers system. It provides information on sustainable tree management in urban areas. Both systems use Addastone TP resin mixed with a natural recycled aggregate...

SUSTAINABILITY: Window wins BRE `A' rating.
July 18, 2005... Low environmental impact is one advantage of the manufacture of pultruded profiles used in the construction of Octaveward's Samson windows. The profiles have been given an A rating by Building Research Establishment study into composite...

SUSTAINABILITY: Roof tiles are top of the list.
July 18, 2005... Increased levels of environmental awareness put Lothian from Russell Roof Tiles at the top of the list for specifiers and contractors. The tile has been used at a new East Midlands development from Westbury Homes. In comparison to a...

SUSTAINABILITY: Sustainable interior option.
July 18, 2005... As well as design versatility and low lifecyle costs, Tarkett's Granit iQ vinyls are a sustainable option for retail interiors. Tarkett iQ vinyls in a range of exclusive colours have been chosen by the Dixons Group for the refurbishment of...

SUSTAINABILITY: Sustainable solution puts air con in the shade.
July 18, 2005... David Gordon, sales & marketing director at Levolux, explains the benefits of solar shading in the context of `green' building design Sustainability has been embraced and encouraged by many as a tangible method of creating more acceptable...

AIR CONDITIONING: Gallery keeps cool.
July 18, 2005... Cooling for the Yorkshire Sculpture Park gallery space is provided by two Carrier 30RA Aquasnap chillers. The purpose built gallery building is predominantly concrete and has a south facing glass wall. It provides three large,...

AIR CONDITIONING: Attractive splits.
July 18, 2005... Specialist contractor Air Cool Engineering has begun the final phase of residential air conditioning and ventilation installation at Chelsea Bridge Wharf. Many apartments in the riverside development are air conditioned using split systems...

AIR CONDITIONING: Safe bet for bookie.
July 18, 2005... Independent bookmaker BetFred has specified Trion Space Saver air cleaners in a series of shops across the country. `Creating the right shop environment is a key factor in our success,' says Len Hodges of BetFred. `We know how successful...

AIR CONDITIONING: Air control for pricey hotel.
July 18, 2005... Two Trox factories worked closely together to supply a range of air conditioning components to the world's most expensive hotel. The five-star Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, rumoured to have cost around #2 billion to build, includes a range...

AIR CONDITIONING: Wall mounts and cassettes.
July 18, 2005... Latest range of air conditioning equipment from Powrmatic includes both wall mounted and cassette type units all of which are suitable for R410A refrigerant. This refrigerant is efficient in terms of cooling but is also very efficient for...

SECURITY & FIRE PROTECTION: Thereby hangs a tale.
July 18, 2005... The importance of passive fire protection is enforced by the BWF- Certifire Fire Door and Doorset Scheme. A fire door recently saved the life of a Devon man when a fire broke out in his flat as he slept. Not only did the sturdy fire...

SECURITY & FIRE PROTECTION: Security solutions.
July 18, 2005... The comprehensive range of high security solutions from Abloy has been extended by the new multi-function electric DIN locks. Designed for simple specification and installation, the multi-function properties of the range cater for all...

SECURITY & FIRE PROTECTION: Fire protection products.
July 18, 2005... Fire protection products from Hunter Plastics, including the new Quickstop, have helped Hallmark Estates comply with fire regulations at a large new four-storey multi-use building in Kentish Town. Quickstop has been developed specifically...

RETAIL & DOMESTIC INTERIORS: Aesthetics plus safety.
July 18, 2005... The extensive range of radiator cabinets from Winther Browne includes the Soho (above), a cool, contemporary cabinet with a smooth, frosted, toughened glass panel, maple veneer frame and brushed metal details. The cabinets not only make an...

RETAIL & DOMESTIC INTERIORS: Superior stability offer.
July 18, 2005... Said to offer a superior fit and greater stability, the Synchrofit engineered flooring system has been developed by Finnforest. The flooring features an engineered three layer construction with a 4mm wear layer of top grade, premium wood....

RETAIL & DOMESTIC INTERIORS: Restoration of decorative plasterwork.
July 18, 2005... Tyringham Hall near Milton Keynes has been saved from dereliction with help from Revival Decorative Mouldings. The project involved restoration of decorative fibrous plaster which was carried out by the award-winning contractors. By...

RETAIL & DOMESTIC INTERIORS: Strong and resistant to stains.
July 18, 2005... Polished porcelain tiles from Pamesa, a member company of Tile of Spain, have been specified for the new premises of the famous century- old Gazzano Delicatessen in Farringdon. The Valencia tiles are exceptionally strong and resistant to...

FLOORS & FLOORCOVERINGS: Staff make their claim.
July 18, 2005... A staff focus group at insurance services company RIAS has selected Desso Capella low-level loop pile carpet tiles from Armstrong Floor Products for its new offices in Bournemouth. The staff selected Desso Capella tiles in blue for the main...

FLOORS & FLOORCOVERINGS: Strengthening its case.
July 18, 2005... Developed to complement the ranges of pipe boxing and radiator covers from Contour Casings, Contour CDT is a complete range of galvanised steel flush floor ducting for laying pipework in screeded floors. Including corners, t-sections, stop...

FLOORS & FLOORCOVERINGS: New brand identity.
July 18, 2005... The popular Supacord range from Heckmondwike FB has been relaunched with the creation of a new dynamic brand identity and redesigned sample cards. The new card contains swatches in 40 different colourways, and includes the ten recent...

FLOORS & FLOORCOVERINGS: Proven performance.
July 18, 2005... The Weather Dek2 range of flooring systems from Puhos has been extended by the addition of the Elite Fast-Fix package. The package is said to combine all the proven characteristics of the Weather Dek2 concept with a high performance P7...

FLOORS & FLOORCOVERINGS: Hard-wearing safety floorcovering.
July 18, 2005... Meeting the brief for a cost-effective, hard-wearing safety floorcovering with excellent slip-resistant abrasive qualities, Safetred Universal from Marley Floors has been installed at the two new ferry berths at the Port of Dover on the...

FLOORS & FLOORCOVERINGS: Fun with modular floors.
July 18, 2005... Some 1400 sq m of modular flooring from Interface has been specified for the new purpose-built head office premises of mobile computing specialists Ergo Computing. The new facility is said to be the most advanced of its kind in the UK and...

FLOORS & FLOORCOVERINGS: Making a primary entrance.
July 18, 2005... New to the market from Gradus is Esplanade Plus Open, a heavy duty, engineered primary entrance mat. The open construction product is said to reinforce the company's reputation for producing quality, durable matting for use in high traffic...

FLOORS & FLOORCOVERINGS: Magnificent seven in Cardiff.
July 18, 2005... Solid hardwood floors from Junckers were specified for seven separate areas of the Wales Millennium Centre Building in Cardiff Bay. Nearly 1500 sq m of Junckers' pre-finished 22mm solid Beech was laid using a variety of specialist...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Design at your desktop.
July 18, 2005... An online Design Studio has been launched by Armitage Venesta to offer specifiers and designers the opportunity to create colourful and functional washrooms in a photo-real environment. The Design Studio uses Armitage Venesta's...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Designer style radiators.
July 18, 2005... In response to increasing demand in the UK for designer style radiators, Vasco has extended its Express Stock range. This range offers high quality designer style radiators with a 10 year guarantee to the UK within three days. The...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: New Showertays.
July 18, 2005... New acrylic capped Waterguard Showertrays, said to be half the weight of traditional resin trays, have been launched by Coram Showers. Even the largest size tray in the range - at 1200mm - weighs less than 25kg, making installation a...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Glass gives a luxury feel.
July 18, 2005... Specialist glazing company DR Services has manufactured and supplied its glazing systems and products for the internal bathrooms of new apartments constructed on the site of a disused timber yard by the River Thames near Kingston. Mirrors...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Italian style invasion.
July 18, 2005... Now available from bathroom product distributor Alexanders, the Hidra Ceramica Pluivia Collection is said to bring sleek Italian design to the UK. Manufactured from bright white china and featuring soft curved lines, the Pluivia offers...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Excellent result for pupils.
July 18, 2005... The Portaloo Junior washroom has been launched by Portakabin in response to requests for portable washroom facilities that are designed specifically for use by primary school age children. The children's toilet unit has an all-steel...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Simpler ordering.
July 18, 2005... A new kit system for Mermaid waterproof wall panels has been introduced by Norske Interiors to simplify ordering. Three different kits are currently available - a Shower Kit for two- sided shower enclosures, a Wall Kit for bathside walls or...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Are you an S or an E person?
July 18, 2005... Brand new styling said to be totally in tune with our natural design preferences has been introduced by Hansgrohe to its Metris and Metropol bathroom mixers. Each range is offered in E (elegant, with soft, organic contours) and S...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: New arrivals for family.
July 18, 2005... The popular Classic Duo bath line from Kaldewei has been extended, with three new sizes bringing the total to five. The Classic Duo bath, from the Ambiente product range which was created by Italian designer Ettore Sottsass, is now...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Washbasin sculptures.
July 18, 2005... Elevating the washbasin to a work of art is Ciottolo, the washbasin sculptures by Sieger Design and now available from Duravit. The new basins are offered in three very distinctive designs: circular washbowl; a water droplet shaped basin...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Brassware in pocket.
July 18, 2005... A huge range of brassware to complement contemporary and traditional kitchens is available from The Kitchen Works. Pictured is the Silver Single lever Monoblock Mixer which is said to be a perfect example of the increasingly popular...

ARCHITECTURAL IRONMONGERY: Key players on the market add profile.
July 18, 2005... A new selection of profile cylinders has been added to the DoorSafe range of door hardware from Roto Frank. Available in both keyed alike and keyed differently versions, the new cylinders feature a 6-pin anti-drill system with 240,000...

ARCHITECTURAL IRONMONGERY: Modern take on Middle Ages.
July 18, 2005... Now available from Sussex Brassware is the Italian Giara collection of door furniture manufactured from prized metals that date back to the Middle Ages. Featuring the silvery alloy Britannium and Bronze metals, the range features a choice...

PAINTS & FINISHES: CD aids product selection.
July 18, 2005... An interactive CD has been produced by Jotun Paints contains all the information needed to generate the most suitable coating specifications for any particular product. The CD also contains technical and safety data sheets, case histories,...

PAINTS & FINISHES: Greater spread for woodcare.
July 18, 2005... The extensive range of exterior wood finishes from ICI Woodcare has been extended by the launch of Cuprinol Trade Cladding & Fence Opaque Finish, an opaque wood stain that has been designed specifically for exterior non-joinery timber. ...

PAINTS & FINISHES: Internal makeover.
July 18, 2005... Paints from Zinsser have been used in the internal makeover of Royal William Yard in Plymouth. The granite-built former naval victaulling yard is being transformed into a waterfront development of 125 apartments. A two-coat formula - a...

LANDSCAPING: Long stay car park.
July 18, 2005... Some 400 sq m of Chelsea Drive Setts have been supplied by RMC Concrete Products for a large car park at the new headquarters of construction and property company Esh Group in Bowburn, Co Durham. Comprising a strong, versatile concrete...

LANDSCAPING: Turning Japanese.
July 18, 2005... Handcrafted paving materials from Blanc de Bierges have been specified to complement the Japanese landscape theme at the Nottingham Breast Institute. Blanc de Bierges setts were laid in a radiating pattern outside the main entrance and...

LANDSCAPING: Repeating history.
July 18, 2005... Natural granite paving in silver grey and red has been supplied by Charcon for Exeter High Street. Predominantly silver grey paving and stainless steel street furniture were chosen to unify the appearance of the High Street, and on...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Deal is locked tight.
July 18, 2005... Hertfordshire trade fabricator Welglaze has appointed Groupco as main supplier of multi-point locking systems. Fuhr Multisafe locks from Groupco are now specified exclusively for the Welguard range of French doors and pvc-u coloured doors....

DOORS & WINDOWS: Lintel contains its own shutter.
July 18, 2005... To protect window and door openings, the Cavilintel steel lintel contains its own integral slatted security shutter. Push-button controls allow the shutter to be fully or partially lowered. In the raised position the shutter disappears...