What's New in Building articles from July 2007

What's New in Building archives from July 2007

COMMENT: July 2007.
July 10, 2007... As a commercial response to global warming, carbon offsetting sounds good. Sadly, some of the schemes out there are opportunistic and of dubious value. At the moment there is nothing to stop a company running a scheme that doesn't even exist....

NEWS: Framework sets off on Antarctic expedition.
July 10, 2007... The first phase of pre-engineered timber floor and deck components from Framework CDM are currently making their way to the new Antarctic-based British Antarctic Survey research station, Halley VI. Due to extreme weather conditions, the project...

NEWS: What's in a name?
July 10, 2007... SIMON STORER external affairs director construction products association By the time you read this Gordon Brown's long wait will be finally over and he will have made the short but momentous move from number 11 to number 10 Downing Street....

NEWS: UK lags behind on sustainability.
July 10, 2007... Despite all the recent publicity about climate change and dwindling resources, the UK building industry is still dragging its heels when it comes to sustainable design and construction, according to a recent survey commissioned by Autodesk and...

NEWS: The way forward.
July 10, 2007... Paul Everall chief executive of local authority building control Last month I wrote about the Government's views on the future of building control. This month I should like to focus on the reason why building control has gained a much...

NEWS: Light relief for London office.
July 10, 2007... Visitors and employees in offices at 38 Finsbury Square, London, enter a sophisticated corporate environment of light and glass, illuminated by Chaos Design Consultants. An impressive reception area has been enhanced by the installation of an...

NEWS: Counting on eco-homes.
July 10, 2007... Inspired Developments, the regeneration arm of construction group Seddon, is to transform a site in Manchester into 10 new eco-homes. The innovative new development of traditional four bedroom homes features a range of unprecedented...

NEWS: SFS charges into Cornwall.
July 10, 2007... The Toll Booths at the Cornish end of the Tamar Bridge, which carries 50,000 cars a day, have been upgraded following the bridge's widening. A canopy structure has been erected over the toll plaza comprising a series of scallop sectioned...

NEWS IN BRIEF: Clear choice.
July 10, 2007... An exclusive range of stunning Italian glass doors is now available in the UK from John Planck. Henry Glass doors are described as the ultimate in dramatic internal openings offering architects and designers complete design versatility. ...

NEWS IN BRIEF: Web success.
July 10, 2007... The definitive guide to Approved Document M of the Building Regulations for the door and hardware industry is proving a hit with both the industry - thousands of copies of the guide have been downloaded from the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF)...

NEWS IN BRIEF: Starstuck SIKA.
July 10, 2007... Sika supplied the specialist bonding and sealing solution for a spectacular mirrored glass structure created by English Architectural Glazing (EAG) at London's world-famous Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

NEWS: Feeling the force?
July 10, 2007... A dancefloor that converts pressure from clubbers' feet into electricity to light the venue is just one of the radical ideas being explored in the design of Rotterdam's Sustainable Dance Club. The club is a concept of Rotterdam-based...

NEWS: Kooling all engines.
July 10, 2007... Advanced ducting technology from Kingspan Insulation is providing pre- insulated air distribution at the University of Lincoln's new #6 million student centre. Air ducting at The Engine Shed, the 1500 capacity Students' Union entertainment...

Ask the architects.
July 10, 2007... Rodrigo Gutierrez SW Architects WNIB finds out how and why architects choose certain products. This month we spoke to Rodrigo Gutierrez of SW Architects. What sector do you work in most? Predominantly the residential commercial...

LETTER: Steel yourself for higher costs.(Letter to the editor)
July 10, 2007... The rising cost of raw materials has made the news recently with increased manufacturing costs and the impact on businesses across the board. Steel is a prime example. The price of steel has risen by 50% in the last three years and this...

LETTER: Drain storming.(Letter to the editor)
July 10, 2007... Oliver Palmer's suggestion (June issue, `Feedback') that Interpave's designs for responsible rainwater management around homes, including raingardens, look much like what was done in the past is quite right - in principle at least. But he...

LETTER: Credit where credit is due.(Letter to the editor)
July 10, 2007... I have been receiving your magazine for years and it has been useful to me as a specifier in terms of sourcing materials - but not for much else, frankly. Then a few months ago it suddenly changed format and the front editorial section...

COVER STORY: Joist the job.
July 10, 2007... Warren Dudding of Finnforest explores technical innovations in engineered timber I-joists There is a need among the industry to meet the requirements of the drive towards buildings with a lower carbon footprint; offsite and pre- fabricated...

REVIEW BRE OFFSITE 07: Housebuilding: a taste of things to come.
July 10, 2007... The Building Research Establishment's Offsite 07 event showed how zero carbon housing can be achieved Last month thousands of people made the journey to the BRE in Watford to see a display of houses, buit using off-site construction...

PROJECT: Centre focuses: Community spirit.
July 10, 2007... St Mary's Osterley church hall Architect: Chambers Goodwin & Partners Quantity surveyor: Cook & Butler Suppliers: Timber frame - Pace Northern Photovoltaics - BP Solar Bricks - Ibstock Windows - Rationel Concrete floor - Tarmac...

HOUSEBUILDING: Our eco friends in the north.
July 10, 2007... Bruce Meechan journeys to Manchester to learn what the Living-i housing development involves and what it can offer the industry While a large part of the construction industry was preparing to set off for Watford to see what the latest...

SUSTAINABILITY: Quick off the blocks.
July 10, 2007... H+H UK's head of marketing, Ian Exall, highlights the various environmental benefits of aircrete block technology With the Code for Sustainable Homes expected to become mandatory in 2008 there is increasing pressure to ensure building...

TopStory: House building/bricks & blocks.
July 10, 2007... They say old ideas are the best, and now Cavity Trays, the Yeovil-based dpc and flashing specialist has come up with a modern version of an old idea. It's a new twist on the masonry bleed straw, called a Pyramid Weep. The Cavity Trays design is...

HOUSEBUILDING: Specialists in self-build.
July 10, 2007... Tarmac recognises that the needs of self-builders and renovators are different to those of national house builders and developers. Whether building for profit or constructing the dream home, every self builder and renovator has to develop...

HOUSEBUILDING: Wall system suits U values.
July 10, 2007... Natural Building Technologies (NBT) is launching Pavaclad, an external wall system with impressive U-values down to 0.16 W/sq mK. The two versions of the Pavaclad frame system are ecologically sound, easy to build, and allow builders to...

HOUSEBUILDING: Eco-friendly aircrete.
July 10, 2007... Channel 4's Grand Designs has shown that aircrete blocks are not just lighter than dense aggregate blocks, but their eco footprint is also lighter on the planet. Improvised scales were created on a live building site to show that three...

HOUSEBUILDING: GRP cladding has look of tile.
July 10, 2007... GRP building products specialist Stormking has introduced a new tile effect cladding, using their hi-tech open mould resin technology to develop a product with the authentic look of traditional external wall tiles. Copyright: CMP...

HOUSEBUILDING: Continuous wall handrail design.
July 10, 2007... From Jeld-Wen, the patented continuous Conti-Wall handrail system is said to be simple to install. The seamless solution reduces installation time and the need for specialist joinery skills. Diecast in zinc with a white factory finish, it...

HOUSEBUILDING: Zero carbon in Somerset.
July 10, 2007... Ecos Homes is embarking on a project in Somerset to build some of the UK's first zero carbon homes, which will be exempt from stamp duty. The company will design and construct the homes to the Code for Sustainable Homes' highest level,...

SUSTAINABILITY: No time for eco-bling and sustaina-babble.
July 10, 2007... Depite spiralling energy costs and challenging legislation, clients are adopting an increasingly mature approach to sustainability through collaborative fusion, argues Jeremy Percy The time for knee jerk green tokenism and Eco-Bling are...

SUSTAINABILITY: Concrete's cool solution.
July 10, 2007... By 2040, the number of days on which temperatures will exceed 25 degrees Celsius will have doubled according to The Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers*. By 2080, it will have tripled. Understanding how this will impact on...

SUSTAINABILITY: Keep it clean.
July 10, 2007... Jeremy Leggett, chief executive of Solarcentury, examines the role solar PV is playing in generating clean energy Solar PV is an efficient and relevant route to generating power for homes and businesses. It is already being used to great...

TopStory: Renewables & environmental.
July 10, 2007... A technically advanced roof dome makes SolaLighting's Solatube Daylighting System a bright prospect in homes, offices, factories, hospitals, schools and many other applications. The dome features a patented Raybender 3000 Fresnel lens system...

RENEWABLES: Solar systems for care home.
July 10, 2007... Three solar panel systems for Blackbrook House, a new private care home for the elderly in Constable country at Stratford St Mary, Essex, will be controlled by Oventrop Regusol transmission stations. Installer Cooper and Brome Contracts needed...

RENEWABLES: Flexible pipework.
July 10, 2007... Rehau offers flexible heating and plumbing pipework and a patented Everloc jointing system. The company is enjoying continued success with the system which has all the benefits of flexible pipework such as ease and speed of installation,...

RENEWABLES: Harvesting adds value.
July 10, 2007... Green building standards are turning rainwater harvesting into a `must- have' accessory which adds value to new homes. As a result, using rainwater to flush toilets and water gardens will soon be much more common in new homes. Installing...

SUSTAINABILITY: Ventilators in them thar hills.
July 10, 2007... Thirty four custom-built grass-covered smoke ventilators have been supplied by Bilco for the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre in County Clare on the west coast of Ireland. The ventilators, which will be used to allow smoke to escape in the...

SUSTAINABILITY: Heating up solar market.
July 10, 2007... Specifically introduced to further extend Ideal Stelrad's comprehensive product offering, Ideal Solar is described as an energy efficient and simple to install solar water heating system. The launch means that installers, specifiers, social...

BATHROOMS: Saving grace.
July 10, 2007... You don't have to compromise on design to save water in the bathroom, says Matt Watson, marketing manager of Hansgrohe There is currently no direct legislation governing water usage, but as climate change becomes an inescapable issue the...

TopStory: Bathrooms.
July 10, 2007... Coram Showers has launched Acora, a retail range of shower enclosures and bath screens that combines elegant, contemporary design with smooth operation and watertight performance. There are six contemporary enclosure designs in the...

BATHROOMS: Flush with success.
July 10, 2007... Geberit, the supplier of sanitary, supply and drainage systems had a successful show at this year's Bathroom & Kitchen EXPO. Visitors to the company's stand witnessed live product demonstrations and a range of solutions, such as the Geberit...

BATHROOMS: Innovative showers.
July 10, 2007... Italian shower manufacturer Cesana claims to have designed some of the most innovative shower solutions in the market. The Half Moon enclosure is designed with simplicity in mind. Attracive and functional, this enclosure consists of a...

BATHROOMS: Mint fresh mermaids.
July 10, 2007... Glistening Mint Crush is one of the latest colours to join the Tropical collection of Mermaid waterproof wall panels from Norske Interiors. Its tones of soft green and crushed ice are enhanced by the pearlescent effect which adds a sparkle...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Watertight case for showers.
July 10, 2007... THE NEW CAPRICORN range of enclosures from Kinedo requires no silicone to ensure watertight installation. The Capricorn 6mm also features telescopic adjustment so that one door will fit many tray sizes. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Lever options meet new regs.
July 10, 2007... New lever handle options have been added to the Solo T3 thermostatic basin mixer from Sirrus to provide compliance with the new HTM64 regulations for use in hospitals. Two single lever handle options are now available for hospitals and care...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Flexible friend for cooks.
July 10, 2007... DESCRIBED AS A very different type of tap, the Pot Filler is now available from Franke. Being highly practical and variable, the extendable wall-mounted utility tap takes water to the point of use, enabling large containers to be filled...

FLOORING: In praise of PVC.
July 10, 2007... Hazel Cook, contract marketing manager at Gerflor, challenges the view that, when it comes to floors, natural equals green PVC may be man-made but, due to the highly efficient manufacturing processes and a continuous drive amongst...

TopStory: Flooring.
July 10, 2007... Metallic Weave is a new carpet tile design from InterfaceFlor. It is inspired by woven textures and uses metallic and reflective materials to achieve broken weave effects. Available in 10 contemporary colourways, its subtle woven structures,...

FLOORING: Pocket guide to grouts.
July 10, 2007... Ardex's pocket format SystemArdex Tile Fixing Guides have been designed to provide easy to use guidance on choosing the ideal Ardex tiling, grouting or rendering system for the job. The new guide includes the recently launched X7R rapid...

FLOORING: Invaluable reference aid.
July 10, 2007... An indispensable reference tool for contractors and specifiers, F Ball's Flooring Installation Products brochure has been updated following the recent launch of several new products. This definitive guide details the company's ranges of...

FLOORING: Out on deck in Coventry.
July 10, 2007... As part of the Belgrade Plaza development in Coventry, Leigh Mills multi-storey car park is being extended and improved with the addition of five new levels. Sika car park decking systems are being used throughout the refurbishment....

FLOORING: Adhesive is a tile's best friend.
July 10, 2007... ARDEX's fastest setting and hardening tile adhesive, Ardex-Flex 6001, was specified to fix 400sq m of Parmesa floor tiles at the new Dogs Trust centre in Leeds. Ardex-Flex 6001 is renowned for versatile and effective performance with all...

FLOORING: Wee dram for matting.
July 10, 2007... Refurbishment and developments, coupled with improved health and safety standards, has resulted in several Scottish breweries, distilleries and bonded warehouses using large quantities of Heronair matting from Plastic Extruders. Typical...

INTERIORS: Walls on wheels.
July 10, 2007... Phil Jones, group marketing manager at Dorma, explains the advantages of lightweight movable wall systems In the past, movable partitions could not be considered for some projects, due to structural deficiencies. Now a radical alternative...

INTERIORS: Back to nature.
July 10, 2007... Stylish hotel, bar and restaurant interiors are just some of the smart places where you'll soon be able to admire the latest surfacing material from Formica Delivering the look of natural wood with the practicality of laminate, Veneer is a...

INTERIORS: CPD presentation will come to you.
July 10, 2007... A new CPD seminar presentation entitled Frameless Glass Fittings for Doors, Screens and Canopies from the Architectural Ironmongery Division of Hafele has now been approved by RIBA.It can be delivered by Hafele personnel at customer offices...

INTERIORS: Balanced room acoustics for UK.
July 10, 2007... Well known in large parts of Europe as the one-stop-shop for achieving balanced room acoustics with suspended ceiling systems, OWA is now offering its cost-effective, high quality products and technical support in Britain and Ireland, backed by...

INTERIORS: Sound choice for cinemas.
July 10, 2007... A new range of perforated acoustic plasterboards from Lafarge, Pregybel is designed for use in cinemas, auditoriums, schools, communal apartment corridors and any other application where sound absorption is required, combining aesthetics with...

AIR CONDITIONING: The wind of change.
July 10, 2007... Predicting a change in attitude, climate patterns and consumer expectations, Tony Gittings of LG looks at the advent of the domestic air conditioning market CHANGES IN ATTITUDE, climate patterns and consumer expectations will inevitably...