What's New in Building articles from June 2006

What's New in Building archives from June 2006

New Lafarge Procem fills a gap in the market.
June 26, 2006... The launch of a new higher-strength cement is a result of Lafarge Cement's extensive national research into the needs of the construction industry A new higher-strength cement product from Lafarge Cement UK hits the shelves this spring -...

Beetham Tower topped out.
June 26, 2006... The dramatic #155m 47-storey Beetham Tower - currently the highest living space in the UK - including a new Hilton hotel, was recently officially 'topped out', marking the completion of work on the building's structure. The 171m high...

Top flight project.
June 26, 2006... Following a #300 million expansion programme, Dubai International Airport is now recognised as the aviation hub of the Middle East, and Fitzgerald Lighting was chosen to supply the illumination for the VIP parking and security suite at the...

Holden Aluminium Technologies develops new technique.
June 26, 2006... Hardly able to contain its joy, West Midlands aluminium extruder Holden Aluminium Technologies has developed a new technique in spiral forming. Used for the manufacture of stair lift rails, it allows an aluminium section to follow the inner...

NEWS IN BRIEF: Get informed.
June 26, 2006... Chiltern Dynamics has produced a free technical information sheet to assist designers, builders and developers to pass the air tightness test, now compulsory under the revised Part L regulations. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

NEWS IN BRIEF: Timber course.
June 26, 2006... In response to demand, TRADA frameCHECK has launched a one-day training course on timber frame design, specifically for architects. Timber frame design for architects will be held on 6th and 26th June at TRADA frameCHECK's High Wycombe HQ. ...

Concrete sponsorship deal for artist.
June 26, 2006... Blue Circle Snowcrete from Lafarge Cement UK is behind the innovative artwork of acclaimed contemporary artist Petr Weigl. Petr recently unveiled his latest work at the Air Gallery in Mayfair, London - a collection of contour, erosion and...

Planning permission for University department.
June 26, 2006... The University of Cambridge has been granted planning permission for a #3 million refurbishment and expansion scheme for its Department of Architecture, designed by Freeland Rees Roberts Architects and Mole Architects. The building will...

NEWS IN BRIEF: Majority `yes'.
June 26, 2006... A new poll reveals that over half of people who express a view want their local Council to encourage more house building in their area. Excluding the 8% of people who responded `don't know', a clear majority - 53% - want more house building...

NEWS IN BRIEF: Revised version.
June 26, 2006... A new, revised version of EcoHomes, the environmental rating scheme for homes, has been launched. EcoHomes 2006 includes tougher energy requirements to encourage carbon dioxide reductions and bring the scheme into line with the latest Part L....

NEWS IN BRIEF: Future London.
June 26, 2006... The Architecture Foundation presents Airspace, a major new exhibition revealing the future shape of London and debating the impact tall buildings are set to play. Curated by Newbetter and with digital images by Cityscape, it takes place at 350...

NEWS IN BRIEF: Hot product.
June 26, 2006... MAXXflo, the innovative high efficiency direct-fired storage water heater developed and marketed by Andrews Water Heaters, has won Industrial/Commercial Product of the Year in the H&V News Awards 2006. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

NEWS IN BRIEF: In agreement.
June 26, 2006... Independent hardware distributor Wagner has reached agreement with AS Spilka Industri of Norway to be the UK distributor for Spilka fully reversible window hardware. Wagner will supply all customers of the Spilka `Classic' fully reversible...

A legacy to be proud of.
June 26, 2006... When we focus too intently on the nuts and bolts of how buildings are put together, it's easy to overlook the social responsibility inherent in all development. A house, an office, a school is not simply an assembly of disparate elements...

WHAT'S NEW ON THE INSIDE - INNOVATIVE KITCHEN RANGE.
June 26, 2006... New company Elfin Kitchens is bringing to market a range of high quality mini-kitchens for residential and commercial use. Three points distinguish Elfin Kitchens as completely unique: branded appliances, no added extras, and inclusive safety...

Projecting its portfolio.
June 26, 2006... Top AV equipment distributor to the UK custom installation trade, AWE will demonstrate innovations from its portfolio of market leading brands at CEDIA Expo 2006. These include the latest in high-end Cineversum projectors and a new and...

Multimedia networking solution.
June 26, 2006... The Abitana Home Multimedia networking solution from Minitran has been designed specifically for new build, home renovation or extensions in mind. The system features high bandwidth cable running speeds in excess of 900Mhz allowing for very...

European launch of signal control components.
June 26, 2006... The Unicam Group, European distributors for US-based Audio Authority Corp, will use CEDIA for the European launch of a new line of high definition signal control components. The timely arrival of the 1166 model will enable specifiers and...

Getting on the right track.
June 26, 2006... The range of automated window treatments from Silent Gliss will be on display at CEDIA 2006. The range includes curtain tracks, a wide range of blinds including rollers, Roman and Venetian, and a choice of control systems including infra red...

Home automation system makes its European debut.
June 26, 2006... Already taking the US by storm, the Control4 Home Automation System makes its European debut. This innovative system offers wireless IP based solutions with easy installation, simple but powerful programming and at surprisingly affordable...

Perfect for beginners.
June 26, 2006... A market leader in control and automation solutions, Crestron will be featuring its very latest product innovations. Highlights on the stand will include Adagio: a new series of entry- level home entertainment products that combine...

Software sensation.
June 26, 2006... A raft of new products designed for residential applications will be unveiled for the first time in the UK by AMX, along with `Visual Architect', described as the biggest development the industry has seen in design programming software. ...

New range of LCD TV's.
June 26, 2006... The new range of Aquos LCD TVs, from the recently-launched P70 Series designed specifically by for the UK PAL broadcast signal, to the giant 65in Full HD model - the Aquos LC-65GD1E- from Sharp will be on display. The giant TV boasts full...

Installing the sound of silence.
June 26, 2006... The meatiest of sound systems doesn't have to disturb the rest of the household with the installation of Acoustiblok. Described as the thinnest space-saving material on the market, Acoustiblok provides such effective noise reduction it is...

EDUCATION SECTOR: Taking the long term view.
June 26, 2006... The education sector typifies the increasing focus on warranties and guarantees As the building industry increasingly moves away from procurement based simply on initial build costs and embraces lifecycle costing models, guarantees and...

EDUCATION SECTOR: Collaboration: the key to pupil-friendly design.
June 26, 2006... Is there any connection between lower truancy rates and well-designed schools? Do well-designed schools have lower truancy rates? The Department for Culture, Media and Sport put this idea forward when it published Better Public Buildings a...

EDUCATION SECTOR: Washrooms are a winner.
June 26, 2006... The lucky winner of a prize draw for a Armitage Venesta washroom worth #10,000, Deptford Park School in South London selected the Quantum washroom system and matching vanities. Quantum can be specified in anti-vandal solid grade laminate,...

EDUCATION SECTOR: Boulevard is extended.
June 26, 2006... The Boulevard secondary barrier carpet portfolio from Gradus Matting has been extended with the launch of Boulevard 1000 and Boulevard 1500. Said to be ideal for use in the education and leisure markets, Boulevard 1000 and 1500 are high...

EDUCATION SECTOR: Shedding light on learning.
June 26, 2006... The new #1.3m extension to Landsdowne Primary School in Tilbury, Thurrock, has been brought to life by incorporating a series of large, pyramid-shaped rooflights from The Rooflight Company which maximise the natural daylight flooding in. ...

EDUCATION SECTOR: Top class installation.
June 26, 2006... Made to measure Contemporary style doors and windows from Mumford & Wood have been specified extensively for a new extension to a primary school in Andover, Hampshire. Featuring a functional appearance and crisp modular lines, the...

EDUCATION SECTOR: Sky, sea, sand and food.
June 26, 2006... Vivid colours from Polyflor's XL PU range of lower maintenance heavy duty vinyl sheet flooring have been used to create a sweeping `sky, sea and sand' theme in the dining room of the Dame Hannah Rogers Disabled School in Ivybridge, Devon. ...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Timber ticks the sustainability box.
June 26, 2006... Now that environmental issues are playing an increasingly important part in specification, Mark Pennington looks at how timber windows and doors can help in meeting these concerns... Timber windows such as the Domus from Rationel Windows go...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Doors add to futuristic look.
June 26, 2006... Stylish new doors from Hormann have contributed to the futuristic look desired by the architects and developers of Orion Business Park in Ipswich, which encompasses ultra modern bespoke offices, and has been finished to a very high...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Sliding doors for easy access.
June 26, 2006... A new sliding door system from Hafele principal Hawa for glass or timber doors is said to be ideal for increasingly popular walk-in closet or storage facilities in both domestic and commercial environments. The new Hawa Ordena 70 is a...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Choice of door for tenants.
June 26, 2006... Over 5,500 made to measure Masterdor composite timber doors have so far been installed as part of a major refurbishment project for Carlisle Housing Association. From the wide range of Masterdors available, residents were given the choice...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Technology meets tradition.
June 26, 2006... From its state-of-the-art purpose built site in St Ives, David Smith combines the latest manufacturing technology with the skills of traditional craftsmen, to design and manufacture a comprehensive range of specialist doorsets. Doors hung in...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Quick change of name.
June 26, 2006... Launched by Glutz, Infoline is a stylish, yet flexible door-labelling system which allows the user to change the label insert as often as necessary, whilst retaining a professional look. The system comprises a synthetic case and cover...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Helping school to win RIBA award.
June 26, 2006... Casement windows, doors and curtain walling from Kawneer were specified by ACP Architects and Wates Construction for the #15 million Bishops Park College that won the RIBA Spirit of Ingenuity Architecture for Education Award 2005. The...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Machinery widens choice.
June 26, 2006... In keeping with its reputation for advanced and commercially successful innovations, leading GRP door and panel manufacturer New World Developments has invested in the latest resin-lead technology. This new machinery will allow fabricators...

DOORS & WINDOWS: New door is a show stopper.
June 26, 2006... Launched at the Ideal Home Show by JELD-WEN was the new Rockport door, which the company expects will create huge demand for moulded panel doors with this exciting new twist to the traditional design. The door is available with a smooth...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Major advance in facade technology.
June 26, 2006... Architectural aluminium systems specialist, Technal, part of Hydro Building Systems, has launched the MX curtain walling suite, which is believed to be the first in the UK to offer such a wide range of design options from a single grid system....

DOORS & WINDOWS: Appearance of real timber.
June 26, 2006... Leading garage door manufacturer Hormann has launched a new range of high quality wood grain effect, mahogany coloured steel doors, said to offer the appearance of real timber at a fraction of the price. The new Decograin Mahogany range...

DOORS & WINDOWS: New bay window roof.
June 26, 2006... A new bay window roof with attractive design features has been added by Stormking to its existing range. Its intricate dentil frieze with high quality detailing reproduces an authentic period styling to the cornice. Stormking's patented...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Circular automatic door.
June 26, 2006... A sophisticated RONDOR circular sliding automatic door system has been installed by Tormax at the entrance of the UK head office of Cadence Design Systems. Based on two curved sliding automatic doors that move independently, the RONDOR is...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Hardware for any weather.
June 26, 2006... Introduced by Henderson, the Weatherfold system for exterior folding timber doors is ideally suited to commercial and domestic property where an alternative to traditional and hinged patio doors is required. Weatherfold is durable,...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Successfully testing windows.
June 26, 2006... Leading fenestration contractor Radway has subjected several large Sheerframe 7000 system multilights from LB Plastics to a wind load equivalent to the highest wind speed ever recorded on mainland UK - 173 mph, recorded at the top of...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Sliding windows in refurbished buildings.
June 26, 2006... PVC-U vertically sliding windows fabricated using REHAU`s S19 Heritage system have been installed in recently refurbished accommodation buildings at Dean Close School in Cheltenham. The school is located within the Georgian town's...

LINTELS: Steel lintels CPD sets the standard.
June 26, 2006... Leading manufacturer of steel lintels in the UK & Ireland, Keystone Lintels is the first steel lintel manufacturer to offer RIBA-accredited CPD online Developed by Keystone Lintels, "Steel Lintels - The Definitive Guide" aims to give the...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Ideal for open plan living.
June 26, 2006... Featuring clean lines and smart contrasts, Morello Portofino is the newest addition to the Paula Rosa kitchen portfolio, providing flexibility of design right across the property range. Its `furniture' finish makes it ideal for the open-plan...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Two distinctive collections.
June 26, 2006... Now divided into two distinctive collections, the recently re-launched Elite range from Aqualux is proving to be even more popular than ever. Customers are now able to choose products from the contemporary Elite Modern range that follows the...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Make the white choice.
June 26, 2006... The latest collection launched by the PJH Group's premier kitchen brand, Apple Studios,includes the Zafiro, which offers high impact looks with an extremely striking white high gloss paint finish. The door, a slab square-edge design, represents...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: One of the safest showers available.
June 26, 2006... Claimed to be one of the safest showers available, Redring's Selectronic thermostatically controlled instantaneous electric showers have achieved the new and additional safety standards necessary for use in care establishments and for less able...

COMMERCIAL INTERIORS: Improved acoustics.
June 26, 2006... New acoustic panels have been installed at Wembley Arena by Hodgson & Hodgson. To improve the acoustics in the renovated area of the arena, it was vital that noise reverberation around the building was reduced. All four internal walls...

COMMERCIAL INTERIORS: Interior finish first at the bar.
June 26, 2006... The first UK application of new Alphacryl interior finish from Sikkens is the refurbishment of a number of Baroosh Bars through south-east England. Offering hard-wearing durability and a visually attractive alternative to conventional...

COMMERCIAL INTERIORS: Access covers made to order.
June 26, 2006... Launched by Howe Green, Combihatch is a new access cover designed to access concealed services in the wall or in the ceiling. The new cover has an electro-galvanised mild steel frame and door, matt powder coated and ready to accept a paint...

COMMERCIAL INTERIORS: Gleaming showrooms.
June 26, 2006... Fast drying, high performance specialist surface coatings from Zinsser have been specified by Vauxhall for use in their showrooms. Specialist on-site spraying contractor, Abbey Coatings, has recently completed a number of major projects...

COMMERCIAL INTERIORS: Light choice for shopfitters.
June 26, 2006... Easy to handle and perfect for constructing lightweight installations, Caberwood MDF Light from Norbord is an ideal choice for shopfitters. Caberwood MDF Light is said to be up to 19% lighter than standard MDF, possessing all the inherent...

COMMERCIAL INTERIORS: Black looks for showroom.
June 26, 2006... Specified to fit with the corporate style of BMW, black Sombra D tiles from Ecophon have been installed in the BMW Mini dealership on the Preston Farm industrial state, Stockton-on-Tees. The tiles were installed using a concealed grid...

FLOORING: Selected by the professionals.
June 26, 2006... The staff of Interior Design magazine selected The Premier Collection from Marley Floors as part of the refurbishment of their offices. Perlino Limestone from Premier's range of luxury vinyl tiles was chosen for its realistic athletics and...

FLOORING: Winning place at new school.
June 26, 2006... Seeking appealing design, slip resistance and easy maintenance, the architects of the new Kilmaine Primary School in Bangor, Co Down, selected Acczent Solo from Tarkett-Marley Floors for the floorcovering. The heterogeneous vinyl was chosen...

FLOORING: Training for the Olympics.
June 26, 2006... Some 2000 sq m of Junckers press dried Beech SylvaSport Premium has been used to create a multi-purpose sports floor which will be used as a training facility for 2012 London Olympics. The sports hall floor, installed as part of the #24m...

FLOORING: Fast-track flooring.
June 26, 2006... Specifically designed to combat dampness and contamination in flooring applications, Delta-FM membrane from Delta Membrane Systems offers fast- track application. It allows various floor finishes to be achieved thanks to a special low stud...

FLOORING: Underlayment for carpet tiles.
June 26, 2006... Facing the challenge of timber beams infilled with insulation and overlaid with plywood, flooring contractor Ryan Flooring used new Stopgap 700 Flex smoothing underlayment from F Ball to provide a surface suitable for the installation of carpet...

FLOORING: Securing the contract.
June 26, 2006... Flooring contractor FC Kelleher has used Styccobond F57 adhesive from F Ball to install new static dissipative floorcoverings at the premises of Whiteley Electronics in Portsmouth. The subfloor under the original floorcovering was in such...

FLOORING: Floor tiles are heavy duty.
June 26, 2006... Launched by Plastic Extruders, Plastex Grid is a new heavy duty grid floor tile. Manufactured from polyethylene, 25mm thick Plastex Grid is available in two options. The open grid version is for use in areas where spillages may occur or...

FLOORING: All-important accessories.
June 26, 2006... The range of flooring accessories from Gradus has been extended by three products. A new addition to the 55x55mm range of aluminium stair edgings, ADM5 is a ramp back profile, specifically designed for use on stairs that have either no...

FLOORING: Remmers guide.
June 26, 2006... New from Remmers is a 38 page guide to industrial and commercial flooring : "Flooring - The Way Forward with Systems". The comprehensive guide includes information on how to prepare and install floors on different and difficult substrates;...

FLOORING: Longlife slip resistance.
June 26, 2006... A new safety range, which is said to offer the choice of a high-design, slip resistant floorcovering at an affordable price, has been launched by Gerflor. Available in 10 colourways, the non-directional, multi-flecked Tarasafe Iona range...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Underfloor heating becomes hot favourite.
June 26, 2006... Changing legislation is making underfloor heating an increasingly attractive option... Today's market offers many different ways in which to heat a property. Some are more practical than others, but the choice is vast. Generally water...

HEATING & VENTILATING: No laughing matter.
June 26, 2006... The trendy HA! HA! chain of bars and restaurants has specified boilers from Keston to satisfy its heating requirements at three sites; Oxford, Plymouth and Victoria. Keston's bespoke boiler rigs were created specifically for each site, and...

HEATING & VENTILATING: New Ariston brand.
June 26, 2006... Forty-five years on from its introduction, the MTS Group is launching the new Ariston brand, in line with the objectives to continue to develop its business and to improve its competitiveness. Ease of use, reliability, respect for the...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Prestigious projects.
June 26, 2006... A number of prestigious projects have been carried out by Bisque Commercial Radiators at colleges and the University in the Cambridge area, including a lucrative new contact to supply 142 radiators to St. Edmunds College. The bulk of...

HEATING & VENTILATING: New era of air conditioning.
June 26, 2006... WRF (Water and Refrigerant Flow) - a revolutionary air conditioning system - has been designed by Colt International to meet the environmental requirements of both current and future building regulations, including F-Gas. Colt is launching WRF...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Most efficient oil-fired range cooker.
June 26, 2006... As a result of on-going research, Redfyre has produced a revised baffle design for the oil burner on its Central Heating model - and independent test results indicate that it is now the UK's most efficient oil-fired range cooker by SAP rating....

HEATING & VENTILATING: Unique technical benefits.
June 26, 2006... The Buderus 500 range of gas fired condensing boilers includes a 28kW and 24kW combi and 24kW system boiler. All boilers in the range are SEDBUK A-rated and have the lowest NOx classification, ensuring they are amongst the most...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Flexibility of installation.
June 26, 2006... New to LG's range is Multi V Plus - a two-pipe VRF system packed with features and benefits said to offer ease and flexibility of installation, high efficiency, reliability and low noise. It is especially suited to high-rise and large...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Time switches for domestic use.
June 26, 2006... Following the recent introduction of its re-designed and improved range of ChannelPlus XL electronic programmers and time switches, Horstmann Controls has now added a 4-channel version, designed for domestic use, to enable installers to comply...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Presenting cast iron evidence.
June 26, 2006... Addressing the question of noise generated by above ground drainage systems, SaintGobain offers what is described as definitive proof that cast iron is the quietest material, based on the results of independent testing to a new European...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Separators meet Standards.
June 26, 2006... A UK market-leader in water and wastewater treatment systems, Conder is the first manufacturer to provide a fully verified range of oil/water separators - Full Retention and Bypass - which conform to the adopted two-part European Standard (BS...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Pipes are on right track.
June 26, 2006... The Ridgidrain Advanced Drainage System from Polypipe Civils is being installed on the Alloa Stirling Rail Link project. Running from Kincarine, Fife and Central Scotland, through to Alloa in Clackmannanshire and Stirling, this high profile...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Cast iron looks, PVC benefits.
June 26, 2006... Developed by Brett Martin, the plastic Cast Iron Style rainwater system gives the texture and appearance of traditional cast iron gutter with the lightness of weight installation and cost benefits of PVC. It is now being complemented by the...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Underground, overground.
June 26, 2006... Designed to make specification simpler, two new A5 booklets incorporating price lists have been introduced by Marley Plumbing and Drainage. Entitled Below Ground and Above Ground, the booklets both display information in a style that is...

OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION: Repeat prescription.
June 26, 2006... Offsite construction specialist Yorkon has completed its fourth contract at Whipps Cross University Hospital Award-winning off-site construction specialist and Portakabin subsidiary, Yorkon, has completed its fourth contract at Whipps Cross...

OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION: First class solution for primary school.
June 26, 2006... High on both savings and sustainability, modular construction is proving increasingly popular with local authorities Local government specifiers are increasingly turning to factory built, modular construction for developing existing as well...