What's New in Building articles from June 2008

What's New in Building archives from June 2008

COMMENT: June 2008.
June 20, 2008... This month we focus on Building Regulations part L, developments in natural ventilation and the thorny issue of airtightness in buildings. The regs have always included requirements relating to ventilation, but today they are more demanding...

NEWS IN BRIEF: Best of friends.
June 20, 2008... nmc (uk) has amicably acquired Copley Decor for an undisclosed sum. The new company will be called nmc Copley and Bruce Storr will remain as managing director. nmc Copley will continue to manufacture polyurethane decorative mouldings from its...

NEWS IN BRIEF: Create live EPCs.
June 20, 2008... IES's EPC VE SBEM software is now available with the release of v5.8.2 of its Virtual Environment. This updated version can generate live Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) with an XML message valid for lodgement. Copyright: CMP...

NEWS IN BRIEF: Composite CPD.
June 20, 2008... With the likely introduction of Site Waste Management Plans as a regulatory requirement in mind, Eurobond has launched a RIBA CPD session that looks at the environmental performance of composite panel systems. Copyright: CMP Information...

NEWS: Metal and wood in perfect harmony.
June 20, 2008... In Britain the choice of window framing materials is usually seen as PVCu, wood or aluminium with a few additional choices like grp. But it does not have to be that way. Continental Europe has long seen the value of mixing and matching...

NEWS: Touch of nip and tuck.
June 20, 2008... Housebuilders and property developers throughout the UK are turning to a company called Plastic Surgeon to help them deliver a finished project on time and on budget. A specialist in cosmetic repairs, the Devon-based company was founded in...

SPEAKOUT: Simon Storer.
June 20, 2008... SIMON STORER EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION How many times over the last year or so have you heard the government say they want the UK to be the best place in the world to do business? All fine and dandy, but...

NEWS: New condensing boiler offers considerable savings.
June 20, 2008... Leading boiler manufacturer Broag-Remeha has introduced the new Gas 110 ECO high efficiency, floor-standing condensing boiler. The Gas 110 has been specifically developed to fit directly into the same floor area as a traditional boiler of equal...

NEWS: Danfoss makes its next move.
June 20, 2008... Danfoss has entered into an agreement to take over the majority of shares in Sheffield-based ECO Heat Pumps, which sells heat pumps into the commercial and domestic heat pump markets. The move is part of ambitious plans for Danfoss to be...

NEWS: High technology wood product used in Portavilion.
June 20, 2008... Finnforest's Kerto high technology wood product is being used in acclaimed artist Toby Paterson's `Portavilion' installation, as part of the "portable pavilion" public art project taking place across London this summer. Portavilion will occupy...

NEWS: New Red Book is hot off the press.
June 20, 2008... Redland has published the latest version of its Red Book, which now includes a revised and updated Guide to Roofing Systems, the brand new DesignMaster 5 CD-ROM, the company's popular roof specification tool containing over 5,000 quality...

NEWS: Survey reveals negative myths about green roofs persist.
June 20, 2008... A survey conducted by the Green Roof Campaign has revealed that there is still a lot of work to be done to convince people of the environmental and sustainable properties of green roofs, and to dispel myths which persist about the cost and...

COVER STORY: How to make a stylish entrance.
June 20, 2008... Hormann UK is not just about garage doors - the company now offers an impressive portfolio of front entrance doors too An attractive front entrance door can do wonders for the exterior appearance of a property and more and more house...

PEUGEOT HQ, COVENTRY: Peugeot's smart blinds follow the sun.
June 20, 2008... Work has been completed on the new Peugeot Citroen UK Head Quarters at Lower Stoke, Coventry. The landmark trio of buildings presents a substantial contribution towards the regeneration of the 85 acre brownfield site. The development,...

NATURAL VENTILATION: A breath of fresh air.
June 20, 2008... The installation of Windcatcher natural ventilation systems has reduced Hull College's energy bill and made workshops more comfortable for construction students Award winning Hull College holds Centre of Vocational Excellence status for...

NATURAL VENTILATION: Passive classes.
June 20, 2008... Central to this new school building is its use of Passivent natural ventilation, which has been proven by thermal modelling at the design stage The need to take a 16th Century Grammar School into the 21st century has employed state-of-art...

HEATING & VENTILATION: The fridge that keeps you warm.
June 20, 2008... By Martyn Bridges, director of marketing and technical support at Worcester Bosch Part of the Bosch Group, Worcester is set to expand its range of sustainable heating and hot water solutions with the introduction of a Greensource...

HEATING & VENTILATION: The bigger picture.
June 20, 2008... It is not only climate change which is driving sustainable solutions, but the need to develop viable new energy sources, says Graham Wright of Sanyo The UK Government is implementing a raft of energy efficiency legislation to curb carbon...

HEATING & VENTILATION: Flexibility is key for flues.
June 20, 2008... John Thomason, general manager at Atmos Heating Systems, says modern flues give greater freedom when siting condensing boilers The construction industry today is a low carbon world. It has to be. Buildings account for at least 40% of the...

HEATING & VENTILATION: Chilled beams meet demanding criteria.
June 20, 2008... Trox UK has supplied and installed a range of specially designed multi- service chilled beams and fan coil units at Heron House in High Holborn, London. Low floor to ceiling height meant Trox was the only company that could meet the...

HEATING & VENTILATION: Rad helps part L compliance.
June 20, 2008... The Dimplex DuoHeat radiator has been recognised by SAP as providing improved energy efficiency. Its high level of controllability assists in helping Part L 2006 compliance and it can also work as a heating system alongside the new Dimplex...

HEATING & VENTILATION: Stove boosts heat for homes.
June 20, 2008... Stove distributor Euroheat has just launched the elegant HWAM Monet with an integral boiler. The Monet in this configuration is able to supplement the home's existing central heating system. The Monet with boiler releases approximately...

HEATING & VENTILATION: Making a full recovery.
June 20, 2008... Vaillant's recoVAIR heat recovery ventilation unit offers maximum energy efficiency, as the unit is capable of recovering up to 95% of heat lost from exhaust air. Running costs are kept low, due to the unit using DC speed controlled fans;...

UNDERFLOOR HEATING: Underfloor heat system minimises floor height.
June 20, 2008... The Max 4 therm system from Royalle Underfloor Heating Supplies is described as the thinnest, strongest and lightest underfloor heating system currently available. It's a honeycomb structure of zinc plated steel, just 10mm thick. Once...

UNDERFLOOR HEATING: Salus Controls launch electronic thermostats.
June 20, 2008... Heating controls specialist, Salus Controls is targeting the underfloor heat market with the launch of a series of electronic thermostats. The ERT Series may also be used with traditional heating systems. A choice of three models - ERT 20,...

HOUSEBUILDING: A new lease of life.
June 20, 2008... Carbon reduction isn't just about new build; Shelagh Grant, chief executive of The Housing Forum, highlights a project which will serve as a blueprint for future low carbon refurbishment initiatives With a quarter of the UK's carbon...

HOUSEBUILDING: Cheshire cheers.
June 20, 2008... Bryant Homes' Runcorn apartment blocks are an example of how engineering, as well as solving a problem, can enhance aesthetics When Bryant Homes decided to press ahead with the construction of ten, six-storey apartment blocks on the banks...

HOUSEBUILDING: Quiet launch to UK market.
June 20, 2008... Polymer specialist REHAU is launching its sound insulated domestic waste water system in the UK. Branded RAUPIANO PLUS, the system is an ideal solution for use in apartments, hotels, schools, hospitals, offices or commercial kitchens where...

HOUSEBUILDING: Technology on the Tay.
June 20, 2008... Celtic Developments' latest #1million plus showpiece home, a predominantly glass fronted four storey designer home overlooking the River Tay, benefits from the latest entertainment technology courtesy of an advanced, yet simple to operate smart...

HOUSEBUILDING: Fire door for multi-residential.
June 20, 2008... New World has launched Isolate, a 30-minute fire-rated composite doorset for use in multi-resident housing with Secure by Design certification. With a Kerto core encased in 2mm GRP skins, similar to Apeer and Monno, it has the same distinctive...

HOUSEBUILDING: More joists to the world.
June 20, 2008... The new ALLJOIST from Boise EWP, part of the popular Simple Framing System, has been designed for use in floor and roof systems needing to match the old 9 inch deep carcassing joist. Joining Boise's portfolio of high performance, engineered...

HOUSEBUILDING: Boxing match in bathrooms.
June 20, 2008... The UK's leading house builder, Barratt, has turned to Pendock to help provide the finishing touches in the bathrooms of its new Centreway apartment development in Ilford, Essex. The main and en-suite bathrooms in each of the development's...

HOUSEBUILDING: Sheep really do count.
June 20, 2008... SHEEPSWOOL HAS BEEN trialled as insulation at Persimmon's Living-i project in Irlam, Greater Manchester. The development of five homes - Eco, Techno, Lifetime, Modular and Energy - all use eco-friendly features to ensure they have a low...

HOUSEBUILDING: Time to hit the deck.
June 20, 2008... The Garden Inspirations decking range is claimed by Finnforest to offer all the answers for professional landscapers' decking needs. A broad range of high quality deck boards in five timber materials, and complimentary accessories allows...

HOUSEBUILDING: Fire safety can look stylish.
June 20, 2008... Broadleaf Timber has created two distinctly desirable internal door collections, featuring fire-safe models said to up the ante when it comes to both safety and style. The company's latest internal door collections - The Oak Panelled range...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Long may it rain.
June 20, 2008... Over thirty years in business, Yeoman Rainguard continues to offer rainwater systems in a variety of materials for new build, self build and refurbishment projects With over 30 year's experience, Yeoman Rainguard is a leading UK...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Hugh fearlessly recycles it all.
June 20, 2008... Park Farm, the HQ for Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and his River Cottage team, is currently undergoing something of a revamp. Everything from the FSC wood to the furniture and paint must comply to strict environmentally friendly criteria....

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Gully meets building regulations.
June 20, 2008... ACO Building Drainage has launched a gully range designed to accommodate changes to the Building Regulations. The new ACO Selecta product has been certificated to 120 minutes fire resistance. Gully tops are available for all floor finishes...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Latest edition of Screwfix brochure hot off press.
June 20, 2008... The central heating and boiler pages of the Screwfix catalogue (issue 91) have been extended with the introduction of energy efficient boilers from Vokera. Recommended by the Energy Saving Trust and SEDBUK A rated, these latest additions...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: It's all in the detail.
June 20, 2008... Marley Plumbing & Drainage has providing a complete rainwater solution for the newly renovated Oxney Grange in Peterborough. The 125mm half round aluminium gutter and 76mm circular rainwater downpipes from the Alutec Traditional range were...

BUILDING REGULATIONS PART L: Pushing the envelope.
June 20, 2008... Andy Patel, technical manager at Kingspan Insulated Panels, explains how to ensure long term high levels of thermal performance As mandatory Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for all buildings roll out over 2008 it is evident that we...

BUILDING REGULATIONS PART L: Airtight by design.
June 20, 2008... Adopting a co-ordinated approach can help building designers and contractors ensure better compliance with Building Regulations Part L, says Rob Coxon, director of Stroma Technology Air leakage in buildings is a major cause of energy...

BUILDING REGULATIONS PART L: Coping with knock-on consequences.
June 20, 2008... The most controversial part of part L2B is proving to be the consequential improvements aspect to buildings larger than 1000sq m. This is where an improvement to one element of the building triggers general improvements to another, subject...

BUILDING REGULATIONS PART L: Clarification on refurb' and regulations.(Correction notice)
June 20, 2008... Ensuring compliance with current Building Regulations Approved Documents L1B and L2B (ADL1B and ADL2B) is not always easy. One reason for this is a lack of clear guidance relating the performance of specific products to the standards for...

BUILDING REGULATIONS PART L: Raftertherm 100 now launched.
June 20, 2008... Following on the success of the loft conversion product Raftertherm 55, a higher performance, thicker version - Raftertherm 100 - has now been launched by Thermal Economics to meet the new build U=0.2sq m/Kw requirements as laid down in Part L....

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: Playing it smart.
June 20, 2008... Be sure not to leave smart homes in the dark, says Steve Buckley, UK sales manager at Helvar For developers, it's all too easy when thinking of home automation to look past the importance of lighting control. Naturally, a great deal of...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: Three hours extra.
June 20, 2008... RIDI Lighting's wall mounted Corona luminaire now has a three hour emergency battery option. Previously unavailable in the UK, the new Corona-Lumo now provides Corona users with an invaluable time cushion, with no loss of light, in the...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: ULTI can remotely provide lighting range.
June 20, 2008... ULTI from Schneider Electric can remotely provide a range of lighting moods by controlling differing combinations of Low Energy lamps, all at the touch of a button. ULTI uses wireless radio frequency (RF) technology and can be operated...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: The Karis range of decorative luminaires.
June 20, 2008... The Karis range of decorative luminaires from Spel offer specifiers the option to match mains and emergency luminaires within the same lighting design scheme. Suitable for wall or ceiling mount, these luminaires come in a choice of mains...

CEILINGS: Made to measure.
June 20, 2008... SAS International's Malcolm Stamper takes a closer look at metal ceiling specification, and finds a tailored approach usually works best With increasing demands being made on the construction industry, from both the design and...

PREVIEW CEDIA EXPO: Latest technology finds a home at CEDIA.
June 20, 2008... CEDIA EXPO `08 will take place at ExCeL in London from 24 to 26 June. Now in its 12th year, CEDIA Expo has grown into one of the most important dates in the European calendar for home electronic systems. Offering an extensive education...

PREVIEW CEDIA EXPO: What the eye doesn't see.
June 20, 2008... Future Automation, a company which specialises in the design, manufacture and distribution of flat screen mounting solutions and high- tech devices to hide projectors, plasmas and televisions, will be demonstrating how their products can offer...

PREVIEW CEDIA EXPO: Series of products offer light relief.
June 20, 2008... Visitors to the Helvar stand at CEDIA Expo will be able to witness the latest in energy saving lighting systems. With a range of products including electronic ballasts and full lighting control systems, Helvar will be showcasing a series of...

PREVIEW CEDIA EXPO: New levels of wireless versatility.
June 20, 2008... Crestron, A leading manufacturer of advanced control and automation systems, will be bringing a new level of wireless versatility to CEDIA Expo 2008 as it unveils its latest innovation in touchpanel design and control technology, for the very...

NATURAL VENTILATION: It's only natural.
June 20, 2008... How do you reconcile the demands of both Part F and Part L of the Building Regulations? John Stamp, technical consultant at Kawneer architectural aluminium systems, suggests a way forward The pursuit of naturally ventilated building...