What's New in Building articles from March 2006

What's New in Building archives from March 2006

Bespoke curtain walling with complete design reassurance.
March 20, 2006... European-wide design and extrusion expertise, backed by UK-based supply and support, all add to the appeal of Comar's latest system Designing reassurance from the first stroke of the pencil is often the desire of even the most innovative...

`World's largest' fin leaves others in shade.
March 20, 2006... Solar shading specialists Levolux has developed what it claims is the world's largest single extruded aluminium solar shading fin, spanning 9m. At 700mm wide by 150mm deep, the fin dwarfs the previous largest fin which was 500mm wide. ...

Keeping warm in open areas.
March 20, 2006... Open plan retail areas like the one at Ashton Garden Centre can benefit from Robbens underfloor heating systems. Beneath its distinctive twin domes the new retail hall provides over 500sq m of open plan shopping space. The building features...

Brochure aims to educate.
March 20, 2006... The Education Environment is a 12-page brochure from C/S Group showing how the company's products can create a welcoming learning environment while protecting the internal fabric of schools and colleges. The brochure covers Acrovyn sheet,...

Breath of fresh air.
March 20, 2006... Intelligent Oxygen radiator not only delivers energy-efficient heating output but also creates a balanced cycle of clean fresh air in any room where it is used, says Jaga Heating Products. Jaga Oxygen is suitable for use in locations...

Stylish kitchen takes knocks.
March 20, 2006... When the owners of a stylish apartment in Mapperley Hall were renovating their kitchen they chose Parapan surfacing material for the cupboard and drawer doors. Parapan comes in a wide range of colours and is hard wearing, withstanding the...

The bling's the thing.
March 20, 2006... Designed by architect Piers Gough of CZWG and nicknamed `The Bling Bling Building', this five storey structure will be the new home of celebrity hairdresser Herbert's of Liverpool salon and college. Solaglas was awarded the project to glaze...

Fastest offsite system to date.
March 20, 2006... Described as the company's fastest modular building solution to date, Titan Building System is the latest development from Portakabin. Titan arrives on site fully fitted and installed with all partitioning, fittings, electrics and...

Welsh masonry in keeping.
March 20, 2006... Handcrafted masonry products from Blanc de Bierges have been used for the extension to a private school in a conservation area in Cardiff. The extension directly adjoins the original building at King's Monkton School and so had to look as...

Self-drilling fastener.
March 20, 2006... In conjunction with SFS intec, Ward Insulated Panels has introduced the self-coring SD14 fastener, designed to reduce installation time of Topdek insulated single ply roof panels. Time savings of over 60% can reportedly be achieved when...

Natural look with durability.
March 20, 2006... Adding a twist to ceramic tiles is Tibet, a collection of extruded porcelain tiles from Keramia, a member of Tile of Spain. This latest offering imitates natural slate with the added durability of porcelain. With a natural contemporary...

Vertical slider windows.
March 20, 2006... Bournemouth Council has sanctioned the use of Spectus VS windows for the refurbishment of a Victorian building. It was required to have vertical slider windows in order to keep the character of the building. The VS, with its period details...

Paving on the page.
March 20, 2006... Decorative and block paving, lighting and accessory ranges are featured in a newly published directory from Brett Landscaping. It features over 50 products, six of them new. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Steep challenge in west country.
March 20, 2006... Restrictions laid out in Planning Policy Guideline 3 (PPG3) have led developer Crest Nicholson to call on Marley Eternit for roofing at Port Marine development in Portishead, Bristol. PPG3 limits the size of footprint on each plot, so...

Welcome to new monthly Q&A column from the Aircrete Bureau.(Discussion)
March 20, 2006... With the changes to Part L building regulations effective from April 2006, we thought we'd kick off by asking Ian Exall, chairman of the Aircrete Bureau, what we really need to know about the new guidelines. * Why has the Government made...

Portholes cut into the soffit.
March 20, 2006... Part of the Porth Plaza development in Rhondda, Wales, a special feature of this building is circular `portholes' cut into the soffit. The design is achieved via several two metre diameter prefabricated circular panels cut from the overhang...

Trickle vent is quiet operator.
March 20, 2006... At the new #80m Brent Emergency Care & Diagnostic Centre, lead designer HLM has incorporated Passivent A101 acoustic trickle ventilation into the windows, to ensure gentle background ventilation whilst minimising noise from surrounding roads....

Securistyle launches Defender lock.
March 20, 2006... Window hardware manufacturer Securistyle has launched the Defender high security window locking system. Made from 304 austenitic stainless steel, the lock offers resistance to corrosion and is particularly suited to applications in exposed...

Let's not set the joint on fire.
March 20, 2006... To complement its Compriband range, illbruck Sealant Systems has introduced a special fire-rated movement joint for floors and walls. Comprising a non-combustible composite assembly of ceramic fibre blanket and aluminium foil enclosed in a...

STOP PRESS: Strictly commercial.
March 20, 2006... The commercial division of Baxi Heating UK has introduced Baxi Commercial, a new brand in its portfolio, which will be sold alongside its existing brand Potterton Commercial. Cast aluminium condensing products including the Paramount and...

STOP PRESS: Award winners hit the deck.
March 20, 2006... Award winning car park decking products feature in Flowcrete's latest brochure. It contains information on waterproof decking, internal decking, ramps, walkways, markings and service corridors. Deckshield ID, ED and HD along with the...

STOP PRESS: Fire-resistant products.
March 20, 2006... Fire-resistant Pyrobelite 12 and Pyrobel 25 glass have been classified approved products for use in timber fire doors as part of BM Trada's Q Mark Scheme for timber fire doors, reports Glaverbel. Successful fire testing of Pyrobel at...

STOP PRESS: Vibrant reception.
March 20, 2006... Over 2,000sq m of Dalsouple rubber has been specified for the reception and main circulation areas at Bilborough College in Nottingham. Architects CPMG chose the flooring for its sound absorption qualities, and colour choice. They used the...

STOP PRESS: Cladding for Clarks.
March 20, 2006... Construction of Clarks Shoes' 30,000sq m European distribution centre in Street, Somerset has included the use of Paroc Panel System's exterior cladding. The fireproof system was specified to help minimise build times and running costs,...

STOP PRESS: Fast dry paint for foodstore.
March 20, 2006... Fast drying primers and paints from Zinsser have been specified for a new Tesco supermarket in Waltham Abbey. The specification involved the coating of the interior walls and ceilings with Zinsser Allcoat - a multi-surface primer and finish...

STOP PRESS: Water repellent product.
March 20, 2006... From Keim Mineral Paints, Ecotec is a solvent-free hydrocarbon concentrate with a silicone micro-emulsion base, suitable for internal or external use on painted mineral substrates. The water repellent product is solvent free and provides a...

STOP PRESS: Opaque coating.
March 20, 2006... Newly available from Sikkens is Rubbol WF375, an opaque water-borne factory applied coating system that provides a high gloss mid-coat and finish. The product utilises Sikkens PowerFeed Technology, formulated to reduce micro foam in the...

STOP PRESS: Cue the sales pitch at Toddy.
March 20, 2006... The main shopping area at Toddington Services northbound on the M1 now boasts Tensator's In-Q Merchandising system. The system transforms `dead' retail space into an active merchandising opportunity, by combining queue barriers and slat or...

STOP PRESS: Part L - don't be a SAP.
March 20, 2006... With the latest changes to Building Regulations Part L promising to put an increased emphasis on controllable, energy efficient heating systems, the Dimplex DuoHeat radiator helps cut carbon emissions and achieve high SAP scores. DuoHeat,...

STOP PRESS: Dundee floors `piece of cake'.
March 20, 2006... Dundee University has used Vencel Resil Jabfloor 70 flooring in two new halls of residence. The contract size was approximately 3,000sq m and the board size installed was: 75 x 1,200 x 2,400mm. Not only was Jabflor cost effective but...

STOP PRESS: Natural light fits the bill at power station.
March 20, 2006... Energy free, pure natural light is being brought into the control room at West Burton Power Station in Lincolnshire by Monodraught SunPipes. This replaces the need for electric lighting during daytime use. SunPipes consist of a pure...

STOP PRESS: Upgrade wears well.
March 20, 2006... As part of a plan to improve the working environment and increase productivity, Getrag Ford have used Remmers industrial flooring systems extensively. 4M Flooring UK used the system to refurbish the main routes through the plant, which...

STOP PRESS: Bespoke design service.
March 20, 2006... In response to a growing interest in architectural feature trusses, Scotts of Thrapston is now offering a bespoke design and manufacture service. The company will manufacture in virtually any hardwood or softwood to suit the individual...

STOP PRESS: Further tray sizes.
March 20, 2006... Two further tray sizes have been added to the Neatdek 3 range of true level access shower systems from Neaco. It allows an existing bath to be replaced with an unobtrusive shower facility that can fit within a restricted space. ...

STOP PRESS: Bespoke trunking.
March 20, 2006... Bespoke trunking for a large external government project has been supplied by Screeduct. Due to heavy load bearing requirements the trunking was enclosed and stabilised with a 10mm galvanised checker plate lid. All fixings were stainless...

STOP PRESS: Simple to fabricate.
March 20, 2006... When Glenhampton Conservatories was looking at roofing systems, Wendland's Styal system was one option. Styal has been designed to be simple to fabricate, strong and quick to install, and it also goes further structurally, making it ideal...

STOP PRESS: Stars in their ductwork.
March 20, 2006... Fast track capability of Kingspan KoolDuct ducting has been put to the test in a video that compares the system with conventional ducting. Two teams of fabricators star in the five-minute production, bearing out a recent independent...

STOP PRESS: Rooflights on CD.
March 20, 2006... Rooflight manufacturer Brett Martin Daylight Systems has developed a specification CD to make it quicker and easier to choose the most appropriate product. The CD includes a CAD library with the opportunity to view, download and print a...

STOP PRESS: Vision Aid For Doors.
March 20, 2006... Doors made entirely or primarily of glass can present problems to the visually impaired. Romsey based Spaceway South has launched Vision Aid For Doors, which assists them when approaching an open door. Made of nylon, the self-adhesive...

STOP PRESS: Cabinet and door furniture.
March 20, 2006... Reflecting French traditions of classical style, a range of traditional forged iron and steel cabinet and door furniture by Bouvet is being distributed in the UK by Hafele. Finishes include black iron, pewter (or patine) and rust, allowing...

STADIA & ARENAS: Longer lasting turf is tougher.
March 20, 2006... Conventional fibrillating fibre used to produce artificial sports turf needs brushing to enable the individual blades to open up. Unfortunately, this accelerates wear of the yarn. TigerTurf says its ER 65 uses advanced yarn technology which...

STADIA & ARENAS: End in sight for Arsenal.
March 20, 2006... Building envelope specialist Prater is in the final stages of completing the roof of Arsenal FC's new Emirates Stadium in north London. The stadium will seat 60,000 supporters in a four-tier structure which reaches 41.5m from pitch level...

STADIA & ARENAS: Roof ensures Olympic hopes sail on.
March 20, 2006... In preparation for the Winter Olympics 2006 in Italy, Turin's Palavela has been revitalised. Architect Gae Aulenti, known for her 1980s conversion of the old Gare d'Orsay railway station in Paris into the Musee d'Orsay, has been...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Plumbing pipe now offered in polybutylene.
March 20, 2006... Pipe is now being offered by Speedfit in polybutylene as well as PEX. Intended for plumbing, heating and underfloor heating applications, the pipe has an inner barrier to prevent the ingress of air into s system, thereby reducing the...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Nuflo range of pipe fittings.
March 20, 2006... A new range of Under Sink Kits launched by Polypipe is said to cater for almost every need. Manufactured in white polypropylene, the Nuflo range in 40mm size is supplied as a P trap and in various combinations such as a One and Half Bowl...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: System has the edge on rain.
March 20, 2006... Launched by Wavin Plastics, the OSMA StormLine is a high capacity ogee system which is said to provide the definitive solution to increasing rainfall intensity and modern building types. OSMA StormLine features an attractive classic ogee...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: New era for linear drainage.
March 20, 2006... The Linear Drainage range from Clark-Drain is said to offer major advantages over traditional point drainage systems including improved water transfer, quicker and cheaper installation and easier system design. Clark-Drain's range includes...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Natural choice for library.
March 20, 2006... A natural ventilation system from SE Controls was specified for the multi-award winning Jubilee library in Brighton. Key elements of the client's requirements were the building's sustainability and the use of local climatic conditions to...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Heating and cooling.
March 20, 2006... Launched by LG, the Multi V VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) outdoor unit can power up to 40 indoor units and can be controlled via the internet, a PC, a deluxe or simple controller. The Multi V offers ease and flexibility of installation,...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Boilers conform.
March 20, 2006... Although the government has given replacement oil boilers until 2007 to conform to Part L, the Eurostar Premier Kitchen high-efficiency oil fired condensing range from Trianco can start to make savings and reduce climate-changing pollutant...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Easy plume management.
March 20, 2006... Suppliers of bespoke original equipment to many European and UK boiler manufacturers, InterActive (Flue Systems) offers a solution for alleviating the nuisance associated with low level plume - the Combi Ridge. An aesthetically pleasing...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Underfloor heat in Essex.
March 20, 2006... Underfloor air-conditioning has been specified from AET (Advanced Ergonomic Technologies) for Cobelfret Ferries newly renovated and extended headquarters at Purfleet, Essex. The AET Flexible Space System incorporates Hiross underfloor air-...

FLOORING: Rubber tile is child's play.
March 20, 2006... Launched by Plastic Extruders, Herontred is a loose-laid, rubber floor tile which provides a safe and resilient wall to wall floorcovering. Manufactured from vulcanised rubber with a dimpled surface, the tile is well suited to children's...

FLOORING: Back in the jug agane.
March 20, 2006... Continuing a long association with Millfield, one of Britain's most prestigious private schools, Junckers has supplied 215 sq m of 14mm Oak Harmony Oiled flooring for the lobby of the school's new Design & Technology department. An...

FLOORING: Clean sweep in tests.
March 20, 2006... Independent cleaning research, carried out by Cleaning Research International, has revealed that Polysafe sheet vinyl safety floors from Polyflor outperform competitors in terms of both cleanability and appearance retention, without...

FLOORING: Solution to floor levelling.
March 20, 2006... New Stopgap 600 deep section base compound and Stopgap 700 flexible smoothing underlayment from F Ball have provided a simple, quick and cost-effective solution to floor levelling for contractors Capital Carpets as part of a major refurbishment...

FLOORING: Agricultural challenge.
March 20, 2006... Flooring materials from Resdev have been specified for a challenging agricultural application at a farm near Chester. Polyurethane resin Pumadur HF heavy duty screed flooring, which is seamless and hygienic, was installed in a new milking...

REFURBISHMENT: Frameless in Chelsea.
March 20, 2006... Products from DR Services have been used for the conversion of a Victorian building in the Chelsea area of London into 28 luxury apartments. The company supplied sliding door gear for the foyer and designed and manufactured shower...

REFURBISHMENT: Floor preparation products and adhesives.
March 20, 2006... Floor preparation products and adhesives from F Ball have been used in the refurbishment of various areas at Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham. Prior to the laying of new floorcoverings, floor preparation involved the application of primer...

REFURBISHMENT: Limewash for restoration project.
March 20, 2006... Limewash has been supplied by Buxton Lime Industries for the restoration of the medieval Great Hall at Stirling Castle, a project that has spanned four decades. White Peak limewash was used to finish the interior walls. One of the...

REFURBISHMENT: Guardrailing for viaduct.
March 20, 2006... Innovative guardrailing from Kee Klamp has provided a solution for Cheshire County Council in the refurbishment of the 330m long Chester viaduct, which carries the road over private houses, a canal, businesses and a railway line. ...

REFURBISHMENT: Taking it to the bridge.
March 20, 2006... Walton New Bridge in Warrington has been returned to a structurally sound condition following the completion of a major six-month contract by Concrete Repairs. Work carried out by the company for Warrington Borough Council included the...

CEILINGS & PARTITIONS: Ceilings are to cry for.
March 20, 2006... Ceilings from Luxalon are what kitchens have been crying out for, according to Sheffield-based Kitchen Solutions which has installed a colour coordinated ceiling by the company in its premier showroom. The black and mirror ceiling perfectly...

CEILINGS & PARTITIONS: Best choice.
March 20, 2006... In independent health and environmental studies carried out by the Netherlands-based Leiden Centre for Environmental Science, Arteco Casoprano gypsum ceiling tiles from British Gypsum beat mineral fibre and steel alternatives to provide the...

CEILINGS & PARTITIONS: New ceiling solution.
March 20, 2006... A new ceiling solution unveiled by Fermacell provides Robust Detail compliant acoustic performance in a compact and straightforward structure. Developed in conjunction with Protektor, Fermacell's 2FCH22 system exceeds the requirements of...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Calling at all stations.
March 20, 2006... A versatile design solution for Multi-Station Wash Basins in public and commercial washroom environments is being offered by GEC Anderson. Purpose-made straight or L-shaped units can be configured with any style or shape of stainless steel...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Macerators and cubicles.
March 20, 2006... Many refurbishments and developments have taken place at Nicki's Taverna and Hotel in Gloucester over the years, but one thing has remained constant over the past two decades - macerators and cubicles from Saniflo. The owner of the hotel...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Moisture resistant board.
March 20, 2006... A moisture resistant version of the popular Gyproc SoundBloc board for lining bathrooms and kitchens has been launched by British Gypsum. Ideal for apartments and other multi-occupancy buildings required to meet Part E acoustic regulations,...

PAINTS & FINISHES: Warm welcome indoors for exterior coatings giant.
March 20, 2006... Highly regarded for its protective and decorative exterior coatings, Sikkens has now entered the UK interiors market Having long been pre-eminent in the supply of high performance translucent and opaque coatings for the protection of...

PAINTS & FINISHES: Long term woodcare needn't cost the earth.
March 20, 2006... Emma Lazenby, Dulux Trade marketing manager for woodcare, looks at how woodstains can bring long term cost savings Exterior paint systems completely obliterate the underlying substrate with a smooth, gloss finish. With good adhesive...

PAINTS & FINISHES: Hospital in total harmony.
March 20, 2006... To ensure overall harmonisation of the concrete throughout London's #60 million Evelina Children's Hospital, Keim Concretal Lasur was specified. The building retains exposed concrete `as struck' as an inherent aspect of the design....

PAINTS & FINISHES: Safety first for deck treatment.
March 20, 2006... Double action Cuprinol Anti-Slip Decking Treatment is a clear coating that gives an anti-slip finish and prevents the growth of mould and green algae. Suitable for pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels, the product benefits from...

PAINTS & FINISHES: Wood can look good as day one.
March 20, 2006... Osmo Polyx Professional hardwax oil helps keep wooden surfaces looking as good as the day they were installed. The solvent free product, made with natural vegetable oils, waxes and resins, penetrates into the wood surface keeping it elastic...

PAINTS & FINISHES: Favourite filler in a handy size.
March 20, 2006... Handy 200ml tubes and 380ml cartridges of Polyfilla One Fill enable the lightweight filler to be directly applied to damaged areas. Suitable for both interior and exterior use on plaster, brick, stone, concrete and polystyrene, this...

GLASS & GLAZING: Curved double glazed units.
March 20, 2006... Hull College's new Faculty of Media is providing something of a showcase for Darby Glass and its expertise in producing curved double glazed units, in this case with silicon edging. The units, made in accordance with Document L and with a...

GLASS & GLAZING: Frameless glazing ahoy!
March 20, 2006... The new National Waterfront Museum Swansea has made extensive use of the Pilkington Planar frameless glazing system. The system provides a flush glass surface using countersunk holes and stainless steel fittings to fix back the glass facade...

GLASS & GLAZING: Glass reception desk.
March 20, 2006... A striking glass reception desk, manufactured by Daedalian Glass and featuring one of its Designer range patterns, is a focal point of the new HQ building of Crystal Clear International The desk features a UV-bonded curved pedestal which is...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Environmental control.
March 20, 2006... A grand new entrance designed and installed by Kaba Door Systems has provided environmental control at Bridgemere Garden World, near Nantwich - one of the UK's largest nurseries and garden centres. As part of the centre's refurbishment,...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Sliding patio doors.
March 20, 2006... Said to be one of the fastest selling developments in the UK, the Mill Royd Island development in Brighouse, West Yorks, features more than 300 GXi sliding patio doors from Technal. The design for the scheme retains the character of the...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Concealed door closer.
March 20, 2006... Developed by Samuel Heath, the Perko Powermatic concealed door closer has become one of the first door closers to successfully complete independent assessment for use on one-hour fire doors under the test procedures of BS EN 1634-1 on an...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Smooth operator.
March 20, 2006... Introduced by Dorma, the ES 200 sliding door operator has been designed to meet the requirements of every automatic sliding door application, regardless of width or weight. To ensure the highest possible levels of safety, a new...

DOORS & WINDOWS: System has Plus points.
March 20, 2006... Based on the established 200 system, Velfac has introduced the 200 Plus window and walling system which is certified for CWCT Sequence A & B, and BS EN 13830. The system is said to feature new enhancements and installation details which...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Contemporaries in design.
March 20, 2006... Doors and windows from the Contemporary collection have been supplied by Mumford & Wood for an environmentally friendly, split-level property in Suffolk. The home of a local developer, the unique bungalow is partly submerged into the...

DOORS & WINDOWS: Better bi design.
March 20, 2006... A Bi-Folding Door has been launched by A-Plas Windows using pvc-u profile from the Diamond Suite by Duraflex. Manufactured by the fabricator at its production facility near Bolton, the Bi-Folding Door offers an attractive and space-saving...