What's New in Building articles from May 2003

What's New in Building archives from May 2003

Answer is blowing in the `wind of change'.
May 22, 2003... Over the coming months, Rockwool is running a campaign to challenge building designers to think closely about insulation specifications. `When it comes to blowing agents, we say fresh air is best,' says Brian Roberts, managing director of...

Scots on top form.
May 22, 2003... One or two wee drams were no doubt sipped in celebration of the opening of a new stocking depot and office complex in Glasgow for formwork specialist Peri. The company had previously operated a design office in Govan. The new site is...

Air con expansion.
May 22, 2003... Ventilation specialist Vent-Axia is now part of Integrated Air Solutions and is aiming to offer its services to the UK air conditioning market. Focusing on a core range of R407c based split systems, IAS offers a choice including...

Aluminium industry marketing committee.
May 22, 2003... Important issues facing the aluminium industry are to be addressed by a newly formed marketing committee as part of the Council for Aluminium in Building. The aim is to raise awareness among members of issues affecting their business. ...

Concrete evidence.
May 22, 2003... The first project in the UK to use Ward's Dramix concrete technology for composite flooring has been completed at Carters Boat Yard, Buckden, Cambridge. Multideck 60 metal deck has been used in conjunction with Dramix steel fibre...

Red book revived.
May 22, 2003... To mark the change of name from Redland Roofing Systems to Lafarge Roofing, the company's Red Book has been revised and updated. Widely regarded as the pitched roofing industry's technical bible, it now contains even more information...

Ceiling tiles.
May 22, 2003... Ecophon's Focus D ceiling tiles have been used to create a high tec conferencee room and reception for Synetix at Cambridge Science Park. The system helps create an image reflecting the client's activities. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Wall panels and roof plates.
May 22, 2003... The latest M4I project uses Excel Building Solutions' Tradis wall panels and roof plates to build 10 business `incubator units' at the Bolton Institute. The #600,000 project delivers U values of 0.16 (walls) and 0.09W/sq m/K (roof). ...

Cable gland.
May 22, 2003... One cable gland is much like another, right? Wrong, says Kopex. The Euro Index gland gives more protection and is easier to use. It reduces risk at what can be the first point of ingress. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Door alarm.
May 22, 2003... Bogus callers will have no luck gaining entry to houses thanks to a new device from 1st Secure. The DoorDefender stops forced entry even when the door is ajar and has an alarm that draws attention to intruders while automatically shutting...

Rugger rethink.
May 22, 2003... An extra 100sq m of retail space has been formed by Withey Contracts at the Rugby Store, located in the RFU headquarters at Twickenham, home fo Grand Slam champions, England. While the store kept trading, Withey stripped out existing...

Strength in style.
May 22, 2003... Even stronger than its predecessor, the redesigned Assa Select range of door handles retains the same attractive appearance that has proved so popular with designers. Operational problems associated with traditional lever handles, such as...

More reinforcement.
May 22, 2003... Made by Halfen in the UK, the HBM coupler system ensures fast, cost effective reinforcement connections for pre-cast and in-situ reinforced concrete applications. The system consists of socket bars, connector bars and connecting studs. The...

Windows on paper or CD.
May 22, 2003... The latest architects catalogue has been introduced by Reynaers, covering a full range of window, door, curtain walling and atria. The catalogue is available in either paper or CD rom format and will also be available to download from the...

Insulation is on the web.
May 22, 2003... Expanded polystyrene insulation products specialist Vencel Resil has launched a new web site focused on its Jablite brand. The site gives technical details of all products including thermal properties, composition, material types and...

Spectus box clever.
May 22, 2003... Indigo Products, a Spectus fabricator, provided heavyweight support for the launch of the new Elite 70 system in the form of championship boxers Rob Norton and Dean Pithie. Former WBU Cruiserweight champion rob, and Dean, current Super...

Training college opens.
May 22, 2003... LG Air Conditioning has opened its European Training College in Milan, Italy. The 1,650sqq m purpose built establishment is expected to train up to 2,000 contractors and distributors every year. The centre was opened by LG CEO and chairman...

Hot stuff up top.
May 22, 2003... The Firesmart flameless application equipment launched by Icopal, complements the roofing membrane system of the same name. The hot gas gun's emissions contain no oxygen, which means the applicator acts as a virtual fire extinguisher. It...

It's all a Mirage.
May 22, 2003... The #26million extension to the Hilton Gatwick Airport Hotel boasts a rain screen cladding system made from ceramic granite panels. A significant design requirement was to reduce the impact of aircraft noise entering the bedrooms. ...

Partners in home design.
May 22, 2003... David Wilson Homes has worked in partnership with engineered wood specialist Trus Joist to install the Silent Floor system in an increasing number of its homes. This approach has involved David Wilson's design department working closely...

Tamper proof speed ramps.
May 22, 2003... Increasing levels of vandalism present speed ramp makers with a problem - how do you stop people prying them off the road? Hazard has created the SpeedStopper ramp to take the joy out of joyriding. The first test case has been in Weston...

Paint for C logo.
May 22, 2003... Ever wondered who supplied the paint for London's red congestion charge C logo? Step forward, PJ colours of Flint. They used a Saxon 5 continuous hot air sealing machine from Fischbein Saxon to close the filled bags of dye. So now you know. ...

Louvred impact.
May 22, 2003... Parkview is a striking new building on the edge of Gunnersbury Park, London. The glazing provides a clear and uninterrupted view to the south with a visual and acoustic shield from the motorway created with giant louvres. Levolux was...

Shady environment is created for plant study.
May 22, 2003... The University of Nottingham has invested #7 million in its Plant Sciences building. Expertise from Kingfisher Louvre Systems was employed to help create an ideal learning and working environment. The building includes state of the art...

Fire resistant glazing system.
May 22, 2003... Wright Style has provided 130sq m of WSL F60 clear fire resistant glass as part of the SR series curtain walling system on the Lesley Exchange in Belfast. The system was specified by the architects because of its inherent strength and...

Film protection.
May 22, 2003... Hayling Island Secondary School has found a simple yet effective solution to distracting glare and heat gain with a film from Bekaert Specialty Films' SolarGard range. A range of films are available in diverse tints and finishes, which...

Interior fire doors.
May 22, 2003... Pilkington's Pyrodur Plus glass has been used by door maker Vicaima in a selection of interior fire doors for the show home at a development in Kent. Pyrodur is a 7.5mm fire resistant laminate glass for use in internal fire-resistant doors and...

Emergency release door stop.
May 22, 2003... Another type of emergency release door stop has been developed by Royde & Tucker for use with Hi-Load double action pivot sets. It will be of special interest for mental health and secure units where staff finger trapping has been reported when...

Vinyl solution.
May 22, 2003... Two fabric-backed vinyls have been introduced by Helen Sheane. Links and Cosmos offer tactile effects in stark contrast to more predictable offerings. They add softness and warmth to any working environment. Links has a geometric 3D...

Waterproofing membrane.
May 22, 2003... Premseal GMA by Premier Coatings has been used as a gas and waterproofing membrane over the 7,000sq m base of an undercroft car park in Kingston upon Thames. The system comprises gas membrane and reinforcing membrane for all internal and...

Hidden protection.
May 22, 2003... Type Q arresting barriers help invisibly control water volumes. Type BA barrier arch Cavitrays are available from Cavity Trays to suit all styles and sizes of arches. They are particularly suitable for multi- arched windows with a large masonry...

Emergency fire exit.
May 22, 2003... Designed as an emergency fire exit with the look of a traditional sliding sash, Ambass-A-Door's Surlingham features a top hung top sash and a side hung bottom sash. With both elements in full open position, egress is clear. Copyright: CMP...

Specially commissioned gates.
May 22, 2003... At Wentworth Manor in Virgina Water, specially commissioned gates have been installed using systems from FAAC. The company's 760 concealed swing operators ensure the mechanism doesn't detract from the look. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Church roof waterproofing.
May 22, 2003... The congregation of St Anne's church in Coventry no longer have to suffer the effects of a leaking roof thanks to Laybond Products' Flexacryl waterproofing. It was impossible to get onto the roof with flame or torch, and funds were tight....

Liverpool's first five star hotel.
May 22, 2003... Construction of Liverpool's first five star hotel is well advanced following installation of prefabricated concrete panels containing over 200 aluminium casement windows from Technal. The windows were fabricated and installed into panels...

Stair trims.
May 22, 2003... The durability, flexibility and eye catching appeal of Gooding Aluminium's Versatility Step-Up stair trims feature at a new Q Bar complex in Cheltenham. The high tech look of the product is perfectly suited to the project, says designer Tim...

Solutions for space saving.
May 22, 2003... Architects Diverse Interiors have helped drugs giant Pharmacia consolidate its European operations following the merger with Upjohn and Monsanto. Staff consultations established there was a need for a more collaborative working...

Client shows its PR the door.
May 22, 2003... At the Georgian offices of PR firm Partners Group in York, Manse Masterdor (one of their own clients) has fitted Masterdors with the latest in electronic entry technology. The doors suit they style of the building. Copyright: CMP...

Elizabethan repairs.
May 22, 2003... Moreley Old Hall, and Elizabethan manor house in Norfolk, had suffered lateral movement on the right rear gable elevation, which called for concealed stabilisation. To do this, the Helibeam system from Helifix was used, with ties installed...

Lasting protection.
May 22, 2003... Smoke alarm supplier BRK offers a model with 10 years' continuous life, designed for fast and easy installation. The SA10YRUKN features ionisation sensing technology powered by 10 year lithium cells. It will continue to operate for years...

Strength and style of doors.
May 22, 2003... Secure and hardwearing, as well as competitively priced, Hormann's SPU 40 insulated sectional overhead door offered everything specifiers for the new Peugeot dealership in Scarborough were looking for. The double skinned steel door helps...

Tough vinyl is easy to hang.
May 22, 2003... New for IHDG is ProSpec, a professional quality vinyl wallcovering range that's tough and durable yet easy to hang. A heavy top coat of vinyl on a flat paper back gives the material its hardwearing properties, making it suitable for...

Rustic rumblings.
May 22, 2003... With its rustic, rumbled edges, Alpha block paving can soften and setting, creating a cobbled effect that would be equally at home outside a period property or modern dwelling. The range just got bigger now Brett Paving has added 50mm thick...

Improved oil for floor use.
May 22, 2003... The Osmo HardwaxOil range of wood finishes has had a makeover, now boasting an improved formulation and a new name - PolyxOil. The product is designed to keep wooden flooring and internal joinery looking as good as it did on day one. ...

GEC performs in theatre.
May 22, 2003... Stainless steel work surfaces, sinks, cabinets and shelving have been installed in all main operating theatres and support rooms at Heartlands hospital, Birmingham. The units were tailor made by GEC Anderson to be completely seamless for...

Minimalists need fireplaces too.
May 22, 2003... Latest development from architect Henry Harrison is Firestrata, a further addition to his minimalist fireplace theme, available from the Platonic Fireplace Company. A rough hewn, heat resistant glass panel is bolted across a raw fireplace...

Smaller and brighter.
May 22, 2003... Improved colour rendition combines with increased lifespan in the new halogen G9 capsule tech lamp from GE Lighting. Its compact size gives lighting designers greater flexibility. Colour temperature is 2,800K, giving out a bright white...

Additions to range of pipe fittings.
May 22, 2003... Additions to the JG Speedfit range of pipe fittings include Flexi hoses in 13 different patterns, all with an in-line service valve operated by screwdriver slot. Chromium plated brass service valves are also offered in 15 and 22mm sizes....

Choice of thresholds.
May 22, 2003... As part of its continuous development programme, Sash has developed low threshold door sills for residential doors where disabled access is required. The company now fits AM3 and AM5 easy access thresholds and ramps from rain and draught...

No excuses to be board.
May 22, 2003... Particleboard needn't be a bore, as demonstrated by Nexfor's latest offering, Sampford Walnut. One of 15 finishes in the Caberdecor range, it gives depth of grain, considerable tonal range and fine print quality, to create inspirational...

A big noise in safety.
May 22, 2003... Audible and visual signalling equipment is the speciality of Klaxon Signals. The company supplies sirens, electronic sounders, fire alarms, bells, hooters, horns, beacons and buzzers for fire, security and hazardous area applications. On...

Extinguishers `save millions'.
May 22, 2003... Fire extinguishers save the UK economy some #500million a year. That's one of the findings of a FETA (Fire Extinguishing Trades Association) survey. By their nature these items of equipment prevent minor incidents becoming major ones and...

Relays win the race.
May 22, 2003... Making their debut this year will be three designs for System Sensor`s Series 300 conventional relay bases. The 24V dc version enables local management of externally powered devices; both detector and relay latch on when the detector goes...

Safety first for manhole.
May 22, 2003... Lengthy research and development on the part of Polypipe have produced the Non Man Entry deep inspection chamber system. Designed to meet changes to Document H of the building regulations, the system's polypropylene frame restricts access...

Oil fired range offers versatility.
May 22, 2003... Suitable for homes of all sizes, the relaunched Eurostar Utility range of floorstanding oil fired boilers offers improved performance, better insulation and ease of installation. This versatile boiler range offers heat outputs from 14.6 to...

Channel's no challenge.
May 22, 2003... Supplied in easy to handle three metre packs, Hunter's latest version of its external channel drainage range is suitable for garage and private driveway thresholds. The polypropylene channels are tough and can now be connected to 110mm pipe...

Stoves on show at Harrogate.
May 22, 2003... An array of cast iron stoves from Broseley will be on show at Hearth & Home, the fireplace industry's major exhibition in Harrogate (June 8- 10). In the line-up will be the Cathedral and Castle ranges which originated as multi fuel stoves....

Easy upkeep filter system.
May 22, 2003... HiPAF aerated filter systems are designed for below ground installation and include no moving parts, ensuring low maintenance and complete reliability. Controls are housed in a small, acoustically insulated grp kiosk adjacent to the unit....

Hot stuff from East Molesey.
May 22, 2003... Latest offering from Stokvis is the Economatic steel shell boiler range - a high efficiency three-pass reverse flame unit for use with gas or oil. A wide range of outputs (93 to 3,488kW) gives over 90% thermal efficiency, as well as low CO...

Tape keeps hospital in the water.
May 22, 2003... The versatility of Winn & Coales' Denso Hotline tape is demonstrated by a recent application for protection of a new condensor water line at a West Midlands hospital. Totalling some 50m in length, the line is buried under a service road...

I'll be back.
May 22, 2003... Star of the latest installment of the Terminator saga (at least as far as Gerber is concerned) is the T3 range of tools. The palm-sized multi-tool survival kits feature in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, coming soon to a multiplex near...

Bust those nuts.
May 22, 2003... Among the US made collection of premium pliers and grips available from Rollins Group is the Nutbuster range of tongue and groove pliers. Made from heat treated high carbon steel, the Channellock Nutbusters are essential items of kit for...

Choose your chisel.
May 22, 2003... Three models make up the latest range of chisels from Bahco Tools. The heavy duty version is aimed at the building trade, while the mid- priced tool is suitable for carpenters and cabinet makers. A lower priced chisel for general trade and...

Power you can feel.
May 22, 2003... The expanded range of DIY and Decorating powered and cordless tools from Avocet is designed to tackle all manner of repair and improvement projects. As well as a range of cordless and mains powered drills, there's a selection of saws...

Hammer it home.
May 22, 2003... At just 15kg, Makita's HM1304 demolition hammer is light and easy to handle, yet delivers 1,450 blows per minute - enough to drive the 30mm bull point through pre-cast concrete. The company's designers have worked overtime to reduce both...

Glamorous new kitchen is going for gold.
May 22, 2003... High gloss surface brilliance combined with gold accessories is the hallmark of the new w5-310 kitchen from Wellmann. The white laminate doors and drawer fronts are given a reflective sparkle thanks to an angled profile along the vertical...

Bathroom fittings.
May 22, 2003... Bathroom fittings from Eurobath, including the minimalist One fixed shower head, the Evita concealed shower valve and the Chrome One monobloc mixer have been specified for the apartments and townhouses in the Berkeley Homes' central London...

Shower columns.
May 22, 2003... Said to offer exceptional quality at competitive prices, the Banacril Congo range of shower columns, comprising three different models - Congo, Congo Max and Congo B - is now available through UK distributor Alexanders. Copyright: CMP...

Products from Aqualisa.
May 22, 2003... Products from Aqualisa, including Aquavalve 609 thermostatic mixer valves with Varispray Shower Heads, have been specified for new homes at Manor Park, an exclusive Crest Nicholson development in Moseley. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Shower enclosures.
May 22, 2003... Developed by Flair, the Capella range features telescopic panels allows for adjustment of out-of-true walls. Guaranteed to be popular with installers, the telescopic function allows adjustment so the enclosure will fit snugly against any...

A sticky start for school.
May 22, 2003... A range of F Ball products including its latest Styccobond F43 Surface Tackifier, has facilitated the fast and economic installation of over 11,000m2 of floor coverings at Stratford High School in Stratford-upon- Avon. Firstly Stopgap F75...

Sand screed kit.
May 22, 2003... To create long-lasting hard landscaping features it is essential to ensure a consistent, flat level surface with the sand screed. Pro Screed has introduced a kit to solve this problem. It consists of a series of poles and adaptors. Compliant to...

Reflections of architecture.
May 22, 2003... Desso is introducing new Structura and Libra carpet tiles. Structura embodies the form and precision of contemporary architecture. Its sculptured loop pile features a series of graphical patterns across a palette of ten colours, presenting...

Classic choice.
May 22, 2003... Now available from Bonar Floors is the Classics range of Flotex flooring. There are four designs in the range, varying in scale and appearance. Melbourne is very textural with strong contrasting colours, while Denver is more subtle with...

Child's play.
May 22, 2003... Marley Floors has recently completed the first in a series of resilient vinyl flooring installations at the Early Learning Centre play store in Edinburgh. Photographic effects from the X Floors range were used to differentiate areas,...

Subtle colours suit health care.
May 22, 2003... To complement its Polyflor Mystique PUR range of heavy duty sheet and tile vinyl range, Polyflor has launched the Classic Mystique PUR range. The Classic range provides more subtle, tonal colours. The range will be available in sheet form...

Historic colours.
May 22, 2003... Historic colours from Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings' Crown Trade RIBA Drawings Collection have been used to restore the Victorian building housing the Headquarters of Aspire Housing Association in Newcastle- Under-Lyme. Copyright: CMP...

Low maintenance finish.
May 22, 2003... Walkden Methodist Church in Manchester was among the early applications for Demidekk Optimal, a newly developed woodstain from Jotun Paints. The woodstain was developed by means of an alkyd modified acrylic (AMA) technology. Designed...

Range of painting products.
May 22, 2003... Avkote KS has been introduced by AVCO as part of the company's range of painting and protection products. This paint is designed specifically for repainting and protecting uPVC windows, doors, cladding and fences. The single pack,...

Traditional facade.
May 22, 2003... Emscote Lawn Road in Warwick is a traditional housing scheme by Wilcon Homes. critical to the historic character was the need to construct simple rendered facades with integral relief decoration, projecting bays, pediments and areas of plain...

Spray paint solution for commercial buildings.
May 22, 2003... ICI Dulux Trade has launched a mid-sheen finish that has been specially designed for fast-spray application to interior ceilings and walls of commercial buildings. Dry Fall Eggshell is suitable for use on large interior areas where, in the...

Redecorating historical properties.
May 22, 2003... Cathedral Close in Norwich includes a mixture of residential dwellings and commercial ventures. Some buildings date from the 12th Century and the majority are listed so it is necessary to maintain the overall character. Every four years...

Keeping on the right side of the loo.
May 22, 2003... The Leeds and Bradford depots of Arnold Laver Timber World joined forces to supply both the materials and fabrication service to joiners Jenner & Delaney for a range of new washroom cubicles for the Magistrates Courts in Bradford. Bradford...

Smart move for media production company.
May 22, 2003... Desking and storage from Asher Systems Furniture has been specified by interior design and project management company Studio Zero for the new Nottingham HQ of Mediamaker, one of the largest strategic media and communications production...