What's New in Building articles from May 2004

What's New in Building archives from May 2004

Natural way to get a breath of air.
May 17, 2004... Improving the office environment with the use of energy-free technology is the business of Buckinghamshire based Monodraught SunPipes and Windcatchers from Monodraught play an ever increasing role in improving the office environment with...

Sustainable answers to urban drainage.
May 17, 2004... Changes to the building regulations section 2000, approved document H - which became law in April 2002 - provide for the first time official encouragement towards the establishment of sustainable drainage systems, now universally known by the...

Glass company goes for growth.
May 17, 2004... To cope with the increase in demand for its CeramaliteTM and CeraphicTM surface decorated glass products, HansenGlass have bought the largest screen printing machines in the UK for its manufacturing facility in Kirkby, Merseyside. This...

CCL remains a fan of Vent Axia.
May 17, 2004... In a major new distribution deal, CCL Veloduct has confirmed it will be stocking a wide range of Vent Axia fans at its 21 branches. `This is a key deal for us,' said a delighted David Barker, joint managing director of CCL Veloduct. `Now we...

Stoned and amazed.
May 17, 2004... Minotaur, a stone maze recently built at Kielder Castle, Northumberland, has been created using gabions - welded mesh cages - filled with some 480 tons of local basalt stone. The cages have been produced by Gabion Solutions. Copyright:...

Minister hails off-site growth.
May 17, 2004... Visiting the Manufactured Solutions section at Interbuild lat month, Housing Minister Lord Rooker highlighted the benefits of off-site construction. He said: `The government fully supports modern off-site methods of construction for...

Good looking and green too.
May 17, 2004... Awareness of the environmental and aesthetic benefits of timber is fueling a growth in interest in timber shingles and shakes, according to John Brash. The company's new brochure features its Western red cedar range, spelling out the...

Bed and board.
May 17, 2004... The walled garden of Old Park mansion, once densely overgrown, is now being restored by Stephen and Phillippa Lambert. Panelboard manufacturer Nexfor has provided sponsorship for the construction of a `green' lakeside residence on the...

Commercial move for K2.
May 17, 2004... Conservatory roofing manufacturer K2 has extended its interests into the commercial sector with the launch of a separate new division, K2 Architectural Systems. This division will offer a bespoke service including survey, design,...

Best environmental choice.
May 17, 2004... Some more good news for the timber industry - timber windows are described in a Greenpeace statement as being `the best environmental choice', providing the material is properly sourced. The British Woodworking Federation regards this as...

Predictable cladding colour.
May 17, 2004... Corus Colors has developed its colour range of Celestia coatings to offer a cost effective and more predictable alternative to Cor-Ten. The downsides of using Cor-Ten for cladding applications are widely known such as its uneven weathering...

Warm and healthy building.
May 17, 2004... EVT panels by Excel Building Solutions have provided teachers and pupils of Beaumont Primary School in Hadleigh, Suffolk, with a warm and healthy building structure. The 220mm deep wall panels deliver a U value of 0.165W/sq mK, over twice...

Duct discussed in brochure.
May 17, 2004... Barnsley based Naylor Drainage has published a brochure on its ducting range. The system comprises three main components - ducting pipes, access chambers and covers with corresponding frames. Twinwall ducting offers lightweight and...

Wood is the new grass.
May 17, 2004... The layout of the modern garden is a marked departure from the traditional approach of a lawn with flowerbed borders. A modern garden operates as an extra room to the house - somewhere to relax, entertain, eat and play. Designers are...

Helping hand at sea.
May 17, 2004... Sliding door manufacturer PC Henderson has leant a helping hand to charity Mercy Ships. Africa Mercy is currently undergoing a refit on Tyneside before being deployed to aid African countries. The company has donated Pacer sliding door...

Factory finish for joinery.
May 17, 2004... Coating systems for fully factory finished joinery are the speciality of Sikkens. Now the company has launched Sikkens Cetol WF955, a translucent coating system that offers a 30 per cent increase in durability, making it exceptionally resistant...

Compact suite for tight spots.
May 17, 2004... Galerie Optimise from Twyford is a compact suite that brings style to bathroom where space is at a premium. The suite will have strong appeal to the over the counter replacement, maintenance and refurbishment markets; while simultaneously...

Continuous ribbon of light.
May 17, 2004... The Slotlight luminaire from Zumtobel Staff Lighting provides a continuous ribbon of light from a luminaire designed to be inconspicuous to the point of invisibility. Slotlight is most effective when recessed into ceilings or walls, and...

Inground light is IP68 rated.
May 17, 2004... The LS343 inground lighting fitting has been introduced to the UK by Light Projects Group. With an IP68 rating, the fitting comes with wicking barrier to prevent ingress of water through the cable. It is modular with the facility to remove...

Acoustic floor meets the regs.
May 17, 2004... A new acoustic flooring system that complies fully with stringent acoustic properties in new Building Regulations, Part E 2003, is being launched by Puhos Board UK and Trus Joist which recently announced the appointment of Puhos as its second...

Bright lights on the shelf.
May 17, 2004... A new lighting option for kitchens is now available thanks to Wellmann's illuminated shelves. Framed in anodised aluminium for a cool contemporary look, the centre textured glass panel reflects light from bulbs set at the rear of the shelf...

Routine work comes out tops.
May 17, 2004... NYK Logistics recently carried out routine maintenance showed that the Shotton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire warehousing and logistics depot was in need of essential roof repair. Tor's Raincoat system was specified in order to provide a long...

Wireless work for hospital.
May 17, 2004... Bedford Hospital is among the first to implement a new direct patient record access system using Armstrong's wireless data connection. i-ceilings wireless systems have been positioned throughout the hospital, in Ward areas, Intensive Care...

Developments at Derby.
May 17, 2004... While Derby County Football Club will be hoping to nurture new talent through the development of its academy, the flooring contractor working on the project decided to rely on an established player when it came to dealing with the wet...

Recessed ironwork.
May 17, 2004... Manufacturer LS Leaderflush Shapland has announced that it is introducing a range of recessed ironmongery, factory-fitted to its performance doorsets. Supply and factory fitting of mortice lock cases, strike plates and flush bolts is a...

Easy access for nurses.
May 17, 2004... Looking for a bed-head lighting system that provides comfort for patients, easy access for nurses and best visibility for doctors? Thorn Lighting may have the solution with the Medicalys fluorescent luminaire integrating lighting, medical...

Small is smart for the kitchen.
May 17, 2004... Compact kitchen specialist Space Savers have introduced a new product range that contains an entire kitchen suite within a cupboard unit. Cupboard kitchens neatly include a steel sinktop with monobloc tap as well as a refrigerator,...

Take it to the Bridge again.
May 17, 2004... The Bridge at Argyle Street, a mixed use development in Glasgow, is the first UK project to feature the Kalzip AluPlusZinc material by Corus. Having originally specified zinc, architect Carrick, McCormack Mclntyre opted for AluPlusZinc...

Stripper joins the line-up.
May 17, 2004... Latest in the Refina line-up is the Powerprep EPOl80H Surface Stripper, which has a 7-inch ATX disc for removing water-based paints and textures from interior surfaces including plaster, drywall boards and ceilings without damaging the surface...

Playtime with touch of colour.
May 17, 2004... In response to demand for attractive and functional garden play equipment, timber products specialist Osmo UK offers a range of versatile, fun and funky wooden playground equipment to amuse children of all ages. And for taking care of such...

Terracotta transformation.
May 17, 2004... Architectural glazing sub-contractor CAP Aluminium has developed a terracotta rainscreen cladding system to transform the facade of Birmingham's former Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital in Edmund St and help create 44,000 sq ft of new office...

Pure air with no bad smells.
May 17, 2004... LG is introducing NanoPlasma air purifying system, which helps remove contaminants, dust, house mites, pollen, and pet fur into its range of air conditioning products. It assists in eliminating bad odours. LG's NanoPlasma is also said to...

Government moves goalposts on public building accessibility.
May 17, 2004... By Jerry Brace, chairman of the platform lifting section of the Association of Loading and Elevating Equipment Manufacturers, ALEM By now every building owner must be aware of the implications of the Disability Discrimination Act of 1995....

Fittings in line with legislation.
May 17, 2004... Architectural ironmongery specialist Hafele has brought its range of fittings for use by the disabled into line with current legislation, following the implementation of the Disabilities Discrimination Act. Included in the company's latest...

New life for former station.
May 17, 2004... Now a lively activity centre, the former station building at Hackney Central in London features an A5000 Freedom platform lift from Axess 4 All to enable nightclubbers with impaired mobility to gain access to the first floor dance area. ...

Shower for old or less able.
May 17, 2004... Now available from Coram Showers is a new showering concept targeted at the older or less able person who may have difficulty using a bath. The showering solution with various options has been designed to replace the existing bath,...

Enabling access to listed house.
May 17, 2004... Access to Burghley House in Stamford, Lincs, has recently been improved for wheelchair users, those with mobility impairment and visitors with prams and pushchairs by N&C Phlexicare. The company developed a bespoke design, providing a new...

Induction loop system makes for plain speaking.
May 17, 2004... Organisations across the country are installing Contacta InfoLoop systems to improve their level of service and to comply with the relevant requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. One such organisation is Lloyds TSB, was has...

Lighting control for law firm HQ.
May 17, 2004... The contract to supply lighting control systems for law firm Clifford Chance's new 30-storey HQ building at Canary Wharf was awarded to Simmtronic. The company has employed its well-proven SPECS3 technology for the project. Copyright:...

Greater power to the shower.
May 17, 2004... New from Eaton MEM is an uprated 50A double-pole ceiling switch designed for use with modern instantaneous electric showers in ratings up to 11.5kW at 230V. The switch has a double-pole action for disconnection of both phase and neutral...

Lighting control is on the menu.
May 17, 2004... A digital lighting control solution has been provided by Helvar for The Brasserie of the four-star Hart's Hotel in Nottingham. The company's Digidim system is programmed for four different lighting scenes that can be easily selected at the...

Limited space is no problem.
May 17, 2004... Introduced by Cooper Lighting and Security, the new Menvier AC500VA/M3 compact static inverter has been designed specifically for applications where space or cost restraints might otherwise have ruled out the use of a central battery system for...

Catalogue is largest to date.
May 17, 2004... The latest addition of the popular catalogue from JCC Lighting Products is now available. Featuring 228 pages and an extensive selection of interior and exterior general lighting for both the domestic and commercial sectors, the catalogue...

Recapture charm of bygone eras.
May 17, 2004... Introduced by Hamilton Litestat, the new Cheriton range of electrical accessories incorporates the new Hamilton inserts to offer a choice of styles and to recapture the elegance and charm of bygone eras. The traditional solid, cast brass,...

Providing total water control.
May 17, 2004... Access valves from Aquaflow Regulators provide a ball shut off valve, flow regulation and accessibility under pressure, all in one plumbing fitting. For water systems operating at a minimum of 1bar water pressure, the Access valves, which...

System delivers potable water.
May 17, 2004... Introduced by Uponor, a new range of tapping tees for its puriton barrier pipe system means that the company is now able to offer a complete system of pipes and fittings for the conveyance of potable water through contaminated land sites. ...

New generation of gutter fittings.
May 17, 2004... The Deepflow range of gutter fittings, launched by Marley Plumbing & Drainage more than 30 years ago has evolved into Deepflow Plus. The new range is described as having the same neat appearance and size as the original Marley Deepflow, but...

Gas fire joins the range.
May 17, 2004... The DRU Designer Collection of contemporary gas fires from Drugasar has been extended by the introduction of the Alto. A freestanding `stove-type' model with a realistic log effect and a heat output of 8kW, the Alto features the patented...

Reliable duct monitoring.
May 17, 2004... Now available from Airflow is an improved range of Wilson Flow Grids which is said to provide a simple, cost effective method of accurately monitoring air flow within ducted ventilation, process air and air conditioning systems both during and...

Suitable for wall or ceiling.
May 17, 2004... Introduced by Vulcana Gas Appliances, the Vulcana PS45 is a compact high-level gas heater designed for mounting on wall or ceiling, and capable of being remote-flued up to five metres from the point of installation. Remotely controlled by...

Queue for sports.
May 17, 2004... Dorking Leisure Centre is the next in line for queue management from Tensator. Managed by Leisure Connection on behalf of Mole Valley District, the centre offers different sporting facilities. The Leisure Centre is also a favourite...

Merchant makes space.
May 17, 2004... Expanding builders merchant Selco Trade Centres has created extra sales and display space and improved the layout at their Stirchley, West Midlands depot. A Firetex FC fabric fire curtain system covers a 54m long, 6m high fire...

Automated gate system.
May 17, 2004... A Gate Express automated gate system by FAAC is providing a secure and stylish solution for Croft Bank, a 200 year old property in Lancashire. Specialist wrought ironsmith and Gate Express installer B Rourke and Co of Bumley fabricated and...

Self contained fire solutions.
May 17, 2004... Self-contained for easy installation with no need for pipework, Modula Plus MP-2-000 Automatic Fire Suppression units from Firemaster contain 3M Novec 1230 fire protection fluid, an environmentally safe Halon replacement. These stored...

Plug and play identification.
May 17, 2004... This month sees the launch of a `plug and play' automatic vehicle identification system from Nortech Control Systems. Norparc is a complete, fully assembled and tested sign ready to mount adjacent to a vehide barrier providing long range...

Ingenious alarms.
May 17, 2004... Ingenious uses of relay pat tress accessories have expanded the effectiveness of Kidde Fyrnetics domestic smoke and heat alarms in Foster and Partners' latest Thames-side apartment development. Each apartment in the new Albion Riverside...

Next arrival is repair system.
May 17, 2004... Concealed structural repairs using the Helifix system have been carried out by Quadriga Concepts on the former station master's residence adjacent to London's Victoria Station, which was suffering from extensive masonry cracking. Quadriga...

Security is within reach.
May 17, 2004... Window hardware from Securistyle has been specified by Luton Borough Council for its sheltered accommodation. The Vector Excluder Locking Mechanism was positioned lower down the window to allow easier access for wheelchair users. ...

Bridge is restored 40 years on.
May 17, 2004... Having enquired about possible refurbishment work on the Bursledon Bridge in 1965, Concrete Repairs has finally been awarded a #435,000 contract from Hampshire County Council to carry out an all-embracing renovation of the bridge's structural...

Great results at primary school.
May 17, 2004... The old single skin Georgian wired glass units on Linton Mead Primary School in Thamesmead have been replaced with the Xlok Express panel glazing system from Brett Martin Daylight Systems. The factory assembled system is ideal for...

Finding favour with authorities.
May 17, 2004... The comprehensive COMAR range of framework and window walling systems from The Parkside Group is proving popular with authorities for refurbishment projects. The range now includes COMAR 1 for single-glazed and COMAR 3 for double- glazed...

Bold colours are prescribed.
May 17, 2004... Striking blue and orange Desso Flavia carpet tiles from Armstrong Floor Products have been installed in the offices of pharmaceutical firm Roche Diagnostics. The bold carpet design has been used to create `zones' and the brightly coloured...

Trunk call at Civic Centre.
May 17, 2004... Specified by the London Borough of Harrow as a cost-saving solution to retro-fitting office power and IT supplies, Sterling Profile 12 trunking from Marshall-Tufflex has been adopted throughout recently refurbished offices in the Civic Centre....

Glass units incorporate blinds.
May 17, 2004... Specialist glass and integral blinds manufactured by Pilkington Plyglass have been incorporated in the refurbishment of London's Imperial College, providing peace and privacy for the occupants. The Pilkington Insulight Phon units...

Spiral stairs fit the space.
May 17, 2004... A handcrafted spiral staircase from Blanc de Bierges has been specified for a country house conversion because of its resemblance to natural stone. The staircase provides access to the cellar of Rangemore Hall near Burton-on-Trent, which...

Upgrade for facade access.
May 17, 2004... The facade access system at the British Standards Institution's landmark building in Chiswick has been upgraded by Centro. The company has replaced the Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) with a standard Manntech Type 4 Compact Crane system...

Spectacular finish at Albert Hall.
May 17, 2004... A range of products from ICI Dulux Trade has been used as part of the programme to restore and redecorate all the public areas and the auditorium of the Royal Albert Hall. Dulux Trade's paints were selected because they could be tinted...

Cleaning at walking pace.
May 17, 2004... The already successful range of high pressure Flat Surface Cleaners from Tech-Clean Supplies has been improved by the addition of a new and more powerful rotary head. Ideal for restoring pedestrian precincts, shopping malls, car parks,...

Repair to DPCs made easy.
May 17, 2004... Refurbishment cavity trays from Z-Led are designed to make repairs to DPCs easier. Contractors simply remove sections of the course of brickwork, insert the BBA-approved HTR cavity tray, and replace the bricks, working along the course as...

Changing rooms in real life.
May 17, 2004... The refurbishment of the Barracuda Club in Dumfries, Scotland, has involved the first installation of systems from the new leisure wash and changing room range by Armitage Venesta. A combination of Ciro glass cubicles, the practical Relay...

Ventilation for the museum.
May 17, 2004... A natural ventilation system from Passivent has been installed in the Hull & East Riding Museum, home to the UK's largest Iron Age log boat. The Passivent system was selected because it is an environmentally friendly solution, yet...

Restorer sees red.
May 17, 2004... The established Black Asphalt Restorer from Anglo Building Products is now available in Brick Red. A thick bituminous coating, the product will upgrade drab and grey stained asphalt with a single thick coat. Made from a strong bitumen...

Clean lines for geometric look.
May 17, 2004... Straight edges and clean lines: Geometry in the bathroom has become a popular design trend; a fact borne out by the popularity of Duravit's rectangular Vero basins since they were launched a few years ago. In addition to the existing 60cm...

You're so square.
May 17, 2004... With geometric lines and a minimalist shape, the Avante Square basin will update the look of any bathroom for a sleek contemporary feel. Made from Acryline, a solid acrylic material, the basin is smooth to touch. As well as looking good,...

Dimples on the drainer.
May 17, 2004... Look out for the inverted dimples on the rear drainer of Blanco's stylish corner sink. They extend the draining facilities of the large main bowl and smaller bowl, since washed fruit and vegetables placed in a colander on this dimpled area...

New electric oven.
May 17, 2004... New to the Essentials brand of built-in appliances from kitchen contract company MWD is the 900 ELSS double built-in electric oven in stainless steel. It will meet demand for `big capacity cooking' from the more traditional end-user. ...

Well being at a nice price.
May 17, 2004... Hansgrohe's wellbeing brand, Pharo, provides a premium Whirlpool experience for a medium range price. Luxurious but practical, the 200 Series is made from hygienic acrylic which is sturdy and keeps its shine after years of use. Also,...

Just right for smaller rooms.
May 17, 2004... The Miniform bath from Kaldewei is the perfect solution for small bathrooms. Its space-saving length of just 157cm will easily fit into most rooms including ensuites. This bath is ideal for renovations where, for example, a separate WC is...

Frost resistant for UK climate.
May 17, 2004... Introduced by Gres Catalan, a member of the Association of Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturers, is Gallery, a tile said to achieve a clean and minimalist aesthetic whilst allowing for flexibility and design. Made from hardwearing porcelain...

Hard at work in city offices.
May 17, 2004... HI-LOAD hinges manufactured by Royde & Tucker and supplied by leading architectural ironmonger Yannedis have been installed in all three separate office buildings as part of Stanhope's major development of Paternoster Square in London. ...

Tapered board has the edge.
May 17, 2004... Designed to allow a smooth joint to be made between adjacent boards using conventional dry lining techniques, Tapered Edge Board from Fermacell is made of gypsum bound together with a tough reinforcing cellulose fibres. The board has its...

Modern metallics.
May 17, 2004... Basta Parsons launches the elegant Glencar handle in satin chrome plate (SCP). The finish and styling of this handle makes it ideal for that fresher modern metallic look. Glencar is a stylish handle with clean, elegant lines and slim...

Bronze finish changes in use.
May 17, 2004... Patinating bronze finish is self-polishing and will change colour with frequent use - a brass colouration will develop and show through the bronze with frequent usage. If this finish is left unused the item will develop its brown patina. The...

Heavy duty hinge range.
May 17, 2004... Hinges and fittings specialist Nico has launched Load Pro, a heavy duty, maintenance-free, door hinge for high volume, high specification applications. It is designed to ensure long-Iife performance under the most arduous conditions. ...