What's New in Building articles from November 2002

What's New in Building archives from November 2002

Glass fibre moulds need less support.
November 13, 2002... Specially-crafted glass reinforced concrete (grc) nodes enhance the futuristic appearance of a luxury housing development in Manchester. The lightweight nature of the material offers all the benefits of cast stone without the cost or need...

Be sure to specify ply that makes the grade.
November 13, 2002... Specifiers of plywood for structural use are being urged to ensure they choose the right grade of material for purpose. With the wide variety of plywood currently available, selecting the appropriate quality of material can be difficult....

Modern brick offers more design scope.
November 13, 2002... By Michael Driver, senior architect at the Brick Development Association Developments in brick generally fall into three broad categories. The first is appearance. Bricks are perceived as being simply rectangular, although as clay is...

Accreditation scheme aims to ensure timber window quality.
November 13, 2002... The place of timber windows in the market has been firmly re-asserted by the British Woodworking Federation timber window accreditation scheme, according to BWF director Richard Lambert. Now judges to be at least as good as windows made...

End to end for a good cause.
November 13, 2002... Ronacrete joint managing director Daniel Olsen has just completed a 1,100 mile sponsored cycle race to raise #50,000 for charity. Daniel began his journey at Land's End, aiming to reach John O'Groats within 10 days, shadowed by a support...

Copper in detail.
November 13, 2002... Just published by the Copper in Architecture is a substantial 120 page technical guide, Copper Roofing in Detail. The document is aimed at helping architects, contractors and roofers design and install copper roofing applying current best...

Showcase for stoneworks.
November 13, 2002... Cast and natural stone fireplaces are the focus of Rudloe Stoneworks' new Corsham showroom. Contemporary, classic and traditional styles are all featured in room settings. Detailed decorative effects are achieved by in-house craftsmen. ...

Launch of Disto hand held laser.
November 13, 2002... The National Space Centre, Leicester, was the appropriately high-tech venue for the launch of Leica Geosystems' Disto hand held laser distance measures. Distance, area, volume and height can easily be measured at the touch of a button, without...

Roberts and Partners contract.
November 13, 2002... Consulting engineers Roberts & Partners have secured the contract for the 300,000sq ft extension to the northern half of Manchester Arndale. Experienced in retail projects, Roberts is handling the design of M&E systems, lifts and...

Smoke vents for one-stop solution.
November 13, 2002... As part of a commitment to offer a one-stop solution for roofing, cladding and facade construction, Corus has introduced a range of Kalzip smoke ventilation products. Full technical and performance details are contained in a newly...

Commissioning time.
November 13, 2002... Commissioning time for over 250 fan coil units has been cut at a 100 the Ring, Bracknell, thanks to the use of Cheetah units by Waterloo Air Management. The units' multi-position spigots simplify on-site configuration. Copyright: CMP...

Custom colour floorcoverings.
November 13, 2002... In response to a carpet, fabric, wallcovering or paint sample received from a customer, Threshold Floorings can now send a colour matched or co-ordinated sample of its T80:20 entrance floorcovering, within five working days. T80:20 is...

Fenestration contract.
November 13, 2002... The #1.6million fenestration contract for the new Radisson SAS hotel in Glasgow is nearing completion. The six storey hotel, designed by Gordon Murray & Alan Dunlop Architects of Glasgow, features a combination of Kawneer 1202 zone drained...

A passion for design.
November 13, 2002... The #194,000 fit out of the new Ann Summers store in Manchester's Arndale Centre has been completed by Withey Contracts to a design by Silver & Co. An existing shell was transformed into a 3,000sq ft `passion and fashion' outlet on two...

Brewery is a glass act.
November 13, 2002... Specialist fire protection glass from Pilkington has been used in the redevelopment of the Tun brewery in Edinburgh. The mixed use development's south gable comprises a bold, canted glass facade matched by internal glazed fire rated screens...

Jargon-free part L guide.
November 13, 2002... Practical, jargon-free advice on the requirements of EPS insulation products under part L of the building regulations is provided in a pocket guide from Vencel Resil. The booklet contains easy to use tables for calculating the thickness of...

Latest development from Alcon.
November 13, 2002... Latest development from Alcon is the anti-water hammer valve, available in two sizes for domestic and commercial use. Connected just prior to the stopcock, they cure the common problem of hammering in the water pipe caused by irregular...

Aerated properties of aircrete blocks.
November 13, 2002... The aerated properties of aircrete blocks enable them to offer the required performance and strength while being extremely lightweight, says Thermalite. This makes for improved health and safety conditions on site, reducing incidence of...

A change of gear.
November 13, 2002... With pressure mounting for people to use alternative means of transport, Rollalong offers its Gear-Change facility to give employees who cycle to work somewhere to change. The unit provides a secure store for bikes, as well as showering,...

Association will open new doors.
November 13, 2002... The formation of the Association of Composite Door Manufacturers represents another milestone in the development of the composite door, underlining its popularity in all areas of the housing market. These doors offer low maintenance, long...

Steel fabrication service offered.
November 13, 2002... A comprehensive stainless steel pipework fabrication service is available from Lancashire Fittings. Fabrications are provided with a number of end connectors to suit all process and hygienic applications. They range from 6 to 200mm...

Association of Brickwork Contractors launched.
November 13, 2002... Formed to promote the role of the bricklayer and brickwork contractor, the Association of Brickwork Contractors (ABC) has been launched by the Brick Development Association. The ABC comprises 12 leading contractors who will be focusing on...

Period window reference guide.
November 13, 2002... Just out from Scotts of Thrapston is a reference guide to period windows. The company offers a range of part L compliant timber double glazed period windows for use in listed building refurbishments or prestige new build projects where...

Cowl should see off the vandals.
November 13, 2002... If vandalism of external cowls is a problem, try Stadium Ventilation's Anti Vandal steel cowl. Made from welded steel, powder coated, it will withstand the toughest treatment. This is just one product from the company's extensive...

15 new wood grain finishes.
November 13, 2002... Rackenford Oak is a grained natural oak, one of 15 new wood grain finishes from Nexfor's Caberdecor range. The range has been developed to match popular pvc frontage materials. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Putting heat at your feet.
November 13, 2002... Described as being as easy to install as laying a carpet, the underfloor heating system from Advanced Heating Technologies is suitable for domestic as well as commercial use. The heating element is composed of solid metal ribbons with the...

Rooftop unit is simple to install.
November 13, 2002... Installer friendly heating and cooling are provided by Benson Heating's latest rooftop unit. The CF offers cooling and heating in a single, purpose designed package. for external ro rooftop mounting, the CF is designed for free discharge...

Light and airy.
November 13, 2002... Domestic users can take advantage of Mondraught's Monovent SunCatcher combined light and ventilation unit. It exceeds building regulations part F requirement for passive stack ventilation, producing 9,300sq mm ventilation and a ventilation...

Hand carved mouldings.
November 13, 2002... Solid wood, hand carved mouldings that cost little more than machined versions are available from Winther Browne. Decorative mouldings include traditional, contemporary and ethnic styles. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Extending the Webbfix range.
November 13, 2002... Extending the Webbfix range of adhesives, Seal Strip has introduced a specialist Mitre Kit for making clean corner joints. The kit comprises a special cyanoacylate superglue and complimentary activator to accelerate curing. Copyright:...

Spaced out tiles.
November 13, 2002... Now available in the UK, Galaxia porcelain tiles are manufactured by Spanish Tile Association member Colorker S.A. The outer space-inspired 3D style tile has a distinctive lunar crater effect, each spherical impression, being embellished...

Ribbed for decoration.
November 13, 2002... Lightweight ribbed decorative cladding panels in the Anolight range combine versatility with striking good looks, says Gooding Aluminium. Easy to install, the material can be selected in flat top or curved finely ribbed profiles and can be...

Latest offering from Metropolitan.
November 13, 2002... Curved on two planes for an ultra-modern look, the Wave Door is the latest offering from Metropolitan. The shower door is available in left or right handed opening and features 5mm thick glass, cushion seals and four-wheel adjustable runner...

Electrics turn heat up.
November 13, 2002... Electric central heating that operates like a conventional boiler is available from Trianco Redfyre in the form of the Aztec boiler range. It provides a wet fully pumped central heating and hot water system controlled by a standard...

Cool good looks.
November 13, 2002... Spearheading LG's Hi-wall collection of air conditioners, Art Cool boasts a contemporary look that gives it the feel of an interior design accessory rather than a wall-hung ac unit. Its slim contours mirror those of an art frame, making it...

Warm reception for cladding.
November 13, 2002... Said to be the most insulating, light diffusing cladding system on the market, Kalwall achieves a u value as low as 0.56W/sq m K, allowing designers to use larger translucent facades instead of small glazed areas. Kalwall also resists...

Sink and taps in one.
November 13, 2002... Responding to increasing demand for undermounted stainless steel sinks, Franke offers four new designs with sink and minimalist style Olympus tap sold together as a design package. Bowls are built into a single frame so only one cut-out is...

Flexible facing alternatives.
November 13, 2002... As a flexible alternative to clay and concrete blocks, Esk facing bricks from Hye Oak are suited to sites with aggressive, high sulphate ground conditions and resist chlorine attack too - ideal for swimming pools. Copyright: CMP...

Low level folding version.
November 13, 2002... Access specialist Mitie Generation has launched a low level folding version of its MAST access tower system for internal painting, fit out, overhead services and finishing duties. Light and easy to assemble by one person, the platform will...

Sad state of affairs.
November 13, 2002... Reducing sludge volumes and frequencies of desludging for its package sewage plant have been the focus of research by WPL. The reduction will be achieved with a Simple Aerobic Digestion (SAD) reactor - an oversized version of WPL's Diamond...

Highway star.
November 13, 2002... Ridgidrain drainage system from Polypipe Civils has received acceptance under the Highway Authorities Product Approval Scheme. The system, designed for collection and disposal of surface and sub- surface water, has been in use for many...

Make the right connection.
November 13, 2002... For connection of metric polyethylene pipes to other pipe materials, Philmac has extended its Universal Transition Coupling (UTC) range. The range now offers a straight joiner in sizes up to 63mm, as well as double ended repair and reducer...

Support system goes nationwide.
November 13, 2002... The Oasys pipe support system is being rolled out on a nationwide basis at the end of this year, announces Saint Gobain Pipe Systems. The system comprises ceiling clips, channel and brackets, rod and suspension components, pipe clamps,...

Keep kitchen grease-free.
November 13, 2002... Frost's Biomatic grease separator offers an easy, efficient way to comply with Part H of the Building Regulations, stating that drainage in commercial kitchens should be fitted with a grease separation system. Easy to install and use, the...

It's all done with a wave of the hand.
November 13, 2002... Hot water on tap with a larger washbasin is part of the Comfort hot wash station up-grade package from portable toilet specialist, Thal. Users can wash face, hands and forearm, while a simple wave of the hand triggers a flow of warm running...

MAKE LIFE EASIER ALL ROUND.
November 13, 2002... With just two years to go before Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) comes into force in October 2004, businesses should be preparing for it now. Research shows that the cost to service providers will typically be low and...

Sony gets a lift.
November 13, 2002... Sony Ericsson's London HQ has been refurbished to to ensure that the offices are accessible to the less able, while preserving the listed fascia. Movement Management was asked to provide a specialist lift for the building. The front...

Interlocking fibre-bonded carpet tiles.
November 13, 2002... Using ultrasonic cutting technology, Gaskell has created interlocking fibre-bonded carpet tiles depicting the universally recognised `Disabled' symbol at Lewisham Council's main office complex. Tiles are being fitted to designate areas where...

Egg on the rise.
November 13, 2002... E-commerce financial services company Egg has updated the fabric of its Holborn headquarters. The company decided Gartec's platform lift would help ensure it met the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. Compact and easy...

Higrade Hardware's 40 page brochure.
November 13, 2002... Higrade Hardware's 40 page brochure covers the Vieler range of hardware products for people with special needs. The brochure shows products in real settings with full descriptions and planning/design guidelines for special needs...

Automatic response.
November 13, 2002... Automatic door operators from FAAC are helping organisations comply with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Electrical services specialist Tremorfa of Cardiff is carrying out contracts for organisations seeking DDA...

Fund pays for lift.
November 13, 2002... Halesworth Middle School, suffolk, has obtained funding under the Schools Access Initiative to install a platform lift. Following an access survey the council's architectural and property department decided that the most appropriate...

On the level.
November 13, 2002... Bathrooms can be a problem for wheelchair users, but Neaco offers a solution with the Neatdek 2 true level access shower grille. It provides level access and a gradient-free bathing area. This feature maximises floor space and allows the...

Loud and clear.
November 13, 2002... Commend intercom systems are fully compliant with BSSS88-8; Code of practice for means of escape from buildings for disabled people, says Complus Teltronic. The code requires that `two-way communication systems need to be readily operated...

Floors let you feel your way.
November 13, 2002... To alert the visually impaired, the installation of distinctive flooring will shortly be required in virtually every public area and building. Well prepared to help specifiers and facilities managers fulfil their responsibilities,...

Put it on switch.
November 13, 2002... The new Halyester range of heavy duty switch-disconnectors from Bill Switchgear is said to be ideal for on-load switching and isolation of ac power distribution circuits and infrequent isolation of motors. The new range extends from 20A to...

Set to shed new light on the market.
November 13, 2002... Claimed to breathe new life into the wrold of extruded lighting systems, Multiplex from Modular Lighting Instruments offers designers the opportunity to mix and match spots, fluorescents and pendants, all in a single package. The complete,...

Keep informed underground.
November 13, 2002... The new public information system at the Dartford Tunnels was installed using FP200 Flex cable from Pirelli. The cable was chosen for the communications link between the amplifiers and speakers because it met the required design criteria of...

Luminaires up in a day.
November 13, 2002... Specified for its quick and easy installation, the Tecton luminaire system from Zumtobel Staff Lighting was installed at Heyco's new 20,000 sq ft Distribution Centre in Dorset; 240m of trunking and 88 luminaires were installed in one day. ...

Trunk calls.
November 13, 2002... Launched by MITA is a new range of Steel Perimeter Trunking, which is said to combine high durability and mechanical strength with a stylish design to suit modern interiors. Available in Alpine White as standard, with other colour options...

Transformation of Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.
November 13, 2002... The recent dramatic transformation of Regent's Park Open Air Theatre has involved SL Series lightstrings from Tokistar supplied by Lightscape Projects; the lightstrings are mounted on a `green wall' of climbing plants. Copyright: CMP...

The big heat.
November 13, 2002... Suited to the larger home, the Saunier Duval Thema Classic F18E SB system boiler offers a heating output of between 8.9 and 18kW and a hot water output of 18kW. The boiler is supplied with integral expansion vessel and circulating pump...

14-model range of fireplaces.
November 13, 2002... Petra Hellas has announced a 14-model range of fireplaces using marble, stone, brushed steel and glass to give contemporary styling. Argent uses contrasting textures from simple steelwork with etched design to produce a compact modern...

Take total control.
November 13, 2002... Designed for modern extract systems, Helios VAR high pressure in-Iine mixed flow fans are fully speed controllable. Models range from 225 to 630mm for installation in ducting, or mounted on ceiling, wall or floor,. They are ideal for air...

All set for a date with Destiny.
November 13, 2002... Destiny open inset gas fire from Robinson Willey offers the latest in contemporary design. Available in a choice of brass or fashionable chrome finish, Destiny is suitable for all types of flue. With its deep coal-effect fuel bed providing...

Fan upgrades made simple.
November 13, 2002... Replacing or upgrading virtually all standard commercial fans is easy with a kit from Greenwood Airvac. The kit is quick and easy to install and minimises the requirement for re-drilling and plugging. Inclusion of a slightly oversized...

Well timed for winter.
November 13, 2002... November sees the launch of a range of condensing units from Alpha Boilers. They include a 24kW combination boiler, the CD24C and a 24kW system boiler, the CD24S. Designed for ease of installation, the range provides Sedbuk Band A...

Boiler ensures most gas turns to heat.
November 13, 2002... Previously Sedbuk rated at 85.7% and in Band C, the Worcester Bosch 26 CDi Xtra condensing combi now has a rating of 87.1 % - putting it in band B. By employing a second stainless steel heat exchanger to extract the latent heat from the...

Air ducting from Kingspan.
November 13, 2002... Air ducting from Kingspan is playing a role in the expansion of clothing discount giant Matalan. Pre-insulated Koolduct ducting has been chosen as standard specification for all new build and refurbishment projects by Matalan. As part of this...

Thoroughly modern heat.
November 13, 2002... For a modern solution to heating bathrooms and kitchens, try TOG underfloor heating from Even-Heat. The system creates independent heating for individual rooms. It works with all types of floor finishes - wood, carpet, vinyl and tiled...

Chill out with pumps.
November 13, 2002... The NW range of Eurovent certified water cooled water chiller/heat pumps has been announced by AiAX, UK distributor for Aermec air conditioning equipment. There are 17 models in all, with nominal capacities from 157 to 910kW. Eleven have...

Latest concept in gate operators.
November 13, 2002... Described as a new concept in gate operators, Domo Line from FAAC is a range of low-voltage swing and sliding gate automation suitable for residential gates. The technically advanced, 12-volt system offers simple programming and easy...

Demolition without all the danger.
November 13, 2002... A new security system created by Orbis is designed to overcome the danger of demolishing properties while intruders are still inside. One of the first trials of the new system is at Pollards Hill HA in Mitcham, Surrey, where the steel...

Wider choice of mortice locks.
November 13, 2002... The security range from Avocet has been extended with a wider choice of Mortice Locks and Latches, including a Kitemark and Five Lever range. Offered in various backset and faceplate sizes, the high security locks feature hardened steel...

Vector Excluder locking mechanism.
November 13, 2002... The new Vector Excluder locking mechanism from Securistyle has been specified recently by two councils: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council is replacing the timber and metal-framed windows in over 300 of its properties with new pvc windows...

Registration card is the key.
November 13, 2002... French lock specialist HF Securite has introduced a key for use with its range of cylinders, locks and padlocks. The patented Axira key is supplied with a registration card which must be presented before a reproduction of the key can be made....

It was all yellow.
November 13, 2002... Traditional Smeed Dean yellow stock from thebrickbusiness have been used in the construction of a new landmark building in Newcastle-upon- Tyne, a quite rare deployment of yellow stocks in a northern context. The moulded stocks were...

Antique facing extends rugged Welsh collection.
November 13, 2002... Extending the collection of natural clay bricks in the Welsh Collection from Hanson Brick is the Wilmslow Antique, a distinctive new facing manufactured at the company's Caernarfon factory. The brick is an extruded wirecut with a rough...

Aircrete accuracy.
November 13, 2002... Produced at H+H Celcon's #25m state-of-the-art production facility in Yorkshire, the company's latest two ranges of aircrete blocks are claimed to be some of the most dimensionally accurate in the world. Celcon Plus blocks have been...

Taking the strain at new shopping park.
November 13, 2002... Specified for their loadbearing capacity and availability in both Standard and Paint Quality finish, Hemelite lightweight aggregate blocks from Tarmac Topblock are being used in the construction of the new Crown Wharf shopping park at Walsall...

Aircrete blocks from Thermalite specified.
November 13, 2002... Aircrete blocks from Thermalite have been specified for the construction of 260 married quarters at the MOD site Tidworth Barracks in Hampshire, selected for their speed of construction, quality and performance. Copyright: CMP Information...

Aluminium standing seam tops art display.
November 13, 2002... Kalzip aluminium standing seam roof system from Corus has been used to re-roof BALTIC, the new Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead. The Baltic Flour Mills were closed in 1982 after just 30 years of operation, and refurbishment began in...

Building on its reputation.
November 13, 2002... The new Super Centre on the Crossways Retail Park at Caerphilly, South Wales, is the latest B&Q outlet to benefit from the non-fragile TWIN- THERM roofing and walling system from CA Building Products. The new store required approximately...

Photovoltaics (PV) technology.
November 13, 2002... Photovoltaics (PV) technology from Redland is providing free electricity from natural sunlight to nine new family houses built for CDS Housing Association on the Pinehurst Estate in Merseyside. The Redland PV700 panels built directly into...