What's New in Building articles from November 2005

What's New in Building archives from November 2005

Ceiling company celebrates its biggest order at Derby hospital.
November 18, 2005... In its largest single project in the UK, Rockfon has supplied stone wool ceilings for one of the major hospitals in the country The market for building materials is undergoing radical change: whereas price used to be the only selection...

Mesh combats `techno smog'.
November 18, 2005... High frequency electro-magnetic waves are a growing concern to those designing and building hospitals, schools and homes. Research has found links between radiation risks and electro-magnetic sources such as mobile phone masts, mobile phones...

Clearly a way to save energy.
November 18, 2005... Boiler Buddy is a further addition to Fernox's portfolio of energy saving products. This in-line magnetic filter connects to any condensing boiler system to trap magnetite, rust and magnetic materials to sub-micron levels ensuring that the...

Stylish neutrality.
November 18, 2005... Offering stylish neutrality, the Stone Grey granite colour from Carron Phoenix has been developed with a colour consultant specialising in trend prediction. The colour has been designed to offer an alternative to stainless steel by...

Clean glass gets Mexican wave.
November 18, 2005... Already a success in the UK, Ritec ClearShield glass protection and renovation system has also been used to keep glass cleaner for longer in Mexico. Transparencia en Servicios (TS), a licensed Clearshield applicator in Mexico City, has...

EcoTherm product literature.
November 18, 2005... Now that EcoTherm has absorbed the old Basildon Icopal Rigid Insulation Board manufacturing capacity into its portfolio, product literature is being renewed. First in this literature issue is the new price list, delivered in two forms: the...

Safety with an escape route.
November 18, 2005... Fuhr's Multisafe 870 locking system with panic exit function is now available from Groupco. Combining safety with security, the 870 provides protection from unauthorised access from the outside plus unobstructed escape from the inside in...

Envelope specialist invests in environmental technology.
November 18, 2005... Following its success in marketing its range of solar products in mainland Europe, building envelope specialist Schuco International is investing significant resources in its UK Renewables Division. The Division is offering two photovoltaic...

Inexpensive visual display tool.
November 18, 2005... The Totems range from Tensator is an inexpensive visual display tool for the retail environment. Easily incorporated into a queue system, they can be used as a freestanding display or signage. Totems are lightweight, and with easy-to-change...

Disney floored by terrazzo.
November 18, 2005... Mondeco, the designer floor finish from Flowcrete, has been used at the new Disneyland Theme Park in Hong Kong. The seamless terrazzo system has been installed at the entrance walkway of the Fantasy Land's Fare Restaurant and Princess...

Straps meets regulations.
November 18, 2005... Believed to be the UK's first restraint strap to comply with new building regulations and achieve CE mark status, Simpson Strong-Tie's latest offering complies with BS EN 845, which calls for 8.0kN in tensile strength. Replacing...

An education in aluminium.
November 18, 2005... Anodised infill panels by Gooding Aluminium have been used at Christ School, Richmond upon Thames. GA's specially perforated gold star staircase panels are easy to clean and maintain thanks to the Ano-Sil anodised finish - a good looking...

Security key.
November 18, 2005... The need to carry separate keys for different doors is eliminated with Mul-T-Lock's Garrison Security key. For commercial users Garrison can reduce the number of keys needed for business use too. The Garrison range comprises of a...

Fast off the blocks.
November 18, 2005... Fast-track extensions to a Welsh hotel offer proof that Durox System thin joint masonry can save time and money. The system, used with beam and block floors, virtually halved the build time for a three-storey addition to the Diplomat Hotel...

Boiler recovers lost flue heat.
November 18, 2005... The Ecomfort wall mounted combination boiler from Sime features an additional `post condensing' heat exchanger or recuperator that recovers heat normally lost through the flue. This recovered heat is used to pre-heat the return heating water,...

Partnership turns heat on.
November 18, 2005... Heating stove distributor Euroheat, has formed a partnership with Danish stove manufacturer HWAM. Announcing the news at a customer event, Euroheat chairman Simon Holden said, `We spent time looking for the right supplier that could enable...

Vibrant worksurface.
November 18, 2005... Cosentino has launched a vibrant, plain red Silestone quartz worksurface which offers designers the opportunity to create stunning designs. All Silestone worksurfaces can be cut and profiled to give almost unlimited design options....

Choice of bathroom lighting.
November 18, 2005... An extensive choice of bathroom lighting is now offered by Franklite. Over 70 configurations are available across a variety of ranges, from the traditional to the modern. A mirror with integral light fittings is a highlight of the...

Caring hardware.
November 18, 2005... At Amberleigh House - a CIC home offering residential care for the elderly in Liverpool, Union Architectural Hardware has supplied a range of architectural ironmongery. Products include the 2S lock range, D-Tec cylinders, 1000 series...

STOP PRESS: Wider and heavier.
November 18, 2005... Door and window control systems specialist Geze has launched a range of rail and patch fittings for frameless glass doors and panels. Creating solutions for wider, taller and heavier glass, Geze SGG - Standard Ganz (toughened) Glass,...

STOP PRESS: Whole life tool.
November 18, 2005... Portakabin subsidiary Yorkon has launched a sophisticated software tool to assess the whole life costs of its system compared to other modular or traditionally constructed buildings. Whole life costing is now a requirement for all...

STOP PRESS: Easy solution for wet rooms.
November 18, 2005... The shower tray underlay from Marmox Composites provides a low cost, easily installed and waterproof solution for wet room construction. Architects specifying the tray can be confident the quality of the wet room construction is not solely...

STOP PRESS: Automatic parking system.
November 18, 2005... The Beetham Tower in Birmingham is one of two fully automatic parking systems currently being constructed by Wohr Parking Systems. The basement of the 220 room Radisson Hotel and apartment block will contain the Multiparker 740 system...

STOP PRESS: Pleasingly practical.
November 18, 2005... Made of lightweight, durable plastic, the IP1000PC polycarbonate rooflight system from Ward Insulated Panels boasts added functionality whilst being aesthetically pleasing. Developed to complement the company's IP1000 roof panels, the...

STOP PRESS: Keep heat low if not needed.
November 18, 2005... All Ippec boilers are designed with fuel efficiency in mind, but the EcoHeat gas boiler is not only fully modulating from 7 to 30 kW but also has an external sensor that adjusts output depending on temperature outside. Overheating is...

STOP PRESS: Rural roof blends.
November 18, 2005... At this self-build project in Cumbria, Marley Roofing's Dalestone interlocking slate has been used to create a natural and authentic looking roof to blend in with the rural surroundings. When William Patterson was building a detached house...

STOP PRESS: Balustrade adds appeal.
November 18, 2005... At Wilbert Court, a refurbishment project in Beverley, Yorkshire, Neaco's Spectrum modular balustrade system has enhanced the building's appearance. Spectrum was installed throughout the development as external balconies and terraces. ...

STOP PRESS: Tooled up for speed.
November 18, 2005... The Makita logo will now be carried on the bodywork of Ferraris at Fiorano Ferrari circuit events organised by Ferrari GB all over Europe. Ferrari GB has chosen Makita power tools to equip its customer driving experience programme. Makita tools...

STOP PRESS: Laminate range grows again.
November 18, 2005... Over 90 new laminates are included within Formica's Range Additions 2006. It includes new plain colours patterns and woodgrains, and incorporates new textures and sophisticated surface effects. With the tactile qualities of materials...

STOP PRESS: Bespoke steel at right price.
November 18, 2005... Architects wanting to use specially designed structural or aesthetic steel profiles in their buildings will welcome the launch of Jansen Personal Profiles, a precision welding service from Schuco Jansen. It allows a bespoke profile to be...

STOP PRESS: OKI gives OK to composite.
November 18, 2005... Single-ply, insulated Ward-Flag Topdek roof panel has been used on the new printing solutions building for OKI, Cumbernauld, Scotland. Hathaway Roofing installed 4,000sq m of the panel for this project. The composite panel comprises a...

STOP PRESS: Reheat option hits heights.
November 18, 2005... Air conditioning specialist Trox has introduced an electric terminal reheat option to its multi-service chilled beam (MSCB) system, allowing for installation at heights greater than 3m, not possible with the current water heated system. ...

STOP PRESS: Overview of partitioning.
November 18, 2005... UK distributor of Movinord demountable partitioning systems, AET, has introduced two brochures to provide an overview of the range. The guides outline the ease of installation, flexibility and cost benefits of demountable systems over dry...

STOP PRESS: Continental mortar.
November 18, 2005... Slurry-applied Granatech from Easipoint is a high strength, low moduls mortar developed in response to demands from contractors for a cost- effective material purpose-made for pointing of continental-style small element paving. Granatech...

STOP PRESS: Doors that can handle stress.
November 18, 2005... Inverted pvc door panels from New World are being specified where doors are subjected to more than average stress. The Vintage Collection gives the same appearance and aesthetic appeal of a traditional timber door but the moulding is...

STOP PRESS: New pineapple finials.
November 18, 2005... When Cedar House Hotel in Cobham, Surrey had its twin pineapple finials damaged by vandals, it turned to Chilstone in Kent for help. New originals were carved to size by Chilstone's sculptor from which silicone rubber moulds were formed for...

FIRE SAFETY: Don't let it all go up in flames.
November 18, 2005... By David Bartlett, chairman, BFPSA Installers, Maintainers & Commercial Section Many think that a fire is an unlikely event and wish to spend the least possible amount on a fire protection system and its aftercare. Too many fire...

FIRE SAFETY: Core not a scorcher.
November 18, 2005... Unlike sandwich walls constructed from foam cores, Firemaster's mineral wool core gives non-combustible, smokesafe passive fire protection, says Eurobond. The system has been designed as a non-loadbearing solution for internal walls and...

FIRE SAFETY: Alarm is wire-free.
November 18, 2005... Claimed to be the largest totally wire-free alarm system currently available in the UK, Daitem's Espace offers up to 80 alarm points and eight separate partitions. With no cabling, the system is said to be faster to install than hard-...

FIRE SAFETY: Forum for fire safety.
November 18, 2005... The Forum office development at Birmingham Business Park, is the first UK project to use Spanwall's Xflam fire resistant panel. Its core, made of phenolic syntactic, has fire performance equal to mineral fibre and PIR. Over 1,000sq m...

FIRE SAFETY: Ten years smoke free.
November 18, 2005... The weak link in many smoke alarms is the lithium battery, which can shorten product life by 20% or more. BRK says its SA10YRUKN alarm has been life tested to ensure 10 years' guaranteed performance - including the battery. The unit...

FIRE SAFETY: Drywall test data published.
November 18, 2005... Comprehensive fire test data for drywall systems to both BS and EN standards has been published by British Gypsum. EN standards, generally more rigorous than BS, are not expected to become compulsory in the UK for some years. But they are...

FIRE SAFETY: Fire safe glass floors.
November 18, 2005... Glazeguard SW has used Pilkington Pyrostop to create the Triple-Lite Firefloor system. At 1m x 3m for a single panel, it is described as the largest fire resistant glass floor to be tested and approved to current British and new European...

FIRE SAFETY: Tesco keeps an open attitude.
November 18, 2005... At Tesco's administrative centre in Welwyn Garden City, Hochiki Europe's ESP Range has been chosen for the fire detection system. Hochiki's `open protocol' products permit interfacing with independent control panel manufacturers. In...

FIRE SAFETY: Paint that won't burn.
November 18, 2005... As part of ongoing refurbishment works, Wolverhampton Landlord Services has addressed fire safety in the redecoration of common access areas at Gregory Court and Merridale Court. With Class O fire performance obligatory for the surface...

FIRE SAFETY: Covers combine noise and fire protection.
November 18, 2005... Installing downlights can affect the acoustic properties of a ceiling, allowing noise to travel between floors. Installer Rolec recently overcame this problem with the aid of Firecap fire protection covers from Aico. Working on a new...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Fired up for new regs.
November 18, 2005... A newly introduced range of SEDBUK A-rated Greenstar oil-fired condensing boilers has been launched by Worcester Bosch in preparation to the anticipated building regulations changes which will affect the boiler market from 2007. The new...

HEATING & VENTILATING: TITLE.
November 18, 2005... The range of Econoflame R30 wall-mounted condensing boilers for commercial applications from Stokvis has been expanded with capacities up to 120kW now available. The boilers are manufactured with stainless steel heat exchangers, along with...

HEATING & VENTILATING: What colour grille today?
November 18, 2005... Addressing the current vogue for self-build projects and home makeovers, the new Mix-and-Match Eclipse extractor fan from Vent-Axia comes complete with a selection of colourway grilles and bezels. The range includes elegant white, cool...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Performing on the pier.
November 18, 2005... Said to be the latest in ducting technology, Kingspan's KoolDuct has been specified for gatwick Airport's new Pier 6, which provides 11 extra pier-served aircraft stands and gaterooms, a cafe bar and shops. The Kingspan KoolDuct system was...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: LED offers bright future.
November 18, 2005... An extensive new range of LED fittings has been introduced by Franklite and is featured in the company's new catalogue (No. 18). LED fittings are becoming increasingly popular in the lighting industry, offering considerable benefits over...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: New wiring accessory range.
November 18, 2005... New from Hager is an Ashley white moulded wiring accessory range called Profile Plus. Scratch resistant and featuring an aesthetic slimline profile, Profile Plus is said to be one of the widest wiring accessories ranges on the market, and...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: See the light in the Abbey.
November 18, 2005... A new interior lighting scheme has been completed at Hexham Abbey in Northumberland using fittings from Light Projects. The main lighting of the walls and floor of the church was achieved using a series of 100W AR111 tungsten halogen...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: Showroom lighting.
November 18, 2005... The new Mercedes Benz showroom in Liverpool is illuminated by an extensive array of fittings by Zumtobel Staff, all of which have been finished in Titanium. The main display space has been lit using adjustable MIROS light fittings,...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: Redesigned luminaires.
November 18, 2005... The highly successful Diffusalux range of surface luminaires from Thorn has undergone a redesign. Taking advantage of the thinner yet more efficient T5 (T16) fluorescent lamp, Diffusalux II features a shallow, totally enclosed construction...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: How to make an entrance.
November 18, 2005... Lamps from Venture have been specified for the exterior illumination of the South Derbyshire Acute Hospitals PFI project. Venture's 400W, high output PulseStart lamps were chosen for the feature lighting around the entrances, using over 200...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Cost-effective shut-off.
November 18, 2005... Manufactured by Darcy Products, the Envirovalve fast-acting shut-off valve is a simple, `stand alone', highly cost effective means of automatically preventing pollutant from flowing into the drainage system by totally isolating at-risk areas...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Interceptor range updated.
November 18, 2005... The Endura grease interceptor range from Hunter Plastics has been updated for easier maintenance. The company has added a handy quick release latch mechanism to the lid, allowing easy access to the inside of the unit for maintenance and...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Powerful pumping unit.
November 18, 2005... Sanicondens units have been provided by Saniflo to Worcester, so that the boiler manufacturer can demonstrate their use with the new Greenstar range of regular and combi condensing oil boilers. Sanicondens is a small but powerful pumping...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Rainwater harvesting system.
November 18, 2005... The Rainman rainwater harvesting system manufactured by Freewater is now available from Hydro International. The Rainman comprises rapidly installable, modular package systems in three configurations to suit a range of domestic and...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Valve range at your service.
November 18, 2005... The wide range of service valves from Speedfit can be used on both hot and cold water services and central heating. The brass chromium plated service valves are used to provide temporary shut off to part of a system, allowing for repair or...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Re-launch of trap range.
November 18, 2005... The extensive range of Nuflo Traps has been re-launched by Polypipe Building Products. The range consists of 73 traps in 32 and 40mm sizes with varying depth of seal manufactured in white resistant and durable polypropylene. The range...

HAND & POWER TOOLS: Improved design on hand.
November 18, 2005... The Marshalltown hand sander for drywall lining, which is distributed in the UK exclusively by the Rollins Group, now features a Durasoft handle which is made of a special compound that literally moulds to the grip for comfort and extended use....

HAND & POWER TOOLS: Small pack for less waste.
November 18, 2005... Helping to reduce outlay and eliminate wastage, fuel cells for the Spit Pulsa range of cordless nailers from ITW Construction Products are now available in stand-alone blister packs. Each pack contains two fuel cells to fit the Spit Pulsa...

HAND & POWER TOOLS: For all cutting operations.
November 18, 2005... Introduced by Stihl, the new TS 700 cut-off saw is a high performance, eco-friendly machine which is claimed to set the new standard for cut- off saws. Displaying outstanding power in both hand-held and cart-mounted operation, the STIHL TS...

TILES & TILING: Contemporary yet classic collection.
November 18, 2005... British tile brand and division of BCT, the Candy Tile Company, has recently introduced Metalli and Design, a collection of wall and floor tiles designed to suit both contemporary and classic consumer tastes. Also new, the Tibet and...

TILES & TILING: New life for tired tiles.
November 18, 2005... As an alternative to the expense of renovating large areas of old tiling, Kemper offers Coeramik ceramic tile coating system. Unlike single-component tile paints, this is a complete renovation system, comprising degreaser, primer and...

HOTEL & LEISURE INTERIORS: The ceiling's the star.
November 18, 2005... As part of the ceiling specification for car maker Audi's 40 UK showrooms, Knauf Drywall's Apertura perforated plasterboard has been used. Shown here is the company's flagship outlet, the Forum in London's Piccadilly. Chosen for its...

HOTEL & LEISURE INTERIORS: Tiles inspired by wood.
November 18, 2005... Grespania, a member of Tile of Spain, has launched its latest range of porcelain tiles called Natura, taking inspiration from natural wood. The one-size (14.2 x 59cm) fully rectified tile comes in four finishes - beech, oak, merbau and...

HOTEL & LEISURE INTERIORS: Modern tube fits the mould.
November 18, 2005... Fibrous plaster mouldings come right up to date with the launch of a range of modern tube mouldings from Revival Decorative Mouldings. The silver tube echoes contemporary tubular steel furniture, with many shape and size configurations...

HOTEL & LEISURE INTERIORS: Archery at the bar.
November 18, 2005... The historic Archery Guild in Bruges, Belgium, boasts an unusual application of Abet's digital print technology. The Royal Head of Guilds of St Sebastian clubhouse bar is clad with digitally printed laminate depicting coats of arms and...

HOTEL & LEISURE INTERIORS: Lightweight yet durable.
November 18, 2005... Combining the lightweight and moisture resistance of plastic composite wall panels with the durability of high pressure laminates, Lamital- Lite wall cladding panels are now available. Lamital's material has already been installed in shower...

HOTEL & LEISURE INTERIORS: Mineral makeover.
November 18, 2005... Stone-effect laminates suitable for hotel and leisure interiors have been introduced by DL Geaves. The Mineral Collection has over 16 colours and patterns, providing a realistic effect of stone at a fraction of the price. These durable...

HOTEL & LEISURE INTERIORS: Welsh wall panels see off the flames.
November 18, 2005... Medite FR flame-retardant MDF from Weyerhaeuser has provided much of the interior wall panelling at the new, #31-million National Waterfront Museum, in Swansea. One of the most notable features of this high-tech museum is a 100m long,...

HOTEL & LEISURE INTERIORS: New shower block.
November 18, 2005... When the decision was taken to build a new shower block at Ayr Holiday Park, St Ives, washroom solutions from Armitage Venesta were chosen. Equinox glass cubicles and Swanstone vanity systems have been installed at the centre, which has...

HOTEL/LEISURE: Hotel adds further touch of luxury with shower choice.
November 18, 2005... As part of an extensive programme of development, the five star Aghadoe Heights Hotel in Killarney has recently completed three floors of additional luxury suites. To enhance the bathroom facilities in the 20 new junior suites,...

FLOORCOVERINGS: Natural effect takes root.
November 18, 2005... Natural effect floorcoverings from Tarkett-Marley Floors have been specified for the busy restaurant area of Highfield Garden World. The wood and marble floorcoverings were chosen from the Marley Floors Premier Collection for their...

FLOORCOVERINGS: Modern cork flooring.
November 18, 2005... Developed by Wicanders, the innovative new Corkloc system is said to make modern cork flooring quicker to install, and eliminates the need for glue or nails. The Corkloc system comprises six layers which include a high-density fibreboard...

FLOORCOVERINGS: Highly textured carpet rile.
November 18, 2005... Some 3000 sq m of Heuga Transformation carpet tiles from Interface were specified by construction and property consultants AYH for its new London offices. Heuga Transformation is a highly textured tip sheared loop pile carpet tile and was...

FLOORCOVERINGS: Success on the Thames.
November 18, 2005... Specialist MED marine products from F Ball were used by County Carpets during the refurbishment of Thames Cruisers' The Old London pleasure cruiser, which involved the provision of new floorcoverings to a 60 sq m dance floor, together with...

FLOORCOVERINGS: Floor access covers.
November 18, 2005... Floor access covers from Howe Green are being fitted in Heathrow's new Terminal 5 building, following the proven success of an installation at Stansted Airport's new extension. Manufactured in stainless steel and aluminium, the 7500 floor...

FLOORCOVERINGS: New safety floor.
November 18, 2005... A Cambridgeshire Nursery has a new safety floor thanks to a generous donation of brand new safety flooring by Altro. Replacing an older existing Altro floor, the Imprint safety flooring offers slip resistance and is easy to keep clean. ...

FLOORING: A dramatic installation.
November 18, 2005... Low maintenance, high performance Polysafe Corona sheet vinyl safety flooring from commercial flooring specialist Polyflor has been specified for the drama studio and theatre at Withins High School in Bolton, Lancs. Polysafe Corona is said...

FLOORING: New range of flooring.
November 18, 2005... Meeting the increased demand for value pre-finished solid wood flooring, Edwards Cheshire has introduced a new Professional Range. The range features competitively priced, pre-finished flooring that is selectively sourced from Europe and N...