What's New in Building articles from October 2003

What's New in Building archives from October 2003

Dorma and WNIB share anniversary.
October 31, 2003... This month sees the Silver Anniversary of two stalwarts of the construction industry. It's 25 years since the first issue of What's new in Building appeared, and since Dorma UK was formed, initially as a door control specialist only. ...

Computing the cost of windows.
October 31, 2003... Timber protection specialist Sikkens has developed a computer model that lets building designers calculate whole life costs for any window project. The Sikkens life cycle inventory model (SLIM) makes it quick and easy to arrive at the most...

Green roofs prove to be a growing market.
October 31, 2003... As a recent English Nature report puts it: `Green roofs make buildings more thermally efficient, prolong the life of a roof, ameliorate extremes of temperature and humidity, help cut air pollution and noise, and provide green space for people...

Super insulated offices.
October 31, 2003... Passive solar design techniques and the high thermal mass of concrete have been used by architect Jerry Harrell to create highly energy efficient buildings - one an office and the other a home. The earth sheltered structures are positioned...

Glazing boosts security.
October 31, 2003... Architects, contractors and clients alike are expected to welcome the development by FendorHansen of a high security glazing system. Applications will include magistrates courts, police stations and potentially vulnerable premises including...

Church now restored.
October 31, 2003... Specialist structural repair and restoration by Quadriga Concepts has been completed at the historic parish church of St Mary the Virgin in Eaton Bray, Bedfordshire. Many weathered stone blocks have been replaced and several of the...

Dry lining is the right treatment.
October 31, 2003... Dry lining systems from Knauf Drywall have been used throughout the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, one of the UK's largest PFI health projects. Almost the whole of the company's range of standard and high performance plasterboards have been...

Quick setting solution.
October 31, 2003... To meet tougher Part E acoustic standards in residential construction, British Gypsum has launched Gyproc SoundCoat, a quick setting, trowel applied sealer. Applied in a thickness of just 6mm, it sets in a fraction of the time of...

More than a brick compendium.
October 31, 2003... As well as over 350 traditional facing bricks and pavers, the latest portfolio from Ibstock includes details of the Intelligent Brickwork Solutions range. More than just a brick compendium, the pack includes reference details such as...

Green grow the blocks.
October 31, 2003... Aircrete blocks reduce energy consumption and environmental damage, compared with many other materials, says Aircrete Bureau. Wherever possible recycled materials are used in the manufacture of aircrete products, reducing the use of primary...

Major investment in wood based panels.
October 31, 2003... Wood based panel manufacturer Nexfor has completed a five year, #100million capital investment programme at its plants in South Molton, Cowie and Inverness. Improvements have focused on environmental issues, reducing consumption of virgin...

Bonding in Basildon.
October 31, 2003... In partnership with Basildon District Council, Fernox will be undertaking maintenance of central heating systems in 10,500 council properties. As part of its commitment, the company is providing on-going product application training and...

Cables take to skies.
October 31, 2003... Cable management systems by Metstrut, part of Metsec, have been supplied for the factory making wings for the Airbus A380 airliner. In a #100,000 contract, the company supplied 5km of 125mm deep cable ladder plus metal framing systems to...

CSC building.
October 31, 2003... The new European HQ of the Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) has been built with respect for the natural beauty and heritage of its 45 acre woodland site in Hampshire. The building is split into four sections, with trees between each block....

Hinge selector.
October 31, 2003... Designed with both specifiers and door manufacturers in mind, a new 16 page brochure gives details of SFS Intec's complete range of hinges for pvc, composite and timber doors. Ranges include popular Classic and Estetic hinges with their...

Jeld-Wen training manual.
October 31, 2003... The aim of Jeld-Wen's latest modular training manual is to cut through `joinery jargon'. Including a useful glossary, the manual sheds light on how to choose the right product for different uses, and how to specify fire doors. The...

Ready plumbed modules are much quicker to install.
October 31, 2003... Plumbers and contractors now have a choice of ready plumbed cubicle modules thanks to the partnership between Bushboard cubicles and Twyford Bathrooms. Twyford Bushboard brings together stylish, flexible washroom cubicles with...

French style for any home.
October 31, 2003... Fibreglass door specialist Therma-Tru offers a range of fibreglass french doors for patio or front door use on new or refurbishment projects. They can be sited in any type of frame material and trimmable options are also available. ...

Brighter times in Bournemouth.
October 31, 2003... Communications company Marketing Matters of Bournemouth chose Fitzgerald Lighting to supply luminaires for a recent refurbishment. The ultra modern Elite pendant was used for indirect lighting in conference facilities, and to provide direct...

Interface showroom.
October 31, 2003... Flooring solutions provider Interface has a opened a new showroom in London's Clerkenwell that allows visitors to investigate bespoke designs, textures and colours. As well as large pullout samples of the Interface and Heuga ranges, there is a...

Illusion fireplace.
October 31, 2003... Hearth and mantle of the Illusion fireplace from Petra Helas create apparently floating glass elipses, producing a stunning contemporary look. It can be teamed with the Chalice Volcano polished aluminium gas fire, shown here. ...

Manchester stadium fittings.
October 31, 2003... Arup chose Chiaro FT and FTR luminaires from Zumtobel Staff Lighting for the city of Manchester stadium. Unlike more mundane moisture-proof fittings, Chiaro has sleek design and hard wearing characteristics. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd....

Combi `smallest in Europe'.
October 31, 2003... Standing 600mm high and weighing less than 25kg, the i Junior gas fired combi boiler from Worcester Bosch is the smallest available in Europe. Once the wall mounted jig is fixed to the wall, the pre-wired, pre- plumbed unit is easy to...

Remote monitoring for power supply systems.
October 31, 2003... Users can remotely monitor up to 128 load transfer modules and /or UPS systems with Top Vision software from Socomec Sicon UPS. Information is displayed as a mimic display panel on the user's pc, managing up to eight LTMs or UPSs per...

Window stay will meet FENSA regs.
October 31, 2003... Anticipating rising demand for egress stays following the creation of the FENSA scheme, Mila Hardware has developed a new friction stay for side hung casement windows. As well as making windows easy to clean from the inside, it allows most...

Collection of spindles.
October 31, 2003... Known for bespoke staircases, Bisca offers a collection of spindles to transform old staircases at a fraction of the cost of renovation. A range of shapes and finishes can be combined. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

German new wave revival.
October 31, 2003... Created by German manufacturers Emco and Kludi, the New Waves collection of fittings and accessories offers style for the modern bathroom. Clean lines give variations of basin mixer with matching towel rails, soap dish,glass holder and...

Total solution for work at height.
October 31, 2003... Offering a complete solution to the needs of those working at height, Safesite's latest personal protective equipment range is now available. It includes lanyards, ropes and grabs as well as harnesses including the Overall full body...

Sustainable PFI.
October 31, 2003... Several PFI hospital projects, including the Great Western in Swindon, have seen the use of Flagon TPO sustainable single ply membrane. The membrane is produced by Flag and is only fixed by fully trained and accredited roofing contractors....

All eyes on Channel Four.
October 31, 2003... Eye catching is one way to describe this use of Slimgrip from Gooding Aluminium, which forms the `watching eye' of Channel 4's Big Brother's Little Brother. Gooding's bespoke fabrication service produced the elliptical shape which was used...

Fixing blends in with cladding.
October 31, 2003... Low profile FR fixings from Ejot have a sleek head shape to make them unobtrusive. Not only that, but the colour of the screw head can match that of the surrounding cladding. Stainless steel FR range is available powder coated to any BSor...

Clapboard for the long term.
October 31, 2003... The look and texture of clapboard black boarding can be emulated with Vincent Timber's Cape Cod factory painted timber cladding, which also brings long term performance. It was recently specified in black for the Pershore residential...

Simple dose of treatment.
October 31, 2003... Simple to install yet effective in use, the Aeroclere CLP6 package domestic sewage treatment plant allows liquid waste to be discharged into a watercourse or soakaway after treatment, leaving only a residue of sludge to be pumped out. Contact...

Window fittings.
October 31, 2003... Architectural hardware specialist HAF has introduced Steel Tech casement window fittings. Cast in stainless steel, they are suitable for standard UK wooden casement windows. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Synthetic rubber insulation.
October 31, 2003... Flexible synthetic rubber Insul-tube and Insul-sheet insulation by nmc protects pipelines and vessels, and has an integral vapour barrier. Suitable for refrigeration and air conditioning systems, they bring condensation control, frost...

Cold fix roof responds to safety concerns.
October 31, 2003... In response to concerns over the use of heat or naked flame at roof level, Alwitra offers a cold fix roof that puts a high priority on site safety. The system uses Insta-Stik adhesive to attach insulation boards, in conjunction with...

Centrepiece of any shower.
October 31, 2003... Designed to form an attractive centrepiece to any shower, the comfort line Novolaplan by Kaldewei has an asymmetrical shape suitable for even the smallest bathrooms. Depth of just 6.5cm allows low installation for a contemporary looking...

Bath screen is easy to install.
October 31, 2003... Stylish yet affordable, Astral-Capella bath screen offers a variety of sizes and colours, all easy to install, says Flair International. The frame design features adjustable wall jambs which allow for irregular walls and tiling. Screens are...

Introducing a cool new range.
October 31, 2003... New from Alfa Laval, the AlfaGreen air-cooled condenser range offers the benefits of low energy consumption, excellent heat transfer efficiency and minimal refrigerant charge. Offering an environmentally sound solution to a wide range of...

System version joins oil-fired boiler range.
October 31, 2003... The newly developed oil-fired condensing boiler range from Trianco has been extended by the introduction of a system version of the EuroStar Premier 50/90. The model, introduced to meet the demand for ever-higher domestic heating...

Precision control.
October 31, 2003... Latest range of close control precision air conditioning units from Delrac has been designed for use in technology centres, computer areas, telecoms applications and other environments requiring special thermo- hygrometric conditions, and all...

Air Handling Units.
October 31, 2003... Ideal for swimming pools and other applications where electricity is the preferred primary fuel, a new range of Air Handling Units featuring Heat Pump Technology and full anti-corrosion features has been unveiled by Thermal Technology. Heat...

Small units are big on intelligence.
October 31, 2003... The existing range of microGENUS combi boilers from Ariston has been upgraded and is being relaunched as the microGENUS II range. Comprising three models (24, 28 and 31kW), the new range is said to offer improved features, stylish new...

Control heat in comfort.
October 31, 2003... Launched by Euroheat is a range of remote-controlled multi fuel stoves, which can be effortlessly operated from the sofa. The hand-held, battery operated remote features a temperature display that can be adjusted as desired by simply...

New indirect lighting system arrives from Down Under.
October 31, 2003... Introduced by Light Projects Group is the new Kove T5 Systema indirect lighting system with incorporated coving which is manufactured by Australian company Intralux. The system eliminates the need for specially constructed pelmets or...

Wide range of luminaires.
October 31, 2003... The wide range of decorative and commercial luminaires from JCC Lighting Products has been extended by the introduction of the Scoop Downlight. Available in two sizes to accommodate 35 and 50mm lamps, the new low voltage spotlight is very...

Light relief for shoppers.
October 31, 2003... The newly refurbished Edinburgh branch of the John Lewis Department Store is a much lighter, brighter place following the installation of a stunning lighting scheme by Luxo, which uses fibre optics as well as modular and recessed downlighters...

Range opens up new horizons.
October 31, 2003... The surface mounted Metalclad range has been added to the product portfolio from Hamilton Litestat, marking the company's first step into the supply of products specifically for the commercial and light industrial sectors. The range...

Car parks light.
October 31, 2003... Leicester City fans dazzled by the action on the pitch will at least be able to locate their cars easily, in the crisp white light provided by the installation of 400W metal halide lamps from Venture Lighting, which have been used in...

Enabling access to all the school.
October 31, 2003... The installation of two self-contained Moveman Companion Prestige platform lifts has provided a cost-effective solution for Millfields Community School in the London Borough of Hackney. The lifts have been installed to enable disabled...

Fifth Combilift.
October 31, 2003... Impressed with the performance of their fleet of Combilift multi- directional forklifts, precast concrete products manufacturer Millbank Floors has recently acquired a fifth Combilift for its Earls Colne site in Essex. Described as an...

Cost-effective solution for warehouse conversion.
October 31, 2003... Two bespoke staircases from Blanc de Bierges, have provided a cost- effective solution in the conversion of an early 19th century warehouse in SE London. Needing to maximise space in the new flats but keep existing timber beams which...

One-off staircases.
October 31, 2003... Making imaginative use of materials such as glass, timber and steel, Bisca designs and builds one-off staircases, utilising its technical know-how to allow for the staircase's position as a dramatic centrepiece. Copyright: CMP Information...

Mini Lift versatility.
October 31, 2003... Demonstrating the versatility of its Mini Lift stackers Southworth Handling has modified the Mini Lift RF 100 to lift heavy window blinds to allow access for the window cleaning staff in a state of the art tower block. The window blind is...

High tech Stair Trims.
October 31, 2003... Specified for their combination of durability and contemporary high tech appearance, GA Versatility Step-Up Stair Trims from Gooding Aluminium have been used extensively on the marble effect stairways of Uxbridge College. The stair trims...

Total kitchen service.
October 31, 2003... Over 200 kitchens are being installed by Neil Lerner Kitchen Design (NLKD) in a prestigious new development by Marylebone Warwick Balfour and Manhattan Loft at West India Quay. Providing a total service for specifiers, NLKD claims to offer...

Big bowl sink.
October 31, 2003... The range of RegiFit sinks from Reginox has been expanded by the company's first `big bowl', the RF315S stainless steel sink. Reflecting the increase in fashion for range-style/American dimension appliances, the sink measures 600 x 500mm...

Large format tiles go Continental.
October 31, 2003... Described as the essence of Euro Chic incorporating Continental influences throughout, the Strata range of inspirational large format tiles has been introduced by Pilkington's Tiles. The range offers size options of 250x330mm, 400x250mm and...

Under pressure to expand.
October 31, 2003... In response to customer demand, Swadling Brassware has expanded the minimalist Absolute range of thermostatic showers and accessories to include a low pressure, two-lever mono mixer which is capable of operating in systems with pressure as low...

Waterproof wall panels.
October 31, 2003... The new integrated system of waterproof wall panels and cubicles from Norske Interiors offers a cost-effective alternative to tiles, and also eliminates mould penetration as no grouting is required. The Nisys panels and cubicles are...

Floor access covers are popular.
October 31, 2003... Floor access covers from Howe Green are proving popular worldwide with railway networks, as they are recognised as being robust and completely safe underfoot for the public. The covers have recently been specified by Hong Kong's Mass...

Making an entrance at flagship store.
October 31, 2003... Entrance matting from Plastic Extruders has been specified by prestige retailer Scotts of Stow in its flagship store at Stow-on-the-Wold. The retailer selected a brown colourway to simulate coir and complement the store's new wood...

Antistatic flooring.
October 31, 2003... The static conductive flooring system manufactured by Tremco has been specified for a new facility at the Surrey production site of Specialist Electronic Services, which specialises in the production of in-flight recorders for the aviation...

Vinyl floorcovering specified.
October 31, 2003... Modular vinyl floorcovering in Light Beech Wood has been specified from Tarkett Sommer's ID Moduline collection by Yorkshire Building Society for its branches in Hull and Beverley. ID Moduline is said to provide virtually unlimited creative...

Resin flooring in dance area.
October 31, 2003... Altro has hit the floor at the Fluid Bar in Hanley: its AltroCast TB Screed High Performance smooth decorative resin flooring has been laid in the new dance and bar area as well as behind the bars, and is ready to withstand the pounding of...

New twist range.
October 31, 2003... Inspired by the Bloomsbury set, Blueberry Lawn is a new twist range from Tintawn Weaving Company. Made of 80% wool, 10% nylon and 10% polyester utilising a new twin fold yarn, the collection is said to emphasise a new fine point definition...

Successfully treading the boards in the West End.
October 31, 2003... Stunning oak panels have been sourced and supplied by Advanced Ergonomic Technologies (AET) for No 1 Cavendish Place, an exclusive office refurbishment in the heart of the West End of London. Helping to create a clean, contemporary feel to...

Heavy duty entrance mat.
October 31, 2003... The successful entrance matting range from Gradus has been extended by the introduction of Esplanade Plus, a heavy duty primary entrance mat. Developed to meet interior, heavy traffic requirements, Esplanade Plus consists of a two tier...

Raised access floors for 21st century courtroom.
October 31, 2003... Raised access floors from Kingspan Access Floors have been installed at the Civic Trust Award-winning Southampton Magistrates Court. Some 3000 sq m of Kingspan's RMG 600 raised floor system has been used to accommodate hidden but...

New collection.
October 31, 2003... A new plain twist collection has been launched by Axminster Carpets. Marketed as Devonia Plains, the range aspires to a soft, fresh and feminine approach and features 48 shades in four `stories': Landscape, Seascape, Town and Country and...

Carpet recycling system.
October 31, 2003... A special closed-loop carpet to carpet recycling system has been introduced to the European market by Tandus: the company will collect any post consumer vinyl backed carpet at its facility in Wales, bale it and then ship it to the company's...

Protection from the demon shopping trolleys.
October 31, 2003... Columns at the Marks & Spencer Owlcotes store at Pudsey, near Leeds, are being protected in the car park from trolley damage by Yeoman Shield C-Fender from Harrison Thompson's Heavy Duty Protection range. Available in eight different...

Flood Alleviation Scheme.
October 31, 2003... Large quantities of granite have been supplied by Pomery Natural Stone for the Perth Flood Alleviation Scheme in Scotland. The scheme encompasses 8.8km of riverside, and runs through industrial estates, high amenity parkland, the commercial...

People in glass houses should join forces.
October 31, 2003... Renowned as a creator of fine glass conservatories, orangeries and glazed buildings, Glass Houses has recently joined the Haddonstone group of companies. The two companies first worked together in a joint venture to create Orangeries, a...

Improvements to the centre of Ludlow.
October 31, 2003... Materials from Instarmac have been specified for a further phase of improvements to the centre of Ludlow, based on the sustained performance of the company's Flowpoint product used in the refurbishment of the market square over four years ago....

Lawn edging system.
October 31, 2003... Specified to enhance the smooth, flowing lines of a curving path, the Ever Edge lawn edging system has been used by landscape architect and garden designer Rose Lennard for her Dreamscape garden, one of just 14 designs selected to appear at the...

Bricks bring benefits.
October 31, 2003... A new brochure from Baggeridge Brick highlights a wide range of recently completed schemes where the Corium brick cladding system, developed in conjunction with Terrapin and Corus, was specified for its innovation, aesthetics, light weight,...

Composite panels face up to unpredictable weather.
October 31, 2003... Composite panels from Plannja have been put to the test at the Holmsgarth Ferry Terminal in lerwick, one of the most exposed locations in the British Isles. The Hoesch Isowand Integral panels were specified for the external envelope of the...

Latest addition to Bristol's skyline.
October 31, 2003... The crowning glory of the three-storey University of Bristol Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health is the clear span, international standard sports hall which features a curved copper `barrel-vaulted' wall with rooflights helping to reduce the...

Top marks twice over for cladding.
October 31, 2003... The only two schools (both in Milton Keynes) to meet the completion deadline set by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) as part of the Classrooms of the Future initiative are both clad with panels of Eternit's Lamina External. ...

Self-supporting precast panels.
October 31, 2003... The facade of Juxon House, a prestigious new building fronting onto St Paul's Churchyard in the City of London, comprises over 7000 sq m of self-supporting precast panels faced with Portland stone and Bath stone, with reconstructed stone...

New range of panels.
October 31, 2003... Addressing the industry's increasing concern with issues of speed, quality and life cycles costs, Kingspan Insulated Panels has developed the LongSpan KS1000LS system which removes the need for secondary steelwork. The new range of wider...

New East London library is a glass act.
October 31, 2003... Architects have made extensive use of Pilkington K Glass in converting a former 1960s British Telecom exchange building into a `library of the future' in the East London Borough of Newham. The stunning design of Forest Gate Library...

Glazed open plan office.
October 31, 2003... A striking, glazed open plan office area has been custom-designed by industrial safety specialist Troax for Goodrich Power Systems' manufacturing facility in Pitstone, Buckinghamshire. The company used glazed panels from its Excalibur range...