What's New in Building articles from October 2005

What's New in Building archives from October 2005

Latest lift car designs should take user satisfaction to a new level.
October 21, 2005... Stannah has scrutinised every component and feature to ensure its latest lift car designs bring real benefits to specifiers and lift users UK lift manufacturer Stannah Lifts has introduced new car finishes across the whole of its System 21...

Why broadband is worth the fuss for construction.
October 21, 2005... David Bentley, managing director of web agency NetConstruct, believes the latest web developments offer big competitive advantages We're hearing a lot about broadband and rich media just now - and for the growing numbers of companies...

Decorative balcony protection.
October 21, 2005... Specialist coatings and membrane manufacturer Liquid Plastics has introduced protective systems to waterproof balconies and communal walkways. Most balconies, being constructed from asphalt or concrete, can eventually be subject to the...

Acoustic flooring.
October 21, 2005... Beside the White Cart Water in Paisley, Anchor Mill has been converted into modern apartments. Above ground floor parking and first floor commercial office space, high performance acoustic flooring from InstaCoustic has been installed on...

Flying high in office interiors.
October 21, 2005... Perforated and rolled ceiling panels from Gooding Aluminium are `flying high' again with this installation at the offices of Digitas & Modem Media in London. These specially produced aluminium ceiling panels create a bright and open...

Design changes ease the way.
October 21, 2005... Following research into the needs of its customers, Securistyle has made several changes to the Defender Egress Easy Clean hinge to improve its performance. Changes will provide improved weathersealing, smoother closure, and greater...

Refurbishment of domed ceiling.
October 21, 2005... Refurbishment of this domed ceiling at the University of Derby has been achieved by Dulux Trade. Because of the height of the dome and the expense of scaffolding needed for access it was critical to get the treatment right first time. ...

Waterproof protection.
October 21, 2005... Natural stone fixing and grouting for renovation of Haddon Lake House on the Isle of Wight have been provided by Ardex. For the wet room, the floor area was treated with WPC, which provided a waterproof protection coat prior to the fixing...

Securely tied in Tamworth.
October 21, 2005... Using a combination of Helifix products, local contractor Buildmark Construction undertook the concealed installation of stainless steel ties and masonry reinforcement at a tower block in Tamworth. This followed the collapse of a 3m section...

Balustrade in half the time.
October 21, 2005... Glass fittings specialist Prefit has introduced a balustrade clamping rail, the Glass Wedge Dry-Glaze system, which can halve installation times. Glass Wedge allows the glass to cantilever out of a base shoe and is simple to install using...

Sleek shades of monochrome.
October 21, 2005... Sleek drawers and cupboards made from black and white Parapan create a glossy monochrome look. A durable gloss material for doors and drawers, Parapan is an acrylic sheet material which, because it is solid, is more hardwearing than...

Colourful work in gallery.
October 21, 2005... Gun-injected mortars from Easipoint provided the colour and performance required for a new gallery in the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. In order to comply with listed building consent, Feilden Clegg Bradley Architects, of Bath, specified high...

Help is at hand.
October 21, 2005... Window and door hardware specialist Avocet has opened a new department dedicated to providing solutions to customer issues and problems. Avocet Assist consists of an integrated team of specialists from all disciplines within Avocet. ...

Asbestos consultancy.
October 21, 2005... Many commercial buildings still do not comply with the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002, so demand for expertise and assistance is soaring. Tersus Group is one of the largest UKAS accredited asbestos consultancies in the UK....

Revolver is all torque.
October 21, 2005... Allowing freedom of creativity to design a spectacular entry system, a high-torque revolving door operator from Tormax has been engineered for reliability. Compact, the Revolvedoor Drive TRP delivers continuous power to smoothly operate...

Suitable site for treatment.
October 21, 2005... Off-site construction specialist Yorkon has completed the first independent sector Treatment Centre to be built off-site. The #12m Shepton Mallet NHS Treatment Centre was manufactured and fitted out by Yorkon in less than 10 months and is...

Light touch at Luton.
October 21, 2005... At 18m square, this Structura rooflight forms a prominent feature of Luton Airport's new passenger terminal development. The rooflight consists of 84 double glazed units (in sizes 1,500 x 1,500mm and 3m x 1,500mm) made up of 8.8mm Optilam...

Versatile light for any office.
October 21, 2005... With its revised range of EBD downlighters, Ridi offers an affordable, versatile downlighter for any commercial office application. The EBD range now has ultra-shallow profile options and improved trim designs. The two-part luminaire...

Wide span fits bill at school.
October 21, 2005... Easy-fit qualities and wide span capability made Wendland's Styal roofing system a good choice for a 300sq m conservatory recently built onto Hamstead Hall School in Handsworth Wood, Birmingham. The new structure was installed by Horizon...

STOP PRESS: Don't get in a fix.
October 21, 2005... Steelwork connection specialist Access Technologies has launched two fixing types for connecting flooring to steelwork as part of its BeamClamp range. The Floorfix clip is designed for connecting solid chequer or durbar plate in position...

STOP PRESS: Bonded art in Bolton.
October 21, 2005... Sculptures of a life size handbag, teapot and pot of paint - the latest additions to the Bolton Public Art Trail - have been bonded in place using specialist high strength materials from the Tecroc Products range. In order to secure the...

STOP PRESS: Ward's handbook.
October 21, 2005... There are over 400 pages of information on Ward's range of insulated panels for roofs and walls in the company's new handbook. An essential reference tool for the specification, design, detailing and installation of Ward panels it features...

STOP PRESS: Suspended luminaire.
October 21, 2005... The Evio suspended luminaire by Zumtobel Staff Lighting uses unusual materials - wood finishes in rich walnut and finely grained beechwood, and the confident use of Eternit thin roofing and cladding material made from fibres and cement. ...

STOP PRESS: Fan assist for more efficiency.
October 21, 2005... Two fan-assisted models join the Robinson Willey range of electric slimline storage heaters. Providing heat outputs of 2.55/1.38kW and 3.4/1.84kW respectively, these latest models not only offer improved heating performance, they also add...

STOP PRESS: Loos built off-site.
October 21, 2005... Covent Garden Bus Station has been given a facelift with a new WC unit now available for visitors, which is one of the first of its kind in the UK. Bradco, manufacturer and supplier of sustainable public washroom facilities, built the...

STOP PRESS: Bathroom website.
October 21, 2005... Specifiers of bathroom suites and ancillary products should check out the new website of Imperial Bathrooms. Logging on to www.imperial-bathrooms.com provides a wealth of product, design ideas and information. Copyright: CMP...

STOP PRESS: New shower range.
October 21, 2005... Brassware specialist Deva Tap Company has launched the Envy shower range. The distinct design is available as both exposed and concealed options making it a good choice for contemporary bathrooms, shower rooms and wet rooms. The...

STOP PRESS: No smoke with modern solution.
October 21, 2005... Designed for indoor or outdoor use, the free standing Smoking Point from Tensator is a modern alternative to bins or ashtrays. Featuring a detachable ashtray, or bin and adjustable beverage shelves, the Smoking Point is available in a range...

STOP PRESS: Stone for Scots park.
October 21, 2005... Glasgow's oldest public open space, Glasgow Green, has been restored to its former glory with the help of natural stone producer Burlington. A combination of light green Elterwater and mid green Broughton Moor stone with a flame textured...

STOP PRESS: New nightlatches.
October 21, 2005... Ingersoll-Rand has developed a new series of Legge rim nightlatches to offer high security at an affordable price. The 785 and 789 Legge surface mounted nightlatches provide switchable deadlocking and non-deadlocking functions offering...

STOP PRESS: Black looks in bar.
October 21, 2005... London's Lucky Voice karaoke bar is a maze of black gloss and dimmed lighting, with leather-upholstered soundproof booths for between six and 12 singers. Waugh Thistleton, architects for the project, have used the latest in flooring...

STOP PRESS: Panels play a part at school.
October 21, 2005... Sustainability, insulation and structural integrity were the main reasons for Excel Building Solutions' Tradis panels being specified for a school extension in Bo'ness, Falkirk. The panels needed to be self-supporting up to 5m high,...

STOP PRESS: Glass will stay cleaner longer.
October 21, 2005... Glass at a new B&Q warehouse in Norfolk will stay cleaner longer as a result of Ritec's ClearShield surface protection system. The new store in Great Yarmouth is double-glazed throughout, with the application of ClearShield converting...

STOP PRESS: Standing seam profile.
October 21, 2005... Keybemo has introduced the Monro standing seam profile range to the UK. With virtually no restrictions in the shapes that can be produced, this freely formable standing seam profile is suitable for just about any construction or complex...

STOP PRESS: Balconies to add value.
October 21, 2005... Architects can add character and value to developments with the launch of an environmentally friendly range of modular balconies from Neaco. Spectrum modular balconies comprise a range of pre-cast components which are fully recyclable and...

STOP PRESS: German-made hardware.
October 21, 2005... German-made Fuhr Multitronic 881 is available from hardware distributors Groupco. It provides convenient remote control access while its automatic locking function means that uninvited guests are always kept out. The door is opened from...

STOP PRESS: The easy way out.
October 21, 2005... Sheerframe systems company LB Plastics has developed a pvc vertically sliding sash window to offer all the benefits of traditional styling, combined with the critical emergency egress requirements of Part B of the building regs. The new...

STOP PRESS: Curtain wall for showcase.
October 21, 2005... Astraseal is showcasing the Rehau-Polytec 50 curtain walling system at its new conservatory showroom in Milton Keynes. The company has installed a 5.5 x 3m entrance to its showroom using the Rehau Polytec 50 system, which it has been...

STOP PRESS: Multi-purpose sealant duo.
October 21, 2005... The Trade Division of illbruck Sealant Systems has added two new high performance products to its Webbseal branded range of sealants and adhesives. Webseal MS-20 is a special low modulus sealant, neutral curing product for use in movement...

ALUMINIUM: Trusted material for a future-proof finish.
October 21, 2005... Offering reassurance as well as catering for new demands, aluminium has proved itself a versatile all-rounder among building materials Aluminium is the ubiquitous construction material, constantly evolving with design. It offers the...

ARCHITECTURAL ALUMINIUM: First choice for executive homes.
October 21, 2005... Aluminium is growing in popularity as the number one choice of window material for new executive homes, accordng to the Council for Aluminium in Building. This trend has been felt most in London where virtually all new high rise...

ARCHITECTURAL ALUMINIUM: Quality in quick time.
October 21, 2005... Faster construction times and improved quality are two of the benefits offered by Skyline S 65 unitised facades, the latest development from Schuco International. Already proven on major projects in Germany, Skyline S 65 brings the...

ARCHITECTURAL ALUMINIUM: Design is all in the detail.
October 21, 2005... At last month's 100% Detail exhibition, 2005 in Earls Court 1, London, Kawneer unveiled the AA100 curtain wall, AA201 unitised curtain wall and AA4001 unitised framing systems. The new systems provide specifiers with a range of aluminium...

ARCHITECTURAL ALUMINIUM: Fittings range is extended.
October 21, 2005... A new brochure featuring the recently introduced RF50 rainscreen, concealed fix, cassette panel system from EDM Spanwall is now available from the company. The brochure details the available finishes, technical features and fixing method,...

ARCHITECTURAL ALUMINIUM: High performance curtain walling.
October 21, 2005... Some 3500 sq m of high performance aluminium curtain walling from Technal has been fabricated and installed by Systems Aluminium in a #2.5 million to replace the entire facade of one of the largest office buildings in Glasgow. Built in the...

ARCHITECTURAL ALUMINIUM: Uninterrupted finish from ridge to eaves.
October 21, 2005... Meeting the requirements for a long, sweeping, continuous roof, some 13,000 sq m of low maintenance Kalzip 65/400 from Corus was specified in extra long 200m sheets for the new spices and pulses factory for Natco Foods in Buckingham. ...

ARCHITECTURAL ALUMINIUM: Effective and aesthetically pleasing.
October 21, 2005... An entire building envelope has been supplied by Euroclad for Knorr- Bremse Rail Systems' new building based in Melksham, Wilts. The exterior is covered entirely in Euroclad products including the around 7000 sq m of Euroseam Stucco...

ARCHITECTURAL ALUMINIUM: Nice view with less glare.
October 21, 2005... A solar shading system provided by Levolux for the new headquarters of a leading supplier of software and silicone IP for digital wireless terminals protects employees from solar heat gain whilst providing uninterrupted views over the nearby...

ARCHITECTURAL ALUMINIUM: Split roof.
October 21, 2005... Ziplok standing seam profile from Rigidal has been combined with the company's Riblok secret fix cladding to dramatic effect on Aldi's Quedgeley store near Gloucester. Some 1000 sq m of Ziplok in stucco embossed aluminium was used on the...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Gas fire gets the picture.
October 21, 2005... Launched by Anglia Fireplace & Design, the Smart Bell balanced flue gas fire makes a striking focal point for any room. Just 177mm deep, the contemporary fire is made by Dutch company Bellfires and is available in two styles. The...

HEATING & VENTILATING: New radiator size.
October 21, 2005... The Harmonia towel rail range from Imperial Towel Rails has been expanded by the launch of a new inset radiator size. With five sections and double tubes, the compact baby Harmonia will fit into small and narrow spaces. Copyright: CMP...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Efficient way to cool water.
October 21, 2005... The latest RAS series air-cooled chillers from Delrac incorporate semi- hermetic reciprocating compressors to efficiently and effectively cool water used in climate control and industrial processes. The refrigerating capacity of the 12...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Oil-fired goes up the wall.
October 21, 2005... The Contractor Wallmounted oil-fired boiler from Trianco is rated C in the SEDBUK tables and sized to fit unobtrusively into a run of wall- hung kitchen cabinets. The boiler is suitable for fully pumped, open or sealed systems, and all...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Whole house ventilation systems.
October 21, 2005... Whole house ventilation systems from Johnson & Starley have been installed in new key worker and student accommodation in Newcastle-upon- Tyne. A total of 117 of the company's HR155 heat recovery and ventilation systems have been specified...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Looking forward to the winter.
October 21, 2005... The new apartments at Orchard Homes' Rosemount Court development at West End in Southampton feature Greenwood Airvac heat recovery systems from Greenwood Air Management. As well as ensuring a constant supply of clean fresh air, and...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Single stack boosts capacity.
October 21, 2005... Tried and tested worldwide, the Soveent fitting is now being offered to the UK market by Geberit. The single stack drainage system offers increased capacity, eliminating then need for separate vent stacks and reducing the diameter of...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Sound thinking.
October 21, 2005... For Charles Cross Centre apartments, Plymouth, specifiers chose the Friaphon sound attenuated drainage system from Durapipe. TBB Plumbing & Heating originally specified a traditional pipework solution that required additional sound...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Simple way to fit a trap.
October 21, 2005... Fitting a trap for a pedestal basin is now simpler and quicker with the launch of Hunter Plastics' Straight Through trap. Measuring just 270mm high and with a maximum diameter of just 75mm, it is described as the perfect solution for small...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: Brush up to elegance.
October 21, 2005... The Edison range of wiring accessories manufactured by Interplast has been extended by the recent introduction of a new range with elegant, `brushed' finishes. Ideally suited for both domestic and commercial applications, the new Edison...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: Heavy gauge conduit.
October 21, 2005... The MT Supertube FR Plus is a development of the MT Supertube three- layer, heavy gauge, impact-resistant, LSOH conduit from Marshall Tufflex. The new product has been specially formulated for high performance within the most arduous of...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: New circuit breaker.
October 21, 2005... A new residual current operated circuit breaker launched by Siemens is designed specifically to cope with the chemicals present in the air in harsh environments such as industrial, agricultural and leisure buildings. The new SIGRES circuit...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: Variety from one fitting.
October 21, 2005... The new Galaxy low energy compact fluorescent downlight from Ansell Lighting is a versatile and user friendly luminaire which can be used to address different application requirements within the same lighting scheme. A wide range of...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: Accessory ranges for new finish.
October 21, 2005... A Pearl Oyster finish has been added by, Hamilton Litestat to its popular Sheer and Hartland accessory ranges. The new finish has been designed to appeal to the younger market, where contemporary design and minimalist styling is the vogue....

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: Leave vandals in the dark.
October 21, 2005... Now available from Cooper Lighting and Security, the new Crompton Vienza range of luminaires has been designed to provide a versatile, vandal-resistant lighting solution for both interior and exterior applications. With a tough...

SECURITY & ACCESS CONTROL: Protection in Falkirk.
October 21, 2005... Falkirk Council has distributed 8,600 Kidde Fyrenetics carbon monoxide alarms as a first phase towards ensuring the protection of its housing stock. As part of its partnership with the council Kidde has labelled the alarms with...

SECURITY & ACCESS CONTROL: Modern design for security.
October 21, 2005... Modern design and functionality combine in the Ophera monitor from BPT Security Systems. The Ophera boasts a 3.5in lcd screen which can be positioned to provide the perfect view of the visitor for any height of person. Two versions of...

SECURITY & ACCESS CONTROL: Step on for accepted catch.
October 21, 2005... Since Gretsch Unitas launched the Safe-T-Catch, the product has become well accepted. Now the G4 Night Owl Safe-T-Catch has taken the concept a stage further. The Night Owl transforms the traditional door chain into a modern high...

SECURITY & ACCESS CONTROL: Lincoln sets standard.
October 21, 2005... When any of Lincoln City Council's housing stock undergoes re-wiring, it now installs BRK's 7010LBE unit. The mains powered alarm has a long life lithium battery back-up and offers the benefits of photoelectric sensing and environmentally...

SECURITY & ACCESS CONTROL: Shoppers in a spiral.
October 21, 2005... At the Centrale shopping centre, Croydon, an intricate spiral design had to be used for the car park ramps. Bovis contracted barrier specialists Berry Systems to design a barrier that would not only protect the edges but also carry the...

ARCHITECTURAL IRONMONGERY: Precision and style.
October 21, 2005... Precision engineering goes hand in hand with elegant styling and design flexibility in DR Services' range of fittings for railings and balustrading. A wide choice of components is available, enabling specifiers to reflect the minimalist...

ARCHITECTURAL IRONMONGERY: Japanese hardware comes to UK.
October 21, 2005... Japan's largest producer of architectural hardware, Sugatsune, is introducing its Lamp products to the UK. The 3,000-strong range includes soft opening door stays and hinges, flush handles, latching systems, catches and fasteners. ...

ARCHITECTURAL IRONMONGERY: Door and cabinet handles.
October 21, 2005... Raindrop Silver is part of Turnstyle Designs' Recess range of door and cabinet handles. It was originally commissioned by a top US fabric producer as a co- ordinating accessory for the hotel industry. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

ARCHITECTURAL IRONMONGERY: Anti-ligature package launch.
October 21, 2005... Increased awareness of the risk of ligature has led Intastop and Samuel Heath to launch an anti-ligature package for doors. It combines Intastop's continuous geared hinge with the controlled, concealed door closing of Samuel Heath's Perko...

ARCHITECTURAL IRONMONGERY: Distinctive alternative.
October 21, 2005... Architects Paul Davis & Partners specified the icon Cube system from Handrail Design in a mezzanine at new office buildings at the former Duke of York's Headquarters in London. The system has been incorporated to provide a distinctive...

ARCHITECTURAL IRONMONGERY: Expanding range of locking systems.
October 21, 2005... Expanding its range of Security Plus locking systems, Nico Manufacturing has introduced the MultiLock and the MultiCam shootbolt. Both are accredited by the Secured by Design scheme. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

BATHROOMS: Housebuilders warm to off-site built bathrooms.
October 21, 2005... Peter Dimeloe, md of Coram Showers, explains why pod construction of showers is becoming increasingly popular with houseuilders Housebuilders are continually looking at ways they can increase the efficiency of the construction process and...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Now even happier days.
October 21, 2005... The latest enhancement to the popular Happy D range of freestanding baths by Duravit is a range of beautifully grained real wood panels to surround the baths. The range offers American cherry, American Walnut or Sycamore for a natural and...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Whirl without a pump.
October 21, 2005... The unique Vivo Turbo whirlpool system has been unveiled by Kaldewei, and with its specially engineered turbine nozzles, is said to be the only whirl system available that does not need piping or a pump. Vivo Turbo jets are each powered by...

FLOORING: Heading for Glastonbury.
October 21, 2005... Vinyl floorcovering from the Marley Floors Elite and Elipse PUR ranges by Tarkett-Marley has been installed in a newly-built hospital in Glastonbury. The hospital floor needed a seamless surface with welded joints that met required...

FLOORING: Marmorette flooring.
October 21, 2005... Marmorette flooring from the DLW Linoleum range by Armstrong Floor Products has been specified for the new Grove Leisure Centre under-18s Shokk Gym in Newark. Reflecting Shokk's energetic corporate branding, the gym features an orange...

FLOORING: Drain range redesign.
October 21, 2005... The Harmer Floor Drain range from Alumasc has undergone a redesign resulting in a simpler assembly and installation procedure and quicker pipe connection with the high flow foul air trap supplied as a modular element. The new B series...

FLOORING: Going round in circles.
October 21, 2005... The reception and waiting areas of North Devon District hospital's new MRI scanner suite feature colourful concentric circles and solid spheres in the flooring created by Polyflor. Using a selection of non-directional shades from low...

FLOORING: Standing up to site conditions.
October 21, 2005... Available from Norbord, Caberdek is a high quality, easy to lay flooring panel with a tough waterproof, slip resistant, peel clean film which is removed on completion of construction work to leave a clean floor surface. Featuring a tongue...

FLOORING: Natural and simple.
October 21, 2005... Some 2600 sq m of Wabi Weave from Interface has been installed in the new headquarters of international wine merchants Lay & Wheeler which is located in a renovated 19th century farm building at Holton Park in Suffolk. The Wabi Weave was...