What's New in Building articles from September 2003

What's New in Building archives from September 2003

Make more of the great outdoors.
September 24, 2003... Four or five years ago, timber decking seemed like a new landscape concept for Britain - despite its wide usage in North America, Australasia and Europe, particularly Scandinavia. While timber decking may still feel like a recent lifestyle...

Lightweight tile simplifies roofing.
September 24, 2003... Durable, lightweight and attractive roofing profiles which are fast and easy to fit have been launched by Catnic. With the liteTile roofing system, just two tiles are required for every square metre of coverage. They are easier to handle,...

Testing times for fire.
September 24, 2003... The Building Test Centre at British Gypsum's East Leake facility has become the first in the UK to offer the capability of testing partitions up to 5m high. This development follows major extension work to the main fire test furnace at...

Major partnership.
September 24, 2003... Liquid Plastics and Corus have signed a major partnership deal to offer an refurbishment solution for pre-coated metal cladding. Isoclad PCM is a waterborne polyurethane coating suitable for metal clad roofs and walls. Copyright: CMP...

Living the dream in self built haven.
September 24, 2003... When completed later this year, Mike Hillard's Cotswold dream house, Tranquility, will provide a shining example of environmentally conscious house building. Eco friendly measures taken by Mike in the building of the house include...

Updated leaflet.
September 24, 2003... Now updated in response to demands from merchants and customers, IG's Steel Lintel Installation Notes leaflet provides guidance on proper installation. The notes cover end bearings, bedding, alignment and the need for support while mortar...

Three year agreement.
September 24, 2003... Roof and cladding fastener specialist SFS Intec has signed a three year agreement with Kelsey Roofing Industries under which SFS will be sole provider of fasteners and ancillary products for the Security+ service. Copyright: CMP...

Burning issue.
September 24, 2003... With the confusion surrounding the issues of CE marking and fire safety in relation to insulation, many manufacturers have opted to continue to state their products' fire performance in accordance with the more relevant BS 476, states Kingspan...

Stannah is on the rise.
September 24, 2003... The Stairiser range of platform lifts is now featured in an easy reference brochure available from Stannah. The literature carries information on the SX model for straight stairs as well as the CR for curved rail applications. When not in...

Rethinking roof tile specification.
September 24, 2003... The latest concept from smartroof sees Russell Roof Tiles once again promoting use of ecologically friendly products within the building sector. Andrew Hayward, business manager at Russell Roof Tiles sees this as the perfect outlet for the...

SIAC Construction wins contract.
September 24, 2003... SIAC Construction, supported by Kawneer, has won a #9million contract to provide a bespoke unitised cladding solution, StructurClad, for the #330million Coventry New Hospitals project. StructurClad incorporates Kawneer AA 600 series windows....

24 hour house stars on TV.
September 24, 2003... Tv series Home wasn't built in a day shows a five bedroom house, erected in 24 hours using Excel Building Solutions' Tradis wall panels, floor cassettes and roof plates. It was selected to demonstrate that a habitable, watertight structure...

Dedicated to badminton.
September 24, 2003... England's first development centre dedicated to international championship badminton features environmentally sustainable pinboards by Sundeala. Located in Winchester, the facility provides five courts. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Mousemats put hinges at specifiers' fingertips.
September 24, 2003... Hinge manufacturer Royde & Tucker has produced a series of mousemats, available free to specifiers. They feature arresting images of Hi-Load door hinges and are designed to ensure that the company's products are always to hand. ...

Aspects of architecture and design.
September 24, 2003... Under Commercial Director John Gibson's guidance, London's Building Centre continues to cover all aspects of architecture and design, construction and planning, home improvement, DIY and self build. One of the recent develoments at the...

Hi-Therm is best policy.
September 24, 2003... Following a detailed thermal imaging survey of Royal & SunAlliance's Bristol premises, a local flat roofing specialist has installed Tremco Hi-Therm system to solve long term water ingress problems. The original asphalt had suffered...

Resins to be cheerful.
September 24, 2003... Bright yellow resin flooring by Altro creates a stunning effect as part of the contemporary design of Selfridges head office in London. Applied by Hardwick Resins of Bury St Edmunds, it provides a vibrant backdrop for a meeting area. ...

Hardware CE marking on CD.
September 24, 2003... The Association of Building Hardware Manufacturers has produced a DTI funded CD-Rom giving details on CE marking of hardware. Locks and hardware - your guide to the CE Mark covers all implications of the CE marking process and includes Best...

Windows for Scots.
September 24, 2003... Guardian Systems, a fabricator for HW Systems, has won a large fabrication contract for housebuilders A&L King of Auchterader, Scotland. Guardian has also recently manufactured and supplied pvcu windows and doors to 46 houses in Braehead,...

Fast track and on the level.
September 24, 2003... Levelling compound specialist Ardex has announced the availability of Ardit E70 protein-free self-smoothing compound for sub floors. Used in a single application prior to installing floorcoverings or other floor finishes, it can also be...

Eco win for polystyrene.
September 24, 2003... As well as giving good thermal performance, expanded polystyrene also scores on the environmental front, says British Plastics Federation EPS Group. Environmental Profiles prepared by the BRE confirm the material's `outstanding'...

Seminar on water saving.
September 24, 2003... Rainwater Harvesting in the Sustainable Environment was the title of the most recent Polypipe Civils CPD seminar, held at the Chelmsford office of consultant WS Atkins. The event covered the need for water conservation, the concept of...

Fast track paving.
September 24, 2003... For a fast track guide to stormwater and pollution control, a free briefing document has been prepared by Interpave. The guide offers support for the wider use of concrete block permeable pavements, which help reduce downstream flooding, as...

Woking warming to CHP.
September 24, 2003... The UK's first commercial fuel cell combined heat and power (CHP) system has been installed and commissioned at Woking's Pool in the Park leisure complex. The fuel cell, installed by BTU (Heating), will provide valuable `green' energy to...

One hour seminar.
September 24, 2003... Revisions to Knauf Insulation's RIBACPD approved seminar Insulation Solutions for Buildings now encompass changes driven by the recent European Construction Products Directive. The one hour seminar is offered free to house builders and...

Savings in the pipeline.
September 24, 2003... Use of Geberit pipework for above ground internal drainage at New Providence Wharf office development has saved cost and labour compared to alternative solutions. Acoustic trials proved its sound attenuation equalled cast iron's. ...

Steni Colour panels supplied.
September 24, 2003... CEP Claddings has supplied Steni Colour panels to clad Rollalong's Gear Change factory-built cycle storage facility. It was chosen for fire resistance, colour, hygiene and easy cleaning in situ. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Security with no alterations.
September 24, 2003... Using half-portal secure access systems from Meesons, complete security can be ensured without the need for expensive alterations to existing doorways. The half portal is designed to overcome cost barriers and can incorporate patented...

Gutters of choice.
September 24, 2003... In a newly introduced product brochure, CA Group sets out the reasons why its Therma-Gutter M membrane lined guttering system is increasingly the choice of designers. Simple yet effective hot air welding techniques ensure watertight joints...

Step back on the gas.
September 24, 2003... Re-entering the gas fired boiler market, Trianco offers two Tristar Optima condensing models - a condensing combi and a condensing system unit. Output of both models is rated from 5.6 to 28kW and both are SEDBUK A rated. Domestic hot water...

Abacus showcase.
September 24, 2003... In a new brochure, Abacus showcases its 3e international lighting collection. The range offers a choice of designs and styles to compliment diverse environments, whether modern or traditionally styled. The brochure includes new designs...

Insulation for prestige housing.
September 24, 2003... Over 3,000sq m of Isowool Frame Batt HP by British Gypsum Isover will be installed at Malamar Homes' prestigious development in the former grounds of 16th century Arleston Manor in Shropshire. The historic gated development comprises 14...

Therma-Flect developed.
September 24, 2003... In response to ever tighter insulation standards, YBS Insulation developed its Therma-Flect one-piece eps roof board, which is now being installed as part of a new block at Paulet High School in Burton on Trent. There is no need to tape between...

Valve range now extended.
September 24, 2003... Air admittance valves have been added to the Vulcathene chemical drainage range offered by Durapipe. The valves stop trap seals being drawn and foul air being released. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Full resource for joinery.
September 24, 2003... The latest catalogue from Jeld-Wen is full of doors, windows and stair products, offering an essential resource for joinery specifiers. As well as details of new products, it offers advice and information on building legislation changes...

Sleek frame option.
September 24, 2003... For a sleek, stylish framing option for wall lining panels, look no further than GA Pan-L Trim from Gooding Aluminium. Profiles can be rapidly and secretly fixed for use in airports, offices and retail outlets. They offer many design...

Cones get it taped.
September 24, 2003... Putting its expertise in retractable webbing to good use, Tensator has produced Tensacone. This robust cassette fits to the top of a standard traffic cone, allowing cones to be attached via retractable webbing. It reduces the number of...

Lightweight for pitch roof.
September 24, 2003... Adding to its ever growing range of roofing underlays, Klober has introduced Span-Tech, a lightweight non-breathable membrane for use on ventilated pitched roofs. Made from non-woven spunbond polypropylene, its three layer construction...

Guaranteed to alarm.
September 24, 2003... Rather than just claiming a 10 year life, Slick rechargeable, fast-fit alarms are fully guaranteed for 10 years, giving a fixed cost of ownership with no need to fund replacements. That's one of the reasons the recently launched Kidde...

CD waxes on wood care.
September 24, 2003... Guidance on wood and timber coating systems is now available on CD-Rom from Ronseal Trade. TheRIBA approved Specifier guide to woodcare has been developed in partnership with the Building Research Establishment and Trada. Information...

Tiles specified for Welsh agency's refurbishment.
September 24, 2003... Office refurbishment at the Welsh Development Agency has included installation of carpet tiles from Paragon by Heckmondwike. The company's Ashbury cut-pile carpet tile features in the recently modernised offices in Cardiff. Paragon was...

Historic laminates.
September 24, 2003... Several different types of high pressure laminate from Abet's Colours and Serie Metalli collections have been used at the new Docklands museum in London. Based in a former warehouse at West India Quay, the museum tells the story of the...

New low pressure shower kit.
September 24, 2003... Introduction of a new three function low pressure shower kit further extends the Outline shower range from Trevi. Offering a viable alternative where a high pressure system cannot be used, the unit's design caters to contemporary tastes....

Marley all-new brochure.
September 24, 2003... Marley Floors has published an all-new brochure and sample card pack for its Reflections wood and stone collection. Attractive looking and easy to maintain, Reflections offers a clear wear layer of 0.6mm and is ideally suited for retail,...

Manufactured from either Rockwool or LPCB approved panels.
September 24, 2003... The range of ProSpan exterior cladding is manufactured from either Rockwool or LPCB approved polyisocyanurate cored composite panels. Systems now come with Loss Prevention Certification Board approval to provide low cost design solutions...

Security film introduced.
September 24, 2003... With security in mind, Anglian Technical Films has introduced RS 20 security film that holds glass in the event of vandalism or an explosion. The product also reduces solar gain, which helps cut air conditioning costs. Copyright: CMP...

Fair faced lintel for fire resistance.
September 24, 2003... The fair faced Fire-Spec range of lintels is just one of the products introduced in this, the 60th anniversary year of Naylor Lintels. It offers a class C fair faced finish with up to two hours' fire resistance as standard. Copyright:...

Modern waterproofing meets traditional asphalt.
September 24, 2003... Said to combine some of the most advanced developments in modern waterproofing with the proven track record of mastic asphalt, Flexiphalte Triple Protection from Rock Asphalte is an inverted roof/structural waterproofing system that offers two...

Trussed rafters provide best solution.
September 24, 2003... Trussed rafters recently provided the best solution for a new bungalow in Northamptonshire where the roof was of an intricate nature and long spans were involved. Trussed Rafter Association member Scotts of Thrapston designed and...

Green roof is crowning glory.
September 24, 2003... Situated above Canary Wharf Underground Station, the Jubilee Park has been created using a series of green roof products, lightweight drainage & fill products and specially blended soils, including materials supplied Alumasc, one of the very...

Standard setter's call for help.
September 24, 2003... City & Guilds, occupants of No. 1 Giltspur Street in the City of London, recently called upon Tremco to address the problems of water leakage through the flat roofs of one of its buildings. A Thermocore survey carried out by the company's...

Spectacular new HQ.
September 24, 2003... It's no secret that the spectacular new HQ of Government Communications in Cheltenham is topped with almost 12,000 sq m of tapered Kalzip aluminium standing seam roof from Corus. The huge doughnut-shaped GCHQ main facility is actually three...

200 homes built using BritLock roof slates.
September 24, 2003... Over 200 homes in the village of Bothwell, close to central Glasgow, have been built using BritLock roof slates from Sandtoft. Cost-effective, the interlocking slate is easy to fix. Planners specified the BritLock for its random...

Standing seam on site.
September 24, 2003... Sheets of Euroseam some 30m long were rollformed on site by Euroclad to create the standing seam metal roof of the new #90 million state-of-the- art Elinia Cardiff Data Centre. The Data Centre comprises a large, two-storey building and a...

Barracuda scaffolding lanyard introduced.
September 24, 2003... In response to the need for a safer fall protection system for scaffolders, Miller, part of the Bacou-Dalloz Group, has introduced the Barracuda scaffolding lanyard. Featuring an anchorage clamp that is fitted above waist height and a...

Environmental example for pre-prep pupils.
September 24, 2003... Available from Alwitra, the Evalon V membrane is said to be so reliable and versatile that it can work in conjunction with any green roofing system. The Evalon V membrane forms the critical waterproofing layer for a new building, The Moat,...

Revitalisation in five different colours.
September 24, 2003... Designed to revitalise and transform worn out, faded roofscapes, Nu- Life is now offered by Acrypol in five different colours. Available in red, terracotta, brown, grey and green, Nu-Life counters the effects of weathering and pollution...

Acoustic insulation does not take floor to new heights.
September 24, 2003... Acoustic insulation was specified from Proctor during the recent conversion of a former children's home into luxury apartments. The company's Profloor Microdeck not only met the numerical requirements of Approved Document E, but also did...

Specified for its sustainability.
September 24, 2003... Specified for its sustainability and environmental credentials plus its ability to deliver high levels of insulation, TRADIs EVT Technology from Excel Building Solutions was used to construct two dormitory blocks for a residential inter-faith...

Fishy specification for cellular glass insulation.
September 24, 2003... Cellular glass insulation from Pittsburgh Corning has played a major role in the modernisation of the Pavillion de la Maree fish market on the outskirts of Paris, part of the largest fresh produce market in the world. The fish market...

Isosonic Floor system accepted.
September 24, 2003... Following test chamber and site testing, the Isosonic Floor system from Thermal Economics has been accepted by the NHBC for compliance with the Robust Standard Details in relation to the new sound insulation regulations which recently came into...

Steel fire protection products specified.
September 24, 2003... Steel fire protection products from Knauf Insulation have been specified to meet the Loss Prevention Council two hour fire protection requirement for structural steelwork at the Grand Central complex in Liverpool, a 1185 room complex for...

Kingspan Insulation guides.
September 24, 2003... Updated versions of three Kingspan Insulation guides are now available. Use the Enquiry number to obtain copies of the 24-page guide to meeting the thermal insulation requirements of revised Building Regs/Standards. Copyright: CMP...

Secure ties for Fife centre.
September 24, 2003... Once a church, Kelty's community centre, owned by Fife Council, was suffering delamination of internal timber beams. They needed to be secured, and the solution concealed. DryFix ties from Helifix have done the job. Some 4,000 ties...

Multi-facet design challenges suppliers.
September 24, 2003... Complex construction and a multi-faceted design combined to make a project on the Channel Islands something of a challenge for fixings supplier Halfen. Trafalgar Court, Guernsey uses the company's SUK Z21 sub structure system to facilitate...

No hanging around.
September 24, 2003... Builders can comply with the `Robust Details' associated with part L1 of the building regulations with no interruption to the build programme, thanks to a new masonry restraint hanger from Simpson Strong Tie. The Safety Fast hanger allows...

Essentials brochure from Hafele.
September 24, 2003... Fittings, consumables and ironmongery make up the contents of the Essentials brochure from Hafele. A vast range of fixing materials forms the basis of the collection, including screws, washers, bolts, dowels and plugs. Panel connecting...

More choice for roof range.
September 24, 2003... Adding to the roofing range from Watco is Roofsafe, a flexible and waterproof slip-resistant surface for roofs. One coat seals and weatherproofs most surfaces. The thick, flexible formulation also makes an effective emergency repair. ...

Complete system to treat basements.
September 24, 2003... Successful conversion and waterproofing of basements and cellars can be achieved using the complete system of products from Triton Chemical Manufacturing Co. Components include the Isola Platon range off cavity drain membranes. These are...

Underground service tunnel protected.
September 24, 2003... An underground service tunnel nearing completion at Walsgrave Hospital is being protected against water ingress thanks to admixtures supplied by Sika. The product had to withstand water pressures approaching 30kN/sq m without traditional water...

Floorcoverings laid immediately.
September 24, 2003... In the conversion of a listed property into business premises, the problem of installing floorcoverings on to a damp subfloor has been solved using F Ball Stopgap Isolator membrane. Unlike liquid systems it allows floorcoverings to be laid...

No problem with Webac PU.
September 24, 2003... Water leaking into concrete structures at the kicker joint is no longer a problem with the Webac PU injection resin system from Tecroc Products. Its low viscosity allows the finest cracks or voids to be filled. Copyright: CMP Information...

Permeable paving goes with the flow.
September 24, 2003... As urbanisation takes hold, the proportion of rainwater re-absorbed into the ground is dramatically reduced, resulting in flooding and overloaded drainage systems. The natural environment soaks up 95% of the rain that falls upon it, with...

Solution to problems installing long ties in cavities.
September 24, 2003... A solution to the problems associated with installing long ties in cavities exceeding 150mm has been launched by Ancon. The Ancon Two-Part Tie has one section that is built into the inner leaf and a second, interlocking section that is...

Blocks help to make an ambitious statement.
September 24, 2003... Blocks from Tarmac Topblock have been specified for the conversion of a Grade II listed former water tower in Lymm, Cheshire. The scheme devised to convert the TowerHouse into a family home involves an extension around the tower providing...

Materials chosen to withstand rigours of cliff top site.
September 24, 2003... Approximately 2000 sq m of Forticrete Architectural masonry has been specified for the new state-of-the-art offices of Royal Skandia Life Assurance, sited on a cliff top overlooking Douglas, Isle of Man. The building features materials...

ReadyRoad specified.
September 24, 2003... The ReadyRoad 80 paving system and Ready Road 60 from RMC were specified for the car parks and pathways respectively at the new Holiday Express Inn at Droitwich, Worcestershire. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Harmony range of stock bricks launched.
September 24, 2003... The Harmony range of stock bricks, which features a `reclaimed' appearance and comprises Latimer Red, Chalfont Multi and Regency Yellow, has been launched by thebrickbusiness, as a result of a major investment in British `tumbling' technology....

Taking shelter in Potters Bar.
September 24, 2003... Low surface temperature radiators and sanitaryware are among the many products being supplied by Plumbase in Watford for sheltered accommodation in Potters Bar. Hertford based contractor James A Turner is sourcing most heating and plumbing...

Heavy duty downpipe added to aluminium range.
September 24, 2003... Solihull rainwater systems manufacturer Seamless Aluminium, has added a heavy duty extruded downpipe system to its range for domestic and commercial use. The idea of installing seamless gutters that could be tailored to fit individual...

Gutter refinements.
September 24, 2003... Installer feedback has led to further refinements to the Surefit guttering system from Hunter Plastics. The latest revamped offset bend for 68mm downpipes is now easier to install. Two bends can be fitted together without the need for...

Fitting is a rocker.
September 24, 2003... Two fittings, new to the Ridgisewer system from Polypipe, are Rocker and Stub pipes in 750 and 900mm diameters, 1.5 and 1.75m long. They provide a flexible joint close to rigid structures like concrete manholes where settlement movement may...

Newly launched Fireray Reflective smoke detector.
September 24, 2003... The newly-launched version of the Fireray Reflective single-unit beam smoke detector from FFE (Fire Fighting Enterprises) is designed to make routine testing simpler and faster. An optional low-level controller allows authorised personnel...

Round-the-clock monitor for cash.
September 24, 2003... Designed to provide monitoring for ATMs, safes, night deposit boxes, vending machines and a host of other such applications, a range of Seismic Detectors has been launched by the Fire & Security Products division of Siemens Building...