What's New in Building articles from September 2005

What's New in Building archives from September 2005

Thirty years of design expertise focused on delivering tall buildings.
September 14, 2005... The market impetus in favour of tall structures is one few architectural practices, contractors and installers can afford to ignore, says Comar Market trends indicate that the tide is turning in favour of the planning of tall buildings....

Global solution for windows.
September 14, 2005... Global UPVC, based at Caerphilly, Wales, has supplied 450 window sets fabricated with Maco Multi Trend Tilt before Turn hardware at Allensbank House, Cardiff. The Multi Trend range of hardware is designed to fit on the PFL 70 profile...

Exterior education.
September 14, 2005... Architectural aluminium systems company Metal Technology and Exterior Profiles were responsible for the design and fabrication of bespoke doors, windows and curtain walling, worth #1.8m, to Roehampton University's relocated Whitelands College....

Handcrafted door furniture.
September 14, 2005... Florenza Italian handcrafted door furniture from the Giara Collection is now available in the UK from Sussex Brassware. Manufactured from metals including bronze and the silvery alloy britannium,it conforms to current environmental and...

Guide to DDA hardware.
September 14, 2005... Timed to coincide with the full introduction of Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) - effective from October 1st - IR Security & Safety has published a 16 page Architectural Hardware Design Guide. It will help architects...

Colourful creation.
September 14, 2005... In a colourful combination, Ward insulated wall and roof panels have been used on a series of commercial units in Bedford. The units, at Wilstead Business Park, used Ward 80mm IP1000 panels in goosewing grey on the roof with 70 mm DW1000D...

Natural look is easy to achieve.
September 14, 2005... Set to make natural looking roofs much quicker and easier to install, Marley Roofing is introducing Ashmore, its first ever single lap double interlocking plain tile. It combines the authentic look of a plain tile with the easy installation...

Three in one locking.
September 14, 2005... Mul-T-Lock's 3 in 1 Combination Change Cylinder has an exclusive key control facility, designed to provide high security within a single cylinder. This cylinder has the capability for two further key combination changes. The 3 in 1...

Low vibration boosts safety.
September 14, 2005... Described as the safest 6kg hammer on the market, the Makita HR4011C has a vibration standard of just 4m/s2, lower than many lighter weight tools. Features include dual slide switch, speed dial control, auto cut-out brushes, 12 chisel...

Paint the town.
September 14, 2005... The 11th National Painting and Decorating Show takes place at Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey on September 27 and 28. Contractors and interior designers will be able to check out the latest materials, techniques and services, and there will be...

Keystone Lintels contract.
September 14, 2005... Keystone Lintels has been awarded the first ever five-year contract as preferred supplier to Keepmoat Plc. David Hughes, supply chain director, Keepmoat, says: `We look forward to building a successful, and mutually beneficial relationship...

Heavy-duty vacuum lifter.
September 14, 2005... For stone and concrete building elements a heavy-duty vacuum lifter is now offered by vacuum handling specialists 4 Cladding Services. The Stonepicker can lift natural stone or pre-cast concrete sections weighing up to 2.5 tonnes. Designed...

Lightweight lattice.
September 14, 2005... Some 6.5km of Metsec lightweight steel lattice joists have been used to construct a new mezzanine floor at the White Rose shopping centre in Leeds, creating almost 3000sq m of extra retail space. Metsec engineers designed the new floor to...

All you need to know on EPS.
September 14, 2005... With applications ranging from underfloor insulation to landscaping and cold stores, expanded polystyrene is a versatile material. The British Plastics Federation EPS Construction Group has produced a brochure detailing its benefits, and...

Secure design is recognised.
September 14, 2005... At the recent Chartered Institute of Housing Conference & Exhibition in Harrogate, Duraflex was officially recognised as a member of the Secured by Design security initiative. More and more specifiers now demand SBD accreditation on...

Guide through energy maze.
September 14, 2005... Latest guide published by Mitsubishi Electric aims to guide specifiers through the maze of new legislation relating to energy performance of buildings. It examines the nackground to latest legislation and provides a framework for...

Insulation firm gets green light.
September 14, 2005... Kingspan Insulation has undergone an independent sustainability appraisal of its largest manufactuing facility. The study looked at every aspect of the company's Pembridge production facility and the findings are published in a free `warts...

Subfloor CPD on CD.
September 14, 2005... Designed to guide architects and specifiers through the flooring installation process, a new online interactive CPD tutorial is now available from F Ball & Co. Written by the company's senior technical officers and approved by RIBA, the...

On form in Edinburgh.
September 14, 2005... Some 1,700sq m of Peri Vario formwork wall panels are being used to construct a new campus at Telford College, Eddinburgh. The beto film-faced plywood panels were prefabricated to provide a fair face, blemish-free concrete finish. Neiher...

Sound thinking.
September 14, 2005... As specifiers come to terms with the latest Part E f the building regulations, aircrete blocks are proving a popular solution, says the Aircrete Bureau. Robust Details E-WM-6 (conventional mortar) and E-WM-7 (thin layer mortar) provide for...

STOP PRESS: Fire safe access.
September 14, 2005... Now you can specify door control hardware that addresses both fire safety and ease of access for the disabled. The Arrow Architectural 600 Series of hold-open/swing-free electromagnetic overhead door closers conform to BS EN 1154 and BS EN...

STOP PRESS: Two in one with sensor.
September 14, 2005... Automatic door sensor specialist BEA has launched the next generation of its Activ8 sensor for pedestrian sliding doors. The Activ8 combines microwave and active infrared sensing technologies within a single housing, allowing it to detect...

STOP PRESS: Georgian on my mind.
September 14, 2005... Following the success of its Decograin golden oak finish on its wide ribbed sectional steel doors, Hormann has launched a Georgian panelled sectional door featuring the same timber effect. The panelled steel doors combine the robustness of...

STOP PRESS: Online resource for masonry.
September 14, 2005... Specifiers looking for more information about brick manufacturer Baggeridge can visit its website at www.baggeridge.co.uk. Designed to help with the specification of masonry products, the site covers the company's entire range. The...

STOP PRESS: Updated controller.
September 14, 2005... Access security specialist Bewator has launched Entro 5, the next generation of its Entro access control system. Entro has been used on a wide range of developments, from retail outlets and public buildings to residential properties and...

STOP PRESS: Rainscreen at Russells Hall.
September 14, 2005... Over 25,000sq m of CGL Systems' aluminium rainscreen has been installed on the external elevations of the recently opened Russells Hall Hospital. Architects Capita Percy Thomas specified the PVdF coil-coated aluminium rainscreen primarily...

STOP PRESS: Scots cottages stand secure.
September 14, 2005... Dilapidated stone cottages on the Mains of Sluie, Forres, near Inverness, have been structurally stabilised and renovated for Moray Estates using repair products from Helifix. To secure the gable end masonry and prevent its separation from...

STOP PRESS: Rural life in timber.
September 14, 2005... The light weight and performance benefits of Excel Building Solutions EVT panels have been specified by Niall Phillips Architects for a new building for the University of Reading's Museum of English Rural Life. EVT timber frame panels were...

STOP PRESS: Sensors to see you through.
September 14, 2005... The Fastlane Glassgate from IDL combines infra red detection sensors with tall glass barriers. The Glassgate's bi-directional swinging glass barrier intelligently controls traffic flow. The IR tailgate detection offers protection against...

STOP PRESS: Flexible interiors.
September 14, 2005... Gemmell Close, a new development in Surrey of 10 luxury properties from Milford Homes, uses a range of bespoke timber frame systems from Guildford Timber Frame. Within the smaller two-bedroom properties, Milford Homes used the flexibility...

STOP PRESS: Mechancial movement joint systems.
September 14, 2005... Specialist mechanical movement joint systems from illbruck Sealant Systems have been used in the construction of the Spinnaker Tower at Portsmouth. The large concrete structure that forms the base of the tower is immediately adjacent to...

STOP PRESS: Showers add to suite success.
September 14, 2005... Keen to expand its product portfolio in high growth areas, Imperial Bathrooms now offers a comprehensive range of showers alongside its array of bathroom suites, furniture, fixtures, fittings and ancillaries. Designed with the discerning...

STOP PRESS: Hardware on hand.
September 14, 2005... Wigan Metrolite, a workshop for people with disabilities, has been given a helping hand by window hardware manufacturer Securistyle. The company has worked in partnership with Halton Borough Council in a #400,000 window replacement scheme...

STOP PRESS: Stylish finishes will give you a lift.
September 14, 2005... UK lift manufacturer Stannah Lifts has launched its new lift car finishes across the whole of the System 21 passenger lift range. As well as being stylish and practical, the new look interiors are designed to provide real choice for...

STOP PRESS: Saniflo on show.
September 14, 2005... An enlarged stand at London's Building Centre is allowing Saniflo to show its range of macerator pumping systems and new Kinedo shower products. The ground floor stand shows both Saniflo's `Now Even Quieter' range of macerator pumping...

STOP PRESS: Pvc gives the look of lead.
September 14, 2005... It may look like traditional lead, but the roof of an extension to an east London hospital is actually an anthracite-coloured pvc membrane from FDT. The Rhenofol helps the roof of the extension blend in with existing buildings at Whipps...

STOP PRESS: Putting a stop to fire.
September 14, 2005... Firestop II EI 60, an aluminium frame fire door with a fire-resistance and insulation rating of 60 minutes has been launched by Schuco International. A version offering a 60-minute fire-resistance integrity only rating is also available....

ONLINE SOLUTIONS: Design goes online.
September 14, 2005... Visit the online design studio at Armitage Venesta's website and your next washroom system could be designed in the office. This facility has been developed to offer specifiers and designers the opportunity to create colourful, functional...

ONLINE SOLUTIONS: Site is easier to use.
September 14, 2005... The visually impaired can now navigate safety flooring firm Ronacrete's web site with greater ease. The company has installed the ClearText Business Engine from Zethics onto its site, allowing users to select and save their preferred...

SECURITY & ACCESS CONTROL: Products of experience.
September 14, 2005... Drawing on its experience in the development of physical security products, Assa has launched the Evolution range of locks. The range combines mechanical and electromechanical locking and escape functions in a single device and incorporates...

ONLINE SOLUTIONS: Key storage.
September 14, 2005... An ingenious product from Securikey solves the dilemma of leaving keys with neighbours. Access for the select few can be provided with the Master Lock Select Access Portable and Wall Mount key storage security products. Both offer...

ONLINE SOLUTIONS: Doorset has vision panel.
September 14, 2005... In high security areas, being able to see in or out of a room can be vital. DoorTechnik has created the G15 steel doorset, featuring an integral vision panel from Vistamatic. The panel consists of a 19mm piece of Pyrosec safety 30 minute...

ONLINE SOLUTIONS: System copes with high turnover.
September 14, 2005... At Gibson Terrace, a homeless refuge in Ashton-Under-Lyne, rapid occupancy turnover presents a problem from a security point of view. The Dom Cardsystem has been installed, allowing doors to be opened with a proximity card. These can be...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Bespoke system to suit all.
September 14, 2005... Launched under the new Proflow brand from Yorkshire Fittings is Proflow Modular, a multifunctional valve system for indoor climate control in commercial buildings. The bespoke system is made up of a number of interlinked valves and...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Chrome plated bottle trap.
September 14, 2005... Addressing the continuing demand for sleek modern bathrooms, Hunter Plastics has launched a chrome plated bottle trap for basins in bathrooms, cloakrooms and washrooms. Designed to fit neatly and discreetly underneath wall-hung basins, the...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Drainage channel.
September 14, 2005... Designed for driveways, patios and landscapes, the new 422 Series thermoplastic linear drainage channel has been launched by Clark-Drain. The drainage channel features a new mesh grating with standard or narrow slots which provides greater...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: An unseen work of art.
September 14, 2005... The Polyplumb UFCH system from Polypipe was specified by David R Bamford Architects for the ground floor of Otley Grammar School, which regularly hosts art and other exhibitions. The 17th century building was acquired by the practice in...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: Unique junction.
September 14, 2005... Following the successful launch of the HUGHFLEX integral-seal pipe range, Hughes Concrete has developed a unique junction that is said to be a further major benefit to the system. Claimed to simplify the often tricky operation of junction...

PLUMBING & DRAINAGE: For when looks are important.
September 14, 2005... Launched by ACO Fulbora, ShowerDrain Plus is a new all-stainless steel shower drainage system that is said to provide optimum styling, performance and ease-of-use across a wide range of conventional and specialist applications. Suitable...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: Control of the crown.
September 14, 2005... The Imagine system from lighting control manufacturer Helvar is providing the lighting control for the illuminated `crown' on the roof top of the new 32-storey BPI building at Canary Wharf. Integrated into the top two floors and roof...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: Innovative range of wiring accessories.
September 14, 2005... New from Interplast is an innovative range of Edison wiring accessories designed for hotel, restaurant and other commercial applications. The range comprises bell pushes, dimmers, co-axial sockets and one to eight-way light switches. ...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: Quality lighting at low prices.
September 14, 2005... A new source of lighting products has been introduced to the UK market by Value Lighting Direct, which claims to offer contemporary, high quality lighting at low prices. A new catalogue and website showcase the comprehensive range of both...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: Home automation.
September 14, 2005... Addressing the growing trend for home automation systems, which is now permeating into lower priced housing, the Square D branch of Schneider Electric has launched two distinct systems supported by a new brochure. LexCom Home, which...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: Industrial luminaires.
September 14, 2005... Robust industrial luminaires were supplied by Cooper Lighting and Security for the maintenance depot of Nottingham Express Transit tramway - Crompton Pacemaker luminaires were selected for high-bay areas while Crompton Tufflite luminaires were...

LIGHTING & ELECTRICS: Way to new business.
September 14, 2005... A brief from client Peel Investments for a luminaire to give a new business park a distinctive style and character has been met by Aquila Design with the Sepale. Featuring a modern luminaire design and a curved tusk finial topping the...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Eco project points way to sustainable living.
September 14, 2005... The EcoHouse, a flagship project in Leicester, is based on as ethos of energy efficiency, involving the use of several Monodraught solutions The EcoHouse Leicester is an ecologically-friendly show home that is visited by members of the...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Victoria values.
September 14, 2005... Victorian style Burlington cast aluminium fireplace comes with integral Optiflame fire and the HeatStream heating system. HeatStream is a fully concealed means of convecting and radiating heat directly from the fire's cast surround. The...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Convenience and comfort.
September 14, 2005... Convenience, comfort and cleanliness are key benefits of the Trident modular radiant panel from Solray. Designed to fit standard 600mm wide ceiling grids, Trident can be specified in sort or long runs for hospital, school, office or other...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Split system will blow hot and cold.
September 14, 2005... Comfort cooling only or heat and cooling options are offered with LG's Multi M multi split system. Available with Art Cool or wall mounted indoor units, the energy efficient system is suited to domestic, restaurant and retail applications...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Floor heat is a luxury feature.
September 14, 2005... Cheshire based developer Hillcrest Homes is offering velta tecto floor heating and cooling systems as one of the luxury features on its most prestigious projects, including Maybury, an art deco style property in Hale. Floor cooling...

HEATING & VENTILATING: Time to service the old boiler.
September 14, 2005... Heating controls designed for tenanted properties in the private and social housing sectors have been introduced by Drayton, part of Invensys Controls Europe. The LPSi range of programmers and timeswitches help landlords and tenants know...

INTERIORS: Chance to prop up the bar.
September 14, 2005... A new range of porcelain wall tiles that mirror the irregular shapes and rugged texture found in natural stone has been introduced by Halcon Ceramica, a member company of Tile of Spain. In addition to the basic 40 x 40cm tiles, Urbe also...

INTERIORS: Bespoke partitions.
September 14, 2005... Bespoke single glazed partitions with sliding glass doors from Optima have been installed in the newly refurbished Cambridge offices of Deloitte. The brief required the bespoke lock on the sliding doors to be centrally positioned, giving...

INTERIORS: Contract from Royal Mail.
September 14, 2005... Two of the premier brands from Workspace Office Solutions - Project: and Solutions@Work - have secured the contract from Royal Mail to provide all of its furniture and take responsibility for the repair and maintenance of its existing furniture...

INTERIORS: Good reason to look up.
September 14, 2005... Logos, photographs and images can now be printed onto the face of the Thermatex ceiling tile range from from AMF Ceilings. The company has developed a new system which prints any Vector graphic directly onto a single tile, or over several...

INTERIORS: Key role at major venue.
September 14, 2005... Apertura perforated plasterboard from Knauf Drywall has played a major role at the Wales Millennium Centre, having been specified as the ceiling finish in the principal public areas of the building. Some 2000 sq m of Knauf Apertura...

FLOORCOVERINGS: Cleaning up in Estonia.
September 14, 2005... The Frontrunner Entrance Flooring System from Plastic Extruders has been specified for one of the largest shopping centres in Estonia. Faced with thousands of visitors each day in snowy and rainy weather, the existing carpet and metal grid...

FLOORCOVERINGS: Eye-catching flooring.
September 14, 2005... Eye-catching flooring has been created by Altro for Reiss, a flagship fashion outlet in Birmingham's Bullring centre. In addition to its appearance, Altro Pebblestone was specified for its superior durability and cleaning properties. ...

FLOORCOVERINGS: Habit that's hard to break.
September 14, 2005... The Hardwood Flooring category in the Flooring Industry Awards has been awarded to Kahrs for the fifth time. Sponsored jointly by Contract Flooring Journal and the Contract Flooring Association, the award was given for the company's entire...

FLOORCOVERINGS: Rusted metal or treadplate?
September 14, 2005... Radically restyled and rationalised, the new Expona art & design collection of luxury vinyl tiles from Polyflor provides a balanced choice of 30 timber and 30 stone/design effects, all available ex- stock. Eleven new woods include...

FLOORCOVERINGS: Striking a new cord.
September 14, 2005... To coincide with the relaunch of its Supacord range, Heckmondwike has unveiled its revamped range of sample cards starting with Supacord. The new card, on display at this month's National Floor Show in Harrogate, contains swatches in 40...

FLOORCOVERINGS: Welcome development.
September 14, 2005... The Marley Floors adhesive Embond 212, from Tarkett-Marley Floors, is now solvent-free making it odourless and suitable for use in occupied areas. This is the latest development in the company's drive to reduce solvent emissions from its...

FLOORCOVERINGS: Designed for dancers.
September 14, 2005... Continuing a long tradition of working with professional dance companies, Junckers has supplied flooring for The Daghdha Dance Company's premises in Limerick. The former City museum houses the dance company's rehearsal studio whilst a...

FLOORCOVERINGS: Hospital is protected.
September 14, 2005... A combination of carpets, wall protection, flooring accessories and matting have been specified from Gradus for Tiverton Community Hospital in Devon as part of a major relocation. The Gradus Pacific carpet range in Atlantic and Bordeaux was...

FLOORCOVERINGS: Fully recommended.
September 14, 2005... Desso Capella carpet tiles from Armstrong Floor Products have been installed in the newly refurbished offices of Allianz Cornhill Insurance in Guildford, recommended by the flooring contractors for wide choice and the company's excellent...

CEILINGS & PARTITIONS: Ceiling comes out top.
September 14, 2005... A plasterboard ceiling created using Arteco Gyptone boards from British Gypsum has scooped the top three prizes in this year's Plaisterers Trophy Awards. Part of a major refurbishment at Wandsworth Southside shopping complex, the ceiling...

FLOORCOVERINGS: Video goes to school.
September 14, 2005... The installation of some 300 sq m of master F Alpha acoustic ceiling system from Ecophon has enabled St Aidans School in Harrogate to use the video projector in its new restaurant. The unusually long reverberation time that the restaurant...

FLOORCOVERINGS: Curved ceiling.
September 14, 2005... A curved ceiling from Luxalon Ceiling Systems has provided a stylish and practical solution for a major new call centre. The 3000 sq m ceiling comprises 300C aluminium wide panels in white on a curved carrier placed between laminated wood...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Being bold in the kitchen.
September 14, 2005... Bold looks matched by competitive pricing are promised by Keller with its Amalfi Marino kitchen from the Keller by Grovewood collection which combines modern beech with funky apple green. The contemporary, flat-fronted door of Marino is...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Wash without the work.
September 14, 2005... Described by Armitage Venesta as a washroom system that cuts down the workload as well as costs, IPS Evolve is a wall panelling system that arrives on site pre-plumbed with all sanitaryware, brassware, wastes, pipework and cisterns attached....

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: A long stay at the seaside.
September 14, 2005... The Paraline range from cubicle and washroom manufacturer Twyford Bushboard has been specified for the much-needed updating of a 1920s toilet block in a prime location on the seafront at Southsea. The Paraline range features slender...

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS: Two are new in the loo.
September 14, 2005... Two new WRAS-approved cistern valves have been launched by Polypipe under the Arcadia brand. The Arcadia Inlet Valve is adjustable in height from eight to 13 inches and incorporates an integral filter/flow restrictor with a fully encased...

ARCHITECTURAL IRONMONGERY: Steel security boost.
September 14, 2005... Introduction of a purpose designed locking mechanism will help towards compliance with the highest European standards on window security, says the Steel Window Association. The lever handle activated system is a joint development between...

ARCHITECTURAL IRONMONGERY: Easier to install and operate.
September 14, 2005... As well as being easier and more reliable in operation, Roto's latest in-line sliding patio handle has a number of features designed to facilitate fitting. The handle is supplied fully assembled, allowing quick fitting internally and...