The UK’s leading manufacturer of plasterboard and plaster-based drylining systems has announced that all of its systems have now been awarded the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) mark. Earlier this year, British Gypsum announced that its non-loadbearing metal stud plasterboard partition systems, including shaft wall, had become one of the first products on the UK market to carry the CCPI mark. Now six product sets have been validated by CCPI, a method developed by the Construction Products Association’s (CPA) Marketing Integrity Group to provide assurance that the product information is clear, accurate, accessible, up-to-date and unambiguous. The six product sets listed cover 23 British Gypsum systems, incorporating 300 products. The six product sets are: non-loadbearing metal stud plasterboard partition systems, including shaft wall; non-loadbearing ceiling systems; structural steel encasement systems; ceiling systems below loadbearing timber joist floors; non-loadbearing wall lining systems and proprietary and non-proprietary lining systems incorporating Gypsum products, such as GypLyner Xternal, linings for timber frames and plastering systems. Dave Robinson, Head of Technical Support at Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, which includes British Gypsum, Celotex and Isover, said: “We’re proud to be working proactively with the CCPI and welcomed the initiative with open arms and were keen to be one of the first to get involved. “In essence, it provides a benchmark for manufacturers and signifies to customers that the product information they’re receiving is trustworthy and adheres to the high standards set out by the CCPI.” Dave, who sat on the CPA’s Marketing Integrity Group, added: “In working with CCPI there was very little difference with what we were doing already. We have always set great store by our data integrity and we ensure that our test data is shared openly and transparently, as evidenced by the fact that we have been publishing the White Book for more than half a century.” In order to ensure a ‘single source of truth’ for its test data, British Gypsum created a  sophisticated Product Information Management (PIM) system, which includes 13,000 test reports, with drylining system tests carried out at the independent, UKAS-accredited Building Test Centre. The PIM system means test data is always up to date, which is why British Gypsum took the decision to stop printing the White Book, making it digital to ensure accurate, timely and accessible data. Dave added: “As the construction industry adapts to a new and improved building safety regime, we hope our partners within the industry and the wider sector join us in securing CCPI accreditation and taking responsibility for building better and safer.”   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The adoption of innovative and interconnected door hardware systems can help overcome the challenges associated with building security, explains Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware. The security of our built environment and the safety of its people is paramount throughout a building’s lifecycle. While these elements remain a primary focus at each touchpoint of a construction project, today’s design teams are sooner adopting modern access control systems to address this age-old challenge, but why? Where systems were once rudimentary, modern access control has evolved into a revolutionary factor of building design, unlocking various benefits for its many users in the process. The Internet of Things (IoT) has enhanced building security as we know it, and as technology continues to advance, more options enter the market. Following more than a decade of innovation and integration, the access control market is projected to grow year on year, from £7.8 billion in 2023 to £11.8 billion by 2028. Modern user requirements have led to several operational and technological advancements during this period, and decision makers and design teams alike can now choose from a versatile selection of options. Some door hardware products now utilise smart locks, cloud control and even biometrics for example, and most recently, there’s been a substantial change to the way access control systems operate, with focus moving towards end users and ease of use. From an operational perspective, interconnected access control systems gift users with an intuitive network that improves building security through the use of real-time status updates, while also providing them with the ability to grant instant access approval and denial at the touch of a button. Often, users can operate their building’s various access points through their mobile phone, which has led to improved flexibility and efficiency in most environments – whether at home or in a public access property. The security benefits also become clear when compared to the alternative of physical keys. If a traditional key is lost or stolen, the security of a building becomes at risk until it is found or replaced. Intuitive access control systems are designed to build upon the traditional lock and key methods. By seamlessly integrating smart door hardware into both new and retrofit projects, users can manage access points and improve security across the building – without stifling ease of access, stunting future scalability or unsettling the aesthetics. As many adopt Wi-Fi infrastructures, NFC technology and cloud services into their buildings, decision makers must also consider the need for better standards. While the introduction of IoT may advance security, performance and functionality, it can also introduce new risks which must be mitigated by adhering to both localised and international standards, such as ISO 27001 for example. The Physical Security Interoperability Alliance (PSIA) standard is one of the widely recognised and respected standards for access control products and provides comprehensive requirements for systems by focusing on interoperability, scalability, and functionality. This standard ensures that access control products from different manufacturers can seamlessly integrate and communicate with each other, allowing for greater flexibility and choice when designing a complete access control system. After all, a one size fits all access control solution simply doesn’t exist and decision makers would be remiss in not selecting a product that aligns with their building’s needs while meeting the required standards. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The versatile W40 window profiles, specifically developed by the Steel Window Association (SWA) for its members, are a stylish and modern solution that suit both new-build and refurbishment applications. While the classic W20 section continues to be preferred by conservationists and many property owners for early 20th century and older properties, W40 exemplifies how steel fenestration systems have kept pace with modern tastes and technical demands, while retaining key attributes such as strength and excellent daylight transmission.  Today’s W40 profiles, manufactured from hot rolled steel, provide greater flexibility than their predecessors, being able too accommodate thicker double or even triple glazing units. They are also capable of creating larger window openings without coupling individual frames together. Doors manufactured using W40 profiles and featuring double or triple glazing can achieve very good thermal performance, while further providing excellent security; with multipoint locking being an option. The preferred IG unit for a building regulations compliant W40 steel window now features a 4-8-4-8-4mm construction, with two soft-coat Low-E panes; plus warm edge spacer bars and argon gas filling.  They can also contain acoustic glass, making W40 designs ideal for many inner-city areas where noise pollution is a common issue.  The SWA represents steel window manufacturers, from expert restorers working with heritage bodies and local conservation officers, to large companies producing W40 frames for commercial offices and leisure destinations as well as modern apartment blocks, schools, hospitals, and other public buildings. Significantly, W40 profiles can be used to fabricate a wide variety of opening formats, including multi-leaf folding/stacking doors, in a full selection of RAL colours.  The SWA offers UK wide coverage with member companies able to carry out the full range of contracts from the repair and restoration of heritage windows through to the installation of major fenestration packages in contemporary commercial, residential and other types of developments. For further information on the Steel Window Association or if you’re interested in becoming a member, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

West Yorkshire Police Dog Section needed a new facility to replace existing kennels which had served their time for over 30 years. Over a period of 10 months, the site was redeveloped, and the new kennels and associated accommodation were constructed. The site was successfully handed over and the new facilities were occupied on 7th November 2022. The development now provides a fit-for-purpose kennel block with essential facilities to meet compliance, welfare, and operational requirements; and the redesign and refurbishment of staff accommodation has addressed significant health and safety concerns and vast improvements in standards and welfare. A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “The upgrade in facilities ensures we can offer a National leading training product and that our Handlers and Dogs are as effective as possible in their deployments.” The Kennelbuild System is ready to stand up to the rigours of life within a busy Police Dog Support Unit. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

CUPA PIZARRAS’ CUPACLAD® 101 Logic was recently specified by student accommodation provider Study Inn for a large-scale building at Walnut Gardens, Exeter. The natural slate cladding system was chosen for its durability as well as its premium aesthetic. The project involved the demolishment of an empty office building on the land at Walnut Gardens and construction of a high-quality student accommodation block, which would house up to 166 students. Located in an affluent part of the city, the design would need to match the high-end, visually attractive buildings that surround the site. Furthermore, it was crucial that the materials used were highly durable and weather resistant, to ensure that the accommodation could endure for a significant amount of time with minimal maintenance required. CUPACLAD® 101 Logic, a rainscreen cladding system, was specified to help achieve this. Installation was simple. First, the insulation material was fixed to the building’s exterior using metal brackets. CUPACLAD® 101 horizontal profiles were installed followed by the 40x20cm natural slates, in a 7.65mm thickness. These were fixed horizontally using self-drilling screws, which are invisible post-application to ensure that the overall design and aesthetic is not impacted. Installation was a straightforward process, partly due to the lightweight of the system, with each natural slate weighing less than 30kg/m2.The slates were easy to cut and work around openings and features, while the self-drilling screws help to secure each slate to the substructure. Now complete, the dark cladding provides an effective contrast with the glass and render sections of the building to deliver a strong overall aesthetic with striking impact. As a natural product, the slate elements of the façade also complement the building’s leafy surroundings, as well as other local buildings made from similar materials. “Finally, as with all of our products, the natural slates used in the cladding system at Walnut Gardens are classified as A1 non-combustible in accordance with current building legislation,” said Simon Hope, Product Manager at CUPA PIZARRAS. “They are also highly durable, weather resistant and waterproof ensuring a performance life of over 100 years, with no noticeable colour fading. As such, our natural slates offer the ideal material for high-rise, exposed applications like this one.” To find out more about CUPACLAD®, please visit: https://www.cupapizarras.com/uk/rainscreen-cladding/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Ecophon now expands its circular offer even further as its Swedish business unit launches a pilot and test market for the reuse of sound absorbers. Ecophon offers to buy back material from existing buildings, for instance in connection with reconstructions, renovations, or tenant customisations. The absorbers are then offered as an alternative to newly produced materials for use in new construction projects. The aim is to reduce resource and energy use and to avoid unnecessary scrapping. Construction and demolition waste accounts for more than a third of all waste generated in the EU1. Utilising resources more efficiently could reduce the industry’s carbon emissions by up to 80 percent2. An increased supply of reused and reusable building materials is needed to meet the rising demand in the industry. Ecophon is now seeking to take responsibility through the reuse of acoustic panels. ‘Everything that is purchased has an impact on the environment. Reuse is a real game-changer as it promotes lower waste, reduces energy usage, and provides products with reduced environmental impact and carbon footprint compared to buying new. We are proud to now being able to offer a reused acoustic solution that meet full functional and aesthetic standards, ‘says Elie Falcand, Innovation Project Manager at Ecophon. Building with reused materials has many advantages. Yet reuse is often associated with challenges in a wide range of areas, from logistics to gaining access to reusable materials. However, there are many arguments in favour of reusing acoustic panels made from glass wool. They are light, modular, and easy to handle. Ecophon acoustic panels are designed to last longer than average interior construction materials, making them particularly suitable for reuse. ‘We continuously work closely with customers and partners to design workable solutions for the reuse of materials. Large-scale reuse requires early planning and the right materials, as well as a systemic approach that includes the entire value chain. It also involves debunking myths about reused materials being inferior in terms of appearance and performance,’ explains Erika Edlund, Sustainability specialist, Ecophon Sweden. The initiative is currently at the pilot stage, and Ecophon is actively seeking more projects where they can help increase resource efficiency by buying back, checking, and then selling reused absorbers. Thanks to a thorough selection and screening program, the products put to sale again are, despite the natural ageing, deemed to be as good as new. Ecophon also offers recycling of non-reusable absorbers through SoundCircularity, a recycling service that won the Circular Initiative of the Year award at the Swedish Recycling Gala 2022. The reuse initiative is intended to complement the SoundCircularity recycling initiative, in the many cases where sound absorbers have second-hand value. The recycling service will continue to be offered for off-cut fractions and materials that cannot be reused. Read more about Ecophon work with circularity and innovation here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals