Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) is urging caution with regards to gate and barrier safety, following the death of Thomas Manns, an employee of Weston’s Cider who lost his life due to a barrier crash. The accident happened at the Much Marcle Factory, near Ledbury, on 28th September 2020 on
Unilin Technologies is excited to announce that Novalis, a renowned manufacturer of high-quality resilient flooring products, adopts the FlinTile technology on their new resilient flooring ranges. Starting in July, Novalis integrated this groundbreaking innovation into these new collections, revolutionizing the looks, installation and performance of these resilient flooring products. FlinTile
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
One of Eurocell’s most energy-efficient window solutions has been used as part of an award-winning large-scale residential development in Rainham, Kent. Long-term fabrication and installation partner A&B Glass, included the market-leading Logik PVC-U window system as an alternative to aluminium frames, to meet developer and homeowner demand at the Beaulieu
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
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
Reynaers Aluminium UK has won the coveted ‘Aluminium Systems Company of the Year’ award at this year’s National Fenestration Awards ceremony. The accolade highlights Reynaers’ work in supplying premium aluminium systems for doors, windows and facades to the UK fenestration industry. Decided by an open vote, the awards are based
Timber Development UK (TDUK) has just published the first set of its huge new library of Timber Knowledge Sheets – with 50+ now available for download. The new knowledge sheets introduce and answer common questions about every aspect of working with wood, from the difference between hardwood and softwood, through
Eurocell fabricator, Rapid PVCu has secured the first triple glazed site for Taylor Wimpey in Sunderland. National housebuilder Taylor Wimpey will use Eurocell’s Modus windows system at its Herrington View residential scheme in Penshaw, Sunderland. Doncaster-based Rapid PVCu is a new-build specialist and has worked with Eurocell, the UK’s leading
As an acknowledged specialist in dealing with the presence of lead paint, as well as the restoration of all types of metal windows, Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) has carried out a detailed contract on behalf of Collins Construction during the refurbishment of 35 Dover Street in London. The London-based
Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) is urging caution with regards to gate and barrier safety, following the death of Thomas Manns, an employee of Weston’s Cider who lost his life due to a barrier crash. The accident happened at the Much Marcle Factory, near Ledbury, on 28th September 2020 on Mr Manns’ 65th birthday. Mr Manns was driving a van for H Weston and Sons Limited, the manufacturer of Henry Weston’s Cider, when he was killed by the end of a security barrier. Following an investigation, conducted by The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it was found that H Weston and Sons had installed the barrier a month earlier, and failed to undertake a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. In addition, the company failed to implement a safe system of work to ensure the barrier could be secured safely when open and closed. The company was fined £1.4 million and ordered to pay £26,756.50 in costs at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court on 30 November 2023. Following this tragic incident, DHF is compelled to remind duty holders of their responsibilities with regards to gate and barrier safety. “As required in The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, it is imperative that duty holders carry out and document formal risk assessments. The Workplace Regulations 1992, identify traffic routes and doors and gates as requiring specific attention,” explains DHF’s Senior Training & Compliance Officer, Steve Hill. “HSE provides clear guidance on duty holders’ responsibilities, emphasising that horizontally moving barriers must be adequately secured at all times. While not directly linked to powered barriers, we are stressing the vital importance of securing manual gates in either the open or closed position. This is also relevant to powered hinged gates, especially when left in manual mode.” The Tamworth-based trade association has long advocated for a comprehensive and thorough approach to gate and barrier safety. Regardless of whether the installation involves a powered or manual gate, the federation strongly recommends engaging specialists who are trained to install compliant products and conduct thorough risk assessments, and who can provide advice on regular maintenance procedures, as well as user training. “When installing any type of vehicle barrier or gate, it is crucial to involve specialists who have received proper training to assess the risks associated with the installation. This includes providing expert advice on maintenance procedures and user training,” concludes Steve. “As we reflect on this terrible outcome, DHF remains committed to promoting safety standards within the industry and offering training to help reduce accidents such as this.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Unilin Technologies is excited to announce that Novalis, a renowned manufacturer of high-quality resilient flooring products, adopts the FlinTile technology on their new resilient flooring ranges. Starting in July, Novalis integrated this groundbreaking innovation into these new collections, revolutionizing the looks, installation and performance of these resilient flooring products. FlinTile is a grouted locking system that offers a solution for ceramic tile lovers that want an easy to install floor. FlinTile is DIY-friendly and walkable in less than 24 hours after installation. With this technology, Novalis provides a 100% waterproof flooring option that enables users to enjoy the authentic look of grouted tiles in just three simple steps: Click, grout, clean. The FlinTile technology provides flawless grouting lines without the need for spacers, and enables the possibility to have different panel formats, including square tiles arranged in checkerboard patterns. “We are thrilled to implement Unilin Technologies’ FlinTile groutable locking technology into our flooring production,” states John Wu, CEO of Novalis. “This innovative solution enhances our ability to deliver exceptional resilient flooring options that are not only visually appealing but also offer hassle-free installation and superior performance to our customers.” Novalis’ decision to implement FlinTile exemplifies their commitment to providing customers with flooring solutions that combine convenience, style, and durability. They will be showcasing this groutable locking technology at The International Surfaces Event in Las Vegas in January 2024, booth 1025. Unilin will exhibit FlinTile at Domotex Hannover in hall 19-20 booth C22 and The International Surfaces Event in Las Vegas in January 2024 at booth 2361. 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
One of Eurocell’s most energy-efficient window solutions has been used as part of an award-winning large-scale residential development in Rainham, Kent. Long-term fabrication and installation partner A&B Glass, included the market-leading Logik PVC-U window system as an alternative to aluminium frames, to meet developer and homeowner demand at the Beaulieu Park housing scheme. Eurocell worked with A&B Glass, based in Sudbury, to manage the specification and supply of Logik for 90 plots covering a combination of new build residential homes and private apartments. Each stunning new home at Beaulieu Park benefits from the attractive finish Logik offers, in addition to its outstanding technical performance which includes low U-values and A++ rated energy efficiency. Work at Beaulieu Park took 18 months to complete. The development has since won the ‘Residential Super Major’ category at the Medway Housing Awards, where the judges complimented how the development has been moulded to create a strong sense of character and is confident in its design. A&B Glass has long standing experience supplying the new build market and an understanding of the balance that needs to be achieved between appearance and product effectiveness. Having manufactured and installed Logik across a wide number of new build developments throughout the UK, it is clear the system is answering the needs of the new build sector from both perspectives. Martin Benn, Head of New Build at Eurocell, comments: “Our partnership with A&B Glass on this prestigious new build development in Rainham sees the project, and future homeowners and residents, benefit from what Logik has to offer. This includes its unrivalled range of colour options, which support design ambitions, cost-effective, long-term performance, and strong sustainability credentials offered by all our profiles.” David Miller, New Build Sales Manager for A&B Glass, commented: “After reviewing the specification required for the window solution for this project, Eurocell’s Logik system was the ideal answer. The developer, McCullough Homes, alongside its architects, were seeking a modern and contemporary window aesthetic to complement the overall development design. So, the specification of more than 90 Logik frames in a highly appealing grey finish provides superb visual appeal across the whole project.” David Miller continues: “It is fantastic to have Eurocell’s technical expertise on hand should we need it. We have developed a close and mutually beneficial working relationship that has lasted over two decades, and both our companies understand the demands and issues housebuilders have when it comes to the new build market. “Logik is a highly specified window solution because it is proven to not only look good after installation, but it also ensures high performance for many years. It is fit for purpose, looks stylish, delivers strong thermal performance, and provides the finish the clients actively seek.” If you have any questions or would like more information then please email newbuild@eurocell.co.uk or call 0870 120 3003. 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
Reynaers Aluminium UK has won the coveted ‘Aluminium Systems Company of the Year’ award at this year’s National Fenestration Awards ceremony. The accolade highlights Reynaers’ work in supplying premium aluminium systems for doors, windows and facades to the UK fenestration industry. Decided by an open vote, the awards are based on industry recognition with all companies working within the UK fenestration trade eligible to take part and vote. Over the past twelve months Reynaers has made significant strides in ensuring its customers receive the best service and product range. This has included a major expansion of its warehouse facilities to increase stock availability and reduce lead times; continually developing products to offer additional options such as motorisation and open corners, as well as continuing to provide top performance quality for air, wind, and water testing. In addition, the company has implemented a strong sustainability strategy in Reynaers Act. It manufactures nine systems that are cradle-to-cradle certified and has developed products for the trade and retail sector that can achieve thermal efficiency ratings as low as 0.8W/mK² without compromising on slim sightlines. Reynaers also offers a comprehensive support programme for its installers and fabricators, with access to an online portal to make ordering and tracking deliveries easier, along with dedicated marketing support, including the Reynaers at Home website, which aims to generate additional sale leads for installers. The winners of the 10th NFA’s were announced at a ceremony on Saturday, October 28th at the Hilton Garden Inn, in Doncaster. Reynaers’ UK Head of Marketing Samantha Hill and Head of Sales for Trade and Retail Terry Ledwith were present to collect the award. In a statement they said: “Being voted as the Aluminium Systems Company of the Year by the people within the industry means everything to the team here at Reynaers. “We are committed to providing the highest quality products, backed by excellent service and to see this recognised by the industry that we serve directly is a privilege.” Managing Director of Reynaers Aluminium UK Richard Hall added: “Reynaers is dedicated to creating market leading aluminium systems that bring quality, durability and design excellence to the buildings they are used in. “We look forward to continuing to develop futureproof systems that are designed to meet increasingly stringent UK regulations, delivering sustainable, high performance, innovative products for our customers. “Customers are at the heart of everything we do here at Reynaers, which makes winning this award particularly important to us as it is voted for by the people within the industry that we work alongside. To see our commitment recognised in this way is a real honour.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Timber Development UK (TDUK) has just published the first set of its huge new library of Timber Knowledge Sheets – with 50+ now available for download. The new knowledge sheets introduce and answer common questions about every aspect of working with wood, from the difference between hardwood and softwood, through to acoustic regulations, Eurocode 5 principles, embodied carbon, and sourcing timber sustainably. Developed with experts from Edinburgh Napier University, and TDUK’s unrivalled membership network of supply, manufacture and design professionals, these 50+ knowledge sheets are the first batch of a planned 140 to help support the industry to build better with wood. TDUK chief executive, David Hopkins says: “Following the merger between the Timber Trade Federation and TRADA last year, we promised to connect the timber supply chain, lead best practice, and accelerate a low-carbon future. “Our Timber Knowledge Sheets are another example of us doing exactly that – and represent a big step towards our vision of the UK as a country where timber is the number one material choice for all construction projects. “Amidst a climate emergency, changing how we build is crucial – as it represents a major portion of our carbon footprint. The material and design choices we make today will shape the future we have tomorrow. “Timber is an existing, proven solution to how we construct a low-carbon future, with independent studies showing that methods such as timber frame have up to 20% lower embodied carbon than traditional masonry.[1] “Fundamentally, trees absorb carbon, and when turned into long term construction products, can store it for decades if not millennia. Most other materials you find on building sites do the exact opposite – spewing tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere. “Taking on climate change requires collective action, so a big part of TDUK’s mission is to make sure that everyone in the timber supply chain has the opportunity, the tools, and the knowledge to succeed. “These sheets, released today, add considerable depth to our online library, which is already the largest, most comprehensive source of timber knowledge in the UK. This will support all to build better with wood.” These new Knowledge Sheets touch on all topics timber, so whether you are an architect, engineer, designer, builder, installer, contractor, or merchant, or any other member of the timber supply chain, you’ll find a wealth of information packed within. Between pages, you will find introductions to all kinds of timber components and methods of timber construction – all described in an accessible and easy to understand fashion – from Lightweight Timber Frame Construction to Modern Methods and Offsite Timber Construction. The Knowledge Sheets also contain plenty of regulatory guidance, ‘best practice’ information for working on site, as well as practical introductions to working with timber in challenging contexts such as flood-prone areas. Everything from the day-to-day (such as Loft Conversions or Timber Flooring) to the more specialised (Upgrading Doors for Fire Resistance) is covered, along with all aspects of sustainability – from Carbon Cycle and Storage through to Trees and Timber. These Timber Knowledge Sheets follow hot on the heels of the recently published Span Tables for C16 and C24 timber, which have already proven incredibly popular. TDUK members have access to our entire Knowledge Library, which along with these 50+ Timber Knowledge Sheets, includes briefs, case studies, research summaries and more. A further 90 Timber Knowledge Sheets are to be published imminently. While most Timber Knowledge Sheets are members only, anyone can access and download Timber Sizes & Tolerances, Timber and Embodied Carbon, or Construction Site Timber Best Practice with a free user account (register here) To get started on your new timber journey, simply go to www.timberdevelopment.uk, whether you are just beginning or a seasoned expert. If you work with wood, you already belong. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Eurocell fabricator, Rapid PVCu has secured the first triple glazed site for Taylor Wimpey in Sunderland. National housebuilder Taylor Wimpey will use Eurocell’s Modus windows system at its Herrington View residential scheme in Penshaw, Sunderland. Doncaster-based Rapid PVCu is a new-build specialist and has worked with Eurocell, the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor, and recycler of PVC-U building products for 14 years. Eurocell’s market-leading Future Homes Ready Modus window system is made from 50% average post-consumer recycled PVC-U and is manufactured using innovative dual material extrusion technology (DMET). The ultimate sustainable option, with a significantly lower carbon footprint than profiles made or recycled outside the UK. For the new homeowners that will move into the neighbourhood, with U-values as low as 0.86, the triple glazed windows will reduce carbon emissions, use less energy to heat and present higher levels of security. Eurocell has been working closely with national housebuilders to enable them to achieve energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets that meet the Future Homes Standard. Martin Benn, Head of New Build at Eurocell comments: “Working collaboratively with housebuilders is something we really value at Eurocell, and this project is another example of the demand for our market-leading Future Homes Ready Modus system that ensures housebuilders meet the requirements that will be introduced in two years’ time. We look forward to the scheme completing and for future projects with Taylor Wimpey.” John Duggan at Rapid PVCu adds: “This has been a fantastic project to work on collaborating with both the Eurocell and Taylor Wimpey teams to provide innovative, triple glazing windows which are the highest quality of their kind. Triple glazing really is the best option for lowering energy consumption and the fact that the Modus window system is made with recycled PVC-U makes them incredibly attractive for housebuilders. The windows will look really smart once the homes are finished and will provide longevity and energy efficiency for the new owners.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As an acknowledged specialist in dealing with the presence of lead paint, as well as the restoration of all types of metal windows, Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) has carried out a detailed contract on behalf of Collins Construction during the refurbishment of 35 Dover Street in London. The London-based company was selected to carry out the painstaking work, which required multiple applications of a non-toxic poultice strip, as the result of its previous involvement with the main contractor on other high profile projects. ASWS’s team of highly trained operatives was involved across four of the five storeys to the former ‘Empress Club’ and office building, striping and restoring a total of 36 large steel windows and screens. The use of lead paint was banned 30 years ago on health grounds, which means its presence is almost always masked by later coats of modern gloss paint; but trying to remove the build up by sanding or heat risks exposing workers to inhaling the harmful heavy metal. ASWS can offer other methods of paint removal, but chemical stripping was the best option for Dover Street, to take the frames back to bear metal for repairs to commence. Director of ASWS, Kris Bennell, commented: “The options for on-site paint removal are limited, but they do include grit blasting which can be noisy, has to be tented, and requires the provision of cleaning and changing facilities allocated just to the operatives involved. The second alternative is using hand-held chipping and scraping tools, which still generate significant vibration and dust hazards; or there is the poultice chemical removal.” Kris continues, “At Dover Street we applied between five and seven coats of the epoxy paste to the windows – some of which were quite large – and this has to remain for 24 to 72 hours before being scraped off. Not only is the paint retained within the ‘poultice’, but the lead is neutralised and converted into a manageable form, which is bagged and removed by an approved waste management company. The actual repairs involved replacing broken hinges and some corroded frame sections and the overhaul and the fitting of new single glazing into the very shallow, 3mm upstands. We also undertook the full redecoration of the windows.” ASWS can provide a full range of services for the repair or replica replacement of metal windows – from the early wrought iron and traditional Medium Universal section, through to mid and late century aluminium curtain walling. Options include the addition of draught-striping and a switch from single to double-glazing for improved energy performance, as well as the replacement or polishing of all ironmongery. For more information on ASWS, please visit asws.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
