Products & Materials : Building Systems & Appliances News
Oxford analysis links circular approaches to business benefits in 74% of real-world lighting projects studied

Oxford analysis links circular approaches to business benefits in 74% of real-world lighting projects studied

Signify, the world leader in lighting, today published an analysis of real-world lighting projects ahead of COP31 in Antalya. The analysis was conducted by the University of Oxford’s Circular Economy and Sustainability Lab and Academics for Circular Economy e.V., with support from Signify. Researchers analyzed 50 real-world lighting projects that

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London Aquatics Centre upgrades to next-generation LED lighting with Signify to boost fan experience and enhance energy efficiency

London Aquatics Centre upgrades to next-generation LED lighting with Signify to boost fan experience and enhance energy efficiency

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, has delivered a landmark LED lighting upgrade at the London Aquatics Centre to drive performance, energy saving, efficiency, and long-term sustainability at one of the UK’s most iconic sporting venues, also known to be the most technologically advanced and stunning swimming facility

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DesignPlusLight: The “Palace on Pall Mall” Restored to Its Former Glory

DesignPlusLight: The “Palace on Pall Mall” Restored to Its Former Glory

The Royal Automobile Club’s historic Pall Mall clubhouse has undergone an extensive restoration, returning one of London’s most distinguished Edwardian façades to its former glory. Completed in 1911, the Grade II* listed clubhouse was designed by Charles Mewès and Arthur Davis, the architects responsible for The Ritz hotels in both

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Intecho Delivers Smart Building Technology for Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere

Intecho Delivers Smart Building Technology for Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere

Intecho has successfully integrated intelligent smart building solutions as part of the landmark transformation of Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere. As part of the project, Intecho integrated an intelligent Guest Room Management System (GRMS), bespoke Room Control Panels (RCPs) for every guest room and a range of state-of-the-art smart building solutions

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Bosch Commercial & Industrial launch new output for 7000 FP range

Bosch Commercial & Industrial launch new output for 7000 FP range

New 620kW output brings more flexibility to installers  Bosch Commercial & Industrial has today launched a new 620kW output for its Condens 7000 FP series of commercial boilers, providing more flexibility for installers and specifiers alike. The Condens 7000 FP originally launched in October 2022, with outputs initially ranging from

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FireAngel Launches Innovative Spec+ Domestic Safety Solutions Range

FireAngel Launches Innovative Spec+ Domestic Safety Solutions Range

FireAngel announces new Spec+ range incorporating a complete portfolio of domestic safety solutions, including multi-sensor and single-sensor smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms. FireAngel has announced the launch of its brand-new Spec+ range, an evolved solutions offering of mains-powered fire and domestic safety alarms designed to support professional installations, improve

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Latest Issue
Issue 345 : Oct 2026

Products & Materials : Building Systems & Appliances News

Oxford analysis links circular approaches to business benefits in 74% of real-world lighting projects studied

Oxford analysis links circular approaches to business benefits in 74% of real-world lighting projects studied

Signify, the world leader in lighting, today published an analysis of real-world lighting projects ahead of COP31 in Antalya. The analysis was conducted by the University of Oxford’s Circular Economy and Sustainability Lab and Academics for Circular Economy e.V., with support from Signify. Researchers analyzed 50 real-world lighting projects that applied circular approaches, and 37 projects reported capital, maintenance, or financing benefits. The findings show that the next phase of the energy transition must go beyond energy savings to preserve resources, infrastructure, and economic value. Rethinking full replacement Hospitals cannot simply close a ward to upgrade lighting, and airports must keep operations running during modernization. In tunnels, replacing every component can mean costly work that extends far beyond the lights themselves. Yet full replacement is often the default when technology changes. The analysis suggests an alternative: assess what is already in place, upgrade what needs improvement, and retain what still works. Key findings The projects spanned 10 sectors, including hospitals, schools, airports, offices, ports, tunnels, and municipal infrastructure. Across the 50 projects, circular approaches were associated with: Energy savings were also reported in 36 projects, with a median reduction of 59.5%. “Innovation should not automatically mean replacement,” said Mario Giordano, Global Head of Public & Government Affairs at Signify. “The real measure of circularity is our ability to deliver better outcomes with fewer new resources. When poles, cables, housings, and other infrastructure are still fit for purpose, the most sustainable upgrade is often to build on what is already there.” The hidden costs of full replacement Lighting upgrades involve more than a new light source. Installations can include housings, drivers, optics, wiring, controls, and mounting systems, plus poles, cabinets, and other outdoor infrastructure. Replacing an entire installation can mean discarding working components and adding construction, installation, and disposal work. This illustrates the business implications across sectors. Dublin Port Tunnel upgraded approximately 1,800 light points within its existing infrastructure; Signify estimates that the approach resulted in €3 million in capital savings compared with installing a completely new LED system. Assessing whole-life value Circularity does not mean retaining equipment indefinitely. It means choosing the most effective solution based on performance, cost and whole-life value, whether through repair, retrofit, refurbishment, reuse or replacement. “This is not an argument against replacement,” said Priya Saikumar, doctoral researcher at the University of Oxford. “It is an argument against making replacement the starting point. The smarter question is: What do we need to improve, and what can we retain?” Overcoming systemic barriers The analysis finds that barriers to circular approaches are often systemic rather than technical. Product design; limited access to spare parts and repair information; and gaps in financing, ownership arrangements, data, and expertise can prevent viable solutions from scaling. Procurement focused on upfront costs, along with limited reuse channels and reverse logistics, can create further obstacles. To address these barriers, the report calls for greater collaboration between industry and policymakers and for procurement approaches that recognize whole-life value, upgradeability, and the value of retained infrastructure. “That’s why Signify created Signify Circle: a program that puts the white paper’s circularity principles into practice. It combines circular design, spare parts, upgrade kits, lifetime optimization, and Light-as-a-Service to keep lighting products and components in use longer and preserve their value,” said Mario Giordano, Global Head of Public & Government Affairs at Signify. “By bringing these elements together, Signify offers end users and specifiers a clearer framework for choosing solutions based not only on product characteristics but also on how they are designed, maintained, upgraded, and used throughout their life cycle.” Building on energy efficiency with resource efficiency The shift to LED lighting has demonstrated the benefits of energy efficiency. The next opportunity is to use resources more efficiently: extend asset lifetimes, reduce demand for virgin materials, and preserve the value of existing infrastructure. As electrification accelerates worldwide, lighting offers a clear lesson for modernization: achieving better performance does not always require replacing an entire system. Read the white paper here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Dialight supports safe and efficient operations at new Port of Tilbury grain store

Dialight supports safe and efficient operations at new Port of Tilbury grain store

Dialight, the global leader in industrial and hazardous-location LED lighting, has supplied a complete lighting solution for a major new bulk grain storage facility at the Port of Tilbury in Essex, UK. The Tilbury Berth 43 Cefetra Bulk Grain Store was completed in July 2026 and handed over to the Port of Tilbury, part of Forth Ports, shortly afterwards. Delivered by principal contractor Harmonix Construction, the project has transformed a former open-air container depot into a purpose-built storage facility designed to support the growing demand for imported grain handling and storage. Grain storage presents particular safety and operational requirements, as airborne combustible dust can create a potentially explosive atmosphere. The internal area of the new store has therefore been designated as a Zone 22 hazardous area, requiring suitably certified lighting capable of performing consistently within a demanding industrial environment. The exposed port location also meant that luminaires needed to withstand wet, marine conditions. Dialight became involved during the early design phase after Harmonix Construction first approached the company in November 2024. Following Harmonix’s appointment as principal contractor in February 2025, Dialight developed the lighting scheme using the construction drawings and the Port of Tilbury’s specifications. The design covered the grain store, surrounding external areas and a vehicle refuelling point, with particular requirements for operational areas including the quayside. The final installation comprises more than 200 Dialight luminaires, including ProSite Floodlights, SafeSite luminaires, Emergency GRP Linears and Vigilant Bulkheads, selected to meet the different requirements across the site. The project showcases a large-scale deployment of the Zone 22 ProSite Floodlight in a hazardous-area application. An initial scheme based on 110 SafeSite High Bay luminaires was refined to 78 ProSite Floodlights. The wider range of optical distributions available with ProSite enabled Dialight’s lighting designers to reduce the number of fittings required whilst also maintaining the specified light levels. The design also needed to account for the shadowing created by the facility’s large traversing cranes, as well as the defined light levels required around the quayside and water’s edge. Careful positioning and alignment were necessary because of the building’s mounting heights, while the use of marine-grade luminaires supports performance in the exposed and wet conditions found within a port environment. Aidan Brown, UK/EIRE Sales – EMEA at Dialight, said, “The project demonstrates the value of involving the lighting manufacturer early, particularly when a facility has hazardous-area classifications and several distinct operational requirements. Working closely with Harmonix allowed us to refine the design as the project developed. By using the different optical options available with the ProSite Floodlight, we reduced the number of luminaires required within the grain store while still achieving the specified light levels. The result is a lighting scheme that combines the required safety and performance with a more efficient use of equipment, supporting long-term reliability in a demanding port environment.” Port of Tilbury is an established Dialight customer and has used the company’s ATEX-certified lighting during maintenance upgrades across existing parts of its grain terminal. Berth 43 provided the first opportunity for Dialight products to be incorporated into a new-build project at the port, allowing the environmental, safety and access requirements to be considered from the outset. Jenis Mistry, Project Engineer at the Port of Tilbury, commented, “The new grain store has been developed to provide the safe, reliable infrastructure required for this important area of our operations. Lighting needed to meet the requirements of the hazardous internal environment, the external areas and the quayside, while also being suited to the exposed conditions at the port. The completed installation provides the light levels needed across these different spaces and supports the facility’s long-term operation.” Close coordination between Dialight and Harmonix Construction continued throughout the design and delivery stages. Early product selection and advance ordering with Dialight’s factory helped ensure that the luminaires were available well before they were required on site, supporting the construction programme and installation process. David Thrower, Project Director of Harmonix Construction, added, “The successful delivery of the lighting package was supported by early engagement and a close working relationship throughout the project. Dialight responded to changes in the construction design and developed the lighting scheme in line with the Port of Tilbury’s specifications. Having the products ordered and delivered well ahead of installation also gave our team the certainty needed to plan the work effectively.” Alongside its ability to meet the project’s safety and performance requirements, the selected LED lighting provides a long-life solution for areas where access for future maintenance can be challenging. Dialight’s standard luminaires offer a rated life of more than 150,000 hours and are backed by a ten-year warranty, helping to reduce the frequency of replacement and associated maintenance interventions. Emergency lighting batteries will be included within the facility’s ongoing inspection and replacement programme. The completed project demonstrates the importance of early collaboration, clearly defined lighting requirements and appropriate product selection when designing lighting for ports, grain stores and other complex industrial facilities. By combining hazardous-area certified products with considered lighting design, the scheme provides a robust solution for the Port of Tilbury’s new grain storage operation. For more information about Dialight’s industrial and hazardous-location LED lighting solutions, visit www.dialight.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Bosch Commercial & Industrial launches higher outputs for its dual-fuel boiler range

Bosch Commercial & Industrial launches higher outputs for its dual-fuel boiler range

The Uni Condens 8000F now offers outputs up to 1200kW, providing more flexible solutions for higher commercial heating demands Bosch Commercial & Industrial has today launched a new higher output for its Uni Condens 8000 F series, providing more flexibility for installers and specifiers looking for a solution for commercial, industrial or heat network applications. The UC8000F launched in 2024 and is a first-of-its-kind boiler in the UK, as well as being CE-certified. It is a dual-fuel boiler that can run on both natural gas or hydrogen, with the ability to seamlessly switch between both.  Outputs are available from 145kW to 1200kW, with the option to easily cascade multiple appliances to reach even higher outputs of multiple megawatts. Through a partnership with industrial combustion specialists Dunphy, customers can expect assured quality, with Dunphy providing the burner for the appliance. The UC8000F also offers low emissions due to an included flue gas recirculator, which keeps NOx emissions under 40mg/kWh. Pete Mills, Commercial Technical Operations Manager at Bosch Commercial & Industrial, said, “A mix of technology and fuel options for heating will be essential for us to reach the UK’s lofty decarbonisation targets – with hydrogen being a part of that. By introducing a new higher output for our UC8000F, we are now able to offer more options and hopefully remove barriers for early-adopters of hydrogen projects.” For more information on the UC8000F visit; https://www.bosch-industrial.com/gb/en/ocs/commercial-industrial/hydrogen-boilers-20753156-c/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Navien and Passiv UK partner to bring smarter heat pump control to UK homeowners 

Navien and Passiv UK partner to bring smarter heat pump control to UK homeowners 

Heat pump manufacturer Navien and heating technology company Passiv UK have partnered to offer an integrated heat pump and smart control offering to homeowners and tenants across the UK.  Customers can now install the Passiv Smart Thermostat with Navien’s PEM750 air source heat pump. Designed to optimise heat pump operation, the Passiv Smart Thermostat intelligently adjusts flow temperatures and automatically takes advantage of smart tariffs and excess solar generation to reduce heating costs. Its smart heating feature, ecoHeat, has been independently verified by the Energy Saving Trust to improve heat pump efficiency by 17% and can reduce heating bills by up to 30%.  The Passiv Smart Thermostat works with Navien heat pumps out-of-the-box, requiring no additional hardware. Installers can now avoid the complexity and challenges of setting static weather compensation curves, while end customers avoid the headache of trying to optimise heating and hot water schedules to time-of-use tariffs and solar generation.  Ian Rose, Managing Director at Passiv UK, said: “Heat pumps shouldn’t require homeowners to become energy experts. The technology should do the hard work in the background – keeping the home comfortable, responding to electricity prices and making the most of renewable energy when it is available. Our partnership with Navien brings that intelligence together from the outset, making smart heat pump ownership much simpler.”  Navien is headquartered in South Korea and is the world’s fourth-largest gas boiler manufacturer. Greg Banham, Commercial Director at Navien UK, said: “By working with Passiv, we can bring together Navien’s heat pump technology with intelligent controls that can automatically take advantage of cheap electricity available from time-of-use tariffs, or free electricity available from rooftop solar generation, to help customers minimise their heating bills.”  Installers will have free access to remote heat pump monitoring and diagnostics through the Passiv Portal, while the system also gives homeowners the ability to control how and when their heat pump uses electricity.  End customers will also be eligible to sign-up to Passiv’s Greener Grid Payment scheme, which rewards households for allowing their heat pump to intelligently flex its operation during periods when electricity demand and supply on grid networks is constrained. Passiv delivers flexibility services without compromising household comfort, helping accelerate the roll-out of renewable generation and adoption of low-carbon heating and transport in the UK.  The Navien and Passiv integrated solution is available through Ultimate Renewables Supplies, UKPS and select merchants. For a limited time, to celebrate the launch of the partnership, Installers receive a £100 discount on the Navien PEM750 and Passiv Smart Thermostat when they purchase the kit bundle through participating merchants.  For more information, visit www.passivuk.com and www.navien.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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London Aquatics Centre upgrades to next-generation LED lighting with Signify to boost fan experience and enhance energy efficiency

London Aquatics Centre upgrades to next-generation LED lighting with Signify to boost fan experience and enhance energy efficiency

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, has delivered a landmark LED lighting upgrade at the London Aquatics Centre to drive performance, energy saving, efficiency, and long-term sustainability at one of the UK’s most iconic sporting venues, also known to be the most technologically advanced and stunning swimming facility in the world. Designed by Zaha Hadid, the London Aquatics Centre was built in 2012 and immediately took its place on the world stage as a venue for that summer’s elite swimming and diving events. More than a decade later, operator Everyone Active undertook a major modernisation project to replace the venue’s legacy lighting system with energy-efficient LED technology. A key requirement was achieving the stringent World Aquatics (formerly FINA) television broadcast standard of 1,500 lux Ev. To achieve this, Signify partnered with DC Electrical Supply to deploy a lighting system designed for the unique demands of the venue’s architecture. With luminaires suspended up to 40 metres above water, access, precise aiming and adjustment using conventional methods were challenging and time-consuming. While traditional flood lighting approaches could provide general illumination, they lacked the precision and data validation needed to meet the project’s demanding performance requirements. Instead, Signify deployed a proprietary solution designed to translate an on-paper lighting design into real-world accuracy. By combining its advanced ArenaVision LED gen3.5 luminaires with an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) aiming system, Signify enabled installers to accurately align each luminaire, even at heights of up to 40 metres above the pool. A detailed grid over the pool area enabled installers to align each luminaire precisely with the original lighting design. Instead of relying on a visual aiming scope, the installers used a smartphone attached to the luminaire to aim the lights directly at the grid. This approach reduced time spent working at height, improved installation accuracy, and ensured the final lighting performance matched the design intent. Any subsequent adjustments could be made quickly and precisely, delivering measurable and repeatable results. The installation includes 168 ArenaVision luminaires providing the main competition lighting, complemented by 16 UniFlood Flat luminaires that add additional flexibility. The luminaires are paired with a DMX control system to enable immersive and adaptable lighting scenes that enhance sporting events and audience experiences while meeting the requirements of elite competition. The new lighting provides excellent visibility for athletes and fully complies with the World Aquatics broadcast standards, helping the venue maintain its status as a top destination for televised sporting events. Compared with the previous HID lighting system, the LED solution delivers significant energy savings of upto 60% when used in full capacity. The addition of DMX controls also gives venue operators greater flexibility to create engaging experiences for spectators and support a wider range of events. “Having the new LED lighting at the London Aquatics Centre for elite sport is an absolute game changer,” said Mark Basker, Regional Contract Manager at Everyone Active. “Everyone Active has invested £685,000 in the lighting upgrade, working in partnership with global lighting specialist Signify and electrical contractor DC Electrical Supply. With individual control of each light, we can black out the pool, introduce coloured lighting, and follow athletes during events. This gives the venue flexibility to host many more events while future-proofing the facility and maintaining its reputation as a world-class aquatics venue.” Mark Camley, Executive Director for Estate & Neighbourhoods at London Legacy Development Corporation, said: “The new energy efficient lighting upgrade is a welcome addition to London Aquatics Centre as we embark on the next phase of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, focussing on shaping sustainable communities while supporting the Mayor’s ambitions for a greener, cleaner and healthier capital. London Aquatics Centre is a much-loved venue, and Everyone Active’s investment builds on its legacy as an exemplar for televised sport where major swimming events are hosted regularly. It also benefits those who use the space, from local members of the community to world class athletes.” Darren Clark, Director at DC Electrical Supply Ltd., said “We’re proud to be working alongside Everyone Active and Signify to deliver a lighting solution that supports all ambitions like energy efficiency and sustainability for the iconic venue while ensuring the best fan experience. Given the complexity of access and adjustment within the venue, the solution installed allows for ensuring results to be measurable and repeatable. The key point of difference is how they translate on-paper lighting design into real-world accuracy.” Simon Wilkinson, Commercial Leader, Public UK, Signify said “The London Aquatics Centre first took its place on the world stage under Signify lighting in 2012. More than a decade later, we are proud to have been chosen once again to help future-proof this iconic venue with a new generation of lighting performance, flexibility, and energy efficiency that will support athletes, spectators, and broadcasters for years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New Megaflo range gives housing developers and providers more cylinder choice

New Megaflo range gives housing developers and providers more cylinder choice

Baxi has expanded its flagship Megaflo cylinder portfolio with the launch of the Megaflo Essential range of direct and indirect cylinders and the brand’s first air source heat pump (ASHP) cylinder. The launch of Megaflo Essential opens the door for more housing projects to take advantage of Megaflo’s trusted performance. The Essential range has been developed to address common challenges including tightening budgets, growing demand for heat pump-compatible options, and reliable cylinder options that can be trusted long-term to deliver for residents. Designed for use with heat pumps, including Baxi’s HP50 and HP55 ASHPs, the Megaflo Essential ASHP cylinder optimises hot water performance in heat pump applications. A high surface area coil, twin 3kW immersion heaters and a secondary return connection work together to support efficient hot water production and rapid delivery to ensure that occupants are never without hot water. Megaflo pioneered use of an internal expansion system, and the Megaflo Essential direct and indirect range continues that pioneering nature with a new internal expansion mechanism. This removes the need for a separate expansion vessel, reducing installation time, saving space, and simplifying product maintenance. Indirect models feature coil-in-coil design heat exchangers to deliver rapid heat recovery. Alongside the new Essential range, Baxi has optimised its signature Megaflo Eco direct and indirect cylinders with the same enhanced internal expansion system. This range remains the premium offering, featuring 60mm of insulation for excellent energy efficiency, and a 30-year warranty on the stainless-steel inner tank. The expanded portfolio replaces the Baxi Assure cylinder range, giving customers a choice between the value-led Megaflo Essential range and premium Megaflo Eco products. Rob Pearse, Residential Business Director at Baxi, said: “Megaflo has a great reputation in the heating sector. We’ve heard customers say ‘Megaflo’ when they mean ‘cylinder’ – that’s a privilege and a responsibility that we take seriously. “We set out to provide a Megaflo that can cater to all budgets and installation requirements while maintaining and refining the renowned Megaflo quality and reliability. Whether there’s a requirement for a slimline cylinder for a smaller property, a solution for an air source heat pump or compatibility with solar PV, there’s a Megaflo cylinder designed for exactly that application.” For more on the expanded Megaflo range, see here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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DesignPlusLight: The “Palace on Pall Mall” Restored to Its Former Glory

DesignPlusLight: The “Palace on Pall Mall” Restored to Its Former Glory

The Royal Automobile Club’s historic Pall Mall clubhouse has undergone an extensive restoration, returning one of London’s most distinguished Edwardian façades to its former glory. Completed in 1911, the Grade II* listed clubhouse was designed by Charles Mewès and Arthur Davis, the architects responsible for The Ritz hotels in both London and Paris. Stretching 70 metres along Pall Mall, the building is defined by its grand neoclassical portico, columns, balustrades and sculpted pediments. As part of the restoration, DesignPlusLight were commissioned to create a new lighting scheme for the façade. The brief was to reveal the depth and craftsmanship of the architecture, after dark, while remaining sensitive to the building’s heritage. The surrounding area’s restrained night-time lighting provides an opportunity to enhance the building’s presence without overwhelming its setting.  Sanjit Bahra, Principal and Founder of DesignPlusLight, said, “We always take the view that one is only a custodian of heritage buildings. Any lighting enhancement must be appropriate to the architectural style and history of the building. We wanted to celebrate the richness of this magnificent building whilst retaining the warmth and welcoming character of a private club.” A carefully considered palette of luminaires from just two manufacturers was used throughout. This helped to meet the restoration programme while maintaining colour consistency across the full length of the façade. Compact LED fittings were specially commissioned in a warm 2400K colour temperature, allowing the newly restored stonework to take on a soft, tungsten-like glow. The lighting design was developed closely around the building’s architecture. Rather than flooding the façade with light, DesignPlusLight took the approach of keeping the illumination contained within its structure, using carefully positioned luminaires to reveal depth, rhythm and detail. Columns are uplit from both sides, modelling their form while drawing attention to the set-back first floor windows. The deeper terrace within the central portico is highlighted with an additional layer of uplighting to the rear wall, giving greater presence to the columns and the principal entrance. Pairs of spotlights cross-light the entablature and its sculptures, whilst linear fittings with glare shields backlight the balustrades at the first-floor and rooftop levels. This creates a visual connection across the entire 70-metre frontage and unifies the individual architectural elements. Planning approval formed an important part of the project. DesignPlusLight prepared nighttime visualisations showing the proposed effects, together with a detailed elevation identifying the location and type of fittings used for each section of the façade. Sketch details also demonstrated how the luminaires would be discreetly integrated into the historic fabric of the building. This helped secure planning approval with confidence.  Whilst the scaffolding remained in place, lighting trials were carried out to determine the final treatment of the sculptures across the entablature and pediments. During this stage, the signature of the French sculptor Ferdinand Faivre was discovered, carved discreetly beneath one of the cherubs. It was subsequently gilded in recognition of the importance of these sculptures to the clubhouse’s identity. As the scaffolding was removed, in stages, DesignPlusLight were able to focus and fine-tune the lighting as each section of the restored façade was revealed. The clubhouse’s historic torcheres were also refurbished as part of the project. The warm façade lighting beautifully complements the natural gas flame. This reinforces a welcoming feel at the entrance. In keeping with the building’s listed status and Westminster’s planning requirements, two lighting scenes have been programmed. A brighter, early-evening scene presents the full architectural composition as members and guests arrive. As daylight fades, this transitions to a more subdued late-night setting where the clubhouse takes on a softer residential glow.  The completed scheme reveals the scale and magnificence of the restored building, evoking the clubhouse’s original reputation as the “Palace on Pall Mall”. This project also reflects a broader and more important (lighting) design element. Illumination should be selective, allowing shadow and darkness to remain part of the overall composition. Sanjit Bahra continues, “The ability to light a building does not mean that every surface should be illuminated. At the Royal Automobile Club, the visually quieter areas are just as important as the elements we chose to reveal. This balance gives the façade its depth and dignity, while ensuring the lighting feels as though it belongs to, and emanated from, the building rather than having been imposed upon it.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Intecho Delivers Smart Building Technology for Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere

Intecho Delivers Smart Building Technology for Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere

Intecho has successfully integrated intelligent smart building solutions as part of the landmark transformation of Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere. As part of the project, Intecho integrated an intelligent Guest Room Management System (GRMS), bespoke Room Control Panels (RCPs) for every guest room and a range of state-of-the-art smart building solutions to compliment the luxury hotel’s extensive £125 million redevelopment. Paul Murphy, Co-Founder and Director of Intecho, said: “Luxury hospitality depends on far more than beautiful architecture and interiors. The technology behind the scenes has to work seamlessly, supporting both guests and hotel teams without ever becoming intrusive”. At the heart of the project is an advanced Guest Room Management System (GRMS), which integrates lighting, heating, cooling, motorised curtains and room status into a single intelligent platform. The system gives guests intuitive control of their environment while providing hotel teams with real-time visibility of occupancy, temperature, Make Up Room (MUR) and Do Not Disturb (DND) status. Intecho also designed and manufactured bespoke Room Control Panels (RCPs) for every guest room, integrating HVAC interfaces, lighting control, monitoring and circuit protection into a robust solution engineered specifically for the demands of luxury hospitality. Beyond the guest accommodation, Intecho delivered intelligent lighting control throughout the hotel, covering front-of-house areas, guest corridors, meeting rooms, function suites, the ballroom and external spaces. Flexible scene control allows event spaces to adapt effortlessly to conferences, weddings and large-scale functions, while centralised management provides hotel operators with greater flexibility and efficiency. The smart building solution also incorporates advanced DALI lighting control, automated emergency lighting testing, intelligent fault monitoring and centralised HVAC management. These technologies improve energy performance, reduce maintenance requirements and simplify compliance, while ensuring the building continues to operate at the high standards expected of an international luxury hotel. Intecho Director, Paul Murphy, continued: “Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere is a fantastic example of how intelligent building technology can enhance comfort, improve operational efficiency and create a smarter, more sustainable hotel. We’re incredibly proud to have played a part in such a prestigious development”. Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere is a luxury 5-star lakeside hotel, spa, and golf resort in Knutsford, Cheshire, featuring 117 rooms, an 18-hole championship golf course, and dining by Gordon Ramsay. Following a £125m redevelopment, the reimagined property opened in July 2026 on a 157-acre estate overlooking The Mere Lake. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Bosch Commercial & Industrial launch new output for 7000 FP range

Bosch Commercial & Industrial launch new output for 7000 FP range

New 620kW output brings more flexibility to installers  Bosch Commercial & Industrial has today launched a new 620kW output for its Condens 7000 FP series of commercial boilers, providing more flexibility for installers and specifiers alike. The Condens 7000 FP originally launched in October 2022, with outputs initially ranging from 350kW up to 500kW. The 620kW option now offers a solution to handle higher commercial heating demands.  Other benefits of the Condens 7000 F & FP range include: Paul Monaghan, Technical Assistant at Bosch Commercial & Industrial, said, “The GC7000 FP boiler range is a versatile unit, able to integrate into almost any existing install. This accompanied by the Control 8000 makes it a perfect solution for heating, hot water and heat networks.” For more information on the Condens 7000 F & FP series visit: https://www.bosch-industrial.com/gb/en/ocs/commercial-industrial/condens-7000-fp-19388395-p/  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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FireAngel Launches Innovative Spec+ Domestic Safety Solutions Range

FireAngel Launches Innovative Spec+ Domestic Safety Solutions Range

FireAngel announces new Spec+ range incorporating a complete portfolio of domestic safety solutions, including multi-sensor and single-sensor smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms. FireAngel has announced the launch of its brand-new Spec+ range, an evolved solutions offering of mains-powered fire and domestic safety alarms designed to support professional installations, improve ease of replacement, and to keep more people safe in their homes today and in the future. Classified as Grade D1 alarms in line with BS 5839-6, the range comes with a 10-year sealed rechargeable lithium backup battery, making them suitable for most residential applications under current legislation and standards. Domestic safety solutions for evolving needs Developed for the UK professional market, the Spec+ range brings together smoke, heat, carbon monoxide and multi-sensor protection in a flexible new product family, with anticipated changes to legislation and consumer habits considered in its development. It includes dedicated smoke and heat alarms, as well as multi-sensor alarms offering smoke, heat and CO detection in a single device. Designed with professional installers, landlords, housebuilders and housing providers in mind, the new Spec+ products ensure long-life performance and interconnection capability, and a practical base plate design to make installation and replacement as straightforward as possible. The smoke alarms combine Thermoptek™ and UltraSense™ technology, which work in parallel to improve response to fire risk whilst reducing ‘nuisance alarms’ due to lifestyle factors and contaminants. Improving on previous products, Spec+ incorporates bug mesh and dust compensation components to increase device longevity and minimise interference or contamination which can cause false alarms. The alarms have built-in Bluetooth (BLE) as standard, supporting the optional interlinking of up to 50 Spec+ devices either wirelessly, via hardwired connection or a mix of the two, without the need for additional costly modules. Standards, testing and certification for domestic safety solutions All core alarms in the Spec+ range are designed for a 10-year lifespan and come with a leading 10-year warranty, providing peace of mind for residents. Smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms typically have a 10-year working life and despite often functioning beyond this, FireAngel advises all alarms should be replaced after 10 years to ensure continued protection.    Nick Rutter, Chief Executive Officer at FireAngel, said: “Our new Spec+ range represents a significant product portfolio for FireAngel that will enable a step-change for the future of domestic safety. Spec+ has been designed around real installation needs, quality-first design principles and trusted protection for residents.” “The launch comes at an important time for the fire safety sector, where innovation and healthy marketplace competition are essential to continuously improving protection in homes across the UK. FireAngel believes that bringing new products to market plays a vital role in giving specifiers, contractors and housing providers greater choice, while ensuring safety-critical technology continues to evolve.” The Spec+ range includes: Find out more about FireAngel professional services and the Spec+ range: https://www.fireangel.co.uk/specplus Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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