Products & Materials : Building Trade Materials News
Facade Platform Design to Reduce Carbon

Facade Platform Design to Reduce Carbon

Platform Design, better known in the construction industry as ‘A Platform approach to Design for Manufacture and Assembly’ or ‘P-DfMA’. It is a specific subset of DfMA, which is the general term for using prefabrication and automation applied project by project basis. P-DfMA is a solution that is designed to

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Sika becomes early adopter of the code for construction product information

Sika becomes early adopter of the code for  construction product information

Global building product manufacturer Sika has become an early adopter of the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) which has been published to drive higher standards in the presentation of construction product information within the manufacturing industry. A response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review into Building Regulations and Fire

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ROCKWOOL® launches CPD on building services insulation standard

ROCKWOOL® launches CPD on building services insulation standard

CPD explains important practical changes and additions to BS 5422 ROCKWOOL, the UK’s leading stone wool insulation manufacturer, has launched an ‘Introduction to BS 5422’, a new CPD (Continuing Professional Development) module to support specifiers and engineers with advice on how to plan and implement the insulation of building services

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Aggregate Industries acquires Eco Readymix

Aggregate Industries acquires Eco Readymix

Aggregate Industries, a member of the Holcim Group, has acquired Eco Readymix Ltd, a leading producer of mortar and concrete in the north-west. The acquisition will reinforce Aggregate Industries’ position in the north-west market and also help establish its place in the UK mortar market. Eco Readymix was established in

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PermaGroup toasts success with record revenue growth

PermaGroup toasts success with record revenue growth

PERMAGROUP, the parent company of PermaRoof UK LTD, PermaRoof Commercial, and other leading solutions-based brands, is celebrating another successful year, achieving a record 16.4% growth in revenue. Despite challenging industry conditions, the company has gone from strength to strength, and in 2023 launched its latest innovation in rubber technology, Elevate

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Reynaers sponsors Manchester Society of Architects

Reynaers sponsors Manchester Society of Architects

Reynaers Aluminium UK has underlined its commitment to supporting architectural excellence in the North West by sponsoring the Manchester Society of Architects. With Reynaers’ aluminium curtain walling systems already in use on high profile buildings within the city, the company has linked up with the society to raise awareness among

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Two game-changing product launches from K Systems

Two game-changing product launches from K Systems

Award-winning UK supplier of external wall insulation (EWI) solutions, K Systems, has launched two innovative new systems to the industry in a matter of weeks. The most recent innovation, a new KIWA BDA-certified Direct Fix system is ideal for new build or retrofit steel framed structures of any height, delivers

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Latest Issue
Issue 327 : Apr 2025

Products & Materials : Building Trade Materials News

Facade Platform Design to Reduce Carbon

Facade Platform Design to Reduce Carbon

Platform Design, better known in the construction industry as ‘A Platform approach to Design for Manufacture and Assembly’ or ‘P-DfMA’. It is a specific subset of DfMA, which is the general term for using prefabrication and automation applied project by project basis. P-DfMA is a solution that is designed to be used more programmatically across a range of projects or assets. So, what is ‘P-DfMA’ and how does it help to reduce construction costs and reduce carbon? In this short article, we aim to explain the basis of this innovative approach to construction and suggest how it could revolutionise our future construction requirements. Initiated by the UK Government in 2017 in their drive to cut costs for new buildings, such as schools, hospitals, offices and social housing, the construction approach takes its lead from the automotive and aerospace sectors. Defining the construction product requirements, such as internal spaces, storey height, access requirements, to name but a very few of these parameters, the aim is to standardise these requirements and begin to create a ‘list of standard parts’ that creates those spaces. Doors are a very good example of this approach, available in a range of materials, sizes and hardware options, once adopted as a standard product across many projects, costs can be significantly reduced. Including offsite construction to this, whether delivering the product to the site as a kit or in a pre-constructed form, not only lowers costs but also minimises on-site labour, expedites construction on site, and reduces site defects. The same approach can be used in facades and fenestration products. To be fair, aluminium fenestration has seen much of its construction being undertaken off-site for many years, but much more can be done. Window construction can easily follow what has been done with door sets by adopting standard sizes and hardware options. Windows can be supplied to the site already glazed and installed within panel construction. Curtain wall requirements adopt an off-site unitised construction approach which we know already reduces time on site by approximately 50% whilst further improving quality. A review of five recent projects supplied by Aluprof UK shows the supply of special lengths alone has reduced material supply by an average of 27.5%. Not only does this save on costs but has a significant impact on carbon reduction. But this can go even further.  Using a standard product size, profiles can be designed that work nearer to their safety limits over a given size or length which can further optimise aluminium content. Adopting a specification of a low-carbon content, usually high in recycled aluminium with low-carbon prime aluminium, further reduces carbon content of these assemblies. It is not just about cost and carbon saving, it is about getting better buildings. From the government’s own analysis under their current construction framework, for every £1 spent just 51% is retained in residual asset value. Reducing time to install on site, reducing wastage, reducing deliveries to site by adopting off-site construction, reducing ‘on site design’, all of which reduce overall site time and programme and all have a big impact on carbon reduction as well. Using a standard kit of parts reduces the need for bespoke designs which can go hand in hard to improve overall quality. It is also an iterative process, what is learnt on one project leads to a fine tuning of the ‘kit of parts’ which in turn leads to even better future construction and a continuation in the reduction of carbon. As a result, the P-DfMA approach increases productivity, while reducing carbon, construction time and cost. In a world first, a major project completed under the P-DfMA is The Forge, located just south of the Thames in the city of London. The building is also the first to adopt the UK’s Green Building Council’s definition of a net-zero carbon building in both construction and operation. With regard to the development of the facade, Aluprof were invited to take an early design role in developing a unitised facade system that meets the P-DfMA specification pioneered by architects and engineers Bryden Wood. Construction was led by Sir Robert McAlpine and Mace, working together in an innovative joint venture partnership. Jaimie Johnston of Bryden Wood comments, “The collaboration with Aluprof was fantastic. It was great to have a partner with such a depth of manufacturing experience who really understood and amplified the benefits of a platform approach. We hope that others will learn and build on the success that was achieved at The Forge and we’ll start to see platforms adopted at scale.” Padraig Delaney, London Regional Manager for Digital Construction at Sir Robert McAlpine, in his role working with the construction team, sees The Forge as a model for how future projects should be delivered: “The innovation-led approach taken by Landsec has allowed us to push the boundaries with our use of technology. The more data we have, the better our decision making. It is also important we have the right tools to help us get the most from the data. By driving these digital solutions, as we have done at The Forge, we’re transforming the way we will deliver future projects, identifying the value to each stakeholder and ultimately providing the best value for our clients.” Tom Cherowbrier, Aluprof’s Major Projects Manager comments: “The bespoke system from Aluprof is finished in three shades of bronze anodising which will offer a sustainable finish and an aesthetic appearance for many decades to come. The new system was designed with a standard +/-15mm stack joint for to accommodate the building movement, as well as an impressive non-standard stack joint for the 7th floor which had to accommodate a +20/-30mm movement. The project also has a range of external feature fins with concealed fixing to provide the building with sight-lines of 120mm and 170mm that project 125mm or 225mm from glazing line.” The unitised curtain wall system, designed in close collaboration with Bryden Wood, allowed Aluprof to develop a highly-efficient facade unit. The full-size mock-up unit was

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Sika becomes early adopter of the code for construction product information

Sika becomes early adopter of the code for  construction product information

Global building product manufacturer Sika has become an early adopter of the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) which has been published to drive higher standards in the presentation of construction product information within the manufacturing industry. A response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review into Building Regulations and Fire Safety, the Code was developed by the Construction Product Association’s Marketing Integrity Group following two years’ engagement with industry. It has been created to promote an urgent and positive culture and behaviour change in the way the construction product manufacturing industry manages and provides information on its products. Globally renowned for high quality construction solutions and with a commitment to raising industry standards, Sika is one of the first product manufacturers to have achieved CCPI verification of its first four product sets for Single Ply Roof systems (gained in September), Hot Melt Structural Waterproofing, Liquid-applied and Reinforced Bituminous Roof Systems.  The company maintains a strong focus on transparency and by committing to the code it will provide further independent assurance and greater confidence in the information associated to its CCPI-verified product-sets. There are 11 Clauses within the CCPI assessment which cover a wide range of matters from responsibility for product information, to transparency of performance, proof of stated claims, general information and competency. The CCPI is built around five ‘acid tests’ – product information must be ‘Clear, Accurate, Up-to-date, Accessible and Unambiguous’. The 11 clauses are underpinned by a requirement to demonstrate the highest levels of integrity, ethics, leadership and culture. “We are delighted that Sika is an early adopter of the code,” said Mark Gatrell – Head of Business Unit Roofing for Sika in the UK. “In September we announced product set verification for our Single Ply Roof Systems, and now we have the pleasure of announcing that our Hot Melt Structural Waterproofing, Liquid-applied and Reinforced Bituminous Roof Systems have now achieved verification status. The Code is aiming to drive the highest standards in product information, setting a level playing field for all construction manufacturers to ensure that the information they provide is clear, accurate, up-to- date and unambiguous. We’re proud to be working proactively with the CCPI to raise standards in product information management.”          For more information visit the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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ROCKWOOL® launches CPD on building services insulation standard

ROCKWOOL® launches CPD on building services insulation standard

CPD explains important practical changes and additions to BS 5422 ROCKWOOL, the UK’s leading stone wool insulation manufacturer, has launched an ‘Introduction to BS 5422’, a new CPD (Continuing Professional Development) module to support specifiers and engineers with advice on how to plan and implement the insulation of building services systems following a recent update to the standard. The CPD coincides with the recent publication of ROCKWOOL’s Guide to BS 5422:2023. BS 5422 provides a method for specifying thermal insulating materials needed on pipes, tanks, vessels, ductwork and equipment for certain defined applications and conditions within the temperature range – 40°C to +700°C in domestic, non-domestic and commercial buildings. The standard works as guidance for consultants, engineers, contractors and manufacturers of thermal insulation in the building services sector. It supports Approved Document L as the reference point to determine the minimum thickness of insulation required to limit heat losses and gains from building services. ROCKWOOL’s new CPD module explores the factors that need to be considered when deciding on the insulation of building services systems according to BS 5422. It also demonstrates how the standard aims to improve the living and working environment of the building as well as make it safer and more energy efficient. “With BS5422:2023, the insulation requirements for building services and HVAC systems have been aligned closely with current thermal Building Regulations,” comments Will Wigfield, Product Manager – Fire Protection & HVAC at ROCKWOOL UK. “The new CPD will explain how the standard makes it easier for designers and specifiers to choose the most appropriate material for each project and allow them to exceed the minimum requirements if they wish.” Learn more about BS 5422, register to attend the ROCKWOOL CPD session at https://www.rockwool.com/uk/advice-and-inspiration/learning/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Cassidy joins STARK Building Materials UK as Company Secretary and General Counsel

Cassidy joins STARK Building Materials UK as Company Secretary and General Counsel

STARK Building Materials UK, one of the nation’s leading builders’ merchants providing building and construction materials and services to professional tradespeople, has appointed Nim Cassidy as its new Company Secretary and General Counsel. Cassidy brings nearly 25 years of experience in the legal field to the organisation, which is going through a transformational period following the merger acquisition by STARK Group, which completed in March 2023. She began her career as a Trainee Solicitor with Hammond Suddards Edge – now Squire Patton Boggs – in 1999, before moving to Addleshaw Goddard. Over the course of 10 years, she progressed to the role of Managing Associate before joining Elior UK – the UK subsidiary of French listed company Elior SA – as a Senior Solicitor.  Six years later Cassidy was appointed as Group Legal Director at Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC, a FTSE250 specialist veterinary pharmaceuticals business, which she supported through several mergers and acquisitions until it entered the FTSE100.  In 2022, she moved to JD Sports Fashion PLC, a FTSE50 retailer, as General Counsel and Company Secretary and a member of the executive team. There, she significantly grew the company’s legal and compliance division and improved the corporate governance structure during a period of transformational change.  Now, as a member of the STARK Building Materials UK Executive Team, Cassidy will lead the organisation’s legal, compliance and secretarial function, supporting key stakeholders across the business brand portfolio that makes up the STARK UK family, including Jewson, Northern Ireland based merchant JP Corry, Jersey based merchant Normans and specialist brands such as Jewson Civils Frazer and Minster. Speaking about her new role, Cassidy said: “To be joining STARK Building Materials UK at such a landmark time for the organisation is a fantastic opportunity. My role is about supporting business growth and transformation and ensuring the business does everything it needs to remain compliant and a respected organisation. I’m also keen to look at the ways we can support new talent to enter the legal field – particularly women, ethnic minorities, and other under-represented members of society.  “Construction brings with it its own set of opportunities and I’m looking forward to seeing how we tackle them. Under the leadership of John Carter – a household name in the field, and someone who’s put together a hand-picked executive team – we have an exciting journey ahead of us to inject new life into all the UK brands functioning under the STARK UK umbrella. We are all working closely together to achieve that shared goal, with a strong focus on inspiring and energising our people and making them extremely proud to be part of the STARK Group.” John Carter, CEO of STARK Building Materials UK, said: “Nim is a true asset to our organisation. Her experience speaks for itself, and we know the variety of roles and responsibilities she’s held previously will provide us with fresh perspectives and new ways of working that will position us firmly as leaders in our field. We’re delighted to have her on board and know our future will be brighter with her as part of our team.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Aggregate Industries acquires Eco Readymix

Aggregate Industries acquires Eco Readymix

Aggregate Industries, a member of the Holcim Group, has acquired Eco Readymix Ltd, a leading producer of mortar and concrete in the north-west. The acquisition will reinforce Aggregate Industries’ position in the north-west market and also help establish its place in the UK mortar market. Eco Readymix was established in 2004 and has sites in Wrexham and Ellesmere Port with a third site due to open in the Midlands. It produces Ready to Use mortar and Dry Silo Mortar and serves national house builders, groundworkers and civil engineering firms alongside the domestic market. It also produces ready mix concrete, liquid and traditional screed, concrete masonry blocks and aggregates. The company has strong sustainable credentials. Its Wrexham site is almost entirely powered via a biomass system alongside both wind and solar power. It employs 52 people across its sites. Dragan Maksimovic, Chief Executive Officer of Aggregate Industries UK, said: “We are delighted to be able to announce the acquisition of Eco Readymix and welcome them to Aggregate Industries. “As a business, it has clear sustainable values very much in line with our own, and will strategically add to our strong footprint in the north-west. “This also marks our entry into the UK mortar market with a knowledgeable and ambitious management that has multiple synergies with our own. The acquisition supports our long-term strategy to continue to grow our business in order to become the UK’s leading supplier of sustainable construction materials and solutions.” Gary Billington, Managing Director of Eco Readymix, said: “We’re really looking forward to taking the business forward with Aggregate Industries. This allows us to continue our ambitious growth plans and to develop our offering. “It is really beneficial to be part of a leading UK company which has a clear vision for sustainability and to be able to have access to their networks and expertise.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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PermaGroup toasts success with record revenue growth

PermaGroup toasts success with record revenue growth

PERMAGROUP, the parent company of PermaRoof UK LTD, PermaRoof Commercial, and other leading solutions-based brands, is celebrating another successful year, achieving a record 16.4% growth in revenue. Despite challenging industry conditions, the company has gone from strength to strength, and in 2023 launched its latest innovation in rubber technology, Elevate RubberGuard SA, while a further two new products aimed at the commercial roofing market will be launched this month. PermaGroup also strengthened its internal team throughout the course of the year with eight new recruits, including Duncan Kirkwood, who will take on the position of managing director full time from 2024, following Adrian Buttress’ 23 years in the role. Adrian Buttress said: “It’s been another fantastic year for us at PermaGroup, and we’ve enjoyed a number of really exciting developments in the company. Not only have we seen record revenue growth, but we’ve broadened our product range, maintained our impeccable staff retention record, and created an incredibly strong management team to drive the business forward. “We’ve also continued to maintain strong working relationships with all of our clients despite material shortages and challenges in the industry, which is a real triumph.” In 2023, PermaRoof UK LTD became one of the first distributors in the industry to receive membership into the Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA), strengthening its position in raising industry standards and as a leader in the field. The company had to undergo a thorough inspection of its office and warehouse, as well as prove its compliance with the SPRA Quality Charter in order to receive membership, which has been one of the first initiatives pushed forward by Duncan. Duncan Kirkwood said: “2024 is already shaping up to be another successful year. We’re welcoming two new senior recruits to help build our middle management team and are looking forward to seeing our improved CRM system assist us with the strong growth we’re predicting for the business over the next few years, so we can’t wait to see what the future holds. I’d like to thank the whole team for their continued hard work in making PermaGroup such a huge success and I’m eager to lead the group forward from the new year, having taken over the reins from Adrian.”

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Reynaers sponsors Manchester Society of Architects

Reynaers sponsors Manchester Society of Architects

Reynaers Aluminium UK has underlined its commitment to supporting architectural excellence in the North West by sponsoring the Manchester Society of Architects. With Reynaers’ aluminium curtain walling systems already in use on high profile buildings within the city, the company has linked up with the society to raise awareness among developers and architects of its aluminium systems and the bespoke services that it offers – as well as providing guidance on the latest building regulations. Projects on the Manchester skyline that feature Reynaers’ curtain walling systems include the Great Marlborough Street development – a 37-storey building that is part of the ‘Student Castle’ initiative, which uses Reynaers’ ConceptWall 50 (CW 50) and Concept Wall 60 (CW 60) curtain wall systems, including bespoke capping details. The X1, X2 and X3 Media City towers have Reynaers’ ConceptWall 65-EF (CW 65) curtain walling – which were bespoke project profiles – and ConceptSystem 77 HI (CS 77) window systems fitted to create a stand-out visual impact for the Salford Quays landmark buildings, while the company also provided aluminium systems for the city’s Middlewood Locks development, Two New Bailey Square and the New Wakefield Street Tower. (pictured) Darren Peel, Reynaers’ Consult Project Manager for the North West, West Midlands and Scotland works with architects, contractors, consultants, developers, project managers and design teams to address project challenges and provide solutions. He said: “As a company that strives to support architects and construction professionals in achieving the most innovative and sustainable facades possible, Reynaers Aluminium UK is delighted to be a key sponsor of Manchester Society of Architects.” Vice Chairman of the Manchester Society of Architects Paul Iddon added: “Reynaers is a great partner to have on board given the huge level of experience, learning and support that they can bring. Reynaers covers everything from a large residential complex to a hospital, or office development, and this depth and range of expertise supports everything from CPDs to interpreting and fully understanding regulations. “This expertise and advice is invaluable for our members from a regulatory point of view, such as the Building Safety Act, in helping to choose the right product for the job. “Partnerships such as this allow the Society to support architects in the region, covering everything from lectures to CPDs, meetings and events.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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TICA's national training centre welcomes highest ever number of female apprentices

TICA’s national training centre welcomes highest ever number of female apprentices

The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has welcomed the highest number of women to join its latest cohort of apprentices – following a successful East Midlands pilot programme. Of the 71 apprentices joining its latest quarterly intake at its national training centre in Darlington, six are female with a further two women already having inducted earlier this year – compared with just one during the whole of 2022. Four were recruited as a result of TICA’s pilot initiative in Nottingham, which was designed to encourage more women to consider a career within the male-dominated industry. The national training provider attended several career fairs and colleges across the city and staged two recruitment days to raise awareness of the available opportunities and to match applicants with local employers. The female apprentices range in age from 16 to 50 and are from a variety of  backgrounds and careers, including a special educational needs teacher, shop worker, and school leaver. In all, 12 female candidates attended the two recruitment days, and it is hoped the remainder may apply at a later date. The remaining four female apprentices at TICA were directly recruited by employers Altrad UK and Powertherm Contract Services. Marion Marsland, chief executive of TICA, said: “Prior to 2023, we welcomed on average just one female apprentice every three years. While the numbers may still be low, it represents a significant leap forward. It’s also encouraging to see that employers also recognise the benefits of having a more diverse workforce. “Women haven’t always seen construction as a career option due to a perception that it involves heavy manual work. This isn’t the case and TICA will continue to encourage and inspire more women to break down those invisible barriers that have prevented them from gaining well-qualified and well-paid jobs.” The thermal insulation industry is currently facing a recruitment shortage caused by an ageing workforce nearing retirement and a reduction in numbers of EU workers. Helen Anderson, head of learning at TICA, added: “We are experiencing a big demand for apprentices to bridge the resulting skills shortage, a gap that we are starting to bridge. “TICA is working with its employers to help them recruit directly, offering tailored support with everything from attending careers fairs, linking up with colleges, and organising recruitment campaigns and interviews.” It has also provided its members with free magnetic van stickers which is aimed at female recruits that features a QR code that provide further information on a career in thermal insulation. TICA’s apprenticeships combines practical on-site experience with employers with developing skills and best practice at TICA’s national training centre as apprentices work towards nationally recognised qualifications. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Two game-changing product launches from K Systems

Two game-changing product launches from K Systems

Award-winning UK supplier of external wall insulation (EWI) solutions, K Systems, has launched two innovative new systems to the industry in a matter of weeks. The most recent innovation, a new KIWA BDA-certified Direct Fix system is ideal for new build or retrofit steel framed structures of any height, delivers outstanding cost efficiency compared to cavity-based systems, and offers four stunning finishes, the widest range available on the market, with A1 fire resistance options within that. The new solution by K Systems, a renowned brand by industry leaders Kilwaughter Minerals, represents a significant R&D investment and follows extensive market research in partnership with existing customers and stakeholders. The launch of the distinctive and transformative Direct Fix system comes hot on the heels of K Systems’ introduction of its new M VBriQ+ system to market. The A1 fire-resistant mineral wool system with clay brick slip finish is a perfect architectural solution for buildings at all height levels and offers exceptional levels of durability and workability. The system is available in a variety of colours and textures providing unrivalled choice for customers to achieve their desired aesthetic with a standard range of brick slips available in stock. Kilwaughter Minerals’ Business Development Director, Caroline Rowley, said: “At Kilwaughter Minerals, we pride ourselves on maintaining continuous dialogue with our customers and the broader market to innovate and formulate new products tailored to their evolving needs. “We understand growing industry demand for EWI systems that are not only cost effective but that comply with stringent safety regulations whilst also offering superior durability. “With Direct Fix we have perfected an unmatched product which ticks all of those boxes, and we are delighted to finally bring it to market.” Two of the four finishes available with Direct Fix are A1 rated systems, offering the highest standards of fire safety. This launch and the A1 rated M VBriQ+ launch takes K Systems’ A1 portfolio to four A1 rated systems, evidencing the company’s equal dedication to safety and compliance in addition to innovation. Benefits of the newly introduced Direct Fix system also include an easier, faster installation process for applicators due to significantly reduced components, and an option for category one impact resistance rating guaranteeing buildings maintain a pleasing aesthetic for longer, and an unrivalled variety of finishes, colours and textures. Chief Executive of Kilwaughter Minerals, Gary Wilmot, added: “At K Systems, safety is non-negotiable, so we are proud to once again have our products awarded with the industry’s highest A1 fire resistance rating, enabling us to offer a solution that provides complete peace of mind to both customers and residents alike. “The launch of both systems is a shining example of our ability to deliver innovation without compromise and further testament to our prowess in creating products which provide tangible advantages for both those working with our systems and those living in the designated buildings.“ K Systems is a trusted supplier of EWI systems into the UK market for over 30 years and boasts a proven track record of reliability and durability. To learn more about Direct Fix, M VBriQ+, or various other industry-renowned K Systems available, visit www.k.systems. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New Knauf Insulation solution debuts on UK’s largest live entertainment arena

New Knauf Insulation solution debuts on UK’s largest live entertainment arena

Knauf Insulation has launched FactoryClad Roll 35, a non-combustible glass mineral wool solution for built-up metal walls and roofs with the lowest embodied carbon of any equivalent 35 lambda mineral wool product on the UK market.[1] FactoryClad Roll 35 was specifically developed to insulate the 12,000m2 roof of the new Co-op Live arena in Manchester, one of Europe’s largest and most sustainable live entertainment arenas. “Co-op Live is a project that places sustainability at its heart,” explained Liliya Luke, Glass Mineral Wool Product Manager at Knauf Insulation. “So it was essential our new FactoryClad Roll 35 not only delivered the required thermal efficiency but met the project’s sustainability requirements.” “We know that the construction industry faces a monumental task in delivering on the country’s net zero target. FactoryClad Roll 35 not only ticks all the boxes in terms of thermal, fire safety and acoustic performance but it’s backed up by the sustainability credentials the industry needs, so we decided to roll it out to meet demand for sustainable insulation for commercial buildings.” FactoryClad Roll 35 is non-combustible with the best Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification. Because it is made of mineral wool, it also acts as a sound absorbent lining within built-up metal roofs, so will help control the reverberation of internal sound. It comes in five thicknesses between 60 and 220mm and is manufactured at a width of 1,200mm for speed of fitting. It also has a high tear strength which ensures its durability and ease of handling during installation. FactoryClad Roll 35 is backed up by a wide range of sustainability credentials. It’s manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder that contains no added phenol or formaldehyde and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders. Products made with ECOSE® Technology generate low levels of dust and low VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort. All Knauf Insulation’s glass mineral wool is made using up to 80% recycled content, mainly bottles and jars collected from the local area. The company has also invested in the most advanced compression packaging, which reduces handling, storage and transport emissions as well as the amount of plastic film used. In addition, the products are manufactured in the UK. Like other Knauf Insulation glass mineral wool products, FactoryClad Roll 35 is accredited Declare ‘Red List Free’. This means there is an obligation to disclose a full list of product ingredients up to 0.01% and it certifies that the product does not contain any harmful chemicals featured on the Declare ‘Red List’. For more information visit www.knaufinsulation.co.uk/factoryclad-roll-35. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals [1] Based on published EPD data available in October 2023.

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