Traditional materials such as Portland stone may have been pushed out of the mainstream by concrete and steel, but nothing beats this natural material, says design and construction specialist Dan Grimshaw. “It may be old as the hills but is still a viable option for eco-conscious builds and can still
Steve Bennett, Managing Director, Dura Products The construction industry has taken a major step forward with Laing O’Rourke, the UK’s largest privately-owned construction company, announcing that it will only use low carbon concrete for all new projects. The change takes place with immediate effect, resulting in a significant reduction in
As a long established and well-respected manufacturer of high-quality cast stone, Haddonstone has built strong relationship with the UK’s housebuilders; embracing both the large national and smaller regional developers, tailoring its operational structure over the years to ensure their needs are fully met. Already with over a quarter century of
Leading Yorkshire manufacturer and designer of structural building components, ACS Stainless Steel Fixings (ACS) has today launched Intex™ Fire Protect – setting a new standard for masonry support. Intex™ is the first combined masonry support system combining four critical components in one easy-to-fit design – meaning it is over 40%
LEADING specialist civil engineering product provider Wrekin has launched a new bespoke steel installation service for tier one contractors, to form an end-to-end- solution that includes design and manufacture for an easier product acquisition process. The service enables site managers to discuss project requirements with an expert from the
The findings of a recent report have indicated the growing need for independent merchants to find the right balance between fulfilling in-person trade sales and providing support via digital channels. The new report from National Buying Group (NBG), Valuing Local Independent Trade Merchants in a Digital World, analysed the role
FIS member, construction materials supplier Euroform has introduced a new direct render base board called Versarend®. An A1 non-combustible exterior grade board, Versarend® is cement based yet light weight with ‘score and snap’ workability, so is quick to install. Already tested with a range of polymeric renders, Versarend® has been
The Builders’ Merchants Awards are the longest running industry awards, recognising colleagues, companies and teams from across the United Kingdom. Over 700 colleagues will be gathering on 24th November at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge, London, to celebrate achievement and to raise a glass to those who have excelled in
Leading construction materials supplier Aggregate Industries has launched ECOPlanet, a range of green cement that delivers at least 30% lower carbon compared to standard CEM I. Launching in the UK for the first time, ECOPlanet uses a broad range of low emission raw materials, such as fly ash, creating a
British Gypsum, a leading manufacturer of high-performance drylining solutions, has renewed its membership with the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) for another year. The renewal reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to upholding the highest standards in the construction industry, as well as its contributions to several key projects with the
Traditional materials such as Portland stone may have been pushed out of the mainstream by concrete and steel, but nothing beats this natural material, says design and construction specialist Dan Grimshaw. “It may be old as the hills but is still a viable option for eco-conscious builds and can still play a significant role in an increasingly high-tech industry, says Dan from Beam Development, who has been working on premium residential projects for more than 15 years, “The mining of stone for building material is a relatively green process because there is no trapped carbon released during extraction. Unlike with some building materials, greenhouse gas emission is limited to the equipment used and does not produce any wastes. “Stone is a natural building material, free from pollutants that can cause various symptoms among workers in some modern buildings. It doesn’t need chemical treatment to make it waterproof, and with the appropriate fixing material, is an environmentally friendly option.” Inspired by the aesthetics of designer Axel Vervoordt, whose work combines contemporary and old materials, Dan personally sourced 2.4m³ block of Portland stone from Dorset to be used as a hearth as part of a restoration project in London’s Mayfair. “This beautiful, ornamental stone is classic but contemporary and its neutral colour allow it to work with a variety of colours and furnishings, and is at home whether in a minimalist apartment or a Georgian town house,” added Dan. “We chose Portland stone for this project, because of its soft grey tones which create a natural, pared back but aesthetic look that fits with the feel of the house, and that can be cut easily and shaped into various sizes and designs.” Portland stone is used extensively in some of Britain’s most notable structures from St Paul’s Cathedral to the Apple store on London’s Regent Street, and continues to be used in homes today, particularly for fireplaces, staircases, and flooring. When it came to choosing the right stone, Dan, along with architect Reginald Verspreeùwen from RV Architecture, visited Albion Stone on the Isle of Portland to identify the bed and cut they were looking for and then set about finding a block of a suitable size. “We spent two or three amazing hours – like kids in a sweet shop – looking at all the different stones, before hitting upon a 1.2 tonne piece of premium quality, fine grain basebed stone that ticked all the boxes.” The Portland stone hearth which will be the centre piece of a two-storey atrium with a biofuel heater and chimney stack above, is set to be marked and cut and then transported to Mayfair where it will be lowered into place. Portland stone is a limestone formed from the slow compaction of calcium carbonate and organic seafloor matter, like shell fragments, deposited during the late Jurassic period when the UK was situated in a more sub-tropical latitude. Dan Grimshaw is a design and construction specialist based in Bath and London. He is a mentor to the British Library’s prestigious Innovating for Growth programme and is a jury member for the BLT Built Design Awards. For further information visit: www.beamdevelopment.co.uk
Steve Bennett, Managing Director, Dura Products The construction industry has taken a major step forward with Laing O’Rourke, the UK’s largest privately-owned construction company, announcing that it will only use low carbon concrete for all new projects. The change takes place with immediate effect, resulting in a significant reduction in the company’s scope 3 carbon emissions – that is the embodied carbon in purchased materials – equalling a carbon reduction of 28% compared to its concrete usage last year, a saving of 14.4 million kgCO2e. It’s certainly encouraging to see such a major player in our industry fully embrace a change that couldn’t be timelier. The Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) recently reported that the climate performance of the sector and the 2050 decarbonisation pathway is widening[1]. However, with the built environment generating 39% of annual global CO2 emissions, of course the industry needs to play a bigger role in mitigating them. Clearly, relying on designing and building developments that boast lower operational carbon – the energy needed to heat, cool and power them, which currently accounts for 28% of the estimated 40% of CO2 emissions emitted by the industry[2] – isn’t the full answer. Embodied carbon contributes 11% of the industry’s CO2 emissions – a smaller percentage than operational, but one just as vital to tackle if we, as an industry, are to achieve our sustainability goals. That’s because once it is locked into a completed building, it can never be recaptured. Architects and developers use Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) that help to measure the embodied and operational environmental impacts of a project – from procurement, construction, operation and end-of-life – all to internationally accepted standards. They also allow project planners and designers to compare alternative materials and understand and evaluate which products and parts of the building have the most and least impact. Importantly, LCAs offer major stakeholders a legitimate way to substantiate their environmental claims using credible data. Dura Products has long been a trailblazer when it comes to green construction – in addition to being predominantly created out of recycled plastic content, the products also require little energy use during transportation and installation thanks to their lightweight composition. They also provide the option to recycle again, as each unit can be reused, recycled or remade. Their environmental credentials were further underlined in September 2021, when we updated our first PAS2050 study and released our LCAs. Our flagship product, Durakerb, achieved a carbon footprint of 5.95kg of CO2 per 914mm unit. However, I stress that LCAs cannot account for the environmental savings gained from using building materials fabricated from waste products that would have otherwise gone into landfill: Durakerb is manufactured from 88% recycled material – from margarine tubs and used packaging, to post agricultural polymers and recycled car parts. The material composition of a solution itself is something too often overlooked, yet sustainable materials for infrastructure, such as drainage and kerb systems, could unlock the key for contractors looking to reduce the quantity of embodied carbon for clients – and future-proofing projects to ensure they comply with the increasing number of environmental prerequisites. I very much hope that with a construction company of Laing O’Rourke’s size making such a significant environmentally-positive move, this could be a catalyst for the whole industry to embrace more sustainable building products, and to take the extra steps and changes needed to embrace a more sustainable future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals [1] 2022 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction | UNEP – UN Environment Programme [2] Embodied Carbon – World Green Building Council (worldgbc.org)
As a long established and well-respected manufacturer of high-quality cast stone, Haddonstone has built strong relationship with the UK’s housebuilders; embracing both the large national and smaller regional developers, tailoring its operational structure over the years to ensure their needs are fully met. Already with over a quarter century of experience at the family run firm, Toby Marlow is the Director leading Haddonstone’s Building and Construction team. He is engaged on a day-to-day basis with ensuring client architectural projects are run and completed to achieve best possible outcomes. Callum Jensen fills the complementary role of Export and Business Development Manager, overseeing all the company’s sales and other activities outside the UK. Also, over the past decade at Haddonstone, Callum has further worked in business development, technical support and as a key accounts manager: affording the pair a full understanding of sales, production and client services. As a founding member of the UK Cast Stone Association, Haddonstone has always invested to ensure its diverse range of standard products, as well as its continuous output of bespoke items, are manufactured to exceed industry standards, whilst also respecting the environment. In fact, over 80% of the Building and Construction team’s components are produced to meet their clients’ precise requirements: involving the unique skillset of the craftsmen in Haddonstone’s moulds workshop, constant monitoring of the mixes which fill them, and rigorous testing of the finished products. The latter includes water absorption rate, compressive strength and pull-out strength, as well as visual inspections and regular independent testing. Toby Marlow commented: “Here at Haddonstone we are fully committed to meeting our customers’ needs, whether they relate to a major new housing development, a one-off Georgian style property, or the repair and restoration of a listed period property. We can offer site surveys where required, supply of very detailed CAD drawings or building elevations, guidance on installation and after sales service – to ensure quality and durability are achieved every time. We have our own transport fleet, can recommend experienced installation specialists local to projects and will always work with our clients to resolve their issues.” For more information on Haddonstone’s products and services, including from the Building and Construction team, please visit https://www.haddonstone.com/en-gb/building-and-construction/ For further information, call 01604 770711 or visit www.haddonstone.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading Yorkshire manufacturer and designer of structural building components, ACS Stainless Steel Fixings (ACS) has today launched Intex™ Fire Protect – setting a new standard for masonry support. Intex™ is the first combined masonry support system combining four critical components in one easy-to-fit design – meaning it is over 40% faster to install, reducing congestion by to 60% and providing rock solid reliability. The product was launched at a packed industry event, attended by developers, contractors, architects and leaders from across the sector. It was centred around a Q&A on the Building Safety Act, with speakers from NHBC, Building Alliance and BBA all in attendance to discuss the role of the industry in creating safe and sustainable structures post-Grenfell. Speaking at the launch Paul Ruding, Strategic Specification Director at ACS, said: “It was a privilege to host so many of the industry’s leaders in one room, giving us the opportunity to debate and explore our role in creating safe high rise buildings that will stand the test of time. Our thanks to all who came along to engage, listen and find out about our new product – something we have invested heavily in in our pursuit of safer buildings.” Intex™ is a patented design combining wall tie, masonry support and cavity tray in one, with an added open state fire barrier mechanically fixed to the cavity tray for exceptional fire protection. The product has undertaken fire testing at Warrington Fire and achieved a test value of over 120 minutes integrity and over 90 minutes insulation. It is warrantied for an industry leading 12 years with a 60+ year design life. Paul continued: “Intex™ is a revolutionary and game changing system which brings peace of mind to everyone involved on a construction project – from installers to architects, main contractors to warranty providers. It helps to eliminate a host of problems that can lurk between masonry panels and the internal structure. “It has been created to overcome previous issues of overly complex design, cavity congestion, incompatible parts and incorrect installation, whilst Intex Fire Protect is also over 40% faster to install than traditional masonry support which means significant labour cost savings. It is ergonomically designed, making it easy for installers to handle and fit, with the added bonus of reducing deliveries and storage space onsite by up to 32%. This doesn’t just dramatically speed up the installation process, it gives complete peace of mind that components are compatible and every one of them is doing its job.” ACS’ commercial director Gareth Twohey led the Q&A on the night, and was joined by Chris Hall, Innovations Services Manager at NHBC, Bill Hewlett, Technical Director at BBA, and Mike Leonard, Chief Executive at Building Alliance. Speaking on the night Mike Leonard said: “Among our key Building Alliance tenets is a commitment to articulating the benefits of the masonry building envelope, so I am delighted to see an organisation like ACS investing in R&D to give the industry a fantastic new masonry tool. Intex is a pioneering product that will help us build safer futures.” Made with 90% recycled steel, 100% recyclable, and with a 60-plus-year design life Intex™ Fire Protect is more reliable, effective, and efficient to install than anything that has come before. It sets a new standard for masonry support. Intex™ is also available as a 3in1 solution. In a further bid to pioneer safe and sustainable construction, ACS has also launched a free CPD programme for anyone in the sector, covering a range of masonry support topics. More than 400 delegates have already signed up for the courses. Renowned for its pioneering approach, award-winning ACS has developed its solid reputation in the market for providing patented innovative solutions, including masonry support and brick slip panel solutions – essential construction components used in construction of the largest modern-day projects in the UK. It reinvests its profits back into product research and development and creates A1 non-combustible, new products that can be used by developers looking to create high rise structures that meet changing Government legislation. Find out more at https://acsstainless.co.uk/landing_page/intex-4-in-1-masonry-support-system%20%20and%20%203-in1 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
LEADING specialist civil engineering product provider Wrekin has launched a new bespoke steel installation service for tier one contractors, to form an end-to-end- solution that includes design and manufacture for an easier product acquisition process. The service enables site managers to discuss project requirements with an expert from the newly formed Wrekin Steel Project Installation Team. The team will schedule an initial site visit before the design and creation stage, to allow for early identification and first-time specification success of the right steel solutions prior to arranging the installation date. This will reduce the likelihood of miscommunication and an incorrect specification. Offering a robust and comprehensive range of bespoke steel solutions, the Wrekin team can deliver access covers, walkways, platforms, staircases, ladders, handrails or head wall grilles to overcome any potentially project halting delays. Richard Lovatt, fabrication and installation manager at Wrekin, said: “We understand that our clients’ time is precious, so by being able to turn to us for a complete solution that includes bespoke and early steels specification, as well as installation support, saves time and provides peace of mind. Often, the use of intermediaries can lead to details being lost or misinterpreted during traditional procurement, so our new service is the answer to unnecessary delays or errors on our bespoke steel solutions. “With a free site visit to determine what’s needed and where, we can discuss the exact specification needed with site managers to keep their project moving forward.” The new service has been tried and tested on the Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing – one of Norfolk’s most significant infrastructure projects in recent years. Having begun construction in 2021, the extensive upgrade to Norfolk’s road network will link the two sides of the river and make use of a five-exit roundabout to take on the bulk of the town’s heavy traffic congestion. Wrekin supplied two bespoke steel access covers following an initial site visit and continued dialogue to achieve the final specification. Chris Feeney, design co-ordinator at BAM Farrans Joint Venture, said: “The nature and scale of the Third River Crossing project meant that any setbacks were costly. Having an expert on the ground assessing our existing failed covers felt assuring – with the solution we were set to receive being determined as fast and accurately as possible. “The covers provided by Wrekin perfectly meet our desired specification. It’s a great new service Wrekin is offering and they’re set to make life easier for others like they did for me.” To find out more about Wrekin visit: https://www.wrekinproducts.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The findings of a recent report have indicated the growing need for independent merchants to find the right balance between fulfilling in-person trade sales and providing support via digital channels. The new report from National Buying Group (NBG), Valuing Local Independent Trade Merchants in a Digital World, analysed the role of digital in the traditionally low-digital builders’ merchant sector. Specifically, it surveyed UK tradespeople to find out if and how buying channels had changed post-COVID, why customers continue to buy from independent builders’ merchants, and the role digital has to play in the industry. Despite the post-COVID rise of digital channels, the survey revealed that 92% of trade sales continue to be made over-counter, marking the builders merchants’ sector as uniquely low-digital. Although 61.5% of tradespeople said they bought more online during the pandemic many have now reverted to a hybrid approach to sourcing supplies, with 60.5% claiming to buy both in-store and online now. According to NBG Managing Director Nick Oates, these findings demonstrate the strength of the sector, which is adopting the best of both the physical and non-physical worlds. “As our new report demonstrates, while digital sales have made huge inroads across the retail sector post-COVID, builders’ merchants are bucking this trend,” he explains. “This is understandable – unlike in some other industries, there are many factors to in-person buying in this sector, and especially with independent merchants, that are hard to replicate online. “But this is not to say that the sector, and more specifically, our Partners and Suppliers, is not implementing digital practices. As our report makes clear, tradespeople are using these channels to carry out activities that complement the trade counter, including research, price-checking, basket building, videos, reviews and business administration. It is clear there has been a sea-change in best practice, and the role of digital for tradespeople may not lie solely in sales, but mainly in support functions that bolster over-counter sales.” The survey highlighted the main reasons tradespeople choose to buy in-store or in-person, with location (54.5%), customer service (54%), convenience (40.5%) and access to product knowledge and advice (32.5%) deemed the main lures of the trade counter. By comparison, when it comes to buying digitally, convenience (60.5%), price (41.5%) and product range (41.5%) were given as the main reasons why tradespeople choose to buy online. The report also collected qualitative evidence from respondents to further explore the reasons behind these findings. According to Nick, the data demonstrates the key role independent merchants can play in customers’ buying decisions, citing factors such as personal relationships, expertise, personalisation and feeling part of a community. “While it has been heartening to see that the digital literacy of tradespeople is increasing, it is also highly encouraging to see feedback showing how customers have returned to trade branches,” Nick concludes. “This is testament to the strength of independent builders’ merchants, and the value of strong relationships. We believe tradespeople are more inclined to work with merchants they know and trust on a personal level, and this will be vital to ensuring all parties are able to thrive despite the challenges 2023 might bring.” To download National Buying Group’s latest report, Valuing Local Independent Trade Merchants in a Digital World, click here. For more information on National Buying Group, including how to join the premier buying group for independent merchants, visit https://www.nationalbuyinggroup.com/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
FIS member, construction materials supplier Euroform has introduced a new direct render base board called Versarend®. An A1 non-combustible exterior grade board, Versarend® is cement based yet light weight with ‘score and snap’ workability, so is quick to install. Already tested with a range of polymeric renders, Versarend® has been tested by a number of leading render system suppliers. Versarend® has achieved A1 Euroclass reaction to fire classification, making it suitable for a direct render carrier board where a non-combustible façade is required, providing all other components are non-combustible, says Euroform. It is UKCA marked according to BS EN 12467:2012+A2:2018 ‘fibre cement flat sheets’ “Versarend® is particularly innovative, because it can easily be cut with a utility knife and snapped to size without the requirement for power tools as is usually the case with traditional render base boards, thereby minimising dust and noise, and greatly increasing speed of installation,” said Roland Culverhouse, technical product manager at Euroform. Versarend® is manufactured via a unique process combining Ordinary Portland Cement and a reinforcing matrix that enhances the workability and handling properties over traditional fibre cement boards. It is a 12mm board in sheet size of 2400 x 1200 that is compatible with standard stud spacings/layout. Versarend® is highly moisture tolerant and will not rot or degrade. For technical data visit https://www.euroform.co.uk/ Euroform has been developing, fabricating and supplying materials for the construction industry since 1995. Euroform specialises in ensuring fire and thermal compliance across its product range. Each product is supported by an experienced and knowledgeable technical team to provide advice and guidance. Based at Warrington, Euroform is part of Performance Technology Group an SIG Trading Ltd group of companies specialising in supporting the construction industry to meet acoustic, fire, thermal and vibration challenges. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Builders’ Merchants Awards are the longest running industry awards, recognising colleagues, companies and teams from across the United Kingdom. Over 700 colleagues will be gathering on 24th November at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge, London, to celebrate achievement and to raise a glass to those who have excelled in the industry. As suppliers to Independent Builders Merchants from Manchester down to Southampton, EPD Insulation Group have stepped up their national marketing with sponsorship of the ‘Community Initiative of the Year’ award. This award celebrates builders’ merchant who have gone the extra mile to give back to their local community since October 2022. The judges will be looking for merchants that have helped to improve their local community through sponsorship, by raising money, donating materials, or by otherwise helping those in need. The reason EPD has chosen this particular award is that local community has always been at the heart of the business. Since the start of the business in 2011, MD, Steve Boon, has gone out of his way to help young people with sports sponsorship opportunities as well as helping other local causes, so the ‘Community Initiative of the Year’ award just made sense. Marketing Director Neil Farrow said “This sponsorship, together with our new website, is just the start of our new marketing agenda. Our aim is to challenge the big players by offering seamless service and communication throughout the ordering and supply chain, standing by our mantra of Trust; Integrity; Service.” If you’re a Builders Merchant that helps its local community get in touch here https://www.merchants-awards.co.uk/ You’ve got to be in it to win it! Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading construction materials supplier Aggregate Industries has launched ECOPlanet, a range of green cement that delivers at least 30% lower carbon compared to standard CEM I. Launching in the UK for the first time, ECOPlanet uses a broad range of low emission raw materials, such as fly ash, creating a low carbon product that doesn’t compromise on performance. Its low carbon footprint is further enhanced by the decarbonising its production process through the use of alternative fuels. ECOPlanet is the latest product range in Aggregate Industries’ suite of green building solutions and is the lowest CO2 footprint fly ash cement available in the UK. Other key benefits of ECOPlanet include its resistance to both sulphate attack and chloride ingress, and prevention against alkali-silica reaction. It also improves pumpability, placing and finishing – making it the ideal solution for high durability requirements. Dragan Maksimovic, CEO at Aggregate Industries, said: “The launch of ECOPlanet expands on our existing low carbon products including ECOPact, the world’s broadest range of green concrete or Super-Low Carbon, the first asphalt using biogenic material within the bitumen. The product is driven by innovation and by our ambitions to build a net zero future, and we’re delighted once again to be pushing the boundaries of low carbon construction solutions.” Steve Curley, Managing Director Cement at Aggregate Industries, said: “The launch of ECOPlanet represents yet another step forward in the transition towards a more sustainable construction industry. Its innovative formula and unique production process delivers at least 30% lower CO2, making it the first low carbon cement for the precast segment available in the UK. We look forward to working with our customers to provide yet another option to support our collective goal of achieving net zero emissions.” The launch of ECOPlanet is part of Aggregate Industries’ ambitious 2030 sustainability strategy, Building Progress for a Sustainable Future. For more information, visit the ECOPlanet webpage. For more information on Aggregate Industries, visit aggregate.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
British Gypsum, a leading manufacturer of high-performance drylining solutions, has renewed its membership with the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) for another year. The renewal reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to upholding the highest standards in the construction industry, as well as its contributions to several key projects with the FIS aimed at improving and standardising safety, quality and performance. One of British Gypsum’s significant contributions has been to the creation of the new British Standard, BS 8000-8, which has replaced BS 8212 after years of development. This new standard covers an additional area of drylining and is set to raise the bar for the industry. The company’s ongoing dedication to best practice has also been reflected through its contribution to the FIS Drylining Guides, which launched in March 2023. The guides serve as a reference point for regulations on safety, fire performance and standards and are designed to help those working in the industry to make more informed decisions. David Robinson, Head of Technical Support at British Gypsum, said: ‘It is important that we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to upholding standards within the industry. Our ongoing FIS membership and contribution to the new British Standard are just some of the ways we are able to display our technical expertise, the values we advocate and our commitment to the sector. It is also a further example of how we reassure our customers and construction partners that they can trust our guidance to build a better future for people and the planet.’ Membership in the FIS is contingent on strict adherence to a code of conduct that requires careful vetting of applicants to improve quality and raise standards within the finishes and interior sector. British Gypsum’s technical proficiency has made it an important contributor to the FIS’s initiatives, as it seeks to benefit the construction industry in the long term. To learn more about British Gypsum, please visit www.british-gypsum.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
