After much anticipation, the annual Brick Development Association Brick Awards shortlist has been revealed, and we are very proud to learn that IG Masonry Support products feature in seven projects across six categories. The Brick Awards celebrate the pinnacle of brick architecture and craftsmanship. Each year, hundreds of projects are submitted by
Landscaping and building materials specialist opens centre amongst London’s thriving London Bridge design community Marshalls has opened a new showroom for landscape architects and designers at The Leather Market. A short walk from London Bridge station, the centre is designed with creativity in mind, enabling visitors to visualise its product
Safety and sustainability are top priorities for the UK construction industry with significant efforts being made to improve safety standards and sustainable practices, including the use of products specifically designed to meet on-site safety requirements and help the industry reduce its environmental impact. The development of an innovative new product,
Drainage and water supply system specialist, Polypipe Building Services, has launched new technical brochures for its MecFlow Supply Systems designed to make the specification process as smooth as possible. There is a technical manual dedicated to each key MecFlow products: MecFlow Fusion and MecFlow Press, which are now available to
BMI Redland, the specialists in pitched roofing solutions, are celebrating 40 years of Cambrian Slate – the innovative engineered slate tile which has paved the way for responsible roofing and even won the prestigious Queen’s Award. The launch of Cambrian Slate was a world-first for the roofing industry in the
Sto, in collaboration with applicators Chiltern Contracts, has successfully completed a rendering project that enhances both performance and aesthetics for a refurbished multi-purpose building in central London. Located in Oxford Circus, Henry Wood House was originally constructed in the 1960s and consists of a 16-storey tower with two interconnecting wings,
National construction products manufacturer and building envelope specialist, CA Group, have renewed their membership with Secured by Design (SBD). Founded in 1983, independently owned, an Employee Benefit Trust and home to some of the most experienced construction personnel in the industry, CA Group is one of the largest manufacturers and
Thermal breaks specialist, Armatherm, was recently selected to play a pivotal role in the recent expansion of the Warren Conference Center at Framingham State University. Tasked with creating an energy-efficient and visually appealing ballroom addition, Lavallee Brensinger Architects turned to Armatherm’s cutting-edge thermal break technology to ensure optimal insulation and
Brick manufacturer Forterra has recently launched a load selector calculator to allow customers to tailor their brick orders to the precise mix of products they require. With the ability to choose the exact number of bricks they need from Forterra’s entire range of London Bricks, plus Ecostock’s Atherstone Red and
The call for solar continues to be strong, with more efficient panels being demanded by homeowners, housebuilders and contractors. In response, Marley has launched a new panel option in its SolarTile® range – the SolarTile® 410. The new panel delivers a peak power of 410W to increase total power from
After much anticipation, the annual Brick Development Association Brick Awards shortlist has been revealed, and we are very proud to learn that IG Masonry Support products feature in seven projects across six categories. The Brick Awards celebrate the pinnacle of brick architecture and craftsmanship. Each year, hundreds of projects are submitted by eminent architects, brickwork contractors, main contractors and developers. These projects span a diverse spectrum of creativity, showcasing an array of colors, shapes, and brick types, unfolding across 18 hotly-contested categories. IG Masonry Support has supplied its products and services to 7 of the shortlisted projects, these include: VITA Bruce Street (Little Victoria Street) Our Sales Director, Scott Denham shared his thoughts:“We are pleased to hear that once again our products have been featured in the Brick Awards shortlisted projects with the brickwork solutions we have provided. This shortlisting showcases our commitment to engineering excellence through offsite craftsmanship. Our continued support of the annual Brick Development Association Brick Awards is something that we are very excited to be a part of. We look forward to learning the winners of the Awards in early November and wish everyone involved in the projects, the very best of luck. The Brick Awards ceremony takes place on Wednesday 6th November 2024 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. For more information, please visit: www.brick.org.uk/brick-awards Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Landscaping and building materials specialist opens centre amongst London’s thriving London Bridge design community Marshalls has opened a new showroom for landscape architects and designers at The Leather Market. A short walk from London Bridge station, the centre is designed with creativity in mind, enabling visitors to visualise its product ranges virtually and experiment with a wide variety of material types. Following eight years at Compton Courtyard, Clerkenwell, Marshalls has chosen to relocate to this vibrant new location recognising the growth of the SE1 postcode as a hub for landscape architects and designers. The Leather Market is also conveniently situated just a five-minute walk from London Bridge Station, making it easily accessible from various parts of London and beyond. The new unit at The Leather Market offers customers a creative and inspiring environment. It features a workshop-style setting with advanced digital features, enabling customers to explore ranges and laying patterns using augmented and virtual reality technology. The space offers a hands-on approach to testing materials and design concepts, with clients able to touch and feel physical samples and explore various colours, textures, and finishes. The modelling area helps turn digital models into reality with the ability to set out miniature street scenes with their chosen options. The Leather Market also boasts additional facilities, including various-sized meeting rooms available for hire, a separate break-out space, an on-site café and catering services. James Gosden, National Specification Manager for Marshalls Landscape Products, said: “Whether customers are networking, seeking inspiration for a scheme or development or just want a location to mind-map ideas, our new Design Space is the perfect environment to spark creativity. Located in the London Bridge area, we’re now much closer to many of our customers, too, making it easier for them to pop by at a time that suits them. We can’t wait to start welcoming people to this exciting new space.” Alongside its new London showroom, Marshalls has a second Design Space in Birmingham, located just a five-minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station. To book, visit marshalls.co.uk/commercial/design-space Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Safety and sustainability are top priorities for the UK construction industry with significant efforts being made to improve safety standards and sustainable practices, including the use of products specifically designed to meet on-site safety requirements and help the industry reduce its environmental impact. The development of an innovative new product, called the Rebar Buddy, mitigates some of the risk of injuries caused by exposed reinforcement bars – or rebars for short – and signifies a step in the right direction for the industry, especially as its designed to be fully recyclable to meet contractor demands for sustainability. The Rebar Buddy, which is distributed exclusively in the UK by Selkent, represents a significant improvement on existing methods of nullifying the hazards posed by the exposed ends of protruding rebar sections. Rebars play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of buildings. Typically, made from steel, a rebar is used to strengthen concrete structures by increasing its tensile strength. However, they can cause safety issues for those working on site, with protruding rebars causing a potential for injury or trip hazard. And while the use of a rebar protector isn’t new, the material composition of existing rebar mushroom caps and their likeliness of becoming contaminated with concrete means they can’t be recycled and therefore don’t meet sustainable standards of construction today. Shaun Bushnell, Managing Director at Selkent explains the thinking behind the development process: “Rebar Buddy is a great example of how incremental improvements can be made to existing components, when you apply careful attention and some up-to-date, expert knowledge. “Rebar end caps, or mushrooms, have been used for years, and do a job, but with some drawbacks. They suffer from frequent wear and tear by being taken on and off the rebar and can become loose and often be blown off by moderate winds. With large sites sometimes having thousands of protruding ends, using a more flexible and sustainable material just made sense.” Rebar Buddy is constructed from a PTE thermoplastic elastomer that is perfectly suited to its application. Combined with a smart 3D design, the material offers a stiff elasticity which endures with repeated use, delivering a strong grip while allowing easy application. The addition of a linear version, where each piece covers multiple rebar protrusions, allows far quicker application saving valuable time. Crucially, these designs also have the toughness and durability to offer the physical protection required and last much longer than existing products. Rebar Buddy products are also fully recyclable, this combines with their reusability to offer impressive sustainability performance. It was this that led to the product being recognised by the Environment & Sustainability Award at the 2023 CONSTRUCT Day Awards. UK Port Sustainability awards also. Shaun continue: “In the grand scheme of a construction project the impact of a relatively small amount of plastic waste didn’t used to come up on the project manager’s radar, but that has changed. Now, the industry recognises that we need to move to cradle-to-cradle solutions wherever we can, and Rebar Buddy offers that opportunity”. You can find out more about Rebar Buddy here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Drainage and water supply system specialist, Polypipe Building Services, has launched new technical brochures for its MecFlow Supply Systems designed to make the specification process as smooth as possible. There is a technical manual dedicated to each key MecFlow products: MecFlow Fusion and MecFlow Press, which are now available to download. The manuals provide detailed information and full technical specifications to support building service and public health engineers when specifying projects. MecFlow Fusion and MecFlow Press Supply Systems are designed to meet the highest standards of performance and reliability offering robust solutions for a wide range of applications in commercial and high-rise projects. Together they form a fully comprehensive supply system from the basement or plant room to risers, runouts and apartments. Designed for robustness, MecFlow Fusion is available from ø20mm to ø 315mm and features a tough multi-layer composition that’s reinforced by microfibres for added mechanical strength and antimicrobial properties. The welding techniques used to install MecFlow Fusion produce secure, long-lasting joints without the need for hot works. Also available exclusively in MecFlow Fusion is the patented CLICKWELD™ technology, that allows a “dry fit” and adjustments before electrofusion of the joints. Certified to BS EN ISO 15874 with WRAS approval, MecFlow Fusion uses socket weld, buttweld and electrofusion jointing methods to create homogenous joints. Designed for flexibility and durability, MecFlow Press is a multi-layer composite piping system available from ø16mm to ø32mm. Engineered for potable, hot and cold plumbing and heating installations, MecFlow Press takes the best of both metal and plastic systems. Providing an oxygen tight barrier, low thermal expansion and first-class flow rates, the ideal choice for runout and apartment installations. Certified to BS EN ISO 21003 with WRAS approval, MecFlow Press uses press-fit jointing featuring a stainless-steel sleeve with tool guide and inspection holes ensuring peace of mind. Each of the technical manuals provide in-depth information on the systems range, including: With the product’s full specifications available in two fully comprehensive publications, specifiers and contractors have complete reassurance and confidence that MecFlow Supply Systems comply with legislation and meet the project requirements. Ian Crickmore, Technical Director of Polypipe Building Services, explains: “We recognise the importance to our clients of having technical information readily available during the specification process, helping them to correctly plan a project from the ground up. Our new MecFlow Supply Systems technical manuals are designed to make that process time-efficient and hassle-free, with easy to navigate information including full specifications, technical illustrations and rating tables, providing specifiers and contractors with complete reassurance that the MecFlow product is the right fit for their project.” Download the technical manuals today: MecFlow Supply Systems | Polypipe Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BMI Redland, the specialists in pitched roofing solutions, are celebrating 40 years of Cambrian Slate – the innovative engineered slate tile which has paved the way for responsible roofing and even won the prestigious Queen’s Award. The launch of Cambrian Slate was a world-first for the roofing industry in the mid-80s, bringing a natural slate roof tile to market with all the qualities of an engineered product. The system represented an entirely new approach to recycling by taking some of the large amount of waste rock generated by the slate quarrying process and turning it into an attractive, durable slate tile. Cambrian made it possible to balance traditional aesthetics alongside engineered performance and sustainability. Reflecting the ground-breaking nature of Cambrian, during 1984, its development was kept tightly under wraps, with a brand-new factory built in Wales – just a few miles from where the slate is quarried – which remains the heart of production to this day. Within a decade of its launch, Cambrian also won the 1991 Queen’s Award for Technological Achievement. BMI’s commitment to innovation has seen further developments over the last four decades, with the most recent being its compatibility with the Redland PV InDaX Adapt in-roof solar system. “When we launched the Cambrian tile in the mid-80s, it was the world’s first natural slate composite tile, combining the best of traditional Welsh slate with the quality and uniformity of an engineered product,” says Mat Woodyatt, Product Manager at BMI. “In the years since its launch, the tile has helped housebuilders and roofers to elevate levels of quality, maintaining traditional natural slate aesthetics and even prioritising sustainability – so it was well ahead of its time. “It truly is a product for the whole team to be proud of and it is genuinely reflective of the innovative culture that our company is built on.” Suitable for a wide range of projects and architectural styles, Cambrian Slate is a specially engineered system, which can be specified with Cambrian fittings to create a complete system. Made using over 60% responsibly sourced Ffestiniog Welsh slate, it is lightweight, suitable for pitches as low as 15° and simple to install. BBA certified, Cambrian comes complete with a 60-year product guarantee alongside a 15-year weathertightness, durability and design liability guarantee when specified using SpecMaster. Discover the full potential of Cambrian at bmigroup.com/uk/cambrian Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sto, in collaboration with applicators Chiltern Contracts, has successfully completed a rendering project that enhances both performance and aesthetics for a refurbished multi-purpose building in central London. Located in Oxford Circus, Henry Wood House was originally constructed in the 1960s and consists of a 16-storey tower with two interconnecting wings, each five storeys high. The building comprises 69,000 square feet of office space, 10,800 square feet of retail, and a hotel occupying the upper seven floors. The external renovation required the refurbishment of the existing façade, including the application of new rendering. Sto was chosen to design a system that would not only repair the damaged façade but also meet a specific design brief from Ben Adams Architects and the building’s owners, Derwent. The brief called for a modern, linear render finish that would bring texture to the building’s surface and provide a durable exterior. Bogdan Stefan, Project Manager for Chiltern Contracts’ façades division, said: “The linear appearance, which was to be applied across thousands of square metres, was particularly challenging and had not been replicated anywhere else in the UK before. “Meticulous planning was crucial to achieve the desired result. Sto provided specialist training for our applicators, enabling us to create extensive mock-ups for the client’s approval before commencing the work.” To create the StoSignature linear appearance, Stolit MP render was applied, and using a special V-shaped trowel, the applicators carefully pulled the trowel in one direction across the render at a specific angle to achieve the exact finish required. Bogdan continued: “Replicating the precise lines approved in the mock-up on a much larger scale required significant skill and patience. To ensure consistency and the highest standards, the applicators who were specially trained by Sto completed the entire project from start to finish.” Before applying the specialist render finish, the StoReno Plan system was used to repair the façade. This system was installed over the failing mosaic tile cladding and granite slips. It comprised an adhesive bedding coat, StoReno A recycled glass, mesh-reinforced carrier boards, a reinforcing coat with embedded mesh, and the decorative render finish. This system ensures the new façade is resistant to cracking and weathering. The new repair system was specifically selected for installations requiring an A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire classification. Given the complexity of the installation, Sto provided ongoing technical advice and support to the applicators throughout the project. Due to the building’s existing structure and high negative wind loads, strict fixing patterns had to be agreed upon and followed. The installation was reviewed by Sto at various stages to ensure the workmanship met the required standards, securing an extended warranty. The rendering project was completed on time and met the high expectations of all parties involved. For more information, visit www.sto.co.uk, email info.uk@sto.com, or call 0330 024 2666. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
National construction products manufacturer and building envelope specialist, CA Group, have renewed their membership with Secured by Design (SBD). Founded in 1983, independently owned, an Employee Benefit Trust and home to some of the most experienced construction personnel in the industry, CA Group is one of the largest manufacturers and installer of metal built-up building envelope systems in the UK. Working closely with their supply chains, the company pioneer in the manufacture, supply and install of technically advanced metal roofing and cladding solutions – primarily for the warehousing, distribution and logistics sectors, though also including retail, leisure, residential and the public sector. CA Group works with some of Europe’s largest and most innovative property developers to create state-of-the-art, technically advanced buildings in some of the UK’s most prominent and emerging business centres. They provide workspaces that meet both the stringent demands of today’s commercial organisations, whilst enabling future build adaptation to flex with changing marketplace conditions – with a focus on sustainability, energy performance and asset return. CA Group’s range includes, built-up roof and wall systems, renewable energy solutions, rainscreen, rainwater and cladding systems, insulation, louvres, accessories and detailing, to provide a fully engineered building envelope solution – all supported by expert product development and technical consultancy. Find out more about CA Group and their extensive range of SBD accredited building shells and walling systems here. Andrew Brewster, Head of Technical for CA Group, said: “Security, Fire and Sustainability are three fundamental performance characteristics of any building envelope solution. Through continuous product development and system evolution CA Group deliver market leading specifications and our independent SBD accreditation and LPS 1175 certification are of significant importance, providing our clients and developers with essential peace of mind, backed by insurance recognition”. Alfie Hosker, Secured by Design, said: “I am delighted that the CA Group have renewed with us once again and I look forward to another successful association going forward. They offer a range of roofing and walling systems which meet the requirements for Police Preferred Specification and have been incorporated into several developments across the UK”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Thermal breaks specialist, Armatherm, was recently selected to play a pivotal role in the recent expansion of the Warren Conference Center at Framingham State University. Tasked with creating an energy-efficient and visually appealing ballroom addition, Lavallee Brensinger Architects turned to Armatherm’s cutting-edge thermal break technology to ensure optimal insulation and energy performance. The project, led by architect Jason Bennett, involved a meticulous design for the 10,800-square-foot addition that prioritized energy efficiency. Bennett’s wall detail included a critical thermal break at the base of the exterior masonry wall to maintain continuous insulation from the footing through to the foundation slab and up to the masonry wall. This innovative approach ensures the integrity of the building’s insulation, significantly reducing thermal bridging. To achieve this, Armatherm 500-200 structural insulation material was specified and installed at the base of the brick wall. Known for its superior load-bearing capacity and thermal performance, the Armatherm 500-200 material provided an uninterrupted thermal barrier without compromising structural integrity. The mason contractor, Marmelo Brothers, praised the product for its ease of use and effectiveness as a starter course for the brickwork. “Armatherm 500-200 material not only supports the weight of the wall but also ensures an uninterrupted thermal barrier, which is crucial for energy efficiency in modern masonry construction,” said Jason Bennett, Project Architect at Lavallee Brensinger Architects. “This feature is becoming a standard in the industry and promises to last the life of the building.” The installation of Armatherm’s thermal break solution will contribute to a warmer interior floor, significant energy savings, and a comfortable environment for the building’s occupants. The new ballroom space is set to be in use by the fall of 2024, marking a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to sustainable building practices. Armatherm continues to lead the industry with innovative thermal break solutions that meet the growing demand for energy-efficient construction. We are honored to have contributed to the success of this project and look forward to future collaborations that prioritize sustainability and performance. For more information about Armatherm and its range of thermal break products, please visit www.armatherm.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Brick manufacturer Forterra has recently launched a load selector calculator to allow customers to tailor their brick orders to the precise mix of products they require. With the ability to choose the exact number of bricks they need from Forterra’s entire range of London Bricks, plus Ecostock’s Atherstone Red and Hampton Rural Bricks, a selection of Butterley bricks, Thermalite blocks and Conbloc aggregate blocks, customers can benefit from increased stock flexibility and potential reduction in invoice value. Other benefits include reducing the environmental impact of transport by streamlining deliveries to one truck, which also eases traffic on customers’ sites. The online calculator gives Forterra’s customers the opportunity to create a visual representation of their Load Selector order, as they choose their products and determine how much of each product they require to make up their latest load. Once the truck is at capacity, customers will see a breakdown of the order which they can download or send straight to Forterra’s sales office to receive a quote. Load Selector is the latest service designed to make Forterra’s purchasing experience as smooth as possible. Recently, builders merchant Collier & Catchpole, who have two large yards, one in Colchester and one in Ipswich, as well as a smaller yard in the village of Lawford in north-east Essex, have been taking advantage of the Load Selector service to improve their stock profile. The option to order mixed loads of brick and block has brought numerous benefits to the business; because they now order little and often, Collier & Catchpole are able to keep a greater variety of Forterra’s brick and block range at any one time. The smaller volume also makes it easier to keep stock neat and tidy. Jasper Smathers, Purchasing Manager at Collier & Catchpole, said, “Forterra’s Load Selector has been a game changer for our business. Having the option to mix London Brick with other bricks and Thermalite and aggregate block on a single load – and at full load rates – is fantastic. It’s also enabled us to reduce our stock levels and have better control of our ordering. Most importantly of all, it’s helped us improve our product range and service to customers – it means we are now able to really shine.” Adam Smith, Commercial Director at Forterra, said “We are thrilled to launch the calculator and continue to improve our Load Selector Service. We’ve already had great feedback on the original service from customers like Collier & Catchpole and hope the calculator will ensure an even easier purchasing experience that will make our customers’ orders more efficient in transport and their stock profiles.” To find out more about the Load Selector visit: https://www.forterra.co.uk/load-selector/ For more information on the calculator visit: https://www.forterra.co.uk/load-selector/calculator/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The call for solar continues to be strong, with more efficient panels being demanded by homeowners, housebuilders and contractors. In response, Marley has launched a new panel option in its SolarTile® range – the SolarTile® 410. The new panel delivers a peak power of 410W to increase total power from a roof area, while allowing for the installation of fewer solar panels to achieve the desired output. By adding a more powerful 410Wp panel to the SolarTile® range, alongside the existing 335Wp solution, specifiers, housebuilders and contractors can benefit from increased versatility depending on project size and output requirements. The new Marley SolarTile® 410 offers simple roof integration with a clean, low-profile aesthetic making it a desirable and efficient solution for new build and retrofit projects. Compatible with Marley’s existing range of concrete and clay tiles, and including special fixings for different batten thicknesses, the 410 panel is accompanied by a complete family of colour-coded flashing kits, for ease of installation. The 410 panel achieves exceptional fire performance, wind resistance and weather tightness, making it an ideal solution for solar roofing projects. Stuart Nicholson, Roof Systems Director at Marley, comments: “Since launching with 270Wp and 310Wp solar panels in 2021, Marley has continued to focus on pushing for enhanced solar panel efficiency. Alongside the current 335Wp panel, the new SolarTile® 410Wp panel widens specification choice for the market. “It is further evidence of our continued commitment to delivering an ever-improving, complete renewable package – which now includes battery storage, inverters and EV charging solutions – to support the construction industry in its drive to build more energy efficient properties. Solar panel specification on roofscapes is increasing as regulatory changes look to improve housing stock, provide access to renewable energy and make homes more energy efficient ahead of the 2050 net zero target. “The new Marley SolarTile® 410 panel allows specifiers, housebuilders, and contractors to incorporate fewer panels to attain a desired power output. It also reduces installation timescales to optimise resource planning and further reduce cost. The Marley SolarTile® range integrates perfectly with our full roof system, meaning specifiers, housebuilders and contractors can also benefit from the reassurance of Marley’s 15-year warranty. Additionally, Marley’s team of experts are also on hand to offer complete technical support for the roof design and panel installation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
