Leading ceiling systems manufacturer Zentia announces brand relaunch. Zentia, the UK’s market leader in complete ceiling solutions, is putting customers at the heart of its brand and marketing strategy. Following Zentia’s rebrand, which evolved from Armstrong Ceiling Solutions last year, the ‘Above all, you’ campaign will communicate what that means
New research released during Gas Safety Week finds that over half of Brits are open to owning a hydrogen boiler – but despite 90% knowing they are more sustainable than existing natural gas units, most would rather someone else try one first… Sustainability is a huge topic, and we are
Brett Martin’s underground drainage systems including StormCrate55, an engineered Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS), have been specified for a new assisted living facility in Derbyshire. Located in the Brampton area of Chesterfield, the Catherine Street facility features six self-contained apartments and six new build specialist bungalows. Built by contractor Horsman Construction
Staffordshire-based handrail and balustrades specialists, SMART Balustrades, has started work to deliver more than 1,000 metres of stainless-steel balustrades at a luxury waterside residential development in Nottingham. Working alongside Leeds-based property developer KMRE Group and construction company Crown Construction, SMART Balustrades is supplying and installing all of the glass and
Leeds Beckett University has joined forces with Leeds-based ARC Building Solutions in a partnership, part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK. They will work together to create and bring to market new building insulation products – starting with the Retrofit Eaves Insulator – invented and patented by lead academic, Dr
Kingspan’s IKON Innovation Centre in Kingscourt, Ireland, has been recognised for its sustainable design and use of next generation building materials. Completed in 2019, the 1,950 square metre facility was created to act as the global development research, development and test hub for Kingspan products, and also to offer visitors
When it came to the specification of a replacement rainwater system for a 19th century school building, Brett Martin’s Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater System offered authentic detailing, long-term performance and ease of installation without compromising the integrity of the building. Located in the West Midlands and close to Wolverhampton,
Bespoke gothic arch lintels from IG lintels have played an important role in the transformation of an 19th century Carmelite convent, the centrepiece of the new Chichester Free School. Vacated in 1994 and in disrepair since a fire destroyed its chapel in 2009, the convent in Hunston, West Sussex, required
Techo-Bloc has opened a new depot in Nashville, Tennessee. The investment is a testament to Techo-Bloc’s commitment to serving the Nashville market as demand for construction and hardscape products are at an all-time high. Located at 160 Center Point Rd., Suite 101, Hendersonville TN 37077, authorized dealers and contractors will
Recognising that the UK must build more homes, quicker, while reducing carbon emissions, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Timber Industries has launched with a new report that aims to provide solutions to the UK’s housing and climate crises. The report, titled ‘How the timber industries can help solve
Leading ceiling systems manufacturer Zentia announces brand relaunch. Zentia, the UK’s market leader in complete ceiling solutions, is putting customers at the heart of its brand and marketing strategy. Following Zentia’s rebrand, which evolved from Armstrong Ceiling Solutions last year, the ‘Above all, you’ campaign will communicate what that means to customers. Driven by extensive stakeholder research, it focuses on Zentia’s specifier, contractor and distributor partners and their key future challenges and opportunities. The ‘Above all, you’ message derives from the brand’s ethos to work collaboratively with customers and create real value in every project delivered. This, teamed with the company’s reputation for anticipating customer needs, highlights their innovative mentality, and has become one of the four brand pillars underpinning the strategy. The rebrand is only the start for Zentia, with exciting plans for the future including innovative NPD, and investments in both training and customer support, as well as a multi-million-pound investment in manufacturing capabilities. Graham Taylor, director, sales and marketing at Zentia, explained: “Quality, control and endless predictability were just some of the key themes identified – any one of which may be our partners’ key concern at any one time. Our campaign recognises this reality of multiple priorities, but at the same time signs off with a constant – that for Zentia, it’s ‘above all, you’, our partners, who are our priority.” He added: “In this uncertain and ever-changing world, having everything from manufacture to customer support right here in the UK means we are more agile and in control. Together with our forward-thinking culture, this allows us to successfully solve problems for our end user clients.” The multi-channel campaign launches this month (September) across web, trade media, social channels, and direct communications. Visit www.zentia.com for more.
New research released during Gas Safety Week finds that over half of Brits are open to owning a hydrogen boiler – but despite 90% knowing they are more sustainable than existing natural gas units, most would rather someone else try one first… Sustainability is a huge topic, and we are all aware of the need to be more sustainable in our own lives to help protect the future. However, new research launched to coincide with Gas Safety Week has found that many consumers in the UK are wary of welcoming hydrogen gas fired boilers in their home, while over half of Brits quite accepting of this technology and its environmental benefits. Our findings also revealed that almost 9 out of 10 homeowners are influenced by the sustainable credentials of a hydrogen boiler to have one installed in their home. However, over half (51%) stated they would rather someone else tried one out before getting one themselves. As well as their greener environmental credentials, another advantage of a hydrogen boiler is the cost vs other energy efficient technologies. Saving £6,400 versus an electric heat pump was enough to sway over half of Brits (51%) to opting for hydrogen as their future home heating solution. However, whilst the intentions are good, more education is needed still as a significant 59% of Brits do not feel they know enough about the emerging green technology to make a decision about buying one. Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Communication & Product Management commented; “With around 24mhomes on the gas grid, hydrogen boilers will be a key player in the technology mix for decarbonising our homes. “However, if Government targets are going to be reached and we as a nation are to ‘go green’ in our homes, it is clear from these stats that more education and reassurance around hydrogen gas is needed. “Knowing that over 50% are accepting of hydrogen, it is a big wake-up call that we all need to debunk concerns for the remaining 42% who have doubts– which comes from further education – and move forward to a greener future. There have been several really successful trials in the UK confirming the safe application of hydrogen gas, so it’s now on all of us as a nation to open our minds and homes to the concept of a hydrogen future.” For more information on hydrogen boilers and the future of home heating visit: https://www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/future-of-heating.
Brett Martin’s underground drainage systems including StormCrate55, an engineered Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS), have been specified for a new assisted living facility in Derbyshire. Located in the Brampton area of Chesterfield, the Catherine Street facility features six self-contained apartments and six new build specialist bungalows. Built by contractor Horsman Construction for developer SSL Partnership, the housing’s underground drainage requirements were met by a range of high performance, robust and easy-to-install solutions from Brett Martin. As part of the drainage requirements for this small residential development, a storm water management system was required to cope with any potential storm water during inclement weather conditions and working in partnership with Brett Martin’s technical team, Horsman Construction specified the StormCrate55 attenuation system which proved to be the ideal solution to control excessive surface water run-off. Manufactured from 100% recycled plastic, 84m ² of StormCrate55 modular units were clipped together in a brick bond pattern to create two underground attenuation tanks installed beneath the car park. The lightweight, high strength crates weigh only 15.5kg each and come fully assembled which was good news for the installation team, meaning minimal time was spent installing them on site. For this project, Brett Martin provided the Horsman team with a pre-fabricated geotextile liner which was pre-cut to fit the size of each tank. The one-piece liners done away with the need to cut and join the liner during the install and speeded up the process of sealing both tanks. The outlet from this tank is then controlled through a Hydro-Brake chamber to facilitate a slow release of the stored water back into the drainage system over a longer period. “This was the first time we have used StormCrate but with the excellent technical support from Brett Martin, it was the perfect underground drainage solution for our requirements. Easy to lift and install by hand, and exceptionally strong, the crates were quickly joined using the supplied connectors and met our drainage requirements for this small site in Chesterfield,” said Steve Robinson, Site Manager at Horsman Construction. For infiltration applications, StormCrate55 can also be wrapped in a permeable geotextile, material which allows stored water to slowly seep into the surrounding ground and back into the water table over a period of time. Suitable for installation in landscaped areas, pedestrianised spaces, playgrounds, parking areas, driveways and access zones, StormCrate55 is seen as one way of addressing the problem of flooding and avoiding using an overloaded sewer system.
Staffordshire-based handrail and balustrades specialists, SMART Balustrades, has started work to deliver more than 1,000 metres of stainless-steel balustrades at a luxury waterside residential development in Nottingham. Working alongside Leeds-based property developer KMRE Group and construction company Crown Construction, SMART Balustrades is supplying and installing all of the glass and stainless-steel balustrades for all balconies at The Yacht Club, which boasts uninterrupted views across the River Trent. Featuring 81 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including penthouses, The Yacht Club is situated on Trent Lane and will offer residents a luxurious waterside lifestyle in a convenient location, close to city amenities. All of the south-facing apartments at the development feature either a large private balcony or terrace, with two installation teams now on site from SMART Balustrades to complete the construction of the balustrades quickly and efficiently. “This is our first project working with both KMRE and Crown Construction, and in terms of size and the number of balconies involved, it’s certainly our biggest project of the year so far,” said David Hough, managing director at SMART Balustrades. “The stunning, uninterrupted views that these new apartments will provide will be priceless, so we’re installing stainless steel balustrades with clear glass infill panels to terraces and balconies to really open them up and make the most of the vistas. We are also providing balustrades to the development’s internal staircases as well, giving a clean and modern look to the communal areas of the building.” Set up in 2017 by David and his brother, Jonathan Hough, and with over 120 years of experience in the balustrades industry, SMART has a sustained demand for its specialist services, both in the commercial and residential sectors. Having recently taken on two new recruits, with another installation engineer joining the team this month, the company continues to grow and is on track to achieve its 2021 targets. “SMART has just celebrated its fourth birthday and everyone is thrilled with the company’s performance and growth in that time. Managing and fulfilling a project of this size is a testament to that success. After a difficult 18 months for many businesses, we are eagerly looking ahead to the future, continuing to meet and excel our goals and expanding our team of skilled craftspeople and delivering excellent customer service to our burgeoning client portfolio,” continued David. “We are delighted to be working with well-known, industry leading companies such as KMRE and Crown Construction, helping to provide unique and beautiful new homes in an idyllic waterside location.”
Leeds Beckett University has joined forces with Leeds-based ARC Building Solutions in a partnership, part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK. They will work together to create and bring to market new building insulation products – starting with the Retrofit Eaves Insulator – invented and patented by lead academic, Dr Matthew Brooke-Peat. Through the two-year programme, academic experts at Leeds Beckett University’s Leeds Sustainability Institute (LSI) and Leeds Business School will support ARC in setting up a specialised new product development department within the business to invent and bring new products to both the retrofit and new-build housing markets. The pilot project will be the Retrofit Eaves Insulator (REI), invented and patented by Dr Brooke-Peat and co-inventor Professor Christopher Gorse, which will allow homeowners to make their dwellings more energy efficient and cost effective. Dr Brooke-Peat, Architectural Technology Course Director at Leeds Beckett, explained: “A problem area for insulating existing buildings is at the eaves – the junction between the external walls and roof – which can result in high rates of heat loss. We have seen this in research projects in the LSI and have needed to find a solution to this energy efficiency problem for a long time. “A large market opening up currently is the retrofit market – thermally upgrading a building; which could be just the loft or the full house, including the walls. The eaves need to be insulated as part of this process – and, where the roof covering is already fitted, this is a tight space. We needed to invent an insulation product that could resolve the problem and be fitted easily in a confined space with restricted access.” The patent has now been licensed by Leeds Beckett University to ARC – with funding of £161,000 through the Government’s Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) programme to support the development of the REI and a whole new product development department for ARC. Neil Weeks, Managing Director of ARC, said: “ARC has worked in tandem with Leeds Beckett University for a number of years, using expert knowledge and skills to identify heat loss and carbon reduction in the new build sector. “The refurbishment sector is a vast market and existing homeowners of properties pre-2005 are in a unique position – to be able to reduce their carbon impact whist also reducing monthly heating bills. “ARC is keen to identify key opportunities for products that can positively influence carbon reduction are key to the long-term growth strategy of ARC as a business.” The KTP will begin with the recruitment of a full-time KTP Associate, who will be an experienced graduate. They will work with ARC and the academic team in establishing the processes and infrastructure needed to set up the new in-house product development department. The academic team will be led by principal inventor, Dr Matthew Brooke-Peat, providing the technical expertise relating to the invention and the construction industry; alongside the team at Leeds Business School, led by Paul Rhodes, Lecturer in strategic marketing and new product development – bringing expertise in finance, management and marketing. Dr Brooke-Peat said: “It is exciting to see an idea borne out of research coming to fruition as a marketable product, which will then be in use for a positive effect. It’s about implementing energy efficiency, which reduces carbon emissions – and in existing buildings.” “If we are going to stand a chance of meeting our targets for carbon emissions, we need to be looking at the existing building stock, which will still be around in 2050 when we are aiming to reach our zero-carbon target. This invention will help move us towards that. It is exciting to contribute to something so important that could go into many retrofit roof insulation projects going forward. The scale of its potential is vast.” Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) aim to help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills within the UK knowledge base.
Kingspan’s IKON Innovation Centre in Kingscourt, Ireland, has been recognised for its sustainable design and use of next generation building materials. Completed in 2019, the 1,950 square metre facility was created to act as the global development research, development and test hub for Kingspan products, and also to offer visitors a glimpse into the built environment of tomorrow. The building has now been certified LEED Gold, meaning that the design and construction demonstrated exceptionally high standards in terms of sustainability, energy use and innovation. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. Accreditation is achieved by accumulating credits for various aspects of design, construction and operation. Credits are awarded in eight categories, including energy & atmosphere, materials & resources, water efficiency, and innovation. IKON contains state-of-the-art innovation, prototyping and testing labs, and is home to a team dedicated to researching and developing advanced material science with the focus on recyclability, thermal efficiency and reducing the embodied carbon in building products throughout their lifecycle. The building also has a state of the art Digital Twin which was created during the build process and has been expanded to an operating twin that allows for real time data collection which will further the application of the LEED framework. The IKON Innovation Centre is the only office building in Ireland that is certified LEED Gold. Mike Stenson, Kingspan’s Global Head of Innovation, said: “As part of our Planet Passionate programme we’re committed to achieving net-zero carbon manufacturing by 2030 and to developing industry-leading products, solutions and services that set new standards in terms of lower embodied carbon, thermal efficiency and overall product performance. “Being awarded Gold for our IKON Innovation Centre is an important symbol of our commitment to a better built environment. I am very proud of the team who helped us to achieve this recognition, including the many partners, such as the building general contractor CGDM, Niall Smith Architects and Millimetre Design, who worked with us to find solutions at every step of the journey.”
When it came to the specification of a replacement rainwater system for a 19th century school building, Brett Martin’s Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater System offered authentic detailing, long-term performance and ease of installation without compromising the integrity of the building. Located in the West Midlands and close to Wolverhampton, the original cast iron rainwater system at Wightwick Hall School was no longer fit for purpose and required replacement as part of remedial works prior to the school’s conversion to an academy. Brett Martin provided the client with full on-site technical support as well as recommending a cost-effective rainwater solution which had the look and feel of cast iron but offered the long-term benefits of plastic. Due to the building’s age and change of use over the years, there were no technical drawings from which a bill of quantities could be created. To meet the challenge, Brett Martin’s technical team were able to visit the site and help with the specification along with calculations and assistance with installation techniques. The specification of the Cascade rainwater system comprised 112mm Roundstyle Gutters and 68mm Round Downpipes with Tudor Rose Hoppers, all in Classic Black and providing the authentic detailing and finish they were looking for. This was complemented by the Cascade 110mm Push-Fit Soil System to provide a complete look which was architecturally sympathetic to the 19th century building and the original detail of the previous cast iron system. “We are very pleased with the replacement gutter and soil systems as the cast iron style is in keeping with the age and design of the school building. And since leaking gutters are now a thing of the past the Cascade will help protect the building for years to come,” said school site manager, Simon Bruce. Significantly lighter than cast iron rainwater systems, Cascade is much quicker, easier and safer to install at height, helping to offer the contractor and their client huge savings in terms of on-site installation costs. The system also features external fixing lugs designed to facilitate the use of power tools, further speeding up installation. Using a reputable manufacturer such as Brett Martin offers far more than the quality and versatility of the product itself – they provide superior technical support, detailed installation instructions and maintenance guidelines to ensure rainwater systems perform exactly as promised. With this school building now fully protected and ready for its conversion to an academy, Brett Martin’s Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater System has met the aesthetic and performance requirements of the client whilst ensuring a fast, efficient and economical installation.
Bespoke gothic arch lintels from IG lintels have played an important role in the transformation of an 19th century Carmelite convent, the centrepiece of the new Chichester Free School. Vacated in 1994 and in disrepair since a fire destroyed its chapel in 2009, the convent in Hunston, West Sussex, required partial demolition and refurbishment as part of the creation of a new school for over 1280 students. In a design by Novium Architects and built by Farrans Construction, the new school blocks are linear in form with each wing projecting either side of the newly restored and central convent block which forms the heart of the school. The new build aspects have been designed to complement the existing convent block – a heritage building which is essential to the character of the site and a valuable asset to the new school. To ensure the existing convent facades were restored to their former gothic glory, IG Lintels was approached for the design and manufacture of a bespoke double gothic arch lintel. A 1580mm opening span, incorporating two 650mm wide gothic arch details, with a 430mm rise was specified – increasing the end bearing to extend the distribution of the load to the brickwork. This lintel replicated the dimensions of an existing opening, ensuring full structural support was restored. With the new school now open to students from reception through sixth form, IG’s provision of special lintels ensured Farrans Construction effectively retained the original features of the historic building. The previously disused convent building is now fully restored and forms the heart of the Chichester school development, demonstrating the importance of restoring buildings of such architectural significance. The Keystone Group is the UK’s largest Steel Lintel manufacturer and Europe’s fastest growing Roof Window manufacturer. With a strong focus on innovation the company has grown to its present position in the marketplace by establishing a reputation for reliable supply of quality specialist products.
Techo-Bloc has opened a new depot in Nashville, Tennessee. The investment is a testament to Techo-Bloc’s commitment to serving the Nashville market as demand for construction and hardscape products are at an all-time high. Located at 160 Center Point Rd., Suite 101, Hendersonville TN 37077, authorized dealers and contractors will be able to pick up all Techo-Bloc products, including hardscape accessory items. Additionally, the depot will offer material in partial pallet quantity, meaning that materials may be purchased by the layer or by the piece depending on the selling unit. “We are thrilled to be establishing a presence in Nashville,” said Bob Lukenbaugh, USA Sales Director for Techo-Bloc. “We are committed to serving the region’s growing hardscape market, and this depot will help ensure the availability of products and services for local needs.” Founded in 1989, Techo-Bloc is a family-owned business that specializes in the design and production of a wide range of hardscaping products such as pavers, retaining wall systems, patio slabs and masonry stones. The company’s goal has always been to develop design-forward products that are not only durable, but also blend seamlessly and harmoniously with the natural environment. Techo-Bloc serves residential and ICI markets from its eight plants, and currently employs in excess of 800 people.
Recognising that the UK must build more homes, quicker, while reducing carbon emissions, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Timber Industries has launched with a new report that aims to provide solutions to the UK’s housing and climate crises. The report, titled ‘How the timber industries can help solve the housing crisis’, calls on the Government to support the use of wood in construction through policy and procurement, as well as introducing legislation to regulate embodied carbon – starting with mandatory, standardised carbon measurement on all government projects. Launched today (16 September) at the inaugural general meeting for the APPG, the report makes a series of key recommendations devised to help the Government reach its target of building 300,000 more homes per year, while also significantly boosting the trajectory towards net zero carbon. Crucially, the recommendations call for a new focus on whole life carbon emissions within the Building Regulations and the introduction of thresholds for embodied carbon within construction. The report urges the Government to give preference to low carbon materials and building solutions for all government projects, pointing to the economic benefits that scaling up the timber and forestry industries would bring. Calls are also made in the report for a more joined-up approach to working with the timber industry to develop an industrial strategy that can align with government policy. Finally, the report highlights that while the Government has – quite rightly – made building safety a top priority in the wake of the Grenfell fire, the regulations around combustible materials have not always reflected the realities of safe construction using timber. A fundamental differentiation must be made between cladding and structural elements, and the report points towards an evidence-based approach to safety regulations. David Warburton, MP for Somerton and Frome, and chair of the APPG, commented: “We are at a vital junction, where the imperative to build more homes is converging with the urgent need to reduce carbon across all of our markets. Now is the time to put forward policies that will enable us to build a more productive and low-carbon housing sector. “By levelling-up the existing timber and forestry supply chain, and making greater use of modern methods of construction, we can deliver more quality homes – and we can do this sustainably and at pace.” Over the next Parliamentary session, the APPG for the Timber Industries will undertake a programme of activity to enable the timber industries to work with Parliamentarians to raise awareness of the vital contribution that the industries make to the UK economy and UK trade. It will also focus on the importance of the timber industries achieving net zero 2050 and the opportunities which exist to support sustainable timber construction in the UK. For more information and to download the report ‘How the timber industries can help solve the housing crisis’, please visit the CTI website.