Products & Materials : Building Trade Materials News

The Pros And Cons of Septic Tanks

Plumbing has been one of humankind’s most outstanding achievements throughout the years, and it has only continued to advance. Today, the management of wastewater from homes usually comes in two different structures. Sewer lines and septic tanks For those who reside in urban areas, it is common for the municipal

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THE MACHINE LOOKS TO BUILD WITH JEWSON

One of the world’s most successful ever darts players is hoping his newest partner may need to supply him with the materials for a bigger trophy cabinet in 2021. James Wade, nicknamed The Machine, is world ranked number seven and is one of the most decorated players in history having

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Up, up and aligned

Building our economy up, one curtain wall at a time For almost 2,000 years, elevators were powered by water wheels, animals or people.  Elevator technology expanded hugely in the 19th Century, and the invention of an elevator safety device in 1853, by American inventor Elisha Otis, increased public faith in

Read More »
Lanes Group Hiring for Roles Across the UK

Lanes Group Hiring for Roles Across the UK

The UK’s largest privately owned drainage contractors has over 80 roles up for grabs at its depots across the country. Employing over 2200 staff across 25 depots throughout the UK, Lanes Group is recruiting for a wide variety of positions within the drainage industry, including drivers, engineers and groundworkers. While

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Timber imports reached 13-year monthly high in November 2020

Timber and panel imports reached 1.08 million m3 in November 2020, which was the highest monthly total since the October 2007 volume of 1.04 million m3. This was the second consecutive month where imports of the main timber and panel products were above the 1 million m3 mark. The growth

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CEMEX Presents Engineered Asphalt Concrete

CEMEX Presents Engineered Asphalt Concrete

Global building materials solutions supplier CEMEX is proud to present VIABASE, an engineered Asphalt Concrete specifically designed for use in the construction of housing estate roads. Perfectly timed to support construction companies as they strive to meet the government’s ambition to increase levels of housebuilding, VIABASE meets the challenges faced

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PROTEUS FACADES HELPS BRING FORMER BOOKSHOP BACK TO LIFE

The former Ottakar’s bookstore in High Wycombe has been given a new lease of life and brought back to its former glory as a pillar of the town centre, through a state-of-the-art regeneration project featuring bespoke cladding panels from Proteus Facades. The Proteus SC cladding panels are arranged in a

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

Products & Materials : Building Trade Materials News

The Pros And Cons of Septic Tanks

Plumbing has been one of humankind’s most outstanding achievements throughout the years, and it has only continued to advance. Today, the management of wastewater from homes usually comes in two different structures. Sewer lines and septic tanks For those who reside in urban areas, it is common for the municipal sewer lines to link several houses and transport the wastewater to a treatment facility. As for those in rural areas, individual houses often have a septic tank.   What Is A Septic Tank, And How Does It Work?  A septic tank is an underground tank responsible for basic wastewater processing and disposal. It is an option for rural homes and properties that are too far to link to the local sewer lines. A septic tank is usually concrete, fiberglass, or steel. In most cases, you can find it away from the house, generally at the property’s side or back.   When using a sink or flushing the toilet, the water flows through the underground piping into the septic tank, in which the waste and water are separated. The water is released from the tank by the drainage pipes into the adjacent soil or drainage field further from the house. The solids in the waste settle at the tank’s base, are broken down by septic bacteria and eventually pumped out during periodic maintenance. In case you detect a bad odor, or find wide wet spots above the septic tank field, repairs might be necessary, click here to find out more about possible causes of septic tank odor.  What Are The Pros Of A Septic Tank?  Cost-effective. If you want an affordable option for wastewater management, a septic tank might be the best option. The installation of a septic tank is reasonable and does not include monthly maintenance costs while sewer lines can be costly to build and maintain. Among those residing within town limits, homeowners deal with a monthly utility bill for the sewer costs. When you have a septic tank, there are no constant recurring expenses.  Durability. When a septic tank receives regular maintenance, it won’t require frequent replacement. Septic tanks are usually either steel or concrete, which are highly durable materials. The tanks rarely require complete replacement as long as you provide proper maintenance. In most cases, a septic tank can last from 20 to 40 years before a replacement is necessary.  Environmentally-friendly. A septic tank will not contaminate the water supply. The tank removes bacteria before releasing the water into the soil. Additionally, any plant life nearby will absorb the recycled water. A septic tank provides a controlled form of wastewater treatment at a more rural location. It is the reason why septic tanks are a popular choice at farm homes and rural cabins. It is more environmentally-friendly than a latrine since the wastewater undergoes partial treatment naturally. What Are The Cons Of A Septic Tank?  Periodic maintenance. A septic tank requires routine pumping, every three to five years. In most cases, the cost of this maintenance can be high. It is important to note that septic tanks require pumping to eliminate solid waste every two to six years, which depends on how quickly the solids accumulate. Once you delay this task, the sewage can back up into your house. The downside is that it is hard to tell when the septic system needs attention until the toilets back up into the house.   Water backing up the drain. The septic lines are more likely to end up damaged or blocked due to the flushing of items that should not be put in the toilet, such as feminine hygiene products, baby wipes or cotton balls. The indications of a backup usually include sluggish drainage of the sink, shower and bathtub as well as slow-moving toilets. Once you see these signs, get in touch with a plumber to assess the septic system.  Possibility for rupturing pipes. When the drainage pipes moving to the septic tank end up damaged due to tree roots, digging accidents, or even an earthquake, it can result in ruptured piping. As the wastewater seeps into the soil, the ground will turn mushy, and there is a repulsive smell. The pipes that have been damaged require replacement right away.  Conclusion A septic system has a lot to offer based on its simple function, but it has its share of drawbacks. However, with proper maintenance, mainly routine pumping, a septic tank is a dependable, cost-effective wastewater management system. If you are still on a standstill on whether a septic tank is a good option for wastewater management, you need to check out the pros and cons above to help you decide if a septic tank is appropriate for your needs.

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THE MACHINE LOOKS TO BUILD WITH JEWSON

One of the world’s most successful ever darts players is hoping his newest partner may need to supply him with the materials for a bigger trophy cabinet in 2021. James Wade, nicknamed The Machine, is world ranked number seven and is one of the most decorated players in history having an impressive eight TV majors. The Machine will now step onto the oche proudly wearing the name of Jewson on his shirt, after agreeing a partnership deal for the duration of the 2021 PDC calendar. As well as sporting the Jewson logo throughout TV tournaments on Sky Sports, ITV and the BBC, Wade will also be running competitions with Jewson customers, providing branded merchandise and even playing virtual darts. Jewson’s Head of Marketing, Gareth Drew said: “Many of our customers are big darts fans and it is a sport that continues to grow in popularity – further increased by lockdown where sales of equipment has reached record levels. “During the Christmas period we ran some virtual darts sessions on Zoom, where our customers played legs against James Wade from home. It went down a storm. “James gets on really well with the trades as, being a mechanic by trade, he has a similar practical mindset and was really interested in their businesses and the work that they do. “The hope is that James will be able to visit branches and even play darts with customers when circumstances allow, and hopefully we will able to get some people to tournaments cheering him on. “James will be providing content for social media, and even giving our customers the chance to promote their businesses on his shirt on prime-time TV. Tradespeople should watch this space to get involved in what we think will be a really fun and engaging partnership.” The Machine himself is delighted to be working with Jewson and believes they represent a huge amount of the darting audience. He said, “Often when I am talking to fans of the sport, I find out that they are in building or construction in some form, and when I have been having work done at my house, I have ended up playing darts with the guys that came round!

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Timber industry resilient but Brexit brings trade friction, survey finds

Difficulties with logistics, trade with Northern Ireland, and the time and cost to fill out customs and due diligence paperwork are adding pressure to an already tight timber supply chain, a survey by the TTF has found.   Logistics is the most pressing challenge facing respondents, with a lack of haulage vehicles, inflated costs, and hauliers’ hesitancy to import and export goods in and out of the UK slowing down trade. The next most prominent issue for traders is the Northern Ireland Protocol, which 45% of respondents from Great Britain (GB) who are trading with Northern Ireland (NI) believe is detrimentally impacting their ability to supply the NI market. One respondent stated that it would be “more cost-effective for our business to cease trading with Northern Irish customers,” said one respondent. As timber from GB is subject to customs declarations, due diligence under UK Timber Regulation (UKTR), phytosanitary certificates and potentially duty under the Northern Ireland Protocol, GB suppliers are at a disadvantage compared to their European counterparts, as NI is for practical purposes still in the EU, and timber from the EU is not subject the same or similar requirements. However, NI exporters to GB do appear to have largely ‘unfettered access’, with 55% of respondents reporting that they were not experiencing trade restrictions while moving goods from NI to GB.  Additional administrative procedures, as well as some European companies unwilling or unable to share details of supply chains to help members complete the necessary due diligence under UKTR, is also affecting respondents’ businesses. “More paperwork required, resulting in additional costs and resources required to understand the new requirements,” said one respondent. There was also concern from the survey participants that they will face further challenges and uncertainties once the grace period for customs declarations comes to an end in July, and when UKCA marking is enforced next year. Encouragingly, the survey did find respondents well prepared for their new role as Operators under UK TR and the due diligence requirements this entails, as well as for the new rules for importing, as none of those surveyed mentioned any issues from a compliance perspective. David Hopkins, Chief Executive Officer of the Timber Trade Federation, said: “On the whole, this survey shows that our members are coping well with the changes brought about by Brexit. But, the new trade restrictions have come at a time when the market is experiencing unparalleled challenges as a result of the COVID pandemic. In December we released a market statement warning of tight timber and panel supplies into 2021. Now, the situation is exacerbated by increased administration and slower delivery times as a result of the Brexit trade deal.” “Looking ahead we see a variety of challenges besides logistics. Most concerningly is UKCA marking. This mark could raise considerable trade barriers for our members. The Government has yet to draw up the full framework for suppliers from outside the UK, so we foresee businesses struggling to prepare for the implementation of the new mark next year. “We are working with the Construction Products Association (CPA) to look for practical solutions to this situation. “However, it is positive to hear our members are optimistic for the year ahead as demand remains at an all-time high. People want to renovate their homes, and construction remains open for business during lockdowns. We are also extremely pleased that after almost half a decade of preparing members for Brexit, it is paying off as they feel confident they have the capability and knowledge to conduct trade successfully once the systems are up to speed. “There is still a lot of work left to do, but as ever the Timber Trade Federation will work with our members to prepare for the changes to come.” About the report The Timber Trade Federation Post-Brexit survey gathered thirty-six member companies’ responses, representing timber importers, merchants, agents, and manufacturers.  The survey was conducted between 11 January to 12 February. You can find the report HERE.

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STO INSULATION SOLUTION ACHIEVES EXCELLENT MARKS ON CARDIFF SCHOOL PROJECTS

A trio of Welsh schools have received major upgrades to their thermal insulation thanks to an integrated package of products provided by Sto Ltd. Ysgol Glan Morfa, Howardian Primary School and Ysgol Hamadryad in Cardiff have all had the company’s StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system applied to significantly improve their thermal performance. “We had originally considered a different solution which proved to be outside the budget,” says Nick Langley of Stride Treglown Architecture. “Sto were able to suggest an alternative which was less expensive but which had already been tried and tested on a previous school project in Swansea. The practice had used Sto products previously so we were happy to consider their suggestion.” StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system features mineral fibre insulation boards and combines unrivalled fire protection and high thermal performance with excellent impact resistance, making it ideal for both new-build and refurbishment projects. It was installed using Sto-Rotofix Plus, a unique and easily adjustable spiral fixing which can accommodate any unevenness in the substrate to create a perfectly smooth outer finish. “Using this system, we created a 20mm drained cavity between the insulation and substrate, thus optimizing the water management of the completed construction,” adds Andrew Lloyd of M&P Contractors Wales Ltd who oversaw the installation work. This also helped to create the correct building lines which were required for the walls. “This was the first time we had used this solution from Sto, and with the training and support we received, all the products provided an integrated and reliable insulation solution.” A layer of StoLevell DuoPlus mineral bonding and reinforcing mortar was applied to the insulation, which gives good adhesion and provides a durable, weather-resistant and vapour permeable base layer ready to receive the top coat. StoSilco K silicone resin render was then added to provide a protective and decorative finish combining a high degree of water repellence and excellent water vapour permeability. The breathable yet highly water repellant properties of the StoSilco K render make it resistant to dirt build-up and help reduce the growth of algae and fungus. StoTherm Mineral incorporating StoSilco K finish is an ideal façade where rugged and reliable protection is required. Pic caption: Three Welsh schools have received major thermal insulation upgrades thanks to an integrated package of products provided by Sto, which included the company’s StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system.

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£5billion investment in cladding today welcomed by Shropshire-based global firm

Bosses at a Shropshire-based global firm today welcomed the £5billion investment to replace unsafe cladding on homes across England. Tim Sharman, technical sales director of Jesmonite based in Bishop’s Castle which exports their product across the world, said homeowners had worked desperately hard to see their views heard since the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017. Mr Sharman said it should not have taken four years for the cladding removal programme and investment to be agreed but welcomed it and hoped work would commence immediately. Jesmonite, which was founded in Bishop’s Castle in 1984, has become the go-to material for designers looking for an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional building materials or resin-based products. Jesmonite AC730 is a water based, micro-concrete material. It is non-solvent, contains zero VOCs and achieves an A2-s1-d0 EN13501-1 Non-Combustible Fire Classification and has been used for cladding panels across the UK. The company’s success has seen Jesmonite being used in Buckingham Palace, London Zoo, many projects abroad including the Far East and India and regeneration projects across the UK. Mr Sharman said the Project Light, Canada Water multi-phased dockside regeneration scheme in Southwark was their largest Jesmonite cladding project to date and was a perfect example for the Government to follow and for homeowners to see to build their confidence that their homes could be safe again. The site, between London Bridge and Canary Wharf, includes approximately 9000m2 of Jesmonite AC730 external cladding panels specified as a lightweight alternative to traditional heavyweight concrete cladding. The award-winning technology behind Jesmonite AC730 allows manufacturers to create non-combustible large scale panels that offer major weight reductions whilst achieving high levels of impact resistance and flexibility. Mr Sharman said: “We are delighted that at last the Government have announced this £5billion investment. Homeowners across the UK have been left in limbo since Grenfell and I don’t think anyone can understand the true worry they have endured. “We have seen how flats have had security guards checking for any fire risks and that is no way for people to live. “Our non-combustible cladding solution has been available for 20 years but still developments have been built with cladding which we now know is unsafe. “We are looking forward to supporting the Government with the solutions they need to ensure people are safe in their homes. “We urge homeowners to keep the pressure on for the works to be carried out immediately. The announcement of the investment is not enough – we need to see cladding being removed and replaced as soon as possible.” Mr Sharman said the money was being invested in developments over 18-metres (6-storeys) high – however he said all buildings with unsafe cladding, regardless of the height, should be considered as part of the programme. The Government has offered a finance scheme for those in buildings between 11 and 18 metres high. Home Office analysis of fire and rescue service statistics shows buildings between 18 and 30 metres are four times as likely to suffer a fire with fatalities or serious casualties than apartment buildings in general.Lower-rise buildings, with a lower risk to safety, will gain new protection from the costs of cladding removal with a generous scheme offered to buildings between 11 and 18 metres. This will pay for cladding removal – where it is needed – through a long-term, low interest, government-backed financing arrangement. The Jesmonite Project Light cladding project can be viewed here https://jesmonite.com/case-study/project-light-canada-water/ Further projects and any developers looking to find out more about Jesmonite can visit www.jesmonite.com

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Up, up and aligned

Building our economy up, one curtain wall at a time For almost 2,000 years, elevators were powered by water wheels, animals or people.  Elevator technology expanded hugely in the 19th Century, and the invention of an elevator safety device in 1853, by American inventor Elisha Otis, increased public faith in the technology. When his company then created an elevator brake, it opened up a new possibility — skyscrapers. Here Steve Parkes, key account manager at leading fastening and fixing supplier TFC, discusses the current drivers in the skyscrapers market and shares quick tips for curtain walling success. The first skyscraper was built in Chicago in 1885 — the Home Insurance Building. While it is no longer standing today, you can look across the skyline of almost any major city and see its successors. Picture London. Its skyline boasts a myriad of skyscrapers, including a host of distinctive glass towers; the Cheesegrater, the Walkie-Talkie, the Gherkin and the Shard, to name a few. Glass curtain walling is an attractive glazing option for building designers looking to create the memorable, attractive facades that we expect to join the skyline in the future. Flash forward The construction of glass-walled high-rise buildings is popular both for commercial and residential use. Construction was one of a few sectors that stayed buoyant throughout 2020, and could be a key way to build economic growth. As the work from home boom quietens down, millions will return to city-centre offices. And they won’t just be in London — recent growth in Northern business, fuelled by HS2, is seeing major firms like HSBC and KPMG open offices in cities including Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham. The public sector is also contributing to the levelling up of the country — the Government plans to shift 22,000 civil servants out of London by 2030. In the residential high rise market, the UK housing market remains strong and in cities with a high population density, continuing to build up means we can house more people while using up less green space. A 2019 estimate found that London had 541 towers in the pipeline, 90 per cent of which were residential. Growing student populations are also increasing demand for purpose-built accommodation, which must be well-located and high-quality to attract students. This cocktail of driving factors means we are likely to see new entrants to the skylines of many British cities in the coming years. Building up efficiently Construction companies and glazing professionals are well versed in the importance of efficiency and work hard to avoid project delays. However, there are still some sticking points — rework remains one of the highest costs to construction businesses. In curtain walling projects, accuracy is key — glass is an unforgiving material, which means it has to perfectly line up with the fixing brackets in the building’s structure. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of misalignment, there are limited options. You can either modify your fixing bracket and/or re-drill the anchor positions to compensate, both of which are time consuming and therefore expensive. The good news for installers and construction companies is that there is another way available. The alignment washer; a fast, simple, low-cost product that enables flexible on-site fixing for M10, M12, M16 and M20 bolts. It has oversized or slotted holes to provide leeway when lining up the bracket and anchor location as well as a mechanism, to tighten it down before locking off. Its clever design means it can even be used upside down! Once in position, the washer can be permanently locked into place with a high-strength, rapid setting construction resin. Due to the efficient locking off process, some contractors use alignment washers to lock off all brackets, whether there are alignment issues or not. There are two types of alignment washer available. The first is rectangular — for use with cast in channels, using a slotted hole to provide ± 25mm adjustment in one direction. Alternatively, circular washers are suitable for a variety of applications including stick curtain walling, balustrades and balconies, offering a ± 15mm adjustment in either direction. Both are hot dip galvanised for long term corrosion protection. A number of prestigious developments across the UK have alignment washers at the core of their design. Once again, picture the London skyline — many of these offices, hospitals, apartments, universities and Government buildings have benefitted from this unique solution. As UK construction works hard to build back better, it is good news for designers, project managers, architects and structural engineers, who, armed with this knowledge, can easily solve a common cause of project delays. For more information on construction fasteners and fixings, visit https://www.tfc.eu.com/products/fasteners-fixings/construction-fixings/.

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Lanes Group Hiring for Roles Across the UK

Lanes Group Hiring for Roles Across the UK

The UK’s largest privately owned drainage contractors has over 80 roles up for grabs at its depots across the country. Employing over 2200 staff across 25 depots throughout the UK, Lanes Group is recruiting for a wide variety of positions within the drainage industry, including drivers, engineers and groundworkers. While previous drainage experience is beneficial, it is not essential with extensive on the job training provided. “We are always looking for new talent to join our team and want to hear from people who are genuinely interested in building a career in the UK drainage industry. It might be messy at times, but it is a hugely rewarding industry in which to work. Our team has joined us after hugely varied careers, working in everything from hospitality and accountancy to car sales, you’d be amazed at the variety of past roles our team have held,” said about the roles on offer, Debi Bell, Head of HR Services and Lanes Group. Lanes Group are willing to consider candidates with a broad range of past experience and recognise the value of transferable skills. Some skills the team look for when recruiting, include being polite, respectful and willing to observe all health and safety procedures. The nature of onsite work means that hopefuls must be comfortable working outside, willing to deal with drainage issues and happy to work shifts. Roles are available everywhere from Plymouth and Slough to Manchester and Sheffield, and jobseekers across the UK are encouraged to apply. With a turnover of more than £200 million, Lanes Group provides long-term employment and career development opportunities for employees at every stage of their career.

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Timber imports reached 13-year monthly high in November 2020

Timber and panel imports reached 1.08 million m3 in November 2020, which was the highest monthly total since the October 2007 volume of 1.04 million m3. This was the second consecutive month where imports of the main timber and panel products were above the 1 million m3 mark. The growth in the imports of the main timber and panel products in November 2020 of nearly 37% is in stark contrast to the 39% reduction in volume in April 2020. David Hopkins, CEO of the Timber Trade Federation, said: “This demonstrates that the timber supply chain has been working at full steam trying to meet the unprecedented demand. Record volumes of timber are being brought in and absorbed by the market as quickly as they are coming off the dock, often by previous allocation. “We can expect construction and renovation to play a large role in these plans, putting extra pressure on supply chains in terms of availability and inflation. “This has caused problems across the supply chain, particularly the merchant-to-builder route, causing strain and shortages in certain areas.”

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CEMEX Presents Engineered Asphalt Concrete

CEMEX Presents Engineered Asphalt Concrete

Global building materials solutions supplier CEMEX is proud to present VIABASE, an engineered Asphalt Concrete specifically designed for use in the construction of housing estate roads. Perfectly timed to support construction companies as they strive to meet the government’s ambition to increase levels of housebuilding, VIABASE meets the challenges faced by roads on housing developments, where the final surface course is only laid once all building work has been finished. While the use of standard materials can run the risk of damage to the asphalt as they are exposed to the rigours of construction traffic, VIABASE uses carefully graded aggregate and a high binder content to ensure it is more able to resist the impact of these heavy vehicles. Providing a smooth, dense surface finish, VIABASE is resistant to deformation and less prone to fretting & ravelling. Additionally, the product’s close surface texture allows for easier cleaning once construction has been completed prior to the final application of surface course. VIABASE will also help housing developments to meet the requirements detailed by the government in its construction playbook, which has asked for the industry to move towards sustainable solutions that are high performing, with longevity at the core of decisions when specifying. As well as roads on housing developments, VIABASE is also ideally suited to other areas that are used by heavy duty vehicles, such as farm roads and tracks, large parking areas and industrial construction sites. “The government has been clear that housebuilding levels need to increase, with an aim for 300,000 new houses a year to be delivered. To meet this demand, our construction customers need quality, resilient products that offer solutions to specific issues that arise at these developments,” said Carl Platt, Director of Asphalt, Paving, and Building Products for Europe. “With VIABASE, we are pleased to offer a way to ensure the longevity of housing development roads, which standard materials struggle to provide if the surface course is not placed soon after. VIABASE provides a highly durable, low maintenance surface which will meet the challenges presented by heavy duty vehicles and prevent long term problems in the overall pavement construction.”

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PROTEUS FACADES HELPS BRING FORMER BOOKSHOP BACK TO LIFE

The former Ottakar’s bookstore in High Wycombe has been given a new lease of life and brought back to its former glory as a pillar of the town centre, through a state-of-the-art regeneration project featuring bespoke cladding panels from Proteus Facades. The Proteus SC cladding panels are arranged in a striking half-hexagon design that appears to float outward from the main structure. The 6 metrehigh façade, where the panels themselves are embellished by intricately designed, leaf-shaped perforations, has the ability to stop people in their tracks while they gaze at the intriguing, shimmering aesthetic. Prior to the refurbishment, the original building, which once stood proud on the corner of Queens Square fell into disrepair after being left unattended by its previous owner for quite some time.  In 2019 however, as part of an ongoing initiative to acquire, regenerate and re-let vacant shops to independent businesses, Wycombe District Council purchased the building and invested in a state-of-the-art refurbishment project. This included a complete redesign of the interior and an external upgrade to improve aesthetics and add more versatility to the town centre.  During the initial stages of the redevelopment, main contractors, Abbeymead Building Ltd. found that the glazing to the upper levels would need replacing, along with limited structural support positions where the perforated cladding could connect. This resulted in a complete redesign of this section, with full replacement of the windows and the spanning solution of the Proteus SC, lightweight perforated anodised aluminium panels, manufactured by Proteus Facades. Proteus SC is an engineered panel system that is offered in either solid, perforated or mesh panel formats. By utilising an extensive range of metals, colours, textures and forms it can add another dimension to any façade cladding project. The system can be manufactured between 1mm and 5mm in thickness and an acoustic insulation layer encapsulated within the panel. Installed by J & PW Developments Ltd,the Proteus SC panels at White Hart Street, were fabricated from a 3mm J57Up aluminium alloy with a brush polished, mirror effect finish, anodised to Anolok 543. The bespoke laser-cut leaf pattern on the panels, visible both inside and out, also provides further visual appeal to the façade, offering a delicately designed brise soleil within and a striking external aesthetic for passers-by. Each Proteus SC panel is secured in place using a bespoke aluminium support system, also manufactured by Proteus Facades, with a matching anodised coating. The brackets are fixed back to the original structure with a 200mm x 50mm aluminium extrusion at panel joints, spanning approximately 3700mm between the floor and slabs, and with 1100mm cantilevered upper and lower sections. Further external works carried out during the redevelopment, completed in December 2020, include replacement of the flat roof and installation of a new shopfront set back from the pavement to create a covered seating area. Internally, the building has been completely restructured to offer a ground floor space ideal for use as a restaurant and shops, along with first floor studio-style offices. All of which have great potential to attract some of High Wycombe’s up and coming businesses, which in turn is expected to boost footfall and improve the overall experience for visitors to the town. For further information about Proteus SC or to view more inspirational rainscreen facades from Proteus Facades, visit: www.proteusfacades.com or call: 0151 545 5075.

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