The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP has taken a strong stance on the issue of cladding and forcing the removal and reinstatement of a safer product. For months James Brokenshire has been warning landlords of at-risk properties to get on
Dolomite Microfluidics’ micro-encapsulation technologies are used by researchers at the University of Cambridge to develop self-healing construction materials. The University’s Department of Engineering’s Geotechnical and Environmental Research Group is developing microcapsules containing ‘healing’ agents – such as minerals, epoxy or polyurethane – which can be added to building materials to
Forticrete has been granted three UK patents for its innovative SL8® large format roof tile. The leading manufacturer of concrete roof tiles, architectural masonry and walling and cast stone, which is part of Ibstock plc, has been granted patents which cover the camber of the tile, interlocking design and features and
Award-winning Ipswich-based KLH Architects have merged with another local architectural practice, which led to an expansion of its service offering. Poole and Pattle, the architectural practice based in Ipswich and run by Neil Poole and John Pattle, will be joining the 28-strong team this month bringing a wealth of experience
This year’s Brick Awards saw Ibstock Brick celebrating the success of architects and brick contractors. Three outstanding projects using products from the Ibstock Brick range were named as winners, with a further two projects receiving commendations from the expert judging panel at the annual awards ceremony, organised by the Brick
The North East will celebrate everything built with wood as the first WoodFest comes to Newcastle in December, with an exciting line-up of events organised by the UK timber industry’s campaign, Wood for Good. WoodFest Newcastle will bring together architects, engineers, placemakers, planners, developers, contractors, politicians and local businesses specialising
Loughborough-based Adey Steel Group has announced plans to grow its presence as a specialist steel fabricator in the rail and energy sectors and has targeted the housebuilding sector to continue its construction growth. The changes will see Adey Steel Group, which have been established for 90 years, increase its focus
BAL – market-leaders in full tiling solutions – are launching two new uncoupling mat solutions for problem floors. Following the launch of the revolutionary and award-winning BAL Rapid-Mat in 2014, the Flexbone range offers two very different solutions to the UK market with the launch of Flexbone 2Easy and Flexbone
Ibstock Brick is celebrating the success of architects and brick contractors at this year’s Brick Awards. The annual awards ceremony, organised by the Brick Development Association (BDA), saw three outstanding projects using products from the Ibstock Brick range named as winners, with a further two projects receiving commendations from the
External Wall Insulation (EWI) by Saint-Gobain Weber has been specified for a contemporary-style new build in a designated conservation area in South West England. The revolutionary webertherm XP system has been used on the walls of the property while weberpral M through-coloured render has been used extensively to long runs
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP has taken a strong stance on the issue of cladding and forcing the removal and reinstatement of a safer product. For months James Brokenshire has been warning landlords of at-risk properties to get on and remove dangerous cladding. Yesterday Brokenshire announced a change to the housing health and safety regulations to force the landlords to make good these works with no apparent financial risk to the leaseholders. The Association for Residential Managing Agents (ARMA) welcomes the move as it has been lobbying for Government intervention ever since the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Immediately after the tragic fire, ARMA flagged to Government the problem under leasehold as to who would likely pay for the cost of fire safety remedial works and that this could seriously delay remedial works. ARMA has publicly asked for Government loans to be make available and for remediation to be taken into a national programme to avoid such delays as the safety of residents must always be the uppermost concern. Dr Nigel Glen, Chief Executive Office of the Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA), comments: “We congratulate the Government for taking this strong approach to ensure remedial works on affected buildings can get under way immediately. People need to know they are safe and able to live their lives. We have always said time is of essence here and work should be completed first and then worry about who pays later. The costs to cladding removal has given many residents grave anxieties and now some headway should start to be made more quickly. “The Secretary of State has said that ‘leaseholders must not pay’. We keenly await details of how that will work in practice given the structure of leasehold. For example, in the case of Citiscape in Croydon, the First tier Tribunal Property determined that the leaseholders were liable for the costs under the terms of their lease. That may well be the case across all the buildings under discussion, depending upon their leases. And where Landlords are not the guilty party re installing the cladding is it fair that they will be expected to pay? Clearly there is more work to be done but this is a welcome and significant step.”
Dolomite Microfluidics’ micro-encapsulation technologies are used by researchers at the University of Cambridge to develop self-healing construction materials. The University’s Department of Engineering’s Geotechnical and Environmental Research Group is developing microcapsules containing ‘healing’ agents – such as minerals, epoxy or polyurethane – which can be added to building materials to allow self-repair of small cracks which develop over time. “Many composite building materials used in the construction industry – such as concrete – suffer fatigue over time, developing small cracks. We are hoping to overcome this problem by adding microcapsules filled with ‘healing’ agents to the concrete before it is used. The idea is that, as cracks begin to form, they rupture the microcapsules, releasing their payload and stabilising the material,” said Dr Livia Ribeiro de Souza, a postdoctoral researcher in the group. The Dolomite system has enabled the researchers to create functionalised microcapsules that bind more strongly to the cement matrix, while also having thinner shell walls and higher core retention, improving their self-healing properties. “This approach requires the formation and functionalisation of double emulsion microcapsules, which we have been producing with the help of microfluidics. We have been using a Dolomite Microfluidics system since 2014, and find that microfluidics offers much better control of particle size and composition than traditional emulsification polymerisation techniques, simplifying the investigation and optimisation of particle properties,” she said. “It is good to be able to discuss any issues we’re having with the experts at Dolomite Microfluidics, helping to accelerate our research and move us a step closer to real world applications,” Livia added. The research was recently highlighted in BBC News broadcasts.
Forticrete has been granted three UK patents for its innovative SL8® large format roof tile. The leading manufacturer of concrete roof tiles, architectural masonry and walling and cast stone, which is part of Ibstock plc, has been granted patents which cover the camber of the tile, interlocking design and features and dry verge design. Specifically, the patent for its dry verge design includes the term concealed guttering as the tile channels water to the gutter. The SL8 roof tile was designed to meet the increasing demands of the roofing market. With just 8 tiles per square metre needed it provides greater coverage with approximately 20% less tiles required per roof. Additional benefits include its thin leading edge – which is up to 50% thinner than other large format tiles – which creates an impressive visual characteristic. John Lambert, Managing Director of Forticrete, comments: “Forticrete has a long history of introducing innovative products which offer building efficiencies. Our SL8 roof tile is one of these and we are delighted to have achieved these design patents. In designing the SL8 tile, we listened to what our customers wanted; the result is an innovative roof tile that meets market demands. It reduces the number of tiles needed for a roof by up to 20%, meaning it is more cost efficient and tiles are easier to handle and lay. The aesthetics of SL8 are also much more appealing as its thin leading edge and dimensions go a long way to replicate real slate. “Being awarded three UK patents means we have 20 years protection on our design and our customers can be assured they are using market leading products for the construction projects.” Forticrete is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of concrete construction products including roof tiles, concrete decorative facing blocks, walling stone and cast stone dressings. For more information visit www.forticrete.co.uk.
Award-winning Ipswich-based KLH Architects have merged with another local architectural practice, which led to an expansion of its service offering. Poole and Pattle, the architectural practice based in Ipswich and run by Neil Poole and John Pattle, will be joining the 28-strong team this month bringing a wealth of experience particularly in the retail and commercial sectors. “We are thrilled to welcome the team from Poole and Pattle under the KLH umbrella. Their expertise will help bolster our offering as a firm and enables us to provide a more diverse service to our clients,” said Martyn Goodwin, director at KLH Architects. The 32-year-old firm has worked on notable projects including the extensive redevelopment of Coes clothing store in Ipswich and the extension and refurbishment of Ipswich’s New Wolsey Theatre. “When the opportunity arose for us to join the team at KLH we knew it was the right move for us as a firm. They are a fantastic practice with a reputation of delivering high quality buildings throughout East Anglia and London,” said Neil, director of Poole and Pattle. “KLH have the same principles as us – being totally client-focused and delivering buildings and facilities that exceed the expectations of clients, stakeholders and users.” This decision follows the recent news of Bryan Wybrow’s promotion to director bringing the total to five directors. “This is an exciting time for the firm and we have experienced substantial growth. We are currently undertaking a major extension and renovation project on our offices to accommodate the growth and welcome the new team members,” added Martyn. KLH Architects is an RIBA chartered practice which provide design, planning and project management expertise in healthcare, residential, commercial and leisure development in East Anglia and London.
This year’s Brick Awards saw Ibstock Brick celebrating the success of architects and brick contractors. Three outstanding projects using products from the Ibstock Brick range were named as winners, with a further two projects receiving commendations from the expert judging panel at the annual awards ceremony, organised by the Brick Development Association (BDA). Ibstock Brick also proudly sponsored three awards; Individual Housing Development, Architect’s Choice and Supreme winner. “Each year the standard of entries for the Brick Awards improves. As the market leading brick manufacturer we are delighted to be associated with the celebration of brick as a modern building material. We would like to congratulate everybody involved with the award-winning projects for their success in showcasing how brick can be used within creative and contemporary architecture. Ibstock Brick is committed to providing products which offer design flexibility for the most innovative building facades,” commented Darren Bowkett, Operations Director of Ibstock Brick. Voted by the public from a selection of shortlisted projects in other categories, the Architect’s Choice Award was handed to the BPTW Architects designed project at Creek Road in the heart of Greenwich. The project utilised the Funton Old Chelsea Yellow brick to mirror the existing bricks whilst adding a contemporary twist. The winner in the Education category was Marlborough Primary School (Architect: Dixon Jones), while Royal Albert Wharf was the winner in the Large Housing Development category. Blackfriars Circus also picked up a commendation in this category, with both projects being designed by Maccreanor Lavington. Scala Yard (Architect: DLA Design Group) received a commendation in the Small Housing development category. The winners of the Specialist Brickwork Contractor award, Anglian Brickwork Ltd, used Ibstock Bricks in one of their winning projects at the David Attenborough Building (Architect: Nicholas Hare). Ibstock Brick, part of Ibstock plc, is the biggest manufacturer of clay bricks sold in the UK. With 20 manufacturing plants producing more than 850,000 new bricks per annum, it offers an unrivalled choice of more than 450 different bricks, which includes prefabricated brickwork components, rainscreens and a diverse selection of special shaped bricks and pavers.
The North East will celebrate everything built with wood as the first WoodFest comes to Newcastle in December, with an exciting line-up of events organised by the UK timber industry’s campaign, Wood for Good. WoodFest Newcastle will bring together architects, engineers, placemakers, planners, developers, contractors, politicians and local businesses specialising in timber to promote the innovative and striking ways that wood can be used in the built environment in the North East. Christiane Lellig, Wood for Good campaign director, said: “The first in a series of regional WoodFests, this as a fantastic opportunity to bring all those involved with the built environment to explore what industry and politics can achieve together. “Each event is a chance to learn and share about the use of timber in architecture, particularly around health and wellbeing and offsite construction. It provides a platform to discover what’s happening in the region and to be inspired by timber design.” The week begins with a behind-the-scenes tour of wood-based materials manufacturer, Egger’s site in Hexham on 10 December. In the evening, Dr Oliver G.F. Jones, architecture professor and expert in human-environment interaction at Northumbria University, will give the keynote speech at a seminar on wellbeing, residential design and healthy homes. Taking place at Ryder Architecture’s home in Cooper’s Studios, Westgate Road, Newcastle, Dr Jones will be joined by a panel of experts including local housing providers and design professionals to explore biophilic design, light, space and air quality among other issues. Offsite construction steals the show on 12 December with an evening seminar debating whether modern methods of construction are the future for homes in the North East. Hosted by Ryder at Cooper’s Studios, an expert panel will explore Home England’s strategic plan incorporating offsite construction and will ask if it’s the silver bullet to deliver much-needed homes. A site visit to the unique self-build home, Shawm House, takes place on 11 December. Designed by Newcastle-based MawsonKerr Architects, the timber home won four regional RIBA awards, a national RIBA award and was shortlisted for Grand Designs ‘House of the Year’ in 2017. This is a rare opportunity to hear the homeowner’s story and experience the house for yourself. Taking place throughout the week is an exhibition at Cooper’s Studios, exploring healthy buildings and driving the design and construction quality agenda through the use of modern methods of construction. The finale for WoodFest Newcastle is the Superwood Conference on Friday 14 December at Northumbria University, hosted by Confor. Looking at how forestry and timber can drive a low carbon economy, the conversation will explore the opportunities for increasing forestry in the North East and the lessons that can be learned from Scotland. Speakers include Paul Brennan, MEP for the North East, Adam James from Ryder Architecture, Councillor Peter Jackson, leader of Northumberland County Council, Dr Dan Ridley-Ellis from Edinburgh Napier University, Beccy Speight from the Woodland Trust, Neil Sutherland from Makar, Stuart Goodall from Confor, Simon Hart from Egger Forestry and Christiane Lellig from Wood for Good. WoodFest Newcastle is organised in collaboration with regional partners Constructing Excellence, Egger, Mawson Kerr, RIBA North East, and Ryder Architecture. Book your place for the WoodFest Newcastle events here: https://woodforgood.com/index/woodfest-newcastle/ More information will be released soon about other regional WoodFests taking place throughout the country in 2019. If you would like to get involved in WoodFest please contact Wood for Good campaign director, Christiane Lellig, at christiane.lellig@woodforgood.com www.woodforgood.com
Loughborough-based Adey Steel Group has announced plans to grow its presence as a specialist steel fabricator in the rail and energy sectors and has targeted the housebuilding sector to continue its construction growth. The changes will see Adey Steel Group, which have been established for 90 years, increase its focus on working with rail, energy and specialist clients, while taking a more selective approach to work in the broader construction industry. Managing Director, Andrew Adey, commented, “It is in these niche rail, energy and specialist sectors that we have enjoyed the most success in recent years, so we are looking to maximise our opportunities there and exercise caution in other, more volatile sectors.” Over the past five years, Adey Steel has developed key specialisms that have enabled them to establish a strong position as an expert supply chain partner to key national infrastructure projects, such as Sellafield, Hinkley Point, the Midland Mainline and Crossrail. Andrew Adey added, “We see growth opportunities presenting themselves in rail ahead of the CP6 and HS2 projects, combined with heavy investment in the nuclear and energy sectors, so we are structuring our business to ensure we are well positioned to support those initiative and deliver on our growth plans.” In addition, Adey SteelShop Ltd, a sister company in the Adey Steel Group, is increasing its activity in the UK housebuilding sector, supplying structural steel and architectural metalwork to many of the most prominent regional and national housebuilders. Adey is targeting the sector to service its unique requirements and to meet the very specific challenges involved with dealing with the UK’s growing housing shortage.
BAL – market-leaders in full tiling solutions – are launching two new uncoupling mat solutions for problem floors. Following the launch of the revolutionary and award-winning BAL Rapid-Mat in 2014, the Flexbone range offers two very different solutions to the UK market with the launch of Flexbone 2Easy and Flexbone VAried. Unique to the UK, and bound to excite fixers, contractors and distributors alike, BAL Flexbone 2Easy is a floating mat system – where NO adhesive is needed underneath the mat system i.e. the mat is truly uncoupled. David Wilson, UK Head of Technical at BAL said: “Because no adhesive is required, preparation of the substrate is reduced to a quick sweep of the floor. No removal or residue, no removal of laitance and no priming of the surface is needed. This means that contaminated and stained floors, wooden floors, cracked screeds and mixed substrates can be tiled immediately. “It can also be used direct onto difficult substrates such as bitumen, fresh sand:cement screeds or new anhydrite screeds that are not fully cured (up to 1.5% CM residual moisture). Lengthy waiting times on new screeds can be avoided with no more projects on hold while new screeds are dry enough to be tiled directly, or fixed with a traditional bonded system. “Fast track installation in possible as any residual moisture in the substrate is distributed evenly through a system of channels and can also ventilate via the covering joints through perforations in the mat.” As well as time savings from the lack of preparation, materials costs are also significantly reduced with no need for primers, plus a massive adhesive saving of 2kg/m², when compared to laying bonded cavity mat systems. Time trials indicate the removal of subfloor preparation for installations provides a circa 50% time saving. Because BAL Flexbone 2Easy is laid loose as a floating system, it is perfect for heritage projects where it is necessary to protect historic, sensitive substrates, plus areas where the ability to change the floor regularly is a requirement – e.g. rental properties. BAL Flexbone VAried is a bonded mat system, with the same installation process as other fixed cavity mat systems in the market. Unique to BAL Flexbone is the patented GripLock Technology and unique bone structure. The patented design has been independently tested to provide the highest shear strength (providing more accommodation of higher levels of lateral movement) and the highest tensile strength (to stops tiles ‘popping-off’ or cracking under pressure). These highly flexible and deformable properties ensure all tile installations are protected from lateral movement and pressures, while a special fleece provides for vapour pressure compensation. “As well as providing long-term benefits in terms of strength and flexibility, the unique bone structure also makes for significantly faster installations as the design ensures the trowelling-out of adhesive on the surface layer is fast and easy,” added David Wilson. “Fixer trials have shown that the unique bone-shaped cavities are much easier and faster to fill with adhesive than the conventional square or round cavities. “Less adhesive is required on the mat surface, and trials indicate adhesive can be spread on the mat surface circa. 30% faster.” BAL Flexbone VAried can be used anywhere – for a varied number of installation environments! BAL Flexbone VAried provides a waterproof layer, meaning no tanking is needed in wet areas such as bathrooms, showers and wetrooms when BAL Flexbone VAried is installed. The bonded mat is perfect for high load-bearing and commercial areas such as shopping malls, airports, car showrooms, office building and hospitals, as well as light or medium traffic areas. Both mats are available in 20m rolls or easy to install 2x1m sheets (ideal for small bathrooms) or wetrooms – and are suitable for use with all tile types, including natural stone. As with all BAL products, BAL Flexbone uncoupling mats come with the manufacturer’s unique 25-year guarantee – unlike other cavity mats available. When used with BAL adhesives, grouts, and sealants, this provides a fully guaranteed tiling system. To find out more about BAL’s new uncoupling solutions visit www.bal-adhesives.com
Ibstock Brick is celebrating the success of architects and brick contractors at this year’s Brick Awards. The annual awards ceremony, organised by the Brick Development Association (BDA), saw three outstanding projects using products from the Ibstock Brick range named as winners, with a further two projects receiving commendations from the expert judging panel. Ibstock Brick also proudly sponsored three awards; Individual Housing Development, Architect’s Choice and Supreme winner. The Architect’s Choice Award was voted for by the public from a selection of shortlisted projects in other categories. It was awarded to the BPTW Architects designed project at Creek Road in the heart of Greenwich. The project utilised the Funton Old Chelsea Yellow brick to mirror the existing bricks whilst adding a contemporary twist. Marlborough Primary School (Architect: Dixon Jones) was the winner in the Education category whilst Royal Albert Wharf was the winner in the Large Housing Development category with Blackfriars Circus also picking up a commendation in this category, with both projects being designed by Maccreanor Lavington. Scala Yard (Architect: DLA Design Group) received a commendation in the Small Housing development category. Anglian Brickwork Ltd, who were the winners of the Specialist Brickwork Contractor award, used Ibstock Bricks in one of their winning projects at the David Attenborough Building (Architect: Nicholas Hare). Darren Bowkett, Operations Director of Ibstock Brick, commented: “Each year the standard of entries for the Brick Awards improves. As the market leading brick manufacturer we are delighted to be associated with the celebration of brick as a modern building material. We would like to congratulate everybody involved with the award-winning projects for their success in showcasing how brick can be used within creative and contemporary architecture. Ibstock Brick is committed to providing products which offer design flexibility for the most innovative building facades.”
External Wall Insulation (EWI) by Saint-Gobain Weber has been specified for a contemporary-style new build in a designated conservation area in South West England. The revolutionary webertherm XP system has been used on the walls of the property while weberpral M through-coloured render has been used extensively to long runs of concrete walling. The planning term ‘conservation area’ all too often results in unimaginative new build designs mimicking the surrounding aesthetics rather than offering creative architecture that enhances the area. This stunning new home in Somerset illustrates perfectly how architectural flare and modern building techniques are fused to deliver a property that contributes greatly to the local environment. The 430m² private residence has extensive glazing to capture the glorious rural views and to encourage the benefits of maximum natural light. Sleek expanses of webertherm XP EWI with webertherm M1 through-coloured render enhances the profile of the house from all aspects. By embracing the topography of the site, which placed the front entrance at first floor level, and letting the rest of the house flow down to a lower ground floor layout, the house presents a low and softened profile to the onlooker. An enlightened planning approval was achieved for this privately commissioned design by Jason Jackson of Jackson Architects Ltd, Taunton. “An earlier traditional design was not considered suitable by local planners and we were asked to offer alternative designs for this family home. The client was immediately excited about a minimalist and modern design idea and asked us to submit the application. After careful negotiation with the conservation and planning officers, they agreed that the contemporary architectural style of the building would make a highly individual but fitting addition to the very traditional properties in the area. The only significant condition imposed on the planning approval was the removal of the permitted development rights so as to protect the purity of the design! We were really quite amazed and flattered to get this acknowledgement,” smiles Jason Jackson. Matching the dramatic visual appeal of this unique property is the construction formula and advanced thermal efficiency that has been achieved. The external walls are constructed as a single skin formed with 215mm thermal blocks that are protected by webertherm XP EWI using 50mm of high performance phenolic insulation. webertherm M1, an advanced one-coat, polymer modified, mineral render, is factory batched and designed for spray application to reduce on-site labour time and access costs and has been used in White. A decorative scraped texture finish has been applied to the White render which catches and holds the light. Mark Pickthall, of M P Plastering, Somerset, carried out the insulation and render application for contractor Fry Developments Limited. The applicator also specified weberend aid to create a key coat before applying weberpral M through-coloured render, in Chalk, to surface finish long runs of poured concrete walling running from the house to the drive and garage areas. “The superb smart finish of the house structure achieved with the scraped surface of the 250m² of webertherm M1 render really underlines the beautiful architecture of this house which makes a great statement in the locality. We are all pleased to have been part of this exciting project,” reports Mark. Simon Fry, Fry Developments, is equally proud of this new build and pleased to have accepted the recommendation to use the webertherm EWI system. “My experience has only been with traditional sand and cement renders but Mark highlighted the qualities of the Weber system and I must say the result is superb. It’s a ‘no risk’ decision now for Fry Developments to use Weber products on my future contracts.” For more information about this project, or for technical support, please contact Saint-Gobain Weber on 08703 330 070, or visit www.uk.weber A free download of the new WeberApp for iPhone and iPad users is also available from iTunes and from Google Play for Android smartphones and tablet users. Follow Saint-Gobain Weber on Twitter @SGWeberUK for the latest company news and updates.
