Brick manufacturer Forterra has recently launched a load selector calculator to allow customers to tailor their brick orders to the precise mix of products they require. With the ability to choose the exact number of bricks they need from Forterra’s entire range of London Bricks, plus Ecostock’s Atherstone Red and
The call for solar continues to be strong, with more efficient panels being demanded by homeowners, housebuilders and contractors. In response, Marley has launched a new panel option in its SolarTile® range – the SolarTile® 410. The new panel delivers a peak power of 410W to increase total power from
Proteus Waterproofing, a leader in blue roof design and installation and ACO, a global water management specialist, are proud to announce a new partnership, designed to deliver the ultimate blue roof package. It combines unparalleled design expertise from Proteus Waterproofing with the innovative patented RoofBloxx blue roof attenuation system from
A new chief executive officer has been appointed to lead Aggregate Industries UK, part of the global Holcim group. Earlier this year it was announced that current CEO, Dragan Maksimovic, had been appointed as Region Head West Europe overseeing the leadership of the Holcim businesses in the UK, France, Belgium,
Castlemere Developments has completed its first major airspace project in Tunbridge Wells. The Windsor-based company has expanded into the airspace development sector and has a range of projects in the pipeline having completed this first project in Kent. The 11-unit scheme at Hamilton Court, located on Chilston Road, features five
Fivemiletown headquartered Paving and Building Products firm, AG, has reinforced its position as a market leader in sustainable construction through the publication of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for over 370 of its products. The firm, which has manufacturing locations in Fivemiletown, Toome, and Carryduff, already has one of the lowest
Leading Italian render manufacturer, Fassa Bortolo, has successfully completed work on ‘National Star’, a £6.2 million specialist residence in Ullenwood for young people with complex needs and learning disabilities. The project was specified in collaboration with Fassa’s National Specification Manager, Stephen Gore, and Richard Moores from Coombes Everitt Architects. This
A call by more than 400 of the UK’s leading climate scientists for all election hopefuls to commit to ambitious climate policies has been backed by European insulation specialist Actis. In an open letter to all political parties the academics are calling for five actions to help address climate change,
Following a successful pilot phase initiated last year, Ecophon is now fully operating SoundCircularity Reuse in Sweden. Contributing to Ecophon’s circular offer, the reuse initiative aims to reduce the carbon footprint and resource usage of acoustic products by providing an alternative to newly produced acoustic materials. Building on the promising
Today, Wolseley Group has announced the acquisition of R.E.S – Renewable Equipment Solutions. The addition of R.E.S to the Wolseley Group portfolio will enhance strategic growth, whilst enabling Wolseley to expand within the renewables space. R.E.S is an MCS-accredited renewable equipment specialist. Working with the trade, they supply a complete
Brick manufacturer Forterra has recently launched a load selector calculator to allow customers to tailor their brick orders to the precise mix of products they require. With the ability to choose the exact number of bricks they need from Forterra’s entire range of London Bricks, plus Ecostock’s Atherstone Red and Hampton Rural Bricks, a selection of Butterley bricks, Thermalite blocks and Conbloc aggregate blocks, customers can benefit from increased stock flexibility and potential reduction in invoice value. Other benefits include reducing the environmental impact of transport by streamlining deliveries to one truck, which also eases traffic on customers’ sites. The online calculator gives Forterra’s customers the opportunity to create a visual representation of their Load Selector order, as they choose their products and determine how much of each product they require to make up their latest load. Once the truck is at capacity, customers will see a breakdown of the order which they can download or send straight to Forterra’s sales office to receive a quote. Load Selector is the latest service designed to make Forterra’s purchasing experience as smooth as possible. Recently, builders merchant Collier & Catchpole, who have two large yards, one in Colchester and one in Ipswich, as well as a smaller yard in the village of Lawford in north-east Essex, have been taking advantage of the Load Selector service to improve their stock profile. The option to order mixed loads of brick and block has brought numerous benefits to the business; because they now order little and often, Collier & Catchpole are able to keep a greater variety of Forterra’s brick and block range at any one time. The smaller volume also makes it easier to keep stock neat and tidy. Jasper Smathers, Purchasing Manager at Collier & Catchpole, said, “Forterra’s Load Selector has been a game changer for our business. Having the option to mix London Brick with other bricks and Thermalite and aggregate block on a single load – and at full load rates – is fantastic. It’s also enabled us to reduce our stock levels and have better control of our ordering. Most importantly of all, it’s helped us improve our product range and service to customers – it means we are now able to really shine.” Adam Smith, Commercial Director at Forterra, said “We are thrilled to launch the calculator and continue to improve our Load Selector Service. We’ve already had great feedback on the original service from customers like Collier & Catchpole and hope the calculator will ensure an even easier purchasing experience that will make our customers’ orders more efficient in transport and their stock profiles.” To find out more about the Load Selector visit: https://www.forterra.co.uk/load-selector/ For more information on the calculator visit: https://www.forterra.co.uk/load-selector/calculator/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The call for solar continues to be strong, with more efficient panels being demanded by homeowners, housebuilders and contractors. In response, Marley has launched a new panel option in its SolarTile® range – the SolarTile® 410. The new panel delivers a peak power of 410W to increase total power from a roof area, while allowing for the installation of fewer solar panels to achieve the desired output. By adding a more powerful 410Wp panel to the SolarTile® range, alongside the existing 335Wp solution, specifiers, housebuilders and contractors can benefit from increased versatility depending on project size and output requirements. The new Marley SolarTile® 410 offers simple roof integration with a clean, low-profile aesthetic making it a desirable and efficient solution for new build and retrofit projects. Compatible with Marley’s existing range of concrete and clay tiles, and including special fixings for different batten thicknesses, the 410 panel is accompanied by a complete family of colour-coded flashing kits, for ease of installation. The 410 panel achieves exceptional fire performance, wind resistance and weather tightness, making it an ideal solution for solar roofing projects. Stuart Nicholson, Roof Systems Director at Marley, comments: “Since launching with 270Wp and 310Wp solar panels in 2021, Marley has continued to focus on pushing for enhanced solar panel efficiency. Alongside the current 335Wp panel, the new SolarTile® 410Wp panel widens specification choice for the market. “It is further evidence of our continued commitment to delivering an ever-improving, complete renewable package – which now includes battery storage, inverters and EV charging solutions – to support the construction industry in its drive to build more energy efficient properties. Solar panel specification on roofscapes is increasing as regulatory changes look to improve housing stock, provide access to renewable energy and make homes more energy efficient ahead of the 2050 net zero target. “The new Marley SolarTile® 410 panel allows specifiers, housebuilders, and contractors to incorporate fewer panels to attain a desired power output. It also reduces installation timescales to optimise resource planning and further reduce cost. The Marley SolarTile® range integrates perfectly with our full roof system, meaning specifiers, housebuilders and contractors can also benefit from the reassurance of Marley’s 15-year warranty. Additionally, Marley’s team of experts are also on hand to offer complete technical support for the roof design and panel installation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Proteus Waterproofing, a leader in blue roof design and installation and ACO, a global water management specialist, are proud to announce a new partnership, designed to deliver the ultimate blue roof package. It combines unparalleled design expertise from Proteus Waterproofing with the innovative patented RoofBloxx blue roof attenuation system from ACO Building Drainage, a game changing development which is helping to transform the way that the industry manages rainwater. As a result of the agreement, Proteus will now incorporate ACO’s patented RoofBloxx system, where possible, into every blue roof they design and install. This ensures optimal water management in all weather conditions, a critical aspect of blue roof functionality. Comprehensive design support from Proteus will remain an integral part of the offering. This includes in-depth site surveys, bespoke specification services, advanced roof design solutions and robust technical support. By combining this exceptional design knowledge with ACO’s water management experience, every project will benefit from a team of experts, dedicated to delivering the best possible blue roof solution for every contract. Proteus Waterproofing’s design package includes a detailed understanding of each specific need and uses cutting-edge drone technology for inspections and provides on-site visits to ensure no detail is missed. Precise U-Value calculations, condensation risk analysis, fire risk compliance, wind uplift assessments and drainage calculations are also part of the package. In addition, Proteus offers a range of insulation choices designed as a total roof system to meet Part B Fire regulations to ensure optimal thermal performance, together with ACO’s patented flow restrictor outlets and overflow mechanisms to deliver efficient water management and prevent water ingress during extreme weather events. Water management innovation By partnering with ACO Building Drainage the Proteus Blue Roof package now includes the RoofBloxx system, which is proving to be a game-changer. The RoofBloxx system offers an efficient and environmentally friendly way to manage rainwater runoff and meet planning conditions. The system enables advanced water storage and irrigation solutions for blue and green roofs in urban areas. ACO’s philosophy aligns perfectly with the vision of blue roofs. Their WaterCycle systems collect, channel, clean, retain and reuse water, contributing to water conservation. Furthermore, ACO’s intelligent drainage systems use smart technology to manage rainwater and wastewater efficiently. This ensures optimal water usage and minimises waste. The company also prioritises long-lasting, reusable products with a low carbon footprint. They are committed to sustainable practices throughout their operations and offer extensive experience and a vast network of resources to ensure the success of every blue roof project. This partnership between Proteus Waterproofing and ACO Building Drainage represents a significant leap forward for blue roofs in the UK. By combining their expertise, they will deliver exceptional blue roof solutions that are not only functional, but also sustainable and environmentally conscious. Unparalleled design and innovation from the combined expertise of two industry leaders means that quality and performance are guaranteed on both labour and materials, supported by products known for their durability and reliability. This means total peace of mind with a team of experts dedicated to every project, to deliver a blue roof, designed installed and maintained to the highest standards. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new chief executive officer has been appointed to lead Aggregate Industries UK, part of the global Holcim group. Earlier this year it was announced that current CEO, Dragan Maksimovic, had been appointed as Region Head West Europe overseeing the leadership of the Holcim businesses in the UK, France, Belgium, Germany and Spain. Holcim group has now announced Lee Sleight as the new CEO of Aggregate Industries UK. He will take up his position on 1 August 2024. Lee joined the business in 2021 as Managing Director of the readymix concrete division and in his time there transformed the business. Last year he moved to take up the role as Managing Director of the aggregates division. Lee has more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry holding various senior leadership positions. Outgoing CEO and Holcim Region Head West Europe Dragan Maksimovic, said: “Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Lee on his appointment. He will make an excellent CEO. “I have worked closely with him for the last few years and he has a proven track record in leading and transforming businesses. I am confident he will continue to drive the business forward while delivering on our ambitious plans of decarbonisation and green growth.” Lee Sleight, Aggregate Industries UK new CEO, said: “It is a very proud moment for me to be chosen to lead this fantastic business. Having been with the company for a number of years I know first-hand how amazing the people who work here are. “I am now really looking forward to working with our teams around the country in order to deliver on our ambition to be the UK’s leading supplier of sustainable construction materials and to keep progressing on our journey to a net zero future.” Kaziwe Kaulule will succeed Lee as Managing Director of the company’s aggregates division. Kaziwe joined AIUK in October 2023 as Director of Strategic and Commercial Growth, having previously been CEO of Holcim’s South Africa and Zimbabwe businesses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Castlemere Developments has completed its first major airspace project in Tunbridge Wells. The Windsor-based company has expanded into the airspace development sector and has a range of projects in the pipeline having completed this first project in Kent. The 11-unit scheme at Hamilton Court, located on Chilston Road, features five two-bedroom and six one-bedroom apartments. Each apartment will deliver aspirational and affordable modular penthouse living. Prices for one bed will be from £210,000 and £280,000 for a two bed. Each apartment offers premium designer kitchens complete with Bosch appliances, quartz worktops, fully tiled bathrooms and oak flooring. Heating is provided via heat pumps to ensure no carbon-burning appliances are used. In addition, each apartment has fibre broadband and assigned parking with dedicated electrical vehicle charging. Hamilton Court has been built off-site, with Castlemere Developments embracing the modern methods of construction (MMC) approach with all of its properties before lifting them into place for the finishing touches. It has purposely chosen off-site MMC so that it can deliver projects much quicker than onsite developments, reduce the disruption to current residents, and ensure its developments are as environmentally friendly as possible. Kris Collett, managing director of Castlemere Developments, said: “Hamilton Court is a stunning addition to the residential property market in Tunbridge Wells. We are incredibly pleased with it. Our plan was to deliver stylish, environmentally friendly accommodation which we have achieved. “We have chosen to adopt MMC best practices for this scheme – and future ones. This is more cost-effective, and quicker and also we believe that building airspace apartments offsite is less complex. There is a huge demand for residential properties and we will continue to source suitable locations that we can develop to help meet this need.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fivemiletown headquartered Paving and Building Products firm, AG, has reinforced its position as a market leader in sustainable construction through the publication of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for over 370 of its products. The firm, which has manufacturing locations in Fivemiletown, Toome, and Carryduff, already has one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry and is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its operations to an absolute minimum. Created to encourage transparency across the construction industry, an EPD is a standardised formal document that quantifies a product’s environmental impact. It is based on a detailed life cycle assessment and verified by an accredited third party. Recently awarded Sustainable Manufacturing Business of the Year at the prestigious Business Eye Awards, AG’s EPDs reflect the company’s dedication to innovation and its ongoing carbon reduction efforts. Michael Davies, Head of Innovation and Carbon Reduction at AG said: “For many years, we have worked tirelessly to reduce our environmental impact and we are delighted to publish our Environmental Product Declarations.” “A reflection of the continuous innovation we’ve employed to date, our EPDs will provide our customers with essential data that will enhance the sustainability credentials of their projects and provide them with a comprehensive overview of their scheme. We are extremely proud to be able to say that our facilities and products boast some of the industry’s lowest embodied carbon statistics.” From 2019 to 2023, AG reported a 47.8% reduction in its Scope 1 and 2 emissions, a significant achievement considering the firm’s extended operational hours and the construction of a new £3 million factory in 2023 to meet increased product demand. Additionally, AG reduced its Scope 3 emissions by 4.67% from 2021, underscoring its commitment to a greener future in construction. Verified by EPD Hub, AG’s Environmental Product Declarations represent the latest in the firm’s series of sustainability initiatives. These efforts include a longstanding commitment to producing a significant portion of their product range using recycled aggregate and locally quarried materials. AG’s commitment to energy efficiency is reinforced through regular reviews of its systems and procedures, driving continuous improvement. As part of its CSR strategy, the company has recently made a significant investment of over £5.4 million to modernise its plant, equipment, and technology, underscoring its dedication to sustainable practices and cutting-edge innovation. AG’s CEO, Stephen Acheson commented, “At AG, sustainability isn’t merely a responsibility but a guiding principle that fuels our innovation and shapes our operations. Our EPDs mark a major milestone in our journey to reduce carbon emissions, providing transparent and comprehensive insights into the environmental footprint of our products. These documents and the data they contain underscore our commitment to creating high-quality, sustainable products, solidifying AG’s reputation as a leader in low-carbon solutions.” For more information about AG, please visit ag.uk.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading Italian render manufacturer, Fassa Bortolo, has successfully completed work on ‘National Star’, a £6.2 million specialist residence in Ullenwood for young people with complex needs and learning disabilities. The project was specified in collaboration with Fassa’s National Specification Manager, Stephen Gore, and Richard Moores from Coombes Everitt Architects. This high-specification project demanded precision to ensure flawless facilities, further supporting the excellence of students and residents. Additionally, the requirements of Speller Metcalfe and Coombes Everritt necessitated a cost-effective design solution with a warranty and third-party certification. Covering an area of 430 square metres, the project utilised Fassa’s renowned Fassatherm system, celebrated for its efficiency in External Wall Insulation (EWI) applications on timber frames. The process began with the application of Fassa’s proprietary A 96 adhesive, used to affix the mineral wool insulation panels. This was followed by the application of FS 412 as a primer, and finished with RSR 421 silicone resin top coat, providing both protective and decorative attributes to the system. We are thrilled to announce that National Star has been shortlisted for ‘Education Project of the Year’ in the Michelmores Property Awards 2024. We are honoured to have worked on this project and to be recognised among many esteemed projects, both in the Education category and across the board. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A call by more than 400 of the UK’s leading climate scientists for all election hopefuls to commit to ambitious climate policies has been backed by European insulation specialist Actis. In an open letter to all political parties the academics are calling for five actions to help address climate change, including accelerating moves to help the UK adapt in the light of rising temperatures. The letter says residents are already feeling the effects of a warming planet and cite the summer heatwave of 2022 which saw thousands of excess deaths. Its authors add that if a party leader does not make addressing climate change a priority they “will place the prosperity and well-being of the British people at severe risk” and will not deserve the support of the electorate. Among the signatories is former government chief scientific adviser Prof Sir David King who played a pivotal role in getting the Climate Change Act over the line in 2008. Addressing the effects of climate change is an issue close to Actis’ heart. Its UK and Ireland sales director Mark Cooper explained: “Under Part O of the building regulations architects are obliged to limit unwanted solar gains and provide a way to remove heat from residential dwellings. Buildings insulated with certain types of insulation can make hot summers unbearable for the occupants. “But not all insulation has that effect. In fact, quite the reverse. Our newest product, two-in-one Eolis HC, and our long-established Hybrid range of insulation and insulating membranes can make a dramatic impact on the comfort of homes in hot weather. In fact Eolis HC reflects 95% of infrared radiation, thanks to the revolutionary Triplex technology from which it is created. “All this means that our products keep homes cool during the summer as well as keeping the warmth in during the winter. “While using reflective insulation alone is not the answer to addressing the impact of climate change, it will mitigate some of the effects by enabling houses to remain at a pleasant temperature.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following a successful pilot phase initiated last year, Ecophon is now fully operating SoundCircularity Reuse in Sweden. Contributing to Ecophon’s circular offer, the reuse initiative aims to reduce the carbon footprint and resource usage of acoustic products by providing an alternative to newly produced acoustic materials. Building on the promising outcomes of the pilot, Ecophon’s reuse service involves taking back used acoustic products from existing buildings, for instance in connection with reconstructions, renovations, or tenant customisations. Ecophon will subsequently pay for the additional time for a correct demounting. After a thorough screening program to assess the quality, the products are sold to customers again, as a positive option in new construction and renovation projects due to the lower impact on the climate than new materials. “We are proud to break new ground and lead the way towards circularity. Ecophon takes responsibility as a material supplier enabling extended product lifespans through reuse and recycling – instead of ending up in landfill. By reintroducing products into the market, we also support our clients in achieving their sustainability goals. Integrating reuse fully into our business model is a logical extension of our circularity offer,” says Pierre-Emmanuel Thiard, CEO at Ecophon. Ecophon is one of the first construction product manufacturers in Sweden with a complete business model for taking care of reused products and reselling them to the market. Ecophon glass wool acoustic panels are engineered to last long and are noted for their durability and ease of handling, making them particularly suitable for reuse. By providing a feasible alternative with reduced environmental impact compared to buying new, Ecophon is helping to meet the growing demand for reused building materials in Sweden. “We are excited to move forward with this full-scale launch. Ecophon Reuse service is compatible with the most standard products, which are found in almost all buildings, making it easy. The positive response from the pilot confirms the market’s readiness for such solutions, and we continue our collaboration with partners and customers in Sweden to develop practical solutions for material reuse,” adds Karina Wisniewska, Service Range Manager at Ecophon. The demand for reused and reusable materials in the building sector is both needed and rising. According to the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning, the construction and property sector accounts for more than a fifth of total greenhouse gas emissions in Sweden.1 Furthermore, the construction sector is responsible for over 35% of the EU’s total waste generation.2 Reused sound absorbents can both lower the climate impact of projects and reduce landfill. The reuse service is now fully operating in Sweden and will work alongside Ecophon’s award winning recycling service, which focuses on recycling panels that are not accepted for reuse. Read more about Ecophon’s reuse service and other sustainability initiatives here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Today, Wolseley Group has announced the acquisition of R.E.S – Renewable Equipment Solutions. The addition of R.E.S to the Wolseley Group portfolio will enhance strategic growth, whilst enabling Wolseley to expand within the renewables space. R.E.S is an MCS-accredited renewable equipment specialist. Working with the trade, they supply a complete range of renewable and energy-efficient technologies for homes and businesses across the UK, offering a standalone or fully integrated renewables package. Simon Gray, Chief Executive Officer at Wolseley Group said: “Adding R.E.S to our group of brands is essential for us to be successful in supporting our customers moving towards environmentally friendly products. Our recent launch of Renewables by Wolseley is pivotal to this acquisition. Utilising the vast expertise of R.E.S and combining this with our extensive product range from industry leading brands, provides our customers with the very best in the market.” R.E.S will retain their brand identity and operate as usual. Managing Director, Shane Oxberry will also remain with the business and shares Wolseley’s ambitions. “We are delighted to be Joining forces with the Wolsey Group which presents an incredible opportunity for RES to scale our impact and drive the adoption of renewable energy solutions across the UK. We share a common vision for a sustainable future and customer satisfaction. Together we will achieve remarkable advancements in the renewables sector.” said Shane Oxberry, Managing Director, R.E.S. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
