Monolith Brick & Stone Ltd received a coveted A1 rating for its cutting-edge BrickPlus Pro brick slips and, as a result, owner Stephen Waring says the potential for job creation at the firm’s base on St Asaph Business Park in Denbighshire is huge. The new non-combustible building product was developed
The ultimate guide to ceiling and wall solutions is now available from leading UK manufacturer Armstrong. The company’s new Main Line Brochure makes it even easier for architects and designers to specify ceiling and wall solutions thanks to a simplified but inspiring layout. The new catalogue illustrates with stunning architectural
McPhee Bros Ltd, which is trading as McPhee Mixers, has been purchased by private equity firm Elaghmore Partners, which will provide financial backing to support the company’s growth plans. Part of these plans are the expansion of its existing sites, a new product development, the addition of sales and marketing
Developed in Sweden over 15 years ago, SiOO is a patented, silicon based, two part wood surface treatment process with extensive use in the DIY market. The surface protector makes sure that the wood protector doesn’t leach out until it has cured. The wood protector undergoes a chemical reaction with
The Building Better Communities initiative is in its fourth year of running and it will award one community project up to £50,000, as well as many other prizes. Projects from Calderdale and the rest of the county can apply for funding for building materials to improve their facilities. In addition,
GFW, the Lancashire-based wholesale furniture supplier, has received a £10 million investment, provided by HSBC, to help with its growth plans. The funding package enabled the company to acquire its trading premises in Eccleshill and secure the site as its permanent home. “We’re delighted to receive financial support from HSBC.
More than half of small building firms say that rising material prices are squeezing their margins and the same percentage have had to pass these price increases onto consumers, according to the latest research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Small and medium-sized (SME) building firms were asked which
United Living has a three year programme of refurbishment work in Thurrock, Essex on its agenda and is currently looking to sign up new suppliers and subcontractors. A trade networking event was organised with Constructionline to outline the opportunities available on the programme and give attendees the chance to join
New roofing guidance for housebuilders has been published by the Trussed Rafter Association (TRA). How to Build Compliant Spandrel Panels, which is endorsed by the NHBC, has been updated to include information about single-skin cladding for spandrel panels. The guide now has a page featuring fermacell Gypsum Fibreboard as an
Designed to blend into the surrounding scenery, a unique roof construction of the new dining hall is the centrepiece of the regional college in Schwäbisch Gmünd. Visitors see a suspended roof, which is perfectly integrated into the landscape. The unusual roof construction was designed by German Liebel/Architekten and it was
Monolith Brick & Stone Ltd received a coveted A1 rating for its cutting-edge BrickPlus Pro brick slips and, as a result, owner Stephen Waring says the potential for job creation at the firm’s base on St Asaph Business Park in Denbighshire is huge. The new non-combustible building product was developed as a response to the “natural and understandable” concerns raised by the Grenfell Tower tragedy last year. Achieving the A1 fire rating was, he said, a “game-changer” that would “put people’s minds at ease”. “After the Grenfell Tower tragedy in London there is a huge amount of cautiousness in relation to putting fabrication on buildings and it emphasised the huge importance of having a product with A1 fire rating that everyone can trust,” said Stephen Waring. “Because of the understandable fears and the perceptions about safety following the Grenfell Tower disaster, the availability of this new product will reinforce peace of mind that developers, specifiers and of the course the public are looking for.” The rigorously tested product comes in panels of 12 brick slips held together by an integrated mesh fused right through the brick slips which give a building a non-combustible façade. BrickPlus Pro can dramatically reduce overall construction costs because the bricks fit together like a jigsaw and are quick to apply. The product can be used in the construction of new buildings or applied to existing properties, replicating almost any brick facade to order. “If you for example buy normal tiles and they’re a mosaic, sometimes the tiles will actually drop off. But our mesh is actually within the product, so they’re far more robust,” said Stephen. “We’re adding one non-combustible element to another non-combustible element to create something that gives people peace of mind, but in the same instant we’re helping them to save money by speeding up the process, because our brick slip system is very quick in its installation.” “There’s massive potential with the product and the opportunity for growth in the future is great. The potential in terms of employment is also huge. Once the ball starts rolling we’re going to certainly need more people. The fact that it’s made in Wales is very important to us. I’m very proud of that,” he concluded.
The ultimate guide to ceiling and wall solutions is now available from leading UK manufacturer Armstrong. The company’s new Main Line Brochure makes it even easier for architects and designers to specify ceiling and wall solutions thanks to a simplified but inspiring layout. The new catalogue illustrates with stunning architectural photography and technical drawings the interior solutions that help to enhance comfort, save time, improve building efficiency and overall performance, and create beautiful spaces for office, education, health, retail and transport applications. Available in 14 languages to reflect the company’s recently launched global website, the brochure guides specifiers through the myriad of design solutions available, from floating ceilings and suspension systems (including perimeter detailing and accessories), through materials such as mineral, metal, mesh and wood, to wall and special solutions for acoustic, healthcare and highly humid applications. A product selector by performance helps specifiers to select the right systems for acoustics, light reflectance, fire reaction, humidity and recycled content, with Armstrong’s pioneering recycling programmes and best in class Cradle to Cradle credentials featuring in their own section of infographics. The new comprehensive catalogue also advises on installation and maintenance, including a cleaning matrix, and offers a technical acoustical glossary as well as a route to Armstrong’s BIM files available through the new global website and BIMobject portal. It is available to download via https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/commercial-ceilings-walls/product-catalogue.html#catViewer. More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.
McPhee Bros Ltd, which is trading as McPhee Mixers, has been purchased by private equity firm Elaghmore Partners, which will provide financial backing to support the company’s growth plans. Part of these plans are the expansion of its existing sites, a new product development, the addition of sales and marketing capability and a geographic expansions that will capitalise on the company’s intellectual property. “McPhee Mixers is a strong, profitable company with a growing order book, a track record of innovation and long-term relationships with some of the biggest names in the UK construction industry. It is a valuable addition to our Total Vehicle Solutions Group and expands its capability to offer even more products to its industrial client base from a growing number of sites across the UK. We are excited about working with the management team at McPhee Mixers to build on their success including growing its existing sites, developing new products and securing a foothold in other geographies to exploit its intellectual property,” said Andy Ducker, founding partner at Elaghmore. McPhee Mixers will continue to operate autonomously, but will become part of Elaghmore’s Total Vehicle Solution (TVS) Group, which currently includes SB Components and Priden Engineering. The company designs, manufactures and supplies mixers from its headquarters in Blantyre, Glasgow, while also offering services and repairs from a site in Chesterfield. “McPhee Mixers has a long and enviable record of success within the engineering industry, and we have ambitious plans for the future. Working with Elaghmore will help us deliver these, which is demonstrated by their track record in backing companies like SB Components. It is an exciting day for our skilled and dedicated workforce as well as our customers as we look to build on our success so far as part of the TVS Group,” said McPhee Mixers managing director, Brinsley McFarlane.
Developed in Sweden over 15 years ago, SiOO is a patented, silicon based, two part wood surface treatment process with extensive use in the DIY market. The surface protector makes sure that the wood protector doesn’t leach out until it has cured. The wood protector undergoes a chemical reaction with atmospheric carbon dioxide to deposit insoluble silica particles in the wood, particles that give an even, silvery-grey appearance to the wood surface, looking just like weathered wood. The silica envelope that forms after is completely stable to ultraviolet light and its even, silvery-grey appearance to the wood surface is one of the most attractive features of the product. However, if not applied correctly the results will not reflect its performance. The best option is factory finishing as the product can be applied under controlled conditions. The product works best when there is good penetration of the wood material – rough sawn surfaces are always preferred. Where planed surfaces are specified it is important to sand the surface to break through the machining glaze that is often present in order to allow the product to penetrate the wood. Applying the product in direct sunlight should be avoided, since rapid drying of the water based product will limit diffusion into the wood. Application in damp, cold conditions is also to be avoided, since curing is slowed down and there is a risk that the wood protector will be leached out before curing has occurred. The best option is always using a factory-applied finish by a SiOO:X accredited treater, who can apply the treatment using brushing or spraying, offering the optimum performance of the product.
The Building Better Communities initiative is in its fourth year of running and it will award one community project up to £50,000, as well as many other prizes. Projects from Calderdale and the rest of the county can apply for funding for building materials to improve their facilities. In addition, Jewson will also give away £100,000 of the overall prize fund to heroes of the building trade, which are the unsung tradespeople who go above and beyond in their local area or builders who have always supported others and are now in need themselves. “The funds donated as part of the Building Better Communities competition are making a huge difference to local charities and community groups across Great Britain, and can do the same for those in West Yorkshire. We know there are groups doing great work on a daily basis, so it’s an honour to be supporting them and I’m really looking forward to learning about this year’s entries,” said George Clarke, celebrity architect that has been involved with Building Better Communities for two years. The deadline for all entrants to submit their application is the 9th of May. The winning project will be announced on the 3rd of July at a ceremony hosted by George Clarke. “Since we launched the Building Better Communities competition in 2015, we’ve helped more than 65 fantastic projects make a difference to communities across the UK. We’ve seen the great work being carried out by communities and tradespeople and want to give back to those who go the extra mile. That’s why we’re continuing to ask residents in West Yorkshire to nominate a cause that could benefit from some extra support,” said Thierry Dufour, managing director at Jewson.
GFW, the Lancashire-based wholesale furniture supplier, has received a £10 million investment, provided by HSBC, to help with its growth plans. The funding package enabled the company to acquire its trading premises in Eccleshill and secure the site as its permanent home. “We’re delighted to receive financial support from HSBC. We operate in a crowded marketplace and our customers demand an ever increasing range of furniture products,” said Jonathan Ponsonby, managing director at GFW. “By owning our premises we now have the platform from which to deliver a greater range and improved customer experience. We’re now expecting our turnover to increase within the next year.” Now, GFW plans to refurbish the premises and expand its warehouse facilities. It is also looking into increasing its product range by 20% by importing from China and other East Asian markets. The forecast after the investment is that the revenues will rise by 15% over the next 12 months, which will lead to extra staff needed as well. “We strive to help SMEs grow across the North West and we are proud to support GFW,” said Richard Beaumont, HSBC’s relationship director for Greater Manchester. “The company is a great example of the type of businesses we support – ambitious and focussed on growth. We look forward to seeing the business flourish in the future.”
More than half of small building firms say that rising material prices are squeezing their margins and the same percentage have had to pass these price increases onto consumers, according to the latest research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Small and medium-sized (SME) building firms were asked which materials are in shortest supply and have the longest wait times. The average results were as follows (in order of longest to shortest wait times): 1) Bricks were in shortest supply with the longest reported wait time being more than one year; 2) Roof tiles were second with the longest reported wait time being up to six months; 3) Insulation was third with the longest reported wait time being up to four months; 4) Slate was fourth with the longest reported wait time being up to six months; 5) Windows were fifth with the longest reported wait time being more than one year; 6) Blocks were sixth with the longest reported wait time being up to four months; 7) Porcelain products were seventh with the longest reported wait time being more than one year; 8) Plasterboard was eighth with the longest reported wait time being up to two months; 9) Timber was ninth with the longest reported wait time being up to two months; 10) Boilers were tenth, with the longest reported wait time being more than one year. SME building firms were also asked by what percentage different materials have increased over the past 12 months. On average, the following rises were reported: Insulation increased by 16%; Bricks increased by 9%; Timber increased by 8%; Roof tiles increased by 8%; Slate increased by 8%; Windows increased by 7%; Blocks increased by 7%; Plasterboard increased by 7%; Boilers increased by 7%; Porcelain products increased by 6%. The impact of these material price increases includes: More than half of construction SMEs (56%) have had their margins squeezed, this has gone up from one third (32%) reporting this in July 2017; Half of firms (49%) have been forced to pass material price increases onto their clients, making building projects more expensive for consumers, this has gone up from less than one quarter (22%) reporting this in July 2017; A third of firms (30%) have recommended that clients use alternative materials or products to those originally specified, this has gone up from one in ten reporting this in July 2017; Nearly one fifth (17%) of builders report making losses on their building projects due to material price increases, this has gone up from one in ten reporting this in July 2017. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Material prices have rocketed over the past year. The reason for this could include the impact of the depreciation of sterling following the EU referendum still feeding through. High demand due to buoyant international markets could also be contributing to price increases. What’s particularly worrying is that when prices have increased mid-project, almost one fifth of builders have absorbed the increase and therefore made a loss. Also, if material price increases weren’t enough of a headache for building firms, they are also experiencing material shortages with wait times ticking up across a range of materials and products. Worst case scenarios include firms waiting for more than one year for a new order of bricks.” Berry continued: “The rise in material prices is not just a problem for the country’s construction firms – it is also a problem for home owners. Half of firms have been forced to pass these price increases onto their clients, meaning building projects are becoming more and more expensive. This problem has worsened recently with more than twice as many firms passing material prices on to their clients now compared with nine months ago. What’s more, home owners should be prepared to have to use alternative materials or products to their first choice. One third of firms have recommended that their clients should use alternative materials or products to those originally specified. Now more than ever, it’s important that builders and their clients keep the lines of communication open in order to stay within time and within budget. Specified products or materials may need to be swapped for alternatives or clients will need to accept the additional cost.” Berry concluded: “We are calling on builders merchants to give their customers as much advance warning of forthcoming material price increases or wait times as possible so that firms can warn their customers and plan ahead. We are also advising builders to price jobs and draft contracts with these material price rises in mind. The FMB’s latest State of Trade Survey shows that almost ninety per cent of building firms are expecting further rises over the next sixth months. This makes quoting for jobs difficult but if builders flag the issue to their client from the outset, and include a note in the contract that prices may be subject to increases, they shouldn’t be left short. What we don’t want is for the number of building firms making losses on projects to increase as this could result in firms going to the wall. A large number of collapsing construction companies will have a terrible knock-on effect in the wider economy.”
United Living has a three year programme of refurbishment work in Thurrock, Essex on its agenda and is currently looking to sign up new suppliers and subcontractors. A trade networking event was organised with Constructionline to outline the opportunities available on the programme and give attendees the chance to join United Living’s approved supplier list. The key trades expected to attend the event include: Kitchen renewal, Bathroom and WC renewal, Central Heating renewal, External door replacement, Electrical works, Damp remedial works, Any associated asbestos removal, as well as Cyclical decorations and repairs, External wall insulation, Roofline renewal work such as fascias, soffits and downpipes, Window replacements, and Structural repairs and modifications. “We are delighted to expand our operations into Thurrock and we are committed to providing opportunities for local businesses to work with us to provide a first-class service,” said Daren Moseley, Managing Director for United Living South (Refurbishment). “This event is an opportunity to meet with local contractors that would like to work with our group in a full range of trades. We can’t wait to meet them on the day.” Registration for the event is free and is available for both Constructionline and non-Constructionline members at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/united-living-supplier-engagement-day-tickets-45102958162?aff=efbneb. The drop-in session will take place on the 24th of April, between 9.30am and 3.30pm at Aveley Football Club, Parkside, Park Lane, Aveley, South Ockenden, RM15 4PX.
New roofing guidance for housebuilders has been published by the Trussed Rafter Association (TRA). How to Build Compliant Spandrel Panels, which is endorsed by the NHBC, has been updated to include information about single-skin cladding for spandrel panels. The guide now has a page featuring fermacell Gypsum Fibreboard as an example of how single-skin cladding can replace two sheets of plasterboard either side of a spandrel panel, without compromising fire and acoustic requirements. Jonathan Fellingham, TRA chairman, said: “The first version of the guide we published last year proved to be very useful to housebuilders. “We decided to update the guide to add more useful information for housebuilders on single-skin cladding options for spandrels. We take our collaboration with the installers of our products seriously and are committed to offering guidance to increase quality and accuracy wherever possible.” Throughout the guide there are technical drawings and 3D renders showing safe and compliant installation methods for spandrel panels. Where necessary these have also been updated to show closer detail of bracing, and to demonstrate different ways to restrain spandrel panels. Further guidance will be published throughout 2018 providing the latest advice on all aspects of the design, manufacture and safe installation of roof components. www.tra.org.uk
Designed to blend into the surrounding scenery, a unique roof construction of the new dining hall is the centrepiece of the regional college in Schwäbisch Gmünd. Visitors see a suspended roof, which is perfectly integrated into the landscape. The unusual roof construction was designed by German Liebel/Architekten and it was constructed using Metsä Wood’s Kerto® LVL products. The basic idea of the building was to use as many natural resources as possible. “As a result, we decided to construct the roof using wood,” says Steffen Kainzbauer, architect and project manager at Liebel/Architekten. “The wooden roof structure was developed by an interdisciplinary team of seven specialists.” The group designed a grillage frame structure supported on steel columns. Implementation of the roof construction succeeded with the use of Kerto® LVL Q-panels and S-beams. In the project, load-bearing and dimensionally stable Kerto LVL (laminated veneer lumber) was used for the beams, and also for the roof and floor panels. “We achieved a consistent design with identical material on both the beams and the ceiling. Due to the load-bearing strength of the LVL beams, we were able to design slender beams and use LVL roof and floor panels for lateral stability,” states Mark Lukas from the engineering firm Dr.-Ing. H. Hottmann. The Kerto LVL main and secondary beams used in the roof construction are just 10–12 cm wide and show only a very small deflection. Complex roof construction with precise implementation The roof design team created and implemented a unique wooden roof construction with Kerto LVL Q-panel and S-beams. The end result is convincing in terms of sustainability, design and functionality. Remarkable also is the performance of the carpentry company, Holzbau Moßhammer GmbH, which implemented the large new dining hall construction project with excellent precision and fully on schedule. Kerto® LVL proved again to be fast, light and green material for construction. Read more about this unique wooden roof structure.