By Laura Smith – UK Head of Marketing CPG UK For the offsite sector, the focus is not just on building efficiently, but also manufacturing safe and complaint buildings. To achieve this, it is important that offsite manufacturers and their suppliers collaborate at the earliest opportunity. CPG Offsite Solutions, which
Polymer pipework manufacturer REHAU has unveiled Clip-Flex, a next-generation district heating shroud designed to offer unrivalled flexibility to installers and contractors. The shroud was officially unveiled at REHAU’s recent district heating workshop in central London, where delegates were able to gain a hands-on look at the new technology. Steve Richmond,
Behind a combination of concepts, briefs and materials, architectural hardware can often tie design projects together, and it’s all in the finish, explains Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware. When it comes to door hardware, the details matter. Between levers, pull handles, locks and hinges, correctly specified hardware can elevate
Kingspan Data & Flooring, the industry leader in data and flooring solutions, has successfully completed their first external ISO 37301 audit, the global benchmark for state-of-the-art compliance management. ISO 37301 forms part of a new commitment by Kingspan Group to have all 190 of its manufacturing sites around the world
Although the deadline for the UKCA certification process has been pushed to 30 June 2025, manufacturers of structural timber fasteners and fixings are being told to start now with getting products tested amidst a shortage of approved testing facilities in the UK. The advice, from Warringtonfire, a leading testing, inspection
Balustrade manufacturer, Neaco, is urging construction companies to be wary of compromising safety in managing the extra cost of new regulations requiring a second staircase on tall buildings. The government has been consulting on a plan to force developers to include two staircases in their designs for all new residential
Polymer supplier REHAU is celebrating after hitting a landmark milestone in its Building Solutions division by selling its billionth Everloc™ compression sleeve worldwide. The timeless solution has been on the market for over 35 years for use with REHAU PE-Xa pipes, representing a major upgrade in connection technology since its
Solution from MK Electric and Trend Controls integrates outlet-level electricity use monitoring into a building management system for visibility into previously unknown power consumption MK Electric and Trend Controls have launched one of the first fully integrated commercial solutions for effective remote monitoring and control of plug-in sources of power
Watco and Tor Coatings have joined forces to offer a wider choice of high-quality coatings for every surface of a building, which is something that isn’t available anywhere else on the market. Combined the specialists have almost 150 years of experience and can offer a wider range of products and
New provisions of the 2022 Building Safety Act came into force on 1st April 2023, including a duty to keep the safety and standard of buildings under review, facilitating improvement in the competence of industry and building inspectors, and a duty to establish a system for the giving of building
By Laura Smith – UK Head of Marketing CPG UK For the offsite sector, the focus is not just on building efficiently, but also manufacturing safe and complaint buildings. To achieve this, it is important that offsite manufacturers and their suppliers collaborate at the earliest opportunity. CPG Offsite Solutions, which encompasses seven brands – Nullifire, Illbruck, Tremco, Flowcrete, Dryvit, Nudura and Vandex, is an excellent example of how industry collaboration in practice allows for specialist solutions to be developed for the offsite sector. A fabric first approach relies on early engagement with offsite modular manufacturers to make buildings safer from the outset. Working closely with partners, CPG Offsite Solutions offer a range of passive fire protection products for both service penetrations, and inter-module junctions. Penetration Seals: Penetration seals are passive fire protection systems used to maintain the fire resistance of a wall or floor that has services passing through it. In the event of a fire, the penetrations caused by these services can undermine the integrity of a buildings fire safety precautions. Service penetration seals such as Nullifire’s FP220 Service Sleeve, or Nullifire FP170 Intucollar Intumescent Pipe Collar provide an effective solution to this problem. FP220 Service Sleeve is a pipe closer device which comprises of an intumescent material within a stainless-steel shell. Expanding when exposed to fire, this device reinstates the fire performance of compartment walls which have been penetrated by combustible pipes. Suitable for installation prior to a module being transported to site, FP220 provides up to two hours fire resistance (tested to EN 1366-3) and is ultra-slim in design ensuring quick and easy installation. FP170 Intucollar Intumescent Pipe Sleeve is another penetration seal which is suitable for offsite construction. Expanding when exposed to fire, this product has been tested with a wide range of combustible pipes, insulated non-combustible pipes and network cable bundles (up to 125mm). This product is easy to install within modules and provides up to 4 hours fire resistance (tested to EN 1366-3). Module Junctions: Offsite manufacturing inherently creates joints between modules or panels. Ensuring that adequate fire protection is installed within these areas is critical to the fire strategy of the building. CPG Offsite Solutions offer a range of tested and certified passive fire protection products for module junctions, including, Nullifire FJ203 Fire Resistant Rope, as well as Nullifire FJ400 Intuspan Intumescent Joint Filler. FJ203 Fire Resistant Rope has been designed to reinstate the fire compartment requirement in linear gaps such as those created by module or panel junctions and is tested to EN 1366-4 achieving up to four hours fire resistance. Nullifire FO142 or FO143 Silicate Adhesive may be required for installation. Nullifire’s fire resistant rope is easy to apply, easy to cut and can accommodate joint widths of up to 150 mm. Saving time and money within offsite construction. FJ400 Intuspan Intumescent Joint Filler, is also a popular choice for module junction protection. Typically offering 60% physical movement capabilities, this product has been tested in linear joints from 12 mm to 115 mm gap width and is suitable for use between horizontal and vertical elements. Offering up to two hours of fire protection between module junctions, this fully dry system is ideal for high vibration areas and can be installed by hand. How can CPG Offsite Solutions support the offsite market: CPG Offsite Solutions have access to a comprehensive range of tested solutions ideal for the offsite market. Supported by an expert technical team, working closely with their partners to ensure that the correct fire protection solutions are installed within all projects. Find out more about CPG Offsite Solutions today. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Polymer pipework manufacturer REHAU has unveiled Clip-Flex, a next-generation district heating shroud designed to offer unrivalled flexibility to installers and contractors. The shroud was officially unveiled at REHAU’s recent district heating workshop in central London, where delegates were able to gain a hands-on look at the new technology. Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing & Technical at REHAU Building Solutions, was also at hand to breakdown the benefits of the shroud in his talk on innovation in district heating shrouds & industry training. With up to 22.5° range of motion in all directions, the shroud allows pipework to be angled as per the demands of the project, allowing contractors far greater flexibility on site. Steve said: “Shrouds are a key part of any district heating network, influencing installation time and ease. Your pre-insulated pipe and joints are only as good as the shrouds that cover them, so it was important for us to create a solution that gave the highest level of both flexibility and reliability.” “We have spoken to countless designers and contractors in the development of Clip-Flex, and have taken their priorities into consideration. Through ongoing collaboration with industry professionals working in the field of district heating, we have been able to create a shroud that facilitates easier installation, optimises heat network performance, and also has the potential to deliver cost savings in materials.” The shroud’s larger diameter makes it compatible with all REHAU PE-Xa district heating pipes from 25mm to 160mm, meaning it now covers all RAUVITHERM and RAUTHERMEX sizes. Clip-Flex also features up to 20% more interior space, allowing a much wider range of tees to be used, including REHAU’s own FUSAPEX and modular tees. Using FUSAPEX can offer cost savings and improved lead times by using standard shrouds and fittings instead of custom pre-insulated tees, significantly reducing the total number of shrouds needed on a project. Steve concluded: “We view the development of Clip-Flex as a true landmark moment for polymer district heating pipework. The innovative shroud has the potential to revolutionise the way polymer district heating pipes can be installed, so we look forward to bringing it to UK market.” For more information on Clip-Flex, CLICK HERE.
Behind a combination of concepts, briefs and materials, architectural hardware can often tie design projects together, and it’s all in the finish, explains Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware. When it comes to door hardware, the details matter. Between levers, pull handles, locks and hinges, correctly specified hardware can elevate any space – enhancing aesthetics, accessibility and functionality. Typical design projects can house tens – if not hundreds – of doors and their supplementary furniture, each playing a fundamental functional role while also having a significant impact on the overall feel and flow of the building. As such, design professionals are encouraged to put careful consideration into door furniture selection, ensuring they deliver reliable, eloquent solutions that meet user requirements. While final design decisions may depend on project, preference and budget, it always pays to get your material scheme right the first-time round. From colour matching to durability, there are a number of key components to consider when choosing door hardware finishes, and so, with that in mind, what should design teams be on the lookout for? The finishing touch Aesthetically speaking, more often than not, a high-quality, consistent finish is more essential to a building’s interior atmosphere than the design characteristics of the door furniture itself. Whether opting for a classic or contemporary feel, the right material scheme can completely invigorate a space while unifying a project’s overarching design theme. Today, there is an expanding catalogue of popular hardware finishes, each differing for a range of aesthetic and practical reasons. In recent years for example, there has been an influx of dark-toned, contemporary surfaces, with matt black finishes in high demand. And while the popularity of matt black and even granite material schemes has risen recently, they may not always be suitable for certain settings and may soon be displaced by another leading style. This revolving door of interior design trends and an ever-growing market of available finishes means the specification process is conceivably more complex than ever before. While juggling the latest styles, modern design teams must also be mindful of the disparity in quality between different suppliers, material grades and price points. At surface level, different manufacturers may offer the same styles and material schemes, but upon delivery, each may vary in colour shades, characteristics and overall consistency. Consequently, this can leave projects suffering from discord in their design, with end-users later requiring replacements or full redesigns to match their original plans. Colour matching carries even more weight when meeting the needs of visually impaired users, for example. Under the Equality Act 2010, it’s stated all new and refurbished public buildings must offer equal access to all users, ensuring safe entry and passage through a building regardless of disability, age of gender. Where only 5% of people that are blind can’t see anything at all, most have limited colour vision and perception of light and shade, and for this, an adequate level of visual contrast between building surfaces and their surrounding areas is mandatory. With this, design professionals must be conscious of Light Reflectance Values (LRV). LRV is understood as the universal scale used in architecture and interior design and is a way of measuring the amount of visible and usable light that is reflected from a surface when illuminated by a light source. In essence, it is important to assess the contrast between the door facings and ironmongery throughout specification, with standards recommending an LRV contrast of at least 30 points in order to comply with BS 8300-2:2018. Consistent by design The purpose of a consistent finish runs deeper than aesthetics alone. Together with its design benefits, a high-quality, durable material scheme can add value to a project by offering high wear and abrasion resistance, improving the overall usability of door furniture throughout a building’s lifecycle. Here, the specification of material schemes is often determined by project type and the location of the door itself. Stainless steel finishes for example, while offering clean aesthetics, are designed to add value in kitchen and bathroom spaces by offering naturally high resistance to moisture corrosion. On the other hand, stainless steel can often succumb to the harsh exposure of sunlight and as such, its use should generally be avoided in outside environments. Similarly, a high-grade physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating is also naturally corrosion resistant, but in addition, it offers users an extremely scratch resistant surface – making it suitable for high traffic environments such as hospitals and schools. With this in mind, design professionals must seek the most applicable material scheme throughout their project, opting for higher grades of materials where necessary. And where a single manufacturer may offer a continuous range of finishes of the same quality, the use of multiple suppliers can truly have the adverse effect. Comparably, low-cost substitutes are unlikely to match the reliability that premium finishes can offer. Much like users expect the mechanisms of door hardware to last throughout a building’s lifecycle, it is essential for material schemes stand the test of time too. Where ‘natural living’ finishes (such as unlacquered bronze and brass) are purposefully designed to react to the external environment and develop over time with the building, low-quality finishes may begin to fade unintentionally. Protective coatings (such as PVD or lacquered finishes) are designed to retain their quality regardless of the environment in which they’re installed. Even in high traffic areas, durable designs are more likely to retain their operational benefits over time, while also enduring decorative trends and leaving interiors intact for years to come. Inherently, decision makers are urged to chase quality above trends and low-cost substitutes. Where door hardware finishes are concerned, durability and cohesion are key in offering longer-lasting benefits and design professionals must look to work closely with trusted manufacturers and supply chains to ensure their choices match expectations. Because, while styles change and trends come and go, the basis for a high quality, consistent finish lies within the manufacturing process. After all, the details are always in the design. Building, Design &
Kingspan Data & Flooring, the industry leader in data and flooring solutions, has successfully completed their first external ISO 37301 audit, the global benchmark for state-of-the-art compliance management. ISO 37301 forms part of a new commitment by Kingspan Group to have all 190 of its manufacturing sites around the world accredited and was the first time Kingspan Data & Flooring has sought to achieve this ISO standard, which replaced ISO 19600 in 2021. At its core, ISO 37301 examines whether compliance and risk management systems meet international standards. The assessment was conducted by Advanced Certification and awarded in March 2022. The accreditation is the culmination of 12 months’ work by Kingspan Data & Flooring’s Management Systems Specialist, Phil Major, with assistance from internal teams. Donagh Nolan, Divisional Operations Director Europe, said of the achievement: ‘We’re thrilled the auditor has recommended that our Hull site in the UK can be added to the list of global Kingspan sites to be accredited to ISO 37301. It recognises the strides we’ve made as a business to reach our compliance goals, investing in training & development of our team, identifying compliance risks and introducing new policies and procedures to ensure our product performance continues to align with local legislation and published product data.’ Kingspan Data & Flooring Technology’s Managing Director, Seamus Cussen, added: ‘Achieving ISO 37301 accreditation is testament to Kingspan’s values, culture, and leadership. It demonstrates the progress our team in Hull has made to establish, develop, implement, evaluate, and improve effective compliance management systems within our business. We will continue our focused efforts to improve and innovate, and our commitment to this accreditation will be driven from all areas of our business.’ ISO 37301 combines ISO standards with international agencies’ guidelines, including the International Chambers of Commerce, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the UN Convention against Corruption. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Although the deadline for the UKCA certification process has been pushed to 30 June 2025, manufacturers of structural timber fasteners and fixings are being told to start now with getting products tested amidst a shortage of approved testing facilities in the UK. The advice, from Warringtonfire, a leading testing, inspection and certification company, warns that manufacturers who opt to wait run the risk of finding themselves with nowhere to test their products, as there are only a handful of UKAS-accredited testing facilities in the UK. Accredited testing to enable UKCA marking can only be issued by an approved body listed on the UK government’s database. Under the UK Construction Products Regulation, from 30 June 2025, manufacturers of structural timber fasteners and fixings within the scope of the UK Designated Standard BS EN 14592 must successfully complete the testing process by a UK based laboratory for any product to be placed on the UK market. This also applies to any products undergoing a chance in specification. Ben Sharples, Commercial Lead at BM TRADA and sister company to Warringtonfire, said: “UKCA marking is very important for the construction industry, as it symbolises that the product being used conforms to the relevant standard and is a mark of integrity. It is very important that fasteners and fixings manufacturers do not get lulled into a false sense of security with this extended deadline on UKCA marking. “There are only a few UKAS-accredited bodies in the UK that are able to test fasteners and fixings, of which Warringtonfire is one of them, that will then allow you to go on and achieve UKCA certification. Manufacturers need to be aware that any products on the UK market after the June 2025 will need to have this testing completed. This goes for products undergoing a change in their specification too. For instance, fasteners and fixings that have a change in design or coatings, will also need to be re-tested to gain the UKCA marking and confirm their stated performance.” To help accommodate the rush for testing, Warringtonfire has launched its state-of-the-art Fastener Testing Laboratory, which is located in High Wycombe. The laboratory can undertake assessments of performance for structural timber fastener and fixing products, so that manufacturers can UKCA mark them to BS EN 14592. Accreditation for the laboratory was achieved thanks to the expertise of its technicians as well significant investment into high-calibre testing equipment. The facility includes a universal testing machine for compression and tensile testing, a series of bespoke testing rigs, and conditioning rooms for structural timber samples. The organisation will offer a range of geometric and mechanical testing procedures for dowel type fasteners from a particular group of structural timber fixings, comprising of nails, screws, staples, dowels and bolts. The laboratory can also test steel fixings used to create joints between timber components or to attach other materials to timber. UKCA certification became mandatory for all new construction products placed on the market in Great Britain as of 1 January 2021, as the UK transitions away from the EU-recognised CE Marking. The original cut-off date for UKCA marking for all applicable construction products placed on the GB market was 1 January 2023, before being pushed to the new date in 2025. “Although many manufacturers have successfully achieved UKCA certification, a sizeable number have not,” said Ben. “Lead times for testing are long, and laboratory availability is in short supply. The longer the delay in getting the process started, the more likely manufacturers are to be caught out, and this then affects them being able to sell or launch their new products. Our advice is to get in touch as soon as possible, to ensure a smooth transition and prevent any disappointment down the line.” To find out more about UKCA testing for structural timber fasteners and fixings, please visit: https://www.warringtonfire.com/testing-services/non-fire-testing/fastener-testing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balustrade manufacturer, Neaco, is urging construction companies to be wary of compromising safety in managing the extra cost of new regulations requiring a second staircase on tall buildings. The government has been consulting on a plan to force developers to include two staircases in their designs for all new residential blocks above 30m in height, a proposed step which has already been adopted by London mayor, Sadiq Khan, for planning applications in the capital. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said the extra fire safety measure could cost developers around £1.6bn over a decade, prompting concerns that some companies will use cut-price solutions that are not reliably tested to meet fire safety compliance. With the government consultation envisaging a very short transition period, new developments are being encouraged to prepare for the change now. Having worked on balustrade specifications for high-rise buildings throughout the UK, Neaco believes that time and cost pressures could lead to flawed decisions in the design of staircases. Ryan Bainbridge, Technical Lead at Neaco, said: “The direction of travel appears to be heading towards a mandatory two staircases and a coalition of industry professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Building, have joined fire chiefs in calling to extend the rule to residential buildings above 18m in height. Many developers will be busy revising their designs and assessing the cost of the change. In some cases, there could be an incentive to reduce cost with economy solutions, but that carries a risk as many of these solutions are not rigorously tested with third-party data and supporting documents. “For example, balustrade and other staircase elements must achieve the required fire classification to BS EN13501.Those credentials must be certified by a credible third party – in other words, an independent and authorised testing body. If a balustrade manufacturer has not invested in third party certification and instead tests its products in-house, it cannot be relied upon to supply a genuinely compliant solution.” The introduction of more robust oversight under the Building Safety Act will throw a spotlight on decisions made at the design stage whenever safety issues arise. In that context, a lack of diligence in specification could expose developers to costly remediation measures. Alan Green, Managing Director at Neaco, said: “Under the terms of the Building Safety Act, the new Building Safety Regulator will apply evidence-based regulation of high-rise buildings, so everyone in the supply chain should be mindful of the importance of data which is independently sourced and documented. We all have a responsibility to maintain standards and compliance, particularly in relation to fire safety. Credible and reliable product testing is vital to that collective cause.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Polymer supplier REHAU is celebrating after hitting a landmark milestone in its Building Solutions division by selling its billionth Everloc™ compression sleeve worldwide. The timeless solution has been on the market for over 35 years for use with REHAU PE-Xa pipes, representing a major upgrade in connection technology since its introduction in 1987. It has since been used in over 60 countries globally, with the system being known for its reliability, fast installation and overall durability across multiple REHAU product ranges. “We first introduced the compression sleeve jointing technology at a trade fair in the 80s,” explains Colin Pearson, Sales & Marketing Director for REHAU Building Solutions UK. “While it was seen as a gamechanger then, it continues to be a highly effective solution for contractors to this day. Whether used for heating and plumbing, underfloor heating systems or district heat networks, its robust and watertight configuration has allowed the system to remain highly effective across multiple vital applications.” The Everloc™ connection technology uses the compression sleeve to create a permanently tight connection between the pipe and the fitting, with no O-rings or other sealants, producing an independently certified cavity-free joint. As the pipe itself is the sealant, the installation is immediately ready for pressure testing and a simple visual inspection is sufficient to know if the connection meets professional standards. “Robust, reliable and swift installations remain huge priorities for contractors worldwide,” concludes Colin. “The enduring popularity of the compression sleeve, especially in areas such as ensuring drinking water quality, is therefore very understandable. “Yet even given its trailblazing design and effectiveness, it’s still heartening to know that the technology remains a go-to solution globally and has passed this landmark. Fittings are a key element in drinking water and heating installations, among others. The function of the compression sleeve is largely responsible for its quality, and we will continue to improve the system to ensure its reliability for the next 35 years.” To find out more about REHAU’s compression sleeve and its applications, click here for plumbing and here for district heating. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Solution from MK Electric and Trend Controls integrates outlet-level electricity use monitoring into a building management system for visibility into previously unknown power consumption MK Electric and Trend Controls have launched one of the first fully integrated commercial solutions for effective remote monitoring and control of plug-in sources of power consumption for the UK buildings market. Connected Power, the first collaboration between the two Honeywell brands, is designed to easily allow building and energy managers to monitor their site’s use of small power — which can account for more than 25 percent of a building’s energy.[i] Comprising smart plug sockets and connectivity hubs from MK Electric, the Connected Power solution allows businesses to gain visibility into their buildings’ energy usage, remotely power down unused sockets and automate functions such as scheduling, grouping and alarms. Data is available down to an outlet level, providing more robust information and control of energy use in a building along with other site energy data such as heating, ventilation and air condition (HVAC) and lighting use. The Connected Power solution has been deployed at several test sites across the UK. Energy efficiency was seen in a number of different building locations by powering equipment only when needed, with evident energy savings once scheduling was applied through the Connected Power solution. The Connected Power system is also brand agnostic and can be seamlessly integrated into any existing BACNET-based building energy management system (BEMS) for a fully detailed overview of its energy use. Additionally the system will run as an effective stand-alone solution in buildings without the ability to offer a full BEMS integration. The innovation comes at a time when many businesses are looking for ways to reduce their electricity usage amid the rising cost of energy. Switching to Connected Power plug sockets can help save energy consumed by plug-in devices, by allowing businesses to remotely control sockets and set up alerts, alarms and schedules to power down sockets outside of core hours. “The impact of small power in a commercial setting can quickly add up, and there are often hundreds of small power devices in an office building, hospital or educational setting that are left on when not in use,” explained Steve Kenny, vice president and general manager, MK Electric. “By working with our colleagues from the Trend team, we can better provide building and energy managers with not only insight into their small power energy use – which was typically unknown – but also allow them to control it, giving them the tools they need to fully manage plug-in power usage.” Stefano D’Agostino, general manager at Trend, added: “The problem many businesses encounter is that small power loads — the sockets providing electricity to everything from computers and printers to portable space heaters and device chargers — don’t fall under the scope of their BEMS. We are changing that with Connected Power, giving businesses even greater visibility into their site’s energy profile for the first time.” Connected Power sockets are the same size as standard plug sockets, allowing for easy retrofits. Each hub wirelessly connects to up to 50 sockets and as many as 50 hubs can feed data back to a single BMS or supervisory system, giving a total capacity of 2,500 sockets or 5,000 individual outlets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Watco and Tor Coatings have joined forces to offer a wider choice of high-quality coatings for every surface of a building, which is something that isn’t available anywhere else on the market. Combined the specialists have almost 150 years of experience and can offer a wider range of products and solutions rooted in technical expertise to help facilities managers ensure the smooth running of fast-paced operations. As part of the partnership, site surveys will be offered before, during and after the project. In addition, annual site surveys will allow regular inspection of projects that have been completed as well as surfaces in nearby areas. The dedicated technical team will then provide a report of required maintenance work and will work with professional contractors as needed, to ensure repairs and surface defects are fixed – allowing warranties to be extended for ongoing protection. Commenting on the partnership’s origin, Chris Budd, Sales Director at Watco shared: “We realised that by joining forces, we could offer customers the technical expertise and solutions they would need for an entire building and all of its surfaces, as well as enhanced warranties for larger projects.” He continued: “On top of this, our customers can now speak to just one member of the joint team for advice. This will be of huge benefit to busy facilities and premises managers because by using one contact and one supplier for the needs of the entire building envelope, they can enjoy a more streamlined process, as well as extended warranties on the products specified for a job.” Together, Watco and Tor Coatings will be able to offer technical support to each customer, take the time to understand the project and recommend exactly which solution should be selected, while remaining on hand during and after every application. The joint offering includes coating and solutions for floors, roofs, walls, balconies and more. Ian Birch, Commercial Director at Tor Coatings added: “We hope that by offering our wider range of solutions, and increased contact with regular site visits, we will be able to make recommendations which will ensure the longevity of coatings across all surfaces, prevent further damages, and save our customers money in the long-term. This means that our customers will sleep at night with the peace of mind that their facility, and their finances, are safe – with no nasty surprises – and will be for years to come.“ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New provisions of the 2022 Building Safety Act came into force on 1st April 2023, including a duty to keep the safety and standard of buildings under review, facilitating improvement in the competence of industry and building inspectors, and a duty to establish a system for the giving of building safety information[1]. What’s more, full implementation of the Act is due by October 2023. So, those responsible for the safety of high-rise buildings in England must register with the new Building Safety Regulator and have their building safety regime in place by this time, or face investigation and potential prosecution. But what are the recommended methods to create an effective building safety regime in higher-risk environments such as high-rise? The ‘golden thread’ approach was outlined by Dame Judith Hackett in her report, ‘Building a safer future’. The ‘golden thread’ is a tool to manage buildings as holistic systems, and allow people to use information to safely and effectively design, construct and operate their buildings. It is both the information that allows you to understand a building, and the steps needed to keep both the building and people safe, now and in the future. Paul Thompson, BIM Manager at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solution, explains: “There has been some progress made in the built environment towards achieving positive changes in culture, and the introduction of the new Building Safety Act provisions and Building Safety Regulator registration should help to accelerate change at a faster rate. “BIM has the ability to create greater transparency and produce this ‘golden thread’ of information, allowing building elements such as doorsets to be managed through a single platform – from specification to installation and ongoing inspection. “BIM applications also help to lock in positive behaviours from the very start of a project and support an increase in trust and confidence that safety is paramount throughout a building’s specification, construction and maintenance.” With this in mind, ASSA ABLOY’s Openings Studio™ BIM application integrates with design software to create and visualise openings for complete door, frame and hardware schedules and specifications. This enables seamless extraction of door design intent and all relevant interfaces to assist fabricators to develop complete door requirements that meet building regulations. Product information, performance data and budget information are captured within the BIM design environment. Through real time, collaborative working, these designs can be validated for compliance, functional performance, and aesthetics plus presented as 3D views that can be fully re-integrated into the overall project design. With linked internal systems, ASSA ABLOY use this final schedule of information to manufacture the complete doorset solution including the leaf, frame and all specified hardware. Paul adds: “This is a unique collaborative tool for all project stakeholders, helping to minimise costs and streamline the data sharing process throughout the entire project lifecycle – from the initial design, right through to construction, delivery, asset management and beyond.” An extension to Openings Studio™ is now widely used in the industry, which offers a mobile app that directly accesses this data for use during the door installation process, ensuring full validity of the finished product prior to project completion. The app also offers an easy to use ‘check box’ system to carry out and capture detailed inspections based on the specific details of each door included in the schedule. This report validates if a door has remained compliant, or identifies what elements need to be corrected or replaced to return the product to the standard required, providing full traceability and ownership of all changes at all stages. This means the doorset is managed as a holistic compliant solution and connects all components through a single platform. This eliminates the risk that doors are pieced together as an assembly of parts from various sources or maintained and repaired as a collection of individual parts. To find out more, please call 0845 071 0882 to speak with an experienced Project Design Consultant, email ukspecification@assaabloy.com or visit www.assaabloyopeningsolutions.co.uk/specification. [1] https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2023/362/made Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
