Deciding whether to use plastic or copper pipe, is one of the first things that an installer considers when tackling a plumbing project. However, regardless of the choice the installer inevitably makes, there will be others ready to sing the praises of the other system. Whilst each has its own
SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade association, has welcomed three major new enterprises to its growing Associate Membership Scheme as it continues to attract an impressive line-up of market-leading manufacturers and organisations. Schneider Electric, Robus LED Group and CompEx have all joined the 25 existing Associates who have built mutually beneficial
QIC Trims has added a stunning new metal mesh ceiling tile range to its industry-leading interior building products portfolio. QIC Matrix-Mesh ceiling tiles are available in a wide variety of colours, patterns and edge details to bring an ultra-contemporary, stylish new look to interior spaces large or small. The additional
With the first Grade I-listed building in the UK having been granted planning permission for replacement double glazed windows, this approach could soon be adopted by other listed buildings. This could be viewed as the next important step for the construction and fenestration industries, as well as for preserving and
By Rhys Richardson, Business Development Director – CLD Systems In an era marked by growing environmental consciousness, industries are actively seeking innovative ways to embrace sustainability. However, one sector that has often been overlooked in this context is security. Nevertheless, a transformative shift is currently underway, reshaping the security industry’s
QIC Trims’ bespoke new product manufacture and design expertise proved crucial to a ceiling installation that was integral to a multi-million-pound city hall development. The company supplied more than 11,500 lin/m of trim for nearly 350 raft ceilings that were installed at the former Vaux Brewery in Sunderland. The site,
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
Deciding whether to use plastic or copper pipe, is one of the first things that an installer considers when tackling a plumbing project. However, regardless of the choice the installer inevitably makes, there will be others ready to sing the praises of the other system. Whilst each has its own applications, and it is best to be well-versed in both, recent technological developments have made it clear that plastic plumbing systems are progressing much faster than their copper counterparts. By taking a more in-depth look at the benefits in this blog, RWC hope to make it easier for you to decide whether plastic or copper pipe is the most appropriate system for your project. Explaining what plastic plumbing is The first thing to note is that plastic, in this case, means PEX plastic and polybutylene plastic, which despite both being a kind of polyethylene, have some differences. For example, polybutylene is a much more flexible material than PEX, due to there being less memory in the coil. Additionally, PEX is a crosslinked plastic and can therefore tolerate higher water pressures than polybutylene. While the two plastics largely serve the exact same purpose, it is still best practice to be aware of which of the two materials you are working with when using plastic pipe. Does plastic plumbing perform better than copper? Copper pipe certainly has its die-hard fans, and it’s easy to see why. Copper pipes and fittings have multiple performance benefits, most notably the fact that they are biostatic. This means that they have anti-microbial qualities that don’t allow for the growth or multiplication of any organism, but most importantly micro-organisms such as bacteria. This is the same reason that the bases of ships get coated in copper, to prevent the growth of organisms such as barnacles. However, beyond this plastic plumbing systems have multiple performance benefits. For example, Plastic pipes can easily be demounted and reconnected with residual water in the pipe. Whereas the heat of soldering wet copper pipework causes steam in the pipework, which is also a danger to the installer. A key benefit that JG Speedfit’s plastic pipes has over copper alternatives is a five-layer barrier system. This system insulates the water so that the expansion and contraction that happens as a result of natural temperature changes throughout the day, only affects the metal fittings attached to the pipe, not the pipe itself, which reduces any potential risk of air ingress into the system. equally, the minimal expansion and contraction of plastic systems reduces the noise that the system makes too. Are plastic pipes easier to install than copper? While there are certain situations where regulations dictate that copper pipe must be installed, in the majority of other situations many installers will turn to plastic fittings and pipes. And there’ll be no flirting around why either – it’s not much of a secret after all. Indeed, one of the main selling points of plastic plumbing systems is the ease of installation. Plastic push-fit fittings, such as those in the JG Speedfit Twist & Lock® range, only require a pipe cutter to make a watertight connection. Whereas copper pipe needs to be fluxed and de-burred before soldering, and then cleaned after the fact too, meaning that plastic plumbing wins from an ease of installation perspective. Additionally, some places will require a hot work permit for using the tolls needed for copper pipe, this is easily circumvented by simply using plastic plumbing systems instead. Are plastic pipes and fittings more durable than copper? On paper, you would think that copper pipes and fittings would be far more durable than their plastic counterparts, metals are typically viewed as stronger materials after all. However, many would be surprised to learn both copper and plastic plumbing systems are advertised as having similar lifespans, this of course varies based on a number of factors, such as the type of water the system is receiving, the quality of the installation, and the amount of usage the system gets. However, these factors tend to affect copper systems more than plastic ones, as, for example, copper can oxidize or corrode when used with water and air, so it is more susceptible to damage or pitting, than its plastic counterpart. Is plastic plumbing more affordable than copper? Finally, another reason why many installers prefer plastic pipe over copper is the price point. Whilst copper plumbing doesn’t cost nearly as much as other metal plumbing systems, such as stainless steel, they are still far more expensive than plastic ones. On an individual basis, plastic pipe costs less than copper pipe but typically copper fittings cost less than plastic fittings. However, many don’t consider the outside factors that negatively affect the copper price point. Firstly, when using copper plumbing systems, you will have to expend extra money on consumables such as flux, gas, and solder, which is not a requirement when working with plastic plumbing systems. Similarly, plastic plumbing systems, as an easier-to-install system, save a lot of money on labour costs overall. Plastic plumbing is progressing much faster than copper plumbing Whilst regulations dictate that copper plumbing must be used in certain scenarios and indeed it possesses unique performance benefits, innovations in plastic plumbing are making it a much more well-rounded solution. Additionally, whilst it is common to see both systems being used in conjunction with one another, with copper pipe fitting into plastic fittings and vice versa, plastic plumbing looks to be the way forwards. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade association, has welcomed three major new enterprises to its growing Associate Membership Scheme as it continues to attract an impressive line-up of market-leading manufacturers and organisations. Schneider Electric, Robus LED Group and CompEx have all joined the 25 existing Associates who have built mutually beneficial relationships with SELECT’s member businesses over the past 18 months. The three new Associate Members will now be able to engage with SELECT’s experts and members, enjoy access to a wealth of services and benefits and work with the organisation to share the latest ideas and in-depth knowledge to the advantage of the wider industry. Iain Mason, Director of Membership and Communications at SELECT, said: “Everyone at SELECT is delighted that enterprises of the size and stature of Schneider Electric, Robus and CompEx have joined our Associate Membership scheme. “Becoming an Associate is an opportunity for partner organisations to build stronger relationships with key players in the electrical contracting industry, and also to ally themselves with an established and successful trade body.” SELECT, which represents around 1,250 electrical firms and 15,000 contractors across the country, launched the scheme early in 2022 to help develop a mutually complementary network of industry-specific partners. Mr Mason added: “Since its launch, the scheme has proved extremely popular and has allowed Associates to speak to our members both through our print and digital channels and also face-to-face at the many events we run across Scotland throughout the year. “It has also strengthened our own relationship with some of the industry’s most renowned names and allowed us to develop and grow events such as our Toolbox Talks, President’s Cup and President’s Lunch.” Schneider Electric, which traces its history back to 1838, drives digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies to help businesses make efficiency and sustainability gains across their organisations. David Pownall, Vice President of Services at Schneider Electric UK & Ireland, said: “We have had a long and fruitful association with SELECT over the years, including sponsoring organisation awards, and we are proud to be included in an Associate Membership scheme which brings so many benefits to the electrical industry.” Robus is a Dublin-headquartered global lighting wholesaler with customers in more than 40 countries around the world. Established in 1984, it is now the biggest lighting company in Ireland. Mick G Slein, Chief Executive of Robus, said: “Becoming an Associate Member of SELECT completely aligns with our best-in-class mindset and our vision of being our customers’ most trusted LED lighting brand. We look forward to building strong and trusted relationships with SELECT members as we continue to grow internationally.” CompEx is the international scheme for competency validation and certification of people who work in explosive atmospheres. First established 30 years ago with the support of industry, its suite of training and assessment modules are delivered through a network of independent training and assessment centres to support electrotechnical practitioners in sectors including oil and gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage manufacturing and utilities. Huw Bement, Managing Director of CompEx, said: “Our international safety and competency scheme is rooted in certifying electrotechnical technicians and engineers operating in hazardous areas – so becoming a SELECT Associate Member is hugely important for us. It’s a fantastic opportunity for CompEx to establish new industry connections and to continue building our existing relationships.” The trio’s arrival follows the announcement of Legrand UK & Ireland as SELECT’s 25th Associate Member earlier this year. The electrical and digital infrastructure specialist is part of Legrand Group, which has a presence in nearly 90 countries and employs more than 38,000 people. Other SELECT Associate Members include Hispec, V-Tac, Aico, Aurora, Electrium, Hager, Luceco, Megger, Scolmore and Thorn Lighting. SELECT has just completed its annual Toolbox Talks roadshows and is now involved in the organisation of the second Green Home Festival as a leading member of the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV). The organisation also continues to spearhead a long-running and high-profile campaign for regulation of the electrical industry, with the submission to Scottish Parliament of a Members’ Bill calling for Protection of Title. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
QIC Trims has added a stunning new metal mesh ceiling tile range to its industry-leading interior building products portfolio. QIC Matrix-Mesh ceiling tiles are available in a wide variety of colours, patterns and edge details to bring an ultra-contemporary, stylish new look to interior spaces large or small. The additional advantage with QIC Matrix-Mesh ceiling tiles is their availability. Ready to purchase off-the-shelf, this specialist tile range not only adds a dynamic aesthetic to ceilings, it helps eradicate the potential for issues and delays in respect of the installation process. Neil Miller, Sales and Marketing Director at QIC Trims, said: “Mesh ceilings have extended architects’ pallet in terms of design. They help transform quite ordinary spaces into something quite extraordinary. As specialist manufacturers of interior building products, we are always looking to develop products that support industry innovation. Hence, the QIC Trims Matrix-Mesh ceiling tile range. Its off-the-shelf availability removes an element of uncertainty from the ordering and delivering process. It means our superb metal mesh tiles are ready to go when you are.” Manufactured from galvanised steel, powder-coated and painted, Matrix-Mesh metal ceiling tiles are easily installed and allow quick easy access to the ceiling void above. The range includes five standard mesh patterns: Aptus, Finity, Nova, Scape and Vexa, with each system having been designed to create spaces that harmoniously blend form and function. The Matrix-Mesh ceiling tile range adds to QIC Trims’ ever-expanding product portfolio, which also includes ceiling trims, plasterboard trims, glass partitions and bespoke metalwork. The company’s manufacture of solutions to suit a client’s bespoke requirements make QIC a go-to supplier of premium building products for specialist interior projects. To find out how the QIC Matrix-Mesh ceiling tile range can transform your aesthetic vision into a reality, click here or call our expert customer service team on: +44(0)1280 818950. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With the first Grade I-listed building in the UK having been granted planning permission for replacement double glazed windows, this approach could soon be adopted by other listed buildings. This could be viewed as the next important step for the construction and fenestration industries, as well as for preserving and increasing the use of heritage buildings, or as a slippery slope into the eventual demise of their traditional aesthetic. Ledston Hall, a 700-year-old stately home in Yorkshire, has received planning permission to replace its original metal-framed, leaded windows with double glazed alternatives.[1] The aim of the replacement is to increase energy efficiency with the building’s conversion to housing, following 65 years of being empty and falling into disrepair. Although at first glance this may seem a natural step forward with the increased focus on the need to look after the environment, and the cost-of-living crisis, the importance of the building’s heritage should also be remembered and honoured. Nicola Harrison, Managing Director for Bereco, commented: “While it’s great to see that this Grade I listed building has been granted permission to install double glazed windows to improve its energy efficiency, it could mean that owners of these buildings opt for alternative window materials rather than staying true to the design of the original windows and traditional style of the building. “In the UK we have some fantastic historic buildings, and although we understand they’re in need of some repairs to become more sustainable, there are lots of incredible alternative materials that not only match the traditional design of the building but also deliver exceptional thermal performance.” Bereco offers a wide range of timber windows and doors, all of which meet the Building Regulations Notional Target with U-values of 1.2W/m2K across the board. With their sustainably sourced timber and huge choice of designs, Bereco’s products are ideal for both listed buildings and newbuilds. To find out more, visit www.bereco.co.uk or call 01709 838 188. [1] Ledston Hall: 700-year-old Yorkshire stately home becomes first Grade I-listed building in the UK to get permission for double glazed windows | Yorkshire Post Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Rhys Richardson, Business Development Director – CLD Systems In an era marked by growing environmental consciousness, industries are actively seeking innovative ways to embrace sustainability. However, one sector that has often been overlooked in this context is security. Nevertheless, a transformative shift is currently underway, reshaping the security industry’s approach to sustainability. The journey to transform the security industry into a sustainable powerhouse is not without its challenges. For CLD Systems the primary hurdle lies in garnering support from its stakeholders and ensuring that sustainable solutions are viewed as valuable investments rather than burdensome costs. Overcoming this obstacle requires collective efforts to integrate sustainable practices throughout the industry, promoting product reuse and longevity, while dispelling the misconception that sustainability compromises profitability. Driving the security industry towards sustainability requires designing sustainable products and solutions from project inception and allocating adequate budgets for them. By embedding sustainability as a core consideration, the industry can proactively implement sustainable solutions on a wider scale. Achieving this vision requires collaboration among all stakeholders and a commitment to challenging the status quo. The increasing priority placed on sustainable solutions by customers across various industries has begun to influence the security sector as well. While larger projects have made notable strides in adopting sustainability, there remains untapped potential for smaller ventures. CLD Systems, the leading UK manufacturer and supplier of rigid mesh fencing and security gates, showcases its commitment to sustainable solutions with the integration of its On-Ground FenceSafe product during the construction phase of projects. Made with a 100% recycled base and 78% recycled steel, this product serves a dual purpose. It can be used during construction and then converted into a permanent fenceline or easily deployed on the next project, showcasing the versatility of such solutions and promoting positive sustainable outcomes. By utilising recycled materials, CLD Systems not only showcases the versatility of sustainable solutions but also significantly reduces carbon emissions and waste generation, making a positive impact on the environment. The On-Ground FenceSafe is positioned directly on the ground, eliminating the need for physical tools, streamlining operations whilst minimising resource consumption. This approach effectively minimises environmental impact and lowers carbon emissions. The shift toward sustainability in the security industry is driven by customers’ heightened awareness of environmental issues and their desire to align their projects with sustainable values. This growing demand underscores the changing landscape of customer expectations, where sustainability is a crucial factor in decision-making processes. More clients are now seeking BREEAM excellence, the world’s leading science-based suite of validation and certification systems for sustainable built environment. This places a significant responsibility on CLD Systems as manufacturers to challenge the status quo and provide innovative, sustainable solutions. To achieve this, CLD Systems collaborates with contractors who operate zero-to-waste schemes, further reinforcing its commitment to sustainable practices. In response to the ever-evolving nature of the security sector, CLD Systems has emerged with a solution that aligns with sustainable principles: rental options. This approach offers clients greater flexibility while minimising waste. The RiseMaster HE Barrier, an automatic boom arm barrier system powered entirely by solar energy, exemplifies this commitment. Featuring primary and secondary photovoltaic panels, it eliminates the need for road crossing control cabling during installation, reducing environmental impact and carbon emissions. With 24/7 solar autonomy and zero carbon emissions over a 10-year life cycle, it sets a new standard for sustainable security solutions. The integration of Bluetooth connectivity reduces the reliance on physical tools, streamlining operations and minimising resource consumption. As the security industry aligns itself with the broader environmental movement, CLD Systems’ commitment to offering rental solutions and solar-powered innovations paves the way for a greener and more secure future. By embracing collaboration, innovation, and sustainable product design, the industry can make a significant impact in addressing environmental challenges while meeting customer demands for a more sustainable and secure world. To find out more about CLD Systems’ products, please visit: www.cld-systems.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
QIC Trims’ bespoke new product manufacture and design expertise proved crucial to a ceiling installation that was integral to a multi-million-pound city hall development. The company supplied more than 11,500 lin/m of trim for nearly 350 raft ceilings that were installed at the former Vaux Brewery in Sunderland. The site, which had laid dormant since the brewery’s demolition in 1999, was redeveloped in order to house the new city hall. Sunderland City Council is expected to transfer around 1,200 employees to the seven-storey building in a move that will save the authority an estimated £22million in operational costs over the next 25 years.The council will be one of several tenants within the 17,755m² building, which includes a large amount of office space, a fitness room and an employment centre. For its repurposing, which was designed by Faulkner Browns Architects, the building’s interior required a contemporary aesthetic. This meant being creative with the design of elements of the building fabric. Hence, the specification of a Troldtekt ‘floating cloud’ circular ceiling system, which makes for a stylish, acoustic-friendly addition to large, open plan workspaces.To provide each ceiling with a smart, contemporary finish, QIC Trims was selected by the project’s main contractor, Bowmer and Kirkland, to design and manufacture a trim solution. Its ‘US Ceiling Raft’ range was originated for such purpose, with QIC Trim’s technical team able to assist in the ceiling’s design coordination in several communications held with the architect and sub-contractor prior to installation. After many discussions and prototypes the new US04 aluminium extrusion was chosen for its aesthetics and straight forward install method.The ceiling’s superb design aspect contributed to Sunderland City Hall’s regeneration earning a BCO award. The annual contest recognises projects that set ‘a benchmark for excellence in creativity and functionality.’ The City Hall programme, which won the award for the northern region, earned judges praise for its innovative creation of an uplifting, light-filled, engaged workspace. QIC Trims was proud to have supplied the innovation and solution to ensure a centrepiece feature of this stunning redevelopment has a superbly designed finishing touch. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
