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MX SHOWER TRAYS – THE WIDEST RANGE, THE HIGHEST QUALITY

MX is the UK’s leading manufacturer of shower trays. It’s been established in Gloucestershire for more than 35 years. All MX shower trays carry a 25 year manufacturer’s guarantee and are made in England.

Optimum is MX’s latest ultra low profile shower tray. It’s the slimmest tray on the market at just 25mm high. It brings an impressive combination of adaptability, strength and light weight – which makes it suitable for most types of shower enclosure, makes it very easy to carry and transport, and results in it being immensely strong and reliable – borne out by its 25 year guarantee.

This patented low profile shower tray has been specially designed to complement all of the latest trends in the modern bathroom, helping designers to create an idyllic minimalistic, wet room type look without the installation costs.

Optimum is just one of a huge range of shower trays available from MX – visit www.mx-group.com for more information.

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System filters have been much in evidence for the past few years as a means of offering a 'belt and braces' type response to debris circulating in a heating system. Whilst chemical water treatment will address the bulk of the debris in a system, even after careful use of a cleaner and an inhibitor, some debris will still be circulating in the system. To ensure that this doesn't cause grief, its best to get the debris out and this can be done quite simply through the use of a system filter.

The system filters available vary massively both in technology and materials – and to be fair, in the results they achieve and the reliability with which they operate. Some system filters remove just magnetic debris. Others claim to remove magnetic and non-magnetic debris. Some are manufactured from plastic others from brass. Choosing the right filter that will last as long as the system, is a key consideration when making that choice.

Sentinel has for some time been successfully selling its System Filter, providing a solid, reliable and cost effective solution to the need to shift all types of system debris from domestic heating systems. Its popularity with housing associations and local authorities who traditionally test their purchases pretty hard, suggests that it's a reliable and cost effective solution to removing muck and 'gunge' from systems.

The Sentinel System Filter, is a compact, robust, fully sealed brass unit, that's quick and easy to fit and will last the lifetime of the system, helping to eliminate those unwanted call backs, saving you time and your customer money. The unit removes all debris, not just magnetic debris, protecting the boiler and maintaining design efficiencies. With no moving parts, it will not clog and is very easy to clean and maintain, with no magnets to remove, no need to dismantle and no valves to shut off.

The Sentinel system filter has been designed to work alongside Sentinel X800 Jetflo cleaner. X800 is a powerful, highly active cleaning agent. Its unique composition allows it to act as a penetrating dispersant under neutral pH conditions. The formula also importantly contains agents to protect metal from corrosion. Sentinel products comply with the BS7593 Code of Practice for correct water treatment in domestic systems, which states that “Filters which collect magnetite may be beneficial as part of the flushing procedure. These should be used with a chemical cleanser to mobilise the magnetite and aid its transport to the filter”.

So ideally, installers need to cleanse the system with Sentinel X800 Jetflo, then fit a Sentinel System Filter. X800 and the Sentinel System filter have been specifically designed to work together in mobilising magnetite and other forms of heating system debris, to enable its removal from the system, thereby restoring system efficiency.

There have been a number of reports in recent months emanating from social housing providers in particular, suggesting that a number of boiler heat exchangers have become blocked due to dirt particles building up between the heat exchanger plates

Two London & Quadrant Housing Association owned properties and ten owned by Enfield Homes were identified to carry out 'system cleans' using Sentinel X800 Jetflo cleaner followed by treatment with Sentinel X100 inhibitor/protector. After the clean had been undertaken in each case, Sentinel System Filters were fitted in all properties to the heating systems on the return to the boiler, to provide long term protection from, and removal of, any circulating debris – magnetic or non-magnetic, left in the system.

Between four and six weeks later, samples were taken from each of the properties, where access could be gained, from both the system water and the 'blow down' from the installed Sentinel System Filter.

Analyses of the samples are presented below:

These results clearly show the benefits of fitting a Sentinel System Filter. Although the systems were cleaned, flushed and inhibited, there still remains the potential of some level of suspended solids still remaining in the heating system.

The use of a Sentinel System Filter removes this debris effectively and will continue to remove it for as long as it is in place, resulting in a very low level of suspended solids in the re-circulating water.

So it is clear that fitting a Sentinel System Filter as part of the water treatment regime offers the permanent, on-going level of protection required by social housing providers in the heating systems in the homes they own and manage. Having the Sentinel system filter in place eliminates unwanted call backs to contractors or a providers own direct workforce, to remedy problems associated with debris in circulating water in a domestic heating system.

The Sentinel system filter is clearly a solid, reliable and cost effective response to magnetic and non-magnetic debris in a heating system. And it doesn't leak and it certainly doesn't split!

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Thorn has developed a high-lumen output LED version of its already successful Cruz downlight. It uses active cooling technology to outperform compact fluorescent (CFL) in terms of energy efficiency and quality of light from a third smaller aperture.

Cruz LED delivers 2,000 lumens, with only 6% optical losses in either warm white (3000K, 51 lm/W) or cool white (4000K, 55 lm/W), equating to 2 x 26W CFL downlights.

The downlight is DALI dimmable and delivers 100% instant light with a rated life of 50,000 hours (70% lumen maintenance), which is five times that of a CFL.

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When, following a major downpour in the Worcestershire countryside, the elderly cast iron guttering on Steve Parson’s house became detached from the fascia boards over his bedroom window, he knew that the house needed surgery to survive! When he tried to temporarily straighten and reattach the now flapping piece of guttering, it became detached either side of the original problem as well, swinging alarmingly in the air and Steve realised despite not being ‘Mr Practical’ that the cast iron guttering – which was far heavier than he had anticipated before heading up the ladder to sort it out – could literally fall off, damaging the house and from his precarious position up the ladder – him! It was time to call in the experts!

The house, a solid if unspectacular, four bedroom detached red brick house, stood out in the countryside, open to the elements. There was no protection from the prevailing winds that came over the Malvern Hills and headed straight up the drive to the front of the property. It had been built by a farmer who had retired, sold the farm and built a retirement home in one end of one of his former fields. That was in 1954.

Now in 2010, the guttering needed replacing and as it transpired so did the fascia boards. Having been nearly decapitated by the old guttering, Steve had no desire to replace the old cast iron guttering and downpipes with new cast iron, and was impressed by the latest Elegance uPVC cast iron look alike system just released by Polypipe. He had assumed the job would need the half round version of the Elegance rainwater system, but the new profile, just released – the Elegance Ogee notched – which to him had a little more class, looked just right for the property and the decision was made. Polypipe had designed the Elegance system so that whichever profile was selected, the downpipes were the same, making ordering simple.

The new Ogee notched profile guttering provided a secure fit and countered the problem of gutters becoming dislodged from their retaining clips during warm weather due to heat expansion, making leaky joints a thing of the past. The leading edge of the Elegance Ogee gutter is notched and the system uses a flexible band clip to secure it. The lugs on the gutter are simply matched to the band clip and snapped into place.

In addition to the notches, Polypipe has included grooves midway between the notches which act as cutting markers when cutting the lengths of guttering. These benefits, in addition to the lightweight construction of the new guttering system, makes handling, assembly and installation as simple as possible for installers – and far less likely to decapitate unsuspecting homeowners who head up ladders to address any problems!

Tony and Nick from local firm Cladmaster replaced the rotten fascia boards to give the new rainwater system a sound, secure, and a good looking base and then the guys set about fixing the new guttering. They were pleasantly surprised by the lightness of the components and the ease with which it all went up. They instantly recognised the value of the notched design and told stories of the worst case scenarios they had come across with uPVC guttering expanding in warm weather – and whilst some of the claims seemed excessive and better with the telling, they saw this as a real benefit! They also liked the saw guide marks between the notches and found these helpful when cutting lengths.

Overall they were impressed with the look of the new system, the ease of fitting and the way it all slotted together so simply. There were a couple of pieces of guttering that didn’t want to clip in immediately but they soon sorted those along with the end stops which snapped in good and tight and were soon back on terra firma standing back admiring their handy work.

“I’m impressed both by the way it looks and that the guys who fitted it, who had not worked with this system before, managed to get it up and in place so quickly,” said Steve. “It’s not a modern house, neither is it an old one by the standards of some of the properties around here, but using the Elegance Ogee Notched system has added a bit of style and elegance to what is really a pretty robust, standard four bedroom home. It’s changed the first impression you get as you drive in through our gate and up the drive – it’s definitely added something extra to the property.”

Full details of the new extended Elegance rainwater, soil and vent range can be found on its own dedicated web site at www.polypipe.com/elegance and the new system is available from merchants now. Alternatively you can call 01709 770 000 quoting reference “ElegancePRcs” and request information, a product leaflet and price list.

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Two new series of 600×600 and 900×900 ceiling cassette fan coil units have been introduced by Daikin Europe for application to the higher end of the UK market.

Designated FWF-B (600×600) and FWC-B (900×900), both types are designed for 2-pipe and 4-pipe installations with capacities varying from 2.0 to 5.4kW (cooling) and 2.9 to 6.9kW (heating) for the FWF series and 6.0 to 8.9kW (cooling) and 8.0 to 12.1kW (heating) for the FWC series.

Both series include substantial advantages over earlier FWF and FWC models including improved performance, more stylish design, compatibility with a wide range of controllers plus numerous accessories such as fresh air intake kit, more comfortable air discharge and flow pattern and condensate drain pump as standard, obviating condensation even problems even when installation space is limited. Each type also comes with a visually attractive decoration panel in RAL9010 white.

New features relative to the FWC-B models include high efficiency DC motors consuming up to 4 times less power than comparable 900×900 AC driven units and a roundflow decoration panel producing uniform air flow and room temperature distribution.

Low operating sound levels of 30 dB(A) to 45 dB(A) at low speed depending on model size ensure the suitability of both type to virtually any application.

Daikin Europe products are distributed in the UK by Daikin Airconditioning UK Ltd and Space Airconditioning plc.

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As part of an extensive and long term project to revitalise the Lowesmoor area of Worcester, Crittall steel windows have been specified for one of the most familiar buildings on the site.

The Great Filling Hall was a feature of Worcester’s historic vinegar works and dates back to a time when the city was renowned for its industrial heritage, in particular trade from Lowesmoor along the Worcester to Birmingham canal. This listed building is prominent on the site and is one of many being refurbished to bring them to their former glory. Plans for the £75m redevelopment of the site include an ASDA superstore, and a further 18 retail and restaurant properties, which will transform the site from a rundown quarter to a new and thriving town centre shopping complex.

Planning demands were stringent for the Filling Hall, with conservation officers insisting upon like for like replacement for the windows, in order to maintain the continuity of appearance and character of the architecture and of the surrounding environment.

Main contractors for the Filling Hall refurbishment, Vinci Construction specified the Crittall W20 steel profiles for clients, Carillion Richardson who has overall responsibility for the development and according to David Scally, contracts manager for Vinci, these windows were the obvious choice. “The building is steeped in history and is a familiar landmark in the city,” he explained. “The building has been refurbished as the new headquarters of the TA in Worcester and therefore, we had to ensure that the profiles not only complied with planning requirements but also offered security and strength.”

Crittall W20 windows, with their minimal sightlines, enable the architectural value of a building to emerge, providing the necessary thermal performance required for double glazed units and offering immense inherent strength. The result is an historic structure, renovated in its own particular style but upgraded to meet all contemporary energy requirements.

Now completed, the replacement Crittall window programme enhances the appearance of the building, helping to restore it to its previous splendour, and assisting in the overall ambition to regenerate the 7.5 acre Lowesmoor site.

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The VMZINC standing seam roof extension at the Four Seasons Hotel in Park Lane was completed in late 2010. The project is a showcase for how a utilitarian flat roof can be transformed into one of aesthetic and practical value.

The project comprised building an additional storey to house a rooftop spa. Due to planning requirements a high specification roof with a traditional metal covering was specified. Specialist metal roofing installer, Roles Broderick Roofing installed the VMZINC PLUS® system, specification of which was due to the fact that its underside coating makes the system ideal for areas of consistently high humidity. Its compatibility with Foamglas® insulation enabled a 'compact roof' build-up to be provided, a benefit of which was the absence of obtrusive ventilating details at the ridge and other abutments. The location of the hotel, overlooking Green Park at the southern end of Park Lane in Mayfair, precipitated objections by influential neighbours with outlooks overlooking the new roof. These were overcome with some sensitive detailing by Eric Parry Architects with the help of VMZINC in close cooperation with the contractor.

Two zinc specifications were used on the project, VMZINC QUARTZ-ZINC PLUS® on the main barrel vaulted roof and small areas of vertical cladding and ANTHRA-ZINC PLUS® on the 'skirt' and gutters around the perimeter. Apart from a few small sections, all the zinc was laid onto Foamglas over a plywood substrate.

Richard O’Connor, Contracts Director of Roles Broderick Roofing commented, “Although the project had a relatively high proportion of detail work for a large roof there were two particularly challenging elements that required more than their fair share of design and development. These were the setting out of the zinc trays over the 'lazy S' area of the barrel and the open louvred areas along each side. In the latter case, a large section of each tray has been omitted but the seams continue from the roof, supported on a lightweight frame. It is these areas along with the bullnose eaves to the skirt that have received the most comments and compliments to everyone involved”.

The VMZINC PLUS 'compact roof' approach can also be taken using mineral wool, PIR and composite insulation boards. 0.7 mm thick panels, in sheets of up to 13 metres length, can be formed in either straight or curved profile in Natural, QUARTZ-ZINC® , ANTHRA-ZINC® and PIGMENTO® colours. Specially designed clips are used to avoid penetration of the surface.

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A stunning family of bespoke pendant shades has been manufactured by Chelsom for the five star Sheraton hotel, Prague. Designed by Jestico and Whiles, the shades feature contrasting colour combinations of pongee silk in bold cylinders that perfectly complement the geometric theme of the hotel.

Manufactured in various sizes, the largest being 1800mm x 1000mm, the shades are suspended throughout the restaurant, reception and public areas of the hotel, creating striking visual impact as well as effective ambient lighting.

Featuring high performance, energy efficient Philips 33W lamps, the luminaires offer maximum light output with the benefit of extremely low running costs and minimal maintenance. In addition to supplying public area lighting, Chelsom has manufactured bespoke burgundy bedroom shades, bedside LED reading lights and contemporary desk lamps together with white glazed globes, randomly suspended in the Brasserie Delice.

The five star Sheraton Prague Charles Square, offering 160 bedrooms including 38 suites, is the first hotel to be opened by Starwood in Prague under the Sheraton brand.

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HMO’s (Houses in Multiple Occupation) continue to be a rapidly expanding sector of the UK’s residential building stock and detectomat’s Wireless detect fire alarm system supplied by CIS Wire-Free Alarms of Stroud has been chosen by a number of landlords in the Gloucestershire area as a fast and effective, no mess solution to their fire detection requirements.

Martyn Young of CIS says “Landlords want a safe environment for their tenants but they also want to avoid the inconvenience – mess and potential damage to decoration associated with installing conventional fire alarm systems and we propose the detectomat system because it’s a reliable, fast fix, no damage solution, which can be installed in hours as opposed to days.”

The detectomat Wireless detect system includes optical smoke detectors with integral sounders (no need for separate sounders), break-glass call points and heat detectors. The primary means of automatic detection and alarm is detectomat’s HDv3000 system standard, third party certified, self-contained smoke alarm, which is combined in a radio network with other field devices and a six zone panel to form a wire-free, radio fire alarm system. Reduced installation time is a significant advantage and whereas a conventional system may take 10 days to install, the detectomat system takes typically less than 8 hours, an obvious benefit for landlords when considering their requirements. In many applications there are also direct as well as indirect cost savings from using a wireless solution but the main decision factors are usually minimum installation time, disruption, mess and potential damage to the building fabric and decoration.

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