Story

 

The Kinedo sales team is expanding with the appointment of James Day as Area Sales Manager – South.

 

James joined in March 2022 – just in time for the start of the KBB Show, where he was able to connect with new and existing customers. Prior to joining the Kinedo sales team James worked in the plumbing sector for 18 years as Manager of two different merchants in Sussex.

 

His new role will entail generating displays, as well promoting general awareness of the Kinedo range of cubicles, enclosures and trays in the retail and merchant sectors.  James has known the brand for many years, but was impressed by the latest additions to the range;

 

“I did some research prior to joining the company and the range has evolved a lot over the last couple of years. There are some really impressive models which will help me secure displays. The beauty of Kinedo is the level of support offered to customers including sales and installation training plus a dedicated point of contact from enquiry to sale. Kinedo is Europe’s largest shower cubicle manufacturer and has a great pedigree, so I am keen to really help it become a known brand in the UK.”

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Story

Condair is launching the Condair DC-N, a condensing dehumidifier with an external condenser unit that can dry an area without the risk of overheating. Traditional condensing dehumidifiers introduce heat to a room from their built-in condensers when they dry the air. The Condair DC-N’s external condenser allows the heat generated during drying to be remotely exhausted, similar to a split air conditioner. This makes it much easier to manage the temperature of a room that is being dehumidified.

Dave Marshall-George, Sales Director at Condair commented, “Condensing dehumidifiers dry the air by creating a cold surface upon which moisture in the air condenses and drips to drain. This process generates heat, so the dry air leaving the dehumidifier can be several degrees warmer than the humid air entering it. For some projects, this added heat can cause an issue. When it is, ventilation is frequently used to control temperature. However, by introducing fresh air to control temperature, moisture can enter the room, making the humidity control less effective.

“The Condair DC-N is the ideal solution in these circumstances. When the room is cold and below the required temperature, the dehumidifier’s on-board condenser introduces heat as well as drying the air. Then when the room’s temperature set point is reached, the remote condenser activates, ejecting the heat externally rather than into the room. This allows a room to remain sealed, therefore providing efficient drying, whilst achieving the ideal internal temperature and humidity.”

The Condair DC-N range offers drying capacities from 263 to 940 litres per day (@30°C/80%RH). It incorporates energy efficient EC fans, high quality components and R410A refrigerant gas. Operation is controlled via an on-board digital display, an optional remotely located controller (up to 50m away) or via BMS using Modbus.

Condair offers a comprehensive range of both condensing and desiccant dehumidifiers, allowing the company to always provide the most appropriate technology for any drying project. The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidity control and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair Ltd, which offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares. You can find out more by visiting the company’s website at www.condair.co.uk.

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Story

 

 

The specification of trees within an urban area can provide many benefits, including improving inhabitants’ mental and physical wellbeing, to filtering urban pollutants and aiding the offset of carbon emissions.

However, the planting of trees within landscaped or paved exterior public spaces can also present a range of potential complications that must be considered at the very initial design stages. Here Howe Green, explores the wide ranging benefits tree pits and tree grilles offer and the key elements specifiers should consider. Whilst the planting of trees in urban location can contribute to the reduction of the city or town’s carbon footprint, it is essential any trees or saplings are planted within the provision of a healthy and secure environment.

This will ensure the successful nurture and facilitation of the trees’ long term growth, with adequate root management, access to water and the condition of the soil all essential elements that must be considered.

External tree pits and tree grilles present a popular choice as they can successfully alleviate the potentially negative effects an urban environment can have on a living organism, whilst simultaneously providing inconspicuous access to electrics, valves, pumps and water features.

 

Tree pits and tree grilles also prevent any potential damage to the urban environment as the tree roots are securely managed within the tree root ball. This eliminates the opportunity for the roots to spread up and across the landscape, where they could cause damage to the flooring and present a dangerous trip hazard.

When specifying tree pit covers for upcoming landscaping projects, professionals should consider solutions manufactured of stainless steel as they provide long term resistance to rust and corrosion. The addition of a top edge seal also prevents dirt, grout or grinding waste ingress for increased longevity and resilience. This style of tree pit also aims to eliminate the requirement for slither cuts of stone, which often leads to recurrent and often costly breakages.

However, the structural integrity and design of a stainless steel tree pit shouldn’t hinder safe access to the tree root ball. Here, specifiers should consider solutions that utilise lifting keys, facilitating easy ongoing maintenance of the tree root ball without any additional budget, time or resources.

As each urban landscaping project is different from the next, so too must be the approach to the tree pits or tree grilles installed. Custom made specifications will best meet the specific requirements of each individual project, rather than a standard ‘off the shelf’ offering. A bespoke offering will also ensure the type of stone used and the modules or pattern formations featured within the hard landscaping are seamlessly integrated into the covers, providing the highest quality finish available.

The orientation of the tree pits, whether single, multiple or in a duct formation, should be adapted to meet the bespoke requirements of the project, providing a desired visual style without impacting on the long term growth and success of the trees.

Tree grilles also offer the opportunity for the installation of electrical elements such as up lighters, creating an enhanced visual effect. If using tree grilles, stone thickness must also be considered, whilst load bearing for both grilles and pits must be addressed at the specification stage. For example, will the solutions be installed in a high footfall pedestrian area, or will there be vehicles regularly travelling through? This is essential to ensuring the solution is fit for purpose throughout the duration of its lifetime.

 

By working closely with a manufacturer from the very initial specification stages, landscaping professionals can not only achieve the successful implementation of trees into hard landscaped areas, but ensure their long term growth and maintenance whilst achieving the desired visual aesthetic.

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Story

In May 2021, all customers of Saint-Gobain PAM’s building business received a letter advising that a new company dedicated to the design, manufacture and marketing of cast iron pipes for wastewater and rainwater drainage was created, under the name Saint-Gobain PAM Bâtiment.

The aim was to provide better customer service and clear identification of the business, alongside Saint-Gobain PAM Canalisation, which is dedicated to the drinking water supply, sewerage, irrigation and roadworks markets.

The creation of this independent company also makes sense in terms of its complementarity with the companies of the Saint-Gobain Group in the construction markets.

It enables the company to enhance the value of a historic profession that utilises a noble material that is made from 99% recycled content and can be 100% recycled: cast iron.

With an international stature and its European facilities (industrial sites in Bayard-sur-Marne in France and Telford in the UK, as well as a logistic platform in Köln in Germany), it has grown significantly
in 2021:

– Now has a turnover of €107M
– Activity in more than 50 countries, mainly through prestigious projects in the most demanding office buildings, high-end hotels, hospitals, etc.

To better express this trajectory, a new global brand was needed: PAM Building is officially launched at the beginning of March 2022.

Dedicated to the vast field of construction, PAM Building aims tounite its 370 employees and all its stakeholders around a strong
motto: safe and sustainable by nature. This motto reflects the reality of its industry: to build safe buildings for its occupants and owners, while creating a long-term positive impact on the environment.

 

The formalisation of PAM Building is accompanied by a new environmental roadmap that aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 80% by 2030 since the 2017 baseline. This will make cast iron drainage the solution for low impact buildings with its properties make an ideal part of a circular economy, and we will soon be more carbon-efficient, with the introduction of innovations in 2022 and beyond.

 

Accompanied by a modernised graphic redesign, the company’s image has been radically revitalised. It will of course be applied to an increased digital presence in all countries which will be implemented throughout our business over the coming weeks.

Proud of its centuries of history, PAM Building now has the face it deserves to embody its future innovations, in line with the ambition of sustainable construction. The face of a brand with a future, sure of its commitments and our importance to help make the world a better home.

 

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