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Taking cues from British countryside heritage, Norfolk-based manufacturer of rustic shepherd huts, the English Shepherd Hut Co, prides itself on its range of traditional huts; designed with modern convenience in mind.
Shepherd huts were traditionally used for shepherds to shelter in remote areas whilst tending to their flocks. The portable units were built from wood or corrugated iron and featured a stove for warmth and a window for keeping an eye on the sheep. Modern agricultural machinery has all but eliminated the needs for such huts, but nostalgia for tradition and heritage has led to a new demand for portable accommodation for weddings, festivals, campsites – and even as offices, garden rooms and playrooms.
Huts, such as the company’s Poachers Hut, feature all mod cons including bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens and seating space thanks to ingenious interior design that maximises every inch of available space.
Unlike a lot of portable accommodation the flushing toilet is not a chemical loo. The company specified the Sanicompact with integrated macerator from Saniflo. The ideal WC for compact spaces where mains drainage is unavailable, it was recommended by local plumbing contractor, R Weston Plumbing from Langham, Norfolk, who now install the units as standard in a number of the company’s huts.
The Sanicompact has an automatic push-button flush connected directly to a water supply and needs no cistern. It also features a wash basin inlet so grey waste water can also be processed through the macerator if required. Waste is discharged via 32mm pipework either to a storage tank or to the nearest mains.
Product innovation is the cornerstone of the English Shepherd Hut’s ethos and new products are launched regularly to meet the dynamic needs of the leisure sector. Recently the Aquarius – a posh, portable toilet block for weddings and events – was launched as part of the Shepherds Rest range. It provides upmarket showering and WC facilities and is available for hire or sale. Wanting the latest in contemporary fittings, the company used Saniflo’s Saniwall so that modern, wall hung sanitaryware could be specified. The Saniwall is a built-in frame system with an integrated dual flush cistern and macerator pump. With two extra side inlets it can take waste from wash basin and a shower as well as the WC.
Craig Nield owns and operates the business from his manufacturing plant in Norfolk;
“Saniflo products have enabled us to develop huts that do away with the need for chemical loos. Customers are happy to pay a bit extra for nice, clean-smelling bathroom facilities whether it is one of our accommodation huts or our bathroom blocks. They not only look nice, but are easy to use and offer home from home comfort. Our next range, The Neptune, will be launched in the very near future and is an upmarket loo block for events featuring Saniflo macerators. We’ve worked out the optimum size waste storage tank to ensure our products overcome the ever-present problem of over-flowing toilet facilities at festivals and events. We’re grateful to our plumber, Sam Weston, for his expertise which has enabled us to develop a great range of Shepherds Huts.”

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WAGO has invested over £200,000 in building an engineering centre located at its UK headquarters in Rugby that is dedicated to designing, pre-assembling, testing and distributing bespoke modular trunking systems for commercial and industrial new builds and upgrades. The centre is a world first for WAGO.

Modular trunking
“While modular wiring is not new, what is different is the concept of modular trunking,” explains WAGO’s Steve Emberton. “Today WAGO is offering a one-stop shop, with modular trunking bringing together all control, power and lighting into one integrated system. Our ability to combine a modular trunking system with I/O is a first within the UK market, allowing many building services to be monitored and controlled using a single platform.” The same trunking can also carry other piped services.
The modular trunking is assembled at WAGO’s facility in incremental lengths and can be installed by non-qualified personnel. Electricians are only required on-site, and in far fewer numbers, for final wiring and testing, thereby significantly reducing labour costs.
Contained within the modular trunking is WAGO’s WINSTA® pluggable connection and cabling system which, via a system of harmonised plugs and sockets, connects all electrical installations and components with each other, from large fan coil units to individual dado sockets. The connectors simply plug together and are keyed to avoid mis-mating, significantly reducing installation errors. The trunking distributes power and data to and from I/O modules to monitor and control various automated systems throughout a building.
Initial investment on modular trunking is rapidly returned with significantly faster installation times leading to considerably lower overall project costs. WAGO’s ability to deliver a fully integrated “plug and play” system assembled off-site at its production unit, allows customers to benefit from shorter lead times and more effective distribution of labour. With less cabling and testing required, fewer staff are required for installation. This reduces the numbers of people required to work at height, while improving overall site health and safety.

WAGO-I/O-System
The WAGO-I/O-System supports all major protocols such as BACnet, KNX, DALI and EnOcean, Modbus/TCP/IP. The I/O system can be used to control and monitor almost any building automation task, from heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) to lighting or window blinds. “The compatibility of the I/O system, with all commonly used programming protocols, permits streamlined integration and communication with almost any existing systems installed prior or alongside WAGO’s.
“The concept was created following a demand from the hospital sector, where there was a need to ensure separate power supplies for critical areas like theatres, and for more general areas” says Emberton.
The engineering centre in Rugby comprises a design team, pre-assembly, testing facility and despatch, manned by some 20 personnel.

Design team
The modular trunking is assembled at WAGO’s facility based on specifications supplied by the customer, or designed by WAGO’s engineers. The company offers consulting and project planning services to help customers devise the best possible solution for their project. An experienced in-house engineering department offers access to highly skilled building services project consultants, who offer advice or undertake site visits to assist the design and planning process of projects, and ensure that the right systems, solutions and components are selected.
Where previously customers would have to design, commission and install trunking, HVAC, lighting and blind control systems often from separate companies, WAGO is able to provide a fully integrated solution delivering comprehensive building automation capabilities underpinned by secure, reliable connections.

Pre-assembly and testing facility
All modular trunking is tested electrically and for material defects using three rigs from MK Test Systems. This ensures that every trunking system leaves the facility having been fully tested to specification ready for quick on site installation.
All trunking is fitted with WINSTA connectors that have a high current rating, and wiring that performs to specification, with minimal leakage or field effects between adjacent running cables.

Despatch
While time is saved during installation, WAGO is keen to avoid delays in delivery or confusion as to what has been dispatched and where it is to be used. WAGO packages the modular trunking safely and securely to ensure it arrives at site ready to use. For schools, hotels or offices, where several types of room are repeated in a building, the trunking is packed “per floor” or “per room”, ensuring that the installer has the right trunking per room type delivered in one clearly labelled container.

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Saint Gobain PAM is supplying a complete above ground sanitary soil and internal rainwater drainage system for the new £429 million Royal Liverpool University hospital in Liverpool.

The new purpose built hospital will have 23 wards with 646 single bedrooms and 18 operating theatres. Each patient will have a single bedroom with ensuite facilities making it the largest all single room hospital in England and Wales when it is completed.

Says Malcolm Atherton, Public Health Design Engineer at Hoare Lea, Manchester: “We prefer using Saint Gobain PAM’s cast iron Ensign Soil system because of its superior acoustic performance and fire safety when compared to other pipe materials, especially in a hospital environment. Patient comfort and safety are both top priorities for hospitals.

“It is also durable and designed to last the lifetime of the hospital with minimal maintenance and is resistant to any possible damage whether accidental or deliberate.”

In addition to the Ensign Soil drainage system, the company is also supplying products from its new Vortx range including plant gullies, shower drains and roof outlets, ductile iron pipe-fittings for the pump drainage systems and grip collars which are fitted to ductile iron couplings to provide higher-pressure drainage applications for sensitive drainage areas.

Says Richard Smith, sales engineer for Saint Gobain PAM: “We have a wider range of products and fittings than other suppliers which for an application as diverse as this is vital. As a UK manufacturer we can also meet the project’s supply needs and deal with any unusual specifications promptly.

“An example of this is with the shower drains for level 4 of the building, which had to be supplied with various different spigot lengths already fitted to them, in order to speed up installation time. These spigots could be up to 2.8 metres in length as they had to pass through a concrete beams of different depths and then simply push straight into the connection below.”

The new hospital is due to be completed in 2017 and the main contractor for the build is Carillion.

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Saint-Gobain PAM’s cast iron Ensign and EEZI-FIT drainage systems have been awarded the top rating for their Classification of Reaction to Fire of A1.

Both ranges of products were tested at the Warrington Fire Research Centre to EN 13501-1:2007+A1:2006.

Says Marketing Manager for Saint-Gobain PAM UK, Mike Rawlings:  “Many buildings are not protected enough against fire hazards.  It means that fire can spread rapidly, destroy the building in a short time and, more importantly, jeopardise the lives of occupants.

“If a fire breaks out, the first objective is to slow down its horizontal and vertical spreading.  Drainage systems should be selected so that they resist the passage of fire and do not feed it.

“This is important because above ground drainage systems will pass through a separating wall and floor.  They need to withstand fire and not provide open breaches and, for a given time not allow the passage of fire, smoke, heat or combustion from one area to another.

“Both Ensign and EEZI-FIT do not burn or melt producing molten droplets like DDPE and unlike plastic based systems only produce minimal smoke and fumes, which is often the biggest killer if there is a fire.  It is the safest material available for fire safety and, depending on the severity and duration of the fire will likely remain standing and operational.”

For further information about Ensign and EEZI-FIT cast iron drainage systems contact:  Saint-Gobain PAM UK, Sinclair Works, Station Road, Ketley, Telford, Shropshire, TF1 5AD.   Tel:  01952 262500.  Email:  sales.uk.pam@saint-gobain.com.   www.saint-gobain-pam.co.uk.

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The benefits of Timbmet Engineered Components (TEC®) compared to Timber are explained in a new brochure that underlines why the company is at the forefront of innovation in the largely traditional timber industry.

Manufacturers and installers will find that Timbmet’s multi layered construction of TEC® offers stability and stress performance far in excess of Timber. These highly engineered wood products – available in four key species – are made by joining/gluing multiple pieces of material together.

TEC® is designed to provide uniform performance; a flawless appearance free from nots, splits and staining; reduced levels of waste; and savings on material yield costs and labour costs.

“We hope that we can help our customers to see the benefits of using Engineered Timber” says Justin Hayward from Timbmet. “Timbmet is so confident that you’ll see improved results using TEC® that we can provide working samples for you to trial.”

Compared to solid wood, TEC® could save approximately 25% on material yield costs; made to measure components could also result in 30% less waste and lower associated costs. Waste is also produced at the source of manufacture which means it is recycled back into other wood products.

Labour costs are also reduced because of ease of storage and assembly of the quality controlled product.

Mike Thompson of Biker Group says: “We now use engineered Red Grandis for all our doors and windows because of its quality, performance, stainability and sustainability, and because it is economical and 100% FSC® certified.”
TEC® is available in European Oak, Sapele, Redwood FSC® or PEFC certified, and FSC® certified Red Grandis, exclusive to Timbmet in the UK.

Julian Connelly of Patchett Joinery says: “Red Grandis being a hardwood, the consistency of the grain means no imperfections appear after painting. The result is a high performance, low maintenance material that ensures higher value for our customers.”
Timbmet can offer a comprehensive off-the-shelf range and the capacity to manufacture bespoke components, plus the fact that all TEC products are FD30 fire certified. The range includes Window, Door and Stair parts, in addition to Sandwich Panels, Insulated Sandwich Scantlings and Glulam Curtain Walling.
If you would like to learn more about how engineered timber can benefit you in the manufacture and installation of windows, doors and stairways contact marketing@timbmet.com .

Further details on Timbmet’s full range of TEC products and the new brochure can be found at www.timbmet.com . Hard copies are also available by contacting marketing@timbmet.com

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Effective heating controls are a vital part of an efficient central-heating system. Heating controls manufacturer ESi says it makes huge sense to look more closely at the options.

ESi offers a range of programmers from a simple 1 Channel version to a 3 channel Multi-Purpose Programmer which enables housing providers to comply with Part L of the Building Regulations by providing separate timed heating control for living and sleeping zones in a home, whilst also providing timed control of hot water. These programmers also feature a “Landlord” option to encourage social housing tenants to allow access for annual maintenance, often a real challenge for landlords.

ESi has developed a unique new electronic dual Cylinder Thermostat – a revolutionary new energy saving product. It is a direct and economical replacement for traditional mechanical dual cylinder thermostats. It offers real safety and energy saving benefits and provides accurate temperature control with a clear and informative LCD display. Hot water can be stored at any temperature between 25 and 65 degrees C. It has the added advantage of a weekly automatic one hour “boost” that can be set at a time that is best for the homeowners. This “boost” lifts the temperature of the water in the cylinder to above 60 degrees C to eradicate any legionella bacteria. This results in substantial energy saving compared to traditional systems storing the hot water at a constant 60 degrees C.

Most homes in the UK still tend to have a single heating zone – and the only control in the rooms is by thermostatic radiator valves. When a new central-heating system is installed, it’s possible to fit a full zone control that has different pipe loops and separate thermostats for two or more areas. This can offer significant energy savings.

ESi offers a range of zone valves which are a direct replacement for existing valves if they fail. These are very quiet in operation and now come with an industry leading five-year warranty. They are easy fit components, with a simple clip on/off detachable actuator head and an option of a ‘plug and play’ cable.

Take a closer look at ESi’s offering at www.esicontrols.co.uk.

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Marshall-Tufflex’s new Cable Management catalogue is the must-have resource for specifiers and electrical contractors wanting the latest product and technical information at their finger tips.

The 328-page catalogue details a raft of new product and system developments from the UK’s market-leading manufacturer and supplier of cable management systems, together with in-depth information and images of its established range.

Innovations include:

• Sterling Curve – a development of the ever-popular Sterling range, this data compliant containment system with a curved lid looks great, is easy to clean and impossible to clutter. The triple compartment profile measures 167mm x 50mm and is available with an antimicrobial BIO option.
• Firefly – an innovative clip system that holds power and data cables in place in the event of fire, keeping escape routes free and accessible. For use within or outside mini trunking, maxi trunking or conduit. Compliant with BS 5839-1.
• Data mounting frame for all-curved Odyssey profile – developed in response to customer requests. Available in a standard finish or as a BIO antimicrobial system to control harmful bacteria.
• Fittings with built -in bend radius control (Sterling Profile 1 and Sterling Curve).
• A new range of Power and Data Desk Modules added to the Underfloor to Desk range
  Moulded single piece fittings for Profile 2 – new single piece moulded couplers, end caps and internal/external bends for Profile 2 that are easier to install and give a neater finish.
• Wire Basket – Standard and Fast Coupling Wire Basket systems. The Fast-Coupling system is quick and easy to assemble in just 4 seconds, with no tools required thanks to an integral push-fit coupler which connects the basket lengths together and gives the system excellent strength and rigidity.

The 2016/17 catalogue also includes detailed information on a number of key Marshall-Tufflex products, for example MT Supertube, Cable Protection Guard and GRP systems, information about colours and finishes available, advice on accessing the Specialised Solutions service and the Same Day Collection service.

“Our latest catalogue is essential reading for those specifying and installing cable management systems,” said Richard Beale, Marshall-Tufflex Commercial Director. “Not only does it contain information on our latest product developments and full details on our existing ranges it also outlines our technical support, customer service and work in the community around our manufacturing sites in East Sussex. We know that when you buy a Marshall-Tufflex product there are high expectations and we don’t take this lightly. We work hard to ensure our products meet the highest standards and are totally committed to customer satisfaction.”

Pick up the new catalogue from leading electrical wholesalers or view/order via:
www.newcatalogue.co.uk

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Trimble Delivers Next Generation Version of its
Amtech ProDesign for Electrical Contractors and Engineers

Featuring Improved Workflows for Electrical Contractors and Engineers

Trimble has introduced the next generation of its popular electrical design software, Trimble® Amtech ProDesign, which enables contractors to perform full electrical design and calculations to British Standard 7671.

ProDesign is an innovative solution for the design of low- and medium-voltage projects of all sizes, complete with robust calculations, comprehensive manufacturer specific data and sophisticated reporting to provide a complete design environment. It enables users to produce schematic drawings of electrical systems quickly and easily while providing alternative design scenarios with the click of a mouse. ProDesign also makes it easy to verify the design is compliant with current UK electrical engineering standards and best practice.

Building on the success of its previous generation, Amtech ProDesign provides improved workflows to manage the complete engineering process from initial design to commissioning, as well as enhanced capabilities for touchscreen use. Engineers can expect improved productivity while managing circuit loads within a consumer unit and distribution board.

“Amtech ProDesign is an ideal solution for the UK electrical engineer to manage electrical design and calculations,” said Martin Holmgren, director of marketing and engineering for Trimble’s MEP Division. “The next generation Amtech ProDesign allows electrical engineers to significantly improve productivity while staying on top of today’s demanding standards.”

Availability

Amtech ProDesign is available now through Trimble’s MEP Division in the UK. Additional information is available at: http://mep.trimble.co.uk.

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A combination of a primer and non-slip, waterborne lacquer from Bona has been used to renovate the oak plank floor in a busy food service area at the Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa, Leeds. The Bona technical team wrote the specification to meet the performance criteria required by the hotel and the treatment was carried out by John Garner, a Bona certified contractor. The Bona finishes used were supplied by Taylored Flooring of Cheadle, Cheshire.

Bona Intense primer delivers a subtle grain enriching effect on medium to dark species and was chosen to replicate the look of the original floor.  Slip resistance, especially when the surface is wet, was an important requirement as the floor is installed in the hotel’s busy conference café where food and drink is served throughout the day.  Bona Traffic HD Anti Slip was therefore the obvious choice of finish with its combination of high durability and low level slip potential. The slip resistance of this new formulation lacquer surpasses the HSE’s low level slip classification of 36+ when tested using the Pendulum (CoF) test.

Prior to the primer and lacquer treatment, John Garner used high performance Bona Ceramic adhesives to sand the pre-finished surface back to bare wood then finished the sanding process using Bona Zirconium mix anti-static abrasives.

Floors finished with all versions of Bona Traffic HD can be put back into full use after just 12 hours – making these lacquers the perfect choice for commercial areas where avoiding downtime is a key requirement.

Gordon Jackson, General Manager at the hotel said, “Our conference café is an incredibly busy area where guests from our 21 meeting rooms congregate to enjoy our fabulous all-day offering. It’s important that it looks fresh and inviting throughout the day and we’re delighted with the lift that this treatment has given the area.”

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Glebe House is a development of 3-storey apartments off Abbey Foregate in Shrewsbury, built by Morris Homes on behalf of Severnside Housing. FAKRO L-shaped roof windows with bespoke elements were specified for the project to take the glazing area from the roof into the wall. This is done by combining a traditional roof window installed at the eaves with an adjoining element for the wall. Top windows and flashings were in standard grey but the two lower elements and flashings were made in white to match ground and first floor windows.

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