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With growing demand for universal, low profile tile vents, roofing ventilation and accessory specialist Klober has introduced the Profile-Line^® Thin-Line Tile Vent. Designed for use with Marley Edgemere, Russell Galloway, Lagan Elite, Quinn Lakeland Slates and Redland’s Slate 10 range (Richmond 10, Landmark Slate 10 and Saxon 10) it is available in five standard colours. The vent can be used at high or low levels to provide an effective ventilation area of 7,850 mm² and for soil ventilation or mechanical extraction. It comes with a 10-year guarantee against manufacturing defect.

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Impact resistant Cable Protection Guard is the latest product to join Marshall-Tufflex’s stable of market-leading, award-winning systems.

The highly protective and shock resistant product is designed to protect cables from impact and damage, particularly those running down telegraph poles or installed on exposed brickwork.

Cable Protection Guard is manufactured from high quality PVC-U and supplied with pre-drilled screw holes for easy and quick installation. Despite its strength the guard is lightweight, making it easy to transport to, and around site. The system is available in five diameters (from 19mmx19mm up to 80mmx80mm) and in different lengths, ensuring there is a perfect size for any installation.

The guard is available through electrical wholesalers nationwide.

For more information visit:

www.marshall-tufflex.com/cableguard

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According to Mike Nankivell, marketing director of Space Air, the UK Daikin Distributor, heat pumps already play in commercial buildings and the latest VRV heat pump developments from Daikin Europe demonstrate their innovative approach to meeting virtually any requirement.

The “flagship” of the new 4^th Generation VRV RANGE is the heat pump heat recovery system launched earlier in the year. This new system makes huge advances in climate control efficiency. Not only is it up to 28% more efficient than the previous generation of VRV, it is even more flexible and can be installed faster than any other heat recovery system available.

Today, Daikin’s VRV IV heat recovery system is able to efficiently satisfy requirements for heating, cooling and domestic hot water.

Daikin Europe calls it “The most Sustainable HVAC System in the World”. Mr Nankivell claimed.

The new generation Daikin VRV IV systems are now available in several variants – we have:

VRV IV Heat Recovery
VRV IV Heat Pump
VRVQ IV – replacement systems
VRV IV – W – Water cooled
A new mini VRV IV range including the S-series compact (super low profile) outdoor units
Finally – the new VRV IV i-series. The first VRV outdoor unit designed for indoor installation.

In the commercial sector, the pre-eminent heat pump is the air source air-to-air type, which can satisfy both the space heating and cooling requirements. However, sanitary hot water services have still, in the main, been provided by secondary systems such as point of use electric water heaters or central gas/oil fired boilers. This is now changing thanks to new developments in air source heat pump technology.

Focus on Efficiency

Daikin Europe’s three-pipe VRV heat recovery systems were already considered the most energy efficient on the market but VRV’s fourth generation features other new innovations outlined below, which “fine tune” the focus on efficiency with remarkable results:

1. Variable Refrigerant Temperature technology – enables the refrigerant temperature to be adjusted to match heating or cooling demand and the outside temperature, reduced power consumption results in an improved operating efficiency of as much as 28%. Comfort is also enhanced because variable refrigerant technology enables cold draughts to be avoided.
2. Continuous heating during defrost – The defrost cycle can result in reduced indoor temperatures at a time when this is undesirable. VRV IV’s continuous heating during defrost avoids this issue and maintains comfort levels when the defrost cycle is activated.
3. The VRV configurator software – enables the system to be “set up” off site, saved to a USB and simply uploaded at the commissioning stage. This feature greatly simplifies both the installation and commissioning of Daikin VRV systems.

Mike Nankivell commented. “To effectively and efficiently manage the heating and cooling and hot water requirements of our commercial buildings it’s not so much a question of “why install heat pumps?” rather than “why consider any other technology?” No other systems offer anything like the combined energy efficiency, carbon emission reductions and cost effectiveness than heat pump technology.”

For more information about Daikin’s VRV IV systems contact – marketing@spaceair.co.uk

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One of the most striking of FAKRO’s new range of flat roof windows is the DXW. Designed specifically for areas of heavy foot traffic, a specially strengthened sash and frame enable it to be fitted flush within the roofline. The window marks another first for both the roofing industry and FAKRO and combines contemporary styling with laminated, P2A anti-burglary glazing and a wear-resistant, anti-slip surface. Both qualities have been extensively tested to ensure the window can withstand the stresses, point loading and impact to which roof terraces and exposed decks above cellars are subjected. Eight standard sizes are available from 600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200mm. See the DXW being put to the test at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFUBSl3MfIA.

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Lytham based Kensington Developments is a small, prestige housebuilder supplying high quality new houses for homeowners on the Fylde Coast. The company prides itself on quality design and a high build specification.

One of the company’s latest developments is Hastings Point in the heart of picturesque Lytham with its continental markets, beautiful gardens and stylish restaurants. An exclusive development of 3, 4 and 5 bedroom stylish homes is being built on sizeable plots with large gardens and lush surroundings.

High quality fixtures and fittings are common on all Kensington Developments projects; including the all- important bathroom areas. The company has specified 65 self-contained Kinedo shower cubicles to be installed in the main and en-suite facilities of the executive properties at Hastings Point. The luxurious Horizon cubicle is being supplied in a range of formats including recessed, corner units and quadrants and each comes complete with stunning, contemporary interior glass panels and an integrated shelving system to provide a completely leak free solution to showering. An overhead rain shower and hand set with recessed thermo valve in high quality polished chrome completes the look.

Richard Fox is a buyer at Kensington Developments and worked with Christine Armstrong at Jewsons Builders Merchants to supply the cubicles;

“We were looking for an alternative to shower trays and enclosures that would be guaranteed by the manufacturer to be leak free. We initially used GRP pods but when we were presented with the Kinedo cubicles solution it wasn’t going to cost us much more to install a much higher quality solution. The all- glass cubicle looks stunning and is much quicker to install than a standard shower tray with tiled walls. There is no silicone required due to the way the unit is designed to fit together and the glass is even treated with Cristal Plus glass; an anti-limescale coating that minimises build up on the glass and reduces the need for cleaning.”

As a medium sized personally run company Kensington Developments has customer satisfaction at the very heart of what they do and the Kinedo cubicles have given them the peace of mind that the showers will be leak free over the lifetime of the product. At the present time they would not revert back to standard shower trays. Andy Gyde from Kinedo is delighted by the response;
“We worked very hard to seal this deal. We installed units in a number of Jewson showrooms to highlight the ease of installation and the leak-free features of the product. We’re delighted that Jewsons has chosen to keep a number of these as displays, but equally we are thrilled by the response of the builders. We hope to be supplying many more units to their future developments from now on”

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The benefits and beauty of shower cubicles are often overlooked as many people misunderstand the benefits of cubicles over enclosures. Cubicles offer a swift and efficient showering solution for any shape
or size of bathroom. In some cases, you can have a watertight space, complete with the shower, controls and doors fitted and ready to enjoy in less than two hours.

For housing associations, this means you can do a great job in very little time, causing minimum disruption and mess to residents in cases of refurbishment projects and have new projects finished less time.

For the best type of product, look for manufacturers who design, manufactured and test in Europe, as this means they have complete control over the process and they can maintain the highest standards of quality and service.

Also ensure that all glass panels and doors meet the European standard EN12150 for toughened safety glass and choose manufacturers who supply our products flat-packed for ease of manoeuvrability.

Depending on our circumstances, some cubicles have the option for you to choose your own shower fittings, and others feature an integrated thermostatic control.

Look for cubicles that don’t require silicone. In the humid environment of the bathroom, silicone will deteriorate and discolour without constant maintenance. Generally speaking, if no silicone is required, the wall panels of the product are cleverly designed to fit snugly within the shower tray.

Choose cubicles with a leak free promise. If you choose wisely, from a quality manufacturer you should find that water simply runs down the inside of the shower with no chance of escape. And as there’s no need for tiling or grouting, your shower will stay looking as pristine as the day it was installed.

Look for cubicles that use Cristal Plus Glass. Cristal Plus is a permanent, anti-limescale coating that minimises the build-up of calcium deposits
and dirt on glass, reducing the need to clean. This transparent chemical treatment is resistant to hot water and UV rays, encouraging water to run off the glass without leaving streaks or water marks.

Installing a shower cubicle really is as easy as A, B, C.

Assemble

Bolt together

Connect to waste and water and add the doors.

As with fitting any shower there are just three main considerations: floor construction; waterproofing, and drainage. The quality and reliability of the products used are essential.

The rest is down to choosing a quality manufacturer.

The Saniflo Kinedo range of superior quality shower cubicles includes Kinemagic Serenity, Kinemagic Design, Kinemagic Style, Horizon, Moonlight, Kineprime and Consort, and has been designed by the team at Saniflo to offer a comprehensive range of complete showering solutions for all applications.

An excellent choice for refurbishment projects is the Saniflo Kinemagic, which is a self-contained shower cubicle designed especially to fit in exactly the same space as a standard bath. The Serenity model features an anti-slip, low level tray, secure grab bar and fold down seat which is ideal for older or disabled customers. It provides extra safety and helps to reduce the risk of falling. In most bathrooms the change from bath to Kinemagic shower can be completed in just one day.

The recently upgraded range of Kinemagic cubicles has proved exceptionally popular since its launch last year. Now, following requests from customers, the team at Saniflo has developed a new optional panel that allows the fixing of an electric shower unit of the customer’s choice. The drillable panel is mounted on a high quality metallic frame and perfectly complements the styling of the Kinemagic cubicle. The neat, compact unit is installed in such a way that all water pipes and electric cable is fed into the frame from behind and stowed neatly out of sight.

Now any customer can benefit from the compelling reasons to install a Kinemagic shower cubicle. The electric shower panel will overcome issues such as insufficient stored hot water or low water pressure to provide a luxurious walk-in shower solution.

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In line with its global reputation for developing reliable, high performance fixing systems for demanding construction environments, Ancon’s latest launch is a range of reinforcing bar couplers designed to operate at cryogenic temperatures.

Typical applications include the construction of steel-lined concrete storage tanks for refrigerated liquefied gas (LNG/LPG).

Independently tested with cryogenic-grade rebar at a cool -165^oC to the requirements of EN 14620-3, the new Ancon CTT range of couplers is available to suit bars from 12mm to 32mm diameter.

Featuring a tapered-thread to simplify bar alignment and engagement, and reduce the chances of cross threading, CTT Couplers are compact in design, so are ideal for use where space is tight, and can be installed quickly and easily, minimising  construction time and costs.

The range comprises standard couplers to join bars of the same diameter, transitional couplers for bars of different diameters and positional couplers where neither bar can be rotated.

Export Manager, Hervé Poveda says,

“Although new to the Ancon range, we have already supplied 16,000 CTT Couplers to a LNG storage project in Northern Russia. This is one of the toughest environments on earth. The tanks store gas at cryogenic temperatures on the inside and are surrounded by ice on the outside. Conditions don’t get much tougher than that. The construction team wanted a high performance product with fast, trouble-free installation and Ancon’s solution proved ideal.”

This product launch comes just weeks after Ancon received its second Queen’s Award for Enterprise. The company now holds Queen’s Award for Innovation and for International Trade; these recognise Ancon’s unique ability to develop new and exciting products and make them available immediately through its proven worldwide distribution channels.

A new technical brochure on the CTT coupler range is available to download at www.ancon.co.uk/cryo.

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The National Memorial to the Few at Capel-le-Ferne, on the famous white cliffs between Dover and Folkestone in Kent has been redesigned and updated with a stunning new building, shaped like an iconic Spitfire aircraft with its sweeping wings. The site is appropriately based in the area nicknamed ‘Hell-fire Corner’ due to the intensity of the dog-fights that took place during World War 2, in this part of Kent.

Maintained by the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, the site at Capel-le-Ferne is dedicated to Churchill’s famous “Few” who fought in the skies overhead to keep this country free from invasion. The Memorial itself inspires quiet reflection on the bravery and sacrifice shown by the aircrew – fewer than 3,000 men – who flew, fought and sometimes died in probably the most crucial battle fought by this country in the whole of the 20th century.

The Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall lists the names of all those who took part in the Battle of Britain, while a replica Spitfire and Hurricane stand nearby as a reminder of the iconic machines they flew to victory. At the edge of the car park, greeting visitors to the site is a low wall bearing Churchill’s famous quotation: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed, by so many, to so few”.

The original plan for the memorial was on a bigger scale than the visitor will see today. Many would argue that the final design, by Harry Gray of the Carving Workshop, Cambridge, is moving through its simplicity. It features a striking sculpture of a seated airman looking out to sea, surrounded by the badges of the Allied squadrons and other units that took part in the Battle of Britain.

Independent LG distributor LGCC has had the privilege of supplying the air conditioning and heating services for the new state of the art centre, bringing together the latest Variable Refrigerant Flow technology and Heat Recovery Ventilation units in a unique energy saving combination.

Using the LG Multi V Series 4 heat recovery VRF system LG, through distributor LGCC, has supplied a 32HP (89kW cooling/ 100kW heating), two module, inverter driven outdoor unit connected to ten large ducted internal units and two four way air discharge cassettes, connected through five heat recovery distribution boxes. LGCC has also supplied cooling for the server room.

In addition there are three LG Heat Recovery Ventilation units (ECO V) installed for the supply and extract of fresh air. These are supplied with CO2 sensors.

Remote zonal control is included but overall building control is achieved by LG’s AC Smart Intelligent Centralised controller. Remote return air sensors are also installed in zones to ensure accurate control of space temperature.

All LG outdoor unit coils are treated with LG’s Gold-fin™ epoxy coating as standard to inhibit corrosion. This will be particularly relevant at this site due to the air’s salinity and the memorial’s proximity to the coast.

“We hope that LG’s equipment will make the visits of the thousands of visitors in the years ahead, that bit more comfortable – whatever time of year they choose to visit – to pay their respects to the quite extraordinary men and women who kept the invaders at bay and showed extreme bravery – up to and including giving their lives for this country” says LGCC Director Jez Smith.

“As M&E consultants, Steadman Environmental Control is proud to have been associated with this iconic project, especially in this Battle of Britain 75^th anniversary year,” said Martin Steadman.

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Mitsubishi Electric has produced a free, CPD-accredited guide to the new Energy Related Products Directive or ErP (2009/125/EC), which is a key part of the European Union’s drive to encourage consumers to use more energy efficient products.

The ErP Directive, which came into force at the end of September, now means that commercial and residential heating products will need to display an energy label, so that consumers can quickly understand the energy efficiency of the products they purchase.

A similar market transformation strategy has already proved highly successful with consumer goods such as fridges and freezers, where it is now very rare to find anything below an A rated product available on the high street.

To highlight the requirements under ErP Mitsubishi Electric has also released a short video which explains how the Directive is designed to help phase out lower performing products whilst having a positive impact on the emissions levels across Europe and increase the share of renewable energies by 20 per cent.

The dedicated video can be viewed at the company’s YouTube Channel and further information on the entire range of A++ heat pumps can be found on the dedicated Youtube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rk1ldYXNpuw&list=PLvcrLXkBScHpdC0WSvzpO3uvwawcNjpIr&index=10  

The Directive is a two-part strategy. Firstly, the ErP requires manufacturers to produce energy-using products that meet stringent minimum performance standards. And secondly, these products must be clearly labelled using a standard methodology so that consumers can quickly understand the energy efficiency of the products they purchase.

The CPD Guide covers both main parts of the ErP: the EcoDesign regulations and the Energy Labelling regulations. The guide explains how the labelling is designed to help businesses and homeowners understand the benefits of each technology and focuses on the importance of ErP in relation to legislation such as the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

For further information, visit http://bit.ly/1NBrWjl

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Creating flawless brick-faced soffits and lintels has now become much simpler and quicker, thanks to a new lightweight stainless steel based system developed by two industry-leading companies – brick support specialist Ancon Building Products and Ibstock Kevington –national manufacturer of brickwork and masonry special shapes and prefabricated components.

The new Nexus® system combines a specially developed Ibstock Kevington lightweight brick-faced steel unit with Ancon’s tried and tested MDC stainless steel bracket angle support system. The system offers contractors easier handling coupled with maximum adjustability, both vertically and horizontally, for quick and simple alignment on site.

The new system offers considerable benefits over traditional cast concrete alternatives – cutting weight by more than half, which in most cases will allow the brick-faced units to be installed without specialist lifting equipment, and significant savings in installation time – making it particularly appropriate for fast-track or time-limited projects.

Individual Nexus® units are designed and prefabricated off-site to suit different soffit dimensions, even modern deep soffits, so there is no cutting required on-site. They are simply offered up to the pre-fixed and pre-drilled Ancon MDC support system and then bolted into position using T-head bolts. The quality design allows units to be simply adjusted for perfect alignment and, once in position, all that is left is for the brick facing to be pointed for a seamless match with the main brickwork.

Nexus units can be fabricated using virtually any brick or masonry with the chosen product being specially selected and precision cut, generally from the same batch as the main façade to ensure a perfect visual match. Various brick patterns can also be specified to match individual project designs and styles.

All system components are of the highest quality, and engineered for economy and durability, with slips permanently bonded to the high grade stainless steel Nexus system using a BBA accredited bonding system. Nexus has been independently tested for long term durability by Lucideon, the independent global experts in materials testing, analysis and consultancy.

Ibstock Kevington Sales Director, Warren Dean said, “Nexus ® is an exciting new development that brings together the combined experience and expertise of two major companies – each market leaders in their own area. The advanced design will not only make it easier and quicker to specify and install modern brick-faced soffit and lintel features in a range of different building applications, but the two-part design means it will be far easier to achieve perfect alignment with the main brickwork façade.”

Further details and technical specifications for the Nexus® system are available in a new 4-page brochure, available to download from www.ancon.co.uk/Nexus.

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