Story

Triton Systems, suppliers of systems for basement waterproofing, concrete waterproofing and green roof construction, have incorporated the benefits of specifying BIM objects into their five RIBA approved CPD seminars.

Three of the seminars cover new build and existing basement waterproofing and focus on the requirements of BS 8102: 2009 (the Code of Practice for Protection of Below Ground Structures), including the grades of waterproofing required, the types of waterproofing systems available and relevant standards and regulations.

A seminar on Waterproofing Concrete Structures Below Ground looks at the benefits of using concrete in basement construction as well as the available waterproofing systems as defined in BS 8102 (2009); and a seminar on Green and Living Roofs focuses on the benefits of green roofs, design principles and the construction process.

Triton was one of the first manufacturers in the construction industry to have its products included in the NBS National BIM Library and architects can now download elements of structural waterproofing and concrete waterproofing systems, ground gas barriers and green roof water storage membranes, as BIM objects directly for insertion into a building model via Triton’s page at www.nationalbimlibrary.com/triton

BIM (Building Information Modelling) pulls together multiple data streams to allow a building design team to generate a comprehensive virtual 3D model of a building. Its key benefits include being able to carry out greater and more accurate interrogation of all aspects of the project. The free to use National BIM Library includes objects covering all major building fabric systems. Triton is one of the very first manufacturers to make its proprietary objects available in the library and these are available for download in all the main architectural software formats as well as in the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format.

View Triton Systems's profile:

Story

By offering a convenient and reliable way of monitoring the voltage of individual cells during storage battery discharge testing, the new BVM battery monitor from Megger allows failing cells to be readily located. This means that battery performance and reliability can be restored by simply replacing the defective cells, rather than the much more costly option of replacing the whole battery.

View Megger's profile:

Story

In September and October 2013 Marflow Hydronics is running free CPD training courses across the country on Pressure Independent Control Valves.

Aimed at consultants, designers, specifiers and key influencers who want to improve their skills and specifiy, purchase or commission a PICV, the courses are designed to provide delegates with knowledge on how they work, how best to design them and how to make systems more economical.

The half day sessions will look at how things have been done historically, using PICVs today, simplified design and installation, cost implications, commissioning and what’s in store for the future.

Martin Lowe, Joint Managing Director at Marflow Hydronics, says, “We have developed these brand new courses after receiving a lot of questions from our customers on the best way to work with PICVs. By increasing their knowledge on how to best use the products, we can save customers time, money and energy well into the future, and that’s what’s most important to us.”

The courses are being held across the country and are free for anyone to attend, but delegates must have a reasonable knowledge of water distribution systems already to get the most out of the day.

Places are limited, on a first come first served basis, so immediate registration is recommended. To register or for more information either visit www.marflowhydronics.co.uk/events, call 0845 643 9096 or email training@marflow.co.uk.

View Marflow Hydronics's profile:

Story

Fakro’s new range of flat roof windows includes models with clear and opaque polycarbonate domes as well as a dome-free option. All offer excellent thermal qualities as their multi-chamber PVC frames are filled with polystyrene insulation. Energy-efficient U6 or U8 triple and quadruple-glazed units are also available to provide a glazing U-value as low as 0.3 W/m2K. Added security is achieved through use of an internal pane of P2A anti-burglary glass and the window design provides a glazing area up to 16% larger than other manufacturers’ windows. Non-standard sizes are routinely manufactured to match those of old skylights requiring replacement. All have a white external surface.

Electrically operated windows utilise ‘Z wave’ technology which enables them to be controlled with other appliances from a single remote. Windows including non-opening versions are compatible with both Fakro heat protection external awnings and internal blinds. They can be installed from 0-15° and mounted on an upstand to provide an extra 15cm height – ideal for green roofs.

Fakro offers a 10 year warranty for all windows and a 20 year warranty on glazing units. All products carry the CE Mark and are fully compliant with the new Construction Products Regulations.

View Fakro's profile:

Story

Blending classic style with contemporary design, London Syon Park, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel features Glass Rocks cascades from Chelsom in each of the 137 luxury guestrooms.

Suspended within ornate moulded recesses, the bespoke fittings comprise individual rocks of polished Venetian glass, threaded onto drop wires which hang from polished stainless steel ceiling plates. Each luminaire uses six 35W MR16 lamps which are low energy halogen-equivalent lamps giving sparkle and drama, without the excessive heat and high energy use of conventional halogen.

Themed to reflect the 18th Century “Syon Pleasure Ground” designed by Capability Brown, the hotel aims to offer its guests the best of both worlds – a tranquil escape in the quality surroundings of the Syon House Estate, home to the Duke of Northumberland, teamed with contemporary state of the art amenities for which Waldorf Astoria is renowned.

View Chelsom's profile:

Story

The latest addition to Klober’s brand leading range of Permo underlays is Permo RS Extreme. This has been designed specifically for use on roofs such as monopitch extensions where existing windows preclude a tile or slate’s minimum recommended pitch. Permo RS can be laid at 10° and is therefore ideal for plain tiles, normally laid at 35 – 40°. Stability at high temperatures also means it can be used with in-roof solar panels systems.

Permo RS is light in weight, tear-resistant and has double, self-adhesive strips which provide a permanent seal of overlaps and immediate weatherproofing protection against wind, rain and snow. Highly vapour permeable, it can also be used with Klober airtightness products such as Permo Extreme Sealant for bonding to eaves flashings or for sealing transverse seams and T-joints.

View Klober's profile:

Story

Wilo has launched its new CAT5 Booster set into the marketplace. UK water regulations – G6.1e – states that non-domestic hose union taps cannot be fitted directly to the water supply. It is essential to incorporate a backflow prevention device to ensure no back flow and syphonage leading to contamination of the potable water supply by bacteria returning up the hose pipe into the mains water supply.

The new Wilo CAT5 booster set incorporates a 115 litre polypropylene break tank which is supplied complete with a WRAS approved AB air gap. The overflow and weir are screened to enable connection to hygienic systems.

Applications for this equipment include such uses as non domestic hose union taps, bin and vehicle washdown, garden irrigation, laboratories, mortuary and embalming equipment, butchery and slaughter-house equipment.

The units are supplied with either a single fixed speed pump or a variable speed pump as specified. The single speed sets are controlled via a pressure switch, DOL motor starter and a run on timer, whilst the variable speed sets are controlled via a pressure transducer and motor mounted inverter.

The booster set monitors the system pressure and as demand increases the pressure will fall and the pump will start and continue to run, until demand has stopped and pressure increases to the set point. The fixed speed booster sets have a run on timer that overrides the pressure switch for a set period to minimise the number of starts per hour.

AND NEW PRESSURISATION UNITS LAUNCHED TOO……

Wilo has announced the release of a new series of Pressurisation Units for closed heating and chilled water systems for use in commercial and industrial premises. They are available in four ranges to suit every installation – from open pack base mounted, comfort wall and floor mounted and twin systems able to control both heating and chilled systems. Each range has one and two pump models available with a selection of pumps to suit a range of static requirements.

Wilo pressurisation units are designed to keep sealed MTHW (up to 90°C) , LTHW and chilled water systems at a predetermined pressure by topping the system up with wholesome water via an AB air gap.

Available in three different static head options – 35, 60 or 80 metres, these units are unique and amongst the first units of their type to be BACNet compatible making it possible to incorporate them within building management systems and to do so simply utilising a single cable interface. In addition the display on the units is backlit – essential for many installations where they tend to get installed in the darkest recesses of the plant room. With two lines of text on the interface the units are simple to interrogate unlike those units which flag up feedback using codes that may need to be interpreted. A final benefit is the simple installation making these units ideal replacement units.

Wilo can help you to select the correct pressurisation unit and expansion vessels for your system in accordance with BS7074 if you provide them with the following information: the static height of the building above the pressurisation unit in metres; the system content (litres) If unknown, provide the boiler power (Kw) which can then be used to estimate the system content; the flow and return temperatures; glycol content – percentage; and the final working pressure.

For more information on either of these quality units, visit www.wilo.co.uk or call Sales on 01283 523000.

View Wilo's profile:

Story

Kohler Mira has announced the appointment of Liz Hazeldene as Managing Director, following the recent retirement of Dave Hill, with immediate effect. Liz has been with Kohler Mira for 12 years, most recently in the role of Business Director for Rada – the commercial arm of Kohler Mira in the UK – which experienced one of its most successful years of trading in 2013.

Jim Westdorp, Group President of Kohler Kitchen & Bath, said: “The board is pleased to welcome Liz Hazeldene in her new role. With the UK economy showing signs of a sustained recovery, Kohler Mira has an exciting opportunity to grow both here in the UK and with the Rada brand overseas. Liz brings us the opportunity to continue to execute the core values of Kohler and Kohler Mira, bringing the continuity of a winning team and the vision and strategy to take the business forward into new opportunities”.

Liz joined Kohler Mira in 2002 where she spent five years in Product Marketing, four in Sales and most recently three as Rada Business Director. Prior to joining Kohler Mira, Liz worked variously in timber merchanting and at Polycell and Dulux; with responsibilities including product marketing, media buying, web and online strategies.

She brings with her a wealth of experience and will be responsible for leading the ambitious growth plans the group has over the next five years and beyond.
Liz will report to Chris Baldwin, President – Global Faucets and the appointment is the result of a global executive search including both internal and external candidates. Jim Westdorp concluded, “On behalf of the board, I want to thank Dave Hill for his dedication and many outstanding contributions in his 18 years with the company. We believe Liz has the right background and drive to lead Kohler Mira forward and create boundless opportunities for the group.”

View Mira Showers's profile:

Story

Hard on the heels of reducing Flight shower tray prices by up to 50% – thanks to cost-savings arising from a new purpose-built UK factory – Mira Showers has enhanced the market-leading range with subtle design changes that keep it at the forefront of modern bathroom style.

To fit in with the latest aesthetics, the latest models now have an ultra-sleek look, with no pattern on the floor, and tighter corners throughout the top surface to give a sharp, contemporary appearance. To cap it off, the waste now has a solid, colour-matched cover that is strong enough to stand on and which adds to the clean, minimalist finish.

To match the shower tray, the new additional riser kit has also been improved while retaining the same easy-to-fit qualities of the original design. The fascia panels now fit under the shower tray rather than on its front face while the quad panels are now shorter and in a new style but are still supplied as a single wrap-around strip. An extra central leg for additional support reinforces the riser, making it more robust. The original flexible-height-panel riser kit is still available.

All the features that have made the Flight shower trays such a success are retained – their durability, strength and ease of installation. Manufactured from hard-wearing acrylic resin stone, Mira Flight shower trays are extremely light – 20% lighter than similar products made from acrylic capped resin stone.

This material also ensures that the trays are very tough, resisting chipping and scratches to retain their integrity throughout their life.

They incorporate the BioCote® finish which not only reduces bacteria and mould by up to 99.9% but also protects against discolouration. Unlike other forms of protection BioCote® will never wear off or wash away. Installation is kept convenient as a waste is still included with the tray. Flight Trays have an overall height of 90mm with while upstand products add a further 24mm.

The Flight range also has strong environmental credentials because of the technology it employs and the large proportion of recycled material it incorporates. The back skin of all of the Mira trays is made from 90% recycled acrylic and the Flight ranges uses less material than other brands due to its unique patented back-hat design, which saves weight, reduces material and provides rigidity. The company’s recycling policy ensures that all acrylic off cuts are sold and fed back into the industry while the custom built pallets are used and re-used until failure and then re-cycled.

View Mira Showers's profile:

Story

In response to market demand, Mira Showers – the UK’s market-leading manufacturer of showers and showering accessories – has developed an anti-slip version of its ever-popular Flight Low shower tray, the Flight Safe. Meeting and exceeding the highest standards of slip resistance, this tray incorporates two integral finishes – Mira Safe anti-slip and the anti-bacterial BioCote® – that will never wear or peel off or wash away so the tray will retain its anti-slip and anti-bacterial properties for its whole life.

Unlike other anti-slip finishes, Flight Safe is intended for the vulnerable user but with a subtle design – there are no raised areas or stick-on roundels, for instance. And while the look is very understated, the Flight Safe exceeded the most stringent anti-slip test – Class C DIN 51097 – when independently certified.

This test consists of making the tray slippery with soap and water and then inclining the tray until the barefoot subject slips off. To gain Class C, the subject must remain standing when the tray is at an angle of 24o but, with Flight Safe, the subject was still standing when the tray was tilting at 30o. This test not only shows how well the tray performs but also provides third party certification that will deter any potential litigation.

Developed for anywhere that might cater for the less able, the tray shares the same contemporary aesthetic as the Flight Low range so there is no element of styling that is ‘discriminatory’. And, at just 40mm as opposed to the standard 90mm height, it is ideal for creating the ‘minimalist ‘wet room’ look. Durable and easy to maintain, Mira Flight Safe is made from acrylic resin stone so it resists chipping and scratches to retain its integrity throughout its life while being also very light – it is 20% lighter than equivalent products made from acrylic capped resin stone. The BioCote® finish stops discolouration, reduces bacteria and mould by up to 99.9% while the tray’s high flow vortex waste ensures that that waste effectively cleans itself.

To simplify installation, Mira provides an optional riser kit where the tray is to be installed on a solid floor that has strong ‘push-fit’ legs and the option of integral upstand variants that will ensure a watertight fit. Like the rest of the Flight Low range, this tray also has strong environmental credentials because of the technology it employs and the large proportion of recycled material it incorporates, For example The back skin of all of the Mira trays is made from 90% recycled acrylic.

View Mira Showers's profile: