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Architects Mountford Pigott have specified VMZINC PLUS® in QUARTZ-ZINC® to create a highly unusual design for the new McDonalds in Eureka Park Ashford. The system was chosen to provide a visually continuous warm roof across the curved span without unsightly ventilation details. Mountford Pigott’s Trevor Scale commented, “We chose zinc as a natural material for its aesthetic qualities and to provide an innovative and sustainable solution which was ideally suited to the building design. The brief was to develop a factory engineered pod design solution for a production run of similar shops”. The result will enable landmark design buildings using the latest in engineering methods to be provided.

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The high powered LED’s provide excellent illumination. With long life, reduced maintenance requirements and energy efficient operation LED technology provides the latest solutions to lighting scheme and environmental demands.

• Unlimited switching.
• Instant light.
• Fit and forget for life of product.
• Energy efficient.
• No UV.
• Long life.
• Energy efficient operation.
• Environmentally friendly.
• Superb reliability.
• Maintenance free operation.

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Atkins' architects £29.7m North Liverpool Academy has seen Flag-Soprema Silver Art® PVC and Flagon TPO single ply membranes used to waterproof the roof. Silver Art was used on the predominantly curved roof to provide the aesthetic benefits of traditional metal roofing at greatly reduced cost. Aluminium particles are incorporated in the manufacturing process to give the membrane long-term colour stability while avoiding problems such as cold bridging, corrosion or water ingress at penetrations and details.

Flagon TPO AP/PR-F PVC membrane was fully adhered to the flat roof areas. With its BRE Green Guide A+ Rating, it retains exceptional flexibility and resistance to puncturing while remaining highly adaptable to structural movements. Being completely inert, Flagon TPO is non-toxic and has a life expectancy in excess of 30 years.

The simple, 'rectangular box' is split by a striking curved form at the centre, creating a spectacular external profile. The building combines the latest technologies with sustainable design to create a relaxed learning environment where the students can make the most of their learning experience. It houses 12 science laboratories, engineering workshops, a theatre, recording studios and teaching rooms equipped with the very latest in IT. The sixth-form common room and learning resource centre, dubbed the Learning Deck, sits within the highest point and enjoys panoramic views of the Liverpool skyline, the River Mersey and the distant Welsh mountains.

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Beko, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of domestic appliances, has launched its new advertising campaign with a slot during The X Factor. The above-the-line campaign – the company’s biggest to date – promotes Beko’s growing range of built-in home appliances, with the TV advertisement focusing on the recently launched induction hob and multi-function pyrolitic oven.

The investment in prime-time advertising slots during such popular shows as The X Factor actively demonstrates Beko’s ongoing support of its growing number of customers in the housebuilding sector. The message is clear: Beko built-in appliances make life easier in the kitchen, as a couple are seen dancing the night away as the appliances do all the work cooking the food in the background.

Since launching its built-in range in April of last year, Beko has made major inroads into the housebuilding sector and continues to expand its national network of distributors and kitchen specialist dealers. The range offers builders, designers and contractors a wide choice of stylish built-in appliances that combine design, reliability and energy efficiency at an affordable price. The aim is to help builders maximise their profits without compromising on quality, design and innovation.

“Beko is already the UK brand leader in free-standing cooling and cooking, and the second largest appliance brand,” says Clayton Witter, managing director . “The aim of this new campaign is to build the same level of brand awareness of Beko’s built-in appliances that has already been achieved in free-standing. Stronger consumer awareness of and confidence in the brand will reassure builders and contractors that they are responding to increasingly discerning consumer demand when specifying Beko built-in appliances.”

The built-in range offers a choice of models in refrigeration, laundry, dishwashers and cookers. Quality control is ensured at all times: the company manufactures all products within its own factory network, with specialised factories dedicated to specific product categories.

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BT, one of the world’s leading providers of communications solutions and services, has begun the rollout of Sabien’s M2G boiler load optimiser following extensive pilots. M2G will be installed, in a rolling program, to all suitable buildings within BT’s estate of 7,500 buildings.

Jeff Nash, Head of Sustainable Estates, BT noted; “BT has a clear focus to reduce its energy consumption and hence its CO2 emissions. It has plans to reduce its emissions by 80% by 2016 in the UK. To help it achieve this target it requires innovative solutions from suppliers to help save energy and Sabien delivered on our expectations and will have a continuing role to play in supporting BT in these plans.

“M2G’s ability to integrate with existing Building Management Systems and the vast range of single and multiple boiler applications regardless of size and age within the BT estate is a significant benefit,” he added.

Sabien worked closely with Monteray, BT’s FM provider, during the rollout, providing end to end project management and installation across the UK.

How M2G delivers CO2 savings

The M2G is an intelligent boiler load optimiser which improves the efficiency of each individual boiler regardless of age and size by removing ‘dry cycling’, an inherent problem found in over 80% of commercial boilers.

M2G is retro-fitted to each boiler and monitors the temperature of the water in the flow and return every 10 seconds, enabling the M2G to analyse the temperature losses from the boiler. The M2G calculates whether the temperature loss is caused by a genuine heating demand or from standing losses i.e. temperature losses through the boiler casing and flue. When the boiler tries to fire as a consequence of the standing losses the M2G will prevent the boiler from firing resulting in reduced energy consumption.

M2G’s ability to remove dry cycling within each boiler results in no changes to the boiler’s designed set points or impacts to ambient room temperatures. This approach eradicates previous control methods of using fixed time delays or predictive firing patterns.

M2G complements and integrates with existing building controls by identifying any changes to the boilers set point from building management systems or additional controls such as weather compensation.

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Crabtree has just launched Weatherseal, a range of IP56 water and dust proof electrical accessories, but, unlike its competitors, the new range can maintain a full waterproof seal even on moulded plugs with rigid cable tails. As these plug types are becoming the most commonly used by outdoor equipment manufacturers, this benefit is most important. And of course alongside its unique overall design, the expected Crabtree quality is apparent throughout the Weatherseal range by application of a scientifically formulated seal.

Weatherseal socket outlets keep their full IP56 rating while in use, being impervious to external dust and water ingress even from strong water jets, making them ideal for use with high pressure washers. The sockets can accept any British standard 13A plug, with entry being via an easy-to-lift sealable lid that stays open while the user inserts the plug, making it easy to insert the most fiddly of plugs including Data connections. The housing and lid are made from ASA, which provides a very high level of impact and chemical resistance.

The seal between the lid and main body is made from a brand new, specially developed and highly effective material, differing from the gel-like substances used by other manufacturers. This helps the switch retain its IP 56 rating after repeated use, making it ideal for use in grimy or dirty manufacturing environments as well as the everyday domestic garden. In addition, a unique padlockable feature renders Weatherseal proof against unauthorised use.

Weatherseal offers one-gang un-switched and two gang switched sockets with RCD protection if required. The range also includes 10A retractive and 20A 1 and 2 gang switches, and data outlet modules are available for computer users who want to connect to the Internet while in areas that may be subject to hosing down for cleaning purposes. In common with other Crabtree products, all the multimedia outlets are configurable on site, making it easy for contractors to accommodate specific customer requirements, or even make last minute amendments. An extensive range of enclosures is also available.

Outside of the domestic market, Weatherseal is ideal for use in stables, abattoirs, factories, garages, tyre services, warehouses, loading bays, especially those in the food processing industry, and also in chemical disposal or processing plants.

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Over 200 George Barnsdale windows and doors have been fitted into new and existing buildings on the Gloucester Quays development in Gloucestershire. Glazed screens, casements, sliding sashs and pivot windows all have one thing in common – they are finished with Sikkens Joinery Coatings. Supplied fully factory finished, these bespoke timber components not only enhance the visual appearance of the multi million pound mixed use development, but with the Sikkens coatings, they are assured to be long lasting, durable and protective.

Architects, the Dyer Group specified a mixture of pine heartwood and sapele, with some components stained with the translucent Cetol system in walnut and others in a combination of off-white and light blue paint from the Rubbol opaque system. The result is a stunningly attractive and bright mix of fenestration, which met the criteria demanded by the client, Peel Holdings, to retain the colourful heritage and tradition of the quayside location, whilst bringing it into line with the modern, contemporary design of nearby buildings.

The task facing George Barnsdale was literally a tall order, as some of the windows and doors measured five metres in height. The company designed them with ornate timber frames and light panels to match the original look of the retained listed buildings within the development. Bastin Bloomfield, Architect, Dyer Group commented: “There were lots of specific requirements that had to be met with these windows and doors, such as fire standards, retail standards, loading standards and various thermal requirements, due to the nature of these buildings and their intended purpose. The windows and doors created by George Barnsdale successfully met all of these stringent standards.”

George Barnsdale has a long standing relationship with Sikkens Joinery and has been using the manufacturer’s products for its fully finished timber components for many years. The quality of finish and of customer service has led to many high profile projects being completed and this latest development reinforces the company’s dedication to the highest standards of workmanship and high performance for its windows and doors.

The Gloucester Quays development is now complete, with the 60 acre site comprising numerous facilities including a designer outlet, supermarket, hotel, bars and restaurants. The use of Sikkens Joinery Coatings for the fenestration has created a visual continuity throughout the development, bringing out the natural beauty of the timber joinery and protecting it long term from the elements.

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Leading supplier of cast iron rainwater and gutter systems, Saint-Gobain PAM UK, has introduced a stylish new addition to its Classical range with Classical Royale, a decorative rainwater downpipe system.

With a unique ‘fish’ rainwater head and fluted pipe design, it is sure to add a regal touch to any property. Pipes and fittings are available in 75-100mm diameters, giving extra flexibility to the purchaser, while a simple push-fit jointing system means it is fast, clean and easy to install. What’s more, a hidden bracket system gives a discreet finish, adding to the aesthetic appeal.

Mike Rawlings, Marketing Manager – Soil & Drain at Saint-Gobain PAM UK, explains: “We have a wide range of innovative products in the Classical range in both traditional and modern designs.

“Classical Royale is ideal for discerning customers looking to achieve a uniquely stylish finish to their property, with a quality rainwater downpipe system that is beautifully designed but is also sustainable and built to last. It’s the perfect combination of style and substance.”

Designed and developed using the very latest pipe manufacturing technology, Classical Royale, as with the entire range of products in the Classical range, incorporates all the proven benefits of cast iron over other materials such as plastic. This gives it the strength to withstand high winds, heavy snow, and vandalism. It also means it has a life expectancy of more than 100 years. And because the manufacturing process uses 97 per cent recycled material and cast iron is 100 per cent recyclable, Classical Royale is one of the most sustainable options available.

“Not only are purchasers choosing a product for its aesthetic charm – they are choosing an eco-friendly product that will last a lifetime”, adds Mike.

The Classical Royale system is supplied with a stone coloured, zinc-based primer coat ready for on-site painting to match any colour scheme, letting the purchaser choose a finish to suit the aesthetics of their home.

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Come and visit Megger from the 20th to the 24th of April 2009 at Hannover Messe. The stand will show all the latest Megger and Programma products. The company will have 27 products that have been launched over the last 3 years on the stand and will premiere a new low reisistance ohmmeter.

Meet us in hall 12 on stand C34.

“The entire scope of innovative industrial technologies at a single event” is this year’s motto of Hannover Fair from 20th to 24th of April at the world’s largest and most important showcase for industrial technology.

Megger will have 27 of the newest and most innovative products in the field of test and measuring equipment on its stand.

Megger acquired Programma in 2007 and the company started to rebrand all its products to Megger earlier this year. Products from both brands will be available to view.

You will find us in hall 12 stand C34, entrance West 1.

The Hannover Messe/Laatzen station is approximately 400 m from the west 1 entrance to the grounds. You can reach the grounds on foot by walking over the covered Skywalk transport system, which connects the station with the exhibition grounds, or by shuttle buses.

Tram lines 8 and 18 (entrance nord 1+2), tram lines 6 and 16 (entrance east 3) as well as the bus stop lines 340 and 341 (entrance south and west 1) will allow you to reach Hannover exhibition grounds easily.

Hannover Fair will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Jotun Paints (Europe) Ltd has consolidated its position as one of the leading paint manufacturers in the UK with a multi-million pound investment into its North Lincolnshire plant in Flixborurgh. The aim is to improve production within the factory by 25 per cent, not only boosting the local economy but creating new jobs.

The move was made on the back of the decision to move production of heavy duty coatings from the company’s Norwegian base to Flixborough. Managing director, Richard Chapman is delighted with the news, saying: “The decision to increase production and invest millions into the plant here at Flixborough is clearly good news. The group has recognised our expertise and capacity by shifting production to Flixborough cementing the long term future of the site in the process.”

Jotun Paints currently employs around 180 people in Lincolnshire, but with the aim of increasing production by an extra six million litres per annum, more employees will be taken on. The company’s coatings have been used on some of the most prestigious projects undertaken recently, including the Eiffel Tower and the Queen Mary II cruise ship.

“This investment allows us to expand our operations to other markets,” continued Mr Chapman. “We anticipate demand from new areas that we are now targeting to complement the European market, including Nigeria, Mexico and Ecuador. With an expected production output in excess of the 30 million litre mark, Jotun Paints is set to become one of the most significant paint manufacturers in the UK.”

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