Category Archives: Construction
Bradite helps WW1 silhouettes campaign
Story
‘Standing with Giants’ is a non-profit organisation that creates life size WWI soldier silhouettes that can be sited temporarily in open spaces.
The silhouettes, each six feet tall depicting a British Tommy with his rifle slung over his shoulder, are made from a plastic/aluminium composite material derived from recycled signage from building sites.
Bradite are proud to have donated their One Can primer/finish paint to the project, helping protect the many hundreds of figures now being made at Standing with Giants’ Oxfordshire workshop. The project also makes two-foot diameter poppy wreaths which have been painted in One Can.
“I was contacted last Autumn by the project which was already using One Can supplied through the Abingdon branch of builders merchants, Brewers,”
explained Bradite’s National Sales Manager James Burton. “We were asked if we could help and are happy to provide our product for the next phase of the project over the coming year, and of course, it was our privilege to help the community remember our fallen heroes.”
The silhouettes, 101 in total, first appeared at a nature reserve on a hillside overlooking the M40 motorway, before being invited by the Duke of Marlborough to site a couple of hundred together with poppy wreaths on a hillside on the grounds of Blenheim Palace.
These twin events created so much public interest that an incredible £66,000 was raised from visitors for the Poppy Appeal during a time when the Royal British Legion’s fundraising had been badly hit by the COVID pandemic.
“People’s reaction has been astonishing. We have had people crying, they found it so moving,” says the project founder, Dan Barton.
It was clear that the idea had caught the public’s imagination and future installations are now being planned. 2000 soldier silhouettes and 1500 poppy wreaths are being created and thoroughly weatherproofed thanks to Bradite One Can, an all-purpose, quick-drying, stain resistant paint.
It is hoped that these mobile tributes will also find their way to the Falkland Islands for the 30th anniversary of the military action.
For more information about Standing with Giants visit: www.standingwithgiants.co.uk
View Bradite's profile:
CONDAIR IN TUNE WITH STEINWAY
Story
Steinway & Sons, synonymous with building the world’s best and finest pianos for over 160 years, recently refurbished its impressive London showroom in Marylebone. The company required its contractor to create the optimum environmental conditions to prevent the wood used to craft these precision instruments from warping. Condair’s resistive steam (RS) humidifiers were specified and then installed in three rooms in the building, including the basement where the workshop is situated. All the units are feeding steam into air handling units to maintain the vital humidity levels required.
Steinway’s UK managing director, Craig Terry, explains: “Incredibly rare and expensive wood is used in some of our models – but actually any type of wood is susceptible to changes in environmental conditions. Dryness is the enemy of pianos so humidity is really important. We need 40% to 50% humidity all the time to protect the wood, whether they’re in the showroom or the workshop. Condair’s units are ideal for the job.
“And because we rely so heavily on the reliability of the humidifiers, we also contracted with Condair to service the humidifiers at regular intervals. Would I recommend Condair? Oh yes, they’ve supplied great service.”
If these precision musical instruments, which are worth many thousands of pounds each, are exposed to dry air it can change the instrument’s dimensions very slightly. This would be detrimental to their performance and result in them requiring much more frequent tuning, eventually leading to permanent deterioration over time. Thankfully, Condair’s RS humidifiers provide the perfect protection.
The Condair RS humidifiers installed at Steinway are capable of creating up to 16kg/h of humidity but the range has models offering maximum outputs from 5 to 160kg/h. The humidifier delivers accurate control without the expense of plastic disposable boiling cylinders, simplifying maintenance and keeping downtime to a minimum. Scale that forms on the heating elements breaks off under normal operation and falls into the externally located scale collector tank. Scale removal is a simple process of draining the tank with the push of a button, allowing the unit to cool then disconnecting the tank and emptying it.
An advanced touchscreen control panel makes operation simple, while providing detailed diagnostic reporting. In addition, a USB connection allows performance data to be downloaded into Excel and the humidifier’s software to be easily updated.
Dave Marshall-George, UK Sales Director at Condair, added: “Humidity control for Steinway is of particular importance during winter in the UK. As soon as the weather turns cold, indoor humidity may drop below the required 40%RH. However, air conditioning systems will also dry the air, so the humidification system will have been in regular use. Basically, whenever there’s a requirement to precisely control the environmental conditions around the pianos, the humidifiers will automatically do exactly what’s needed of them.
“We really value our relationship with Steinway and appreciate their faith in both the capability of the Condair RS humidifiers and our service engineers, who keep them running in tip top condition.”
The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidification, dehumidification and evaporative cooling, with technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. The company 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.
View Condair's profile:
Profab Access introduces industry first for fire integrity and installation
Story
The only product of its kind currently available, the expertly engineered PRECISION adjustable frame completely transforms the installation process for construction professionals and streamlines the specification process for architects and specifiers.
This is achieved through the product’s unique construction, which enables the frame to be fully self-adjusting to the specific dimensions of each structural opening, ensuring the installation is fit for purpose providing the highest standards in accuracy and removing the requirement for plastic packers for a safer, faster and simpler installation process.
Factory applied intumescent strips to the outer frame also eliminates the need for intumescent mastic application as a secondary operation on site when installing the frame.
The PRECISION frame dramatically reduces fitting times and eliminates the risk of using non-compliant components throughout installation, which may not have been tested in conjunction with the riser door itself.
The patent pending PRECISION adjustable frame is now supplied as standard with Profab Access’ high quality steel INTEGRA 4000 Series Fire Rated Riser Doors.
Profab Access was the first UK manufacturer to have its concealed Riser Doors bi-directionally fire tested and certified by an accredited third party. The PRECISION adjustable frame has also been bi-directionally fire tested as an entire doorset with the INTEGRA 4000 Series Riser Door for up to 120 minutes, receiving the CERTIFIRE accreditation for installation in unlined shaft walls and solid wall construction.
This provides architects, specifiers and contractors with a completely certified solution, as both the frame and the riser door have been bi-directionally tested as a single doorset and are supplied with comprehensive documentation to evidence their performance credentials and adherence to all relevant regulations, including BS EN 1634-1:2014 +A1:2018.
Marcus Parnham, Commercial Director at Profab Access, said: “As one of the industry’s leading manufacturers, we have a responsibility to push the boundaries of this product category and ensure every access solution we supply delivers the highest standards in performance and compliance.
“Our new patent pending PRECISION adjustable frame represents a real step change for the industry, supporting professionals in fulfilling their duty of care by going above and beyond current legislation in delivering the highest standards of due diligence and achieving constant compliance for the entire doorset, including the materials used throughout the installation process. The frame is the result of our unwavering commitment to innovation and providing the built environment with the very highest standards in access solutions.”
The PRECISION adjustable frame is constructed with an all-in-one smoke, intumescent and acoustic FS1000 seal, eliminating the need for additional intumescent mastic when installing the frame into a flexible or solid wall construction. This cost efficient and sustainable material contains no halogen compounds and will not emit toxic gas when heated, ensuring the safety of building occupants in the event of a fire.
As an official Made in Britain member, Profab Access’ comprehensive portfolio of Riser Doors and Access Solutions are manufactured at its headquarters in Atherstone by its experienced team of design and engineering experts.
For further information on Profab Access and its range of riser doors, access panels, and steel doors, call +44(0)1827 718222 or visit www.profabaccess.com.
View Access 360's profile:
Crittall Leeds the way
Story
Original Crittall windows have been replaced and upgraded on the main street frontage of one of Leeds’ most historic quarters.
Briggate is a pedestrianised principal shopping street in the city centre containing many historic buildings including, tucked away from view in Lamberts Yard, the only remaining Elizabethan timber framed property in the City dating back to circa 1600.
The walkway leading to that heritage enclave passes through No. 162 Briggate, a 1950’s
vintage commercial and residential block where Think Architecture has installed replacement Crittall steel windows.
“No.162 had original Crittalls and, as with all the buildings around Lamberts Yard, things were in various appalling states,” said Simon Smithson, director of Pudsey, West Yorkshire-based, Think Architecture.
The original single glazed windows in the three-storey no.162 were replaced with double glazed lookalike Homelight windows. The building now houses new apartments and a ground-floor commercial premises.
“I have to say,” added Mr Smithson, “ that the Crittall windows are a wonderful system. Several years ago we did a job and used what was described as a ‘Crittall-like’ system. Well, that was very disappointing whereas the Crittall system is a great system, so well made.” www.crittall-windows.co.uk
View Crittall's profile:
BNE delivers bite-sized learning opportunity for Specifiers and Buyers
Story
BusinessNet Explorer is an evolving bite-sized learning platform – delivering product news and information for product Specifiers and Buyers in the Construction & Building Services industry and associated Manufacturing and Energy sectors – in engaging Audio, Visual and Audio/Visual formats – via its Virtual Exhibition and Podcast Channels.
Specifiers and Buyers can learn about new products, product range updates, branding updates, exhibition appearances, explore case studies and application stories, find out about new CPD’s and Webinars – and listen to the BNE Product News ‘Brand Leader’ interview series of podcasts – to hear manufacturer thought leaders discuss state-of-the-art product innovations – designed to meet and often exceed the latest industry product specification requirements.
A spokesperson for BusinessNet Explorer revealed how the BNE platform can also support Continuing Professional Development for specifiers and buyers ”BNE is a hub of bite-sized / micro-learning product news and information content that allows Manufacturers to reach ‘on the move’ multi-workspace based specifiers and buyers via its Virtual Exhibition and Podcast Channels in engaging ‘easy to digest’’ educational chunks, that in many cases, such as the ‘Brand Leader’ interviews that are also available in Audio podcast format on Google Podcasts, Apple / iTunes and Spotify and the case studies/application stories that can also be found in our Audio/Visual podcast library, could go toward meeting any targets that may be set for annual ‘Reflective CPD / Passive Learning and ‘Self-Directed / Unstructured Learning’ CPD points. Each podcast has a transcript to support learning and CPD”
Dave Marshall-George, Sales Director at Humidification specialist manufacturer Condair, interviewed recently by Mick de Leiburne for a BNE ‘Brand Leader’ podcast explains, “Podcasts are a great way for engineers to listen and learn whilst in their car or on their way to work. We wanted to engage with this bite-sized learning channel to deliver useful information on a topic we are seeing more and more interest in from consultants and AHU companies. Our short podcast on evaporative cooling is very easy listening and perfect for a 10-minute coffee break escape.”
Click to hear the Condair Podcast: https://soundcloud.com/businessnetexplorer/construction-building-services-bne-product-news-condair-brand-leader-interview
To catch up with the latest industry product news and information in ‘easy to digest’ bite-sized learning formats – wherever and whenever you are available – just visit www.BusinessNetExplorer.com
How Saint-Gobain PAM’s Pre-Assembled Ensign range can help your next building project
Story
If you’re looking for more evidence of how Saint-Gobain PAM’s Pre-Assembled Ensign range can help your next building project, take a minute to listen to Lee Rouvray, Contracts Director of Fitzpatrick Mechanical Services who explains and shows how it made life simpler for his team on the site of the Peninsula Hotel in London.
Do not hesitate to contact our technical sales team for further information on 01952 262529 or visit our website www.pamdrainage.co.uk.
View PAM Building's profile:
Armourcoat’s Perlata is guaranteed to put a smile on your face at stylish new dental clinic
Story
Decorative specialist, Armourcoat®, was recently chosen to provide finishing touches to a unique and stylish dental and aesthetics clinic in the iconic Battersea Power Station development.
The striking interior was designed by LaVita Style and features Perlata providing a rich, yet elegant finish to the walls in the reception area and corridors. The design uses light and shade to reveal subtle textures and tones resonating a calm and reassuring atmosphere. Working to a soft colour palette the use of additional custom ArmourFX Granite polished plaster panels to the front desk creates a stunning first impression.
Lucy Walker, interior designer at Lavita Style Ltd comments “We chose Armourcoat for their specialist expertise and creativity and were absolutely delighted with the end results. We wanted to create a striking yet welcoming reception and waiting area and this was achieved using Armourcoat’s beautiful Perlata and Granite finishes on the walls and desk panels. Armourcoat realised our vision throughout the whole design process and delivered seamlessly. I would certainly choose Armourcoat for any future projects”.
The new dental practice, White + Co, is part of the innovative redevelopment work to convert the Grade II* listed legendary landmark into a unique blend of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces. Armourcoat has also been specified in various other projects within this exciting development including the Boiler House and Switch House West where Tactite was applied within various bathrooms, ensuites and powder rooms and Embassy Gardens which included Koncrete finishes to entrance areas and columns.
Client: White & Co, Battersea Power Station, London
Designer: La Vita Style @lavitastyleltd
Contractor: Apollo Interiors
Photography: Mark Bolton @markboltonphoto
View Armourcoat's profile:
Saniflo Macerator Pump gives new lease of life to British treasure
Story
The Saniflo Sanicubic macerator pump is breathing a new lease of life into a highly-acclaimed piece of British heritage – a replica of the famous ship, the Golden Hinde, known for circumventing the globe during the 16th century under the command of British explorer Sir Francis Drake. Sitting in dry dock, the replica ship, which has also sailed the seas worldwide, is now a stunning floating museum and events’ venue near London Bridge.
The owner of the Golden Hinde, Roddy Coleman, who has ensured the ship remains faithful to the original, first installed a Sanicubic a couple of years ago in the dock beneath the ship to take the waste from two WC cubicles used by visitors and staff. It discharges waste up and along the dock walls through 35mm pipes to connect to the sewers above at street level. During this time, it has provided faultless service, so when the team decided to install on-board facilities during the COVID-19 lockdown, he knew that a Sanicubic would fit his brief. Located underneath the floorboards in the bow of the ship, it is perfectly positioned to take waste from two new WCS cubicles and basins as well as a new kitchen area in the galley. A dishwasher, sink and icemaker are all plumbed into the Sanicubic thanks to its multiple outlets. The plumbing work was carried out by Toby Millinder, who is a full-time employee at the Golden Hinde and in charge of all the updates;
“The Sanicubic has enabled us to do our own catering on board for events rather than bring food on board. We also have children for overnight stays on board and it means they don’t need to alight to undertake night time ablutions. It was very straightforward to install and I have run it into the same lengths of pipework along the dock walls, which saved a lot of time and work. Since the installation we have had a wedding on board, as well as an overnighter for a group of children. It has made life much easier all round.”
Saniflo Head of Marketing and Product Management, Ann Boardman, says: “It’s wonderful to see pieces of British heritage being lovingly preserved and given a new lease of life ready to welcome back the public after COVID-19. Thanks to Saniflo, such national treasures can go on providing wonderful experiences to members of the public. There really is a Saniflo solution to suit all manner of quirky public and private establishments, even in places where there is no mains drainage.”
View Saniflo's profile:
New Sanicubic 1GR finds favour in Ireland
Story
A powerful black water pumping solution from Saniflo is helping to provide waste discharge solutions for buildings across Ireland. The floor-mounting Sanicubic 1GR is a product from the Zehnder Pump range, now part of the Saniflo SFA Group. Highly rugged and durable and available as a single or three-phase option, the 1GR is designed to pump waste up to 39m from domestic and commercial buildings. The compact unit has a capacity of 55 litres and multiple inlets for connection to up to four appliances and is IP65 verified. A hard-wired control box is supplied as standard for early warning of any issues.
Just 3-mins away from Dublin Castle is Restaurant 777. With restaurants closed to indoor diners through the Covid-19 pandemic, the owner of the restaurant decided to convert a yard space to gain extra tables for outdoor socialising. A Sanicubic 1GR was used to take waste from a new toilet block to an existing waste in the car park below the yard.
HSE Clinic Tallaght, South Dublin has also chosen a Sanicubic 1GR to replace an older, long-serving, Sanicubic model. A representative from Saniflo Ireland met a plumber and HSE Manager on the site of the health centre which was undergoing refurbishment. The pump was required to discharge from 3 x WC’s, wash basins and a shower located in the basement of the building with the mains drains located at street level.
The Beaumont Hospital is another healthcare setting that is now benefiting from trouble-free waste discharge thanks to the installation of the Sanicubic 1GR. Used to discharge waste from a WC in the accident and emergency department; the key benefits required by the hospital plumbers was eliminating the issue of blockages and reliability. The high quality Zehnder grinder performance helped to secure the deal and the unit is now working efficiently in the public hospital WC.
At Ryan Air’s HQ in Dublin the waste water from the staff canteen needed to be pumped up 3m and along 40m to reach the mains drains. Located in the car park below, the kitchen the waste is discharged through standard pipework to the Saniflo pump and then lifted away to the sewer.
View Saniflo's profile:
NEW INSTALLATION MANAGER AT CONDAIR
Story
Humidity control specialist, Condair, has appointed James Hare as its new Installation Manager. James will be responsible for delivering the installation of Condair’s humidifier and dehumidifier systems across the UK and Ireland.
James has many years’ experience in the building services and environmental control sectors having worked at companies including Trend, Intech and ELPRO Global.
Tony Tullett, Service Director at Condair, comments, “It is with great pleasure that we welcome James to the Condair service department. We take pride in being able to supply our customers the manufacturer’s expertise on-site. Professional installation of our equipment is the first step in ensuring a successful humidity control project. As Condair’s Installation Manager, James is a single point of contact for our install customers, from order placement through to hand-over and product training.”
James Hare commented, “I’m very happy to have joined Condair and am greatly looking forward to supporting both our end-user customers, who frequently have little experience of HVAC install projects, as well as our expert contractors and FM clients. Condair is able to offer a complete service of design, supply and after-sales support, whether it is a full turn-key solution or simply informed advice on overcoming any install challenges.”
The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidification, dehumidification and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair Limited, 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.