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<Mapei products have been selected for use in the University of Worcester’s award winning Low Allergen Garden which was showcased at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Mapei’s Mapecem quick drying screed, Nivoplan levelling mortar and Ultracolor Plus grout were all used to build a garden designed by Olivia Kirk of KKE Architects, which was awarded a Silver-Gilt medal by judges at the show.

KKE provided Mapei with a brief to provide products with quick drying or curing characteristics due to the rigid time constraints put on the installation of the garden. Mapecem, with its unique quick-drying characteristics formed the path which allowed stone paving to be laid within three hours and was perfectly dry within 24 hours.

The black solid walls which form the boundaries on two sides of the garden, providing a backdrop designed to set off the planting in front, were planned as seamless but were constructed in sections and built on site. Nivoplan a thin, fast curing render was used to create the seamless finish to the walls.

With 26 colour options available, Ultracolor Plus was the obvious choice for grouting the stone tiles as it provided the perfect colour match to the stone material.

“The technical advice we received from Mapei and the products we used really helped us to get the clean and modern finish we wanted for the design. The quick drying times on both the floor screed and wall render helped enormously on what was a very tight build schedule – just ten days from start to finish, including all the planting! The garden was awarded a Silver-Gilt medal by the RHS judges, just missing out on Gold. As this was my first show garden at Chelsea I was absolutely delighted with the result,” said garden designer, Olivia Kirk from KKE Architects Limited.

Smooth stone pavings step diagonally across the garden between planting towards a timber door set back in the north east wall. The pathway opens out into a wider central area, sheltered by a pergola that is fitted with coloured glass pieces, which casts a rainbow of colours over the polished sandstone strips and reflects in two dark pools of water to create a tranquil space for both students and staff.

The garden will now be re-located to the new National Pollen Research Unit which has its headquarters on the University of Worcester campus. It will be used as a teaching aid to demonstrate how to create low allergen gardens for people suffering from hay fever, asthma and other respiratory complaints.

“We were delighted to provide Mapei products for this project; their fast drying characteristics were perfect to meet the notoriously short installation time,” said Mark Louch, Managing Director of Mapei.

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Building a state of the art sports centre, the St. John’s Beaumont School, a Jesuit preparatory school near Egham, looked for a heating system that offered flexibility alongside superb efficiency. The solution was found in leading supplier of heating systems AmbiRad’s Nor-Ray-Vac – a radiant heating system that is so popular it has been installed in over 700 sports halls in the UK.

St. John’s Beaumont School’s new build sports centre, a Ball Hall project, is packed with a host of features, including a 30ft climbing wall, indoor cricket facilities, performing arts centre, rowing room and a gymnasium alongside the main athletics hall. Intended to double up as a venue for the school, the hall has a cutting edge draping system that can instantly turn it into a marquee environment for plays, prize givings and more.

Owing to the multipurpose nature of the centre, heating choice was particularly important. To ensure energy efficiency, the system had to stand alone from the school’s boilers, which function 24/7, and warm up quickly when needed. It also had to have superb temperature control, able to be cool enough for athletic activities and hot enough to keep people warm during school events. The Nor-Ray-Vac system is so advanced that as well as heating halls precisely, it can warm different areas according to need, for example keeping spectators warm and sports teams cool during athletic fixtures.

It is the SmartCom3 controller that allows heating provision to be controlled so accurately. A specialised microprocessor, it lets users control heating provision precisely, ensuring that the sports hall can be flexibly heated to meet any need, from sporting events to concerts and school balls.

The selected heating was based around two radiant branches of the Nor-Ray-Vac system. Each was connected to a 32LR and 24LR burner. These energy efficient units are capable of delivering excellent fuel savings of up to 60% on alternative methods. Such energy efficiency is due to the ingenious design of the system. By burning fuel at point of use, wasteful heat distribution is eliminated, along with the need for a separate plant area.

Nor-Ray-Vac radiant heating systems provide an excellent solution for sports halls. Mounted at ceiling height, they provide no obstruction for sporting activities and can be covered with grilles for added protection. Their height provides no obstruction to their functioning, as they work by emitting infrared rays, like the sun. These rays heat only the objects and people in their path, meaning that no energy is wasted warming the massive volume of air within the hall.

The system works by drawing fresh air from ducts into the burners and heating system with a vacuum fan. To comply with the acoustic requirements of BB93, a Department for Education and Skills mandate that specifies the acoustic performance of educational buildings, the fan was enclosed in an acoustic enclosure located remotely from the hall. This and other noise reduction features added to the standard equipment can allow the system within a sports hall to meet the regulations stating that schools are quiet environments where staff and students are not undermined by disturbance.

Owing to its excellent energy efficiency, the AmbiRad Nor-Ray-Vac system is on the Energy Technology list, meaning that in choosing it the school qualified for Enhanced Capital Allowance. This programme allows organisations to write off the cost of their eco-friendly investments against their taxable profits during the investment period. By reducing the payback period of the remarkable sports hall’s heating system in this way, the school ensured even greater operational savings from its Nor-Ray-Vac heating unit.

Completed, the sports centre is a prominent feature of St. John’s Beaumont School. Opened for the start of the new academic year by Her Majesty the Queen, it has proved extremely popular with the students. Meeting the challenge of heating its large sports hall, the AmbiRad Nor-Ray-Vac provides the school with an energy efficient, cost effective and highly usable climate control system that is a top choice with specifiers across the UK.

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As expected, Thorn has unveiled its first LED product built from the co-operation between its parent, the Zumtobel Group, and leading US LED producer Cree. The Base LED downlight uses Cree’s pioneering colour-mixing technology and XLamp® LEDs to excel in three critical areas: performance, energy-efficiency and colour quality.

At 12W and with an output of 650 lumens, it matches the light levels of a compact fluorescent downlight, yet uses 50 per cent less energy and lasts over four times longer (designed to last 50,000 hours). Available in 2700K and 3500K options, it has an excellent CRI (Ra) of 94 and is dimmable to 20 per cent. Base LED delivers warm white light by the superior technique of mixing the light from yellow and red LEDs. Rear heat dissipation fins reduce the size and a shielding diffuser gives good glare control.

The successful collaboration with Cree started in the spring of 2008 with the aim to foster the proliferation of LED technology in the professional lighting sector. The value-creating alliance allows Thorn access to a unique source of technological knowledge, enabling it to accelerate the LED lighting revolution across Europe. Customers will benefit from energy-efficient and long-lasting products that save energy, save money and help protect the environment.

Base LED comes in two versions, recessed or surface and for a more decorative look there is a choice of inner ring: white, matt silver or matt copper. The fitting has an IP44 (splash-proof) classification, so is suitable for mounting in humid areas such as bathrooms and comes complete with a 3-year warranty. It is ideal for many commercial and residential applications – corridors, staircases, bars, restaurants – in short, anywhere with long burning hours that demands an inviting and economic lighting solution.

Base LED finally puts paid to the perception among specifiers, contractors and end users that environmentally responsible products come at the expense of performance, efficiency and comfort.

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Rockwool is proud to become an official sponsor of Interflam 2010, the 12th International Conference on Fire Science and Engineering.

The conference will take place on July 5-7 2010 at East Midlands Conference Centre at the University of Nottingham and will be attended by fire engineers, scientists, practitioners and regulators from around the globe to present the latest state of the art papers. The conference aims to create an interface between the researcher, the fire safety engineer and the designer so that good fire science can be promptly harnessed to provide a safer built environment.

Birgitte Messerschmidt, a seasoned Interflam delegate and Fire Safety Consultant at Rockwool International commented: “InterFlam 2010 is a unique international event which brings together all parties responsible for creating a fire safe environment: Rockwool is proud to be the official sponsor of the event.”

In addition to its excellent thermal, acoustic and environmental properties, Rockwool insulation has the ability to withstand temperatures of more than 1000°C. Properly used, Rockwool insulation acts as a fire resistant barrier, which can provide vital extra minutes during fire.

When exposed to typical fire conditions Rockwool insulation products produce insignificant level of smoke and no burning droplets. Rockwool does not contribute to the deadly flash-over scenario which can result in life loss and damage to property. Rockwool stone wool is classified as A1 non-combustible under the Euroclass reaction to Fire classification system.

Rockwool is specified for many schools, hospitals and historic buildings where fire protection is of paramount importance.

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Daikin heat pump convector with interlink function addresses common problems of heating efficiency.

In new and well insulated dwellings the combination of underfloor heating and low temperature radiators is among the most efficient heating solutions on the market, albeit not a perfect one. Whilst the low leaving water temperatures important for efficiency are adequate for underfloor heating, traditional radiators need to be oversized in order to produce the necessary levels of heat at low water temperatures and they do not offer a cooling option. With fan coils, there can be sound level limitations in certain applications. Daikin Europe has now addressed these issues with the introduction of a new heat pump convector solution, complete with interlink function.

Heat pump convector: small, quiet, quick and efficient

The new and compact Daikin heat pump convector easily produces the required levels of heat at low leaving water temperatures and can heat up a room quickly and quietly (noise levels down to 19 dBA), making it also ideal for bedrooms. A handy remote control with built in weekly timer allows easy control of the unit, including room temperature, fan speed, automatic or night mode and rapid heating or cooling.

Optimum water temperatures to underfloor elements and convectors

In order to maximise the efficiency of the heat pump convector, Daikin has developed an interlink system. Instead of switching the leaving water circuit on and off via a thermostat in a single master room, each convector can be directly wired to the Daikin Altherma indoor unit (hydrobox) or Daikin Altherma Low Temperature Monobloc unit – the system’s intelligence centre. This allows all rooms to receive heat when required, regardless of the condition of the other rooms. In addition to taking account of outdoor ambient temperature, it can intelligently control the leaving water temperature as a function of underfloor heating demand, convector demand or both. This increases efficiency by 25-40%, with COPs between 3 and 4 depending on mode.

Installation flexibility

In highly insulated buildings, an optimum leaving water temperature of 35°C is suitable for both the underfloor heating and convectors. This is the simplest level of installation. In other situations however, a two zone solution is possible: 35°C water to the underfloor elements and 45°C to the convectors. Optimum outlet water temperature is assured in all circumstances by using the interlink system with optimised leaving water temperatures.

The facility of two water temperature zones also increases flexibility with respect to cooling. If refurbishment projects do not allow the installation of a drain pipe to remove condensation, a single zone solution can be chosen, with 18°C water temperature safely transmitted to both underfloor elements and convectors (a Daikin first) and without the risk of condensation. If drain piping is possible, a two zone solution can be applied: 18°C to the underfloor elements and 7°C to the convectors.

The new Daikin heat pump convector solution is available for both Daikin Altherma and heat pump chiller solutions.

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Since the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order came into force in October 2006 guest houses and hotels in the Southwest have had to bring their Fire Protection up to scratch and Argos Fire Protection Services, one of the first companies in the Southwest to be BS EN ISO 9001-2000 accredited, have regularly chosen detectomat’s RCP 6B Wireless detect, wire free, fire detection system as the best solution for the job.

Small business owners, particularly those in the tourism industry, recognise the inconvenience of installing conventional fire alarm systems, which require time and labour to install and cause a lot of disruption and mess to a business which accomodates customers 24/7. Steve Oliver of Argos says “Having considered various options, the choice of the detectomat wireless system was an easy one for our many tourism customers throughout the Southwest.”

The detectomat Wireless detect system includes optical smoke detectors with integral sounders, break-glass call points and heat detectors. The most important factor in Argos’ recommendation of the detectomat system is that hotels and guest houses do not have to inconvenience their customers. Whereas a conventional system may take 10 days to install, the detectomat system takes only 10 hours. A definite bonus in, for example, country house hotels and Cornish cottages is that there is no need for the installation of wiring which would damage solid walls and decoration. And because all the detectors have integral sounders, the Wireless detect system does not require the installation of separate sounder circuits. Furthermore, because there is no need for cabling, labour costs and mess are kept to the minimum. In summary, hotel and guest house owners are delighted with the financial savings.

Polraen House Hotel near Looe in Cornwall is a case in point. An 18th century hotel where a great deal of costly decoration had recently been done, the last thing Gill Bridges needed was mess and disruption – a wireless system which had to be compliant with the Act at an affordable cost was just what she was looking for. Argos thoroughly explained how the system worked and she was not encouraged to overpurchase. In the event there was a completely seamless changeover and Gill has recommended the Wireless detect system and Argos to many other small hotels.

Similarly, Duncan Burton of Deganwy Guest House in Looe in Cornwall was delighted both with the service received from Argos and the detectomat system. “I’ve already recommended the system to other similar businesses because there was no need to disturb guests or close off any rooms during the fast installation. I confess to being sceptical at first because the quote for the system was so much lower than others I received, but I have been very pleasantly surprised.”

detectomat’s Wireless detect system has also been in place in the Camilla House Hotel since summer 2007. Simon Chapman already had an old fashioned system which did comply with the regulations but for peace of mind he felt a new system should be installed. “Argos installed it during Camilla’s busiest period within only one day, meaning that no business was lost and none of my customers was in any way disturbed.”

There is vast potential for replication in hotels and guest houses throughout the UK. Indeed, detectomat’s Wireless detect system is ideal for any business where disruption would cause a loss of business and continuity, including HMOs, retail premises and small factories and workshops.

Argos was selected because of their many years experience and good relationships with the Fire Services, who see the detectomat system as a cost effective solution. They also give the customer complete reassurance with rigorous service visits every 6 months in accordance with British Standards.

This project demonstrates the clear benefits from using radio wire-free fire alarms to provide fire protection in businesses where fast installation and minimum disruption is essential.

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Following the National Trust’s acquisition of the Tyntesfield estate in 2002, a survey and monitoring project was carried of the six species of bat that roost or breed there. Among them, greater horseshoe bats traditionally gather in spring in the stable block before moving on to summer roosts elsewhere. The stables formed part of a £16.5 million renovation, so the roofing underlay had to form part of an environment conducive to the bats. A number of products were tested for suitability and Klober’s Permo Air was found to offer the best combination of texture, colour and air permeability. Specialist restoration and conservation contractors Ellis and Co. istalled the underlay which was chosen because its UV stabilised polypropylene fleece and dark surface were found to be perfect in trials” Buildings Surveyor Kate Gunthorpe added, “When restoring buildings of this age and significance we have to have a thorough understanding of the building and make decisions really carefully”. Permo underlay was also used in National Trust renovation work at Calke Abbey.

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The very first VRVQ system delivered to the UK was installed in the Guildford offices of Space Airconditioning plc, Daikin distributors since 1980.

Daikin’s unique VRVQ system has been specifically developed to replace the outdoor and indoor units of similar systems, originally designed to operate with HCFC R22 (or HFC R407C) refrigerant – without the need to replace the interconnecting pipe work!

Traces of old refrigerant and oil mixing with new refrigerants and oils can cause equipment malfunction. Typically, when upgrading to new equipment, it is recommended that all existing interconnecting pipe work be replaced at the same time as the outdoor and indoor units. This can be extremely costly and cause great disruption within the building.

Daikin developed new technology to capture and contain any contamination in the old pipe work, thus enabling new VRV outdoor and indoor units to be connected to existing pipe work, greatly simplifying the installation process.

Space Air ensured that the first VRVQ system available to the UK was earmarked to replace a VRV ‘K Series’ R407C system. In this example, the existing refrigerant pipe work and ceiling cassette fan coil units were retained. Only the outdoor condensing units and internal branch selector boxes were replaced.

Commenting on the installation, Space Air’s technical after sales manager, Sibat Butt said. “It is quite usual for new Daikin equipment to be installed in our own premises, but normally it would be destined for our training suite or a showroom. On this occasion, we chose to replace the system serving our main offices as the energy efficiency advantages satisfied one of our planned ISO 14001 objectives.” Mr Butt continued. “The project was completed over one weekend and the only impact on the office staff was the temporary imposition of a few ceiling tiles being removed on Friday afternoon. By Monday morning the new VRVQ based system had been fully commissioned and was up and running, many staff being none the wiser that any change had taken place.”

Daikin VRVQ, supplied by Space Air, affords all the operating and energy efficiency benefits of a completely new installation, at a fraction of the cost. Installation can be phased for added convenience and increased capacity can be achieved where required.

VRVQ is a must to consider if you are planning to upgrade your older VRV/VRF Air Conditioning system.

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One of the UK’s most patriotic plant hire firms has applied its distinctive Union Jack livery to four Kubota U30-3 zero tail swing mini excavators after adding them to its fleet.

Birmingham-based Savage Plant Hire, whose eye-catching equipment is a familiar site across the Midlands, has bought the 3.3 tonne machines in a deal which represents its biggest investment in Kubotas to date.

The move marks a change of direction for Savage, which has traditionally filled its yard exclusively with machines manufactured by JCB. The company’s joint owner, Paul Savage, said that the firm has rung the changes in its fleet of minis because the reliability of the Kubota U30-3 is unrivalled and their excellent resale value will help Savage to enjoy a healthy return on investment.

Kubota is the UK, European and world-leading manufacturer of mini excavators and the U30-3 is one of eight zero tail swing machines in its range, which is in itself the largest selection available from a single manufacturer. A key feature is its width of 1.55m, which, together with zero tail swing, will allow Savage’s customers to access and carry out excavating and trenching work in the tightest of surroundings.

Sitting between the existing 2.5 tonne U25-3 and 3.5 tonne U35-3 models, the U30-3 generates 26.0kN of maximum digging force at the bucket and has a maximum reach of 5.060mm at ground level, with a maximum digging depth of 3,060mm.

It also comes complete with Kubota’s unique key-based ‘ANTI-THEFT’ system which is approved by Thatcham, the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre. This accreditation is recognised by insurers, so that in addition to providing increased machine security, this should help achieve a worthwhile insurance saving.

Savage Plant’s decision to buy the U30-3s follows a trial period when the company purchased three Kubota minis in order to win the business of a local authority customer which had specified Kubotas for a grave-digging contract three years ago.

“We’d always used JCBs and I wouldn’t really have considered Kubota but for the fact that the client specifically wanted them,” said Paul Savage.

“Over time the machines proved to be everything expected of them and we were pleasantly surprised. You hear lots of claims from manufacturers about their machines, and they’re not always borne out. But the Kubotas did everything we were told they would do, and more, and we were very impressed.”

The defining moment came when it was time to sell the machines. Savage prides itself on providing up-to-date plant and is therefore committed to disposing of its existing equipment at the three year mark. When it took the Kubotas to market, the firm was delighted with how well they held their price.

“A large percentage of our machines are operated by the people who hire them, so consequently they do get worked hard,” added Paul. “Despite this, we never had one problem or breakdown with the Kubotas and what’s more, after three years they showed very little wear and tear.

“Other than routine servicing they needed very little maintenance and as a result the running costs were very low. So although buying more Kubotas is a break with tradition for us, there is no doubt in our mind that we have made the right choice.”

Savage’s machines – which have been specially liveried in their yellow colour scheme to match the rest of the company’s range – were supplied by the local Kubota dealer, Avon Equipment Sales, based in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Zac Clulow, sales director at Avon, said: “Savage Plant Hire is famous for its association with JCB, so getting them to make such a significant investment in Kubota machines is a real coup.

“This is testament to the performance and build quality of the Kubotas, which prove time and time again that they are simply the best machines of their type on the market.

“Paul was extremely impressed with the resale values achieved through his previous machines and we are delighted that he has returned to purchase these U30-3 models. I am sure that they will prove to be extremely valuable additions to his fleet.”

Kubota has 19 mini excavators on the market, ranging from 980kg to 8 tonnes, and they are all known and respected for their quality, performance, versatility, reliability, durability, resale value and overall value-for-money, combined with outstanding dealer support.

They also come with an industry-leading three year warranty as standard.

Richard Harrison, Kubota (UK) Ltd – Construction Equipment Sales & Marketing Manager, said: “Our U30-3 is widely recognised as the best machine of its size on the market and we are confident that they will give Savage Plant Hire excellent service.

“They incorporate a host of advanced high-tech features and equipment and, thanks to their exceptional reliability, provide unbeatable value-for-money.

“Established machines such as the U30-3, new models and continuing enhancements to our world-leading product range should help ensure Kubota’s continuing leadership of the mini excavator market for many years to come.”

For more information about their market-leading machines and to find out why more people choose Kubota than any other mini excavators contact: Kubota (UK) Ltd – Construction Equipment, Dormer Road, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3UN. Tel: 01844 214500, Fax: 01844 216685, Email: sales@kubota.co.uk Web: www.kubota.co.uk

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When you’re looking for the best form of heating for a major refurbishment project, under floor heating should be an option you consider. The wide range of options available from market leaders Polypipe allows even the most demanding refurbishments to benefit from under floor heating.

One such project is Thornhill House, a wonderful property overlooking Carsington Water in Derbyshire and situated within a Conservation Area. The property has recently been purchased and is now benefiting from complete refurbishment from its previous usage as an office to a gorgeous luxury home.

Polypipe Underfloor heating was selected for both the first and second floor.

The system was specified by Craig Jones, the installer working on the project and designed by Nigel Parkes, Director of the Underfloor Warehouse, in Whetstone, Leicestershire. Craig has recently started his own business – Thermal Energy Developments – but has been working with and fitting Polypipe products for more than five years and has built an excellent working knowledge of the Polypipe range of products.

The Underfloor Warehouse specialises in specifying and designing bespoke energy efficient systems for a wide range of very different projects from loft conversions, to new kitchens, and from large office or apartment complexes, to individual refurbishment projects.

Craig specified Polypipe’s Solid Floor system for the ground floor because it’s ease of installation and reliable performance. This system uses unique lightweight plastic red floor panels which are easy to lay and can be cut to size. Once laid, the Polyplumb heating pipes, are then walked into the panel, at the required distances and to optimum bends radii to ensure a desirable even heat pattern.

This Polypipe solid floor system means other refurbishment work can carry on during and after the installation of floor heating pipework as the panel protects all pipes from inevitable site traffic. The system is powered by a Newby Air to Water heat pump, which at 400% efficient is both effective and very kind to the environment.

The solid floor system allows virtually any flooring product to be laid over the screed giving the interior designers complete freedom – and of course, no radiators.

System designer Nigel says the product design makes life easier for those working on the project: “It’s an excellent product – very flexible and simple to use, making the under floor heating system installation both fast and accurate . Added to that, the pipe layout ensures heat output is uniform across the whole room making it easy to regulate and control.

On the second floor, Craig specified Polypipe’s new Modular Heating Panel (MHP) system. This product is very straight forward to install, and as with all Polypipe under floor systems, it’s reliable and offers excellent performance. Modular Heating Panels are a new product which has been specifically designed for new build and refurbishment projects and in particular for the upper floors of buildings. MHP offers a pre configured solution where all the floor heating system components are supplied fitted within complete panels which are simply connected together on site. Installation is much quicker than traditional underfloor solutions and the panels fit perfectly between the joists and connect easily to the heat source.

At Thornhill House, MHP was laid in every room on the second floor, utilising a total of 125 square meters of the product. Craig says it’s a dream product for this particular type of installation: “In my experience, MHP offers the best of all worlds – it’s just as easy to install from below as it is from above. Regardless of the type of refurbishment, new floors or new ceilings, there’s no extra work required to fit the product.

Nigel Parkes from Underfloor Warehouse says: “The Polypipe products range and options make the use of underfloor heating as straightforward as it gets. There’s a product for most requirements and in many cases a combination of Polypipe products will be the best solution – the arrival of modular heating panels has been a God send for first floor jobs where you can fit them from below with ease. Plus, the MHP product is available in three widths to fit standard joist widths and two lengths to fit a variety of room sizes – making them easy to incorporate.”

Nigel reckons it’s an ideal product from an energy efficiency point of view as well: “For those looking for energy efficiency it’s an excellent product too. The Polypipe product is laid just in those areas that need it. When designing the system, I asked Craig for the room layouts and the position of any fitted furniture to avoid heating those areas unnecessarily, saving time and cost. And of course using underfloor heating, the rooms will be left free of radiators, giving much more freedom to the interior designers. The system we have used will be more economical to run than radiator-based systems too, as underfloor heating demands a lower temperature output from the heat source. Underfloor heating systems are ideal to use with ground source or air source heat pumps this installation to will achieve the same levels of comfort you’d expect from a traditional heat sources.”

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