Category Archives: Construction
Introducing the New Litehouse
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The ?litehouse? bollard from ASD Lighting is designed to provide photometrically superior light output, achieving maximum downward light with minimal uplight, in an unique distinct design.
- Maximises downward light.
- Minimises upward light.
- Bollard column available in high impact PVC or extruded aluminium. Black powder coated
- Range of lamp and control gear options / louvre combinations.
- Range of finishes, colours and halo options.
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Rockwool Shows Commitment to Sustainable Building at Ecobuild
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Rockwool showed its commitment to sustainable construction at this year’s Ecobuild in the form of its high performance insulation solutions, which featured both on its stand and in the innovative zero-carbon ruralZED™ house from ZEDfactory.
Rockwool stone wool insulation solutions meet the highest standards of ‘cradle to cradle’ sustainability, energy conservation and recyclability. Visitors to Rockwool’s stand were able to see first hand the superior four-in-one performance of these products in terms of sustainability, thermal efficiency, fire safety and acoustic protection.
The Rockshield external wall insulation, Rockfon ceiling solutions and the Rockpanel product ranges featured prominently on the Rockwool stand at the show.
The Rockwool insulation used in all these building solutions is manufactured using igneous volcanic rock, an abundantly-available resource, which in its lifetime can save several hundred times more energy than is used in its production.
Managing Director of Rockwool, Hans Schreuder, commented: “At Rockwool we are passionate about our role in promoting sustainable building practices and raising awareness of the advantages of using stone wool insulation.
“Rockwool insulation is one of the most environmentally friendly and energy efficient construction products available. Its excellent thermal properties cut energy consumption, reduce the need to burn fossil fuels and therefore help minimise harmful emissions of greenhouse gases.
“Rockwool is also committed to minimising the use of resources and emissions of pollutants during the manufacture of its high performance products and systems. We recycle significant quantities of off-cuts and production ‘waste’ back into the manufacturing process, along with carefully selected by-products from other industries.”
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New Wireless Controllers Bring Benefits To More
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Mitsubishi Electric is launching unique wireless air conditioning controllers which also have the ability to monitor other systems within a building.
The new M2M controllers build on the success of the company’s expertise in controls and now offer a relatively low-cost solution for both smaller premises that do not have Ethernet connections and larger corporations which cannot allow outside systems to link into their security networks and across firewalls.
“This is the first wireless controller in the air conditioning industry and it brings the benefits of remote monitoring and control to a much wider audience,” explained Sebastien Desmottes, Product Marketing Liaison Manager.
Based on Machine 2 Machine technology that has been developed over the last decade, M2M uses the same principles employed throughout the transport industry such as that used by the Highways Agency to instantly update modern motorway signs or by transport companies to get live data to passengers at bus stops on the likely arrival of the next Number 37.
The M2M interface has a data SIM card just like a mobile phone and remote sites talk to a central server using the GPRS mobile phone network. Data is both compressed and encrypted for security and is stored on the server.
“This means that whatever your building, you can have full access and control via the internet from your home, PDA or Blackberry,” added Desmottes.
The package can also come with a specially designed graphics interface to help customers visualise their data and assist in monitoring trends and performance.
The two versions are immediately available with the Mini M2M allowing control of up to 16 units and the Maxi up to 50.
In the UK’s first live example of the system, Mitsubishi Electric has been working in support of HSBC which has been influential in the development of the product. The Kings Lynn branch of the bank is now using M2M to control the lighting and monitor energy and water consumption, in addition to allowing for exact control of the heating and cooling system.
“Typically, the cost of a full building energy management system (BEMS) can be un-economic in smaller retail stores, particularly when the full capacity and capabilities of the BEMS are not always utilised,” explained Desmottes, “with M2M, an equivalent system can provide a more economical solution whilst providing all of the exact control requirements that each branch needs.
“These new controllers therefore tick all the right boxes for large corporations such as HSBC because they allow the company to remotely monitor and provide the means to reduce energy consumption across a range of equipment within each branch.”
For other sites, such as petrol forecourts or smaller high street stores, M2M offers a simple and straightforward way of enjoying all the benefits normally associated with an Ethernet-based system, without the need for a complex infrastructure.
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Mapress gets flexible
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Introducing the NEW HQ MAPRESS Range
HYDRAQUIP have introduced the popular MAPRESS fittings on hose assemblies. This range is exclusively available to HYDRAQUIP in the U.K with either a stainless steel or EPDM rubber core.
First established in 1958 The MAPRESS range of fittings is a popular choice for the mechanical and engineering applications for secure and permanent fixture, making it a preferred choice.
Versatile, Tight and Durable
The press connection system can be installed in many applications taking on even the extreme high pressures, which normal fittings would fail to do. The straightforward effortless process allows the fitting to fit like a glove on components, a quick and easy system that now has the added benefit of the flexibility of a hose for final alignment or to take up any system vibration or expansion.
Variety
With both Copper and Stainless Steel in stock, HYDRAQUIP can offer you options for different applications, such as water, gas and fuels. Already accepted and approved in a number of industries the addition of a hose range offers additional solutions and opens up more possible applications.
Ex- Stock
The HQ MAPRESS range is stocked in standard lengths with bespoke assemblies manufactured and despatched on short lead times in a range of sizes.
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Capturing the castle
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Kenilworth is the largest ruined castle in England, and the conservation of various parts has been an extensive task for English Heritage over the years. As with any project involving a historical building, aesthetics, and safeguarding as much of the site as possible in its original state, is paramount. This is why, when it came to finding an unobtrusive CCTV monitoring system, English Heritage turned to Chubb.
Alan Capewell, English Heritage Technical Manager for the West Midlands Region, explains: ?We have worked with Chubb Electronic Security on a number of projects where the nature of the historic site has demanded a sensitive and bespoke security solution.
?In this particular instance, we were setting up an exhibition on one floor of the Gate House and, due to the valuable nature of the exhibits which include precious tapestries and original letters to Queen Elizabeth I who visited Kenilworth in 1575, we wanted to be able to monitor and keep it under surveillance from the main site.?
The challenge was to install five CCTV cameras and find a way to relay the images to the new visitor centre on the other side of the site without digging up or disturbing any of the archaeologically sensitive ground around the Gate House to lay cables.
Tony Skelton of Chubb Electronic Security describes the task: ?We needed to find a way to transmit the live images from the cameras across the site, which was also on the other side of the tree line. Several other suppliers had said that it couldn?t be done but, knowing how important it was not to disrupt the site, we were determined to find a solution.
?It was borderline case but we devised a way of using radio and microwave technology to create a videolink and transmit the live CCTV images wirelessly so that they can be viewed and monitored in the visitor centre.?
Alan Capewell continues: ?We are delighted with the solution which, not only ensures that the historical integrity of the site is retained, but also gives us peace of mind to be able to manage the security of this exhibition in real time. So far we have not had any trouble with visitors to the Gate House, but with such valuable items in there, theft and vandalism are always a risk.?
Chubb Electronic Security has worked on several bespoke projects for the English Heritage. Another recent success was the installation a tailor-made infra-red CCTV system in order to be able to monitor the bats hibernating within the roof space of the Visitor Centre at Witley Court, Worcestershire.
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New Interior Flooring from Addagrip
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Addagrip has just launched DECO, a high quality resin-based surface to complement its existing range of decorative interior floor finishes.
Addagrip DECO is the result of continued development and research with Norwegian manufacturers to produce a 2-3mm coloured quartz surface which provides an attractive, seamless and hardwearing finish.
Already used extensively in Scandinavia, DECO provides an ideal floor finish for a variety of applications including shops, supermarkets, offices and schools, with recent projects including a supermarket chain in Iceland. DECO uses a mix of coloured quartz so offers much scope in terms of design and colour.
Addagrip DECO is quick to install, and because it produces a smooth, seamless finish, it is easy to clean and maintain. Its robust, hardwearing finish requires little maintenance and so is a cost effective flooring solution.
DECO joins Addagrip’s existing range of interior flooring which includes resin flooring and Addatex Stone carpet, a mix of aggregates bound in epoxy resin to give attractive and versatile flooring with the comfort and warmth of traditional carpet.
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Safety Built in with Triton's new Elina Shower Range
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Specially developed to offer contemporary style with exceptional temperature stability and ease of installation, leading shower manufacturer, Triton Showers, is launching a stunning collection of mixer showers, showerheads and shower arms that provide safety led, flexible bathroom solutions for both domestic and commercial applications.
Featuring the eye-catching looks and performance for which the UK’s best known shower brand is renowned, this latest Elina collection of mixer showers is ideal for domestic settings where extra control is needed through to the hotel, health care, leisure and the private sectors where it is essential.
Incorporating contemporary concentric, bar, dual control and single lever mixer shower controls the Elina collection ensures temperature fluctuations are kept to a minimum, varying only +/- 1°C and +/- 2°C from that selected. The robust, easy to use levers and high specification features fit a broad spectrum of commercial applications as well as being particularly beneficial for busy families with young children and the elderly where temperature surges can be a concern.
Available as ‘separates’, the Elina controls can be used in combination with wide range of showerheads and shower arms to produce striking, tailored package to suit the individual project in hand.
These latest additions sit neatly with existing products in Triton’s portfolio to offer complete bathroom solutions. Products such as the Unichrome Thames taps and accessories ensure that the cylindrical and lever design can be coordinated right across the bathroom from towel holders to mirrors. The addition of its Trimix valve gives additional peace of mind by restricting hot taps going over a set temperature and further reducing scalding incidents to provide a one-stop solution.
Lorna Fellowes, managing director of Triton Showers comments:
“This is an exciting move for Triton. The need for quality, style and performance is key across the showering market as a whole but this latest collection brings additional safety into the mix. With the range of Elina products available, customers do not have to compromise on style to get that extra peace of mind that is so important particularly where children, the less able and the elderly are concerned.”
As you’d expect the Elina mixer showers come with the backing of the Triton’s reputation for reliability and quality, extensive technical advice available and customer service, so that installers can simply ‘fit and forget’. The complete range has a 3 year guarantee and if ordered before 5pm form part of the rapid replenishment service for delivery the following day.
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HVR – H&V07 Show Preview
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Luckins will be exhibiting their full range of Software and Database Services for HVAC and Electrical contractors and distributors on Stand HB02 at H&V07.
Software Toolcase is a powerful suite of estimating and project management tools from Luckins. The system is designed for contractors undertaking commercial and industrial installation projects and comprises a core Estimating module with optional additional modules for Project Management (valuations and variations) and Enquiry Management.
Visitors to the stand will be able to see a demonstration of the new Purchase Order module. The new module, which is fully compatible with Software Toolcase Estimating and the Luckins product and price databases, will not only help contractors reduce the administrative cost of materials procurement but will also provide valuable information to help maximise buying power and ultimately improve profit margins.
Using a buying list created from an estimate or data taken directly from the Luckins database, users can create purchase orders priced using the most up-to-date price and discount data. Orders may be linked to a project enabling the contractor to see a constantly updated snapshot of his committed costs.
Smaller contractors and those specialising in maintenance and repair work will benefit from Luckins Small Works software. This system is designed so that smaller contractors can create quick accurate estimates and invoices based on accurate material and labour costs. Users will find the system helps them not only to win more work but also improve their profitability and cash flow.
All Luckins software is designed to be easy to learn and use. Great emphasis is placed on support and training to ensure users achieve a quick return on their investment.
All the systems are compatible with the industry-standard Luckins database which is now available in both standard and bespoke versions so that every business will be able to find a version which meets their needs. All versions of the database include trade prices of each product which are kept constantly up to date.