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Wavin – a leading supplier of water management, plumbing and drainage systems for the building, construction and utilities markets – has upgraded all insulation products in its Thermoboard Underfloor Heating (UFH) range so that it is now easier for builders and developers to score highly when following the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH).

The upgrades affect Thermoboard Low-Build, Pocketed Polystyrene and Foiled Polystyrene heating panels, improving both their strength and environmental characteristics.

The change in the extruded polystyrene insulation employed means that Long Term Strength is now 300% of what it was and that its Global Warming Potential (GWP) has been reduced to less than 5. Compressive Strength has risen from 200kPa to 300kPa while the figures for Long Term Strength, over 50 Years with 2% compression, have risen from 40kPa to 130kPa.

The reduction in GWP benefits all properties being assessed against CSH, where credits are awarded when all insulants used within a property have a GWP of less than 5. Now builders and developers following the Code can attain higher scores with minimal effort.

The Thermoboard range of products provides the ideal answer to surface heating and cooling within any domestic or light commercial environment, being designed and tested to the highest industry standards.

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The new Chatham Waterfront bus station forms part of a £6 billion Medway regeneration plan. Its distinctive curved VMZINC® standing seam canopies and flat lock fascias in QUARTZ-ZINC® give it immediate visual identity, in complete contrast to the 1960s station within the Pentagon shopping centre which it replaced.

The VMZINC system was specified by infrastructure specialist D5 Architects and installed by Roles Broderick Roofing. Zinc’s malleability made it the logical choice for a design incorporating a series of tight and sweeping curves. The canopies form what has been described as ‘organic, soft-edged objects floating over space’ and will retain their colour as the pre-weathered zinc will patinate in the normal way.

There are now six VMZINC pre-weathered PIGMENTO colours, including Blue, Green, Red and Brown. These are created using modern pigment technology but retain the naturally grained texture associated with pre-weathered QUARTZ-ZINC. The result is a revolutionary new look unlike any other offering excellent colour retention. As they are not coatings, any scratches will re-form their protective patina making surfaces effectively maintenance-free.

Chatham bus station is close to the proposed Chatham Docks World Heritage Site and set within the existing busy road network. With 20 bus stands and a new information centre, it occupies a position between the town centre and open parkland adjacent to the River Medway. Mature trees which surround it have been retained, with the roof forms described as ‘articulated to sit within the landscape to provide continuity and contrast’.

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Decorative electrical wiring accessories specialist and audio and lighting control systems manufacturer, Hamilton Litestat, will be returning to Decorex 2013 on stand B47.

Visitors to the stand will be able to view the British company’s comprehensive range of switch plates and sockets as well as bespoke artisan door furniture from Italian brand Giara, for which Hamilton and can produce unique matching plate designs as part of its Savile Row bespoke design service.

Hamilton’s new bronze effect plates have been proving very popular since launching this year. They include Richmond, a sophisticated deep, even bronze; Antique, which has a lightly grained texture; and Connaught, which emulates a natural weathered effect – all designed to reflect the growing trend for bronze accessories in luxury properties.

As well as showing its switches and sockets, Hamilton will be demonstrating its newly re-designed Mercury® Lighting Control System, which utilises the latest technologies and components to ensure compatibility with a wide range of LED fittings, meaning that the user can reap the energy saving benefits of the control system and the LEDs. The Mercury® system offers a comprehensive, easy-to-use solution for controlling basic day-to-day lighting scenarios from simple dimming through to scene-setting programmes. The easily programmable system is also available with DMX control for more complex LED colour washing effects and can be integrated with other products including the Mercury® Multi-room Audio system for an entire lighting and sound package. Add-on options are available, such as window blind controls. Controls include switch plates in a variety of designs that match Hamilton’s other accessory ranges, infra-red remote control and wireless control via iPad and iPhone using the downloadable app.

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Merchant Homes based in Glasgow is the latest new homes builder to form a warm relationship with Stelrad Radiators – the leading radiator manufacturer in the UK. The company has specified the Compact with Style radiator models in its impressive new apartment development – The Gantocks at Gourock, overlooking the River Clyde. Stelrad promoted the range options which they could offer to the developer – a much wider and more impressive range than the developer had associated with the Stelrad brand. Many developers still do not see far beyond the Compact and Elite ranges which have traditionally been popular with new homes developers across the UK. But with the option to match radiator designs and finishes to other internal decor items, the wider premium and designer options in Stelrad's product portfolio has begun to make significant inroads into up market new developments where the radiators specified, need to be of a more aesthetically pleasing design, to match the higher specification of the properties. In this case, the aesthetics of the high quality internal doors specified for the project matched closely with Stelrad's Compact With Style finish and the radiator was listed as an option to price via their appointed contractor. As a result, the job was secured. Stelrad has since had other opportunities with the same radiator design on another site with this developer and the relationship with Merchant Homes is growing. “We're delighted with the quality of the radiators we are using on the development and they have contributed to the success we have already had here,” says Merchant Homes John Jack. “The contemporary aesthetics of the Stelrad Compact With Style radiator complements perfectly the high standard of interior decor The Gantocks offers our clients.” “We're pleased to have been able to offer the Compact with Style for this development,” says Stelrad's Business Development Manager Scotland, Scott McDonald. “Merchant Homes wanted to offer customers something a little bit special and these radiators fitted the bill perfectly in these apartments which have a very modern feel about them.” The company has had a very good response from the public in terms of demand for the site already with the first 3 blocks of apartments on phase 1 sold out. This opens the door for the next phase that will see at least another 3 blocks built through 2014/15, all featuring Stelrad Compact with Style radiators.

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The luxury and award-winning spa hotel at Lancashire’s five-star Ribby Hall Village recently celebrated its first birthday, having served 2,500 afternoon teas, massaged over 7,000 backs, welcomed 15,000 guests and celebrities and manicured 91,250 nails over the past year – all lit, powered and connected with the help of electrical wiring accessories from Hamilton Litestat.

Hamilton, a decorative electrical wiring accessories specialist and lighting and audio control systems manufacturer, supplied a selection of its classic Cheriton accessory plates throughout the hotel. The plates were finished in satin steel with black inserts, giving the simple, elegant plate design a contemporary edge. Products included switch plates, card switches and sockets, all installed throughout the hotel’s 42 bedrooms for a co-ordinated look.

Hamilton’s expert team also designed and manufactured bespoke products for the hotel based on the company’s Sheer plate design. Created within Hamilton’s Savile Row service, the products included media plates for the rooms comprising four standard electrical sockets, two data points and a Teleadapt wireless internet unit; and junction box covers for the rooms and public areas to hide unsightly wiring and connections. The bespoke products were also finished in satin steel to complement the Cheriton accessories and the ultra slim profile of the Sheer plates meant it was easy to fit the plates flush to the wall so they don’t intrude on to the desk space.

“Often in hotels the number of specific requirements mean that standard products don’t meet all the needs, which is where our bespoke Savile Row service comes in,” said Andy Partington, UK specification manager at Hamilton. “In this case the client wanted to use both Cheriton and Sheer plates so we were able to create a seamless effect by using the same satin steel finish across all accessories. However we often create bespoke products using exactly the same plate design as the standard accessories – or sometimes the idea is that they look completely unique and original so we come up with a brand new design or finish. The main thing is that we deliver the functionality required without compromising on style, and we believe that’s exactly what we’ve done with all our products for Ribby Hall Village.”

Ribby Hall Village is set within more than 100 acres of beautiful Lancashire countryside and features a luxury self-catering holiday village as well as The Spa Hotel. The hotel itself boasts a spa with an indoor hydro pool and seven heat experience rooms, as well as 14 treatment rooms and a brasserie.

The Hamilton products were installed by PEI Delta Ltd electrical contractors and supplied via Edmundson Electrical, Blackpool.

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Iron technology leader Saint-Gobain PAM UK, part of leading international materials company, Saint-Gobain, has further demonstrated its environmental commitment through several major investments at Holwell, near Melton Mowbray, including one which has seen CO2 emissions from its cupola furnace – the biggest of its kind in the UK – fall dramatically.

The previous installation of a dry bag filter system has meant particulate emissions have been reduced by 99 per cent from the cupola furnace. As a result, emissions are now less than 0.3kg per tonne of castings, while the company has reduced site water use by 63 per cent and electricity by 9 per cent, and completely eliminated the use of caustic soda previously employed for cleaning the wet filtration system. The move also brings a reduced risk to permitted drainage discharge points.

A second substantial investment has been the installation of a heat exchanger to recover waste heat from combustion gases. The energy regained by the heat exchanger will be used to re-heat input air to the furnace, resulting in an annual saving of 2,200 tonnes of CO2. A new control system has also been established at Holwell, which will facilitate both the cupola furnace’s filter system and the new heat exchanger.

Paul Minchin, Managing Director of Saint-Gobain PAM UK, added: “It is important to us that we continue to invest in measures that will put environmental savings at the forefront of business. The investment in the cupola furnace’s new filtration and heat recovery system has reduced CO2 emissions enormously, and is just one example of our business ethos, which has minimising our environmental impact at its heart. These measures will pave the way for further developments in optimising energy use, reducing gas consumption, use of low level waste heat and the recycling of collected particulates.

“The investment also shows our commitment to maintaining a UK manufacturing base, with our site near Melton Mowbray providing a truly local service to UK customers, removing the supply chain delays which can occur with imported products.”

For further information visit www.saint-gobain-pam.co.uk/access-press.

Pictured in front of the cupola: project team members (left to right) Richard Brown, John Mcleod, Tim Benton

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The KNX UK Association members voted Theben’s AMUN 716 air quality sensor, which measures CO2, temperature and humidity as Product of the Year for 2008. The announcement was made at the Associations AGM and the award was presented to Stephen Payne, Theben’s KNX UK Sales Manager (pictured right) by Association president Iain Gordon.

Theben KNX products are marketed in the UK by its subsidiary company Timeguard Limited and details of the company’s KNX range are available at www.timeguard.com.

KNX is the world’s only approved open-source building control standard and puts the intelligence into intelligent buildings. It enables the integration of KNX-compatible products, which are available from a wide range of manufacturers. Programming and control is achieved using a single software tool. KNX products are all thoroughly tested for compliance, ensuring they operate seamlessly together on a single network.

The KNX (UK) Association has been formed by a partnership of UK manufacturers, integrators and training establishments along with other interested parties to promote the KNX standard within the UK.

KNX-compliant products available for control of:

• Lighting
• HVAC
• Blinds
• Audio visual systems
• Household appliances
• Energy Management and much more
• The Theben air quality sensor

Theben, one of Europe’s leading proponents of the KNX standard, has introduced a unique wall mounted sensor that monitors carbon CO2, temperature and humidity, to enable building managers to manage air quality. The AMUN716 KNX will be especially useful in conference and meeting rooms, classrooms, low-energy homes and conservatories.

Thresholds for each of the three parameters – CO2 levels, humidity and temperature – can be managed separately using KNX building control software.

Other equipment on the KNX bus can be switched if thresholds are either exceeded or not reached, as appropriate. The Theben sensor therefore gives building managers full flexibility in optimising room environments by controlling ventilators, heaters, automatic window openers etc. Theben also offers KNX fan coil actuators for HVAC control.

Theben believes this to be the only sensor measuring CO2 with a KNX bus terminal. It is widely recognised that concentration can waver when CO2 levels reach of just 0.1% (1000ppm). With fresh air containing 0.35% CO2 and exhaled air carrying 4%, ambient levels in busy or closed room can quickly reach levels where concentration fades.

For more information visit www.timeguard.com or email Stephen Payne at

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Evinox has recently announced the launch of their next generation range of ModuSat Heat Interface Units for communal / district heating systems, designed and developed internally and manufactured in our new production facility.

Building on the success of the existing ModuSat, the new range includes floor standing units with 80, 150, 200, 300 & 400 litre integrated hot water tanks, single & twin plate instantaneous units and units that provide combined heating and cooling. The comprehensive range of Modusat HIU's provide a solution for all sizes and types of property €“ from social housing apartments to luxury homes.

Drawing on more than 12 years of experience in the communal heating market, Evinox have implemented a number of enhancements to create a product that is simple to install and use, and includes smart technology to provide additional functionality.

ModuSat product enhancements include €“

• Circulation pump up-graded to Wilo PWM – Provides compliance with 2015 pump efficiency regulations.
• Pressure Independent Control Valves (PICV) now used €“ this eliminates the requirement for 3 separate valves for the regulation of differential pressure, flow and heat energy.
• New, improved and intuitive ViewSmart Room Controller with an optional ENE3 compliant model €“ provides 2 credits towards the Code for Sustainable Homes.
• Ready to control 2 heating zones for 2010 Building Regulations.
• New control board that will work with TCP/IP and provides operation of up to three heating circuits.
• Inbuilt PaySmart pre-payment technology can be activated remotely – no requirement for any additional externally mounted equipment.
• Hot water blending valve for additional DHW temperature safety.
• Wireless RS485 module provides connection remotely without the requirement of a Bus network.
• Storage unit now built with unvented kit built inside the unit case, which simplifies installation and reduces the space requirement.
• In-built Non Return Valve on the return Prevents incorrect pipework connection.

Evinox combines the expertise and independence to deliver lifetime communal heating packages for any project brief. We provide a complete Communal Heating solution including Central Plant Room Equipment, Modusat Heat Interface Units Service and Maintenance Packages and Energy Metering, Billing and Remote Surveillance.

For further information please visit www.evinox.co.uk, contact us on 01372 722277 or email info@evinox.co.uk

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British Gas (the UK’s leading supplier of services to energy customers) has recently started using Hep2O plastic systems alongside, or instead of Copper for installations. This now means that British Gas’s network of around 10,000+ engineers and the many thousands of heating projects they install and maintain each year, will be able to benefit from Hep2O’s multiple advantages in both installation and use.

For installers, the product is quick, simple and safe to use and is backed by an industry-leading 50-year guarantee, a UK-wide distribution network and comprehensive technical support. The customer benefits from a product that will never be compromised by either scale or corrosion and is quieter in use than more traditional equivalents.

Gareth Samuel, Wavin Product Manager Comments “British Gas went through a rigorous process in selecting a plastic system, and by adding Hep2O to their approved products they are giving installers the choice to select the most appropriate product for the installation.”

Gareth adds “We are delighted to be involved with British Gas and will be working with their training academies to show installers how to maximise the benefits of the system, and save valuable time on their installations”

Another major innovation incorporated into this product is In4Sure™ joint recognition and HepKey™ secure demounting.

Developed to give installers a fool-proof means to test that a joint is secure, the In4Sure™ ‘joint recognition’ technology allows the user to simply push in the pipe and twist so they can ‘feel the rumble’. The profiled end of the re-designed SmartSleeve™ interacts with castellations inside the Hep2O fitting to know that they have made a fully secure connection.

The HepKey™ demounting system allows the system to be adjustable but secure, so that pipes can be released easily and quickly as the HepKey Plus™ releases the grab-ring within the fitting allowing removal of the pipe from the otherwise tamperproof joint; while the smaller pocket size HepKey™ provides a handy pocket-size alternative. Hep2O pipes and fittings are available in four diameters: 10, 15, 22 and 28mm.

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Following the runaway success of the Timeguard Vision range of outdoor switches and sockets, with their crystal-clear see-through covers, Timeguard has introduced a sister range with opaque covers, known as “Weathersafe Extreme”.

With IP66 ratings, the Weathersafe Extreme products are as stylish as their Vision counterparts, and they share the same patented neoprene seals and covers that are easy to click open and shut, which all adds up to long life and reliability. Trade prices are competitive with the older original Weathersafe.

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