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When Debenhams decided to close its department store in Exeter and move into the redeveloped Princesshay Shopping Centre, it was good news for both John Lewis and iron technology leader Saint-Gobain PAM UK, part of leading materials company Saint-Gobain. John Lewis acquired the Debenhams site and undertook a multi-million pound redevelopment to transform it into a prominent 67,000 sq ft department store, which was opened in October 2012.

Saint-Gobain PAM UK’s Ensign soil and rainwater system, which had been used throughout the £225m Princesshay development, was specified for the new £17m John Lewis store and the Ensign Soil project consisted of 13 stacks, each seven storeys high, for internal soil and rainwater systems. The main contractor was Midas of Plymouth and the Ensign system was installed by D A Wright of Tiverton.

Nigel Keegan of Saint-Gobain PAM UK commented: “Ensign is the only drainage system tested to a kitemark approved to BS EN 877 and offers specifiers, contractors and installers a fit-and-forget system which outperforms all rival materials. Ensign combines all the proven material properties of cast iron, which are unmatched in terms of fire resistance, acoustic qualities, strength and longevity.”

The industry-leading Saint-Gobain PAM UK Ensign system consists of pipes and fittings from 50-600mm diameter for above ground specifications and 100, 150-600mm diameter for below ground. Connections can be effected by cast iron mechanical joints or Saint-Gobain’s innovative EEZI-FIT range of push-fit socketed fittings and couplings, designed to combine all the benefits of cast iron with the simplicity of push-fit assembly.

For further information on Saint-Gobain PAM UK’s Ensign range, visit www.saint-gobain-pam.co.uk/soil-press.

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For more than 100 years, copper shingles have been used on large areas of Harrods’ roof. Restoration work on the Knightsbridge store resulted in VMZINC craftsmen being commissioned to create new moulds from existing profiles in order to reproduce shingles to the highest standards of authenticity. All have been individually stamped and installed by specialist hard metal contractors Albany Brent and NDM (Metal Roofing & Cladding) Ltd.

VMZINC Ornaments have a tradition of zinc and copper ornamental work for roofs which dates from the first half of the 19th century. Its extensive list of commissions is now showing a steadily increasing number in the UK. Such rare belief in the retention of key metalworking skills enables historic buildings to be restored and elements of the roof retained as key building features. In addition to standard products such as finials and weather vanes, VMZINC manufactures decorated rainwater goods and balustrades as well as dormer and bulls eye windows, cupolas, gutter fronts and ridge caps.

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With recent rapid demand for domestic micro-power generation installations, a requirement for an efficient and integrated off-the shelf wiring and connection solution has become paramount.

As a consequence, Wylex, the UK’s leading circuit protection manufacturer, has introduced a new range of enclosures and devices designed specifically for solar voltaic and other domestic micro-power generation switchgear applications. The new dedicated products are intended to help installers to economically and efficiently install such systems, including solar photovoltaic, rated up to 4 kW.

The new Wylex range removes the need for an assortment of additional enclosures, while also ensuring that switching and circuit protection logically conforms to the special considerations needed to protect and manage cables that have power supplies connected at either end. The new Wylex products include AC and DC isolators, combination DC/AC photovoltaic isolators in single enclosures, dual supply photovoltaic and grid mains switches and a complete range of photovoltaic ready 17th edition consumer units with integral generated power supply Isolator, PV MCB and MID meter pre-wired and connected.

The equipment is designed to allow installers to make parallel power connections simply and easily, whether to an existing, or completely new installation. It also helps electricians ensure that supplies are properly connected to a dedicated circuit at the consumer unit and not share a final sub-circuit. Installation times and hence costs are also considerably reduced by reason of the simplification of wiring provided, and the reduction in the number of enclosures required.

To further support this business opportunity, all dedicated PV solar equipment has been assigned a lower vat rate of 5% and can therefore provide a real cost benefit on final quoted prices. This lower rate also applies to the fitting of PV Solar ready installations. For details of the full range of products available and advice and guidance on the including typical installation diagrams, a copy of a new publication entitled Solar Photovoltaic Switchgear Solutions is available from Electrium Sales Tel: 01543 455000 or by visiting www.electrium.co.uk.

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In an attempt to save more than £500 million over the next three years, the Metropolitan Police Authority has implemented a station refurbishment project to cut costs; good news for iron technology leader Saint-Gobain PAM UK, part of leading materials company Saint-Gobain, whose Ensign above ground drainage systems are being specified for much of the upgrade.

Ensign drainage systems were most notably used in the Brixton Police Station which recently underwent a multi-million pound, 27 cell extension and below ground car park refurbishment. The project was highly focused on fire safety, security and strength leading Anderson Green, the design engineer, to specify Ensign for the job. As the only drainage system tested to a kitemark approved to BS EN 877, it combines all the proven material properties of cast iron, which are unmatched in terms of fire resistance, acoustic qualities, strength, longevity and ensuring minimal maintenance is required once installed.

Nick Moore of Saint-Gobain PAM UK explains: “The Ensign cast iron system offers significant performance benefits over other materials and is widely regarded as the most versatile cast iron system on the market. It provides the complete drainage solution to the project’s needs.

“Our new, cost-effective grip collars were also used with the Ensign ductile iron couplings as an alternative solution to using more expensive, high-pressure couplings, which deliver increased rigidity in suspended installations while maintaining five bar pressure capability unrestrained.”

Ensign has also been specified for two other refurbishment projects at the Kingston and Wood Green police stations.

The main contractor for the project was Wates Construction, with SFI as the sub-contractor.

For further information about Ensign visit http://www.saint-gobain-pam.co.uk/soildrain.

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Two years of in-house design has come to fruition with the launch of Chelsom’s brand new 300 page lighting catalogue, Edition 23. With 40% of the collection being new, designers, specifiers and hoteliers will find a range of lighting that covers the hotel and leisure sectors from two star to six star levels. Based on Chelsom’s hard-earned reputation for design, quality and value, guestrooms, bathrooms, bars and public spaces are all catered for with an eclectic mix of product covering contemporary and traditional styles.

Managing Director Robert Chelsom who, with son Will, has designed most of the collection, says: “I believe many of our worldwide clients will appreciate the moves we have made into even sharper designs, higher quality levels and larger proportions for top end hotel suites and public spaces. In creating some of these more iconic products, we wanted to bring a sense of realism and value to the pricing. Designs whose prices have in the past restricted their use to public areas, will now fit perfectly into guestroom budgets.”

In response to feedback from surveys amongst Chelsom’s major client groups, Edition 23 is the first Chelsom catalogue to be fully available on-line. Specifiers can now view the full collection via the Website and easily download images for presentation use. All technical data is included and readily accessible.

To request a catalogue or view the collection on-line, please go to the website product page.

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Designed to complement the rising demand for wet-rooms and low shower trays, the Beam range of semi-frameless shower enclosures from Mira Showers – the UK’s leading manufacturer of showering products and accessories – combines both prestige styling and value for money. With an increased height of 1.9m from the top of the tray, the enclosures are not only consistent with contemporary bathroom design chic, but are also tall enough to obviate the obstruction possible when a traditional height enclosure is ‘dropped’ to the floor or set on a low tray.

The upmarket appearance has been achieved without compromising ease of installation as each wall profile is adjustable to up to 29mm, while the doors are supplied ‘un-handed’, meaning they are easily reversible for left and right hand opening. This means installers can deliver a clean, professional installation in a minimum of time and with minimum disruption.

Each enclosure is supplied with all the hallmarks of quality: a 10 year guarantee; power shower approval; and the chrome finish demanded by 90% of consumers wanting this type of product.

Combining contemporary styling with practicality and easy maintenance, Beam range of shower enclosures feature Easy-clean coated glass and semi-frameless side panels and includes models to suit every situation and taste with no fewer than eight different formats including: pivot doors, bifold doors, sliding doors, side panels, quadrants, pentagon, wetroom divider panels and walk-in.

Each door style features mechanisms to ensure trouble-free operation. Dual-roller bogies ensure smooth and consistent performance of sliding doors (including quadrants). Bi-fold models incorporate a planet gear mechanism that correctly aligns the door, while the adjustable ball catch used on the pivot door offers additional installation flexibility.

The pivot and bi-fold doors comprise a 6mm safety glass frameless door, use 4mm framed inline panels and are available in eight sizes from 760 to 1700mm. The sliding door model comes in two sizes – 1000 and 1200mm – with a 6mm safety glass frameless door.

The quadrant format features 5mm toughened safety glass and frameless centre opening doors fitted with a double roller to give a consistent slide movement and is available in four sizes: 800, 900, 1000 x 800, 1200 x 900mm. Two sizes of pentagon enclosures – 900 x 900 or 1200 x 900mm – can be assembled by combining pivot or bi-fold with pentagon panel pack of 4mm framed glass side panels.

Mira’s own ‘Slide & Lock’ system means there is no need to drill the frame, so adjustment is easy and simplifies installation. ‘Slide & Lock’ comprises a ‘square U’ wall channel profile that incorporates an innovative fixing mechanism that allows for a huge 29mm of adjustment on out-of-true walls. The shower panel is offered into the ‘U’ and – when square and level – is secured with a simple quarter-turn from an Allen key.

This same ‘Slide & Lock’ mechanism enables pivot doors to be hung accurately and quickly because it is incorporated into the pivot blocks. If the width of the wall channel needs to be extended, an 18mm filler kit is also available.

The semi-frameless 6mm safety glass side panels that are combined with pivot, bi-fold or sliding doors to create enclosures are supplied in four sizes: 700, 760, 800 and 900mm. A 400mm framed inline panel with 4mm safety glass is also available.

Featuring 8mm toughened safety glass and a square section bracing bar, the wetroom divider panels stand 1950mm high from top of tray and are supplied in four sizes: 800, 900, 1000 and 1200mm.

Manufactured using 5mm safety glass, the walk-in panels can be installed with or without a tray or with its own end panel to create a cubicle. Available in two sizes – 1400 and 1700mm – these panels stand 1900mm high from top of tray.

All Mira shower enclosures are built to last and all the designs have been rigorously tested. Doors are tested for 32,000 slam cycles – equivalent to 20 years use by a family of four showering daily. Similarly, every panel is tested to BSEN14428+A1 (2008) which represents the impact of being hit by a 20 stone person falling over.

Through developing the Beam range of shower enclosures Mira now offers the complete enclosure installation package. Compatible with Mira’s Flight shower trays – by far the most popular brand in the UK – the new Beam enclosures raise the bar in terms of affordable style, choice and ease of installation.

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Hard on the heels of Agile, Mira’s first ‘high design’ mixer shower launch of 2013; the company has now introduced the Adept built-in mixer range for new installations. Stylish, compact and easy to install, Adept delivers a contemporary aesthetic combined with a host of benefits and accessories that will appeal to the end-user, developer, installer and stockist alike.

To complement the range there is a choice of upmarket accessories that can be retro-fitted to meet individual tastes, enabling developers to offer buyers the chance to trade up. These accessories include an extra parking socket for the showerhead, soap holders and shower gel dispensers.

The range caters for all needs, whether it is the ecologically-conscious wanting to save water or those who aspire to enjoy a luxury shower under a deluge head, or who would like a simple, efficient shower. Customers can select from six models, all guaranteed for five years and featuring separate temperature and flow controls complete with large, long-life filters and replaceable cartridges for easy servicing.

The range comprises the Adept BIV and BIV Eco, with 90mm multi-mode showerhead; the Adept BIR with a 200mm deluge shower head; the Adept BIR+ with a 250mm deluge shower head; the Adept BRD which has a 90mm multi-mode showerhead and a 200mm deluge head; and the Adept BRD+ which has a 110mm multi-mode showerhead and a 250mm deluge head. Both the Adept BIR+ and the Adept BRD+ are premium products that will be distributed through showroom channels.

Specifically developed to provide the integrated appearance of a built-in mixer, Mira Adept mixers are easier to install than most built-in valves thanks to features such as the miniature valve body with back-plate. The miniature valve means there is less digging out and the plastic backplate makes mounting the value onto the wall or stud work much easier.

All models come with the Magni-floTM system that gives up to three times more flow and are suitable for all systems apart from the Mira Adept BIV Eco which requires a minimum of 0.5 bar pressure because it features a water-saving regulator that cuts the flow to 6 litres/minute in order to meet the Code for Sustainable homes.

For greater flexibility when fitting, the valve can be adjusted to fit a depth of between 51mm and 70mm while some models feature adjustable fittings that enable installers to easily match the screw holes to the grout lines for a clean finish. The wall outlet – where the hose connects to a right-angled connector – is a push-fit connection to copper pipe and so provides a fast, simple and completely secure fixing.

Mira is the UK’s fifth largest investor in research and development because its goal is to bring innovation to the market with its new products – an approach amply demonstrated by the Adept shower range.

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Cromar PRO GRP is a cold-applied flat roof weatherproofing system which has been formulated using the latest glass fibre technology. It combines high impact and fire resistance and will withstand extreme temperature variation to provide a seamless, flexible, virtually maintenance-free finish. The high build, reinforced coating is easy to form around complex details and will withstand heavy foot traffic, even as part of a non-slip walkway. Standard sizes are 10 and 20kg for resin and topcoat, 1 and 5 litre for hardener and 5 and 15 litre for Acetone, with two weights of glass fibre reinforcement available – 450g/m2 and 600g/m2. Upstand, fillet and drip trim sections can be supplied together with fillets, moisture trap and simulated lead flashing. Trims are fixed using specially developed, gun-applied PRO GRP Trim Adhesive which comes in standard 310ml tubes. Fully trained contractors throughout the UK undertake projects of all size, with scope to offer a 25 year performance guarantee.

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VortX, the next generation of drainage solutions from iron technology leader Saint-Gobain PAM UK, part of leading materials group Saint-Gobain, includes a range of innovatively designed trapped gully bodies which are lighter in weight and easier to install than traditional trapped gully bodies.

A trapped gully is used to prevent foul air entering a building. The ‘P’ and ‘S’ traps, which accommodate horizontal and vertical water flow respectively, require less installation space – only 180mm borehole – delivering savings on installation and a more convenient and compact floor drainage solution.

The gully bodies are supplied with 110mm spigot outlets and three-plugged two-inch BSP inlets that incorporate flange design features, which can be installed with or without a standard clamp ring. Non-trapped gullies can be used with a ‘P’ trap installed in the drainage systems.

Mike Rawlings, Marketing Manager – Soil and Drain at Saint-Gobain PAM UK, commented: “The intelligently-designed ‘P’ and ‘S’ traps are lighter and smaller than traditional gully bodies, significantly improving the installation process for users.

“These innovative gully bodies are part of VortX, a new range of cast iron floor drainage products that complement and enhance our established Ensign and Timesaver cast iron systems for the commercial and construction market.. Designed in accordance with BS EN 1253:2004, the range comprises more than 60 components. Full flow rate information for all grating options are available on request.”

For further information on Saint-Gobain PAM UK’s VortX range, visit www.pam-vortx.co.uk.

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With the NHBC’s decision to make dry fixing mandatory, Klober’s new Uni-Click® Dry Verge Plus offers the ideal solution for both roofers and merchants. For house builders, its 260-350mm batten gauge means it can be used with all commonly used large and medium format concrete tiles manufactured in the UK. For Scottish contractors in particular it can also be used with Scotcem interlocking tiles. The Uni-Click Dry Verge Plus has a built-in drip tray, can be used for either new build or refurbishment on roofs from 12.5° to 90° and in conjunction with a wet or dry ridge system. It is available in brown, slate grey, terracotta and black with matching eaves closures, ridge closures and ridge end caps.

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