Category Archives: Construction
Find out how the Install Plus Frame Levelling System helps to eliminate the issues faced when installing carriageway access covers and gratings
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The Install Plus Frame Levelling System is engineered to help eliminate the issues faced when installing carriageway access cover and gratings. There are a number of key elements that combine and are key in guaranteeing the durability and long term performance of the installation. Find out more by watching this short video:
We lead markets in the supply of:
- Ductile iron water and sewer pipes, fittings, valves & couplings & adaptors
- Ductile iron access covers & gratings made in our foundry in Melton Mowbray
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NEW HR MANAGER AT CONDAIR
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Humidity control specialist, Condair, has appointed Louise Kelly as its new HR Manager. Louise brings a wealth of experience to Condair having previously worked in HR roles at The Body Shop, Catalina Re and The Hartford.
Tony Fleming, Head of Sales Cluster Northern Europe at Condair, commented, “As an organisation, Condair has always been very focused on supporting and developing its team, and providing a happy and fulfilling place to work. It’s because of this that I am so delighted to welcome Louise on-board. Having worked with such progressive companies before, we feel very lucky to have her join Condair.”
Louise commented, “I’m greatly looking forward to getting to know the people at Condair and continuing to support and develop a working environment that is collaborative, challenging, motivating and rewarding for all of our employees. With more than half of our employees having been at the company for at least 10 years, it’s evident that Condair greatly values the importance of investing in and developing people. This talent and experience really shines through in the expertise and services the company provides”.
The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidity control and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair Ltd, 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.
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Trio of appointments at Saniflo
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Saniflo is delighted to announce the appointment of three new members of the sales team who will be managing independent and national merchant customers for the full range of pumps, macerators and lifting stations in the Saniflo portfolio.
For more information and technical details, please visit www.saniflo.co.uk
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Profab Access sets the standard for specification at Sixty London Wall
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Located within the epicentre of central London, Sixty London Wall delivers high quality Grade A office accommodation combined with superior retail opportunities, all housed within a visually striking contemporary development that stands apart from neighbouring buildings.
Delivering 325,000 sq. ft of premium office space over 10 floors, the extensively renovated property offers collaborative working areas, bolstered by first class end of journey facilities for commuters, including 380 cycle spaces and lockers and 38 showers and changing rooms.
As part of the construction process, almost 500 Profab Access high quality riser doors and access panels have been installed throughout the entire building by specialist carpentry, joinery and fit-out contractors, JJ Sweeney.
Specified in a range of sizes and configurations for installation throughout the communal areas and washrooms on every floor, Profab Access’ robust and resilient INTEGRA 4000 Series and VISION 8000 Series fire-rated Riser Doors provide concealed access to mechanical and electrical services.
The steel riser doors offer the ability to seamlessly integrate into masonry walls, shaft walls and drywall partitions, providing the highest standards in functionality and safety, whilst simultaneously enhancing the overall interior aesthetic.
The construction of the new mixed-used development, which was managed by Skanska, spans 1.25 acres, offering 30% more floor accommodation than the previous structure, with all internal walls removed and a new atrium constructed through the centre of the building. Five standout walkable sky gardens that span 21,089 sq. ft also take pride of place across the building’s exterior, offering unobstructed views of the capital’s most iconic landmarks.
Due to the prime city centre location of the development, it was essential Sixty London Wall offered professionals the highest quality end of journey facilities, with dedicated ground floor showering and changing facilities, combined with washrooms on every floor.
Profab Access’ VISION 8000 Series Riser Doors were specified for installation throughout each of these areas due to their unique construction providing complete design freedom, offering the ability for bespoke facades to be created to complement the chosen interior design scheme.
During the fit out process, the facade of each of the VISION 8000 Series Riser Doors were clad in the same ceramic tiles as those on the surrounding walls, successfully disguising each panel to create a flawless, concealed, high quality finish that supported, rather than impacted, on the chosen visual style.
Whilst aesthetics was a leading consideration throughout the specification process, the fire performance and functionality of the riser doors were also important factors. Regardless of the stone material installed onto the facade of the VISION 8000 Series, it will still retain its impressive fire safety standards, providing the highest standards in compliance and performance.
Third party tested by Warrington Fire, Profab Access’ VISION 8000 Series and INTEGRA 4000 Series Riser Doors are CERTIFIRE accredited up to two hours, whilst also being smoke sealed and Air tight to Part L. Both ranges also offer superior acoustic benefits, with the INTEGRA 4000 Series rated to 35dB and the VISION 8000 Series rated to 33dB.
This means in the event of a fire, the riser doors will maintain their frame and integrity for up to two hours, limiting the spread of fire and transmission of radiant heat for this period of time. The doors are also equipped with an intumescent smoke seal, which enables occupants to safely exit, whilst also minimising potential damage to the rest of the building.
Paul Wines, Project Manager at JJ Sweeney, said: “We have been specifying Profab Access’ extensive portfolio of access solutions for over 10 years, so we had complete confidence they would be the ideal manufacturer for such a high profile project.
“Installation of the riser doors and access panels took over eight months to complete, with myself and the JJ Sweeney team overseeing every aspect of the process. The end result is a high quality, aesthetically discreet finish that will offer the highest standards in performance for the entire life cycle of the building.”
Profab Access’ PRIMA 1000 Series Ceiling Access Panels were also installed throughout the building to provide secure access to overhead services. Featuring a unique pivot device for easy door removal and a push lock mechanism for enhanced usability, the access panels are constructed to offer contractors first class functionality, without impacting on the chosen interior design scheme.
Marcus Parnham, Commercial Director at Profab Access, said: “Our partnership with JJ Sweeney throughout this redevelopment project perfectly demonstrates the versatility and durability of our extensive range of riser doors and access panels.
“Sixty London Wall offers the very highest standards in contemporary office accommodation for the capital’s professionals, with our portfolio of access solutions facilitating the continuous maintenance of the building in an unobtrusive and effective way.”
Achieving an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM standard upon completion, the redevelopment of the building sets the standard for high quality sustainable office accommodation.
For further information on Profab Access and its range of access panels, riser doors and steel doors, call +44(0)1827 719051 or visit https://www.profabaccess.com
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Crittall windows – I’ll drink to that!
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A Cornish brewery has moved into renovated premises that give visitors a whole new experience of watching the creation of their favourite beers with Crittall Windows playing a crucial role in the new concept.
Verdant Brewery took over a rundown warehouse on a Penryn industrial estate and, in addition to installing the brewing vats, created 400 sq. metres for staff offices and a space for public use, dubbed the Taproom.
The new interior was created around a steel-framed installation with Crittall Corporate W20 windows providing a light and contemporary area where visitors can have a beer and something to eat while enjoying views through to the working brewery, a paramount consideration of the client.
In addition, The Taproom provides a mezzanine balcony overlooking an area that can also be used for entertainment from a DJ or with live music. The design was produced by locally-based architects Zelah Studio.
Said architect James Collins; “We used the W20 system as it allowed great flexibility and a quality industrial look that the client wanted. Large expanses of the glazing allowed us to create views of the brewery from all spaces.”
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Weatherite Cool With Condair ME
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The Condair ME evaporative humidifier is helping Weatherite reduce cooling system energy consumption for its data centre and telecoms clients by up to 80%. Condair’s evaporative humidifier is providing adiabatic cooling in Weatherite’s innovative Adtec-D free air cooling unit. The Condair ME boosts the cooling capacity of the system, allowing the Adtec-D to fully replace the need for mechanical cooling in some applications.
The Adtec-D is a self-contained, modular cooling system that can be located either inside or outside of a building. In data hall or telecom environments, for most of the year it operates in free air cooling mode and uses the outside air alone to cool the internal environment. However, when the outside temperature rises to around 20°C, the Adtec-D switches to adiabatic cooling mode. The incoming air is then passed through the Condair ME, which evaporates water into the fresh air stream, cooling it by up to a further 12°C.
By combining free air and evaporative cooling, Weatherite’s Adtec-D has recently been able to fully replace DX mechanical cooling across more than 800 switchgear rooms for a leading UK telecoms provider. A total of around 1,500 Adtec-D units have been deployed in the project to date. A single legacy 30kW DX and free air cooling unit was consuming around 71,000kWh annually to maintain the required internal temperature, operating 24/7. The replacement 30kW Adtec-D cooling unit consumes just 14,000kWh to meet the same annual cooling load. This resulted in an 80% energy saving for the client, which is a significant 83.3MWh annual saving in electricity across the UK-wide retrofit project.
Andy Lewis, Technical Manager at Weatherite commented, “The Adtec-D is an ideal retrofit solution for telco or DC clients who wish to take advantage of free air cooling rather than continuing to operate DX chillers. Available in modules that can provide from 15 to 80kW of sensible cooling, the Adtec-D will typically operate with an energy efficiency ratio greater than 15, even at peak outputs. The evaporative cooling technology, supplied by Condair, ensures the Adtec-D can maintain the allowable ASHRAE conditions, even during the warmer months in a European climate without the reliance on F-gas refrigerants.”
“Weatherite only uses the highest quality components in its HVAC solutions, and this includes Condair’s evaporative humidifier. It certainly delivered on our specific requirements for operation, control and hygiene management, and we’ve been very pleased with the support offered by Condair in connection with this successful project.” Andy concludes.
Dave Marshall-George, UK Sales Director at Condair, commented, “It’s a privilege to partner with Weatherite on such an innovative product that is helping the UK’s telecommunications sector meet its energy and sustainability objectives. As well as offering the most comprehensive range of humidifiers on the market, Condair has the ability to work with OEMs to create customised solutions. The evaporative humidifier incorporated into Weatherite’s Adtec-D is based on our standard Condair ME, but with some modifications to meet the project requirements. This project is an example of how Condair can develop innovative and flexible solutions for its customers.”
Weatherite is a leading UK manufacturer of made-to-measure HVAC equipment, based out of the West Midlands. Operating for over 50 years, the company provides a range of AHUs, heat recovery systems, packaged rooftop equipment and air cooled chillers.
The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidity control and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair Ltd, 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.
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FUTURE Designs introduces carbon careful™ – a review of its commitment to the circular economy over the last 12 years
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FUTURE designs has pioneered the refurbishment and upgrading of existing luminaires and carcasses for over 12 years. Taking existing FUTURE Designs products and those of competitors, FUTURE Designs has renewed the luminaires with latest LED technology transforming them into highly efficient and carbon saving solutions, extending the lifespan and drastically reducing carbon usage and overall costs.
David Clements, FUTURE Designs Chief Executive explains: “The carbon careful™ initiative could be described as our “best kept secret”, as a hugely efficient design and manufacturing business we have always endeavoured to keep waste to a minimum, and now as the world is faced with a growing necessity to Refurbish, Reuse and Restore wherever feasible, we are sharing our story and expertise to encourage more organisations to follow suit.”
The carbon careful™ book showcases a range of examples from leading blue-chip organisations, highlighting FUTURE Designs proficiency, capability and commitment to the refurbishment of existing luminaire carcasses to increase the sustainability of commercial premises.
LED has been the lighting medium of choice for over ten years now but there are still millions of old fluorescent fittings being used to illuminate space. By switching to LED, energy and carbon usage can be reduced by circa 50%, coupled with the reuse of mild steel and aluminium, the savings are significant.
LED has a far greater lifespan, and its ‘solid state’ makes it easier to dispose of, without the risk of harmful gases such as mercury found in fluorescent lamps making it better for the environment.
FUTURE Designs is always at the forefront of any technological breakthrough, renowned for our expertise in this area of lighting science and have proven to be the experts in adapting old fluorescent lighting to state-of-the art lighting, ensuring that the benefits from the reduced impact on the environment are fully realised.
The full book can be viewed here: https://www.futuredesigns.co.uk/carbon-careful/
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World-famous art protected by Condair humidifiers
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Two Condair RS steam humidifiers have recently been installed, by Ceilite Air Conditioning, at the prestigious Henry Moore Foundation in Hertfordshire. Henry Moore was a renowned artist, best known for his figure sculptures. The Henry Moore Foundation is a charity founded by the artist later in his life, to educate and promote fine art. Its Hertfordshire headquarters houses many works of art that need consistent environmental control for their protection and preservation.
Accurate humidity control within the range of 40 to 60% maintains the integrity of the valuable exhibits. Previous experience of the reliability of Condair’s humidifiers at Henry Moore’s studios meant the leading specialist in humidification was again first choice when the time came to enhance its humidity control.
Tim Cheshire, Ceilite’s Applications Engineer Technical Manager, said: “We required an efficient and effective method of humidification that could safely raise relative humidity (RH) in a large archive store for priceless artwork – vital requirements that were successfully met by Condair. There were some challenges posed by the space to work in and the infrastructure of the building, but the excellent installation team overcame the issues without any complaint. Would I specify Condair’s humidifiers again? Yes, without hesitation.”
The previous humidity control strategy employed evaporative humidifiers at the world-famous site in Perry Green. However, the archive store required a closer level of humidity control than is possible with an evaporative system so the Condair RS was specified in consultation with the M&E consultant, Harley Haddow. The Condair RS is a resistive steam humidifier capable of providing ±5%RH control when operated on regular mains water and ±2% with RO water.
The two air-handling units serving the archive storage area are located externally to the main building, so Condair supplied its Condair RS OC models that have IP55-rated cabinets. Rather than install standard humidifiers in protective housing, the Condair RS OC has a purpose-built, weatherproof and temperature controlled case. This means it takes up much less room and is easier to install. The outdoor humidifiers are the most compact in the industry with the smallest footprint and incorporate lifting handles to make on-site transportation easier.
Henry Moore (1898-1986) was one of the most important British artists of the twentieth century and arguably, the most internationally celebrated sculptor of the period. His works typically depict reclining figures or a mother and child, and tended to contain pierced or hollow spaces. Alongside sculptures, Moore produced many drawings and other graphic work on paper. Each year the Henry Moore Foundation welcomes thousands of visitors to the studios and gardens in Perry Green to view the famous sculptor’s work.
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.
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New Saniflo campaign wins praise
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Saniflo emphasizes that when you consider the possibilities that a small white box affords, it can open up a whole new mindset to converting unused spaces:
- Bathroom in an unused attic? It’s possible with a Saniflo.
- Laundry in a cellar? Also, possible.
- En-suite in the loft? A breeze.
The point is that when gravity drainage isn’t an option, a Saniflo usually is. So, for domestic and commercial customers this new, striking advertising campaign might just be the nudge they need to grasp what’s possible.
Ann Boardman is Head of Marketing and Product Management at Saniflo and was responsible for overseeing the concept. To test the idea, the graphics were used at the Homebuilding and Renovating Show at the NEC In Birmingham.
Ann says: “The new advertising campaign is a step in a different direction for us, as we really wanted to challenge perceptions and stimulate customers’ ideas of how to transform their spare spaces. We know what a Saniflo can help achieve, but we wanted to convey this to customers in a visually appealing manner. Feedback at the show absolutely vindicated the change and we are now rolling out the ads in the press, on social media and on future show stands and we encourage our customers to watch out for the ads and share them with their customers.”
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New service engineer at Condair
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Humidity and evaporative cooling specialist Condair, has employed
Paul Threlfell, as a service engineer covering Scotland and the North of England. Paul is F-Gas and IOSSH accredited and has over 25 years’ experience in the HVAC industry, having worked for companies such as Hussmann Refrigeration, City Refrigeration, Russell Air Conditioning, Scotia Energy Saving Systems/ID Scotia and Linaker.
Tony Tullett, Service Director at Condair, commented, “I’m very happy to have Paul join the Condair Service Team. Being based in Edinburgh, he is perfectly positioned to support our customers across Scotland. Paul is a very experienced engineer in our sector and has dealt with many different types of HVAC system. His F-Gas accreditation is a great benefit, as we service not only humidifiers but also refrigerant-based dehumidifiers, so he can really hit the ground running. In fact, we’ve already had some lovely positive feedback from customers he’s visited, so we are sure Paul will be an invaluable asset to our team.”
Condair’s service department provides the manufacturer’s engineering expertise on-site, supporting the complete range of Condair humidifiers and dehumidifiers, as well as many other humidification systems. Condair has the largest specialist humidity control engineering team in the UK, with 21 engineers strategically located across the UK and Ireland to provide nationwide coverage.
The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidity control 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.