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For a £10.8 million upgrade to the 'London Clinic', the UK’s largest independently-owned hospital located at 114-120 Harley Street, three existing buildings presented distinctly differing interior design requirements. Laidlaw Solutions worked with architects Floyd Slaski to overcome a number of challenges posed by two completely different architectural styles.

The client’s brief was to provide an open plan interior by completely gutting the three buildings. The faÇades of 114 and 118 were retained as a requirement of the Conservation Officer but that of 116 had to be demolished due to differences in floor levels.

A pathology lab and 29 new consulting rooms were provided for, amongst others, gastroenterologists, neurosurgeons and consultants of the London Clinic’s Liver Centre and renowned London Spine Clinic. “The fit out fell into two distinct parts,” says Mike McCann who handled the project for Laidlaw Solutions. “But in both, the architects required a very high level of finish and specification throughout. Laidlaw scheduled over £80,000 worth of hardware.”

In numbers 114-118, the style was modern and contemporary with hardware in Satin Stainless Steel. Elliptical levers and pull handles were selected from the Orbis Premier range together with special sized push plates. These featured insert holes to take 50mm signage discs insert. Locks with 72mm centres from the Orbis Commercial range were also specified.

Roy Chalk, Senior Partner of the Floyd Slaski Partnership commented, “At the Practice we invariably choose to specify Laidlaw ironmongery for our many and very varied projects. Not only are we aware that the Laidlaw range is excellent in both terms of style and quality but also that their before and after sales service is second to none”.

The design features of Orbis Premier provide high quality performance and finish which makes them ideal for such high-profile and heavily trafficked public access areas. In back of house areas standard Orbis Commercial adjustable power closers with cam-action closers were selected.

The doors were manufactured in a stunning American cherry wood especially for the project and the architraves were also of bespoke design. Laidlaw had to provide the channel and arm of the closer in as close a match as possible since it had to be cut into the architrave.

The contrast in hardware for number 120 couldn’t have been greater. Front of house areas had to retain their original Georgian style so to achieve this, the architect chose satin brass knobs and levers with a clean, simple traditional design. A mix of horizontal and upright lock cases with suited cylinders completed the package. All external entrance doors fronting onto Harley Street were fitted with period hardware.

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Following the announcement of HM Government's Comprehensive Spending Review announced earlier this week, OFTEC has welcomed the news that the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will still be introduced from April 2011. It had been feared that the scheme would be scrapped altogether, but the government has instead pledged £860m funding to support the installation of renewable energy technologies.

OFTEC Director Jeremy Hawksley said, “We have yet to learn the full details of the RHI, but we are pleased to learn that a levy will not be imposed upon oil or other existing heating fuels in order to fund the RHI. The original draft RHI contained incentives for a new generation of blended bio-liquids for heating (B30k) which could replace 100% Kerosene, and we urge the government to include those at the subsidy level which was originally proposed.”

A blend of 30% Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) manufactured from waste cooking oil, and 70% kerosene has been proven to reduce carbon emissions by 28% compared to conventional kerosene which is currently used by the majority of households on oil. Field trials carried out in Norfolk last year used this B30k blend to replace kerosene in around 25 sites, with no adverse effects reported to date.

Over 1.8 million oil heating customers in the British Isles could easily switch over to a lower carbon fuel, without having to replace their existing heating systems. Businesses could benefit too from the switch to bio-liquid heating fuel with minimum capital expenditure.

OFTEC believes that 90% of existing oil customers could transfer to bio-liquid by 2020. However, the amount of incentive is key. Under the original RHI proposals, bio-liquid users would be eligible for grant payments over a 15 year period. This is the minimum level of incentive needed to make bio-liquid economically viable for end users. Otherwise, OFTEC claims that heating oil users – many of whom are in rural areas – will be disadvantaged, and the government will be missing out on a big opportunity to reduce carbon emissions.

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Megger has added two new testing and insulation diagnostics products will be a strong addition to the Megger range of test instruments for the power industry.

• Transformer finger–printing for non–invasive condition monitoring of electromechanical changes.
• DFRA analysis of transformer insulation materials for moisture

Dielectric Frequency Response Analyzers

Pax IDAX range of Dielectric Frequency Response Analyzers are designed for measuring moisture in power transformers as well as testing insulation material in various power system products. The IDAX300 represents the latest generation in the well known IDA/IDAX range of instruments and represents a breakthrough in terms of weight–performance ratio. With its optimized design the test set is three times smaller and lighter and performs insulation characterization twice as fast as its predecessor IDA200.

Sweep Frequency Analysis products

Pax FRAX range of Sweep Frequency Analysis products are designed for detecting electromechanical changes inside power transformers. The products have the highest measurement range and accuracy in the industry and fulfil all recent international standards and recommendations for SFRA testing.

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For the design of their office extension, Huddersfield architectural consultants 'Design Line' wanted to make use of natural light as effectively as possible. They opted to use FAKRO FTP-W Centre Pivot roof windows with Ridge Flashing to provide an ideal skyward outlook and overcome any planning objection to the use of traditional vertical windows. The gutter line at the ridge was just 50mm, so there was no need for dry lining or plastering above the windows. Windows are positioned sensitively within the roof line and the combination provides an attractive feature in its own right.

Sean Brockbank of Design Line commented, “With other manufacturers’ roof windows we could not have used the ridge line in this way. The amount of natural light we were able to bring into the office meant that we had no need for traditional windows, and this provided added security”. FAKRO Ridge Flashing can be used with either slates or profiled tiles and a similar module is also available for mansard combinations.

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– new radiator design to benefit from hot Spanish influence!

At the recent Installer Live exhibition at the Ricoh Stadium in Coventry, Europe’s favourite radiator company Stelrad asked visitors to the show to suggest a name for their latest radiator design. The incentive to come up with a great name? Their very own iPad!

During the very successful three day show, they had literally hundreds of suggestions – many of which were interesting…. but not the right approach for a designer radiator marketing campaign! Lorraine Hawes from Stelrad’s marketing team says that some of the names were fun – but clearly not right for the product: “’Alcatraz’ was fun but suggested heating in a prison cell, which wasn’t quite what we were looking for. ‘Executive’s Smile’ seemed to be inspired by the number of radiators we might sell. And ‘Fred’ was altogether too cosy! ’Grillrad’ suggested that we should use it to cook sausage and bacon on as well as heat a room and ‘iRAD’ is probably one we’d get sued for using! ‘Mini Bar’ suggested where that visitor had been the night before and ‘Solitaire’ was just a bit too lonely! ‘Terminator’ was interesting but conjured up visions of someone bursting through the wall behind it, while ‘The Clothes Rail’ might accurately describe what it might become in a home, but we rather hoped it might be seen as an aesthetically pleasing feature rather than a functional piece of metalwork. In the end the judges decide they liked ‘Caliente’ – which is Spanish for heat’.

This was the suggested name of Lynda Douglas from BCosy Heating in Barton-under-Needwood in Staffordshire. And her name selection has won her an iPAD.

“I’m delighted to have won but very surprised,” she said when told of her good fortune. “When you’re at exhibitions you tend to fill forms in and have a go at things but you don’t really expect to win anything! As a firm we install loads of Stelrad radiators so it will be fun to see orders flying in for the one I’ve actually named! I haven’t tended to win too many prizes over the years so I’m really looking forward to getting to grips with my iPad!” Bcosy is a small but perfectly formed heating and plumbing company with four employees – Steve and Lynda Douglas are its directors with Lynda running the office and Steve is an engineer of some repute. Bcosy employs two engineers, Bash and Derek. Steve started the company in November 2007, having been a senior engineer for a manufacturer within the heating industry where Lynda was the service centre supervisor. He moved from the North East to marry Lynda and the rest as they say, is history!

Bcosy carries out installations, repairs and servicing within its immediate operating area – mainly in Staffordshire and Derbyshire – where it has a growing reputation and customer base. The company’s primary customers are several boiler manufacturers with whom they work closely, installing and repairing boilers and heating systems. The business covers a radius of approximately 30 miles across the Midlands – taking in Leicestershire, Warwickshire and Nottinghamshire as well as their two key counties.

“We pride ourselves on being small enough to care but big enough to do a professional job!” says Lynda. There’s lots of interesting information on their excellent web site at www.bcosyheating.co.uk .

Full details of the exciting Stelrad Radiator range can be found on their web site at www.stelrad.com where you can download pdfs of a wide range of brochures, or by calling on 0870 849 8058.

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Heron Tower is undoubtedly set to become one of the best known landmarks on the central London skyline. The 230 metre high, 46 storey building is a glass and stainless steel clad structure on which the VMZINC PLUS standing seam system has been used on the two main roof areas. It is among the tallest buildings in which the warm roof system has been used, the 'compact roof' approach having been taken in conjunction with Foamglas®.

The roofs occupy the 38th and 41st floors, on which the Restaurant, Sky Bar and external terraces are situated. As VMZINC PLUS needs no supporting ventilation, views over the roofs are not spoiled by unsightly vents across the span.

Precise wind loading calculations were a primary consideration, but at such a height it was just as important that the specified metal presented no visual interference to aircraft. VMZINC’s pre-weathered Quartz-zinc® was a perfect choice as its natural patina continues to develop over time. As a result, zinc also offers an exceptional standard of colour retention, with minimal maintenance requirements.

VMZINC’s Paul Carter added, “Due to the careful planning and regular flow of communication between all parties, the project ran without issue and those that are lucky enough to drink or dine at this landmark building can enjoy uninterrupted views of the London skyline and the zinc roof for many years to come. The installation reflects the highest contracting standards.”

In addition to cellular glass, VMZINC PLUS can be used with mineral wool, PIR and composite insulation boards. 0.7 mm thick panels are available in either straight or curved profile in Natural, QUARTZ-ZINC® , ANTHRA-ZINC® and PIGMENTO® colours. Sheets of up to 13 metres in length can be installed using specially designed clips which do not penetrate the surface. Specialist metal roofing contractor Andy Bell of Bell Zinc and Copper Roofing said of the project, “Working at such height meant that wind rather than rain was the predominant problem. All work was carried out using full restraint harnesses and cargo nets to ensure that nothing could fall from the roof. The VMZINC standing seam system is normally straightforward to fix but in this case, the installation time was considerably longer. The end result, however, is a striking advertisement for zinc”.

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Polypipe extends Elegance range with release of Ogee Notched profile and soil and vent products

Polypipe Building Products has launched its enhanced and extended Elegance cast iron effect uPVC rainwater system with the addition of the revolutionary notched gutter concept for its new Ogee profile to add to the original and already popular half round profile. The Elegance range has been designed in such a way that each profile in the range utilises a common downpipe, making installation and ordering very simple. In addition it has launched a new range of soil and vent products in a matching cast iron effect finish.

The new notched Ogee profile guttering provides a secure fit and counters the problem of gutters becoming dislodged from their retaining clips during warm weather due to heat expansion, making leaky joints a thing of the past. The leading edge of the gutter is notched and the system uses a flexible band clip to secure the gutter. The lugs on the gutter are simply matched to the band clip and snapped into place.

In addition to the notches, Polypipe has included grooves midway between the notches which act as cutting markers when cutting the lengths of guttering. These benefits, in addition to the lightweight construction of the new guttering system, makes handling, assembly and installation as simple as possible for installers.

Simon Green is Polypipe’s Product Marketing Manager for the drainage and water management side of the business: “We’re excited to be able to extend the Elegance range with the new Ogee profile which closely resembles the profile found on original cast iron installations,” he says. “This will make it easy to preserve the traditional look of a period home when replacing the original guttering, but with the knowledge that it will give a more secure fit, be simpler to install and far lighter than the original.”

The new soil and vent range is based on the Polypipe 110mm soil pipe, supplied in 3 metre lengths with a selection of sockets, bends and a vent terminal. The range uses Polypipe’s popular push-fit system, again for quick and easy installation.

Full details of the new extended Elegance rainwater, soil and vent range can be found on its own dedicated web site at www.polypipe.com/elegance and the new system is available from merchants now. Alternatively you can call 01709 770 000 quoting reference “ElegancePRA” and request information, a product leaflet and price list.

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David Leigh of Detectomat UK reviews the potential for Design Conscious Fire Detection solutions using new product and system developments from the Fire industry.

Blending with traditional interiors and keeping up with changes in interior design styles and moods is a challenging task for suppliers of building components. However, a review of the general range of smoke detectors available suggests that this challenge has until recently been totally missed or not taken up by most Fire Detection and Alarm companies! The need for aesthetically pleasing devices is applicable to New Build and Refurbishment or Retrofit applications. In the latter two areas there is also the issue of installation time, access, damage to decoration, ugly surface wiring and general disruption, which can lead to “unhappy clients”! These are the current issues. Facility Managers, builders and developers need a solution to the complex requirements of providing good fire protection whilst at the same time ensuring rapid, cost-effective installation with minimal business disruption. Fire Detection needs to be attractive, complement the dǸcor and avoid the need for ugly surface wiring or damage to decorations from installing concealed wiring.

Standards and the legislative framework

Solutions to the above issues are emerging but, before we review them, we should review the Standards and Legislative environment in respect of Fire Detection and Alarms.

For New Build or Major Refurbishment – Building Regulations Part B covers all the fire detection and protection requirements in any type of dwelling in the UK, with the exception of prisons. Section 1 covers dwellings – including large houses, loft conversions and sheltered housing plus commercial and industrial properties. Section 2 covers HMOs, which are single family residences converted into a number of small flats or bed sitting rooms so that the status changes from a family residence to a multi-person residence.

In respect of Residential New Build, the minimum requirement, as per Building Regulations, is 240vAC interlinked self-contained alarms or a suitable BS5839 part 1 or part 6 solution. However, it should be noted that BS5839 is a Code of Practice, which has scope for implementation with variations subject to individual site by site Risk Assessments and agreement by the Designer, Installer and end client. Part 1 is a code of practice, which mainly applies to the installation of fire detection systems for commercial and industrial applications. It is considered to be the Bible for the fire industry, including the fire services. Part 6 is a code of practice, which covers a wide range of residential properties from bedsits to castles!

The Fire Services Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) or RRO, which came into effect in October 2006 represents a major Fire legislation change, building on and replacing the 1999 Fire Precautions in the Workplace act, which started the move from prescriptive to risk based assessment. This order, to be policed by Fire Services, is a risk based assessment emphasising fire prevention implemented by responsible and competent persons.

Fire Sytem components and Design Conscious Solutions

A Fire Detection and Alarm system should be appropriate to the task as determined by risk assessment, conform with, relevant BSEN Standards and comply with the Building Regs. There can be many alternative solutions to achieving the cover or level of protection required. However, some are more Design Conscious than others!

For example, most detection and alarm systems require automatic detection and there is a large range of suppliers but most smoke detectors have been designed by electronic engineers with little or no regard for aesthetics. However, products are now emerging, which recognise that aesthetic design is as important as detection performance. And the Designer Range below is such an example, providing self-contained alarms, conventional and addressable detectors with a range of Designer covers and colours -white, black, satin silver or glass to match traditional or contemporary interior designs, see inset-

Intergrated Detector/Sounder/Beacon products and the opportunity to semi-recess detectors as per the earliar picture at the beginning of this article are other areas in field devices, where consideration of aesthetics is coming through in modern designs.

Control and Indication panels are also an area, where size and design are an important factor and here too we’ve seen significant reductions in size over the years with considerably more thought being given to aesthetics as the example inset-

Wire-free Radio as part of a Design Concious Solution

All Fire Systems require an interconnection of the various components including detectors, manual call points, sounders and control panels, which is normally done in electrical cabling or commonly termed hardwiring. Installing cables in existing buildings is time consuming and presents access issues, damage to decoration, ugly surface wiring and general disruption, which can lead to “unhappy clients”! All of these issues can be resolved or avoided with Wire-free or Radio Fire Alarms providing a far more design concious solution and “happier clients”!

Radio, as a communication medium has been available for many years at a high cost. However, application of the latest technoledgy has produced wire-free systems, which can provide cost-effective solutions for systems as small as two self-contained alarms in a residence or as large as a shopping centre. Systems currently available range from networked wire-free, Analogue Addressable systems to radio alternatives to single Addressable loop or Conventional panels as inset-

Hybrid or Gateway systems have also emerged. This is where a hardwired Analogue Addressable system can be extended or initially configured with one or more Radio Gateway. If a Facility Manager is faced with the need to extend fire detection coverage to comply with an updated Fire Risk Assesment this can provide a particulary useful and cost-effective solution. Facility Managers and Owner/Managers want the highest level of safety for their building occupants but they also want to avoid disruption and damage to the building decoration and fabric, which only a wire-free solution can provide.

The need to avoid disruption and damage is wide reaching and as a consequence the demand for wire-free solutions is significant as a proportion of the overall market and growing at a rapid rate. Listed buildings are of course one of the most sensitive areas.

Case Study – RRO and a Gospel Church Listed Building

When Avon Fire and Rescue ruled that their existing fire protection was inadequate the Gospel Church Hall in Bath chose a wire-free, radio fire detection system. The introduction of the RRO and the results of a risk assessment and fire audit persuaded the Church administrators to bring the premises up to standard.

The Church is a Grade II listed building, which meant that the potential damage from the installation of a hard-wired system was unacceptable and a wire-free solution would have to be sought. The Hall is in continuous use 7 days a week by members of the public for various clubs, meetings and activities so there was a real need to avoid disruption, mess and dust, another benefit of using a wire-free solution i.e. minimum installation time and disruption!

Having considered various alternative solutions, the church selected a wire-free fire detection system because it offered a cost-effective solution for the task. They also choose designer optical smoke detectors with integral sounders, which complement the churches interior design see inset-

And because all the sounders were integrated within the detectors the system did not require the installation of sounder circuits. In a listed building this was a significant benefit i.e. no need for wiring additional sounder circuits, avoiding damage to the fabric of the building. The wire-free system was installed within 8 hours resulting in little disruption to the Church Hall’s activities. And because cabling was avoided, labour costs were reduced to the minimum resulting in considerable financial savings. This example demonstrates the clear benefits from using radio wire-free fire alarms to provide fire protection in listed buildings and the potential for replication is vast.

In conclusion, Design Conscious Fire Detection is now available through a combination of Designer detector covers to complement contemporary or traditional designs, modern panel designs and wire-free radio systems to reduce installation time, damage to decoration, ugly surface wiring and general business disruption.

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From the 11th – 12th February 2011, the 2nd IFD FAKRO Ski World Cup will take place alongside the second International Federation for the Roofing Trade conference in Muszyna, Poland. The conference hotel is in a picturesque mountain setting close to the slopes on which the competition will take place. Competitors will be chosen by National Roofing Federations from throughout Europe, and roofers passionate about skiing can make enquiries to Nigel Pittman on 01352 706231 or nigel@nbat.co.uk. FAKRO was widely praised for its organisation of last year’s event, further information on which can be found at www.skicup.fakro.com.

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