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Much has changed in relation to door and window technology over the past 20 years and this is reflected in the increasing popularity of features such as large span roof windows and bi-folding doors. Both are now used as an intrinsic element of interior design as they enable natural daylight to transform areas in which we live and work.

For walls, use of floor to ceiling glazing has enabled exteriors to be ‘brought into’ the living environment, capitalising on views provided and enhancing perceptions of space. Design engineers are now, however, able to maximise the functionality of timber and aluminium to produce far larger sash and frame profiles than ever before. This requires a level of precision beyond the capability of traditional manufacturing techniques while, in terms of design complexity, durability, security and thermal / acoustic performance all have been considerably improved.

The type of timber used for the weight of such windows and doors is critical so Fakro opted for pine, oak and meranti hard woods to provide a combination of high performance and a high visual aesthetic. They also provide long-term structural stability, a critical factor not just for the ability to withstand distortion but to retain energy efficiency and airtightness. This was the driving factor influencing design of the Innoview range, in which triple and quadruple-glazed construction is used with low emissivity glazing and a quadruple sealing system. With warm spacers between panes, the overall heat transfer coefficients in is as low as 0.68/W/m2K (with Ug values of 0.3W/m2K in quadruple-glazed units).

Designs in which windows of such a large span are specified inevitably necessitates manufacture of bespoke sizes for individual projects. In achieving the ability to do so, Fakro can now fulfil the same service it has been providing with roof windows for more than 20 years. This enables architects and interior designers to create homes and work places with a distinctive identity and character while also meeting specific technical aspects of performance.

With scope to specify colours from the RAL Classic Palette and use of close-grain timber from FSC-certified sources, the standard of internal finish immediately provides clear evocation of quality. Modern coating and lacquering techniques, matt or satin finishes and choice of sash profile enable the windows and doors to complement the most diverse interior design requirements. Appearance is enhanced by concealed hinges and invisible fixings while use of sliders in conjunction with a roller lifter and rotary cam ensure that positioning in the frame remains constant, regardless of usage intensity. Soft closure also slows the sash movement prior to positioning it in the frame. Such ease of operation has been described as ‘out of all proportion to what might be expected from windows of such a size’.

EPDM rather than silicone seals are used as they provide far greater long-term reliability through their shrinkage resistance and bond between glazing and frame. This not only gives far greater assurance of air and weathertightness but provides a greatly improved standard of finishing. Windows and doors have anti-burglary, multi-point locks and Class RC1 or RC2 glazing units (the latter optional extra providing nine locking points per window). The hardware also has sufficient strength to provide a load capacity of up to 150kg in standard door and window sizes.

Fixed, arc and multi-sash windows with movable or structural mullion bar, balcony doors with a low aluminium threshold and tilt or lift and slide doors are available. Widths of up to 12 metres and heights up to 2.8 metres as well as non-standard shapes can be accommodated with single or double sash lift and slide doors up to a weight of up to 400 kg.

In terms of design innovation considerable attention has also been paid to external appearance with powder-coated aluminium outer cladding providing a combination of high performance and lasting appearance. The potential to specify the required colour and absence of visible welds at corners provides seamless, contemporary styling.

Products such as Innoview HST doors have virtually no visible while PSK tilt and slide doors provide scope for micro-opening to provide room ventilation without reducing the level of security. Such developments can only provide further incentive to change the face of contemporary fenestration while providing scope to do so in designs up to Passivhaus standard.

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Condair is appearing at the forthcoming Data Centre World exhibition on stand D1060, at the Excel Centre in London from 21^st to 22^nd March. The company will be displaying the latest in adiabatic and steam humidifier technology, which provides in-duct evaporative cooling and humidification to data centres.

Condair has extensive experience in working with data centre designers and air handling unit manufacturers that need to incorporate evaporative coolers or humidifiers into their systems. Previous data centre projects have involved clients such as Facebook, Microsoft, Digital Realty, Hewlett Packard, Amazon and eBay.

Condair’s experts will be on-hand at Data Centre World to give advice on how the latest humidifier technology can reduce data centre operating costs through improved energy consumption and reduced maintenance requirements.

Products on display include the Condair ME evaporative humidifier that offers 0.68kW of adiabatic cooling to an air handling system for every 1kg of moisture evaporated into the air stream. As the humidifier can provide up to 1,440kg/hr of humidity while operating on less than 1kW, it presents significant benefits to data centres using free air cooling systems. The technology can be employed to deliver direct or indirect evaporative cooling to facilities in warmer climates or add massive amounts of low energy humidification to data centres using cold, dry outside air in cold climates.

Alongside its market-leading in-duct evaporative system, Condair will have the Condair RS resistive steam humidifier on its stand. The Condair RS offers steam humidification to data centres without the need to frequently replace boiling cylinders, as is the case with many on-board humidification systems supplied with CRAC units. The humidifier has a scale management system that allows lime scale that builds up in the boiling chamber to fall into a removable tank at the base of the unit. Routine scale removal can be carried out by in-house maintenance staff in minutes, saving costs on consumables and maintenance time.

The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidification and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair plc, which offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares. Condair plc is the new name for JS Humidifiers following the organisation’s rebranding in October 2014. You can find out more by visiting the company’s website at www.condair.co.uk.

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Condair is launching the Condair RO-A reverse osmosis water filter, specifically designed for use with humidification systems. The Condair RO-A removes 95% of dissolved solids from a humidifier’s supply water in order to reduce maintenance, improve energy consumption and benefit ongoing running costs.

When operating on regular mains water, a steam humidifier will frequently need to drain hot water and replace it with fresh, in order to dilute mineral levels in the boiling chamber. This process requires more energy to heat the incoming cold water. It also impacts humidity control, as when the boiling chamber’s temperature drops so does the steam output. By operating a steam humidifier on reverse osmosis (RO) water from a Condair RO-A, these drain cycles are reduced by up to 97%. This in turn reduces energy and water consumption of the humidifier and enables a close humidity control of up to ±1%RH.

With the use of virtually mineral-free RO water, the lime scale build-up inside a steam humidifier’s boiling chamber is minimal, reducing humidifier servicing requirements. When used with evaporative humidifiers, this reduction in lime scale formation results in evaporative pads having a much longer lifetime. The required frequency of an evaporative humidifier’s water tank drain cycles is also reduced, saving water. Operating spray humidifiers on RO water prevents dust from precipitating into the atmosphere as the spray evaporates, improving the performance of the system.

The Condair RO-A has been designed to deliver water at an ideal quality for humidification systems, whilst minimising waste water from the RO process. Many standard RO water filters provide product water at a purity that is much greater than that required to benefit humidifiers. The high purity means more water is sent to drain during the RO process to achieve a very low mineral content. By typically removing only around 95% of the minerals, the filtered RO water effectively provides significant benefits to humidification systems with minimal water being sent to drain.

Four models are available in the Condair RO-A range, with maximum outputs of 40, 100, 200 and 300 litres per hour. The 40 and 100 litres per hour models have an integrated water tank and a single RO membrane. The 200 and 300 litres per hour models have two or three RO membranes and an external water tank with up to 100 litre storage.

An independent wall-mounted touch screen controller provides an intuitive user interface with comprehensive reporting features. Alternatively the Condair RO-A can be controlled from any Condair humidifier that incorporates a Condair touch-screen control panel.

The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidification and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair plc, which offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares. Condair plc is the new name for JS Humidifiers following the organisation’s rebranding in October 2014. You can find out more by visiting the company’s website at www.condair.co.uk.

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Since REHAU launched its AGILA sliding doors range sales of the PVC-U doors have been steadily growing and now more fabricators than ever are choosing to specify AGILA.

AGILA sliding doors are great for modern living, letting in light and creating openness in any space. They can be installed as a traditional patio door, entrance door or door to a conservatory, and are available in eight different colour options to provide a flexible solution which can be tailored to the individual needs of the customer. A perfect fit for REHAU’s popular TOTAL70 windows system, the AGILA sliding door also offers continuity of product across larger specifications.

As well as slimmer sightlines and superior aesthetics, AGILA sliding doors are incredibly energy efficient, with a triple glazing option on offer. They also come with enhanced security options and benefit from ERA’s new Total Security Guarantee for complete peace of mind.

Currently there are ten businesses fabricating the AGILA Sliding Door across the UK and Ireland. These include Climatec, Fenster Trade Frames, GRM, Polyframe, Euroglaze, Stormking, Hadrian, Costello PVC, O’Grady UPVC Ltd and Caledonia Doors in Cumbernauld being the most recent company to come on board .

To increase interest further, REHAU has released a new video online which highlights all the great features of the AGILA sliding doors to promote the product to fabricators and their customers.

Clare Higgins, Product Manager, from REHAU said: “The AGILA sliding door has been a fantastic addition to our doors offer, providing our partners with a high quality and flexible door solution they can offer to their customers individually or as part of a full portfolio of REHAU products. With the trend for large span doors continuing to gather pace in the domestic market, we expect to see even more contractors choosing to offer our sliding doors over the coming months and years.”

For further information please visit www.rehau.uk/agila.

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WAGO, the automation, interconnection and electrical interface specialist, has agreed a deal to supply components to PP Control & Automation for use in their electrical assemblies. The agreement is the latest in a series of new supplier partnerships struck by WAGO.

As one of the global leaders in electrical control systems, cable harnesses and sub-contract manufacturing solutions, PP Control & Automation serves building services, food and beverage, medical, energy, security, semiconductor manufacturing, printing and others. Customers are increasingly demanding more complex machines with shorter lead times. “Production capacity of particular machine configurations often has to be ramped up and ramped down at short notice. For this reason, the company needs suppliers that it can trust to provide reliable components to specification in a short space of time,” says Tony Hague, managing director of PP Control & Automation.

WAGO, whose interconnection and automation products provide the backbone for critical applications are supplying DIN rail-mounted terminal blocks, power supplies, electronic circuit breakers, and automation controllers and modules.

“Customers require a higher degree of configuration than ever before,” continues Hague, “And it’s up to us to provide exactly what they need. Things can move quickly in industry, and the increasing need for agility means that good product design and effective specification at component level are critical. Even the highest standards of workmanship can’t save you from inferior components, which is why partnerships with suppliers like WAGO are so important to us.

“In every case PP Control & Automation recommends and makes use of CAGE CLAMP® technology and the security of connection that it provides. We have already, on a number of occasions, replaced more traditional screw clamp connections with CAGE CLAMP, and our customers have seen an immediate and significant improvement in connection reliability.”

Tony Hoyle, managing director, WAGO Limited, adds; “We are always pleased to know that industry-leading OEMs such as PP Control & Automation choose WAGO products, and it demonstrates the high regard in which we are held within the market. A major benefit for us is that customers who may not ordinarily have specified WAGO get to see just what our products are capable of.”

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TROX has announced the launch of a major new fancoil range – the TROX PWX Series – which brings to the market a 25% to 35% energy efficiency improvement over alternative models, with outstanding acoustic performance, and BACnet-enabled integrated controls packages as standard.

The launch of the new TROX PWX fancoil range follows an extensive research and development programme in which the company rejected incremental product enhancements in favour of a comprehensive rethink of fancoil technology. The new products have undergone thorough in-house testing, using TROX’s test chamber (constructed to comply with ASHRAE 79, BS1397 and EUROVENT 6/3), in addition to extensive corroboration of results at an independent test facility. As a result, specifiers are able to input exact performance criteria for an extremely wide range of thermal and acoustic scenarios when planning their air conditioning schemes, instead of having to rely on less reliable ‘anticipated’ or ‘expected’ data. The TROX PWX range is therefore able to speed up the specification of projects significantly, reduce levels of risk, streamline installation and commissioning, and provide valuable environmental and cost benefits.

Whilst the basic physical dimensions of the TROX PWX units have been kept the same (270mm deep) to meet market requirements, every aspect of the thermal, electrical and acoustic performance of these models has been redesigned. With new inlet attenuators, inlet plenums and discharge attenuators, the units feature completely redesigned key components capable of achieving outstanding performance across a wide range of applications.

The SFPs across the range comply with and exceed Part L requirements, with typical values between 0.15 to 0.25 W/(l/s) at 30 Pa ESP, with a Guide NR of 35.

The environmental performance of the fancoils has been developed in conjunction with the full range of TROX air terminal device options. TROX’s unique ‘One Stop Shop’ solution enables correct selection of air terminal devices to be tailored to each fancoil. This optimises potential energy savings without compromising air distribution (a factor very often overlooked when specifying the systems independently). The ability to source the entire system from a single supplier also enables specifiers to optimise the performance of the fancoils in VAV (variable air volume) systems. The specification process has been speeded-up by the introduction of sophisticated new in-house product selection technology. This makes it possible to identify the most effective combinations of fancoils, grilles and diffusers more quickly, making it possible to specify fancoils for entire projects in just minutes, rather than hours.

The TROX PWX fancoils are supplied with specially-designed on-board controls packages, as standard. Two different STD controls packages are offered:

• BACnet control, offering the full flexibility of uniquely addressed terminal units, which interface with Building Management Systems (BMS) and provide feedback on each unit’s performance.
• TROX can also offer standalone controls that allow user control of individual units where no BMS is present.

To complement these control packages, TROX is also able to offer a full water-side control package which has been designed to work seamlessly with either control option.

These control solutions provide a number of valuable benefits. Project lead-times can be reduced significantly, as all wiring diagrams are pre-designed and readily available. This reduces the time and costs associated with additional electrical scheme design or expensive customisation of BMS programming. Specifiers also have the peace of mind that the controls technology has perfect compatibility with the fancoil units, and has been developed specifically to optimise performance in a way that is hard to replicate with ‘bolt-on’ controls.

A key factor in the development of the TROX PWX Series has been the thoroughness of testing, which removes the project risks associated with incomplete or uncorroborated performance data. By thorough testing in-house using its own BSRIA type test rig, and by sourcing detailed external data for the fancoils from extensive independent testing, TROX is bringing to the market a range of products with unrivalled, verifiable, specification data. Care has been taken to test the units at specified 30 Pascal external static pressures (ESPs) and to provide exact performance figures. This improves on industry practice where lower external static pressures might be employed during testing, culminating in misleading results.

This rigorous testing of electrical and thermal performance has been matched by extensive independent acoustic testing. The acoustic testing, carried out in accordance with BS EN 16583:2015, covers the entire PWX range, including all available fan configurations across the full operating range.

Such detailed acoustic analysis allows precise selection of units to suit the customer’s requirements and is complemented by TROX’s new selection process, enabling user adaptation of project-specific finishes that may affect the resultant room NR level. As the suspended ceiling finish has such a big impact on the room NR, TROX has worked closely with Armstrong Ceilings to pre-programme tested ceiling tile SRI values into its new calculation programme to ensure the correct acoustic assumptions are used.

The new TROX PWX Series is designed to replace the company’s earlier fancoil models. The range includes 6 different physical sizes of unit, with 9 possible airflow configurations and 16 different fan options. The units are designed for 4-pipe heating and cooling, 2-pipe cooling, or electric heating as standard. As TROX is able to supply almost every element of an air handling system, from AHUs to air terminal devices, key advantages for system designers and specifiers include the possibility of ordering the fancoils alongside VAV components and ATDs, from a single supplier, for a perfectly-integrated solution.

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More than 500 apartments in the £9 billion revamp of London’s iconic Battersea Power Station have utility cupboards pre-fabricated with a cable management solution from leading British manufacturer Marshall-Tufflex.

The cupboards were assembled off-site and delivered complete with Marshall-Tufflex Sterling Profile 3 white trunking to supply power for apartment ventilation and heat interface units, cupboard lighting, hot water, the fire alarm and security system, satellite television, BT networks, a leak detection panel and washing machine. A ‘non-power’ section carries EMS wiring and outgoing data, telephone and TV cables together with a link to energy metering/billing services. Electrical wholesaler was Edmundson Electrical, Twickenham.

“This has been a really interesting project to work on for two reasons,” said Marshall-Tufflex Project & Specification Manager, Barry Roberts. “We are best known for working in the commercial cable management sector, so to supply a large and prestigious domestic project was an interesting request. It is also somewhat unusual for trunking to be pre-fabricated in this manner but for this project it made total sense and allowed for an integral element of each apartment to be prepared in a controlled environment and simply slotted into place and connected up at exactly the right time in the build schedule.

“Marshall-Tufflex’s Sterling Profile 3 has delivered an incredibly neat finish that keeps all cabling hidden and inaccessible while delivering a large amount of power and data cabling to the required services. Its square edges fit cleanly together and multi-compartments allow for versatility and full segregation of services,” added Mr Roberts.

Sterling Profile 3 is 167 x 50mm and available in a variety of colours and finishes, with a range of corners, flat angles, bends and tees available. Dividing fillets allow further segregation of services within each compartment and aluminium screening inserts or conductive spray coatings are available to assist with both electromagnetic immunity and emissions.

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Decorative specialist Armourcoat exhibited at the Decorex International Exhibition in September. Taking place at the start of the London Design Festival in the grounds of historic Syon House, Decorex is synonymous with luxury design offering a collection of over 400 hand-selected exhibitors.

Armourcoat presented a stunning range of hand-applied polished plaster wall finishes and the latest additions to the Signature Collection. The company also launched their new Armourcoat Acoustic Plaster System designed to optimise the acoustics of interior spaces.

From large theatre halls, offices, classrooms, hotel receptions and private residences the use of hard sound reflective surfaces such as glass, wood and stone can cause excessive sound reverberation which leads to unpleasant noise levels. The Armourcoat Acoustic Plaster System offers a clean and smooth mineral surface that can be applied seamlessly over large expanses to both flat and curved surfaces. The correct control of sound can create a calmer and more pleasant environment.

Comprising of a special mineral wool composite panel that is bonded onto the substrate and finished with a seamless layer, the Armourcoat Acoustic Plaster System offers an elegant marble based plaster finish while allowing sound energy to pass through the surface. The zero VOC system, which consists of 80% recycled material, achieves class ‘0’ fire rating and a class ‘A’ Noise Reduction Coefficient rating.

An array of global projects for an impressive list of international blue chip clients in the residential, hospitality and boutique retail sectors have established Armourcoat as a leading supplier of high quality surface finishes. Armourcoat products are made from natural minerals including recycled Italian marble, contain low or zero VOCs, and have the added confidence of a full 10 year guarantee.
 
 

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Lead flashing work normally requires a specialist roofer and can be hazardous to the installer if strict health and safety procedures aren’t adhered to.The price of lead can also be prohibitive for basic upstand work.

This has prompted introduction of a large number of lead-free flashings, though Klober Wakaflex® stands apart as one of the longest established and highest performing. BBA-certified and with a 20-year guarantee, it is ideal for all roofing types including clay, concrete, slate, metal and polycarbonate. Available in, light grey, anthracite, brown and terracotta (the latter two to special order), it has an aluminium ‘honeycomb‘ mesh embedded into UV-resistant butyl rubber which gives the product similar malleability to lead but with no scrap value. Unlike lead, it can be stretched by up to 50% in length and 15% in width and with no susceptibility to thermal movement it can be laid in long lengths without fixing clips. With no need for forming or other specialist tools Wakaflex provides lasting performance regardless of detailing complexity and can be shaped around deeply profiled tiles or used to seal the top saddle and roof penetrations.

Wakaflex has a high-strength, self-adhesive Butylon® backing which provides immediate weatherproofing and on laps chemically bonds to the facing to provide a virtually unbreakable seal. It is environmentally safe, presents no  contamination problem with water run-off and can therefore  be used with rainwater harvesting systems.No heat, solvents, adhesives or other additional means of fixing are needed and installation can take place in temperatures from minus 40 – 100⁰C, normally without priming.

For details of a local merchant stockist call FREE on 0800 783 3216.

http://klober.co.uk/shop/product/wakaflex

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Architects and consultants can now enjoy a freehand with air curtain design thanks to the Zen from JS Air Curtains. Fascia panels can be custom made in many different materials, screen printed to carry logos or images, and manufactured to incorporate elements such as clocks and LED displays.

Materials designers have specified on custom Zen fascias range from stainless steel, wood, PU leather, high impact polystyrene and PET, each chosen to perfectly match the architecture of the entrance. As the fascias can also be provided with vinyl graphics, fire exit signs and illuminated 3D lettering, the possibilities are limited only by the designer´s imagination.

A “visual installation service”, by JS Air Curtains, allows a designer to preview their creations with a realistic digital mock-up of the air curtain in-situ using an image of the entrance supplied by the client.

The Zen air curtain is supplied as standard with anodized aluminium fascia panels and a galvanised steel central structure finished in black forge; other RAL colours available on request. The unit can be mounted on brackets or drop rods horizontally above doorways up to 4.2m high to seal the entrance with an invisible barrier of air. This helps prevent cold air entering in the winter and cool conditioned air escaping in the summer.

The air curtain is easy to install and available in 0.5m lengths from 1 to 2.5m with the option to join units to cover very wide entrances, making it ideal for use in shops, restaurants, hotels and public buildings.

Heating can be via LPHW, electric or heat pump or alternatively the Zen is available as an air only, non-heated air curtain. Low noise, double-inlet centrifugal fans provide up to 2,700m³/h of airflow per metre of air curtain, with an option for an energy saving EC model. The discharge grille and air intake are in the same plane on the air outlets, so that the air flows through the unit in a straight line, creating a more powerful throw and a tighter seal across an entrance.

The Zen air curtain is supplied, as standard, with a manual controller with five fan speeds with three heater stages on electrically heated models. Seven metres of control cable and an infrared hand-held remote are included. The unit can also be connected to a BMS using protocol Modbus RTU.

A variety of different sensor and switch options can be combined with the Zen’s controllers, including door switches, so the unit only operates when the door is open, time switches, so the units activate during certain hours, and room thermostats, so a constant internal temperature can be maintained.

JS Air Curtains, the UK’s leading air curtain specialist, supply an extensive range of air curtains for all commercial and industrial applications.

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