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Saint-Gobain PAM EEZI-FIT Shows United Front In Hastings
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Iron technology solutions provider, Saint-Gobain PAM UK, has secured its first major order for its recently launched 150mm diameter Ensign EEZI-FIT range of push-fit cast iron above ground drainage systems supplied through the local Hailsham branch of one of its major distributors, Drain Center
Saint-Gobain PAM UK fought off tough competition to secure the contract to replace the sanitary soil stacks as part of a major refurbishment of four 17-storey tower blocks in Hastings, East Sussex, from main contractor United House. Each block contains 96 flats, and is owned by AmicusHorizon. United House, one of the largest specialist housing construction companies in London and the South East, has been contracted by AmicusHorizon to undertake this major £6.5 million refurbishment of the four blocks. As a resident-focused housing association, it was important for AmicusHorizon to work closely with its contractors on this flagship project to develop solutions to improve local residents’ homes and community.
Steve Madell, Regional Asset Director (Sussex) of AmicusHorizon said: “This is a ground-breaking project, whereby residents are able to remain in their homes during the replacement of soil stacks. Through careful planning with both our residents and contractors, disruption to residents has been kept to a minimum.”
Ensign EEZI-FIT was approved following extensive trials on a three-floor test stack, in which Saint-Gobain PAM UK assisted throughout to prove the effectiveness and speed of installation of these products.
John Ryan, Site Manager for United House, explained: “We selected Saint-Gobain PAM UK as Ensign EEZI-FIT provides a versatile platform for refurbishment of the tower blocks with far less complications than alternative materials. Compared with competitors, this was the best product for the job and has meant we could complete the project quickly and efficiently.
“We needed a solution which minimised the impact of the works on the residents who continued to live in their homes during the refurbishment, which had a high fire and sound rating, and which offered ease and speed of installation. There are six soil stacks in each of the four blocks, so this was a major installation with the potential for a lot of disruption for the residents, many of whom are elderly. The Saint-Gobain PAM UK solution ensured that this was minimised.”
Mike Rawlings, Marketing Manager – Soil & Drain at Saint-Gobain PAM UK, added: “One of the main issues for consideration was noise reduction in the soil stacks. A major benefit of the Ensign EEZI-FIT system is that it has excellent acoustic properties; tested to BS EN 14366, it has been proven to be the quietest drainage solution on the market, ensuring noise transference through the drainage system will be the lowest possible.
“Unlike systems that require solvents for jointing, the installation and testing of the newly-fitted EEZI-FIT stacks could be completed in one day, saving United House any ‘out of service’ charges, and could actually be fitted while residents remained in their homes.
“Ensign EEZI-FIT, which is kitemark approved to BS EN 877, was ideal for this project – it meant minimal disruption for residents as we could complete a stack in a day, during working hours. And, as EEZI-FIT has a life expectancy of 50 years, AmicusHorizon can be assured that this is a long-term solution.”
