Latest innovations and products in the building fabric section of the construction industry.

Double Award win for Sika Sarnafil projects at SPRA Awards 2019

Above image: The roofing installation of the Temple Farm development was praised for demonstrating a sustainable approach and achieving an ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM rating.

Market-leading single ply roofing manufacturer Sika Sarnafil and two of its Registered Contractors have triumphed at this year’s Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA) Awards.

The awards, which recognise best practice within the single ply roofing industry, saw Exeter-based Progressive Systems Ltd take home the Best Safe Working award for their contribution to The Dunes development, while Harlow-based Contour Roofing (Essex) Ltd came out top in the Best Sustainability category for their work on the Temple Farm Development.

Announced at SPRA’s fifth annual conference and awards ceremony, held at Heythrop Park, Oxfordshire on Thursday 13 June, this year’s awards celebrated both people and projects, with prizes taken home across six project categories.

Progressive’s single ply installation at The Dunes, a stunning new beachfront development in Perranporth, Cornwall, was praised by SPRA for the safety measures taken amidst challenging weather conditions.

Image: The Dunes project was commended for its strong commitment to workforce safety in the face of challenging weather conditions.

Progressive’s Levi Stephens, dedicated contracts manager for the project, comments on the win: “We’re over the moon to have been recognised for our strong commitment to workforce safety in this year’s SPRA Awards. Installing single ply on this job was challenging, not only due to having a large area to cover, but also due to disruption caused by the coastal climate. With strong winds and driving rain, we had to ensure our workers’ complete safety was taken into account. However, by combining a systematic and thorough coverage of each roof block, high quality products and the expertise of both our roofers and Sika Sarnafil’s technicians, the roofing installation was finished on time and within budget.”

Temple Farm Development, a huge multi-roof project that saw a 34-hectare scrapyard transformed into new national headquarters for the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Britain, also impressed at the awards. SPRA said the project was a clear winner in its category for achieving a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating upon completion and demonstrating a sustainable approach from the outset. Additional praise was given for the project’s biodiverse green roofing system, designed to boost the local flora and fauna above the Sarnafil membrane, while the contractor was also praised for ensuring the community and environment were respected during installation, which included designing work methods to minimise noise, dust and traffic.

Contour Roofing’s managing director Jonathan Woods says: “We’re delighted that our work on Temple Farm development was recognised at the SPRA Awards. Although challenging, it was a very enjoyable development to work on and we are all very proud of the finished result. Not only did the project result in outstanding sustainability credentials, but the use of Sarnafil products helped to create a durable roofing system, save on costs and secure an all-encompassing Sika Sarnafil guarantee.”

John O’Raw, Head of Sales – Single Ply Membrane at Sika, adds: “We’re thrilled to see these projects shine at the SPRA Awards. Both are a testament to the robustness and flexibility of the Sarnafil Single Ply Membrane, which is showcased by the fact that these projects won based on overcoming challenging aspects and providing excellent sustainability benefits. We are incredibly proud of both projects, not only for excelling at the SPRA Awards, but for the hard work and dedication paid by all those involved.”

For more information please call 01707 394444, or visit http://gbr.sarnafil.sika.com
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Bristol development benefits from insulation solution

A private development for contemporary urban living in Bristol is benefiting from the latest advancement in vacuum insulation technology and exceptional thermal performance with the Kingspan OPTIM-R E Roofing System.

The Old Library is an exclusive new-build featuring 36 spacious studios and apartments in the vibrant, North Bristol neighbourhood of Cotham. The classic exterior design complements the surrounding Victorian architecture, whilst the contemporary interior provides stylishly finished living spaces. Autograph Homes, the developer, designed the building in line with their commitment to building with ‘imagination and intelligence’, combining exciting architectural features with the latest smart and sustainable technologies.

The building includes several small roof-top balconies, which are above heated spaces and offer an extension to the living areas. Installers at Youngs Roofing noted that “the need to retain low threshold heights whilst meeting the demanding U-value of 0.14 W/m2.K provided a challenge” for this project. The Kingspan OPTIM-R E Roofing System offered the perfect solution.

Kingspan OPTIM-R E comprises a vacuum insulation panel, Kingspan OPTIM-R, completely encased within a high performance PIR insulation board. With an ultra-slim 80 mm thick design, it delivers an outstanding thermal conductivity of 0.009 W/m.K.

The encasing PIR insulation board provides complete protection for the vacuum insulation panel, allowing fast installation. Utilising Kingspan OPTIM-R flex infill strips, of the same thickness, enabled installers to easily infill awkward spaces and accommodate penetrations through the insulation layer.

Kingspan Insulation provided detailed information regarding the fitting of the Kingspan OPTIM-R E Roofing System, ensuring the ratio of Kingspan OPTIM-R E panels to OPTIM-R flex infill strips was optimised. This ensured that the U-value requirements were met with a minimal construction depth, without compromising on aesthetic design.

Image credit: Michael Whitestone

For more information, please contact:
Tel: +44 (0) 1544 387 384
Fax: +44 (0) 1544 387 484
E.mail: info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk
Website: www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk/optim-r
www.twitter.com/KingspanIns_UK
www.linkedin.com/company/kingspan-insulation-uk
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Sika Sarnafil helps realise Architect’s stunning ‘tree canopy’ roof design on new college sports facility

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An inspiring new sports facility, featuring a striking Sika Sarnafil single ply membrane roof, has just been completed at St. George’s Weybridge, a Roman Catholic co-educational nursery, private day school and 6th form college in Surrey.

The exciting new architectural development has been built as part of the establishment’s 150th anniversary celebrations and includes a premiership level hockey pitch and six-court sports hall, as well as a strength and conditioning suite, dance studio and flexible multi-use areas.

Transforming the existing, functionally simple sports hall, this now beautifully designed facility has a tree canopy-like roof structure draping over the building’s internal spaces.

Designed by global architectural practice Scott Brownrigg, the roof needed to achieve 30m clear spans across the main hall and the design needed to be clever and sensitive to the fact that the site’s location sits within the green belt. It also required a flexible and durable waterproofing solution to ensure the building leaves a lasting legacy for future generations of Georgians.

Felicity Meares, Architect at Scott Brownrigg, comments on how they approached the design and specification: “We designed a bespoke freeform glulam roof that curves in multiple directions. Computer modelling software allowed us to create and control this complex roof form in virtual reality, pushing and pulling it to blend into the landscape.

“In need of a roofing product elegant and pliable enough to accommodate the complex design, lightweight enough to minimise the impact on the roof’s structure and cost effective enough to cover such a large area, Sarnafil G410-ELF lead grey single ply membrane was specified, along with Sarnavap 5000, 120m SarnaTherm G insultation board and Sika SolarMount-1. Sarnafil adhered décor profiles were also built, allowing rainfall to be interrupted and guided across the roof.”

Sarnafil worked closely with the architects and contractors to develop a specification that not only had the correct U-value, but was also compatible with the Cross Laminated Timber roof build-up and ancillary roof mounted systems used, such as Photovoltaics, Latchways, a built-in gutter and upstands for roof openings.

Roofing contractor Malone Roofing was tasked with realising the architect’s roof design. With both Malone and Scott Brownrigg having specified Sarnafil in the past, the entire team were confident that Sarnafil single ply was the right fit for this unique roof form.

Paul Hughes, Managing Director at Malone Roofing, oversaw the project. He comments on the project: “We started work on the roof in October 2018 and spent a combined total of 12 weeks on the project. Despite being faced with a particularly rainy period and a challenging design, with curves sloping up to 30 degrees in some areas, we were able to complete the roof on time and to budget.”

The architect’s vision was to create a contemporary building that would inspire students to achieve their very best. Thanks to an exceptional design, impeccable installation and Sika Sarnafil’s robust guarantees, the team have been able to achieve just that, while also ensuring this timeless design will be protected and enjoyed for years to come.

For more information on Sika’s products and services call 01707 394444, email sarnafilroofing@uk.sika.com or visit gbr.sika.com
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James Hardie launches HardieWindbreaker™ sheathing board

James Hardie has today launched the latest in a series of planned product innovations; the HardieWindbreaker™ sheathing board.

Adam Botterill, country manager for James Hardie UK, comments: “As a world leading materials manufacturer, we believe in developing products that will give specifiers and contractors maximum design flexibility.”

“Reducing site time is a key innovation driver in the industry at present, and consequently, we have seen a sharp increase in the application of lightweight steel framing systems, together with a steady decrease in the use of blockwork. For us, offering an engineered sheathing board is a key part of our product offering to accommodate emerging market trends.”

“Both commercial and residential design styles are changing; architects want flexibility to design using mixed materials and oblique angles, and developers want a quicker, easier installation that will achieve the end result on time, to budget, and with minimal disruption to surrounding communities.”

“The use of lightweight construction with complementary sheathing boards allows for the development of lighter, more sustainable buildings that can be delivered at speed, without the need for wet trades or specialised labour that is in short supply.”

HardieWindbreaker™ sheathing boards can be used to quickly weather-proof a building during the construction phase, allowing interior trades to commence work faster and boost productivity on site. With an engineered fibre cement core encapsulated in a robust, water repellent sealer, the boards will not warp or shrink when exposed to adverse climates, and offer a guaranteed 12 months exposure during construction. The boards are lightweight, easy to cut flexible to handle and can be fixed using either screws, staples or nails.

HardieWindbreaker boards are A2 non-combustible, offering 60 minutes fire protection in compliance with current Building Regulations Approved Document B (fire safety).

Designed and tested across both the US and European research and development facilities at James Hardie, materials scientists have ensured the final product delivers superior weather tightness and enhanced performance in extra high wind zones, offering wind resistance up to 5800 UFL (approx. 350 miles per hour)*. The product comes with a 15 year manufacturers’ warranty.

*Mechanical fixing to SFS frames

For further information please visit www.jameshardie.co.uk
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The Dunes’ Sika Sarnafil clad roof shines in Roofing Awards’ Single Ply category

Market-leading single ply roofing manufacturer Sika Sarnafil and leading South West roofing contractor Progressive Systems Ltd are celebrating following a win at the Roofing Awards 2019.

The roof of the Dunes – a stunning new beachfront development in Perranporth, Cornwall – came out on top in the Single Ply Roofing category, which was sponsored by EJOT UK.

Hosted by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), TV host Sarah Beeny announced winners at a ceremony on 10 May 2019 at the InterContinental London – The O2.

Sika Sarnafil

The awards celebrate the very best in the industry across all roofing disciplines, recognising outstanding workmanship, problem solving, environmental qualities and contribution to the built environment.

Progressive’s impressive work on The Dunes, which was completed in August 2018, secured their place as one of 13 category winners.

The Dunes project also triumphed at the annual RICS Awards 2019: South West, supported by headline sponsor Sika. Coming out top in the Residential Property category, winners were announced at a ceremony on 22 May 2019 at Bristol Marriott Hotel. The development was labelled exceptional by judges, who were impressed by the project’s innovative design, high quality construction and consideration for sustainability.

Working on a site just 10 short metres from the beach, Progressive was tasked with installing a long-lasting roofing system robust enough to withstand the South coast’s often extreme wind and rain, while matching the luxury aesthetic of the build.

Having suggested Sika Sarnafil’s single ply membrane to the architect Stride Treglown, the team worked closely with Sika Sarnafil and the main contractor Acorn Blue to ensure a high-quality and cost-effective finish.

Wind uplift calculations were provided by Sika Sarnafil to the contractors, which suggested the product be mechanically fixed to ensure the roof was able to resist the formidable weather. With a combination of Sarnafil’s S327 18 EL Lead Grey single ply membrane, plus Sarnavap vapour control and SarnaTherm insulation, the outcome was a robust roof that met the requirements of the project.

The skilled workmanship and clever design saw the roof secure a 20-year guarantee, which covered all Sika Sarnafil products used in the installation.

Progressive’s Levi Stephens, dedicated contracts manager for the project, comments on the Roofing Awards win: “One of the most prominent design features on the roof were Sarnafil Decor Profiles, which were used on the steeper pitched roofs and the beach houses in order to mimic a standing seam roof. These were a challenge to execute both in terms of the roof being pitched and the windy coastal conditions. However, having used Sika Sarnafil single ply many times before, we were confident in the product specified and are over the moon to see the end result recognised with such a prestigious award.”

Alistair Speirs, Area Technical Manager at Sika, added: “We’re thrilled to see this build excel in the Roofing Awards’ Single Ply Roofing category. The Dunes was a 14-month project challenged with unforgiving coastal weather and high expectations in terms of quality workmanship. However, the combination of Sika products along with the expertise of both the contractors and our technicians involved in the installation resulted in a stunning finish that will keep the residents of The Dunes warm and dry for many years to come.”

For more information on Sika’s products and services call 01707 394444, email sarnafilroofing@uk.sika.com or visit gbr.sika.com
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Maryhill Health Centre: A brand new beacon of health by Metal Technology

Maryhill Health Centre is a shining example of a state-of-the-art regeneration project built to showcase the latest technology and healthcare provision in a way that is inspiring and inviting to the public. The project brings together an impressive suite of solutions from architectural aluminium systems’ company, Metal Technology.

The building was designed to replace the old health centre as part of the city of Glasgow’s wider regeneration plan for Maryhill. The new centre incorporates GP Practices, physiotherapy, podiatry, community dental services, district nursing, health visitors, community mental health services, youth health service and health improvement teams.

With a project value of approx. £12.4m, the Health Centre features a combination of Metal Technology’s System 17 SP and System 17 Capped curtain walling systems alongside a combination of System 5-35 Hi Tilt & Turn windows, System 5-20D doors and distinctive LV023 louvres.

The impressive full height atria, creates views to waiting areas and reception points across multiple floors which assists with way-finding in the centre. Additionally, the sky-facing windows flood the building with natural light, inducing a sense of calm within the space.

Metal Technology was selected for this project due to its ability to provide proprietary barrier load tested external grilles as an integrated solution onto capped / flush silicone pointed curtain walling within tight budget constraints. This fenestration configuration maximised the potential natural ventilation provision whilst using the minimal number of window openings – making the solution financially economic yet technically robust.

Jackie Kerr, Head of Operations, North West Locality, Glasgow Health & Social Care Partnership, said: “The new Health and Care Centre is a state of the art building, giving increased capacity and more services to local residents of Maryhill in a welcoming modern environment.”

All Metal Technology systems are designed to perform seamlessly together to deliver the desired aesthetic and performance standards. Used individually or together, they offer complete design flexibility for creative aesthetics with the assurance of value engineered structural, weather and security performance.

For more information visit www.metaltechnology.com
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SMARTPLY ULTIMA: The new standard for OSB

SMARTPLY ULTIMA is the next generation OSB4 panel launching 24th April 2019, from innovative timber panel manufacturer, MEDITE SMARTPLY.

Created with zero-added formaldehyde, as is standard across the range, SMARTPLY ULTIMA is the strongest most moisture resistant OSB4 panel ever produced by the company.

Ideal for use in the most demanding structural applications, SMARTPLY ULTIMA is perfect for offsite manufacturing and construction.

“SMARTPLY ULTIMA will define the new standard of OSB. Here we have the strongest, most moisture resistant panel when compared to alternate OSB solutions. Add that to our zero-added formaldehyde promise that we deliver across the SMARTPLY range and we believe it’s a real winner,” says Colin Wheatley, Product Manager at MEDITE SMARTPLY.

At a time where modern methods of construction demand ever stronger, more efficient, sustainable products, new panel technologies have a big part to play.

“The demand for scalable offsite construction is greater than ever. With new offsite factories emerging across the country, we wanted to deliver a panel that could meet the scale and structural demands required.

“SMARTPLY ULTIMA is the ultimate partner for offsite construction and applications where strength and moisture resistance are paramount.”

With a finish like no other OSB, SMARTPLY ULTIMA is made using precision strand orientation and continuous pressing technology, resulting in a smooth consistent finish.

SMARTPLY ULTIMA is available in large panel formats up to 2.8m wide by 7.5m long and to a maximum thickness of 40mm.

Download a full datasheet and request a free sample here: https://mdfosb.com/en/smartply/products/smartply-ultima
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An education in energy efficiency with Kingspan Kooltherm

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The Pines Primary School in Red Lodge has been constructed to provide a flexible, adaptable and sustainable space for education, with the help of Kingspan Kooltherm K15 Rainscreen Board.

The purpose-built structure, designed by Concertus Design & Property Consultants, has been carefully planned to meet today’s educational demands, cope with changes in the future and reduce the environmental impact of the school. The new building has been constructed by contractors, Morgan Sindall Construction, and offers specialist classrooms, practical areas and administration facilities, with the flexibility for growth as the school’s pupil intake increases. To ensure the new building achieved a premium level of thermal performance, 1600 m2 of Kingspan Kooltherm K15 Rainscreen Board was installed in a 50 mm thickness, helping to create a more comfortable learning environment, which can inspire and stimulate.

All new school developments in Suffolk require adoption of a sustainable building approach and, to this end, building materials were carefully chosen to both meet the design requirements and ensure maximum efficiency for the building’s life cycle. The school was designed to target a wall U-value of 0.19 W/m.2K, meeting best practice requirements. Concertus Design & Property Consultants commented:

“Sustainability needed to be considered early in the design so best practice could be embraced before, during and beyond the construction phases to reduce the immediate and long-term environmental impact of the new school.”

Utilising Kingspan Kooltherm K15 Rainscreen Board within the façade system allowed flexibility in the design process, as it is suitable for use behind a range of cladding options, including the timber façades chosen for the school, whilst maintaining the high levels of insulation required for the project.

The Kingspan Kooltherm K15 Rainscreen Board features a fibre-free rigid thermoset phenolic core and offers thermal conductivities as low as 0.020 W/m·K. This allowed the U-value to be met with a slim external wall construction.

In addition, all Kooltherm, Therma and KoolDuct insulation products and cavity closers manufactured at Kingspan Insulation’s facilities in Pembridge and Selby are certified to BES 6001 (Framework Standard for the Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products) ‘Excellent’. They are also manufactured with a blowing agent that has zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and low Global Warming Potential (GWP).

Photography courtesy of Morgan Sindall Construction

For further information, please contact:
Tel: +44 (0) 1544 387 384
Fax: +44 (0) 1544 387 484
Email: info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk
Website: www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk
www.twitter.com/KingspanIns_UK
www.linkedin.com/company/kingspan-insulation-uk
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Daylighting fit for Kings

Recent redevelopment of the food court at Kings Mall Shopping centre, on a five-acre site in London’s Hammersmith area, exposed up some interesting and complex challenges.

As part of the ongoing development, the new residential apartments above the shopping centre were being adversely affected by light pollution and lack of privacy from visitors looking through the food court atrium.

To solve this problem, owners and developers Schroders decided to install Kalwall translucent cladding around the whole of the atrium. This screened the external courtyard above, thereby mitigating the issues around privacy, while maintaining the maximum levels of interior daylight.

Installed in a Verti-Kal pattern, the Kalwall panels complement the industrial feel of the redevelopment and its hard concrete and stone surfaces, while providing several benefits for shoppers and residents alike.

This project perfectly illustrates the advantages of Kalwall over traditional glazing. Here it offers complete line-of-sight protection, maintaining privacy for the residents and controlling light pollution, while bathing the interior with diffused daylighting, regardless of the weather. The panels are lightweight but very durable with excellent resistance to impact and scratching. They are also vandal resistant with good protection against windborne debris.

In addition, Kalwall’s insulating properties mean that U-values down to 0.28 can be achieved while daylight is driven deeper into the interior space below, thereby reducing energy costs for both artificial lighting and temperature control.

The exterior face is colour stable and includes a UV resistant, self-cleaning surface. This means that normal rainfall helps to keep the surface free of dust and dirt while at the same time retaining the original colour during the weathering process. All this helps to reduce the costs of maintenance and cleaning.

Case studies and technical information are available from Structura UK Ltd on Tel: 01233 501 504 or by visiting www.structura-uk.com/kalwall

 

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Passivhaus Estate constructed with Kingspan TEK

The Kingspan TEK Building System is providing a precise offsite building solution for one of the country’s largest Passivhaus developments in Bowthorpe, Norwich.

Rayne Park is the first development by Norwich Regeneration Company, wholly owned by Norwich City Council, and will include a mixture of private and affordable housing. RG Carter are constructing 112 of the 172 properties on the development to the Passivhaus Standard. The internationally renowned energy efficiency standard requires buildings to be both highly insulated and airtight.

After reviewing the market offering to achieve the demanding fabric requirements of the Passivhaus Standard, it was concluded that the Kingspan TEK Building System was the best solution for the project on the basis of technical specification and value offered.

Kingspan TEK structural insulated panels (SIPs) feature a high-performance insulation core sandwiched between two layers of OSB/3. The panels were fabricated to the site’s requirements by Kingspan TEK Delivery Partner, Kingspan Timber Solutions. This offsite fabrication process allowed the panels to be factory cut to the specific design requirements, minimising waste and allowing an accurate, fast-track erection process on site.

Kingspan TEK Building System panels can achieve U-values of 0.20 – 0.17 W/m2.K, or better ‘out of the box’. With the addition of an additional layer of insulation, the site team were able to further improve the thermal performance of the external walls – achieving a final external wall U-value as low as 0.09 W/m2.K.

The panels’ proprietary jointing system not only allows continuity of insulation at junctions but, in combination with the OSB/3 facings, also helps to create highly airtight buildings. Once the outer shell was erected, RG Carter installed an additional internal membrane and applied airtight tape to all joints, resulting in a final air leakage rate of from 0.37 to 0.56 air changes per hour @ 50 Pa. This highly airtight design necessitates the use of a mechanical ventilation heat recovery system (MVHR) to maintain a constant supply of fresh air within the properties. MVHR units use the heat from outgoing stale air to warm incoming fresh air, further reducing the property’s heating demand and creating a fresh and comfortable indoor environment.

It is expected that the properties will have a heating demand of just 11 kWh/m2a and a primary energy requirement pf 77 kWh/m2a. This heating demand is around 10% of that of an average home (estimated to be 140 kWh/m2/yr ), making them both cheap to run and comfortable to live in.

For further information, please contact:
Tel: +44 (0) 1544 387 384
Fax: +44 (0) 1544 387 484
E.mail: literature@kingspantek.co.uk
Website: www.kingspantek.co.uk
www.twitter.com/KingspanIns_UK
www.linkedin.com/company/kingspan-insulation-uk
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