Protect Membranes chosen for Passivhaus Scottish Project

A blended design of social housing apartments designed around Passivhaus principles

#constructionindustry #sustainable #architects #local authorities #contractors #developers #innovation #building technology #mmc #passivhaus #socialhousing #airtightness

Protect BarriAir and reflective VC Foil Ultra, the air and vapour control layers from Protect Membranes, have been specified and installed by specialist design and build contractors Stewart & Shields in Scotland’s first multi-storey Passivhaus building. 

Used as part of a residential conversion project at Old Carntyne Church, a semi-derelict building in Glasgow, the construction involved mixing traditional construction with new, with the church structure being restored alongside a new build extension which was built offsite.  The result was a blended design of social housing apartments designed around Passivhaus principles with the overall aim of contributing to the elimination of fuel poverty, on behalf of client Shettleston Housing Association.

The development, funded through Glasgow’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme and renamed Cunningham House has transformed the building into one of Scotland’s most
energy-efficient affordable housing developments and is the city’s largest Passivhaus development to date, designed to extremely high standards of energy efficiency and airtightness. The development won the Best Affordable Housing Development (Urban) category at the 2019 Inside Housing Development Awards with Stewart & Shields also being nominated as a finalist in the Scottish Home Awards for the project.

Working with Page Park Architects for the main project design and John Gilbert Architects to ensure the Passivhaus Standard was designed into the scheme, Stewart & Shields delivered a total of nineteen apartments. Fourteen of these were modified and conventionally built flats within the existing church structure, incorporating thirteen amenity flats and a semi-detached three bedroom home with five units being constructed within the new build timber frame five-storey tower extension which was built to full Passivhaus Standard and is independently certified by the Passive House Institute. With strict levels of airtightness levels and vapour control required in order to deliver energy efficiency on the project, Stewart & Shields turned to Protect Membranes for a solution.

 

Derek McIlreavy, Business Development and Design Manager at Stewart & Shields Ltd commented, “The specification of materials for this development was based on the need for a high quality end result to meet Passivhaus criteria.  We knew that Protect BarriAir and VC Foil Ultra would be up to the job in terms of airtightness to help us achieve the critical results needed to be independently certified.

We had to beat 0.6 ach-1 @50Pa for airtightness and our tests showed a result of 0.33 which overall gave an added value solution to our
client that helps to future proof these homes going forward.”

Protect’s BarriAir and VC Foil Ultra membranes form part of a comprehensive range of wall, ceiling and floor construction membranes alongside roofing underlays and accessories which are ideal for both traditional and offsite construction, with a portfolio to help ensure the whole building envelope and internal structure can be controlled in terms of moisture management, condensation control and thermal resistance.

For details of how Protect products can be incorporated into both residential and commercial builds, please visit the website,

www.protectmembranes.com

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£25m Spend on Blackpool project

One of England’s most iconic venues is undergoing a huge £25m rebuild

#constructionindustry #architects #localauthorities #contractors #developers #innovation #buildingtechnology #offsite #housing #drainage @polypipe

 

One of England’s most iconic venues is undergoing a huge £25m rebuild with help from Polypipe Building Services.

The Grade II Listed Blackpool Winter Gardens is set to open a new conference centre this year in what is the first major development at the site since the construction of the Opera House in 1939.

This was a challenging project – with both a refurbishment of the existing building and a new-build as part of the complex – so Polypipe Building Services, the commercial building specialists, was called in to offer expertise on a drainage solution.

Contractors McLaughlin and Harvey, and CMB Fylde Engineering needed an adaptable solution that would not reduce the available space in the two-storey, 3,890 square metre conference centre.

Polypipe Building Services provided on-site support and their high performance Terrain Fuze drainage system. The HDPE system was used in the large commercial spaces such as the halls and theatre space due to the homogenous weld giving it maximum joint integrity.

Johnathan Greenwood, Strategic Project Manager at Polypipe Building Services, said: “As well as being a very prestigious project this was also a complex one. Refurbishing a Grade II Listed building has a lot of complications to overcome.

“One of the key benefits to using Fuze at the Winter Gardens was the malleable nature of the product and the fact that it can be cut and welded into delicate positions and angles to create a bespoke system.
“The malleability allows for extra security against loss of useable space.
“Fuze gives specifiers and installers maximum flexibility in the design process with this system and, as it is light in weight, it can be installed quickly and efficiently.”
Funded by the Blackpool Regeneration project, the conference centre will have an exhibition space on first floor and a conference space with a seating capacity of 2,000 on the second floor.

It will also be possible to use the space in conjunction with the other venues throughout the Winter Gardens giving a capacity of 7,000. The venue will feature state of the art amenities necessary for hosting modern conferences and exhibitions, including the latest audio and visual technology.
Pictures courtesy of Blackpool Council.

www.polypipe.com

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BESPOKE AND VERSATILE: Sure-Rend panels

Keeping pace with the demands for faster installation

#constructionindustry #sustainable #architects #localauthorities #contractors #developers #innovation #buildingtechnology #mmc #onsiteinstallation #newconstructionproducts

 

Building construction requirements are changing and traditional methods are finding it hard to keep pace with the demands for faster installation without compromising quality and technical skills in order to deliver the necessary speed, conformity and cost.
To meet these needs without compromise Sure-Rend have developed a range of products.
Supplied in a range of finishes, Brick Slip, Render, Timber, Aluminum and Architectural Profiles can be manufactured and delivered ready for fast on-site installation.  Window bands, preformed corners and special features can all be built into the panel design at the manufacturing stage.
Timber or steel can be used in the design of the supporting framework and support rails or special adjustable fixing brackets used to mount the panels on to the frames.
Suitable for both new-build and re-fit projects the lightweight panels are designed to be hung on the structure or existing building rather than relying on extra foundations.
Sure-Rend’s quality product solutions have been successfully serving construction for some time.  The extraneous impact that the first half of 2020 has brought to bear on the sector has made the product quality and speed of turnaround that Sure-Rend can offer an even more vital component in helping designers and contractors as we enter the second half of 2020 and forge ahead with recovery.

www.sure-rend.com

 

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Offsite construction – time to shine

Post lockdown efficiency vital for all including construction

#constructionindustry #sustainable #architects #local authorities #contractors #developers #innovation #buildingtechnology #mmc #offsite #housing #qualitycontrol @greenlifebuild1

With the Covid-19 pandemic creating a backlog of new homes to be built in the UK, accelerating the building process will be key to recovery. Here Chris Williams, MD of offsite experts Green Life Buildings, discusses how offsite construction can help bridge the housing gap, why one size does not fit all – and how the Green Life Buildings system and M2 technology is being used to build modern, energy efficient, affordable and sustainable homes around the world.

As the country comes out of lockdown, becoming more efficient is vital for most industries moving forward after the effects of the last few months. The construction industry is no different.

With the UK working towards a housing target of 300,000 homes a year, and a shortfall already of 150,000, another 84,000 have stopped being built in the last four months alone due to Covid-19.

With housing targets yet to be met, offsite construction is the smart solution to bridge that gap and speed up delivery.

In terms of the construction process, offsite construction provides specifiers with programme certainty and quality through simplification of site operations, while also reducing weather dependencies. Buildings offer greater quality control, projects can be completed in half the time, and there are fewer safety concerns and risks as less time is spent on site. Offsite construction also produces less waste, a reduction in energy and buildings can be delivered with fewer vehicle visits to site, reducing the global impact.

Despite being quick to manufacture, easy to deliver, fast to construct in situ and affordable, there are challenges. Suitability depends on location while there is a negative perception of inferior quality, a lack of design flexibility and limited customisation.

But with a shortage of housing in the UK, coupled with how offsite construction has been met with improved, new design qualities and innovative thinking, it is now its time to shine.

 

 

Ready to go
The government has declared its preference for offsite construction as a model to speed up the delivery of housing and its sustainable building methods which will be pivotal if the country is to meet the zero carbon emissions 2050 target.
It also features prominently in the Construction Leadership Council’s recent Roadmap to Recovery as we ‘restart, reset and reinvent’ following the Covid-19 lockdown.
With lost time due to Covid-19, there is a need to catch up, and to do so, moving more tasks away from the building site is crucial.
How can we break down the barriers that have held up the adoption of offsite construction and accelerate the building of homes?
Firstly, we need to call on government and agencies to improve clarity on funding and make it easier to access and secure for SME’s in the offsite construction supply chain.
Secondly, we each need to reach out and work collaboratively within the supply chain to secure projects to work on now.
Thirdly, for those feeling hesitant to join offsite construction, please ask the awkward questions, challenge pre-conceptions, and consider the options in the here and now.

One size DOES NOT fit all
Many will have a rigid view when they think of offsite construction. The perception is only of modules being made in an out-of-town factory, transported by road on an artic lorry and then craned into position and joined at a building site.
But the spectrum is much broader than that. For offsite construction to be the alternative to traditional building methods, there must be a range of safe, robust, and commercially viable options to choose from as one size doesn’t fit all circumstances.
Modules made in a factory come with a large upfront spend due to size of the factory, lifting capabilities of machinery and working capital, while they are the least flexible on design due in part to the modules only able to be the size of the transport they will be moved in.
There are alternative offsite construction options to provide other solutions.
Pop-up factories on larger sites avoid the need to transport whole modules by road, meaning there is less upfront spend and adding more value to the local economy.
While frames/panels/forms can be joined on site with services installed on the building site, meaning little upfront spend, an easy way to instantly add value to each local economy, and much more design flexibility.

Providing a solution
Founded on the principles of safety, and sustainability – there are spin off benefits of cost-saving, time reduction, and adaptable to innovation within a traditional marketplace, panels produced using the EMMEDUE (M2) technology have been used to construct over 1 million buildings all over the world using offsite construction in various ways, from modules through to panels provided for the self-build market. Our building system can be applied to whole modules or hand carried in panels onto building sites with challenging access.
Our lightweight building system (using M2 technology) constructs buildings that achieve high levels of energy efficiency, and strength due to the insulating envelope incorporating a three dimensional lightweight steel lattice that combine to give a rigid core providing intermate contact between the insulation and the structural face. Finished panels of rigid or mineral wool insulation both provide more than 120 minutes of fire protection (REI120).
The versatility and adaptability of the M2 panels mean there is no design restrictions and, while simple to use in basic form, it can be dressed in a range of finishes, including bricks, timber, tiles or render as standard.

www.greenlifebuildings.co.uk

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Modular construction & project predictability

60% of construction projects are not completed on time

#constructionindustry #sustainable #architects #localauthorities #contractors #developers #innovation #buildingtechnology #mmc #modular #housing #doors&windows @EuromaxOfficial

According to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), 60 per cent of construction projects are not completed on time. Modular builds can provide faster project completion, but what are the risks and benefits of this growing construction method? Here, Nick Cowley, managing director of window and door supplier to the offsite construction industry, Euramax, explains.

Reports suggest that modular construction can deliver projects 50 per cent faster than traditional construction while maintaining the same high quality. No surprises then, that the technique is considered the next mega trend in construction.

This enhanced completion time of modular construction has become vital for building classrooms, hospital wards and other facilities that requires immediate construction. In 2019, Europe’s tallest modular building, a block of housing apartments in Croydon, South London, was completed in just 35 weeks.

 

 

Controlled environment
Modular construction refers to building projects in which 60 to 90 per cent of a build is constructed offsite. Typically, inside a factory environment.

Constructing the build elsewhere means work can start simultaneously alongside preparation of the site. Assembling modules in a factory also means there is greater quality control — unlike a site environment, faults can be resolved before the modules are fixed to the larger construction. This saves remanufacturing time and produces a more accurate build.
Manufacturing in a controlled environment also means external factors, such as weather conditions, cannot interrupt the development. As site managers in Britain will attest to, nothing presses pause on a construction project like an unexpected downpour. For time-sensitive projects, minimising this risk is essential.

Securing trustworthy relationships
While modular construction is praised for its speed, these builds require extreme technical intricacy. Measurements must be exact to ensure modules can fix together seamlessly. A measurement slightly under or over the figures specified could mean the build is flawed, slowing down project completion. Suddenly, this speedy construction option isn’t so quick.
Establishing relationships with trusted suppliers and contractors is vital to ensure project predictability. There are many unreliable and dishonest professionals that will exploit construction’s need for quick project delivery, often leaving projects in the lurch — meaning work must be extended, or even abandoned.

Working with reliable companies for assistance on modular build projects can help to ensure that deadlines are met — and the same applies to features that are installed in the modules, such as windows and doors.

Euramax has 70 years of manufacturing experience of windows and doors for modular construction projects. In fact, Euramax is supplying its windows and doors to modular home manufacturer, Ilke Homes, for the production of 2,000 of its modular homes, demonstrating Euramax’s reliability for the modular build sector.

No matter how big or small a project — from hospitals to housing — extended completion times can cause problems. However, modular construction can ensure deadlines are met. With the BIS reporting 60 per cent of construction projects are not completed on time, modular construction methods could be increasingly looked upon to change this.
While it’s not possible to predict that a project will run smoothly, choosing reputable suppliers for modular construction projects can reduce delays, ensuring efficient completion and minimise the risk of any construction hiccups.

Euramax manufactures high quality windows and doors for modular buildings, here in the UK. More information on the company’s specialist expertise in this area can be found online.

www.euramaxuk.com

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Innovation essential to navigate ‘new normal’

Reassesing design and project delivery

#constructionindustry #sustainable #architects #localauthorities #contractors #developers #innovation #buildingtechnology #mmc #newnormal #drainage  @PolypipeHome

 

 

By Adam Cafer, Polypipe Building Services.

So far 2020 is turning into a transformative year for the construction sector, in ways that no industry analyst could have predicted. There had been a concerted push from industry bodies and the boardrooms of major construction companies to ensure changes in practices were undertaken, driven by the recommendations of the Hackett Review, and in preparation for Brexit.

However the COVID-19 pandemic, which will be the defining event for 2020 and the coming years, is creating the need for construction companies, manufacturers and contractors to reassess how they design and deliver projects. With the Nightingale hospitals the shining example of how embracing digital solutions, offsite construction and increased collaboration can deliver projects efficiently in a short space of time, the construction industry has shown its ability to adapt and the opportunity more widespread adoption of these processes present.

Up until now, there have been pockets of innovation in the construction sector as companies have looked to modernise and implement digital and smart construction methods as well as explore offsite modular construction. Progress felt incremental and like it could take a generation to implement.  However, as companies have had to adapt during the pandemic, necessity became the mother of invention and there has been a dramatic increase in innovation, not only onsite but throughout the supply chain.
The first challenge the construction industry had to overcome, after making the decision whether to close sites or remain open, was the implementation of social distancing and more specifically the guidelines introduced by the Construction Leadership Council.
To support construction sites returning to work, elements within the supply chain needed to focus on service as well as the products delivered. Contractors should challenge suppliers to see how they can help reduce risk to their people and suppliers should think about how they can help contractors maintain social distancing without losing productivity.
Innovating through offsite, by removing as much of the install preparation done onsite as possible, will be one way the supply chain can offer support.
To create valuable space to assist with proximity measures, sites will need to reduce areas taken up with container loads of product and turn to the supply chain to deliver just in time.

 

Delivery times may also be restricted as work is planned with staggered starts and finishes with access procedures changing, making it important for delivery companies adapt to changes to ensure quick and easy deliveries managed by fewer people.

Furthermore, contractors will be looking to innovate where possible to allow activities to be completed by as few people as possible. Suppliers could help by reviewing installation of materials and use offsite solutions to minimise the number of people having to install on site.

Polypipe Building Services is supporting contractors returning to site through its fabrication service. Polypipe Advantage delivers offsite fabricated Terrain drainage stacks and MecFlow water supply kits just in time, floor by floor. Stillages of the lightweight material can be craned to each level and installation can be carried out by one person.
Specialist on-site teams are given access to dedicated Polypipe Advantage project managers, who co-ordinate an exact delivery schedule for the project. This means that the manufactured drainage stacks only reach site when they are required, ensuring they can be installed straight away, with no need for additional on-site storage. This provides a way to maintain project progress under stricter site safety and COVID-safe restrictions.

Every fabricated drainage stack from trusted Polypipe brand, Terrain, is manufactured under factory controlled conditions, then delivered and assembled based on the exact specifications of the project. This provides added assurance that the final system delivered will be precise for the end-purpose of the completed project.

At a moment of great complexity for the industry, the Polypipe Advantage service helps to keep it simple, and offers an established solution and system to support contractors get back to work and keep their projects on time and on track. Moving into the future, services such as Polypipe Advantage, that embrace the trends of digital transformation, and better managed use of resources will provide the foundation for the changing face of construction and the way we build infrastructure, tall buildings and new homes.

www.polypipe.com

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concrete sandwich panels for multi-storey’s

Thermally broken non-combustible concrete sandwich panels

#constructionindustry #architects #localauthorities #contractors #developers #innovation #buildingtechnology #mmc #thermlpanels #concrete #non-combustible @csm_uk_ltd

 

CSM-UK continue to research, develop and supply solutions for thermally broken precast sandwich panels using Thermomass® bespoke high-capacity connectors and non-combustible insulation.

For over 20 years, CSM-UK has supplied Thermomass® connectors and thermal insulation solutions for a wide range of building types including schools, hospitals, offices, custodial and industrial buildings. In recent years, we have seen a rise in demand for multi-storey residential projects where the requirement for enhanced U-values and non-combustible insulation materials has greatly increased insulation thicknesses. This has placed a greater demand on connector capacities especially when delivering articulated facades with deep reveals and facing materials such as brick, terracotta, natural stone and architectural concrete.

Non-combustible insulation used with the Thermomass® system typically varies in thickness from 100mm to 300mm for U-values of 0.34W/m2K to 0.12W/m2K. The two solutions available are: –

•  TROK® (European Fire Classification A1) is the solution for a cost-effective non-combustible core in concrete sandwich walls. It is a mineral wool insulation, exclusively made for CSM-UK by the UK’s leading mineral wool manufacturers for use with the Thermomass® System.
•  OAMGLAS® W+F (European Fire Classification A1) is a leader in cellular glass insulation. It is a high-performance, non-combustible, light weight, rigid and durable insulation composed of millions of completely sealed glass cells. It is the premium insulation solution for use with the Thermomass® System
With these insulation solutions, you can use Thermomass® bespoke Star connectors. These typically vary in length from 200mm to 400mm, which includes an additional 50mm each end for the embedment into the internal and external concrete layers. For even greater loads to the external layer, the large capacity X connectors can be employed.
The multi-storey residential buildings we are showcasing have different insulation thicknesses and façade aesthetics with differing brick types and architectural concrete finishes.
•  St. Martins Place, Birmingham, the main tower is 17 storeys, and will feature a total of 228 residential apartments, using Creagh Concrete Products Ltd Rapidres solution incorporating architectural concrete and brick finish sandwich panels. Creagh Concrete Products Ltd have BBA Certification for their Rapidres solution, an insulated precast concrete sandwich wall system.
•  The Lansdowne, Hagley Road, Birmingham, is an 18 storey building housing 206 modern apartments. The external walls are 410mm thick and of a ‘sandwich’ construction, with the outer 80mm thick facade consisting of a detailed buff brick design. The insulation layer sits between the inner and outer concrete faces. The facade panels have been manufactured by FP McCann Ltd along with the other crosswall elements.
•  3 St. Peters Square Manchester, is a 20 storey hotel and apart-hotel with triple punched window facade sandwich panels with a formliner finish within a crosswall construction solution manufactured off-site by FP McCann.
•  Sutton Court Road London, is a ‘build to rent’ residential development of 165 flats in a part 10, 11, 20 and 21 storey building. Creagh Concrete Products Ltd manufactured brick-faced and architectural concrete sandwich panels

 

To see additional projects, see our Twitter page at @csm_uk_ltd. We are up to 2010 in our retrospective of 21 years of CSM-UK supplied solutions.
CSM-UK offer a service providing U-value calculations and condensation risk analysis to assist in the design of sandwich panel solutions. For more information, please call +44 (0)1246 853828 or email sales@csm-uk.co.uk or visit our website for our latest brochure.

www.csm-uk.co.uk

 

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Modern methods for modern developers

Urgent need for homes, environmental impact, efficiency

#constructionindustry #sustainable #architects #localauthorities #contractors #developers #efficiency #environment #mmc #housing #watermanagement #smartmeters

 

In recent times, three major themes have emerged for developers: satisfy the urgent demand for homes, minimise environmental impact, and how best to make those homes more efficient or “smarter”.

Water Services on Tap – The business benefit of plug and play systems
Modular Construction systems are probably the only way by which the UK can achieve the necessary build program to meet demand, quality, consistency and speed of construction.  However, utility connections can often be the weak link in this improved efficiency.
Water supply is perhaps the most important item within the critical path of construction and is probably the most difficult to achieve. Imagine a situation where your services can be fully installed prior to moving on site, with surface mounted meters allowing ‘plug and play’ style installation.

With Groundbreaker water management system, you have that ‘plug and play’ option – no need to imagine. 
The only system of its type, it is designed to be installed at any time during the construction period.  Fully compliant with Water Regulations, it provides an accessible, safe and secure location for the water meter and controls to a specific property.
The concept is simple.  Water services are connected to an externally mounted, pre-installed water service control.  The pre-installation and certification of plumbing can facilitate early approval of water services to a plot.  This allows flexibility in the management and scheduling of connection to the mains supply.
There is no need for boundary boxes or meter housings in the footpath, and this simplification of the connection allows for improved efficiency and reduces the time required for highway closures.

 

 

Smarter water management:
Government initiatives, directives and plain common sense are driving the construction industry towards the smarter home where an internet speed of 1Gb/second is the standard specification. With Groundbreaker water management system, properties are future proofed to allow for easy installation of ‘Smart Water Meter’ technology as it is introduced across the UK.
Utility companies have not been slow in recognising the benefits of a ‘Smart Home’.  The ability to interrogate and manage energy usage at any given time of day or night has been recognised as an effective way for householders to reduce usage and manage costs
The reductions in energy usage have not been matched in the water industry.  The perception of the environmental impact of increased demand on water is not as widely recognised.  Indeed many, certainly in the UK, see water as a limitless resource.  Knowledge is the key to changing minds.  Trials have shown that metering reduces consumption, and ‘Smart Meters’ improve awareness of usage further.
Gas and electricity meters located on external building walls have enabled easy upgrades and any introduction to countrywide ‘Smart Meter’ programme.  However, the traditional location of a water meter in a metal-covered hole in the public highway is not conducive to this new way of thinking. A ‘Smart Water Meter’ located in such a situation is exceedingly poor in transmitting a signal even to a local pick up.
The best location for a ‘Smart Water Meter’ is on an external property wall  – co-located with other utility meters. Recent field trials of Groundbreaker have proven that the range of such meters can be over 3Km (2 miles).  The impact on data collection is massive.  The improved data transmission range could allow for single point data capture in towns the size of Norwich or Coventry.

Design out leak paths: comply with Water & Construction Industry Guidelines comply with “Water Safe” initiatives
The increasing demand on this limited resource has resulted in a focus on water network losses.  The water and construction industries have launched a joint initiative to reduce leakage from water service pipes, reduce demand and to provide a smarter platform as noted above.
Groundbreaker supports this initiative, meeting the best recommendations of Water UK and the Home Builders Federation.  The unique location of the Groundbreaker water management system allows for an unjointed water supply, minimising the risk of developing future leaks.

For further information, check the Home Builders Federation Guidance. https://phpdonline.co.uk/news/watersafe-partners-with-the-home-builders-federation-to-reduce-water-leaks-in-new-properties

www.groundbreaker.co.uk

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MASONRY FOR THE FUTURE

The design of the blocks is such that they require no mortar or adhesive

#constructionindustry #architects #localauthorities #contractors #developers #buildingtechnology #mmc #clayblocksystem #thinjointadhesive #structural @evolvedsupplys

The JUWO Evolved SmartWall™ Building System – thin joint masonry for the future

The Evolved Supplies JUWO Evolved SmartWall™ building system consists of a monolithic clay block system which gives a modern method of construction with thin joint adhesive technology.

The design of the blocks is such that they require no mortar or adhesive on the interlocking vertical joints. The fired, aerated clay blocks are manufactured to a tolerance of 1mm in height and come as a complete system that includes lintels, corner and shaped blocks, insulated mortar, adhesive and applicators.

These structural blocks have been used for many years across Europe and are suitable for load bearing and non-load bearing walls, for external & internal applications. They have full LABC approval and comply to BS EN 771-1 and carry the CE mark with an A1 fire rating, making them the ideal building system for low and high rise developments as well as for the self-builder.

SmartWall™ Benefits
• Excellent Thermal Performance.
•  Meets & Exceeds Building Regulation requirements.
• Quick Construction Time.
• Single solid wall construction.
• Modern Method of Construction
• Thin bed mortar technology
• Complete Building System.
• 85% less moisture in construction
• Completely Vapour permeable
• External Insulation to give that ‘tea cosy’ effect

Clay is possibly one of the most sustainable materials used in construction. It is a natural material that it easy to work with and provides a comfortable living environment.

SmartWall™ explained
The Smart Wall system delivers a much faster build time. The thin joint adhesive allows you to continually work without being restricted to the number of lifts in a day, on average, up to 40sqm can be achieved per person per day.

SmartWall™, being a monolithic building system, means that you have just one skin for your building structure, no cavity, therefore minimising areas for complicated detailing and areas for insulation to be missed.

 

 

With standard masonry systems, drying out can be problematic in the UK climate. The adhesive layer helps to reduce moisture in the building by over 85%, this, coupled with the faster build time, means that your building can be roofed and weathertight in a much shorter period of time.

The adhesive mortar comes as part of the SmartWall™ system & has been designed for use in temperatures from 0°C, so winter working is not a problem.

Efficiencies & Performance
The SmartWall™ building system has a superior thermal performance compared to other similar products, making it easy to achieve Building Regulation requirements without the need for additional wall insulation or increase in foundation size.

The thermal performance of SmartWall™, together with the density of the blocks, provide excellent thermal mass. Too many modern homes face the risk of summer overheating. The SmartWall™ system provides warmth in Winter and comfort in Summer. The clay will also regulate humidity levels within the home and it is recommended that a mineral plaster finish is applied directly to the blocks to maximise this performance.

Air tightness is achieved by applying a ‘parging’ coat of wet plaster to the inner face of the blocks. This is a standard method of achieving good air tightness and recommended by the Passivhaus Institute.

By applying a vapour open render finish to the external surface of the blocks, coupled with the mineral plaster inner finish, SmartWall™ provides a complete vapour open system. Thermal modelling shows that interstitial condensation will not form within the construction.

The SmartWall™ system provides a thermal bridge free method of construction without the need for complicated detailing.

Being manufactured from clay, the SmartWall™ blocks have an inherently good fire performance and have a rating of A1 reaction to fire.

The SmartWall™ System has been developed for anyone to use and Evolved Supplies can provide ‘on-site’ training, if requested.

For more information, visit the website or call 01691 707100.

www.evolvedsupplies.co.uk

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A RALLY CRY FOR CONSTRUCTION

The construction industry and our ability to Build Build Build is key to the UK’s economic recovery

 

#constructionindustry #sustainable #architects #localauthorities #contractors #developers #innovation #buildingtechnology #mmc #insulation #flat roofs #adhesives #retrofit @SFSintec

 

Innovative Fasteners & Heat Induction Technologies Enable Faster Flat Roofing Installations

The construction industry and our ability to ‘Build Build Build’ is key to the UK’s economic recovery. Martyn Holloway, Business Development Manager – Flat Roof at SFS (pictured), discusses how innovative fastening systems can lead to fast and reliable single ply flat roofing installations.

COVID-19 has put the world on pause – and the construction industry in particular has been hit hard, with 680,000 employees on furlough at one point.
Of course, the government recognises this cannot continue. The rhetoric is ‘Build Build Build’ to get the construction industry, and the UK economy, on the road to recovery. It is vital though that we can turn this rally cry into practical measures for those on the front line of construction – our contractors and installers.

Solving an age-old challenge – Speed of installation
Site productivity is one element that is more important than ever. This is needed specifically to help with offset delays following the introduction of site operating procedures as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, with autumn and winter coming, there are the more traditional delays such as extreme weather conditions to contend with.
Then there’s the challenge of the shortage of skilled labour, which has been exacerbated by a heavily furloughed workforce. This, combined with an ageing workforce, means there is a real need to train new site operatives.

Amendments to existing building regulations, guidance documents and operating procedures are adding complexity to the industry which in turn is increasing time pressure on site. Then, there’s the intricacies of installation itself that installers must deal with.

Tapered insulation challenges
One such example is ‘cut to fall’ insulation systems. Growing in popularity for new build projects, these can be particularly challenging for installers.
Also known as tapered roof insulation, the aim of this system is simply to provide drainage when the roof deck itself does not provide adequate falls. This is achieved by increasing the thickness of the insulation to provide the slope and run off for the rainwater.

However, when using a conventional mechanical fixing solution to install the insulation, there is typically a myriad of different fastener lengths needed to allow for the change in insulation thickness. In turn, this increases the complexity and time on the job for roofers.

Concrete deck challenges
If ‘cut to fall’ insulation is being secured to a concrete deck, this can also slow down installation. Using conventional flat roofing fasteners may require pilot holes up to 100mm deep in order to rationalise fastener lengths, significantly adding to the drilling time.

Adhesive system complications
One of the biggest challenges for installers is if they are using an adhesive system to secure the membrane and insulation layers. Weather conditions on the day can severely hamper progress, and the design is limited by a specified maximum wind load. Additional time is required to prime the deck and adhere each separate layer, including the Air and Vapour Control Layer (AVCL), insulation and membrane.

Adhesive systems also rely heavily on the skill of the installer to apply the correct weight of adhesive bonding agent per square metre for each of the AVCL, insulation, membrane and other layers required. If not secured correctly, the membrane will need to be reinstalled, adding unnecessary time onto the job.

Retrofit risks and difficulties
Another area where installers can hit snags is on retrofit roofing installations. Here, roofers will often face existing layers of membrane and insulation. These are typically overlaid with new membrane and insulation layers. However, using adhesive to attach these new layers and by not securing existing and aging layers, this risks potential faliure of the roof.
Additionally, new or existing cut to fall systems or existing tapered screed layers will lead to a variation in the build up at any single point. Installing traditional mechanical fastened systems therefore requires installers to use a variety of fastener lengths across the roof, adding significant time and complexity to the install.

Making Haste with Mechanical Fixings
These challenges can all be overcome with innovative mechanical fixings, which can securely fix every layer of the roof, provide reliable performance and long life warranties.
Compared with adhesive systems, mechanical fastening systems are less weather dependent, and can be used in all exposure zones. For refurbishment and new build concrete decks, pull out testing will assist in calculating the appropriate fastener design load. When used in conjunction with the project wind load calculation, the correct fixing pattern can be determined to ensure a safe and secure installation.

 

For tapered insulation challenges on concrete decks, installers can use the innovative TIA system from SFS. This height adjustable insulation fastener solution is specifically designed to self-adjust to the insulation thickness, as the fastener engages with the telescopic sleeve and the result is a considerably simplified install.
Drilling time is greatly reduced using the TIA system too, as it requires just 35mm deep pilot holes for all settings. When compared to the conventional practice of drilling up to 100mm deep pilot holes for tapered schemes on concrete decks, this typically equates to 60% less drilling.

When the heat is on, use heat induction
A final area where contractors can speed up jobs is by using heat induction welding technology, such as the patented isoweld® system from SFS, to install singly ply membranes. Since its launch, more than 15 million square metres of single ply membrane has been successfully installed.

This technique uses electric heat induction to weld the membrane to a specially coated metal stress plate located underneath. The result is an extremely secure fix without penetrating the waterproof layer.

Each plate only requires three seconds to weld, and the SFS isoweld® system is also easy to set up and calibrate. Suitable with both PIR, EPS and mineral wool insulation types, the heat induction technology can be used in conjunction with PVC, TPO and EPDM single ply membranes.

The membrane fasteners are installed in field fix patterns in comparison to the traditional lap fixing and therefore significantly fewer fasteners are required. Typically up to 50% fewer fasteners are required and the isoweld® field-fix system allows installers to use the widest membranes available which substantially reduces the extent of seam-welding required.

The TIA fastener system can be used in conjunction with isoweld® to offer a faster and more cost-efficient install for concrete decks.

A secure roof, a secure future
Embracing new innovation opportunities such as TIA and isoweld® is critical if we are to recover quickly. By incorporating new roofing technologies, site productivity increases, roofers can be more efficient, and profitability goes up.

SFS is doing all it can to help installers and contractors during these difficult times not just to secure roofs, but to secure futures as well. From the provision of office and site support, through to maintaining the supply of product from our factories, we will continue to go that extra mile and provide the industry with assistance where required, including efficiency savings through product innovation.

www.sfsintec.co.uk

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