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Introducing the HL-109: Advanced High-Limit and Frost Protection Thermostat from Whisper Controls

Whisper Controls is excited to announce the launch of our innovative HL-109 digital pipe thermostat, designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of heating systems. 

Backed by our market-leading five-year warranty from the installation date, the HL-109 acts as a fail-safe mechanism to monitor and control the heating system’s temperature, preventing it from exceeding predetermined limits. If there is any anomaly or potential overheating, the HL-109 interrupts the power supply, safeguarding the heating system.

Jon Arntsen, Managing Director of Whisper Controls, said: “At Whisper Controls, we are passionate about delivering straightforward smart living for our customers. The HL-109 reflects that with its user-friendly design and versatility. Thanks to its pump exercise function, it can prevent underfloor heating circulating pumps from seizing during the off-season and particularly protects underfloor heating systems from heat sources that could cause over-temperature failures or high-temperature cycles. This makes it ideal for projects with delicate floor finishes or systems without temperature managing capability in the underfloor heating manifold.”

The HL-109 is the perfect solution for residential and commercial heating systems, offering peace of mind and enhanced protection. For more information, please contact our expert team at 01993 640073.

Key Features of the HL-109:

Low Limit / Frost Protection: The HL-109 provides reliable frost protection by driving a pump, heat demand, or trace heating system to prevent freezing. This ensures that your heating system remains functional even in the coldest conditions.

Pump Protection: To prevent pump seizing, the HL-109 includes a pump exercise function that activates the pump for 5 seconds every 5 days. This feature is particularly useful in low-demand scenarios and significantly extends the pump’s lifespan.

User-Friendly Design: The HL-109 features simple power, up, and down buttons, along with a clear digital display. This allows for quick, accurate setup and easy system checks without additional testing equipment.

At Whisper Controls, we develop and supply the next generation of electrical controls for domestic and multi-residential heating systems. We are a straightforward, innovative controls supplier delivering expert customer support and high-quality smart living.

www.whispercontrols.com 

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Domus Ventilation MVHR features in new SME Energy Centre

Domus Ventilation is proud to be a participant in the newly opened SME Energy Centre in Surrey. , where it has provided an HRXE-HERA Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) unit for display., along with wall mounted graphics for the informative showroom explaining the benefits of this ventilation technology.

With a prime location of Banstead High Street in Surrey, the SME Energy Centre offers a welcoming environment where visitors can explore and discuss various energy-efficient technologies, and make informed decisions for their homes or businesses.  Collaborating with local architects and councils, The SME Energy Centre is committed to educating clients, schools, and the general public on the benefits of renewable energy and green technologies.

For those unable to visit the SME Energy Centre in person, a virtual tour is available online at www.energy-centre.co.uk featuring the same audio and text descriptions for all the products on display.  This includes a Domus Ventilation video explaining how an MVHR system works.

Commenting on the SME Energy Centre launch, which took place on 31st May Domus Ventilation Contractor Sales Manager Joe Ash said “A lot of hard work has gone into this project and the result is excellent.  At the opening day it was great to be able to meet with other key suppliers, locals, and local politicians and explain the benefits of MVHR and the Domus product range.”

The Domus Ventilation HRXE-HERA on display at the SME Energy Centre is a high performance MVHR that combines supply and extract ventilation in one system.  It efficiently recovers the heat typically lost in waste, stale air and uses it to temper the fresh air drawn into the building via a heat exchanger.  The filtered, pre-warmed air is distributed to areas of the home such as living rooms and bedrooms, effectively meeting part of the heating load in energy efficient dwellings. 

Suited to use in smaller properties of up to two/three bedrooms, HRXE-HERA is an energy efficient MVHR unit, thanks to its advanced heat exchange proficiency and the low Specific Fan Power (SFP).  It comes with a 100% thermal (summer) bypass feature which automatically activates when the air temperature reaches a pre-set level, allowing in cooler, fresh, filtered air without warming it through the heat exchanger. For optimal ventilation performance, a further model is available with integral humidity sensors, automatically changing the extract speed from background to boost as the level of humidity increases.

The HRXE-HERA is part of the HRXE MVHR range which includes HRXE-Aura and HRXE-Zeus, covering all property sizes.

Domus Ventilation has a well-deserved reputation for quality, supported by excellent technical support, from a market leading manufacturer and designer.  It is well placed to offer immediate, practical solutions to Building Regulations Parts F & L.  For further information on the Domus Ventilation HRXE range of MVHR appliances, please contact vent.info@domusventilation.co.uk or visit domusventilation.co.uk

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Housing targets increased to get Britain building again

An overhaul of the planning system has been announced as government sets out tough decisions necessary to fix the foundations and grow the economy.

All councils in England are to be given new, mandatory housing targets to pave the way to deliver 1.5 million more homes – tackling the most acute housing crisis in living memory.

The new targets will mean councils must boost housebuilding in areas most in need, helping more people buy their own homes, removing the largest barriers to economic growth, and getting Britain building again.

The new rules set out today will reverse the decision last year to water down housing targets, by making them explicitly advisory, at a time when planning permissions were at a record low. The new approach reflects the level of ambition necessary to tackle the housing crisis and meet the government’s commitment to 1.5 million homes.

Supporting the government’s number one mission to grow the economy across the country, these new targets will flow into the development of local plans. It is through local plans that communities have a say in the building of the homes and infrastructure we need.

Currently just a third of councils have a plan that is under five years old, which is why government will take the tough decisions and step in where needed to drive progress, ensuring local areas get a say on how, but not if, homes are built.

The Deputy Prime Minister has written to every council Leader and Chief Executive in England to make clear that there is “not just a professional responsibility but a moral obligation to see more homes built”, and that she will not hesitate to use her powers of intervention should it be necessary – including taking over an authority’s plan making directly.

Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner said: “Our decisive reforms to the planning system correct the errors of the past and set us on our way to tackling the housing crisis, delivering 1.5 million homes for those who really need them.

“And something I am personally proud of, our new flexibilities for councils will boost the number of social and affordable homes, and give working families a better route to a secure home.”

In addition to restoring mandatory housing targets, the method used to calculate them, which relied on decade old data, will be updated. The new method will require councils to ensure homes are built in the right places and development is proportionate to the size of existing communities, while adding an extra level of ambition in the most unaffordable areas.

The first port of call for development will be brownfield land. Reforms announced today will make explicit that the default answer to brownfield development should be “yes” and promote homebuilding at greater densities in urban centers, like towns and cities.

To help deliver 1.5 million homes over the next five years, councils will have to review their green belt land if needed to meet their own target, identifying and prioritising ‘grey belt’ land, which the government has today set out a definition for. This includes land on the edge of existing settlements or roads, as well as old petrol stations and car parks.

The update will make clear the requirement for councils to consider the proximity of new homes to existing transport infrastructure.

Where local authorities do not have up-to-date plans in place or enable sufficient housing to come forward to meet local targets, homebuilders can bring forward proposals on grey belt land. In all cases, land that is safeguarded for environmental reasons will continue to be protected.

Land released in the Green Belt will be subject to the government’s ‘golden rules’, which make clear that development should deliver 50% affordable homes, increase access to green spaces and put the necessary infrastructure is in place, such as schools and GP surgeries.

Alongside building the housing that we need, the government is committed to making it easier to build key infrastructure such as laboratories, gigafactories and data centres, as well as making changes to deliver more large onshore wind projects and solar development across the country.

In addition to these reforms to the planning system, the government is also taking steps to deliver quality affordable and social housing, working to reverse the continued decline in the number of social rent homes. This includes changes to Right to Buy, giving councils flexibility to use their receipts to build and buy more social homes. The government has started its review of the increased discounts introduced in 2012, with changes to be implemented in the Autumn.

The Deputy Prime Minister has also confirmed that details of future government investment in social and affordable housing will be brought forward at the next spending review, so social housing providers can plan for the future and help deliver the biggest increase in affordable housebuilding in a generation.

Responding to calls from the sector, the government has also confirmed that at the next fiscal event it will provide councils and housing associations with the rent stability they need to be able to borrow and invest in new and existing homes – while ensuring that there are appropriate protections for both existing and future social housing tenants.

Source: GOV.UK

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Interpon powder coatings help Hydro Building Systems Spain construct a new future in sustainability 

 

Hydro Building Systems Spain, a global manufacturer of aluminum profile systems, is extending its 20-year partnership with AkzoNobel and using the innovative Interpon Anodic range to give architects and designers more choice and flexibility than ‘traditional’ anodizing, with reduced environmental implications and cost.

 

As an Interpon Approved Applicator for many years, Hydro Building Systems Spain was already familiar with the support Interpon provides to its global operations. Now it was looking for further support to move away from anodizing, both because it had to be outsourced and because of its harmful effect on the environment.

 

Arantxa Oritz Barredo, Hydro Building Systems Spain Purchasing and Powder Management, says that with the Interpon Anodic range, Hydro can create the appearance of an anodized finish, but in a powder coating, and produce it in-house:

“The metallic effect finishes we are capable of creating are superb, and very well-received by our customers,” she says. “The quality of finish is further guaranteed by industry-leading warranties, and Interpon’s accreditation to Qualicoat Class I and II.”

 

Hydro is respected for its pioneering work in sustainability and started working with AkzoNobel after building a new manufacturing site in Spain at the start of the new millennium. Today it offers a choice of more than 175 different Interpon powder coatings in a range of colors and finishes. The Interpon D team works closely with Hydro Building Systems Spain to ensure its finishes are always on trend, enabling the client to build its own library of additional, bespoke colors from which its customers can choose.

 

As well as multiple colors, Hydro Building Systems Spain also offers powder coatings with imaginative textures and finishes and different levels of durability. This is important to protect surfaces from some of the more challenging climates to which Hydro Building Systems Spain’s products may be exposed, ensuring their color integrity and performance is maintained for many years to come.

 

Sanal Limoncuoglu, Regional Commercial Director for SEEMEA, says that proximity to the customer is important:

“Hydro Building Systems Spain benefits from AkzoNobel’s local manufacturing presence and knows that the quality of the Interpon powder coatings it uses is consistent everywhere. It is this consistency, and our global warranty system, that supports Hydro Building Systems Spain in winning projects all over the world. Their team can also reach out at any time for technical support or expert advice from our own team and across multiple departments, from quality to customer service.”

 

Arantxa is similarly delighted with how the partnership is evolving:

“When you’ve built a global reputation for the quality of your aluminum profile systems, and are committed to sustainability, you seek partners with similar ideals, and a shared ambition of continuous improvement. AkzoNobel shares our passion for innovation; the more Interpon innovates, the greater the innovation we can take to our customers,” she concludes.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE WEBSITE

 

 

 

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Housebuilding leads way in construction upswing

Construction output and notably housebuilding figures show encouraging growth, according to the latest data from the ONS.

Monthly construction output is estimated to have grown by 1.9% in volume terms in May 2024; this follows a fall of 1.1% in April 2024.

The main contributors to the monthly increase were a 2.8% increase in total new housing, with both private and public new housing increasing on the month.

Commenting on the latest numbers Beard Construction finance director Fraser Johns said: “Although more recent PMI data shows just how volatile the sector is, the news that both private and public new housing is leading this charge will be welcome to the many that rely on this sector. It is a real example of the resilience we continue to see from firms across UK construction.”

He added: “Until we see output and new orders increasing consistently month-on-month, we shouldn’t take anything for granted though. With the election now settled, the hope is we can all pick back up and continue to build momentum during the second half of the year. As we see borrowing conditions improve, with a potential base rate cut in the near future, this will certainly enable more clients to push ahead with plans.

Q New Homes director Michael Wynne echoed the positive sentiment: “Construction has gone from zero to hero in the space of just one month, moving from the being the weakest to the strongest sector of the economy in May.

“The jump in output can only be partly explained by the contrast between May’s good weather – which was officially the warmest on record – and the rain-soaked April, which delayed work on many building sites.”

He added: “Levels of new housebuilding spiked by 2.8% during the month, and while this is very welcome it’s worth remembering that this figure is flattered by comparison to the low levels seen during the first part of the year.”

He added: “A better test of the market’s health will come over the coming month, as housebuilders digest the reforms announced by the incoming Government and we anxiously await the Bank of England’s next interest rate decision at the start of August.

“The start of an interest rate cut cycle should unleash a surge of pent-up demand from both developers and homebuyers – which will determine whether today’s positive data is a blip or a bounce-back.”

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UK construction industry optimistic about AI

More than three-quarters (76%) of senior industry decision-makers at large UK firms have high expectations for the use of AI in construction
New research commissioned by IFS found that more than two-thirds (68%) of construction decision-makers think their industry is adopting AI at a faster rate than others.

The findings highlight the increasing optimism of the sector about the potential of AI.

31% of the survey sample indicate that executives and board members have high expectations for AI’s ability to enhance market knowledge.

AI will also boost product or service innovation and create consistent growth opportunities, according to 29% of the survey respondents.

While 76% of leaders report a high level of readiness for AI adoption in construction, concerns persist about the quality of AI resources, especially human skills.

Over a third (36%) rate their team’s AI skills as merely passable, highlighting a gap between AI aspirations and current capabilities.

Equally concerning, more than a quarter (27%) indicate that upskilling is not a priority.

The report found that 36% of firms have developed clear strategies and are seeing tangible results from their AI initiatives. This demonstrates the benefits of a well-planned approach.

Another 31% are in the process of gathering proposals for pilot projects, highlighting a proactive stance towards exploring AI applications.

The remaining 31% are still in the research phase, indicating a cautious yet determined effort to understand the potential of AI in the construction industry.

Despite concerted efforts, almost two-thirds (64%) of respondents believe it will take one to three years for AI to make a significant impact on their organisations.

42% of respondents indicated that their legacy-based technology landscape is hindering their progress in adopting and deploying AI.

Additionally, 41% expressed uncertainty about potential AI use cases within their business, underscoring the need for a clearer strategic direction.

Kenny Ingram, VP of construction and engineering at IFS, said: “While the enthusiasm for AI in the UK construction sector is clear, our research shows that there are significant challenges to overcome. The legacy technology landscape and the need for upskilling are potential obstacles.

“However, with a strategic approach and investment in the right resources, these barriers can be addressed effectively.”

 

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Latest statistics show drop in construction output

According to new data published on 12 June by the Office of National Statistics, construction output fell dramatically in April, which marked the third consecutive monthly fall since a small uplift was recorded in January.

The 1.4% contraction in activity was caused by decreases in both new work (- 1.9%), and repair and maintenance (-0.8%).

The survey returns suggested heavy rainfall and strong winds dampened activity during April.

The latest figures will be a blow to the Government, which on 11 June laid out its Manifesto plan to boost house building with stamp duty cuts and reinstatement of help to buy for first-time buyers.

At the sector level, seven out of the nine sectors saw a fall in April. The main contributors to the monthly decrease were private housing new work, and private housing repair and maintenance, which fell by 4.4% and 2.5%, respectively.

In the three months to April, the industry has seen construction output fall 2.2%, mainly due to a 2.8% fall in new work brought on by project delays.

Clive Docwra, managing director of property and construction consultancy McBains, said: “After last month’s figures showed the construction sector still mired in technical recession, today’s figures come as a further blow for the industry.

“A close to 2% fall in new work across the board highlights the continuing caution shown by investors being reluctant to commit to new projects while so many economic uncertainties remain.

“New work in private housing in particular remains in the doldrums, seeing a fall of more than 4%.

“Many in the industry are crossing their fingers for a post-election boost, but today’s figures show that whichever party forms the next government has a job on its hands to restore confidence and encourage growth.”

Scott Motley, head of programme, project and cost management at AECOM, said: “After an uptick in the broader economic climate, many will be hopeful that construction industry output will soon follow suit.

“Importantly, the upcoming General Election will provide clarity on the nation’s future direction earlier than anticipated, bringing with it the prospect of a new infrastructure strategy and greater confidence in investment decisions in the second half of the year.

“However, the continued high cost of doing business will still make for challenging landscape post-election until interest rates drop significantly.”

Fraser Johns, finance director at Beard, said: “Given the poor weather conditions seen in April, it should be hardly surprising to see a drop in monthly construction output. A sixth consecutive fall in the three-month series is more troubling, however it shows the mixed bag of the industry in the current climate.

“While there are those across the country undoubtedly experiencing challenges and significant pressures, from our perspective, the south of England remains incredibly buoyant with growing confidence and demand from both clients and from regional and national frameworks helping to fill our pipeline.”

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NHF-backed MMC alliance appoints ZED PODS to offsite framework


Building Better, the National Housing Federation-supported group of housing associations and councils working to increase the use of modern methods of construction (MMC), has added a new manufacturer to its MMC Category 1 framework.

Building Better and Procurement for Housing (PfH) have signed up ZED PODS to their volumetric framework, which is worth up to £400m over four years. Social housing organisations can procure pre-manufactured 3D construction systems for both houses and apartments from ZED PODS through the deal.

ZEDPODS have been appointed to the framework on a direct award basis so housing associations and local authorities won’t need to go through any additional tender process to procure from them. Streamlining MMC contracting in this way saves around £15,000 in procurement costs for each housing organisation.

The framework also enables very early engagement with ZED PODS, in a compliant way. When social housing organisations meet with manufacturers right at the start of a project and tap into their design experience to create plans that are right for all parties, this commonly leads to more successful schemes.

Founded in 2016, ZED PODS design and build zero-operational-carbon social housing and specialise in delivering turnkey housing solutions using volumetric MMC. ZED PODS’ build system can be used on traditional sites and also constrained brownfield locations such as derelict garage sites, carparks, and flood zones.

ZED PODS have delivered award-winning housing schemes for both local authorities and housing associations. They are presently working with 28 public sector organisations to plan and design MMC schemes, and they are currently onsite building zero-operational-carbon social homes in Sheffield, Ashford, Bristol, and across Wales and Devon.

All MMC homes procured under the Building Better framework take a fabric-first approach (prioritising insulation ahead of add-ons like solar panels), they meet nationally described space standards (NDSS) and have the option to be wheelchair accessible. They are certified by the Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme (BOPAS) and assessed and accepted by building warranty provider ICW Insurance Services.

Tony Woods, Technical Manager for Construction & Sustainability at Procurement for Housing (PfH) said: “The quality of ZED PODS’ homes really set them apart in the tender process, as well as their management team and financial position. They manufacture high performance, low carbon houses and flats that exceed the proposed Future Home Standards and the Welsh Development Quality Requirements 2021. But it was also the way they involve residents that impressed us. ZED PODS take a proactive approach to engaging early with local communities ahead of construction on site.

Tom Northway, Chairman of ZED PODS, said: “​We are delighted to have been selected for the Building Better framework and look forward to working with the team and its members to deliver our net zero carbon housing solutions.”

In addition to the MMC Category 1 framework, Building Better and PfH also run a dynamic purchasing system (DPS) for MMC Category 2 construction systems. Through this DPS, social housing organisations can procure 2D panelised systems, assembled on-site, from over 20 pre-approved manufacturers.

 

CLICK HERE for further information about Building Better’s MMC Category 1 framework

 

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Vox Ignis Launches Unicorn Voice PAVA with global first UL Certification

Worldwide voice alarm and safety communications specialist Vox Ignis has launched its new unified PAVA system, Unicorn Voice, after becoming the global first to recieve UL certification to EN54-16. This European standard specifies the requirements for voice alarm controls and other equipment used in fire detection and alarm systems.

Unicorn Voice is a powerful wall-mounted, scalable public address and voice alarm (PAVA) system for almost any site. It is designed to be the easiest to specify, install, and configure. It can grow from one panel to a fault-tolerant network of 64 multi-amplifier panels with up to 256 speaker circuits supporting over 163,000 speakers as per BS EN 5839-8.

Unicorn Voice is easily programmed and managed via integrated, intuitive touch screens or PC and offers a range of amplifier sizes and speaker taps that maximise power efficiency. Amplifiers can be hot-swapped, and Vox Ignis’ speaker range promises easy first-fix with plug-and-play installation. Unicorn Voice offers pre-recorded and live voice messaging, background music, integrated fire telephones, disabled refuge, fire alarm VADs, and assistance alarms, delivering one system for all the fire and life safety voice and alert systems required in modern sites.

Anthony Smith, managing director of Vox Ignis, said: “Unicorn Voice is the result of a £multi-million development project and 30 years of leading experience. It delivers a best-in-class feature set, a product that demystifies the voice alarm world and ensures the very best audio safety systems are available to the market.

“We are proud that this is the first product to have been tested and certified by UL to EN54-16, or any EN or UK standard. I’d like to thank the UK and USA UL teams for their contributions. Achieving UL certification is not easy, and that is why it is one of the most well-respected certification marks in the life safety industry.”

Karine Johnfroe, vice president and general manager of the UL Solutions Built Environment Group, said: “For 130 years, our organization has been integral to enabling fire and life safety technology advancements. Our pioneering safety science efforts and technical leadership in this area have empowered makers of fire safety equipment to help safeguard lives and property.

“We are honored to continue this work as a notified and approved body for the Construction Products Regulation to EN and UK standards, and we commend Vox Ignis for working to demonstrate their product’s compliance.”

Vox Ignis is a global specialist in voice alarm, emergency voice communication, and assistance call systems. Designed and manufactured in the UK and sold under the Vox Ignis and leading OEM brands worldwide, its products amplify the safety of millions of people and buildings every day.

PLEASE CLICK HERE For more information on VOX IGNIS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Introducing Watts Electric Underfloor Heating: Revolutionising Comfort and Efficiency

Watts Industries UK is proud to introduce its latest range of advanced products offering unparalleled comfort, convenience, and reliability. Our new Watts electric underfloor heating range is backed by world-class design, manufacturing, and technical support.

With over 30 years of experience in the floor heating business, our electric underfloor heating range is designed and manufactured to the highest standards, making it suitable for new constructions and retrofit projects.

Our new range features three innovative key products: TapeMat®, WarmWire® and HeatMatrix™for electric underfloor heating. TapeMat® fits your floor plan and features an open weave design for easy, one-step mortar installation. WarmWire® has the flexibility to fit any floor plan at a cost-effective price and is ideal for installing under tile or stone in wet applications.

Our HeatMatrix™ uncoupling membrane enables fast, easy installation of WarmWire® under tile and stone. Press WarmWire® into the HeatMatrix™ channels at the selected spacing for a quick and easy installation. This innovative system also protects tile and stone from cracking by providing a stress control layer that isolates the surface from subfloor movement.

Please visit our website www.watts-electricufh.co.uk to explore our full range of products.

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