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Gilberts top of the class with new eco solution

Britain’s leading independent air movement specialist Gilberts is leading the class in helping deliver net zero educational and commercial buildings by 2050.

The company’s Mistrale Fusion Deo MFS-HR hybrid ventilation with heat recovery system has exceeded sales targets by more than 250% since its launch 18 months ago. In that time, it has also been short-listed for two top industry awards.

Demand for the product is due to its outstanding performance compared to alternatives- offering 65% heat recovery as standard! The high levels of heat recovery mean that it reduces the overall construction and running costs for the building and opens potential for the building to be carbon negative.

Independent data reveals that Gilberts MFS-HR delivers energy savings of up to 20%. It can reduce solar panel and/or heat pump required output by 7%. It achieves air leakage below 3m/3ph/m2. Its U value is below 1.0W/m2/°C. Further, it is BB101 ventilation, BB93 acoustic and TM52 comfort compliant. 

British designed, engineered and manufactured, MFS-HR features adjustable flow and noise rates/levels to optimise suitability for specific classroom requirements. Integral CO2 monitoring and controls guarantee compliant indoor air quality in line with Department for Education guidelines. 

Gilberts’ MFS-HR’s attraction to specifiers results from more than its performance.

Considerate design means MFS-HR is easy to install/attach to the through-façade air intake/extract louvres. MFS-HR can function as a stand-alone unit or whole zone/whole building system, ducted or fitted above ceilings. With optional heating/cooling, MFS-HR removes the need for supplementary plant, further positively impacting capital equipment and running costs. 

“Our reputation over the past 60+ years has been built on innovation, quality and giving the market what it wants and needs,” says Ian Rogers, Gilberts Sales Director. “We knew Mistrale Fusion Deo MFS-HR was ahead of the game when we first began developing the concept. Its success has surpassed our expectations, demonstrating British manufacturing is still world class.”

Details of Gilberts’ Mistrale Fusion Deo MFS-HR system can be found @ 

https://gilbertsblackpool.com/natural-ventilation-solutions/hybrid-recovery/

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Family Hub Choses Style Again for Folding Partitioning Wall

Christchurch Family Hub provides essential, early support for local families. In 2003, Style installed a folding wall with pass-door to enable the Hub to divide its main activity and family room into two separate areas, as and when needed.

Twenty-two years on and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council again contacted Style, this time to replace the old wall with a modern system with enhanced operation and improved acoustics. 

Finished in a beech laminate, the new Dorma Huppe Variflex moveable wall is smooth and lightweight to manoeuvre, allowing the space to be easily opened up, or divided into two rooms, many times a day. If preferred, the dividing wall can be left in place for extended periods thanks to an integrated pass-door and, with a 49dB acoustic rating, activities can comfortably take place either side of the wall undisturbed.

“The original wall at the Christchurch Family Hub lasted over two decades, with regular servicing and maintenance from our after-care support team,” said Michael Porter, Style’s group managing director. 

“The fact that it continued to deliver smooth operation for such a long time is testimony to the quality of the original installation and also to the expertise of our technicians.”

Style’s after-care service team offers tailored maintenance plans to suit each customer’s unique site requirements, from one-off visits to fixed annual contracts. Fully accredited and experts in health and safety compliance, Style engineers are trained to work on all moveable walls, including automatic and semi-automatic systems. 

The Variflex system installed the Christchurch Family Hub brings improved acoustics and the latest operational features. One such benefit that is particularly relevant for this busy activity centre, is that the Variflex panels are manufactured separately to frame. 

This means that the individual panel linings can be easily changed if one should become scuffed or damaged, saving a considerable amount of money compared to replacing the entire wall.

www.style-partitions.co.uk

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A CLEAR UPGRADE FOR AMC HOSPITAL WITH PYROGUARD’S FIRE SAFETY GLASS

AMC Hospital, which is the largest healthcare facility in the Netherlands, has undergone a major renovation, which has modernised the 1,000-bed facility with a clear focus on enhancing the safety and well-being of staff and patients. 

At the heart of the transformation was the replacement of over 10,000 m² of out-dated wired glass, bringing the hospital in line with the highest industry standards, while achieving a state-of-the-art, contemporary aesthetic.

As part of the renovation, the decision was made to replace all existing wired safety glass with new, transparent glazing solutions from fire safety glass manufacturer Pyroguard, to ensure that the hospital adhered to current industry standards. This upgrade also addressed long-standing challenges with maintaining accurate product data records for the glass partitions and doors, many of which had been extended or replaced over the years without clear traceability. By upgrading the glass throughout the facility, AMC Hospital not only enhanced its aesthetic appeal and improved safety standards but also ensured data consistency across the entire site.

MedicomZes, a specialist in hospital construction and renovations, was entrusted with overseeing the project, while Glasdesign were appointed to fabricate and install the glazing systems. Given the scale and complexity of the project – set within a sensitive healthcare environment – MedicomZes approached Pyroguard as a trusted manufacturer with the capability of providing the required quantities of fire-resistant glass, whilst also meeting the hospital’s stringent safety, design and performance standards.

Stefan van Gerven, Pyroguard’s Regional Sales Director, said: “During initial discussions, concerns arose about the compatibility of the existing timber frames with the new fire safety glass and the corresponding load requirements. We collaborated closely with Peutz, a specialist consultant, to test the existing frames as part of a complete system. This is where our extensive library of technical data proved instrumental, as we were able to confirm that the original timber could be retained, with the findings forming a key part of the renovation plans.

“Considering the scale of the project and the volume of glass required, we also recommended a sampling exercise to evaluate the potential glass types that could meet the specified criteria. This process allowed both the architect and building management team to make a more informed decision. An additional consideration for the architect was the need for a fire safety glass solution that would enhance privacy for both patients and staff, through the use of a satin finish.” 

Following the sampling exercise, Pyroguard Rapide (Impact 7mm and Impact Satin) was specified for the internal partitions throughout the hospital, incorporating both clear and satin fire safety glass. Pyroguard Protect (Pyroguard T EW30 and T EI30) was installed in areas requiring larger, bespoke pane sizes, delivering exceptional fire protection while aligning with the architect’s vision for aesthetic design.

Peter Blankers, Projectmanager at MedicomZes added: “Working with Pyroguard has been instrumental in ensuring we met the hospital’s safety and aesthetic goals. Their technical support and ability to address the specific challenges of the healthcare environment were invaluable. The final result not only enhances the safety of the building but also contributes to a modern and welcoming environment for patients and staff.”

Throughout the project, it was crucial that the building remained operational to minimise disruptions to patients and staff. Glasdesign successfully completed what is only the first phase of the project on time, with the project scheduled for full completion in a few years. 

For more information about Pyroguard, please visit www.pyroguard.eu

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Getting the specification right with thermal break installations

For many years, structural thermal breaks were a largely overlooked component in building design. But as the industry pivots towards more sustainable construction in line with Net Zero goals, thermal breaks have stepped into the spotlight, particularly for their ability to boost energy efficiency by reducing heat loss at connection points.

Despite their rise in recognition, there are still crucial considerations that remain widely misunderstood – and the reason? It’s down to the assumption that higher compressive strength always equals a better product in construction. Paul Beech, General Manager of thermal break specialists, Armatherm™, discusses the importance of full and proper research when it comes to specifying building materials. 

A thermal break essentially has two key jobs – reduce heat transfer while maintaining structural support. That balance is more complex than simply opting for the strongest material available. In fact, when it comes to insulating performance, higher strength materials often come with a compromise: greater density and in turn, a lower R value.

This is especially relevant when insulating structural connections like balcony supports, column bases or roof beams. These are areas where moment forces and compression are in constant play, and a correctly specified thermal break will take into account the load requirements of the application, without unnecessarily sacrificing insulation performance.

Taking a closer look at column bases, for instance. These are areas that don’t always require high compressive capacity but do require excellent thermal resistance. In these cases, over-specifying the strength can result in a denser product that absorbs more energy.

Every building element has its own unique load-bearing requirements. Balcony connections are one example where compressive and tensile forces are significant and unavoidable, and require high compressive strength as seen in the Armatherm™ FRR range. In these cases, selecting a thermal break with the right compressive strength is essential to ensure both safety and insulation.

However, there are less demanding areas, such as steel columns passing through a concrete floor where thermal breaks with a lower compressive strength may perform better. These materials often have minimal creep under load and do not absorb moisture, which helps to maintain structural stability while offering excellent thermal insulation.

This is where thoughtful specification comes into play. A one-size-fits-all mindset doesn’t serve the performance or sustainability goals of a project and it’s essential to find that balance, strong enough for the structural need yet not so strong that you risk losing insulation efficiency.

Equally important is ensuring that the product you specify delivers on its claims. With sustainability being such a high priority in today’s construction landscape, manufacturers know that marketing terms like “eco” and “green” carry weight.

There are some thermal break products on the market, such as girts, which are promoted as environmentally friendly, but contain embedded steel elements that compromise their insulating performance. While they may technically meet load requirements, their conductive components can significantly reduce energy efficiency, ultimately working against the project’s goals.

Without robust testing data or third-party validation, these claims can be misleading. That’s why it’s critical to dig deeper and ask questions. Compare not just R values and strength ratings, but also composition, test history and long-term performance data. Working with a team like Armatherm™ can help with this, collaborating to find the best product for the job. 

As thermal breaks become standard in modern building design, the duty falls on specifiers to look beyond surface-level metrics. It’s not enough to choose the most robust or the most advertised product. Performance, longevity and verified sustainability all matter, especially when regulation, public interest and scrutiny around energy use are only intensifying.

Rather than treating thermal breaks as a material to be checked off a tick list during a project, it’s time to start considering them as a key contributor to the building’s overall performance and make use of technical resources, choosing suppliers who can back up their claims and work as an extension of your team. 

With so many factors to consider when specifying thermal breaks, from compressive strength to long-term performance and sustainability, it’s essential to work with a supplier who understands the bigger picture. Armatherm™ has spent years developing structural thermal break solutions that strike the right balance between strength and insulation performance, helping to reduce thermal bridging without compromising structural integrity. The expert team is always on hand to support architects, specifiers and engineers in selecting the most appropriate product for each individual application. Whether you’re working on a high-load structural connection or a detail that demands precision thermal isolation, Armatherm™ can help you get it right.

https://www.armatherm.co.uk/

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Next level manufacturing with MiTek

 

Next level manufacturing with MiTek: exploring the Mark 1 Easyjig Press with Virtek laser precision

 

MiTek is driving machine automation in the construction industry with the Mark 1 Easyjig Press and Virtek lasers.

With the latest installation of press systems bringing the total number now in operation across the UK and Ireland to 14, MiTek is meeting the growing demand for automation within the sector.

Dave Thomas, Commercial Leader, EMEA Automation, said:

“The Mark 1 Easyjig Press puts our customers at the forefront of technological innovation. By driving efficiency and increasing output through automation, it helps manufacturers boost productivity.  “What’s more, the press is also fully compatible with MiTek’s design and production software, which means a connected experience for our customers.”

The benefits of the Mark 1 Easyjig Press are clear. It uses the latest technology to improve efficiency for manufacturers, streamlining operations and boosting roof truss production. The press is quicker and more accurate. A user-friendly operation helps workforces while increasing production capacity.  Production is faster compared to non-automated presses. The Autojig feature reduces setup time by automatically positioning the jigs based on design specifications.  Customers particularly value the integrated Virtek laser system, which means manufacturing is exact, consistent and of a higher quality.  The Mark 1 Easyjig Press has an easy-to-use touchscreen monitor, and its inbuilt WiFi network connectivity offers a joined up and efficient experience for manufacturers. It’s intuitive design also means people can be trained quickly, operating the machine in a matter of days, in contrast to traditional systems which can take months.

Take a look at our showreel to see the Mark 1 Easyjig Press in action,

and understand how it can increase production and simplify processes with automation

Press tables are available in a range of sizes, so a truss can be outlined in 40 seconds, for easier, quicker and more precise production across the board.

MiTek’s support goes beyond delivering the machine. The team work closely with customers through every stage of the planning and installation process, optimising workspace layouts for customers to ensure they get the best performance from the Mark 1 Easyjig Press. MiTek also provide technical guidance and full staff training for a smooth transition.
Crendon Timber Engineering has already invested in several press systems across its business as part of its focus on automation and goals to futureproof its operations.

Speaking of the installation of its sixth Mark 1 machine at its East Harling site, Crendon Timber Engineering’s Regional Director Graeme Denham is a firm believer in what the machine can do.

He said: “We’re already seeing improvements in increased productivity using the Easyjig system.   “The key with MiTek is being able to buy all the manufacturing equipment as well as the software, as well as the plates. It’s a one stop shop and that’s a great buying power for us.”

Take a look at our showreel to see the Mark 1 Easyjig Press in action, and understand how it can increase production and simplify processes with automation.

Ready to improve your operations? CLICK HERE to talk to MiTek today

 

or CLICK HERE to email us

 

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Nuaire ventilation systems now with Passivhaus certification

 

Indoor air quality and ventilation manufacturing specialist Nuaire is pleased to announce Passivhaus certification has been achieved on BPS Passivhaus air handling units (AHU) and XBC Passivhaus packaged heat recovery units.

With buildings contributing significantly to harmful carbon emissions, Passivhaus provides proven solutions to deliver net-zero-ready buildings that also provide a high level of occupant health and wellbeing.  Passivhaus adopts a whole-building approach with clear, measured targets, focused on high-quality construction, certified through an exacting quality assurance process.  For a building to achieve the Passivhaus Standard in the UK, a mechanical ventilation system with highly efficient heat recovery is considered a core principle.

Rigorously independently tested under realistic conditions to ensure they meet the strict Passivhaus efficiency, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality criteria, Nuaire’s BPS Passivhaus AHUs in sizes 12,17, 22, 32 and 42, and XBC Passivhaus packaged heat recovery units in sizes 55 and 65 have now been certified as Passivhaus compliant components.

BPS Passivhaus is a range of high specification packaged AHUs designed and engineered to provide an efficient, high performing, compact solution for a multitude of applications.  Efficiency comes from a dual compressor system that uses less energy than one single large compressor, a high efficiency thermal wheel, and minimal air leakage (it has the top L1 leakage classification).  BPS Passivhaus AHUs feature a high quality double lined acoustic end panel insulated with Rockwool for reduced noise breakout and low leakage, ensuring the unit is airtight.  BPS Passivhaus AHUs feature M5 extract air filters, enabling pollutants as small as 1 micron to be captured, and G4 and G7 supply air filters which are designed to stop larger pollutant particles from entering.

With a plate heat exchanger with efficiencies of up to 95%, XBC Passivhaus are high performance packaged heat recovery units designed to improve indoor air quality whilst saving energy.  High classification F7 and G4 extract filters have been installed to ensure the units meet the high Passivhaus air quality standards, whilst airtight seals prevent heat or air loss up to L2 leakage classification.  They have been designed with the lowest possible noise breakout for user acceptance, and are easy to install, commission and maintain.  XBC Passivhaus is available with LPHW or electric heating options as standard, with cooling modules also available as an ancillary.

Both BPS Passivhaus and XBC Passivhaus are fitted with high classification class 3 dampers to ensure the units remain airtight, mitigating weak points in a Passivhaus build.

CLICK HERE for more information on Nuaire’s BPS Passivhaus and XBC Passivhaus products

 

 

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Domus Ventilation ducting delivering comfort at new York aparthotel

Domus Ventilation rigid ducting has been installed at a new luxury aparthotel in one of York’s most architecturally renowned streets, Micklegate, as part of the Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system installed throughout the new development.

Situated within York’s central historic core conservation area, Micklegate has been designed with a contemporary interpretation of the medieval streetscape.  A new addition to the Supercity Aparthotel portfolio, it features 46 beautifully designed apartment suites designed for luxury, practicality, and comfort, along with a ground floor restaurant and bar.

Contributing to the comfort of guests, the MVHR system in place extract stale air, and transfer the heat from it to the fresh air drawn into the building.  But an MVHR can only perform to its best ability when paired with suitable, quality ducting.  Domus Ventilation ducting has exacting tolerances and connects together for minimal air and moisture loss and maximum system efficiency.  The ducting has been designed to work in harmony as part of a system and has been third party tested for end-to-end system performance.

Domus 204×60 Rigid Duct and fittings have been used at the new Micklegate aparthotel throughout, along with Domus sound attenuators.  The latter absorbs sound over a range of audible frequencies travelling through ductwork, such as the MVHR fan, external traffic noise or room-to-room-cross talk, making it an ideal addition in a hotel.

York based M&E contractor J. H. Shouksmith & Sons is a long standing Domus Ventilation customer and was responsible for specifying and installing Domus Ventilation ducting on this project.

“We always use Domus ducting on any contract we undertake due to the ease of installation and the large mixture of fittings available” comments Carl Turner, Senior Contracts Manager.  Carl is also impressed with the service provided by Domus Ventilation: “It’s very good and any queries or information required is answered quickly.”

Domus Ventilation is a manufacturer of market-leading ventilation systems that save energy and improve indoor air quality. Established over 30 years ago, and part of the Genuit Group plc, Domus Ventilation manufactures high quality and solution based ventilation products for the domestic and light commercial building industry from its state-of-the-art production facilities in South Wales.  The company provides differentiated ventilation solutions, transforming the way developers, contractors, installers, home owners and distributors meet Building Regulations Parts B, F & L and emerging environmental standards.

CLICK HERE for more information on Domus Ventilation products

 

 

 

 

 

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