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Mibec revolutionises thermal storage for Shawfair low-carbon district heating project

Mibec, a leading provider of bespoke thermal storage solutions, proudly announces the successful completion of a ground-breaking project at Shawfair Energy Centre. This collaboration has delivered 300,000 litres of cutting-edge buffer tank storage to support the state-of-the-art Shawfair low-carbon district heating system.

Through close collaboration with project stakeholders, Mibec engineered an optimised buffer tank solution that maximised the system’s efficiency while minimising costs. 

Managing Director at Mibec, Mark Chisnall said: “By recommending 100,000-litre tanks over the initially proposed 150,000-litre capacity, we ensured both immediate functionality and future scalability for the energy centre. Additionally, incorporating diffusers within the tanks guarantees uniform fluid distribution, maintaining optimal flow velocity essential for peak performance.

The successful completion of this project underscores Mibec’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. As specialists in bespoke thermal storage solutions, Mibec continues to push boundaries, transforming visions into reality with expertise and precision.” 

www.buffertanks.co.uk

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Revolutionary rainscreen retention solution proves less is more

SFS Group Fastening Technology and Kingspan Insulation have pooled their respective expertise in rainscreen cladding support systems and insulation materials, to launch an optimum performance solution offering A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire  presenting the potential to optimise envelope design on buildings of any height.

The NVELOPE®NVS-RP range of stainless steel brackets has been developed specifically to retain Kingspan’s latest insulation development – Kingspan AlphaCore®panel silica-based insulation which offers a thermal conductivity of just 0.020 W/mK, with a Euroclass A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire. The slimline material is available in thicknesses of 20, 25, 30, 40 and 50mm with a weight ranging from 3.6-9.0 kg/m2.  AlphaCore® Pad is also water-repellent.

Crucially, the combination has the potential to create far slimmer façades which will withstand the weather as well as optimising energy performance.  This is because, instead of compromising AlphaCore® Pad’s thermal performance with multiple fixing penetrations, SFS has completely re-imagined established components from its NVELOPE® system to absolutely minimise cold-bridging. 

The NVS designation describes the range’s existing stainless-steel L-shaped bracket that is available in single or double format and adds three types of RP Retaining Plates: Single, Double and the End Plate.  Their versatility not only facilitates the retention of all the AlphaCore® Pad thicknesses, without the need for traditional fixings, but remains quick and easy to install.    

Cameron MacBride, the National Façade Manager for Kingspan Insulation, confirms: “Kingspan AlphaCore® Pad provides a balance of both thermal and fire performance, giving designers greater freedom to achieve compliant systems in tight spaces. Collaborating with SFS has allowed us to find a solution to maximise the thermal performance of AlphaCore® Pad. The NVS RP range avoids having to fix through the board in multiple places, which reduces thermal bridging. This combination of materials will be used where those pinch-points within a structure occur, in areas where land values are high, and the overall wall thickness becomes more important. These solutions using newer, optimal technologies are therefore going to offer the designer more flexibility in challenging situations, and hopefully boost the lettable or saleable space to its maximum.”

A series of technical data sheets explains the configuration and application of the different NVS-RP components, along with the non-compressible thermal pad which helps ensure the assemblies’ performance, while both the bracketry and the Kingspan AlphaCore® Pad insulation will be available to contractors through the two companies’ normal sales channels.

For further information, visit the product page of the SFS website to see a video case study of the project https://uk.sfs.com/systems/nvelope/nvsrp 

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Banksy artwork helps fund award-winning Wellbeing Hub for UHS

Following the sale of Banksy’s Game Changer artwork in 2021, the proceeds were used across the UK for a number of healthcare projects, including a new Wellbeing Hub at University Hospital Southampton (UHS).

Record-breaking Banksy sale

Completed in 2023, the Wellbeing Hub at UHS was funded by some of the proceeds from the sale of street artist Banksy’s Game Changer artwork.  The artwork was gifted to Southampton Hospitals Charity by Banksy in May 2020, during the height of the Covid pandemic, and was then sold at auction in 2021 for a record-breaking £16.7m. The proceeds from the auction were distributed to over 40 healthcare organisations and charities across the UK to be used for mental health and wellbeing projects.

The Wellbeing Hub design

UHS wanted to use their funding to create a new space for their NHS staff, providing them with modern facilities including a gym, kitchen, lounge, meeting rooms, shower and changing rooms.

Leading brick slip systems supplier Eurobrick, based in Bristol, has been providing Integra Buildings, a modular building company near Hull in East Yorkshire, since 2010.  Eurobrick provides flexible brick slip cladding solutions for all types of projects offering a quick, easy and robust solution. Brick slip cladding is lightweight, durable and will weather and age like conventional brickwork, requiring little to no maintenance. 

The design of the Wellbeing Hub is made up of 20 modular bays which were manufactured at Integra’s headquarters and then delivered to the site for assembly. As part of a mixed palette of finishes, Eurobrick supplied their 50mm thick insulated X-Clad system and two slips from their Britannia range. Rustic Orange Multi 687 slips and corners were primarily fitted at ground floor level, and Smooth Anthracite 700 slips and corners were used to create the plinth detail. 

Award-winning success

The project was a great success with Paul Stansfield, Principal Project Manager, Estates Facilities and Capital Developments at UHS saying, “The finished product speaks for itself and is now enjoyed by our 14,000 staff, providing a modern, relaxing and essential wellbeing environment.” 

In May 2024 Integra Buildings won ‘Project of the Year – Healthcare’ for the UHS Wellbeing Hub at the MMC Awards, which celebrate excellence and achievement in the modular construction sector.

For more information on Eurobrick, please visit www.eurobrick.co.uk. You

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Metsec underlines commitment to accurate product information

voestalpine Metsec has become one of the earliest adopters of the Code for Construction Products Information (CCPI), introduced by the Construction Products Association in response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, set up following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

CCPI assessments are undertaken by Assessors from Construction Products Information Ltd. and are carried out on a manufacturer’s specific products and systems, not the company as a whole. As such, an organisation or brand cannot, in itself, gain assessment or make any claims of conformance beyond a specific product set.

To date, voestalpine Metsec has successfully achieved assessment for four of its key construction systems; SFS light gauge galvanized steel structural framing systems and Metframe pre-panelised framing system from its Framing Division, dry lining metal framed components for gypsum plasterboard systems from its Dry Lining Division and roof, side rail and mezzanine floor systems from its Purlins Division.

Alan Harris, Quality and BIM Compliance Director at voestalpine Metsec, states: “Continuous investment in independent performance testing and quality assurance is what keeps our construction solutions at the forefront of the industry.

“Ensuring that the data and information derived from these tests is conveyed in a clear, unambiguous fashion is key to providing specifiers, installers and users with more confidence in the systems’ capabilities and suitability for their projects. Successful assessment to the CCPI confirms we are doing things right and underlines our commitment to the industry’s needs.”

CCPI aims to address the stipulation from Dame Hackitt’s review that construction product information needs to be communicated in a clear and accurate way. Its aim is to help organisations drive for higher standards in the presentation of construction product information, with a priority on building safety.

voestalpine Metsec has set up a rigorous information review process to ensure that messaging from all divisions is based on accurate, verifiable data and that this information is presented in a clear and accessible manner, which can be easily found and assimilated by its intended target audience.

https://www.metsec.com/

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Engineered solutions are taking over from natural wood

Natural timber is gorgeous and has been the building material for aeons. It still has a huge place in our heart even amongst the multitude of new technological advances in the construction industry.

However, timber is a natural product and, like all products of nature, including us, it is neither consistent nor guaranteed free of defects. Prone to warping, twisting and splitting, sawn timber is still widely used – understandably so, as it is relatively cheap, easy to work and both light and strong. Yet today’s building industry expects high levels of precision and for structures to be right first time. Natural timber cannot deliver 100% reliably on this and so came the engineered wood products boom. – materials which, instead of being hewn out of solid wood, are manufactured by bonding small pieces of wood fibre together to produce a homogenous product.

And West Fraser leads the way in the manufacture of innovative timber panel products. and has done for decades. Today’s wood panel products are among the best-known examples of engineered wood. 

Oriented Strand Board (OSB), provides the best example of how timber’s natural strength can be exploited and even enhanced through an engineered process. Thin flakes of softwood fibre, coated with a resin binder, are laid down in layers to create a deep bed of loose fibres. The assembly process carefully orientates each layer so that the fibres overlap in different directions. The fibre mat is then compressed under great pressure and heat is applied to cure the resin. The resulting board is stiff and strong, with the fibres oriented in such a way as to maximise bending resistance. 

  • Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is made by mixing sawdust with a strong resin and curing it under pressure to create a solid board with a smooth and consistent texture all the way through.
  • Production of particleboard achieves a similar effect by using larger wood particles. Both these products are free of defects and are easy to work with.
  • Oriented Strand Board (OSB), however, provides the best example of how timber’s natural strength can be exploited and even enhanced through an engineered process. Thin flakes of softwood fibre, coated with a resin binder, are laid down in layers to create a deep bed of loose fibres. The assembly process carefully orientates each layer so that the fibres overlap in different directions. The fibre mat is then compressed under great pressure and heat is applied to cure the resin. The resulting board is stiff and strong, with the fibres oriented in such a way as to maximise bending resistance. 

SterlingOSB Zero, the leading brand of OSB, is a vital component in many so-called ‘Modern Methods of Construction’. These are mostly off-site manufactured systems in which major elements of a building are produced in controlled factory conditions and delivered to site ready for assembly. Timber floor ‘cassettes’ are now commonly used in housebuilding while ‘Structural Insulated Panels’ (SIPs) are also gaining ground. SIPs comprise two layers of OSB with a thick layer of foam insulation sandwiched between them. The foam core is permanently bonded to the OSB sheathing with the resulting panel – approximately 100 – 150mm thick – possessing a high degree of strength and load-bearing capacity while remaining extremely lightweight. SIPs systems use timber in a completely new way and offer rapid construction, minimal site-based work and exceptional thermal insulation.

Though natural wood is still used in many building applications, engineered alternatives are taking over both in the development of MMCs and in traditional roles: “Particleboard flooring has almost completely taken over from sawn and planed floorboards,” comments West Fraser brand manager, David Connacher.

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit Uk.westfraser.com

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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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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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