Pioneering pods to provide affordable housing solution
Pioneering pod company, Elements Europe, is soon-to-launch, timber frame affordable housing solution, Ty UnnosTM a new type of technology, taking off across the care home, student accommodation and hotel sectors. It’s also linked with RoompodTM.So-called because of its Welsh timber frame superstructure and the speed of its construction, Ty UnnosTM – the newly developed affordable housing solution from Elements Europe – literally translates from Welsh as ‘House Overnight’.
Made from low-density timber, usually used for non-structural applications such as pallets, packaging and fencing, the technology is very light weight and yet exceptionally strong. A unique laminating process and clever beam, column and joist arrangements result in a sturdy, load-bearing structure that can be constructed as a three-storey build.
Chief operating officer for Elements Europe, Darren Richards, says. “The type of timber used makes this product inherently ‘green’. Using advanced insulation methods, Ty UnnosTM is proven to perform to passive house standards and also offers exceptional air-tightness to meet The Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4, but can be easily upgraded to meet Code Level 5 in-line with project requirements.”
RoompodTM is said to be the only fully functional, load-bearing ‘whole room’ pod product currently on the market.
A ‘stackable’ light steel framed solution it is delivered to site fully-kitted out with all fixtures, fittings and utilities already in-situ. Simply craned into place, without the need for adjoining walls, floors and ceilings, the product allows the building of 12 units per day (up to six storey’s high), reducing a typical construction programme by up to 75%. Also it provides significant savings in the cost of the actual superstructure and it’s these hard-hitting tangibles that are already seeing it snapped up by some of the biggest budget hotel operators.
Ideal too for student and residential care accommodation, RoompodTM is quickly making its mark across these growing sectors, aided by Element’s unique provision of a full scale prototype pod as part of its design process.
Further information: www.elements-europe.com
Prefabricated bathroom pods that 100% recyclable
The use of PETG Thermoplastic by Aquadream means that the basic shell of a bathroom pod – the walls, ceiling and floor – is capable of being 100% recycled when no longer required for its original purpose.Many housebuilders are looking for products that are made from materials which are environmentally friendly and that offer a greater degree of sustainability than has hitherto been available. Because of their recyclable nature, construction companies choosing to install Aquadream products have the possibility of achieving an improved BREEAM rating on their buildings.
All Aquadream products are available as a single unit or as a kit made up of either 5 or 8 parts depending on the style of pod chosen. This means that the company’s products can be installed directly into new builds or during the renovation of older properties.
PETG Thermoplastic pods offer a cost effective alternative to pods produced using traditional production methods. Lower prices stem from the way in which the pods are produced. The manufacturing process is far less labour intensive than regular methods.
The walls ceiling and floor are machine made with the result that hundreds of PETG panel sets can be made by one machine operator in the time that it would take many manual operators to produce a significantly lower number of traditional pod panel sets.
All Aquadream pods are lightweight, durable, reliable, cost effective, and are provided with a non slip surface to the floor. With a solid PETG / polyurethane base in place of the usual metal frame and metal feet, sound transmission through the concrete slab on which the pod sits is eliminated. Levelling is carried out by using neoprene shims of varying thickness.
There are currently three pod designs, the AquaCooL, the AquaZeen and the AquaComfort, with additional designs currently in planning. All pods come to site fully equipped with all the usual items of sanitary ware and are piped up on the outside for hot and cold supplies in HEP 2 O or similar, and plastic for all waste outlets – ready for connection to services within the building.
More information: www.aquadream-sdb.com
30 minute-rated insulated roof lining
Internal linings specialist, British Gypsum, has a ceiling lining board that combines high levels of thermal insulation with 30 minutes fire resistance.
Developed in conjunction with a major housebuilder, the lining board is an extension of the company’s Gyproc ThermaLine SUPER range, specially developed to satisfy the fire performance requirements for ceiling membranes in ‘room-in-the-roof’ constructions.
A laminate of 15mm Gyproc FireLine, a special fire-resistant plasterboard, and 40mm high performance phenolic foam, the 55mm board includes an integral vapour control layer to prevent condensation in the roof construction, and can be used in combination with Isover glass wool insulation to achieve ‘U’ values down to 0.19 W/m2 K in standard 175mm X 47mm timber rafter constructions.
Fixed directly to the underside of the joists using 90mm drywall screws, the board offers all of the usual benefits of an insulated dry internal lining, and can be jointed and decorated in the normal way to give smooth monolithic appearance.
It is available to order from leading builders’ merchants and stockists.
More information: www.british-gypsum.com
Composite doors at steel prices
September 26, 2008 by admin
Filed under Windows and doors
Specifically developed for housebuilders, JELD-WEN’s new composite door range includes two new styles at steel door prices. They include a half light and two light glazed, along with an authentic wood grain finish.
Renowned for their thermal performance, the company’s composite doorsets are said to offer better insulation than other materials, as well as improved acoustic properties, low maintenance and enhanced protection from forced entry. These door styles are also ten times more impact resistant than steel and four times more resistant than timber, making them an ideal barrier to prevent forced entry.
The tough through-coloured door skins are supplied primed, ready for painting and, being scratch resistant, there is less risk of surface damage. There is a choice of glazing options – either clear or ‘ice’ effect obscure, depending on preference. Also there is a choice of ironmongery available, including chrome or brass hardware.
Product manager, Chris Miller, says: “We extended our composite doors range as we wanted to make these high performance products even more affordable for housebuilders. Composite doors offer some of the best thermal performances available and are therefore a compelling choice for the market.”
With the Code for Sustainable Homes now a requirement for both social housing and private housing, it is more important than ever that the doors chosen enable a housebuilder to maximise the thermal performance of their properties.
In addition to the two new styles, JELD-WEN offers a complete range of ten standard composite doorset designs in a number of solid colours and wood stain finishes.
Many styles comply with PAS 23/24 resistance to attack and Secured by Design standards.
More information: www.jeld-wen.co.uk
Cavity tray unlike any other!
There is a requirement for cavity barriers/stops within timber frame construction and the minimum period of fire resistance is commonly 30 minutes, even where the internal fire resistance of the structure is greater. TRADA has recently drawn attention for barriers to be sleeved in polythene dpc to ensure moisture is deflected away from the timber frame structure and to the outside.
However, cavity stops are usually rectangular and have a flat/horizontal upper surface, therefore even if sleeved penetrating water can still use the upper surface as a bridge to track across the cavity unless prevented from so doing. Thus it prompts a question of how water will be deflected in the right direction by such sleeving, unless the actual shape of the stop or an accompanying protective medium promotes such direction?
The cavity barrier/stop must deflect the water forward, and there is now a ready to use product that automatically offers this + fire stopping + acoustic suppression.
Cavity Tray’s Cavi 60 SAF Stop is designed to provide acoustic, fire barrier and water-deflecting qualities within a cavity wall.
The Cavi 60 prefix denotes 60 minutes fire integrity rating for this multi-purpose cavity stop, whereas SAF is the acronym for sloping – acoustic – fire, the most important qualities advanced by this product.
Non-combustible rock wool is profiled and encapsulated within a polythene sleeve. The unique sloping upper surface of the encapsulation deflects penetrating water forward towards the outer leaf. The lower sloping surface permits lengths to be lapped whilst maintaining deflecting, sound and fire integrity status.
The Cavi 60 Type SAF Stop is compressible and may be friction fitted within the cavity, taking advantage of placement upon naturally occurring ties to aid stability. Thus it is incorporated without attachment to the inside or outside skin. Unlike conventional stops that are rectangular and thus level between skins, the new Cavi 60 Type SAF is sloping. It naturally deflects penetrating water forward, thus promoting best practice at all times. A hard finish protective upper surface cap is also available.
This new design offering twice the minimum fire protection period plus acoustic suppression plus a water deflecting shape is a product of Cavity Trays Ltd, the only cavity tray manufacturer awarded European Technical Approval.
More information: http://www.cavitytrays.com
Rainscreen facades for prestigious towers
An impressive group of three, high spec contemporary apartment blocks in London’s Cable Street have benefited from special cladding by Euroclad Facades.
Built by Rydon Homes, the three towers each contain one, two and three bedroom apartments with modern open plan layouts and impressive panoramic views across London.
The LINEAR 2 rainscreen facade system was specified in medium grey metallic Alpolic composite material. Installed by Durable Contracts, a Euroclad approved installer, the faÁade solution comprises of a series of cassette panels individually hooked onto the support frame.
The panels can be removed and replaced independently without disrupting the rest of the facade, which is particularly useful should single panels become damaged. The LINEAR 2 system is said to infinitely adjustable and erection of the panels can begin anywhere on the building.
Euroclad Facades has incorporated the latest CAD software into its manufacturing process to ensure consistent accuracy and provide bespoke fabrications. It designed and manufactured bespoke window pods for the apartments using the software, which ensures that the flawless, flat appearance was continued throughout the exterior of the building and the windows could be installed after the facade.
Manufactured by Mitsubishi, Aloplic composite material provides an exceptional finish with great colour uniformity and impressive flatness. It is lightweight and rigid with a non-combustible core.
Steve Barnes of Rydon Construction says: “The LINEAR 2 system was exceptionally easy to install and the ultra-flat panels add a modern appearance to the apartments.”
This completed high class, residential development continues to provide a fine example of just how effective and efficient the new generation of “clip on” claddings can be in achieving a perfect external finish. Easily removed or repositioned, if necessary, they ensure that the facades can always be maintained to the highest standard, which is important on prestigious residences – Ed
More information: www.euroclad.co.uk
Special timber sash solves conversion problem
April 25, 2007 by admin
Filed under 1st fix, Windows and doors
Creative adaptation broadens scope
The substantial renovation of a commercial building into smart domestic dwellings in London called for Mumford & Wood’s Conservation timber sash windows – with a difference.
Specialists in the manufacture of the finest traditionally styled windows and doors, Mumford & Wood could easily satisfy the requirement for a substantial order of sash windows which would remain in keeping with existing surrounding properties. However, several of the windows needed creative adaptation to increase their capacity to cope with smoke dispersal and meet the requirements set out in Part B of the Building Regulations and BS5588.
By the very nature of a sash window design concept, only half of the total openable area can be utilised at any one time and in this case did not contribute sufficient geometric volume, that is, the amount of through ventilation required to disperse smoke build-up in the event of fire. To maintain consistency of appearance externally, Mumford & Wood’s bespoke design expertise addressed not only the aesthetical requirements but also the ventilation specification by providing an inward opening leaf in a sash window frame.
Using one full height sash set in the inner sash run with a horizontal glazing bar correctly proportioned and positioned to replicate the meeting rails of adjacent windows, the windows, set on door hinges, are capable of opening inwards. This provided a clear opening that complies with the 1.5m2 geometric volume in accordance with the current legislation requirement for ventilation and control.
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This type of window must essentially open automatically and this called for the application of actuators linked to the smoke detectors. The specific windows for the lift well were supplied to site by Mumford & Wood without ironmongery and the main contractor brought in specialists; S E Controls of Lichfield, Staffordshire who designed and fitted the AOV control gear and smoke detection.
More information: www.mumfordwood.com
Why choose timber windows?
April 25, 2007 by admin
Filed under 1st fix, Windows and doors
There’s a feel-good factor
Olav Skretteberg of Broxwood, a forester and independent windows supplier, says people in the UK like timber. There’s a definite feel good factor about it. Sourced from managed forests- often from my homeland of Scandinavia- timber is an environmentally friendly, thermally efficient, good looking material.
Modern, factory-manufactured timber products, such as windows, are also proving themselves in terms of performance – offering durability, low maintenance and competitive cost.
Currently around 12 million windows of all types are sold each year in the UK, with timber windows accounting for 25% of that market. 57% of timber windows sold in Britain are used by the public sector and 42% by the private; 86% of these in refurbishment projects and 14% for new build applications. (Figures from FSC website.)
Over the last ten years in particular, the evolution of timber windows in terms of quality, durability and design has been dramatic, in response to both regulation and marketplace. Factory finished and treated against rot, with frames which are fully protected from water and UV light, modern high-performance timber windows can have finish guarantees for up to 10 years and rot free guarantees for up to 30.
Dual sealing and factory glazing will help maximise the life of a unit and sophisticated design details, such as drained and vented glazing rebates, are used to prevent deterioration and lengthen the life of the timber
How long a window frame will last depends on many factors. The National Building Federation’s “Standards in Quality and Development” gives PVC windows an expectancy of 20 – 25 years where as it gives vacuum treated softwood 25 – 35 years. According to the Green Builders Digest, “well designed and well maintained timber windows can and do last the lifetime of the building in which they are installed”.
In addition, manufacturers are now producing timber windows that will take single, double and even triple glazed insulating glass units, to suit particular specifications, and capitalise on advances in timber technology.
STANDARDS & REGULATIONS
The main British Standard for timber windows is BS644. This is a comprehensive standard, encompassing other standards on quality of timber, glazing etc. and those specifying timber windows, which are third party certified to this standard, will meet all current UK requirements.
Specifiers may also wish to include certain levels of safety and security in their window specification. While most modern timber windows offer a good basic level of security, third party certification to Secured by Design standard ensures a enhanced levels. Interestingly, most of the windows my company imports, from a wide variety of Scandinavian suppliers, already meet Secured by Design standards.
We have nonetheless decided to put our popular top swing tilt and turn window through the Secured by Design process for marketing purposes, as this certification is increasingly being demanded by customers.
Another important aspect of specification is ensuring that timber windows meet current thermal requirements. Timber is, of course, a natural insulator, which when combined with the glazing system, (air, argon or krypton filled), insulating glass and draught sealing, has no difficulty in providing a window which meets current requirements of a U value of less than or equal to 2.0W/m2K.
Part L also refers to window energy ratings which follow an A-G scale with E being equivalent to the 2.0 U value. In fact, these standards are not particularly demanding and the technology exists to create a timber window three times as energy efficient!
One final reason for choosing timber for your windows. Planning controls often restrict the use of PVC windows in conservation areas and in buildings of historical interest for aesthetic reasons. This is because PVC windows require a bigger section than timber windows to meet strength requirements and therefore often cannot match the fine detailing of traditional windows, in the way that modern timber replacements can.
More information: www.broxwood.com
Practical ramifications of sustainable development
April 25, 2007 by admin
Filed under 1st fix, Windows and doors
A mix of potentially conflicting advice!
The green agenda seems to be on every housebuilder and building products maufacturer’s mind, but the practical ramifications of how sustainable development is actually going to be implemented are still unclear, writes Jim Lawrie, chief executive of Black Millwork, UK and Ireland distributor for Andersen Windows.
At the moment we have a mix of potentially conflicting advice but no clear defining official standard incorporated into the Building Regulations.
For example, the government is encouraging the building industry – primarlily in the public sector – to follow its ‘Code for Sustainable Homes’ (CSH). The British Research Establishment (BRE) has also brought out a ‘Green Guide’ with its A, B, C star rating system for products and materials which can earn points towards Eco Homes
Of the common traditional window materials so far assessed, the only summary rating ‘A’ given is for pre-treated softwood frames, double glazed, and painted inside and out. Surprisingly, hardwoods are not rated as highly – maybe because sensitivities may still remain relating to the sustainability of their managed sources. Other commonly used window materials like PVC-u, powder aluminium and aluminium faced timber composites also receive a lower summary rating.
Based on eco points alone, we could be looking at a return to softwood frames, but there are also other performance factors to consider when specifying windows, such as strength, low mainenance and aesthetics, for which other materials may be better suited.
There is clearly a need for new sustainable materials that will meet both the environmental and practical requirements of house builders and the end user.
At present, the only option of this kind on the market is Fibrex®, an entirely new composite materal from Andersen Windows. Currently incorporated into the Woodwright™ range of sliding sash windows, it is made from recycled wood fibre coated with a specially formulated thermoplastic polymer, which provides the strength and appearance of wood and the low maintenance properties of PVC-u.
As the wood is harvested from renewable sources and 50% of the overall material is made from recycled waste materials, once assessed for its rating by the BRE as every new material has to be, Fibrex® could well prove to be a highly popular option.
Until incorporated into the Building Regulations, sustainable development is still a matter for the moral conscience and so, whilst the green agenda is clearly important, maybe we should be careful not become too diverted from the fundamentals of creating safe, affordable and desirable homes with ‘kerb appeal’.
With Andersen’s system of modular construction, and its range of over 200,000 different shapes sizes and colours of windows and patio doors – plus made to measure options - virtually any glazing configuration can be created cost-effectivley, from a small feature window to an expansive wall of light.
More information: www.blackmillwork.co.uk