An integrated package of external wall insulation and render from Sto has been used to insulate an impressive architectural design featured on a major new London shopping mall. The Sto materials were chosen to insulate and finish the ‘wave-themed’ wall and ceiling design which now forms the centrepiece of ICON Outlet at the world-famous The O2.
“We needed to specify a high-quality insulation system that could provide the required degree of thermal insulation, and still accommodate the complex surfaces and angles of the ‘wave’ design which covers large parts of the walls and ceiling,” explains Nathmya Saffarini of CallisonRTKL architects. “We were looking to create a vibrant atmosphere and use state-of-the-art materials throughout, so it was important that the insulation solution we chose was compatible with those requirements.”
“This was an unusual project as the shopping mall includes ‘indoor streets’ interspersed with open spaces, and is roofed over,” comments Matt Mooney of Novo Facades who installed the Sto insulation solution. “The O2 sits on the bank of the Thames, so the insulation and render finish had to be completed to external standards to protect against the moisture-laden atmosphere and the effects of any temperature fluctuations which this location could cause.
“All the surfaces involved were curved rather than straight, and we had to accommodate these while still working to very tight tolerances over long distances. We liaised very closely with the architect to create the final system, and with Sto who provided great technical support throughout. The aluminium sub-construction of the Sto insulation system provided all the flexibility we required and helped us complete a very challenging project with great success.”
The Sto system specified for the majority of the project was the StoVentec R ventilated rainscreen cladding system. This features an adjustable aluminium mounting grid which creates a cavity between the facade and the render carrier board. This is partially filled with mineral fibre insulation to provide highly effective thermal insulation and fire protection, while still protecting the wall by keeping it dry and allowing it to breathe. The StoVentec carrier boards are very flexible, do not expand or contract with temperature change, and butt jointed with no risk of cracking.
StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation was applied to other areas of the building. This system uses mineral fibre boards to provide unrivalled thermal insulation and fire-resistance. Both Sto systems were then finished with StoSilco K, a high-performance silicone resin render which provides excellent water repellence. StoSilco K is an ideal facade finish for applications such as this where the finish required is visually attractive, whilst also providing protection against weathering and damp.
Picture above: An integrated package of external wall insulation and render from Sto has been used to insulate and finish the ‘wave-themed’ wall and ceiling design which now forms the centrepiece of ICON Outlet at the world-famous The O2.
SIG plc has published a trading update for the period 1 January to 30 April 2019 and has revealed that Like for Like sales at its UK SIG Distribution business fell by 15%.
The Group said it made further operational and financial progress in the first months of the year, reflecting the momentum brought into 2019 as a result of the margin and cost actions taken in 2018. SIG continues to move to a more integrated functional operating model within its divisions resulting in further reductions in headcount and operating costs in the first part of this financial year. Pricing initiatives continue to deliver margin improvement, and in SIG Distribution and, to a lesser extent, the German operations, the business remains focused on the transition to a smaller, more profitable base of activity.
As anticipated at the time of the Group’s 2018 results, the Group saw continuing like-for-like (LFL) sales declines in the first part of the year, with Group like-for-like revenues 2.6% lower. Group revenues from continuing operations were 3.4% lower in the period, including an adverse 1.3% currency movement offset by a 0.5% improvement from more working days
At SIG Distribution the business intentionally brought a much lower, though more focused, base of business into 2019 which, coupled with the weak market conditions, resulted in LFL sales down 15.0% in the period. However, SIG’s statement reported that this has been more than offset by the margin and cost actions taken over the last twelve months and as a result, the Board continues to expect significantly improved profitability in SIG Distribution in the current year.
SIG Exteriors and the Group’s business in Ireland returned to LFL growth in the period helped by improved sales performance and the better weather conditions in February and March compared with 2018. In the UK & Ireland, including SIG Distribution, LFL revenues were down 9.2%.
Trading conditions remain challenging and the outlook in many of SIG’s markets remains uncertain, notably in the UK. The Board believes it can sustain the pace of transformation during 2019 and, providing there is no further deterioration in market conditions, the Board remains confident that the underlying profitability for the full year will be delivered in line with management expectations.
The Group will issue a trading update for the half year ending 30 June 2019 on 5 July 2019.
A refurbishment of the oncology day beds unit at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, part of the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, includes acoustic ceilings featuring sky scenes and shoals of fish to reflect its new name as the Ocean Unit.
The ceiling systems donated by Armstrong, totalling almost 300m2, were installed for free as a part of a ward wish by specialist sub-contractor H & L Ceilings- a member of Armstrong’s approved national network of Omega contractors.
The BioGuard ceiling tiles that feature anti-bacterial benefits for healthcare environments were finished with a coating of sky scenes in the recovery bay for older children, a school of fish swimming down a river in the reception/waiting area corridor, and a shoal of fish in a small treatment room.
They were installed by a team of three from H& L over two weekends, with the old tiles from the 10-bed ward being sent to Armstrong’s factory in Gateshead for recycling and the company’s streamlined TLS grid, which is up to 20% faster to install, replacing the existing suspension system.
Around 35% of the total tiles were white and screen-printed which Armstrong supplied with a number on the back so H & L could follow layout guidelines.
Armstrong became involved in the project after its chosen charity Rays of Sunshine identified the refurbishment of the ward, which had not been updated for 15 years, under its Hospital Ward Wish programme.
This works to, among other elements, decorate treatment rooms to transform sterile spaces into stimulating environments which provide a distraction and enable children to respond better to treatment.
The refurbishment of the Ocean Unit, which has two six-bed bays and four single rooms as well as four consulting rooms, and looks after all oncology, haematology and bone marrow transplant children up to 19 years, also included new wall art and furniture.
H & L director Darren Hopkins said: “When Armstrong asked us to install the project we were more than happy to get involved. It was treated like any other job but the installation team volunteered themselves for the weekend work.”
And of the tile numbering system he added: “We have never had to work that way before but it was pretty easy to install by following the instructions Armstrong gave us.”
Jane Sharpe, CEO of Rays of Sunshine, said: “A very big thank you to everyone involved in making this happen. The ceiling makeover will make such a massive difference to the children visiting the ward for treatment. It will make their time there so much more bearable and will put lots of smiles on lots of faces.”
Jane Thomas, donations co-ordinator for the children’s services division of University Hospitals Bristol, thanked Armstrong for their support in “transforming” the ceilings for the patients and their families.
She said: “The work completed by Armstrong Ceilings has made the area a brighter but still calm place for the children to be in, with the fish gently swimming through. Especially popular is the large bay under the tropical picture where the children can recover following treatment.”
Isabel Blanco, Armstrong’s marketing communications manager, said: “Our latest exercise for Rays of Sunshine was particularly rewarding as it was easy to see the difference the bright, fun ceilings made to the children.”
BioGuard tiles are cleanable and perform to Sound Absorption Class C and Clean Room Classification ISO 5. They are also 85% light reflecting and 95% humidity resistant and manufactured from 42% recycled content.
The Association for Specialist Fire Protectionhas launched a new e-learning course designed to equip installers or new entrants to the sector with a basic knowledge of passive fire protection and its role in the overall fire strategy of a building.
Consisting of 13 short online videos, each of around 10-15 minutes in length, theASFP Introduction to Passive Fire Protection is also ideal for all those involved in building maintenance or follow-on trades such as electricians or plumbers who may damage existing compartmentation and fire resisting walls in carrying out their work.
As well as providing a broad understanding of all types of passive fire protection systems, the learner will gain an understanding of: Fire safety in buildings; Human behaviour in fire; Fire testing; Contractor responsibilities; and the role of active fire protection.
Successful completion of the e-learning course will enable delegates to better understand the role of the various fire safety measures in the built environment, and particularly passive fire protection. Each delegate will also receive a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certificate for a total of 3 CPD hours.
For those who wish to obtain a more detailed understanding of passive fire protection and to obtain formal qualifications, the ASFP also offers class-room based Foundation Courses in Passive Fire Protection. Individuals who undertake the 7-day course can study towards an examination leading to a Level 3 qualification in Passive Fire Protection. Those undertaking the 4-day course can study towards a Level 2 qualification.
The Foundation Course aims to equip candidates with the knowledge required to demonstrate competency, while also offering a route for progression and academic recognition in this key fire protection specialism. The qualifications are examined and awarded by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) awarding organisation, which is regulated by the qualification regulators Ofqual and CCEA
The ASFP’s range of courses allow learners to choose a course tailored to their learning needs, roles and responsibilities. The courses are suitable for all involved in the construction industry from installers and follow on trades, to designers and specifiers, contractors and specialist installers, as well as building owner occupiers, risk assessors and enforcement agencies.
The latest IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Total Activity Index has revealed that commercial construction activity has fallen again. However, house building has helped UK construction sector return to growth in April with construction output rising for the first time since January.
IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Total Activity Index April data pointed to a marginal expansion of UK construction output, driven by the fastest rise in house building so far in 2019. Commercial construction work and civil engineering activity continued to decline, but at slower rate than in March.
At 50.5 in April, up from 49.7 in March, the headline seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Total Activity Index posted above the neutral 50.0 threshold for the first time since January. The latest reading signalled a modest expansion of overall construction output, which contrasted with the declines seen in each of the previous two months.
The forward-looking survey indicators nonetheless remained subdued in April,with new orders falling for the first time since May 2018 and business optimism easing to its lowest since last October. Concerns about the demand outlook resulted in more cautious staff hiring strategies in April, as highlighted by the first fall in work force numbers since July 2016.
Tim Moore, Associate Director at IHS Markit, which compiles the survey:“A return to growth would normally be considered a positive month for the UK construction sector, but the weakness outside of house building gives more than a little pause for thought. Commercial activity and civil engineering both remained on a downward path in April as political uncertainty led to delays with spending decisions.
“On the supply side, sub-contractor availability worsened and construction firms continued to report low stocks among suppliers in April. Latest data revealed the greatest lengthening of lead times for construction inputs since February 2015, reflecting ongoing capacity pressures across the supply chain.
“The forward-looking survey indicators remain subdued, with the UK construction sector recording a drop in business optimism during April and the largest fall in new work for over one year. A lack of new work has started to impact on staff recruitment, as signalled by a reduction in payroll numbers for the first time since July 2016. This provides another signal that construction firms are bracing for an extended period of soft demand ahead.”
Blane Perrotton, managing director of the national property consultancy and surveyors Naismiths, said: “While this slight uptick appears tantalisingly close to being a cause for celebration for the UK construction sector, nothing could be further from the truth.
“With no tangible end in sight to the farce that is the UK’s effort to leave the Bloc, commercial developers are understandably more inclined to continue sitting on their hands rather than commit to larger projects that carry more risk.
“Falling employment numbers also contribute to a bleak forecast, as EU citizens – who make up swathes of Britain’s construction workforces – leave the UK for their home countries.
“Unless Britain can find the manpower needed to plug the emerging gap in the labour market, the construction industry could be in for a challenging few years.
Technal curtain walling has been installed at The Shield, a high-end student accommodation development close to Newcastle upon Tyne city centre on Stoddart Street. Technal is a part of the Hydro Group, a world leader in the building systems sector.
The £18.4m development is located in the east side of Newcastle city centre, a regeneration site previously occupied by light industrial buildings, a brick-built office and a warehouse.
Comprising three blocks of student accommodation extending to seven storeys at Stoddart Street to the East, the scheme steps down to four storeys at Clarence Street to the West.
Designed by Newcastle-based xsitearchitecture, and developed and constructed by BAM, the building features a refined palette of external materials to animate the façade. These include brick, aluminium, bronze coloured cladding and standing seam, in a range of natural colours.
Punctuating the visual mass of the three blocks, Technal’s FY Visible 65mm windows make a significant aesthetic impact. Installed in a vertical configuration to contrast with the cladding’s horizontal line, side hung open out windows were mainly used across the project, with some top hung open out vents also featured – all fitted with stylish standard Technal-exclusive hardware including locking handles and releasable restrictors.
To achieve optimum U-value in this instance, approximately 70% of the windows on the building included spandrel glass, a ceramic toughened glass with foil-backed insulation to surface 4 of the unit. Each configuration was carefully designed to avoid disrupting outward views.
At ground floor level to ensure maximum security, any fixed light or fixed light with vent windows had to be Secured by Design and, as a result, were fitted with security clips. Also, due to their size, some corner windows high up on the building used reinforced mullions.
Explaining why Technal’s FY 65 aluminium window is such a popular choice for student living projects like this, National Specification Manager at Technal, Mark Hargreaves, said: “This is one of Technal’s leading window ranges and offers exceptional security, thermal, acoustic and weather performance. Available in two distinct styles, visible opening and concealed vent, as along with numerous configurations, the range ensures visually consistent window types across a single building.
“Each system provides outstanding thermal performance for example, a 24mm double glazed unit with a typical window size of 1.25m x 1.48m can achieve Uw values as low as 1.3w/m2K.”
Technal’s MX Visible Grid curtain walling system was also specified for this project for its durability and design flexibility. Featured mainly to enhance daylighting in communal spaces, MX Visible Grid has been installed at ground floor level alongside Technal’s PY 55 doors, and at height alongside the FY 65 windows – visually zig zagging on alternate floors to add interest.
The PY 55 doors were specified for their exceptional level of quality and are ideal for high traffic applications, helping to provide excellent security for busy buildings like this one. All of the systems have been finished in a contrasting black powder coating.
One of the reasons the products were used is that they not only create a stunning façade, but are also energy efficient, and met the low U values required of the building. Technal’s products are always specified due to their high quality – the FY 65 windows have zero snags, which is a testament to the robustness of the system.
In walking distance of Northumbria University’s City Campus East and the main Newcastle University Campus, the new accommodation offers a mix of self-contained studio flats and en-suite bedrooms with shared kitchens, housing up to 400 students.
In the wake of the recent insolvency statistics published by ONS the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group has called for urgent action on measures to tighten payment security.
Over the 12 months ending in the first quarter of this year there were 3,013 company insolvencies in the industry – the highest for any sector in the UK.
SEC Group’s CEO, Professor Rudi Klein, said these figures were alarming: “Insolvencies in the industry are running at their highest rate since the recession. Whilst some can be put down to the continuing fall-out from Carillion’s demise, many are the result of worsening cashflow and widespread payment abuse.”
He added: “I’m disappointed that, after almost 18 months following the Carillion collapse, we are still waiting for decisive action on payment.”
SEC Group has been promoting two Private Members’ Bills in the House of Commons to improve construction payment security – the Construction (Retention Deposit Schemes) Bill laid by Waveney MP Peter Aldous and the Public Sector Supply Chains (Project Bank Accounts) Bill laid by Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham and Saddleworth.
The Aldous Bill will ensure that retention monies are protected in a ring-fenced scheme. The Abrahams Bill required that all payments on public sector projects would be made to the supply chain directly from one ring-fenced account (without the monies having to cascade through the different layers of contracting).
SEC Group intends to pursue these measures through to the next session of Parliament.
Prater has been appointed by Multiplex to deliver the facade package for a new extra-care retirement housing scheme on Dovehouse Street, Chelsea. Working alongside key supply chain partners Schüco and BTS Fabrications, Prater’s scope of works includes the design, supply and installation of all windows across the development, along with an aluminium rainscreen and louvre screening doors.
The redevelopment of 2 Dovehouse Street will see all existing buildings demolished to create space for a new bespoke scheme. Designed by architect PDP London, the project aims to create the appearance and style of a prime residential scheme coupled with the provision of a high quality extra-care facility – including nursing and personal recuperative care services.
Consisting of 55 residential care units, all designed for self-contained independent living with on-site care support provided by the operator management, the new scheme will be five storeys high, in addition to a lower ground floor and basement. Each internal unit will also benefit from access to communal private health care facilities and a garden space.
Due to site restrictions in Dovehouse street, the project strategy was to manufacture finished precast panels with windows fixed off-site, a technique Prater already has experience with through similar projects.
Mark Porten, Bid Manager at Prater, said: “Our biggest challenge will be site restrictions, which we had to take into account in our bid, and so we will be involved with installing the windows into precast panels in a factory in Belgium.”
The Construction Products Association’s forecasts for UK construction activity have been downgraded once again due to the impacts of continued Brexit uncertainty on investment, divergences between regional housing markets, difficulties faced by traditional high street retailers and concerns over major infrastructure delivery.
The CPA’s latest forecasts anticipate overall construction output falling by 0.4% in 2019, revised down from a forecast of marginal growth of 0.3% in the Winter forecasts. Growth of 1.4% is forecast for 2020, largely driven by activity on major infrastructure projects but also supported by sharp increases in warehouses and ports activity.
The effects of continued Brexit uncertainty adversely affect sectors that require high upfront initial investment: commercial offices and industrial factories. An extended period of falls in new orders in both sectors highlights that uncertainty over long-term returns has made major expenditure on new floor space increasingly difficult to justify. Offices and factories output is forecast to fall 11.0% and 15.0% respectively in 2019, with further falls of 4.0% and 10.0% respectively in 2020.
Despite political and economic uncertainty, consumer spending has remained strong. However, retail construction is still forecast to fall 10.0% each year in 2019 and 2020. Investment in new retail space continues to be affected by the longer-term structural shift to online spending that has led to administrations and restructuring of traditional high street retailers and skewed retail demand towards storage, distribution and logistics facilities. Consequently, industrial warehouses construction is forecast to rise over the forecast period. In addition, prolonged Brexit uncertainty and stockpiling has boosted demand for storage space further and warehouses output is forecast to rise by 15.0% in 2019 and 20.0% in 2020 to a record-high level of activity. This uncertainty also boosts demand in the ports sub-sector, where output is forecast to rise 12.0% this year and 10.0% in 2020.
Private house building activity is expected to remain flat, albeit at a high level, over the forecast period reflecting house builder caution over the slowdown in demand and falling prices in London, as well as parts of the South East and East currently offset by buoyant housing markets of the North West, Yorkshire and the Midlands. In contrast, public housing starts are forecast to rise 2.0% in 2019 and 5.0% in 2020 supported by an increase in building for the affordable market.
The infrastructure sector is expected to experience the strongest growth rates across the forecast period, with growth of 9.3% forecast for 2019 and 9.7% for 2020 even with caution regarding government’s ability to deliver on major infrastructure projects such as Crossrail and HS2. Without this infrastructure growth, the construction industry would experience a 1.8% fall in 2019, followed by two years of stagnation.
Noble Francis, Economics Director at the Construction Products Association said: “It’s a currently a mixed picture for the construction industry and fortunes will depend highly on the sector and region in which firms are working. Those involved in major infrastructure projects, warehouses or ports are enjoying considerable growth but firms working on offices, retail and factories will be experiencing falls in construction activity.
“Brexit uncertainty has had a large impact on sectors dependent upon high upfront investment for a long-term rate of return, especially where the investment is from international investors. It has so far hindered investment in new offices towers, factories and high-end residential and, given a 12-18 month lag between new orders and activity on the ground, output in these sectors will be adversely affected in 2019 and 2020 at the very least.”
The CPA’s forecasts are based on either one of the two most likely options regarding Brexit at this point occurring: a revised version of the Prime Minister’s Brexit Withdrawal Deal is ratified following cross-party discussions prior to 22 May (that would enable the UK to exit the EU on 1 June and enter the implementation period until 31 December 2020 so nothing changes in the near-term) or a further extension so that an alternative deal such as a Customs Union could be agreed upon and prepared for through an extension beyond 31 October.
The Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA) has been established to raise the profile of light steel frame technology and the creation of new marketing platforms, the LSFA will drive take-up and specification throughout the wider construction industry.
Steve Thompson, managing director of EOS, said: “For well over a decade we have seen the need for a trade association that will unite our industry and promote the substantial benefits of advanced steel framing systems. Offsite steel system manufacturers are operating in exciting times. Whatever the construction market, there has never been a better time to capitalise on the raft of benefits that factory-based offsite technologies can deliver. The LSFA will help us get that message out there, EOS is proud to be a founding member and part of the steering group.”
At last month’s Futurebuild event an Offsite Light Steel Frame Masterclasses featured some of the UK’s leading light steel frame innovators and founding members of the Association. “The masterclasses clearly demonstrated the market-leading position of cold rolled light steel frame systems in the offsite sector,” commented Alan Wildsmith, Project Manager – Structural of the Hadley Group.
LSFA is also collaborating with the Steel Construction Institute (SCI) who will become official Technical Partners. “Although we have different remits, the collaboration between the LSFA and the SCI will progress our shared ambitions,” said Mark Wilkinson, Product Certification Manager for the SCI.
To encourage a collaborative approach the Light Steel Frame Association operates under a unilateral membership structure, with one standard fee for all manufacturing members to gain access to an extensive package of benefits. Membership benefits for manufacturing members will focus on manufacturing marketing opportunities and profile-raising initiatives designed to increase market share.
There will also be a membership structure for supply chain members and for affiliate members, including engineers, contractors, architects and project managers.
The Association also aims to engage and positively influence stakeholders, government departments, ministers and relevant industry bodies to influence legislation and industry regulations.
The LSFA is striving to enhance the profile of the sector with a forward-thinking attitude and an open-minded approach to collaboration, that will drive the industry forward.
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