Jamie and Benny are two special little boys who deal with neurofibromatosis every day.  Jamie is seven years old, who in addition to neurofibromatosis has scoliosis. He already has had eleven operations to correct the curvature in his spine. The effects Benny (four years old) has at present are hyperness, lack of sleep and clumsiness he also will need several intensive investigations throughout his life.

Jamie wear a full body hard jacket every day for support and protection, the boys Nanny Ms Ryan needed a safe outdoor area thus Ecodek® composite decking boards were the answer.

They require an area where they can play without the worry of slipping on a decking area that can splinter or rot thus increasing risk to the boys. Ecodek composite decking unlike hardwood or softwood decking does neither and has the added advantages of excellent insulation properties, low potential to slip and being low maintenance.

The boys now enjoy sixty square metres of Ecodek within the comfort of their garden. Ms Ryan chose Ecodek’s popular composite decking boards in Dark Brown to blend naturally with its surroundings.

Ms Ryan said: “We chose Ecodek as we were advised to go for something safe and sturdy as Jamie is so fragile with his spine. As Ecodek is used in parks and schools covering children’s needs we thought what better recommendation.  We are sure that it will be absolutely perfect for Jamie and Benny.”

http://ecodek.co.uk/

British made wood polymer composite
Telephone: 01244 677367

Follow @ecodek

Silva Timber's Certi-label Western Red Cedar Shingles have been used on three new care units at Douglas Macmillan Hospice, North Staffordshire.

For patients requiring palliative care, Douglas Macmillan Hospice aim to provide the very best quality of life possible. As the hospice has grown in recent years, the organisation required new care units for patients in order to expand their services.

With a background in creating unique and special environments for various hospices, KKE Architects were chosen to undertake the design. From here the designs lead KKE to discuss Certi-grade Western Red Cedar No.1 Grade Blue Label Shingles with the customer support team at Silva Timber and ultimately specify Silva's Shingles for the project.

Douglas Macmillan required three units for their hospice, with Certi-grade Western Red Cedar No.1 Grade Blue Label Shingles making an ideal choice, not only for the roof, but the wall cladding too. 

The units were designed using ther PassivHaus philiosophy whcih through super-insulation, avoiding cold bridging and maximising solar gain, saves up to 90% on traditional building fuel costs. A ground source heat pump was installed to generate low-temperature water for underfloor heating, meaning any additional heat used will be a top up to an already efficient system rather than an compensating for heat that traditional leaks from windows, doors, floors and roofs. 

Silva's Certigrade Western Red Cedar Shingles made perfect sense for the roofing and cladding project, as KKE Architects commented, "Western Red Cedar Blue Label No.1 Grade Shingles were specified for the roof and wall cladding as they look good visually, weather well and fit easily into the the rural setting. They are sustainable, trap carbon emissions through carbon capture and have a very low embodied energy as they are produced using a relatively simple process." 

Shingles are a beautiful product which have been proven to be a superior material for roof and wall cladding, providing durability, warmth and resistance to extremes of wind and weather. Their natural appearance help finish buildings with stunning effect, with Douglas Macmillan Hospice being a prime example.

The 3 self-contained units which make up the Intermediate Care Unit sit separately within the grounds of the Douglas Macmillan Hospice. They are used for short term stays, typically 1 to 3 weeks by patients who are ready to be discharged from hospice care but may not feel ready to fully cope at home. It also works the other way round, for people who need assistance with settling into the hospice. The Units have enough space for relatives to stay, providing a home from home with the benefit of an on-site nurse and further medical backup from the hospice if required.  

Certi-label Western Red Cedar Shingles & Shakes are inspected by legitimate, third party agencies, accredited by the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau, ensuring quality and consistency from bundle to bundle.

Not all cedar shake and shingle products are alike. Certi-label products, manufactured by Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau members, assure you of the highest quality standards. Member mills have committed to consistent quality through independent third-party inspections by accredited agencies. Each bundle of product has the mill's distinctive Certi-label tucked under the bundle strap. Asking for "the blue label" or "number one blue label" is not specific enough.

Be aware that just because a supplier puts a label in a blue colour on its bundles does not mean that it’s on grade or third party inspected. Certigrade Western Red Cedar Shingles are inspected by legitimate, third party agencies, accredited by the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau.

Silva Timber are the only member of the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau outside of North America. The Bureau monitors and inspects member mills to ensure product quality, grading rules and consistency of Certi-Label cedar shingles and shakes are maintained. 

Silva Timber have a wide range of Western Red Cedar Shingles available from stock for immediate delivery across the UK, or ordered and collected direct from our showrooms in Cheshire and West London. For more information on Western Red Cedar Blue Label Shingles click here. 

http://www.silvatimber.co.uk

Follow @silva_timber

Unique, non-penetrating anchoring device for PV amorphous modules,crystalline panels and other roof mounted equipment

Axter’s new GENERAL FIX® lightweight fastening system secures roof mounted equipment such as PV amorphous ‘thin film’ modules, crystalline panels and other plant, without penetrating the waterproofing system or compromising the structural integrity of the building.

GENERAL FIX® applies the VELCRO® hook and loop fastening principle and tolerates heavy-duty stress in a few square centimetres. It is easy to install and is designed to anchor all types of plant securely without ballast on retro-fit and new build projects. GENERAL FIX® eliminates the need for expensive, heavy array support systems and allows easy removal of the plant for maintenance.

Through early involvement in a project, Axter’s technical experts promote through innovative design and materials the importance of health and safety and the reduction of build and lifetime maintenance costs. To assists designers, a bespoke specification and drawing service is offered, backed by independent site inspections and long-term guarantees.

For further information call 01473 724056 or visit www.axter.co.uk.

Located in the heart of Clerkenwell, on Britton Street, Ochre’s exclusive showroom opened in December 2011. This arresting space is a destination for those in search of discreet interior glamour. Ochre was founded in 1996 and has emerged as an international cult brand that continues to grow organically, whilst staying true to its considered and crafted design roots. At the BIID event designers will have the opportunity to see the influential Ochre collection first hand and appreciate the company’s aesthetic for the beauty of the understated and its emphasis on high quality materials, flawless British craftsmanship and technical virtuosity.

Designers will also have the opportunity to win an Ochre Arctic Pear Table Lamp in a special prize draw during the evening. The Arctic Pear Table Lamp features a patinated, bronze frame with a two tiered rim of solid clear glass drops and retails at £1710.

“Clerkenwell Design Week’s popularity continues to increase year after year,” says Diana Yakeley, BIID President. “It has become a prominent fixture in every designer’s calendar, and we are delighted to be supporting its programme of activities. We also thank Ochre for their support during this major international festival. The Ochre showroom is an arresting space and the perfect place to hold a stylish event during the design week. We look forward to an informative and entertaining evening.”

Clerkenwell is home to over 60 show rooms, a multitude of architectural and creative practices and provides the perfect location for this unique design festival. Back for its third year after a record number of visitors in 2011, Clerkenwell Design Week (22-24 May 2012) features an exciting, three-day programme of more than 150 events, pop-up exhibitions, installations, talks, performances, music and workshops, showcasing cutting edge design from some of the biggest names in the industry.

Visit www.ochre.net for further details on Ochre and www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com for more information about Clerkenwell Design Week.

British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) www.biid.org.uk

H+H joined forces with, Stewart Milne, Crest Nicholson and Barratt Developments and the BRE to complete 17 cost-effective low carbon homes in England and Scotland for the AIMC4* development scheme. This project has been made possible by a £3.2million investment by the Technology Strategy Board, which has also been matched by the AIMC4 Consortium.

The aim of the £6.4 million project is to build energy efficient, economical and appealing homes that will meet the energy requirements of Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. This will be achieved without the use of renewable technologies utilising a fabric first approach.

Fabric first means making sure the building envelope maximises its insulation performance and is as airtight as possible whilst maintaining good indoor air quality. For the homebuyer, a fabric-first house simply provides the most energy efficient environment without them having to get to grips with any complex technology.

As part of AIMC4, H+H’s modern method of Thin Joint masonry has been used to construct masonry cavity external walls on Barratt Developments four houses, a detached and small terrace, at Meridian Park in Corby. The method was also used for Crest Nicholson’s detached four-bedroom Brockham family home at the Noble Park site in Surrey.

This ground breaking project has the occupier in mind, by focusing on their needs and how they live in low energy homes. Now that the houses have been completed, BRE Scotland will monitor the building performance and study the occupant behaviours and experiences of living in the properties.

H+H Marketing Manager, Jenny Smith-Andrews, explains the company’s involvement with the project: “Our objective in getting involved with AIMC4 was primarily to prove that it is possible to build a house to Code Level 4 without the need for any renewables and by using fabric first solutions. Another key objective for H+H was to demonstrate how an aircrete structure is a viable method to achieve this aim. The benefits of the project stem from the collaboration of the supply chain working together with the developers to design the homes to achieve the most desirable results.

Jenny continues: “The project has confirmed that our aircrete blocks and Thin Joint products are a viable masonry solution from a build and financial perspective. Homebuyers will see the benefits when they are able to buy exceptionally energy efficient homes that are straightforward to live in.”

For more information about AIMC4, please visit http://www.aimc4.com/

Follow @CelconBlocks

A combination of tighter budgets, environmental legislation and greater financial accountability means that healthcare estate managers are under growing pressure to save energy and money.

Despite introducing measures to enhance efficiency, the NHS has increased its carbon footprint by 40% since 1990 and the carbon footprint for the NHS England has risen to 21 million tonnes per year, which is more than some medium sized countries. This means that meeting the Department of Health’s targets of a 10% reduction by 2015 and an 80% reduction by 2050 will be an enormous challenge – one that healthcare estate managers are at the forefront of addressing.

Set against a backdrop of increasing fuel costs, reducing energy expenditure may appear to be an impossible task. However, technology already exists that can control, monitor and manage energy consumption in real time, leading to instant and substantial savings.

In fact, 84% of a healthcare estate’s energy consumption can be controlled by using a building energy management system (BEMS) – technology that has been recognised by The NHS Sustainable Development Unit (SDU) as a way to achieve an energy efficient and low carbon healthcare service.

Trend Controls’ Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) monitor and control building services such as heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, ensuring that they operate at maximum levels of efficiency and economy. They do this by maintaining the optimum balance between conditions, energy usage and operating requirements. Intelligently understanding and responding to patterns of usage means that, for example, lighting and heating can be turned off in unoccupied areas.

Trend is a major international manufacturer of energy control solutions, with a worldwide distribution and support network covering over 50 countries. It has an enviable track record in successfully implementing BEMS within healthcare estates and its products cover a full range of hardware that can be installed via a network of approved systems integrators.

Many buildings will already have a BEMS installed and Trend can demonstrate how to experience the full benefit of it via an Energy Controls Audit. This ascertains what can be achieved by reviewing the way a

building is used and identifying energy saving opportunities. After the audit a comprehensive report is then submitted detailing the modifications made, any on-site issues and the expected energy savings.

Healthcare estate and facility managers must take new and creative steps to put energy costs in check, because more has to be done with less. With the help of Trend, reducing carbon emissions and saving money can be achieved by increasing the lifecycle and efficiency of your energy infrastructure.

For further information please call Trend on 01403 211888

https://www.trendcontrols.com

Aerial Sketch improves speed, reliability, safety of roof dimensioning

LONDON — A new roof-dimensioning tool from Xactware has turned one of the most complex estimating tasks into one of the easiest and quickest. Aerial Sketch^_TM is a revolutionary roof- dimensioning tool that uses aerial imagery to help contractors and surveyors dimension roof structures in a matter of minutes.

With Aerial Sketch, users download aerial images for an address, trace the roof, and then create fully dimensioned roof plans and 3-D diagrams that they can use to estimate refurbishing or reinstatement costs. Aerial Sketch is available in Xactware's claims estimating platform, Xactimate^_®, and vastly improves the speed, reliability, and safety of estimating damaged roof structures.

"Accurately scoping and estimating roofs can take hours, even days, and can be one of the most perilous tasks in the industry," said Vernon Davenport, Xactware’s director of European operations. "Now, with just a few clicks of a mouse, Xactimate users can finish even complex roof diagrams in their office before they even set foot on the site."

Aerial Sketch leverages high-resolution photos and patent-pending Xactware technology to detect and trace roof features automatically. After importing aerial images into the tool, Xactimate users need only click a few buttons, and Aerial Sketch will instantly outline the perimeter, ridges, and valleys. Property professionals can also use the tool to determine the pitch of roofs.

"Safety, accuracy, and efficiency are top concerns when estimating a loss," Davenport said. "Property professionals who use Aerial Sketch will find it can do much to help them achieve these goals, as well as relieve many of the pains associated with their day-to-day work."

For more information about Aerial Sketch, visit www.xactware.com/uk/solutions/claims-estimating/.

Xactware Webcast: What's New in Claims Estimating Technology?

Webcast will showcase revolutionary roof-dimensioning technology – Wednesday 9th May at 4pm GMT, no charge, register here

Accurately scoping and estimating roofs can take hours, even days, and can be one of the most perilous tasks in the building industry. Now, with just a few clicks of a mouse, building professionals can finish complex roof diagrams in their office before they even set foot on site.

Xactware will introduce Aerial Sketch, its recently launched roof-dimensioning tool which utilises aerial imagery to allow property professionals to scope and estimate roof structures from the safety of the ground or office.

Participants on the webcast will learn of the most recent advancements in mobile technology and aerial imagery which afford surveyors, contractors, and adjusters with many new and exciting tools that greatly improve the speed and reliability of loss estimating.

Xactware is a leading specialist in the property insurance, refurbishment and restoration industry. The webcast is free of charge and takes place on 9th May at 4pm GMT. Registration is required and can be completed here.

If you would like further information about the webcast, please email efox@iba-international.com or call Edward Fox 01780 721433.

Attending seminars hosted at all six conference theatres at Sustainabilitylive! – the UK’s leading energy, water, land and sustainable business exhibition – can now count towards delegates’ Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Sustainabilitylive!, which opens at the NEC in Birmingham on May 22, will be running an extensive free three-day conference and seminar programme covering the largest number of industry sessions where panels of experts will put the spotlight on the big issues, latest advice and ground-breaking innovations covering the energy efficiency, water-saving solutions and environmental services sectors.

On achieving CPD certification for the programmes, Event Director Donna Bushell says: “We are delighted to offer visitors to Sustainabilitylive! the broadest range of free and relevant content delivered by some of the highest-level experts in the energy, water and environmental sectors. We believe this exciting offer is enhanced further through the ability of delegates at these presentations to credit their attendance towards their CPD.

“Being accepted as a member of the CPD Certification Scheme also reinforces the quality of Sustainabilitylive!’s conference programme and the real value that delegates can gain from attending these seminars.”

Sustainabilitylive! comprises the National Energy Management Exhibition (NEMEX), the International Water and Effluent Exhibition (IWEX), Brownfield Expo (BEX), and Sustainable Business – The Event (SB). CPD certified seminars will be available throughout the whole conference programme, including HEVAR – the national exhibition for the heating and ventilating industry in the UK – that runs alongside Sustainabilitylive!

Strong interest from key business leaders and professionals continues to build in the show, which features more than 300 exhibitors, a host of high-level Government and business speakers and plenty more to keep visitors abreast of the current industry issues facing businesses today.

IWEX is attracting increased attention as high-profile water issues in the UK continue to dominate the headlines. With topical presentations from experts on sustainable water supply, smart water networks and flood management, there is sure to be plenty of scope for discussion.

Energy in all its forms is a key part of the show and NEMEX, which celebrates its 30th anniversary with the introduction of its new seminar theatre, promises stimulating debate on the challenges that lie ahead in the energy management, renewables and procurement sector. Energy provider SSE is a key new exhibitor this year, affirming the high calibre of companies choosing Sustainabilitylive! 2012.

For both new and returning visitors, the event certainly delivers on many practical levels as evidenced from the many positive comments received last year. Atiq Malik, Process Improvement Engineer at Scott Bader Co Ltd, said: “The exhibition had more than what I expected – and all under one roof. It provided plenty of information and knowledge of products and companies. I simply cannot afford to miss it!”

It was a valuable opportunity too for Neil Bradley, Sustainability Co-ordinator at the National Assemble for Wales, who commented: “Sustainabilitylive! provides a valuable platform on which to develop ideas on best practice from leading industry professionals. Well worth a visit!”

Tony Gaskin, Accreditations Manager, IOS Bristol, summed it up with: “Sustainabilitylive! is an excellent opportunity for SMEs to see where the market is and to identify potential suppliers of relevant goods and services.”

To be a part of the action, head to Sustainabilitylive! in halls 3 and 3a at the NEC, Birmingham from May 22-24 2012. As all of the shows offer free admission, visitors looking for joined-up thinking to solve a problem across any environmental sector, will find they add up to a winning combination.

All the latest exhibitor news, features programmes, information on how to exhibit or how to register for free attendance can be found at www.sustainabilitylive.com or by calling +44 (0)20 8651 7106.

Follow @Suslive

Leading architectural glazing company Cantifix has been engineering innovative solutions and championing products which improve quality of life for over 26 years. 

Brand design consultants Springetts approached Cantifix looking for a glass based solution for their reception area. The brief was to screen off the office area beyond without losing light, and without masking the feeling of activity in the office. A simple sandblasted glass screen was the perfect solution; but the clients wanted something more exciting and dynamic to match their personality.

Cantifix came up with a colourful, innovative and experimental design - incorporating a sandblasted single glazed unit and colour phasing ribbon LEDs. The LED strips are fitted all the way around the internal edge of the frame, and when illuminated, the sandblasted surface of the glass causes the coloured light to diffuse in all directions – creating the illusion of coloured glass. The LEDs phase through a wide range of vibrant colours, creating a gentle but energising glow.

(download)

Click here to download:

cantifix-colour-changing-glass-perfect-for-internal-screens-krEtfFwpkHbFrtmpIDzG.zip (27.44 MB)

The completed installation gives privacy to the office area without compromising natural light, and provides a warm, colourful welcome to the reception area.

www.cantifix.co.uk

info@cantifix.co.uk

020 8203 6203

Follow @Cantifix

Baxi Commercial Division has supplied new Potterton Commercial gas-fired condensing boilers and Andrews Water Heaters products for a refurbishment project at Range High School, Formby in Merseyside. This is a co-educational comprehensive school with specialist status in mathematics and computing which provides secondary education for around 1300 pupils, 250 of whom are sixth form students. Such a large school has significant heating and hot water demands and, in order to reduce both carbon footprint and fuel costs, the school has switched from an oil-fired to a gas-fired system. The existing pressure jet boilers and calorifiers have been replaced by new Baxi Commercial Division gas-fired equipment which provides the whole school with energy efficient space heating and domestic hot water.

The system was designed by Capita Symonds on behalf of Sefton Council.  Existing space and water heating equipment has been replaced by four Potterton Commercial Eurocondense three 300kW floor-standing, condensing boilers and two Andrews HIflo 81/264 gas-fired storage water heaters. The latter each have a capacity of 368 litres, heat input of 80kW and a recovery rate of 959 litres per hour through a temperature rise of 56^oC.   The  new  boilers serve existing radiators and air handling units whilst the storage water heaters supply domestic hot water to wash hand basins, showers, laboratories and kitchens throughout the school.  

Capita Symonds’ design engineer commented: “In selecting this equipment, we looked at various products from numerous manufacturers. Our final decision was based on quality, efficiency, costing, value for money, maintainability, flexibility of control and physical sizes of the boilers. We have used Potterton Commercial and Andrews products on various projects over the years and we particularly appreciate the very proactive product selection advice and after sales service provided by Baxi Commercial Division staff. We anticipate that the school’s fuel bill will be reduced by approximately £7,500 per annum after installation of the new plant and carbon footprint will be reduced due to its higher efficiency. Both Capita and the school are very pleased with the equipment and we will continue to use Potterton Commercial and Andrews products on future projects.”

During the summer of 2010, the existing oil-fired boilers, plate heat exchanger and calorifiers were removed from the plantroom and the new equipment was installed. The Eurocondense three boilers are located in a bank of four, side by side, in the existing stand alone boilerhouse, with individual flues through the flat roof and pipework runs through a service duct to the school. The HIflo water heaters  are  situated  in  the  same  boilerhouse.   Individual  unit  controls  are connected to a central control panel in the boilerhouse which, in turn, is linked to a computer in the site manager’s office. The installation was carried out by Ormskirk-based James Mercer Group.

Potterton’s latest floor standing condensing gas boiler, Eurocondense three, offers a range of upgraded features, including a smaller foot print, improved modulation range and reduced operating noise levels.   Using the very latest heating technology, this new boiler incorporates a heat exchanger made from aluminium/silicon with a 10 year warranty and a combustion system which delivers exceptional energy efficiency as well as advanced ultra low NOx performance of 35mg/kWh (Class 5). The Integrated System Regulator (ISR) control system developed in conjunction with Siemens can be used with simple room thermostats or fully integrated Building Energy Management Systems using a volt free connection.

Andrews Water Heaters HIflo direct fired storage water heaters are ideal for use in schools and other large commercial applications where there is a constant demand for hot water or where demand peaks at specific times. Their fast recovery rates guarantee hot water whenever required and an inbuilt high temperature programme eliminates the conditions that allow legionella to be present.  Their tank design also precludes legionella colonisation, even with a build-up of debris, as water at the bottom of the tank reaches at least the same temperature as the rest of the heater.

 www.andrewswaterheaters.co.uk

www.pottertoncommercial.co.uk

www.baxi-senertec.co.uk

Follow @BaxiCommercial