Dura Composites has launched Dura Deck® Inspire, the first ever 1.8m long A1 fire-rated porcelain deck plank balcony solution in the UK, especially suited to applications where the building height exceeds 11m, following the change of legislation for medium and high rise buildings.
The Global Flora Conservatory, an internationally-renowned botanical collection at Wellesley College, was designed by the American architecture firm Kennedy & Violich Architecture (KVA Matx) in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team at Wellesley College.
Staircases are one of the most vital transition elements in architecture; they are designed to connect two spaces, whether it is interior to exterior or different internal levels. The positioning of a staircase in a multi-level building will always be vital, but now it is just as essential to create a design visual and consider the staircase as a main feature. Using metal mesh for the balustrades or panel railings on the staircase is not only a great option for safety but also pushes the design boundaries, writes Anthony Millington, Business Development Manager at Amron Architectural.
Nigel Sanger, Divisional Director Technical Support at RWC UK, looks at how the winter season can affect plumbing and heating systems, and what installers can do to prevent these issues.
SageGlass®, pioneer of the world’s smartest electrochromic glass, announces that its dynamic glass is now able to be integrated with voice controlled speaker systems. Building occupants can now control the dynamic glass tint via simple voice commands to optimise daylight and outdoor views while preventing heat gain and glare. This offering is expected to be integrated into larger building management systems so building owners and facilities managers can manage SageGlass along with other voice-enabled smart devices in the building.
An increasing number of commercial buildings require improved ventilation – often to create a cleaner atmosphere that meets health and safety and COSHH requirements, or simply to provide a more comfortable environment for employees. Danny Packham European product Manager – Warm Air and radiant for Nortek Global HVAC UK Ltd explains the developments in make-up air heating solutions to meet ventilation and air distribution requirements at a time when energy costs are escalating.
A roaring fire is the beating heart of any period renovation, but the effects of ageing combined with character considerations mean that bringing a chimney back to life is not always a simple matter. David Wright, Residential Sales & Marketing Manager for Schiedel Chimney Systems, explains the issues that can arise and the modern chimney and flue solutions that are bringing old systems into the 21st century.
Saint-Gobain Weber takes training in the specification and application of their innovative, market leading materials responsibly. A team of technical advisors is available to support and advise, either over the telephone or on site, on the correct use of a diverse product offering.
Fire resistant glazing plays a key role in creating buildings that give occupiers or users safe routes of escape in the event of an emergency. But as the spotlight falls on the fundamental question of how effective passive fire protection products actually are, it is vitally important that what we think we know is correct in terms of designing and installing fire resistant glazing, writes Cath McLean, Segment Manager for Glass at Promat UK.
