The wave mode is an automatic door lock launched by
Ingersoll Rand. The new lock is specifically designed for hotels, hostels, student accommodation and other facilities with transient occupancy. It combines different modular and operating elements which provide multiple options so that locks can be designed to meet any level of security or budget.
A new 16-page brochure from Laidlaw Solutions featuring the company's Orbis Anti-Ligature range is said to contain comprehensive information on this specialised aspect of interior design. The extended range contains locks, handles, hinges, door closers, escutcheons and access devices, all designed to create a safe environment without an institutional appearance.
Products can be procured predominantly in a choice of satin stainless steel and silk anodised aluminium, all of which have a standard 10 year guarantee. Specific design advice is available along with information on timber doorsets and finishes.
Glyngary Windows, one of the UK's leading manufacturers of vertically sliding windows, has supplied windows from the Rehau Heritage PVC-U system for a new build development.The vertical sliders are said to have all the positive features of PVC-U in terms of energy efficiency, low maintenance and long-term durability yet they look virtually indistinguishable from the popular traditional timber box sashes.
Vision 3000 aluminium clad timber windows from Glas Facades are now available in a range of specifications, achieving Window Energy Ratings in bands A, B and C.
While a grade C rated window is considered an excellent energy efficient window system, the ultimate grade A window means that the tested configuration will absorb more energy from the sun during a year than it loses through the window during the year.
This is a hard standard to achieve and requires the use of near airtight window seals, low-iron white glasses for solar gain and highly insulating coated glasses coupled with insulating inert gas between the panes of the glazing units.
The Vision 3000 range combines an aluminium outer profile with solid timber internally, in a natural or painted finish. Exceptional airtightness is a feature of the windows, which in independent tests have exceeded a Class 4 rating, the highest rating under EN 12207:1999-11.
Ecodoors from Vicaima have been chosen by Linden Homes for its latest housing project in Wiltshire. The housebuilder is in the process of completing 256 eco-homes on the site of the former Cattle Market in Chippenham. The apartments and houses are all designed to be rated as ‘EcoExcellent.’
Aintree's £35 million redevelopment using Metal Technology's architectural aluminium has been completed.
The aluminium was used on two grandstands, a media centre, weighing room and bar. The Antrim-based company's high performance System 17 curtain walls was used throughout. However, the company said, its most dramatic effect was in the identical grandstands built next to the Queen Mother Stand. The grandstands are linked by the two-story circular Saddle Bar with facetted System 17. At the south end of the parade ring, overlooking the winners enclosure, the media centre has a curved glazed facade also constructed from System 17.
This month's Housing Focus front cover features the Beddington Zero Energy Development – more popularly known as BedZED – which showcases windows and doors from Rationel. Located in Wallington, Surrey, BedZED is a mixed-use, carbon neutral development that incorporates innovative approaches to energy conservation and environmental sustainability. The architectural practice involved was Bill Dunster, and the developer was the Peabody Trust. The design includes the use of Rationel windows including fixed light, top and side guided units, along with double terrace doors - all critical components of the carbon neutral building. The timber used in the manufacture of the Domus range is taken exclusively from Northern European softwoods which bring with them high levels of dimensional stability, and resistance to rotting, warping and bowing. All timber sections are protected against rot and fungus prior to jointing. Factory-finished elements are stained or painted coverstory with two coats of water-based microporous highbuild paint in a variety of RAL colours, or translucent wood colour stains. Dwellings at BedZED are arranged in south facing terraces to maximise heat gain from the sun, known as passive solar gain. Each terrace is backed by northfacing offices where minimal solar gain reduces the tendency to overheat and the need for energysapping air conditioning. Through the innovative design and construction, heat from the sun and that generated by occupants and everyday activities such as cooking, is sufficient to heat BedZED dwellings to a comfortable temperature. The need for space heating, which accounts for a significant part of the energy demand in conventional buildings, is therefore dramatically reduced to about 10% of an average dwelling. Rationel has worked with Bill Dunster on other, similar schemes throughout the UK – further endorsing Rationel's environmental credentials.
Hall 5, Stand M125
The Sheerframe sustainable window range from LB Plastics will be on display at Interbuild, and will include windows that achieve 'A' Energy Rating. A new range of acoustic ventilators will also be showcased.
One of the latest additions to the Sheerframe range from is the PVC vertically sliding sash window, a design which offers egress to the requirements of Part B of the Building Regulations. It's engineering means that much smaller windows of this type can be used as escape windows for the first time, with windows just 900mm high complying with legislation.
A door manufacturer will be warning housebuilders about the importance of air permeability at this year's show. In the context of recent trends and new legislation, Manse Masterdoor is highlighting the importance of air tightness in a property for reducing the cost of energy bills for the house buyer. Where a door seal is key in retaining heat in the property, many door makers quote conduction (calculated by u values) as the key factor but the exhibitor claims the most important aspect for reducing wasted energy is air tightness.
The launch by Fakro of its SLT Light Tunnel is said to be break new ground for the roof window maker. The product, however, complements the range by providing scope to bring natural light to windowless or dimly lit areas.
The light tube is available in 350 and 550mm diameter and three metres lengths. Its flexibility is claimed to keep installation time to a minimum.