14
PRODUCTS: HOUSING
238 THE RIGHT LOOK AND
FEEL WITH FORMICA
With finishes taking inspiration from materials such
as stone, concrete or granite, Axiom by
Formica produces detailed surface finishes on
laminate worktops that can bring the look and feel
of nature into the kitchen. Its premium texture
Riverwash, is a highly tactile, textured laminate
that recreates the impact of naturally weathered
stone. Classic neutral shades of Black Quarstone
and Grey Quarstone from the Riverwash range coordinate
with colours found in splashbacks,
upstands or contrasting kitchen units. With eight
laminate textures available, a complementary
finish is available to suit each worktop design.
242 ELIMINATING DAMP
IN OLDHAM
A positive approach to ventilation is helping Villages
Housing Association in Oldham ensure its homes are
free from damp and condensation. Contractor
Premier Services has been installing Passivent
Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) where appropriate to
provide a low-energy permanent solution to excess
moisture in the air. To install, the system requires only
a single power point and cutting of a 200mm hole
in the ceiling in to which the diffuser is inserted.
Passivent maintains PIV can be fitted in less than half
an hour and once in position costs only 1p per day
to run. Passivent can also supply BBA-certified whole
house natural and mechanical ventilation, with or
without acoustic options, tricklevents and the Fresh
range of through-wall ventilators.
244 BOWING DOWN TO TECHNAL
Technal has supplied around 600 aluminium window
and door systems for a new £25m mixed tenure
affordable housing scheme in East London. Taylor Place’s
apartments feature large picture windows, fabricated and
installed by United AG, using Technal’s FXi65 casement
system in both fixed light and tilt/turn configurations,
complemented by FXi52 balcony doors. The new MX
Visible Grid curtain walling is used on the four storeys
which are set back at the top of the tower, and for the
commercial units on the ground floor. The FXi65 features
a highly efficient 19mm flush polyamide thermal break for
enhanced thermal performance and improved aesthetics.
It can accommodate up to 48mm glazing units.
239 VEKA BACKS 2020 HOUSING CALL
The 2020 Group of building bodies, councils and trades unions has
been praised by PVCu system supplier VEKA for its foresight in calling
for 100,000 new affordable homes to rent in the next two years.
National commercial sales manager, Trevor Ranns, said: “The country
is in desperate need for more affordable housing and the building
industries are more and more in need of work. This is a unique
opportunity for the Government to turn two negatives into a positive
with appropriate funding; to provide much-needed homes and breathe
life back into the construction industry – and the economy as a whole.” The 2020 Group believes there could
be 450,000 construction jobs lost from the beginning of the downturn last year to 2010, but with many
construction sites already identified, work could be starting in just a matter of months, given the right investment.
241 WEBER CUTS HEAT DEMAND
240 MAXIMISE FREE ENERGY
Tenants of Freebridge Community Housing in the Kings Lynn area
have reported that following the installation of Weber’s external
wall insulation (EWI) systems they have been forced to turn their
thermostats down 10° or more. With the housing stock constructed
in different ways, three weber.therm systems were installed
including weber-therm XP – a one coat mineral render system
which provides a weatherproof finish over a thermal insulation
panel; weber.therm FT – an aluminium stand-off rail system fixed to
the walls to provide a uniform and vertical carrier for the insulation
board fixing; and weber-therm XB – which features a brick slip
final finish with slips fixed to the profiled insulation boards.
The Barratt Green House on the BRE Innovation Park was designed under
strict criteria to meet the highest level for a zero carbon home. Daikin
UK was chosen to provide a suitable air source heat pump solution for
the heating and hot water in the house and provided an Altherma 6kW
unit to provide the heating needs for the property via the whole house
ventilation system. With a Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (CoP) of
between 3 and 5, on average for every 1kW of electrical input to the
Altherma system, 3.2kW of heat can be generated to heat the house and
domestic hot water. The system is under constant energy monitoring by
University College, London.
243 ONE FAN FITS ALL
Vent-Axia is breaking new ground in unitary fan technology with the launch
of its versatile new Quadra – a domestic fan suitable for through-the-wall or
ducted applications. Suited to kitchen, bathroom, toilet or utility room
installation in new-build or retrofit applications, the multi-purpose Quadra is
designed for social housing developments, as well as for retrofit projects.
As an SAP Appendix Q listed product, it will also help developers ensure their
buildings meet carbon reduction targets under Level 3 of the Code for
Sustainable Homes. Quadra features a range of advanced control options to
boost efficiency, and ease of installation and commissioning. Trickle and Boost
speeds can be set at installation within an airflow range extending from six to
60L/s. By incorporating the latest LoWatt DC motor technology, Quadra also minimises
running costs and maximises the longevity of the product.
245 ELEGANCE BY NAME AND NATURE
Marshall-Tufflex has produced a product
brochure to support the launch of its new cast
iron-style PVCu rainwater system. Universal
Elegance has an authentic dimpled appearance
that mimics the look of cast iron systems but offers
all the benefits of a modern, efficient rainwater
system without the drawbacks associated with
cast iron. Its realistic gloss black finish is achieved
through a special surface coating enhanced by
the application process and specific
manufacturing conditions. The brochure details
the main benefits of the product as well as
technical details and system size/ancillaries.
PSB May 2009 – Enquire at www.psb-info.co.uk
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