November 2001 - March 2002
ARCHITECTURAL
IRONMONGERS SPECIFICATION AWARDS 2002-3
The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers and the RIBA are jointly sponsoring
a competition in association with the Architects' Journal, designed to
recognise building projects which reflect the appropriate standard of
specification for architectural ironmongery.
Any building completed in the two-year period ending 31st May 2002 which
fall into one of the five competition categories can be entered. They
are Public Buildings, Renovations, Commercial Buildings, Housing and Established
Buildings (buildings completed and occupied for seven or more years) with
the original architectural
ironmongery in place.
Architects, building owners and architectural ironmongers can nominate
buildings of
their choice for any one or all of these categories. All nominations will
be assessed
initially by regional panels comprising architects and architectural ironmongers,
before being submitted to a national panel for judging.
Final date for nominations is 31st May 2002. Prizes to both the architects
and the architectural ironmongers involved in the winning projects will
be presented at an awards' luncheon in April 2003.
Contact: The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers
Tel: 020 7790 3431
Fax: 020 7790 8517
Email: info@gai.org.uk
Web: www.gai.org.uk
TREMCO
WELCOMES NEW ISO 11600 SEALANTS STANDARD
The withdrawal of the original UK standards for construction sealants
and their replacement with the recently revised EN ISO 11600 has been
welcomed by Tremco, provider of architectural glazing sealant systems.
Mark Bramwell, Tremco's construction sealant specialist, welcomes the
change to ISO regulations for several reasons.
Dr Bramwell says: 'This welcome addition to the ISO range of standards
has been developed for all countries and will he[p to reduce existing
trade barriers within Europe.'
Based on existing National standards, ISO 11600 will 'lower the cost of
new product development and therefore actively promote the development
of such new products, as there will be no need to build in the costs of
meeting the wide range of varying national standards. It is very good
in general for business development.'
The new standard is a practical scheme that is simple to use and easy
to understand. It permits the architect to describe a sealant for his
designed joint in terms of key parameters which include movement capability,
elasticity and modulus, rather than chemical type.
The British Adhesives and Sealants Association has produced a free 12
page guidance note for specifiers, architects and users which is avaiiable
through www.basa.uk.com.
Contact: Tremco Ltd
Tel: 01753 691696
Fax: 01753 822640
Web: www.tremcoeurope.com
Ambersil scoops Environment Award ISO14001
Ambersil,
manufacturers of industrial consumables, have recently received IS014001
certification according to the international standard for Environmental
Management Systems. This was granted to them by the British Standards
Institute (BSI).
Staff at the Ambersil site in Bridgwater, South West England, were lead
by a nominated team within Ambersil to review and change their work practices
to limit their impact on the local and wider environment.
Spokesperson from the team, Peter Speed said 'We decided as a company
to take responsibility for our environmental management and felt that
gaining IS014001 accreditation would demonstrate our commitment to the
environment to all our stakeholders including staff, customers, suppliers
and local residents. Customers in particular were demanding that we are
compliant with this standard and in some cases it is a necessity.
IS014001 offers us great distinction from our competitors and also helps
with our waste redirction and therefore other cost savings. We can now
be sure that we meet current and impending environmental legislation as
part IS014001 continual assessment.'
Contact: Emma Bigwood, Ambersil Industrial Ltd
Tel: 01278 424200
Fax: 01278 425644
Email: emma.bigwood@ambersil.co.uk
Web: www.ambersilindustrial.com
Call
for entries: Benedictus Awards 2002
DuPont is inviting entries from architects for the 2002 Benedictus Awards.
The professional award recognises significant and enterprising use of
laminated glass in both commercial and residential projects worldwide,
while the student challenge for 2002 is to design a library for the future.
Entry deadlines for the professional and student categories are 1 March
and 8 March 2002 respectively.
The annual competition, named after the inventor of the manufacturing
process for laminated glass, will be held for its tenth consecutive year.
It has the worldwide support of the Union des Architectes (UIA), and is
a collaborative effort between the American Institute of Architects (AIA)
and DuPont, the producer of Butacite polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer
for laminated glass.
Entries from the professional sector can be made in either the 'commercial
buildings' or 'private properties' categories. Entries will be judged
by the degree of innovation, breadth of application and importance of
laminated glass to the building and concept. Architects are invited to
submit portfolios of specific completed works and an explanation of why
the design is deserving of recognition. Entries must be accompanied by
a slide or slides and a fully completed entry form.
The winning projects will be announced during the AIA annual conference
in Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.A in May 2002.
Entry forms and further information are available from: Union International
des Architectes (UIA), Francine Troupillon, 51 rue Raynouard, F-75016,
Paris; Tel: +33 (1) 45 24 36 88; Fax +33 (1) 45 24 02 78;
email: uia@uia-architectes.org;
www.uia-architectes.org
Student projects are judged in a separate category. The task facing them
this year is to design a library for the future on an urban site of the
student's choosing. Students should explore the various uses and applications
of laminated glass as a building material. Further details on the competition,
the material and registration can be found under the address www.acsa-arch.org.
Overall prize money available in the student design competition amounts
to US$ 15,000. Registrations need to arrive at the ACSA is 8.3.2002.
Once again, the judging panel for the Benedictus Awards 2002 consists
of renowned architects. They are:
• Kisho Kurokawa, FAIA, FRIBA, President, Kisho Kurokawa Architects
and Associates; honorary fellow of the American Institute of Architects,
Royal Institute of British Architects and Union of Architects (Bulgaria);
six-time winner of the Building Constructors Society Award; winner of
the AIA Los Angeles Pacific Rim Award; awarded Gold Medal from Academy
of Architecture in France; architect for several outstanding projects,
including Republic Plaza in Singapore, Nara City Museum of Photography,
Japanese-German Centre of Berlin; Chinese-Japanese Youth Centre (China);
Chicago Sporting Centre (U.S.), and Les Catalans Redevelopment of the
Waterfront (Marseilles).
• Arthur Cotton Moore, FAIA Arthur Cotton Moore Associates, PC; internationally
recognised architect who has completed projects in 36 countries, including
renovation of the Library of Congress in Washington, DC; served on jury
for the National AIA Honour Award Programme and the national Progressive
Architecture Magazine Design Award; work has been published in more than
2,000 articles; awarded two American Institute of Architects National
Honour Awards; honoured by the Hirshhorn Museum (Smithsonian Institution)
with a Retrospective Lecture on his work; marking the 20th anniversary
of his practice.
• Professor Dr. Werner Sobek - President, Werner Sobek Ingenieure,
Stuttgart,
Germany; director of the Institute for Lightweight Structures (Faculty
of Architecture) and the Central Laboratory for Civil Engineering at the
University of Stuttgart; diploma from University of Stuttgart in structural
engineering; PhD in Civil Engineering; visiting professor, University
of Graz, Austria; projects include Bangkok International Airport; Ecole
National d'Art Decoratif (Limoges, France), SONY Centre, Berlin and Interbank,
Lima, Peru; winner of many awards, including Exceptional Merit, 2001 DuPont
Benedictus Awards, Building of the Year Award, ATV Hamburg; Fritz Schumacher
Award.
Butacite polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer and film materials for laminated
glass are specified by architects for their security, safety, sound and
shatter resistance and energy saving features, as well as for their absolute
clarity.
During 2002, DuPont is celebrating its 200th year of scientific achievement
and innovation. Based in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.A., DuPont delivers
science-based solutions for markets that make a difference in people's
lives in food and nutrition; health care; apparel; home and construction;
electronics; and transportation.
Contact: Andrew Wilkins, Du Pont (UK) Ltd
Tel: 01438 734833
Fax: 01438 734550
Email: Andrew.Wilkins@gbr.dupont.com
Competition Hots Up As Search Continues For Britain's Best Builder
Time is running out in the competition to become Britain's Best Builder
as entries for the Master Builder of the Year competition must be received
by March 31st 2002. The competition is open to builders throughout Britain
with five categories covering a range projects from domestic renovation
under £100K to commercial developments up to £5 million.
'We have already received hundreds of outstanding entries which show that
customers really do appreciate a job well done, says FMB director general
lan Davis, 'You don't have to be a member of the Federation of Master
Builders to enter. The competition calls on customers to nominate builders
who have surpassed themselves in both service and workmanship.'
Providing a watertight shell and a raised extension for owners to escape
repeated flooding, converting a disused factory into a state of the art
concert/conference facility and the construction of a glass basement extension
are just some of the entries received to date which also include conservatories,
kitchen extensions, barn and loft conversions.
The winner of the national title, Master Builder of the Year, wins a fabulous
holiday worth £3,000, with luxury weekend breaks for each of the
five category winners and their nominating customers.
Get a nomination form by calling 0800 096 5765 or by visiting the Federation
of Master Builder's website at www.fmb.org.uk
Security doorsets and grille approved to LPS 1175
LPCB
has announced two new approvals to LPS 1175.
Stafford Bridge Doors has gained approval for single leaf hinged security
doorsets. The Sandhurst door achieved category 3 and the Hendon door category
2.
Both products are certificated to LPS 1175, issue 5, Specification for
Testing & Classifying the Burglary Resistance of Building Components,
Strongpoints and Security Enclosures. Stafford Bridge has the widest range
of locking systems of any doorset approved by LPCB. These are the first
timber doorsets to be certified to LPS 1175.
Trellicor has achieved accreditation for its Trojan security grille, which
has achieved a category 2 to LPS 1175. Richard Flint, Certification Scheme
Manager, LPCB said: 'Many people didn’t believe that they would ever
see a security grille that met Security Rating 2. We are therefore particularly
delighted that Trellicor has proved it possible to get level 2 security
from a collapsible security grille.'
Both companies were presented with their certificates by Richard Flint
at Securex, which was held at Excel, the Docklands new exhibition venue.
LPCB works with insurers, government, police and end users to develop
standards to assist specifiers select appropriate equipment and to ensure
that the equipment provides the required protection.
For information on products and services approved by LPCB, visit:
www.redbooklive.com
or contact Customer Services on 01923 664100.
SECURED BY DESIGN APPROVAL FOR HALLMARK ENTRANCE
DOOR
Residential door panel manufacturer Hallmark
has received approval for its Entrance Door under the Licensed Product
initiative of the Secured By Design Award Scheme. The scheme is operated
by The Association of Chief of Police Officers as a means of reducing
crime against property in the UK and is recognised, approved and supported
by a number of key organisations including The Home Office, all 42 police
forces in England and Wales, Local Authorities and The Association of
British Insurers.
The Hallmark Entrance Door has the appearance and feel of natural wood
but is made from advanced, high-performance, environmentally-friendly
materials which consist of tough PVC-U skins.
A series of extreme tests have been used to ensure that the door offers
the strength and security performance required to prove compliance with
the PAS23 and PAS24 security standards which is a mandatory requirement
for Secured By Design accreditation.
The tests include hard body, soft body and manual intervention tests together
with a static loading test on the glazed area of the doors.
The doors may be supplied as a set pre-fitted with high security hardware
and a range of door furniture to the Secured By Design standard. Alternatively,
the door leaf may be purchased fully prepared and ready-to-install into
a PVC-U frame. Comprehensive technical advice on the products, fabrication
and installation is available from Hallmark's technical department.
http://www.hallmark-panels.com
email: info@hallmark-panels.com
BLAIR
NEILL AWARD HIGHLIGHTS COMPANY'S COMMITMENT TO STAFF
Northern Ireland VEKA fabricator Blair Neill has received the Investors
in People Award, confirming a commitment to staff welfare and development.
The company, headed up by Tom Neill and Peter Blair, was established in
the late 1990s, with an emphasis on structured management programmes from
the outset. With 80% of the company's products exported to mainland Britain
and the Republic of Ireland, the partners believed it to be essential
to pursue nationally recognised training and management standards.
Whilst Tom and Peter were confident that the company's procedures were
working well, especially the staff development and welfare programmes,
this was confirmed when the lnvestors In People Award was granted quickly
following application. All employees including management at the company's
base at Newtownards, were put through strict assessment programmes laid
out within the lnvestors in People scheme, and all passed with flying
colours.
Some of the benefits of this programme include improvement in morale,
increased competitiveness, turnover and profit along with better staff
retention.
Blair Neill had to prove to the assessment team the importance of staff
within the organisation and how they develop the knowledge and skills
of its own people. Ongoing training programmes are ln place for the whole
of the company from an initial induction programme to 'on the job' training
such as NVQ2 for Glass and Glazing along with customer service and leadership
and management courses.
The ceremony took place at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, which now serves
as the Belfast Headquarters of the Northern lreland Assembly, and was
presented to Tom and Peter by Northern lreland Minister for Employment
and Trading, Dr Sean Farren .
Presentation of the IIP Award to Blair Neill partners
Tom
Neill (left) and Peter Blair (right) by Northern Ireland Minister Dr Sean
Farren
Peter Blair commented 'We are delighted to have been presented with this
award but the most satisfying part of the whole assessment scheme was
that we didn't have to change any of the procedures that were already
in place. Tom and I have always stated that we do not rest on our laurels
and we continuously strive to improve our performance within the business"
BBA
FOR WINFIT2 CAVITY CLOSER
Winfit2 has achieved BBA approval on its cavity closer system supplied
to fabricators in the newbuild market. A pre-requisite of most newbuild
specification, the BBA is the prominent standard for construction products
throughout the UK.
Business Development Manager, Adrian Hawken, was presented with the BBA
approval certificate by BBA Sales and Marketing Manager Alan Thomas, at
the Built Environment 2001 show confirming the product's high quality
assurance.
Adrian Hawken (right) being presented with the BBA
approval certificate
by BBA Sales and Marketing Manager Alan Thomas
The BBA's Agrement Certificates provide authoritative and independent
information on the performance of building products and contain important
data on durability, installation and compliance with Building Regulations
in the UK.
Winfit2 consists of a PVC-U window former, window acceptor and cavity
closer in one. It enables housebuilders to fit PVC-U frames quickly and
easily by building around the subframe and fitting the window after all
other building work is complete.
For more details on Winfit2, contact Adrian on 07836 292027, or:
email: info@winfit2.co.uk
website: www.winfit2.co.uk
Laminated
Side Glazing Makes The Difference in the New Car Security Ratings
The New Car Security Ralting Scheme (NCSR) launched on July 27 2001 will
award up to five stars to all new car models for performance in theft
of and up to five stars in theft from categories. Only cars fitted with
laminated side glass as standard will be eligible for five stars in the
theft from category.
Picture shows the Lexus LS340, one of the first cars to be awarded 10 stars in the New Car Security Ratings Schene (NCSR)
Laminated side giazing derives its strength from the robust Saflex polyvinyl
butyral (PVB) interlayer. Unlike the toughened glass currently used in
the side glazing of some car models, the glass remains adhered to the
interlayer, and firmly in the window frame, even having come under vigorous
attack with an implement. Sandwiched between two panes of glass, the tough
plastic interlayer can provide up to two minutes of intruder resistance.
Time enough to discourage the opportunist thief.
The NCSR scheme has been devised following two years of research by the
Vehicle Crime Reduction Action Team (VCRAT). Set up following a call from
the Government in 1999 to reduce UK car crime by 30% in five years, VCRAT
hopes the implementation of the NCSR scheme will help achieve this target.
The resilient properties of laminated side glazing have been identified
as vital in the fight to eliminate ‘smash and grab’ thefts.
The New Car Security Group (a sub-group of VCRAT), together with experts
from the department of Environment, Transport and The Regions (DETR),
the Association of British insurers (ABI) and the Automobile Association
(AA), developed the New Vehicle Security Assessment (NVSA) ratings scheme
that will be administered by the ABI and the Motor Insurance Repair Research
Centre (MIRRC) Thatcham.
The current system, relating to the insurance of a vehicle in the UK,
is based on the cost of repairing or replacing al car and is used by insurance
companies to work out insurance premiums. The new formula is designed
to give an indication of how secure a car is, and the results will be
made
widely available to consumers.
The NCSR scheme indicates the ease or difficulty of theft ofand theft
from a particular vehicle and will apply to all new makes and models of
cars when purchased from a UK dealer. The ratings will be incorporated
into the insurance group rating database on the ABI website. From here,
they will be avalilable free for download by anyone.
Laminated side glazing, in conjunction with locks, alarms and immobilises,
could help reduce car crimes, benefiting consumers through reduced insurance
costs and time consuming repairs.
DI Keith Brayne, Vehicle Crime Prevention for the Metropolitan Police,
commented that, ‘There are around two million thefts [UK only] from
cars every year. In 20 years time, with this type of secure glass installed
in all cars, theft from cars could be a thing of the past.
NEW CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS RATIFIED
The UK’s old generic standards for construction sealants (BS 4254
(covering 2-part polysulphide sealants), BS 5215 (one part polysulphide)
and BS 5889 (silicone sealants) were withdrawn in July 2001.
In their place BSI have adopted the newly revised international standard
BS EN ISO 11600 - a practical scheme that is simple to use and easy to
understand. The standard allows the architect to describe the sealant
for the designed joint by the use of the key parameters including movement
capability, elasticity and modulus.
The British Adhesives and Sealants Association (BASA) has produced a free
l0-page guidance note for specifiers, architects and users.
The BASA Guide explains the classification scheme describing the four
glazing classes (Type G) and the seven construction classes (Type F).
The Guide then takes the specifier through the specification process explaining
how to use ISO 11600, with practical examples and a description of each
of the parameters. Finally the Guide explains the labelling requirements.
BASA members will also be available to make presentations on the subject
to civil engineers’ and architects’ practices.
Copies of the Guide are available free of charge from the BASA website
or members of the BASA sealant manufacturers group. A list of sealant
manufacturers within the association, may be obtained from The BASA Secretary,
FAX 01438 742565 or from the BASA website at www.basa.uk.com
TOP
REGIONAL ACCOLADE AWARDED TO STATUS FABRICATOR KEYLINE
Status Systems fabricator Keyline Ltd was recently voted the Most Enterprising
Company of 2001 by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce. This accolade
was awarded after just 16 months of trading, during which production accelerated
to 250 windows a week.
Director Karma Bhella has built up the company on service and quality
issues. Yet beyond that he operates a strict COD policy to encourage greater
efficiencies in the factory.
‘Service and quality are key to the business, but none of it means
anythiing unless the cash is coming in,’ said Karma. ‘By sticking
to our principles we can only try to instil greater money and management
responsibility and knowledge through the chain. 30 day accounts have their
place in the industry, but if you are dealing with a cash rich sector
of the market place there is no need to face the anxieties caused by poor
cash flow. Instead that energy can be more positively channelled into
improving your business.’
Karma and the team at Keyline
Karma, who enjoys a long established reputation in the Midlands window
industry, invested over £500,000 in setting up his business. His
success is based on a longstanding knowledge and expertise of both the
retail and trade market places, and the disciplines required in running
a business.
`It helps to have the backing and support of a key supplier such as Status,’
continued Karma. ‘The profile supplier was exceptional in helping
us - not by simple hand outs but rather by providing real hands on expertise
which gave the business a long term approach to achieving success and
carrying it through. The award from the Chamber of Commerce is fantastic,
and a tribute to all those who have worked alongside me. We are all reaily
chuffed.’
BB
GLASS RECEIVES IS09002 ACCREDITATION
Workington based BB Glass Ltd, a well-established
VEKA fabricator, has recently been awarded ISO 9002 certification.
Also known under the trading name Allerdale Windows, the sealed unit manufacturer
has been established for over 16 years. During that time turnover has
grown over £1.5m, supplying both the domestic and commercial glazing
markets. The pursuit of ISO and other quality schemes is seen as a major
step in preparing for the company’s future.
In addition to recognising BB Glass’s commitment to quality and that
the company can meet the needs and expectations of customers, there have
been other benefits to ISO accreditation. The company’s management
system has been strengthened, whilst creating a strong framework for controlling
and improving business activities, essential to BB Glass’s development
in the future.
Raymond Bailey Director of BB Glass commented 'We are very proud to have
achieved this accreditation which is yet another string to our bow. Our
manufacturing presently complies with BS7412, and we are now looking to
be able to Kitemark our products. The next step forward is the opening
of a new conservatory centre within Workington which we are sure will
be a very successful venture'.
PVC-U systems manufacturer VEKA plc has been awarded
accreditation under ISO 14001, the international quality standard for
the recognition of environmental management systems designed to reduce
an organisation’s impact on the environment.
VEKA is one of the first companies in the sector to achieve ISO 14001,
which is designed to encompass every aspect of a company’s operation.
Systems have been implemented that measure and manage VEKA’s impact
on the environment including product design, purchasing, manufacturing
and warehousing.
Attainment of the standard has involved, in many
cases, a fundamental change in attitudes and working practices, but which
the VEKA workforce has readily embraced. However, the implementation of
ISO 14001 is expected to bring commercial benefits as well as reducing
the company’s effect on the environment by making more efficient
use of materials and resources, reducing the cost of environmental accidents
such as spills, and improving employee health and safety.
Further benefits are cost reductions in the disposal of waste, especially
hazardous types, and a marked improvement in staff morale as working conditions
are improved. Customers will benefit directly from such benefits, as these
efficiencies also have a positive effect on product and service quality.
Environmental awareness is at the core of the VEKA Group’s management
philosophy, with the German-based parent organisation a world leader in
the development of positive environmental strategies, and their real-world
implementation. VEKA AG is the first system company of its type to have
introduced a closed-loop recycling system, at Behringen in the east of
Germany. One of most modern recycling plants in Europe, complete ‘end
of life’ PVC windows are transported to the facility to be safely
recycled.
VEKA plc managing director Peter Abbott says that this is the first step
towards a cultural change within the British PVC-U window and door industry:
‘The achievement of ISO 14001 is just the first step for VEKA plc.
However, we believe that the UK glass and glazing industry must now follow
the standards set in other European countries, simply as everyone benefits.
We are proving that a positive environmental strategy makes good commercial
sense, and should no longer be deferred as being someone else’s responsibility.’
Kitemarks for North Eastern Glass
Spectus
fabricator North Eastern Glass has recently achieved Kitemarks for security
(BS7950) and weather tightness (BS 7412) in its PVC casement and reversible
windows. These are added to its existing accreditation under ISO 9002
and the Construction Line scheme.
North Eastern Glass, part of the Dane Group of Companies, is a medium
sized company fabricating and installing windows and curtain walling from
its Newcastle base. The increasing number of third party accreditations
is a reflection of the way the market is developing.
10 Years service for Kömmerling fabricator
Kommerling
fabricator Everglade Windows has presented a special plaque to one of
its long-standing customers in celebration of the ten-year partnership
between the two companies.
Vinod Gopal, Managing Director of London-based Everglade, says: 'Because
we build long-term relationships we watch our customers grow, and we grow
with them. Our ‘partnering’ philosophy means customers stay
with Everglade for years.'
Receiving the plaque from Everglade, Terry Oliver, Managing Director of
Staywarm Insulation Company, says: 'Consistency of quality and reliability,
both in terms of the Kommerling profile and the finished window and back-up
service from Everglade, is what has cemented our partnership with them
for ten years. The windows are so easy to fit and they’re no trouble
for our customers. We never have to go back for remedial work.'