contracts and projects

All-round ability

The new landmark building at Thamesmead, the nine-story rotunda building at Phoenix Point, in Thames Gateway, provides a mix of affordable three-bedroom homes, one and two-bedroom flats. De- signed by architects Stefan Zins for Gallions Housing Association, the rotunda is built on the site of the locally iconic old Boiler House, a discontinued community-heating scheme demolished in 2007.

It is perhaps ironic that the Phoenix Point development incorpo- rates the best of today’s technology for combating thermal bridging prob- lems – the Isokorb®

thermal break

from market leaders Schöck. Bal- conies and other cantilever construction elements, which project through the building envelope, break- ing the insulation layer in the process, are notorious for creating thermal bridges. Materials that are poor insu- lators allow heat to flow out of the structure, resulting in substantial local heat loss and unacceptable levels of CO2 emissions as well. In addition, low internal surface temperatures in the area of the thermal bridge can cause serious condensation, leading to structural integrity problems and

mould growth too, with serious impli- cations for occupants in the form of respiratory problems. To combat this, the type K mod-

ule, for concrete-to-concrete connections, is incorporated into the reinforced concrete frame – and be- ing of a circular profile – really allowed the Isokorb®

to demonstrate

its versatility. A clever technique was employed on site whereby each mod- ule was divided into the required length of section, "pieced together" and dropped in to fit the required polygonal shape, the modules being lightweight and easily handled by one man. Any open wedge-shaped areas were then filled with foam on site. The type K Isokorb®

ing thermal insulation properties and dramatically reduces thermal energy loss in connective areas by guarantee- ing the homogeneity of the thermal envelope between cantilever struc- tures and the internal floor. The products in the Schöck range

allow connections to be made between concrete-to-concrete, concrete-to-steel and steel-to-steel. The concrete-to-con- crete and concrete-to-steel ranges are BBA certificated. The Isokorb®

range complies with the regulation stipulating

National flooring receives top marks

With the Target Capital Project well under way to improve schools ameni- ties, Arthur Mellows Village College in Peterborough decided to enhance the schools facilities by creating a new science, media and IT facility. The school called on local company, Na- tional Flooring to provide, decorative yet durable resin floors for a variety of areas within the new development as well as within the existing building. National Flooring was aware of the functional characteristics that are re- quired for a flooring system, as well as

the creative and decorative require- ments used to create a stimulating learning environment. The installations, which first took place in the extension for the new fa- cility, were followed by installations in the existing building where the exist- ing Granwood floors had become worn. The Degafloor systems have a unique bonding process, which al- lowed National Flooring to install over the top of the existing floor. As a result, precious time and money were saved on having to remove the

well-adhered Granwood floors and the installation of a polymer screed. The Degafloor Flake system,

which was installed over 5000sqm, provides an ideal alternative to vinyl sheet and carpets. The seamless sys- tems do not exhibit weak spots that can often occur at grouted joints or seams, therefore reducing the overall lifetime maintenance costs. The dura- bility of the system is well suited under high levels of foot traffic. The system also offers exceptionally flexi- bility in terms of aesthetics, and working closely with National Floor- ing, Arthur Mellows were able to create a range of bespoke finishes ex- actly suited to their requirements. The Degafloor Flake system was installed in a wide range of areas in-

cluding, over 35 classrooms, offices, reception area, corridors, general pur- pose rooms and the main hall. Using different colour combinations and stainless steel trims for demarcation, it was possible to create unique and innovative designs. For areas where enhanced slip resistance was required, National Flooring installed the Degafloor FB system. The system, which is scattered with aggregates and sealed provides exceptional slip resistance even in wet or oily conditions. This system, which was used for stairways, kitchens and toilets, provides enhanced protection against slips and trips in wet or poten- tially dangerous areas.

For further information telephone, 01778 343670.

that in the UK, the temperature factor used to indicate condensation risk (fRSi), as described in BRE IP1/06 – a document cited in Building Regulations Approved Documents Part L1 and L2 and Section 6 in Scotland – must be greater than, or equal to 0.75 for dwellings and residential buildings.

design@schoeck.co.uk

has outstand-

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