PRODUCT INNOVATIONS Celebrating 25 years


of accreditation Timber is a valuable and versatile building material, but just like concrete or steel, it can be open to the threat of fire. In April 2012, DRICON, Arch Timber Protection’s water-based fire retardant, celebrated 25 years of continuous British Board of Agrément (BBA) accreditation. This achievement gave confidence and


reassurance of long-term fire protection to the contractors, designers and most important of all, occupants of buildings and structures that use


timber for all or part of their construction. DRICON, which has been used to protect solid timber and timber panels for more than 30 years worldwide, is the only BBA-approved fire retardant protection for timber. BBA sales and marketing director Alan Thomas says: “BBA is recognised as an important approval by architects and specifiers sourcing assured and proven products. With 25 years of continuous approval DRICON is one of our longest certified products covering both its production and in situ performance.” As well as BBA accreditation, Arch has classification reports from independent certification organisations for a wide range of species and thicknesses of timber for a number of different end uses, to confirm customers’ confidence in the fire retardant properties. Arch fire retardant product manager, Jacqui Hughes says: “Correct design specification of timber components and the use of proven modern fire retardant treatments can make wood into a long-lasting and safe choice of material. By slowing the rate of combustion and the spread of flame, DRICON can provide extra minutes that can help save lives and reduce damage to buildings. Our BBA accreditation is a prime indication to specifiers that DRICON is a fully independently tested and approved product, from its production right through to its long- term performance. DRICON is applied by vacuum-pressure impregnation in factory-controlled conditions, and is suitable for interior and weather protected exterior situations. It has been used in schools, hospitals, theatres and airports. DRICON has a fully-approved listing on London Underground’s product register for underground and aboveground projects, and is also protecting some of the iconic 2012 Olympic facilities. For more information telephone 01977 714 000.


New hard-core additions


Yorkshire-based manufacturer Decorative Panels has launched a new ‘hardcote’ system at German components trade show Zow. Called TopX this fantastically resilient new surface will be brought in alongside Decorative Panels’ existing Senoplast range to offer a vast choice of acylic surfaces. Decorative Panels Group marketing manager, Charlotte Metcalfe says: “Senoplast hardcote has an excellent scratch resistance that is certainly more than adequate for counter tops and horizontal surfaces.” Another new adaptation of the Senoplast acrylic product attracting particular interest at Zow was a reduced thickness and reduced cost alternative. The new 0.5mm acrylic product gives very nearly the same surface finish as the standard Senoplast but it can be offered as a more economical alternative, compared to the established thicker product. Also on display and proving popular at Zow was the company’s high gloss range, as well as its super matt vinyl offering.  For more information visit www.decorativepanels.co.uk


Designer towel rails


Haverland, one of Europe’s leading innovators and manufacturers of new generation electric heating, has launched XTAL – a state-of-the-art range of designer towel rails to complement stylish, contemporary design environments. XTAL also meets the growing demand for enhanced towel-rail heating and comfort performance. The new range features a ‘plasma style’ flat plate of tempered safety glass that provides heating across its entire surface area, thus maximising towel drying and energy efficiency. Heating schedules are controlled via a wireless remote programmer. The new XTAL range is IP34 rated and available in black or white plasma styles in 600 and 400 watt versions, with stylish brushed aluminium rails. For more information visit www.haverland.co.uk


42 | Architects Choice | ArchitectNews.co.uk


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