contracts and projects

Fit for purpose

The specification of advanced materials and systems was key to the energy-efficient design of the impres- sive new Little Venice Sports Centre in Westminster and three high-performance membranes from DuPont play their part. DuPont™

Tyvek® UV Facade

is used behind Finnforest Thermowood timber cladding to give vital protection against UV exposure. Bearing the CE mark in accordance with EN 13859- 2, rigorous testing has shown this membrane to withstand longterm UV exposure. As you would ex- pect of Tyvek®

, the membrane also reliably protects against wind, water, interstitial condensation and air-

leakage, while allowing for vapour diffusion. Two oth- er advanced DuPont membranes protect other areas of the structure. DuPont™

Tyvek® Tyvek® Supro features be-

hind exterior walls sealed with metal sheeting, while DuPont™

VCL SD2 is installed between the

insulated steel frame and the external walls. Mark Hewitt of LCE Architects commented, “we used an open jointed timber cladding system for reasons of material ventilation, solar shading, environmental material management and appearance - so a breather membrane was required that could withstand the damaging effects of UV radiation.”

For further information, telephone 01275 879 770 in the UK and 087 922 2740 in Eire, or visit www.tyvek.co.uk

Holding things together

Stevenson Square in Lever Street in Manchester city centre is a prestige six-storey commercial development. VHB high-strength tapes had been specified for all of the double-glazed aluminium windows to avoid the presence of external beading to hold the panes in place, cre- ating a cleaner effect. The £1 million contract for the supply and installation of the aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling was award- ed to Keighley-based Aire Valley Architectural. The company usually supplies windows fitted together with snap-in systems and rubber gas- kets, but for this project joined forces with Doncaster-based Senior Architectural Systems to develop a system to bond the glass to the aluminium frames using 3M VHB tapes. This arrangement has seen Senior Architectural Sys- tems supply kits – each containing aluminium profiles, glass, VHB tape and applicator – to Aire Valley Architectural for assembly off-site. 3M provided a day of training for the Aire Val- ley team in surface preparation and application of the tapes (easily achievable using a semi-auto- matic laminator). The fabrication and installation process has been highly successful.

For further information, visit www.3Mconstruction.co.uk

Best dressed doors

The many shoppers enjoying a visit to the Desire by Debenhams store at the Nugent Shopping Centre in Orpington are benefitting from trouble-free access and egress - thanks to the installation of a highly effi- cient and reliable automatic sliding door system by GEZE UK. The 15,000 square foot Desire by Deben- hams store, features a striking double height frontage to attract customers through the doors. The type and style of entrance door was therefore crucial both to accommodate the high volume of traffic, trolleys and pushchairs, and to compliment the stylish glass-domi- nated frontage of the store. Designed both for performance and for its aesthetic appeal, GEZE UK’s Slimdrive SL system was chosen to maximise that all- important entrance facility. The Slimdrive SL is part of a range of electronic automatic door systems that are unique to GEZE UK. It comprises an extremely slim

Star performer

At the Lion & Lobster, one of Brighton’s oldest and most traditional pub & restaurants, Fireco’s System X wireless fire safety system is being used to communicate with Dorgards fitted on fire doors throughout the premises. Owner Finn Whe- lan is delighted with System X “System X is the perfect solution as it allows us to keep our fire doors open safely and legally, throughout the building”. System X offers exceptional flexibility when managing a building's fire safety. It uses Wi-

automatic door operator that blends almost invisibly into the glass door frames and features integrated movement sensors and a fully compliant safety sys- tem. It is also quick and easy to assemble and install.

For further information, email info.uk@geze.com or visit www.geze.co.uk

Fi technology to communicate with an unlimited number of fire safety devices within a 100m range (subject to a site survey), so installation is quick and easy. Suitable for all environments including offices, hotels, restaurants and public areas, in par- ticular where there is a requirement for fire doors to be held open legally, System X is fully fail to safe and compliant with BS EN 1155 and BS 7273-4, and suitable for any category of fire door.

For further information, telephone 0845 241 7474, email sales@firecoltd.com or visit www.firecoltd.com

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