There's Nothing Like Corten

By Chris Witte at Kingspan Benchmark.

Corten facades are definitely the impact product of the moment here in the UK, but I haven't personally seen it used in other countries yet. We had a question on Twitter the other day about the possibility of sealing Corten facades. I can see why the question has been asked because the rain run-off from the facades can stain other materials and has to be collected using a suitable guttering system. However, the whole point of using Corten is the ever changing appearance of the self-weathering steel as the elements oxidise the surface, building up a natural rust. So sealing it would negate its prime aesthetic benefit. However if you want to prevent the product from weathering, a clear lacquer can be applied to the surface of Corten. This would introduce a maintenance factor; would prevent the different appearances of wet/dry Corten - often a desirable aesthetic and in some circumstances, where the paint film is compromised, excessive localised corrosion can result. Alternatively a solution would be to go for a Euramax EuraDesign 'look alike' Corten finish which wouldn't self-weather. However, there's nothing quite like Corten for impact!

View Chester & Chichester House, our latest Corten Case Study

Modern Methods of Construction

By Fraser Brown at Benchmark.

Unitising or Off-site - no matter what it's called, it is definitely the quickest and safest way to build. The UK is quickly falling behind the rest of Europe where this is considered. Why? I think this is due to the lack of awareness by Architects, Contractors, Installers, and most of all the Client. I'll give you one good reason why each of you should consider using this method. Architects can benefit from having the easier role, the Subcontractor takes the design ropes earlier in the process, avoiding unnecessary confusion usually at a later stage and offers simple interface solutions on the drawings. Contractors need to consider this method of build more than anyone else. Yes, you will probably pay slightly more for the system, but just think, no scaffolding, earlier entry for the busy M&E chaps, and better chances of completing the façade on time! Also smaller overheads on site as there are less people to worry about. A massive bonus is greatly reducing the number of injuries or accidents on site, music to HQ's ears!  The Installers hold the ace card! They must get their orders early, draw fast, please the Architects and have at least 50% of the wall system complete before the frame is ready! Sounds a lot, but once they are in this position the installation goes like lightening, as well as being super safe with the envelope, all in their control. The Client, need I say more than I already have - all the above are benefits to them and dare I suggest early entry for the tenant - now that would be a good idea!

All these benefits around speed also help with the environmental argument around less carbon used during the build. Use an energy efficient, high performance product for the build, and you get a low carbon end-result with little waste to deal with!

The industry as a whole needs to get its head around solutions for designing, building, promoting and selling these types of systems. RIBA is in favour of it and training in this approach counts towards CPD.  

As I said, this solution benefits all and high quality systems do exist.  One example is at Kingspan Benchmark.  We can provide the training, systems and installers to do this. If you want to know more about this approach in general or the Kingspan Benchmark solutions then speak to us. We also offer a newly-approved RIBA CPD, so please contact us if you're interested in a seminar.

The Green Roof Challenge

By Fraser Brown at Benchmark.

In a time when we are urgently seeking solutions to global warming, one of the most promising construction opportunities is the growth in green roofs.  Seen by many as an innovation, the idea of course is far from new, with evidence of turf roofs on buildings going back as far as 2500 BC in the Orkney Isles of Scotland.

The current interest surrounding green roof construction is understandable, because the benefits are multiple and significant.  Whether you want to breathe a bit of green into a city development, or need to blend in with surrounding countryside, a green roof enhances the thermal performance of the roof, helps to retain stormwater, cleans the air, reduces dust and smog levels and visually enhances quality of life for the occupants of the building and those surrounding it.

Extensive green roofs are constructed using low maintenance planting such as succulents, grasses and herbs.  It is not suitable for recreational purposes, but requires very little maintenance.

Intensive green roofs can be simple gardens or fully landscaped recreational areas with all the features of a green space at ground level.  There is the added advantage of a useable outdoor living space.  Naturally, this also carries high maintenance with it, as any cultivated garden or green space does.

The potential downside of all of these projects is that a green roof can dramatically increase the loading on a building, so a primary factor is to determine whether a building structure can take the additional weight that the green roof imposes.  Where an existing structure is being retro-fitted with a green roof, it is essential to obtain professional advice from an architect or structural engineer before such an undertaking.

Clearly this is less of an issue where the green roof is part of a new design, as the loading will be taken into account when specifying the supporting structure.

The additional loading of a green roof varies depending on the type. Although they all consist of the same basic series of layers, the depth of the growing medium and type of vegetation and features will produce significant differences.

Perhaps the hardest aspect to assess is the vegetation, certainly for an intensive green roof which may incorporate trees or larger shrubs that will grow to maturity, necessitating a long term projection of weight.  Any calculations should of course be based on the growing medium and substrate being saturated.

So what are the likely impacts of this additional loading on a commercial building?  Naturally the primary structure must be designed to withstand the weight, but there would also be an expectation of increased secondary steelwork, which would have cost and possibly space implications.  An innovative way round this is to use a structural insulated panel that has the strength to reduce or even eliminate secondary steelwork.

There is one structural composite insulated panel system available that can provide double spans of up to 6 metres depending upon saturated green roof weight.  The potential for such a system to revolutionise the market for green roofs is great, as it simplifies the design process, speeds up construction, lends excellent weather tightness and added quality assurance to projects.  The elimination of secondary steelwork also helps to keep costs down whilst maximising space.  Even more importantly it reduces the overall loading on the primary structure. Speak to Kingspan Benchmark about its Envirodek product to understand the benefits in more detail.

At the end of the day the real challenge lies, not in the design feasibility of green roofs, but in changing the attitudes that would dismiss this exciting and beneficial possibility as too difficult or costly.

A GRAND DAY OUT

With over 50 customers in attendance, I am pleased to report that our first Benchmark Customer Day was a great success and an extremely rewarding day for all concerned.

The event, which was held at our head offices in Holywell, gave our customers and everyone in the Benchmark team a chance to discuss, debate and share thoughts on current industry issues as well as our new business unit, Benchmark.

Just a few of the key issues that were raised on the day included Part L, cost, technical performance and sustainability. It was also no surprise that controlling costs was at the top of everyone's agenda after the last couple of years which have been some of the most challenging the industry have ever faced.

The day itself consisted of some really interesting presentations from the Benchmark team, a 'behind the scenes' tour of the manufacturing site and also an exclusive look at our new Benchmark exhibition trailer which will be touring the country to give customers a first hand look at the Benchmark product range and offering.

Everyone agreed that the trailer looked great and I can't wait to hear the feedback from customers as it takes to the road. Visit our YouTube channel and take a look at the trailer for yourself http://www.youtube.com/user/BenchmarkTM.

For me a couple highlights of the day included a presentation from Kevin Burton, Area Sales Manager at Benchmark, who gave an introduction to the new Benchmark business unit and its product offering, and a presentation on the changes to Part L from Mark Harris, Divisional Building Technology Director at Benchmark. Both presentations are available to view on our Slideshare channel: http://www.slideshare.net/RachaelMorris.

We were extremely pleased with how the day went and can't wait for the next one.

Energy Efficiency in Buildings

By Chris Witte at Benchmark.

No-one's got money to burn, particularly in today's financial climate, but running commercial buildings is an expensive business. That's why there's more pressure than ever before to design buildings that encourage energy conservation and deliver energy efficiency, spurred on, of course, by Building Regulations and demands to improve the sustainability of the built environment.

But energy conservation and energy efficiency are very different. Energy conservation is all about reducing energy use through changes in everyday behaviours, like turning off lights when leaving a room and lowering thermostats.

Energy efficiency on the other hand is all about making sure that mechanical systems use energy as effectively as possible; using technology to reduce energy use without having to remember to do it yourself, such as improving a building's insulation or using more energy efficient light bulbs.

The reality is that more energy is spent on heating and cooling a building than any other operation, a typical office building, for example, will spend between 50-65% (of its energy) on this alone. This means that heating and cooling inefficiently can waste a significant amount of money and energy.

Because it is behavioural, energy conservation comes into play after a project is completed: largely it cannot be influenced by planning. However, desired levels of energy efficiency can be planned for at the outset of any project. Through careful specification of a building's external envelope, it can be possible to ensure that energy efficiency is maximised and heating and cooling bills and energy use are dramatically reduced.

For example, the recent innovation of complete envelope solutions which integrate the different elements to improve performance, build quality and on-site efficiency are really raising the bar.

By utilising complete systems from single suppliers, which have been fully tested as a single unit, building owners can now make sure that they are avoiding the risk of theoretical performance diminishing in practice and are being as energy efficient as possible.

Yes, these systems can be more expensive up front, but the savings they deliver over time more than outweigh those costs.

Budgets will always be a key driver in the specification process, but it's clear that innovation in building systems is delivering new technology that will improve energy efficiency, meet Building Regulations and payback dividends in the long run.

Working Towards Zero Carbon Buildings

By Chris Witte at Benchmark.

In a bid to tackle climate change, the Government has set challenging targets to reduce UK carbon emissions by 80 per cent, against 1990 levels, by 2050. With 17 per cent of emissions generated by the running of non-domestic buildings, it is clear that we need to rethink the way we heat, cool and power buildings.

There are two key angles. We can improve the energy efficiency of a building by design, reducing the energy required to run it, and we can use more efficient energy generation, so the energy we do use has low or zero emissions.

Technology to improve the latter is developing all the time, but it can be expensive and cost prohibitive for many projects. However, it is possible to make a real difference to the energy consumption required to operate a building through efficient design.

In particular, the facade or envelope of a building will dictate how energy efficient, or otherwise, it is. A high quality system can pay dividends in relation to reducing energy bills and whole life costs.

The latest developments in complete envelope solutions provide reliable technical information and concrete warranties, and will go a long way to help ensure a building is working towards being zero carbon.

They are easy to install and combine all the different elements of the building envelope to improve performance, build quality and on-site efficiency. As well meeting current legislation, they have also been designed to confirm to future standards such as BREEAM and revised 2010 Part L legislation ensuring that buildings are future-proofed.

Also, because these systems are now available as a single unit from a single supplier, the risk of theoretical performance diminishing in practice is avoided. By specifying individual system elements, even from the same supplier, combined system performance can often fall short, particularly in terms of air-tightness and U-values. Different elements of the building envelope are not always compatible and don't always integrate well as a single unit. Therefore, it is essential that only complete envelope systems that are tested as integrated units and offer robust guarantees are used to ensure desired performance and finish levels are achieved.

So by giving careful consideration to the envelope of a building at the design and build stage, and by installing complete and warranted systems made up of high quality products, it is possible to work towards a zero carbon property and meet building performance requirements, while also controlling operational costs.

Complete Solutions

By Chris Witte at Benchmark.

Facade technology has come a long way in recent years. A combination of ever tighter Building Regulations and pressure to improve sustainability has seen a surge in technological advancements in building systems designed to make these challenges more achievable.

The development of complete envelope solutions has been a natural progression. They integrate the different elements of the building envelope to improve performance, build quality and on-site efficiency.

But all systems are not the same. Design, materials and manufacturing techniques can all vary and significantly affect the technical performance of a project. Therefore, to fully reap the benefits of complete facade solutions, without sacrificing technical performance, there are a number of things to bear in mind.

Firstly, it is important to use proven systems from reputable suppliers. Using a complete system from a single supplier that is tested as a single unit is a must to avoid the risk of theoretical performance diminishing in practice.

By specifying individual system elements, even from the same supplier, combined system performance can often fall short of what you expect, particularly in terms of air -tightness and U-values. Different elements of the building envelope are not always compatible and don't always integrate well as a single unit. As such, it is essential that only complete envelope systems that are tested as integrated units and offer robust guarantees are used to ensure desired performance and finish levels are achieved.

With this in mind, it is similarly important to avoid cost cutting by component substitution (breaking the spec.) as this will render the system guarantee null and void.

Some of these systems, for example where an insulated panel is used as a carrier for a façade solution, also offer significant cost benefits. They are quick and easy to install and can be constructed in a fraction of the time of other alternatives. Several weeks can be shaved off build times, depending on the specific project, by taking the façade off the critical path and enabling the internal fit out to commence much sooner. Therefore complete build costs are significantly reduced, even before taking whole life costs into consideration.

The latest systems can also be produced to suit bespoke projects and meet the future legislation if required, futureproofing buildings for years to come.

So, although we are seeing some significant and exciting developments in this technology, it is still important that careful consideration is given to the specified system. By installing complete systems that are made up of high quality products and fitted by trained personnel, it is possible to control build costs, reduce risk and, importantly meet the building performance requirements both now and in the future.

Inspirational Design

By Chris Witte at Benchmark.

Complete envelope solutions are widely recognised as providing a fast, reliable and cost effective construction method, which delivers excellent performance and ensures buildings meet ever more stringent Building Regulations.

For some applications this is enough, but for projects that look to make a visual statement or even push the boundaries of aesthetic design, these systems often fall short.

Increasingly, architects and building designers are looking for materials which can help them create truly inspirational landmark buildings, but they are cognisant of the increasingly higher levels of performance that buildings need to achieve.

This has sparked the development of a new generation of complete envelope solutions, which throw the possibilities of building design wide open, while delivering exceptional technical performance - a real turning point in building design.

These 'next generation' solutions are thermally efficient, offer structural benefits and are cost effective. The big difference is that they can be finished in a wide choice of textures and colours, and there are no limits to what can be created in terms of shapes, styles and combinations. From modern metallic to traditional brick and warm wood finishes, these systems combine style and performance to offer the complete facade solution without compromise.

Here are just a few of the options now available as part of precision manufactured, high performance complete envelope solutions:

Coloured and Reflective

Coloured and reflective facades give architects and designers more freedom with glass than ever before. They are constructed using interlays which are made with head and light stable pigments instead of dyes in order to resist fading. This style of finish creates a glass facade that is strong, stable and reduces solar energy transmittance and heat build up.

Wall Glaze

Wall glaze finishes use solar photovoltaics (PV) to generate clean energy for buildings, even if the sky is overcast. Once installed every kW produced by PV has zero carbon emissions, helping to reduce environmental impact as well as energy costs. Systems should consist of a PV module, suitable for most wall applications on new build or refurbishment projects.

Ceramic Tile

A ceramic tile finish is the ideal choice for creating a contemporary, stylish facade. Tiles are usually available in a large range of surfaces and sizes to support endless design possibilities. Some suppliers offer exciting new coatings that not only keep the tile clean, but also absorb harmful oxides from the atmosphere. Ceramic tile systems provide a cost effective solution and combined in an insulated carrier panel system deliver high performance insulation. Facades are usually fast to install, easy to integrate and fully guaranteed.

Wood Composite

Wood composite facades are high pressure laminate cladding manufactured with a real wood veneer which exhibits all the natural variation, warmth and beauty of real wood. Panels are more often than not coated with a proprietary coating, based in synthetic resins and PVDF, which protect the panel from the effects of sunlight, chemical attack (anti-graffiti) and damage caused by atmospheric agents. Look for solutions that have at least a 10 year durability guarantee

Brick

Brick tiles are unique brick-cladding systems that combine the natural beauty of genuine brick with cost effective and fast installation. Leading systems feature brick tiles that are fixed mechanically to a galvanised steel backing section. This creates a versatile high-strength facade that can be fully industry tested and approved. A huge colour range of both matt and gloss glazed finishes are also available.

But of course these are just a few of the many options now at the disposal of architects and designers looking to create exciting and memorable buildings.

Aside from the aesthetics for a moment, it is worth noting that not all complete envelope solutions are the same when it comes to technical performance. This can be significantly affected by its design and the materials used when the different elements are combined

Therefore to fully reap the benefits of complete facade solutions, you need to specify systems that are backed by full warrantees and thorough testing procedures. By utilising a complete system from a single supplier, which has been fully tested as a single unit, architects can confidently ensure that they are avoiding the risk of theoretical performance diminishing in practice.

So with the right system, it is possible to combine excellent technical performance with design flexibility to create truly revolutionary buildings which will stand the test of time. I think the words of Douglas Martin really capture the current mindset of the industry and sum things up nicely:

"Questions about whether design is necessary or affordable are quite beside the point: design is inevitable. The alternative to good design is bad design, not no design at all."