A Turning Point in Building Design

Benchmark, the new business unit from Kingspan, organised the event to bring leading contractors from across the UK together to discuss industry issues and see its latest innovative product and design solutions.

The last couple of years have been some of the most challenging the industry has ever faced, so unsurprisingly, controlling costs was at the top of everyone's agenda. The day was full of discussion and ideas on how contractors and product manufacturers could work together to meet legislation, increase profit and ensure a brighter future for the industry.

Following a tour of the manufacturing site, delegates were also treated to an exclusive look at the new Benchmark exhibition trailer which will be touring the country to give customers a first hand look at the Benchmark product range and offering.

Chris Witte, Head of Marketing at Benchmark, commented: "Our new business unit, Benchmark, has been created to offer architects and contractors a new approach to façade specification and will see us break into new sectors to achieve growth through product innovation and brand development.

"The Benchmark offering is a real turning point in building design and so we were keen to showcase the wide range of products and benefits to key customers.

"With over 50 customers in attendance, the day was a great success and Benchmark was very well received by all, especially our new quick guide and exhibition trailer which took centre stage on the day."

Product Innovations

One of the highlights of the day was a presentation by Kevin Burton, Area Sales Manager at Benchmark, who gave an introduction to the new business unit and its product offering.

Kevin explained that while architects and building designers are always on the look out for materials which can help them create truly inspirational landmark buildings, they are also cognisant of the increasingly higher levels of performance that buildings need to achieve.

He described how this sparked the development of Benchmark and a new generation of complete envelope solutions, which throw the possibilities of building design wide open, while delivering exceptional technical performance.

He discussed how Benchmark's 'next generation' solutions are thermally efficient, offer structural benefits and are cost effective. The big difference being 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 warm wood finishes, these systems combine style and performance to offer the complete facade solution without compromise.

He also reassured delegates that all systems are also backed by the Kingspan Benchmark Total Performance Guarantee and come with the technical support service that you would come to expect from an industry leader such as Kingspan.

Impending Legislations

Mark Harris, Divisional Building Technology Director at Benchmark also gave customers an in-depth analysis of the changes to Part L and the route to zero carbon buildings. He explained that the reason for the changes was to reduce the effect of global warming by limiting greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, transport and industry. The UK Government targets are a 34% reduction in CO² by 2020 and a reduction of 80% by 2050.

Mark discussed elements of the legislation such as the Trias Energetica Principle, the influence of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and criteria for compliance. He also gave a preview of things to come, including what buildings of the future will look like in order to help meet these targets.

He summarised his presentation by saying that 2010 is a significant step on the road to zero carbon buildings as the changes will drive the building fabric and building services performance to their limits. He noted that buildings in 2010 can comply without renewables; however using renewables would help compliance and give a healthy financial return. And finally, he emphasised that it makes sense to think about the future now and go beyond the requirements of the 2010 revision to 'future proof' buildings.

Delegate Opinion
Delegates gave their views on the future of the industry:

Ross Gowell, Central Cladding Systems Ltd, commented: "From my point of view, as the end fitter of the systems, we try and look to use systems which are the most cost effective and easiest to build, because ultimately we are looking to make a good return for our endeavours.

"Air leakage and thermal performance are both very important at the moment and so composite panels as produced by Kingspan and other types of product like that, are at the forefront of the industry.

"Benchmark is a very import step for Kingspan because of the way in which the industry has changed - buildings are becoming smaller and architects are trying to make bigger statements with their buildings. As such, Benchmark products will give them a larger part of that market."

Laurence McBeth, Alumet Systems Ltd, commented: "At the moment, certainly with main contractors, cost is a major driving force. This doesn't mean that aesthetics will be left behind but I think cost and function are the most import factors when specifying building envelope materials.

"Benchmark is a great idea and the natural step for Kingspan. Customer days such as today are a good way to network with people inside and outside the industry."

Glen Race, Hathoway Roofing Ltd, commented: "In the present climate cost is always important but I also believe technical aspects, aesthetics, longevity and quality come into it.

"I have worked with Kingspan for a long time. Customer days such as today give me an opportunity to see something new, be brought up to date and meet people."

Final Thoughts

Chris Witte continued: "Our first Benchmark Customer Day has been extremely rewarding for all concerned. It has given everyone a chance to discuss, debate and share their thoughts on current industry issues and the new Kingspan business unit, Benchmark.

"We look forward to taking our new product offering on the road, in front of more customers, to gauge their opinion and get their feedback, much like we have today."