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Movers and Makers

• Aluminium systems manufacturer Reynaers has moved to a larger office space in Longbridge. Having outgrown its existing offices in Birmingham the company has moved to a site that will give it more warehouse space and offer the opportunity for future staff expansion. The firm says the move will allow it greater stock holding capabilities and result in shorter lead times.
  
• CA Group has unveiled its new manufacturing facilities in the North-east. The company has used solar technologies and its own Twin-Therm roof and wall system to reduce energy use. It says that this system is expected to save 55% on the heating and electricity requirements for the building. It is estimated that the roof mounted PV array will generate around 183,000kWh of energy per annum, offsetting the firm’s electricity demand for this building by more than 40%.
  
• Spectus has launched a specification guide that includes two new PVC-U systems, an extended stock foil range and updates on legislation. This will be the eighth guide published by the company and contains information on Spectus’ new Flush Casement and Flush Tilt and Turn systems. The guide also features new colour options and woodgrain foil finishes.
  
• Curtain walling manufacturer AluK is relocating from Newport to a bigger site in Monmouthshire. The new facility will increase assembly and production capacity and support innovations in product design and technology, as well as offer space to deliver essential training, showcase products and provide warehouse and office space. The move is a multi-million pound investment for the company, which says it will create new jobs for the local area.
  

Timber panels
Panel Systems’ timber-faced insulated panels were specified for Eastwood Health and Care centre in Glasgow. The health centre includes five GP practices, clinics, physiotherapy labs and mental health units. Particular care was also taken to ensure the centre was a dementia friendly building. The company claim that it was selected for the wide extent of its fabrication capabilities as the project required intricate shaping to the insulation and panels to meet the architect’s specifications.
Panel Systems

Toughened glass
A Pilkington Planar double glazing system was used to deliver a 70m double glazed stainless steel system to new high-rise court complex Al Farwaniya in Kuwait City. Designed to reflect the strength and transparency of the Kuwait justice system, a key design feature of the building is the 20m-wide sloping glass wall above the main entrance. A steel tension structure supports the system and the glazed units are attached with high-load capacity stainless steel fittings. To deliver the required strength, each of the glazed units were made up of three layers of toughened glass.
Pilkington

Upgraded curtain wall system
Manufacturer of architectural glazing systems Kawneer has introduced upgrades to its AA®100 curtain wall system. The company says these improvements allow its systems to meet high standards of thermal performance and weight capacity. The AA®100 curtain wall system with 50mm sightlines provides a dry-jointed facade solution. Updates include an increased infill weight for zone-drained constructions from 350kg to 600kg, an addition of a 36mm thermal break to the existing suite and an increased glazing depth to allow up to 50mm triple-glazed units. Also included are internal gaskets designed specifically for faceted glazing, new perimeter seal mouldings and new perimeter pocket fillers. The new features are CWCT certificated and are accredited to the standards of the Passivhaus Insitute.
Kawneer

Red brick finish
Saint-Gobain Weber has created a new red brick colour for its external wall insulation systems. This addition emanates from demands for a more traditional aesthetic by client Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council who specified Saint-Gobain Weber for its housing upgrade programme in Dinnington. To achieve the brick effect the company recommends the weber.rend RBB base coat which acts as the mortar line and then the weber.rend RBF face coat, lightly textured with a soft bristle brush, to create the brick face.
Saint-Gobain Weber

Bonding stone cladding
Sealant manufacturer C-Tec has developed a one component product for the heavy-duty bonding of stone cladding. Power Grab n Bond is a product based on the company’s CT1 sealants and construction adhesives which enable the user to apply the product straight from the cartridge and directly onto the wall with no additional fixings. The company also claims that Power Grab n Bond is a fast-acting solution for large commercial projects, and that there is no need to support the bond for 24 hours after application. This product development comes from an increase in the popularity of heavy natural stone cladding and thus a requirement for stronger bonding systems.
C-Tec

Windproof membrane
Roofing and cladding specialist Cembrit has launched the Windstopper Extreme sheathing board. The Windstopper Extreme will typically be installed behind decorative rainscreen cladding to seal the internal environment of the building as an alternative to cement particle board. This sheathing board from Cembrit acts as a windproof membrane for exterior walls and the company claims it can absorb and release moisture without affecting the durability, strength or performance of the board. The company also says that the Windstopper Extreme can withstand fluctuations in weather and climatic conditions.
Cembrit