Posted by Nicola Perrins

Alumasc has recently launched a new technical manual that provides full details on all aspects of its market-leading Aluminium Rainwater Systems.  Product selection tables, technical data, NBS specification advice and installation guidance are all available for the well respected Heritage, Aqualine and GX gutter ranges and the Heritage, Flushjoint and Guardian downpipe systems.

Alumasc’s aluminium rainwater systems offer exceptional characteristics both in terms of performance and sustainable credentials. The new brochure covers the environmental benefits of using aluminium, which is 100% recyclable and outlines the many benefits the material offers due to its unique properties and method of manufacture.

In addition to extensive product information, sections of the brochure are also dedicated to our expert Manufacturing and Support Services, Alumasc’s in-house facility for applying BBA Approved polyester powder coatings and to our unrivalled Technical Services Team, who can assist with bespoke system design and challenging installations.

Together with the Alumasc Rainwater website, the new literature forms part of our ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive technical resources for the building industry and unrivalled technical support to Architects, Specifiers and Contractors.

Download the new Alumasc Aluminium Rainwater Systems brochure here or visit www.alumascrainwater.co.uk

Posted by Nicola Perrins

Swistherm and NHBC approved Swisrail External Wall Insulation systems from Alumasc, have created the distinctive façade of West London’s NHBC award-winning Highpoint Village, helping the project to achieve a BREEAM class 1 rating.

The multi-use development comprises 438 attractive residential units, retail outlets, and a hotel nestled between the Grand Union Canal and the Heathrow Express Line. The project involved a number of complex design features proposed by Project Architects Rolfe Judd in conjunction with Ballymore Properties, requiring Alumasc to work closely with their approved installer Lawtech Ltd and contractors Oskomera, to achieve the architectural requirements of the scheme.

A unique Picture Frame detail was constructed from Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation and interfaced with timber cladding on one of the blocks. The feature was designed using movement profiles which allow it to move independently of the substructure and enable it to withstand the significant wind loadings placed upon the nine storey structure.

This area of the facade was then completed using Alumasc’s Swistherm EWI – a lightweight, thin coat insulated render system, ideally suited to contemporary and new build applications where the structure provides continuous support for insulation slabs. The Picture Frame gives the building a distinctive, modern look which stands out dramatically from surrounding blocks. 

Alumasc’s Swisrail system, which is designed for use on framed buildings, was specially adapted to accommodate the project design at Highpoint Village.  A bespoke 40mm cavity was incorporated behind the façade system to accommodate ventilation services, however the system’s primary function of providing a drained cavity in accordance with NHBC requirements was maintained.

The 170mm EPS and Mineral Wool insulation panels used on the scheme achieved a U-value of 0.18W/Km2.  The render finish used was ST Silkolitt 1.5mm Silicone Render in white and grey.

Alumasc External Wall Insulation Systems are BBA approved and fully warranted, with a life expectancy in excess of 30 years. They are manufactured under ISO 9001: 2000 and ISO 14001: 2004 Quality and Environmental Management Standards.

The main contractor at Highpoint Village was Ballymore Properties.

For more information on Alumasc’s External Wall Insulation Systems, click here

Posted by Nicola Perrins

Hydrotech MM6125 structural waterproofing from Alumasc has been chosen for Glasgow’s latest landmark building in a major regeneration project. 

Designed by Aedas Architects of Glasgow, Anderston Phase 5 is a £56million mixed-use development from Taylor Wimpey. The impressive structure comprises 7 floors of office space spanning 98,000sq feet and a 20-storey residential apartment block, built on the former Anderston Bus Station site. Forming part of the fifth and largest construction phase of the Anderston regeneration project, the unique ‘L’ shaped building dominates the new Glasgow skyline and is one of the most prominent sights for users of the Kingston Bridge on Glasgow’s M8 – the busiest motorway bridge in Europe. 

Alumasc approved installer BriggsAmasco were active in the specification of Hydrotech MM6125, which they recommended to the architects as a durable, more cost effective alternative to mastic asphalt, and which also offered the benefit of not requiring a screed.

Anderston Phase 5 is constructed over several different roof levels, parts of which are used to accommodate heavy roof-mounted M&E plant. BriggsAmasco installed a total of 2,500m² of Hydrotech MM6125 over the ballasted protected roof areas, resulting in a prime example of the design potential and aesthetics that a finished Hydrotech/Protected roof can achieve.

For more information on Hydrotech MM6125, click here

Posted by Nicola Perrins

We are all aware that water is a valuable resource and that Rainwater Management Systems are being increasingly specified in many environmentally-friendly domestic and commercial build projects.

But as well as saving water on a daily basis, we also need to be aware of what precautions can be taken for occasions when there is suddenly too much of it.

The lesser talked about phenomenon of Backwater damage is an increasing threat due to global warming. Backwater has always existed, but as the climate changes and sudden rainfall becomes more common, drainage and sewer systems can be overwhelmed, resulting in expensive flood damage.

The Harmer Kessel Backflow range from Alumasc ensures buildings are protected against the costly affects of backwater damage.

Manufactured from robust PVC, the range includes automatic backflow stops which, under normal conditions, allow the free passage of waste water through the system. In instances of heavy rain, flooding or blocked pipes, the valves prevent storm and flood water backing up in the pipes, thus avoiding damage.

Meteorogical experts have concluded that more and more unexpected rainfall is likely in the future, making the installation of Backwater solutions a cost effective method of prevention that would otherwise result in very costly refurbishment.

For more information, click here

To view the Kessel brochure, click here

Posted by Nicola Perrins

An extensive ZinCo green roof from Alumasc is a key design feature on a new award-winning mental health facility near St Albans.

The Oak and Beech units at Harperbury were built within a green belt environment, to a design by Dransfield Owens De Silva Architects. The project has since gone on to win a prestigious Building Better Healthcare Award for Best Mental Health Design.

Planted courtyards and green roof areas were incorporated into the design after service-users and staff identified the therapeutic qualities of green outside space. The sloping green roofs were installed by Approved Alumasc Installer Letchworth Roofing, over a layout of complex levels around the courtyards, ensuring the green sedum aspects were visible from ground level.

With their relatively shallow substrate, ZinCo extensive green roofs are ideal for lightweight decks, inaccessible roofs and flat or sloping roof areas. Their versatile and economic design provides a ‘back to nature’ solution offering strong ecological benefits, perfectly suited to the site’s green-belt location. The roofs at Harperbury support self-sustaining sedum plants that require minimal irrigation and are highly wind, frost and drought resistant.

The roofs were installed over Derbigum single layer waterproofing, also supplied by Alumasc. Derbigum is a tried and tested roofing solution suitable for warm roofs with metal, concrete or plywood decks and inverted roofs with concrete deck.

For further details on Alumasc’s ZinCo green roofs, click here to visit the website

Posted by Nicola Perrins

Cork Panels being applied to the Aspire social housing refurbishment project in Staffordshire

As environmental issues continue to dictate modern building practice, Façade specialist Alumasc has reinforced its commitment to sustainable methods, with the release of its new Cork Literature.

Cork is the future of building with natural insulation and when combined with Alumasc high performance renders, all the benefits of insulated render systems are achieved with the added environmental impact of using a natural product. Cork is a sustainable, long life, renewable product with good sound proofing and is free from artificial inputs. As an insulant, it is ideal for saving energy and protecting the environment, whilst complementing modern building techniques.

The cork forest during harvest

The new Cork brochure presents the technical characteristics of Cork and fully explains Alumasc’s cultivation methods and the ecological processes involved in farming this valuable resource. Clear illustrations of system build-up, colour and texture swatches have also been included to assist with the specification process.

For more information, click here

To download the brochure, click here

Posted by Nicola Perrins

Burbo Point is a stunning residential complex located on the Crosby coast at Blundellsands. Designed by RAL Architects of Southport, the prestigious building, which features Merseyside’s most expensive apartment priced at £1.7m, has been awarded the Local Authority Building Control Award for Best Large Housing Development 2010 and will be put forward for a National LABC Award later in the year.

The 5-storey apartment building required a robust facade which could withstand its coastal weather conditions whilst also offering the versatility to cope with the modern curved walls.

RAL specified 1500 square metres of Alumasc’s Swisrail External Wall Insulation system with Silkolitt silicone render, which exceeded regulatory insulation values whilst creating an eye-catching exterior, with unsurpassed weather resistance.

NHBC approved Swisrail is ideally suited to new-build applications. It incorporates a rail system that isolates the cladding from the majority of the frame, creating an additional barrier against external water ingress and allowing internal moisture control in the event of breach. Swisrail provides a seamless insulated façade that is specifically tailored to the needs of lightweight frame construction.

Click here for more information on our Facade systems or for literature call 0808 100 2008.

Posted by Nicola Perrins

Alumasc's Swistherm External Wall Insulation in use at Bletchley Leisure Centre - Winner of the BREEAM Bespoke Award.

Sustainable building products from Alumasc have excelled at the prestigious 2010 BREEAM Awards which recognise the UK’s top examples of ecological design.

Alumasc products were specified on no less than 10 of the 16 short-listed projects – with four of the overall winners featuring Alumasc high performance Roofing and Facades systems.

The hotly contested awards, which were presented at this year’s Ecobuild, recognise and reward the highest scoring buildings certified under BREEAM each year. Following independent assessment and certification, the successful projects all achieved ‘Excellent’ BREEAM ratings, earning the most performance credits available in areas such as energy, materials, waste and ecology. 

Alumasc’s Swistherm External Wall insulation featured heavily in the winning list, having been specified on the new Bletchley Leisure Centre in Milton Keynes, recipient of the BREEAM Bespoke Award; White River Place in St Austell, winner of the BREEAM Retail Award; and Salisbury Law Court, winner in the BREEAM Courts Category.

Swistherm is a BBA approved, thin coat insulated render system, which can be finished in a choice of silicone or mineral-based topcoats. Offering outstanding thermal efficiency, Swistherm is weatherproof, eliminates interstitial condensation and reduces energy consumption. Insulation slabs are available in a variety of materials including polystyrene, mineral wool or highly sustainable natural cork for environmentally sensitive applications.

Winner of the BREEAM Industrial Award – Defra’s Veterinary Laboratory Agency Store in Weybridge – featured Alumasc’s Derbigum single layer waterproofing system. BBA Approved and warranted for 25 years, Derbigum was chosen for its exceptional long-term performance and durability. It is manufactured under the ISO 14001:2204 and EMAS Environmental Management Standards and is fire rated F.AA to BS476 Pt3 (EN1187 Pf4), the highest available rating, which allows for unrestricted use under Building Regulations.

Chris Lister, Development Manager at Alumasc, commented: “We are delighted that Alumasc products have made significant contributions to so many of these short listed and award-winning BREEAM projects. As a company, we can offer a wide variety of A+ rated solutions, allowing designers and specifiers to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and ‘Outstanding’ building designs”.

For more information on how Alumasc can help you achieve BREEAM ratings, please click here  or call 01744 648400.

Posted by Nicola Perrins

Cork bark being stripped during the harvest

Cork is the future of building with natural insulation. It is a sustainable, long life, renewable product with good sound proofing and is free from artificial inputs. As an insulant, it is ideal for saving energy and protecting the environment, whilst complementing modern building techniques.

When combined with Alumasc high performance renders, all the benefits of insulated render systems are achieved with the added environmental impact of using a natural insulation product.

The benefits of cork insulation include:

• 100% natural: no chemicals or additives are used in the manufacture of cork.

• Energy efficient manufacture: very low energy consumption is used by the manufacturing process. Zero Ozone depletion and zero global warming are also achieved.

• Lowest embodied energy of all commonly used insulation materials.

• Sustains a huge variety of indigenous wildlife which is dependent upon the maintenance of the cork oak forests.

• Stabilises rural economies, populations and local culture in the poorer agricultural areas of Southern Europe.

For more information on the use of Cork as a natural insulation material, click here.

Harvested cork waiting to be processed

Posted by Nicola Perrins

A high performance aluminium rainwater system from Alumasc has been chosen for an exemplary private Girls’ School near Ascot.

Heathfield School is one of the UK’s leading private schools for girls. The recent refurbishment and extension of its former dormitory building was accompanied by a newly built performing arts centre, named St Mary’s Theatre, designed by The Tooley & Foster Partnership.

Alumasc’s GX Gutter System and Skyline Fascia Soffits were recommended for the state-of-the-art Centre, by installers Salmon Plumbing Ltd of Surrey.  Both systems met all of the project’s rainwater needs whilst perfectly complementing the building’s striking contemporary roof.

GX is a robust and fully engineered box section gutter range, designed for traditional wet jointing on site. Available in three profiles and a choice of sizes, it can be supplied in plain mill finish or with a BBA approved polyester powder coating in a range of colours.

GX is highly resistant to impact damage and is especially suited to meet the architectural and functional requirements for a simple and conventionally installed box gutter, offering a low maintenance life in excess of 40 years in rural and suburban conditions and in excess of 25 years in industrial and marine applications.

The GX guttering was used alongside Alumasc’s Skyline Fascia & Soffit system, which in this case, had a special curved radius, designed by Alumasc specifically to suit the rounded façade of the Arts Centre. Manufactured from high quality, polyester powder coated aluminium, Skyline is designed for new build roof perimeters and is available in four bold generic shapes, as well as bespoke designs.

In accordance with Alumasc’s commitment to the ongoing development of its environmental products and processes, aluminium is 100% recyclable.

For more information on Alumasc’s rainwater systems, click here.

Posted by Nicola Perrins

Alumasc has further strengthened its portfolio of world class roofing products by becoming a Commercial and Industrial Authorised Distributor for Firestone RubberGard® EPDM and UltraPly™ TPO single ply roofing systems in England, Wales and Scotland.

Firestone Building Products entered the commercial roofing industry in 1980 building on its success and experience in rubber polymer technology. Three decades later, over one billion square metres of Firestone’s sustainable roofing membranes have been installed on rooftops worldwide.

Alumasc’s Managing Director Robert Littlewood comments: “We are thrilled to be adding such impressive roofing solutions to our existing portfolio. Alumasc has a reputation for supplying comprehensive and relevant solutions which are designed to meet the demands of contemporary design, whilst also addressing the environmental concerns surrounding our industry. Firestone’s performance record as a leading manufacturer of sustainable rubber membranes worldwide, can serve only to reinforce Alumasc’s position in the UK market.”

For more information on the new Firestone products available from Alumasc, click here.

Posted by Nicola Perrins

When it comes to the speedy installation of rainwater products, look no further than Alumasc’s GX Joggle aluminium box gutter. Designed to make installation up to 30% quicker, GX is light in weight, without compromising on strength.

Trevor Carter at Headley Mechanical Engineering used the new box gutter successfully at Braunstone Frith School in Leicester.  He praised the new design saying, “With the new joggle joint on the Alumasc GX box gutter the installation was much quicker and easier. The finished result was excellent and we shall certainly continue to use this product in the future”. 

Posted by Nicola Perrins

Ty Haul, private residence in Anglesey, which was built to Passivhaus Standards using Swistherm from Alumasc.

As Mr. B. Dylan once sang….”the times they are a-changing”.

External Wall Insulation in the UK housing market has long been the well kept secret of social landlords and those not afraid of building a new wall without a cavity.  Now, thanks to the good people at the Department of Energy and Climate Change and ably assisted by the Insulated Cladding and National Insulation Associations, INCA & NIA, solid wall insulation is set to become the thermal upgrade for the masses.

The country’s existing housing stock is ready for Solid Wall Insulation.  Just as double glazing and draft excluders started the work on the UK’s pre-cavity properties, so the next stage in these energy conscious times is to do something about solid 9-inch brick walls. Why should we have to revert to wearing a jumper in the comfort of our own homes when we can improve our houses? For there to be any chance of meeting UK targets for thermally efficient dwellings and reduction in energy use, the solution of wrapping your home in its own externally insulating ‘jumper’ may be the most credible answer.

For more details on Alumasc’s Energy Savings Trust accredited External Wall Insulation systems, visit www.alumascfacades.co.uk.

Posted by Nicola Perrins

Alumasc is proud to have been involved with the stunning new development from Gentoo Construction at The River Quarter in Sunderland.

Alumasc’s ZinCo green roof has created a roof top retreat for residents of the luxury apartment complex which sits on a former brownfield site and includes a bowling emporium and café bar.

Working closely alongside Napper Architects, our technical support team also designed a complete waterproofing solution for the project which presented a number of challenging design features. Hydrotech MM6125, Alumasc’s BBA Approved structural waterproofing system, was used under the green roof whilst Derbigum Rapido and Derbifoam thermal insulation board were used to create a warm roof build up. Derbigum is BBA Approved and manufactured under an ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System.

You can find out more about these widely specified living roof systems at Alumasc’s stand at Ecobuild – Stand 1547, Earls Court 1.

For further information visit www.alumascgreenroof.co.uk

Posted by Nicola Perrins

Alumasc's ZinCo Green Roof system and Hydrotech MM6125 Waterproofing in use on the internal courtyard at Ormeau Bakery

Following the unfortunate demise of Interbuild last year, the government’s first Chief Construction Advisor, Paul Morrell, has been speaking at a launch meeting for the new show BEST (Built Environment Solutions and Technologies) which premiers at Birmingham NEC in October.

 In his speech, Mr Morrell was keen to tackle the subject of retrofit, reminding us that existing structures consume around 40% of the nation’s energy.

Retrofit requires close co-operation between suppliers and specifiers, and at Alumasc we are more than familiar with the processes involved. We work alongside architects and designers on hundreds of projects every year, to encourage the specification of sustainable products and systems to create healthy, efficient buildings that benefit not only the wider environment, but those living and working inside them.

The recent refurbishment of the beautiful Ormeau Bakery in Belfast into high quality apartments, is the perfect example of how new technologies are being used to improve existing structures. Alumasc’s ZinCo green roof and Hydrotech waterproofing systems created a peaceful haven on the podium roof of the late 19^th century building, which will offer recreation access to residents and a rich habitat for local wildlife.

For details on ZinCo green roof systems click here

For details of Hydrotech  click here

For Alumasc’s full range of waterproofing solutions, please visit www.alumascwaterproofing.co.uk

Posted by Nicola Perrins

Alumasc's Aqualine, Apex Heritage Cast Iron and Flushjoint rainwater systems at Upton Grange Eco-Development in Northampton

Our friends at Building Magazine have reported recenty that the Zero Carbon Hub and Energy Savings Trust are calling for a ‘pan-industry marketing plan to promote zero carbon homes and address concerns that they appear experimental and unappealing to the majority of homebuyers”.

Everyday measures to lessen our carbon footprint are becoming second nature to many of us – the very thought of putting an old newspaper, wine bottle or cereal box into the dustbin feels completely alien to me these days and I’m even happy to wait 4 seconds for my lights to come on.

But our houses require a much larger financial commitment, so we are still, understandably, more worried about getting it right.

Sustainable homes need not look any different to conventional homes, if that is what we, as the owners and residents of those homes, want. Whether it be a newbuild or refurbishment project, many solutions are available to significantly improve the environmental performance of our homes whilst maintaining a traditional appearance.

For example, Alumasc’s thermally efficient External Wall Insulation systems can now be used with Cork which is one of nature’s most effective insulators and is harvested from sustainable forests that provide homes to many endangered species. Our Rainwater Management systems are installed out of sight underground and can be used to recycle up to 50% of our non-drinkable water every day, whilst our aluminium rainwater systems are 100% recyclable and offer a sleek appearance to the exterior of any home.

So, there is hope, for the less ‘experimental’ home owners amongst us, who, despite being a little bit nervous of wind turbines and solar panels, still want to do their bit for the planet.

For details of sustainable insulation solutions, click here

For details of Kessel Rainwater Management systems, click here

For details of recyclable rainwater systems, click here

Read the full Building Magazine article here

To view Alumasc’s Environmental Policy click here

Posted by Nicola Perrins

Rt Hon Joan Ruddock MP

One of the many visitors to the Alumasc stand at this year’s Ecobuild, was Rt Honourable Joan Ruddock MP, Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Speaking with our Technical Development Manager Chris Lister, Ms Ruddock experienced the wide range of sustainable building products being showcased on Alumasc’s Stand, including natural cork insulation and ZinCo green roofs and she chatted with Chris about the use of Alumasc’s External Wall Insulation systems within the new government funding scheme for low carbon refurbishment in the housing sector. Known as ‘Pay As You Save’ (PAYS), the concept is based on spreading the cost of refurbishment for an existing property over a substantial period of time, across a number of different owners.

Ms Ruddock also took the opportunity to take advice from Chris about the advantages of installing a green roof, and revealed that it’s something she is considering for her own home.

Posted by Nicola Perrins

16 of the country’s ‘most sustainable’ buildings were recognised at the 2010 BREEAM Awards at this year’s Ecobuild exhibition in London.  ‘These buildings have comprehensively demonstrated their remarkable environmental credentials’ comments BRE Global Chief Executive Carol Atkinson.

The award-winning schemes achieved Excellent BREEAM ratings earning the most performance credits available in the areas of energy, materials, waste, water, ecology, pollution, transport, management and health and well-being.  Each development has been independently assessed and certified.

Alumasc are proud to announce that 4 of the award winning schemes had Alumasc high performance Roofing and/or Facades systems installed on them.  These were:

Bespoke Project – Bletchley Leisure Centre, Milton Keynes – using Swistherm External Wall Insulation (EWI).

Law Courts Project – Salisbury Law Courts – using Swistherm EWI  and Armaseam standing seam metal roofing.

Industrial Project – VLA Stores, Surrey – using Derbigum Flat Roofing System.

Retail Project – White River Place, St Austell – using Swistherm & Swisrail EWI.

For more details on how Alumasc’s sustainable building products can assist with your BREEAM ratings, please call 01744 648400.

Posted by Nicola Perrins

A ZinCo green roof from Alumasc assisted with the BREEAM rating of Hetton Lyons School in Sunderland.

Minister of State for Schools and Learners, Vernon Coaker MP, has been talking at the recent BSEC conference about his impression of the nations schools.

He described the governments BSF programme as a “real record of  achievement” and spoke of the significant change brought about in our primary and secondary schools, touching specifically on the award winning architectural designs that make our modern school buildings “inspirational and exciting” places to be.

Mr Coaker continued “The important thing now is to bring every school building up to the standard that we want. To make them modern, light and airy and environmentally friendly.”

Alumasc’s Aqualine gutter system and Flushjoint downpipes were used on Windygoul Primary School near Edinburgh. The project earned East Lothian Council a Carbon Trust Award for Low Carbon Building.

Alumasc has long been involved in school building initiatives and we are working closely alongside a number of architectural and contract partners on some of the country’s most innovative school buildings. Alumasc’s green roofs, waterproofing systems, thermally efficient external wall insulation and recyclable rainwater systems have all been specified on educational projects to help minimise their impact on the environment.

Let’s hope that by building greener schools, the young generations learning inside them can be confident of a more positive outlook for the earth’s resources.

Posted by Nicola Perrins

Alumasc has launched a new generation of Harmer Shower Drains designed for today’s fast-moving lifestyles. The super compact gullies take shower drainage to a new level of excellence – enabling designers to optimise space and performance within the wet environment.

We carried out extensive research into the demands of modern wet rooms to create a range that combines efficient, high flow drainage with the latest styles and finishes. Billed as ‘the ultimate in shower drainage’, there are two unique Harmer offers available – the premium Aluminium range and the antimicrobial ABS compound range. Both ranges can achieve high flow performance of up to 1.3 litres per second and are quick and easy to install into most floor types, with flexible sheet and tiled flooring options.

Harmer Aluminium Shower Drains are precision engineered from LM6 aluminium alloy, to set the highest possible performance standards for versatility, choice and durability.

Harmer ABS Shower Drains are manufactured from an antimicrobial, non-toxic ABS compound to combine high performance, innovative design and value engineering.

Harmer Shower Drains are ideal for domestic, commercial and public-use applications such as housing, hotels, schools and hospitals. For secure accommodation, they come with a security fixing option to prevent tampering and unauthorised removal of components.

Aluminium and ABS plastic are both 100% recyclable.

For a brochure, please call 0808 100 2008 or for full details, contact  Alumasc Technical Services on 01744 648400.

Posted by Nicola Perrins

The German Association of the Aluminium Industry (GDA) is to launch a UK press campaign promoting the use of Aluminium across all industry sectors. 

Aluminium fabrication at Alumasc

At Alumasc, we have been aware of the true sustainable qualities of aluminium for many years.  Despite the material being one of the most plentiful metals in the world, it is also one of the most recyclable.  About 75 percent of all aluminium ever made has been in the metal loop since the year 1888, with as much as 95% of aluminium in the construction sector being recycled stock.

Alumasc offer a wide range of high performance aluminium products.  The strength, formability, corrosion resistance and overall versatility of aluminium make it particularly suited for use in rainwater and drainage solutions for all types of building. 

Heritage Cast Aluminium from Alumasc

Our Aluminium Rainwater range comprises Heritage Cast Gutters, Aqualine Extruded Gutters and GX Pressed Gutters, all available with 3 alternative downpipe systems; Flushjoint, Guardian and Heritage.  Compatible aluminium Skyline Fascia Soffit, Anti-Climb and Coping systems complement these ranges. 

A recent addition to our Aluminium Drainage product portfolio is the new generation Harmer Shower Drain (also available in ABS compound).  Manufactured from LM6 aluminium alloy, Harmer Aluminium Shower Drains are precision engineered to set the highest possible performance standards.  Additional, tried and tested aluminium drainage solutions also form part of the Harmer Roof and Harmer Floor ranges.

New Aluminium Harmer Shower Drains

As long as aluminium is economically and ecologically recycled, it will continue to represent an ideal reprocessing and production cycle, making the aluminium processing loop an excellent way of protecting resources. 

For more information on Alumasc’s Aluminium Rainwater Solutions, click here.

For a Harmer Shower Drain brochure, click here  or call 0808 100 2008. For full details, contact Alumasc Technical Services on 01744 648400.

Posted by Nicola Perrins

Harmer SML Pipes in situ

The recyclability of Cast Iron is an obvious environmental benefit of Alumasc’s Harmer SML Soil and Waste system, but in addition to its impressive green credentials, SML offers a host of features and benefits to provide specifiers with a complete high-performance drainage solution.

Harmer SML is a lightweight cast iron pipework system that is Agrement Certified and fully compliant with BS EN 877. The system combines an excellent fire classification with the latest acoustic performance requirements for building materials. Harmer SML has a proven track record over the lifetime of the building and is manufactured using 95% recycled material.

Harmer SML has been installed at the new Derby Hospital in Mickleover

Harmer SML consists of coated, socketless cast iron pipes and fittings simply joined with either ductile iron or stainless steel rubber-lined couplings. The range also includes bracketry for restraining pipework vertically and supporting it horizontally, along with a choice of special connectors for linking with other materials.

The Duomat Tool

For ease of installation, Alumasc recommends the Harmer Duomat Fixing Tool which is suitable for all power tools, enabling all two-screw couplings to be tightened simultaneously, significantly reducing installation time by up to 70%.

For more information on Harmer SML from Alumasc, click here.

For more information on the Duomat Tool, click here.

Posted by Nicola Perrins

The World Green Roof Congress (WGRC) brings together leading green roof experts from across the world, to share and communicate good practice and to celebrate the inclusion of green roofs within a sustainable built environment.

Following our successful sponsorship of the WGRC in 2008, Alumasc are again proud to be associated with the event as Premium Sponsor.

Alumasc's ZinCo Green Roof at Bishops Square

This year’s 2 day conference, co-ordinated by CIRIA and Livingroofs.org with support from the European Federation of Green Buildings, will be held on 15^th & 16^th September at the prestigious offices of Allen and Overy in Bishops Square, London – a building which itself boasts an impressive ZinCo Green Roof from Alumasc.

ZinCo is the leading global brand in Green Roofing, offering Extensive, Biodiverse, Semi-Intensive and Intensive specifications with a choice of drainage layers and substrates to support an unrivalled variety of planting strategies.

ZinCo Green Roofs are designed and engineered to deliver a wide range of performance benefits including; additional amenity space, control of rainwater run-off and assistance with SUDS, reduced CO2, dust and smog levels and extended life of the waterproofing system.

So, for the opportunity to experience Alumasc’s ZinCo Green Roof first hand, you can register for this year’s event here.  We’ll look forward to seeing you there.

For more information on ZinCo Green Roofs from Alumasc, click here.

Posted by Nicola Perrins

Alumasc have supplied their Swistherm External Wall Insulation (EWI) to a cutting edge residential project in Wales which has been built to PassivHaus standards, representing the very latest in sustainable building design.

The project, named Ty Haul, fulfilled an initial design brief to meet AECB requirements at Gold level – a standard not achieved by any other residential building in the UK.

The outstanding thermal performance of Alumasc’s Swistherm EWI system was key in its specification as part of an environmentally sound construction package. Owner Simon Phillips, whose vision for a self-sustaining, low carbon home led to the formation of his sustainable building company Passiv Solar Homes, designed Ty Haul in partnership with his father’s architects practice Michael Phillips Architects of Ludlow in Shropshire.

The use of Swistherm with 240mm extruded platinum polystyrene insulation had the ability to achieve the target U-value of 0.10w/m2K, exceeding the PassivHaus requirement.

For comprehensive details of Alumasc’s façade systems or to request literature, please contact Alumasc on 0808 100 2008 or visit www.alumascfacades.co.uk

Simon Phillips can be contacted at Passiv Solar Homes on 01407 810326.

Michael Phillips Architects, Ludlow can be contacted on 01584 877396.

Posted by Nicola Perrins

For Architects, Developers and Designers considering BREEAM ratings and green credits, the specification of a green roof can contribute to a successful assessment. Simon Poe of Alumasc explains: 

The inclusion of a ZinCo green roof system on the roof and terraces at Regents Place in London contributed to its BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’.

A range of benefits can be attained across BREEAM assessment – from water detention to energy consumption reductions and responsible materials sourcing to life cycle costing – however, the availability of credits in the ‘Land use and ecology’ section, is of most relevance to green roofs. 

The exact number of credits available will vary depending on location (e.g. the re-use of land at brownfield or previously-contaminated sites) and application (e.g. schools earn credits by using green roofs in education and forming wildlife partnerships), however the majority of credits required to attain an ‘Excellent’ or ‘Outstanding’ rating can be achieved irrespective of site placement. 

There are two principal stages:

1. The replacement of habitat that would otherwise be lost through the construction process – mitigating the impact of the development and protecting ecological features of the site.

2. Creation of new habitats that will enhance the ecological value of the site to provide long-term biodiversity benefit.

Green roof solutions can be devised to score credits in both categories, with the planting strategy critical to habitat creation appropriate to the wildlife habitation objectives. Schemes can be devised to include appropriate mixes of plant species to attract different wildlife.

For more information on Alumasc’s ZinCo green roofs, click here

 For more information on how Alumasc can advise on BREEAM assessments, click here

Posted by Nicola Perrins

Following their recent success in The BREEAM Awards, Alumasc was celebrating yet again at the NFRC Awards in London on Friday 14th May.

This time, Alumasc’s ZinCo green roofs were the centre of attention, clinching the NFRC Green Roof Award for the exemplary installation at Rockliffe Park Hotel near Darlington in the North East.

Roofclad Systems of Durham installed 1600m² of Alumasc’s ZinCo green roof system on the new golf clubhouse at Rockliffe – located in the preserved countryside of the listed hotel building.  The project presented a challenging design brief to architects Browne Smith Baker of Newcastle, who worked closely with Alumasc’s Technical Team to create the ideal solution for the project. The location for the new clubhouse building was carefully identified to ensure it sat low down in the landscape, with the green roof blending seamlessly into the countryside, making the clubhouse almost invisible from the hotel.

A variety of wild grasses were chosen to harmonise with surrounding plant species and to complement the natural timber profile of the clubhouse facade. Requiring only a shallow growing medium, the green roof offered a much lighter option than turf, which in turn enabled the specification of more cost effective materials for use in the underlying roof structure, which, as a result, would not be required to support as much weight.

The green roof was applied over Alumasc’s Derbigum high performance waterproofing membrane, for exceptional long-term performance and durability.

Finishing close behind Rockliffe was Alumasc’s installation at Regent’s Place in London. The bio-diverse green roof was installed by Tilbury Contracts of Rainham over Alumasc’s Hydrotech MM6125 waterproofing system. The impressive terraced roof, which comprises a number of compartments to form a stunning puzzle pattern, will provide essential habitats to support the survival of some of our rare and scarce plant species, together with a natural habitat for bees, spiders, beetles and birds.

Alumasc’s Managing Director Robert Littlewood comments: “Rockliffe Park is a shining example of how green roofs can be sensitively applied in areas of natural beauty. This award is testament to Alumasc’s Approved Contractor Roofclad and our own Technical Support Team who pulled out the stops to ensure the successful delivery of such a stunning roof.”

For more information on ZinCo Green Roofs from Alumasc, please click here.

Posted by Nicola Perrins

Alumasc are proud sponsors of the Green Roof Organisation (GRO) stand at this year’s Greenbuild Expo from 26-27 May 2010 at Manchester Central.

GRO was formed as an independent body to represent the industry trade associations and the key players in the green roof market, developing guidance for specification, design, manufacturing, installation and maintenance of green roofs.

Its 3 principal objectives are:

1. To promote the green roof concept
2. To provide suitable guidelines to manufacturers and installers
3. To recognise and promote correctly trained roofing companies

Greenbuild Expo is an exhibition and conference promoting sustainability in the construction industry and Alumasc will be present on the GRO stand for the duration of the show to provide help and advice on all aspects of green roof specification, installation and maintenance.

Visit us on stand number C8 at Greenbuild Expo  

For more information on ZinCo green roofs from Alumasc, please click here.

For more information on the Green Roof Organisation, visit www.livingroofs.org