For further information visit: http://www.solarslate-ltd.com/

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The contemporary Eden Project-style system called the ‘SOLARDOME^® PRO’ allows large bespoke domes to be constructed up to 25m diameter. Solardome developed this new flexible architectural dome system in response to a customer in Norway that wanted to build a sustainable three-story family home and garden inside a unique and robust dome shell. The international patent pending SOLARDOME^® PRO system, designed and manufactured in the UK, needed to withstand the high winds and extreme snowfall in this Northern Arctic location. Completed in the winter of 2013, the 15m diameter, 900m³ dome consists of a robust aluminum frame and toughened single glazed panels.

As the dome buildings can be clad in a variety of materials, their potential applications are vast spanning: green housing, tropical spa complexes for boutique hotels, additional covered visitor facilities through to large open plan performances spaces or skylights.

Pippa Bailey, Managing Director at Solardome Industries, comments: “The SOLARDOME^® PRO system was only possible due to the innovation and dedication of the Solardome team, and we are very proud to be an award finalist.”

Solardome is an area finalist for the ‘Business Innovation of the Year’ award in the Federation of Small Business (FSB) Worldpay UK Business Awards 2014. The National winner will be announced in May by leading business woman, Karren Brady CBE. http://www.fsb.org.uk/uk-business-awards

For more information on:

• The Nature House project – http://www.solardome.co.uk/case-study/the-nature-house-north-norway
• The SOLARDOME PRO system – http://www.solardome.co.uk/grand-designs/

For more details, please contact

SOLARDOME INDUSTRIES LIMITED

Telephone: 0845 450 2155

Email: sales@solardome.co.uk

Solardome Industries
Solardome Industries, a family run business based in Hampshire, designs and manufactures aluminium geodesic domes for domestic, commercial and educational purposes. Solardome^® glasshouses provide versatile environments from outdoor classrooms, school greenhouses and research labs; to visitor attractions as cafes, therapy gardens, and butterfly houses; to healthcare facilities as horticultural hubs, activity centres and therapy rooms; and to private homes as luxury conservatories, spa retreats and growing environments. The unique glass geodesic design provides maximum solar gain, excellent ventilation and airflow and a strong and robust structure, amongst many other benefits.

Standard Solardome^® glasshouse domes range in size from 3.5m to 10m diameter. For larger bespoke domes there is the SOLARDOME^® PRO architectural system. The SOLARDOME^® PRO system is the latest development for Solardome Industries and offers an impressive design alternative to traditional buildings. The patent pending dome building system enables the design and manufacture of bespoke domes up to 25m diameter, quickly and cost-effectively.

The post Giant ‘Snowglobe’ Dome System Is Shortlisted For Business Innovation Award appeared first on Design Buy Build.

Quote from the tester:

Husqvarna Automower® 330X – exclusive luxury model with unbeatable performance and functionality.

The test areas were set up to mimic a regular garden, including the following challenges often found in private gardens:

• Uneven and steep lawn areas
• Trees, bushes, roots, paths, flowerbeds, sandbox, swings and trampoline
• Difficult ground, i.e. sand, newly planted grass, smaller piles of leaves, needles and pine cones
• Challenging cutting areas, i.e. narrow passages, sharp corners, corners with multiple obstacles, secondary lawn areas
• Long, thick and wet grass

The test period lasted ten weeks and the cutting results were reviewed after the machine had been operating on a regular basis. Each model was tested in different test areas, which each offering a set of challenges for the product. The participating mowers’ stops were counted, and the effect this had on the cutting results taken into consideration. Additionally, the test also analysed safety, cutting technique, cutting speed, noise, design and usability.

Robotic mowers have been on the market since 1995 when Husqvarna introduced the SolarMower, a predecessor to today’s robotic mowers. Since then, Husqvarna has launched several high quality robotic mowers with high reliability and safety considerations, always with the ambition to enable effortless mowing with perfect cutting results.

Products tested
• Gardena R160
• Husqvarna Automower® 330X
• Gardena R40 Li
• Husqvarna Automower® 308
• Bosch Indego
• Honda Miimo
• Stiga Autoclip 527
• AL-KO Robolinho 100
• Stiga Autoclip 520

For more information on the Husqvarna Automower® range visit their website at: http://www.husqvarna.com/uk/products/robotic-mowers/husqvarna-robotic-mowers-for-homeowners/

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Established in 2010, Talis UK was formed when Triton Investment Group acquired Tyco Waterworks EMEA from Tyco Flow Control to create a new company. Within the UK, ATPLAS Ltd and ERHARD Valves Ltd have all become part of Talis UK, bringing together an extensive product portfolio and a wealth of experience and technical expertise.

Following several years of consolidation, Talis UK is announcing a new growth drive under the leadership of new managing director, Mark Hodgens. The company is forecasting a £30 million turnover this year – a 30 per cent increase on the £23 million turnover achieved in 2013.

Talis UK is making a large investment in its workforce, with changes to the senior management team and the appointment of a new operations director and sales director. The company has also recently secured significant contracts in Ireland. As a result of the recent growth plans, Talis UK has appointed 45 new fulltime employees.

With the main distribution centre and manufacturing facility based in Bridgend, South Wales, Talis UK services customers around the world. Recent growth plans also include an office move for its Birmingham team. This location will help to provide efficient and cost effective service to customers from all the main water companies in the UK, as well as water authorities, contractors, wholesalers and distributors in the plumbing and construction industries.

Mark Hodgens, managing director of Talis UK, comments: “Although Talis UK was only formed in 2010, the company has accrued a wealth of experience, thanks to investment and collaboration with companies such as ATPLAS Ltd and ERHARD. We’re now bringing this experience and technical expertise together to provide strong customer support and an extensive and proven product offering.

“We’re approaching the next step with a renewed focus. Our products have already proved successful in the water and construction industries across the world and we’re starting to see the same level of success under the Talis UK name. Coupled with Talis’ rich and diverse history as part of Tyco Waterworks, we’re confident that Talis UK will continue to provide quality products and services to the industry.”

For more information about Talis UK, please visit www.talis-uk.com

The post TALIS UK ANNOUNCES NEW GROWTH PLANS appeared first on Design Buy Build.

As the most modern version of the traditional W20 steel window, the W40 system achieves continuity of style with similar attributes in terms of slenderness and light transmission, while the greater profile depth creates room for 28mm thick IG units.  This means triple glazing becomes an option, although warm edge spacer bars, gas filling and other enhancements enable Part L of the Building Regulations to be complied with in new build, for most applications, when specifying double glazed units.

In addition to improved thermal performance, weather-tightness is significantly enhanced and fittings can be less obtrusive: with variable geometry hinges, friction pivots and multi-point locking cremone bolts concealed within the profiles. W40 system installations can also be supplied to Secured by Design standard and will be looked upon very favourably by insurers.

Darren Lloyd of SWA member, Govette Windows comments: “W40 fenestration solutions offer specifiers a lot of attractive options, including energy performance matching the latest requirements of the Building Regulations, and high security.

“The feeling of openness achievable is also very good thanks to the strength of steel: with doors of up to 2.5 metres in height being available, and the maximum width of a fixed screen being three metres. Members are supplying W40 doors and screens for top end residential as well as offices, hotels, hospitals and schools.”

W40 windows offer good sustainability credentials.  The source of steel billet, rod and strip, from which steel window profiles are formed, is basic steel smelted from 100% recycled scrap.

When steel windows are finally replaced, the original windows can be systematically dismantled and the frames, fittings and glass recycled. The credentials of steel windows are recognized by the Building Research Establishment’s ‘Green Guide’, which gives them an above average B rating.

For further information on the Steel Window Association, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk or call 0844 249 1355.

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Website: www.contour-design.com

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Website: http://www.mujjo.com/mediaroom/portfolio/iphone-5s-leather-wallet-case-black-lifestyle/

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We offer a unique service providing solutions for erosion control and vegetation establishment.

We provide a design, supply and installation service to complement our comprehensive range of biodegradable products and we have many years of unrivalled expertise that has resulted in the range of high quality services and materials that we can now offer.

Greenfix has also developed close working ties with a range of associated companies including consulting engineers, soil nailing and ground anchor experts, geotextile merchants and environmental consultants, to enable us to provide a total solution to our customers. Our end users cover all sectors of the construction industry including housing, motorway, railway, industrial / commercial, water and landscape schemes.

Greenfix is Network Rail (Link-up) approved and working towards ISO approval. Greenfix is committed to pioneering the use of biodegradable materials.

Visit Website: www.greenfix.co.uk

Greenfix Soil Stabilisation and Erosion Control Limited
Allens West
Durham Lane
Eaglescliffe
TS16 0RW

Tel: 01642 888693

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FilterPave is extremely porous with a high level of sustainable void space that makes a big contribution to sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), in essence it rapidly filters storm water run off from roofs and other surfaces directly back to the water table, thus reducing the pressure on the local drainage system and the risk of flooding. It also captures oil residue and hydrocarbons increasing the quality of the water reaching the water table. (Tests have revealed that up to 1.5kg of oily substance can be bound per cubic metre of FilterPave (research by the University of Wisconsin)). FilterPave is mixed like you would cement or concrete, poured into place and finished off. There is no need for multiple time consuming layers it is one layer directly onto a sub base. There are 6 standard colours to choose from at present but we can also produce a colour to your specification. 

The technologically advanced elastic resin helps combats the freeze/thaw effect and it is extremely tough and durable sustaining up to 2.7 tonnes of weight.

It can be used for both domestic and commercial projects. All public areas, walkways, drive ways, car parks, access roads, even used around the base of trees in urban areas is extremely popular. FilterPave comes in kit format for domestic and small building projects and we have carefully selected expert UK installation teams who can deliver large commercial work across the UK and Ireland.

FilterPave has much sought after environmental credentials, it has technologically advanced resin that binds the 100% recycled glass (post consumer) together, when installed the complete system delivers dynamic results. It is an ideal product for architects, civil engineers, planners, local authorities, landscape designers, housing developers and the domestic customer, it is easy to install and makes a considerable contribution towards SUDS projects.

Visit Website: www.filterpave.co.uk

The post FilterPave is an environmentally friendly porous paving system appeared first on Design Buy Build.

According to Andrew Gill, Marketing Manager at Brett Landscaping, dramatic changes to the housing market since the major downturn in 2008 has made selling properties far more demanding over the past few years.   Even today, now that the market is starting to show signs of a sustained recovery, it is still essential to present a new property to best effect starting from when the prospective customer first approaches the property.

“No longer can developers rely on selling a property by simply adding an asphalt driveway to the front and a lawn to the rear of a new property by way of landscaping,” he explains.  “Nowadays, homebuyers expect external spaces to be designed and installed with the same care and attention to detail as interior spaces.”

Research has shown that the average housebuyer takes around 20 minutes to decide if a property is right for him, of which the first five minutes will often be spent looking at the house from outside.

“It would therefore be reasonable to suggest that the landscaping of a property is a key part of their purchasing decision, helping to set the tone in a customer’s mind and condition their subsequent viewing of the rest of the property,” suggests Andrew  Gill.

At the same time, today’s busy lifestyles have increased the desire for ‘turnkey’ properties that owners can move into and enjoy immediately, rather than spending the next few years redecorating to suit. “This is especially the case with families where both partners go out to work and do not always have the time, or inclination, to start gardening in their evenings and weekends,” explains Andrew Gill.

Given these changing conditions, there are significant economic benefits to investing in a development’s landscaping, but housebuilders are not always aware of the advantages.  According to Andrew Gill, “historically, the budget set aside for landscaping is too often seen as a buffer fund to absorb any cost overruns elsewhere on the build, so designs get downgraded to suit.” 

“Whilst this can help with the overall project costs, we would argue that it is a false economy in the longer term as properties can take longer to sell and buyers will look to offset the on-cost of having to upgrade the landscaping against the amount they are willing to pay for the property.”

There is also the question of surface water management to consider with local authorities starting to establish an approval framework with regard to integrating Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) into new developments. This means that there are now functional as well as aesthetic benefits to creating high-quality landscaping.  “Flood management technologies such as permeable paving provide developers with increased scope in land usage at the same time as improving the appearance of the site, at little – if any – additional cost,” explains Andrew Gill.

Brett Landscaping believes that for both aesthetic and functional reasons it is now high time that the outside of a property received the same care and attention as the inside within the development process.

“Few housebuilders today would think of not fitting out a new property in a way that shows it off to its best effect – especially when it comes to kitchens and bathrooms. It would appear short-sighted not to give outdoor spaces the same priority, especially as these are increasingly seen as providing a vital ‘extra room’ to the property through the summer months.

“Yet all too often we see ‘identikit’ developments where the initial landscaping does nothing to enhance the property. It seems ironic that, in recent years, some of the best examples of new build hard landscaping have been seen within the social housing sector,” Andrew Gill adds.

In the private sector, by contrast, Brett Landscaping reports that it has seen many examples where the initial hard landscaping on a new property is quickly removed and replaced with higher specification product.   “This would appear to suggest that the new homeowner is willing to pay more to get the look that they want,” explains Andrew Gill.  “It would therefore seem sensible to install it in the first instance thereby saving time, money and materials – and potentially increasing the initial sale price of the property for the developer.

“Housebuilders who fail to recognise this trend are likely to find it increasingly difficult to maintain their position in the long term as the expectations of increasingly savvy buyers increase over time,” Andrew Gill concludes.

Website: www.brett.co.uk

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This is why MEVACO is, this year, starting a new customer communication event under the motto MISSION POSSIBLE. The MISSION POSSIBLE program has been developed to explain to tradespersons just how they can benefit from all that MEVACO has to offer. MEVACO implements its wide range of services in a focussed manner, thereby facilitating the work of their customers, namely metalworking tradespersons.

Time is money. Who doesn’t know this quote from Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the USA? This statement certainly applies in a globally networked and thus fast-moving working environment. Who would ignore higher performance products, simpler information procurement or better trained employees, which all play an important role in value added? Not a company that wants to be successful. As quality products and services, developed with a customer focus, save on time and ultimately money.

MEVACO offers its customers a series of measures that aim to facilitate their day-to-day business. It also provides them with the security that they require to be able to focus on their core work. A major advantage and time saver for customers is the possibility to create their own desired products, in a quick and flexible manner, on the new and simply laid out MEVACO website. The customer immediately receives – in the online shop and also per telephone – an all-inclusive price for the respective customised product – without hidden costs. The tradesperson can thus carry out a quick and simple costing with this complete price that takes into account all direct costs (incl. delivery costs). The direct price information allows MEVACO’s customers to be able to quickly react to their customer RFQs. Instead of having to wait for offers sent per e-mail, fax or even post, the customer can – in the best case scenario – use this time in a productive and thus profitable manner, as after all time is money! Ultimately, it is not just MEVACO’s customers that benefit from this timesaving service, but also the customers of our metalworkers.

www.mevaco.co.uk

The post Simply more time – long waiting times are a thing of the past thanks to our immediate price information! appeared first on Design Buy Build.

For many years our EHC Combination Electric Radiators have been widely accepted as an alternative to traditional storage heating. The major advantage of this reliable system is that they are a 24 hour, fully controllable central heating system which modulates to maintain a constant room temperature.

The radiators look like conventional “wet” system radiators, heat up like conventional “wet” radiators and are 100% efficient. They are maintenance free and do not produce harmful emissions. Each radiator has its own in-built thermostat with enables you to control the temperature throughout your home. For complete Control we recommend that eachRadiator is hard wired to an EHC Control Box on a dedicated Heating Circuit which is turn is connected to a 24/7 Programmer and Room Thermostat.

To assist with changing lifestyles and spiralling Energy Costs, EHC have adapted the Combination Radiators to enable them to be controlled by easy to install Smart Technology when using our hard wired Control system. The easy to install software can be utilised on a Laptop, Tablet or Smart Phone.

The ‘User Friendly’ software gives you maximum Control over your Heating System as Heating Cycles and Temperatures can be monitored and controlled remotely with the added benefit of optimised Weather Data via the Internet. The software will also provide you with information regarding your historic data such as room temperatures.

For further information please contact 01698 820533 or email info@electric-heatingcompany.co.uk.  Alternatively visit www.electric-heatingcompany.co.uk

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It features over 75 new and innovative product lines including; the unique Skeleton Hinge Jig, Adjustable Lock Jig, Mini CNC and the popular measuring and marking tool, the Easyscribe.

The brand leading Professional router cutter range has been extended with new spirals for aluminium, 45° guided chamfers, a profile rebater, as well as plastic engraving tools.

The popular range of router cutter sets now has four new additions;  6 piece sets for ¼” and 1/2” shank cutters; a 24 piece ¼” shank set and a 35 piece ½” shank set.

The Trend Snappy range of over 300 Quick Change tooling products has also been extended with a 90° Compact Angle Driver and also a range of Dowel drills.

The time saving range of routing jigs also has two new additions; The Aperture & Radius Jig allows kitchen worktops to be routed to fit sinks, hobs and to suit curved cabinets; the Hot Rod Jig allows grooves to be routed into solid worktops to accept hot rods.

Ten years after the launch of the Pocket Hole Jig, Trend have now launched the Mini Pocket Hole Jig for the fast and accurate jointing of timber and plywood.

This new catalogue also sees the introduction of a fully guarded desktop Mini CNC machine for 2D and 3D engravings, photo images and routing projects. Ideal for the hobbyist or school.

To download or request a FREE copy of the new 2014 Trend Catalogue please visit their website at www.trend-uk.com. To request further information and details of your nearest Trend Routing Centre, please call 01923 249911.

The post Trend’s New 2014 Routing and Woodworking Catalogue appeared first on Design Buy Build.

We have all been there at the end of a hard day’s work. All you want to do is put your feet up or give them a nice long soak in the bath. However, if your feet are aching after a day in your physically demanding or simply stressful and extremely busy job, it could be your socks!

Most socks are not manufactured to withstand the pressures of physical work. They either don’t offer enough protection or warmth for the outdoors environment or they are uncomfortable and slip down to the ankle when wearing boots, leaving your feet to rub in potentially painful places.

Causing foot discomfort during the day, inferior socks can not only cause decreased productivity, they can also result in chronic foot pain and exhaustion.

However, sock brand Workforce are determined to change all this. Their socks are specifically engineered to meet the demands of strenuous employment, ensuring you can get on with the job at hand with comfort and protection. 

Designed to be strong, durable and the most comfortable socks on the market, the Workforce range includes boot socks, wellie socks, walking socks and socks specifically designed to wear with steel toe cap safety shoes and boots. Workforce have carefully selected the most advanced fibres to ensure the highest levels of comfort, wearability and protection.

Technical features to be found in the Workforce range include knitted arch support engineered for a precise fit and hold, terry cushion panels to provide excellent comfort from shock absorption. Specially constructed ventilation panels aid moisture management, specially treated yarns and bamboo fibres provide natural antibacterial protection.  Many styles include heavy gauge ribbing and fully cushioned soles for total comfort and heel and toe areas are enhanced with polypropylene for maximum durability.

The classic Workforce range includes thermal socks, heavy-duty boot socks, Wellington boot socks, rigger boot socks and protective knee socks. The professional range includes ultimate reinforced socks designed to satisfy the high demands of professionals in the construction industry.

Celebrity builder Tommy Walsh is impressed with the performance of his Workforce socks and adamant that they have improved his life at work:

“Workforce are the hardest wearing socks I’ve ever worn and also the most comfortable. They provide me with the comfort and protection I need when I’m working hard or when I’m out and about. They’re warm, but never get too hot; they’re padded, extra strong and fit comfortably with my working boots and shoes. I don’t know how they’ve done it, but Workforce have a range of socks ideal for workwear purposes”

Visit Website: www.workforcesocks.co.uk/tommy-walsh.php

The post Feeling the Pressure at Work? – It could be your socks! appeared first on Design Buy Build.

Barratt Homes, one of the UK’s largest homebuilders, required a drainage solution which was to be approved by Yorkshire Water and which would be able to adapt to unique site conditions. The attenuation tank will provide storm water management for the new Springhill Meadows development, which will be home to 134 new properties and which lies just four miles south of the seaside resort of Scarborough.

Asset’s specialist water management solutions team provided a tank of 433 metres in length, utilising 2600mm diameter Weholite HDPE pipe to give a total storage capacity of 2300 cubic metres (approximately 2.3 million litres of water). The tank will be used to help reduce peak flow at the housing development by restricting the flow of excess water caused by heavy rainfall before releasing it gradually via an outfall back into the ground.

The installation of the storm water attenuation tank was complicated by poor soil conditions, as a result of high levels of running sand at up to two metres below ground level, a common problem in coastal areas. Asset recommended the use of 600mm crushed rock bedding to stabilise the trench bed, something that was approved by Yorkshire Water and has since proved to be extremely successful.

Jason Pritchard, Senior Technical Coordinator at Barratt Homes, commented: “As we all know, flooding can have devastating effects on people’s lives and we will strive to ensure that this does not happen in our developments. This is why we have had the storm water attenuation tank installed at Springhill Meadows, which will be vital in times of heavy rainfall.”

Speaking about the choice of Weholite plastic tanks and pipes, Brian Norton from Norcon Construction, who were the principle contractors on the project, commented:  “Whilst Barratt Homes were responsible for the specification of the Weholite pipes we were more than happy with their choice and the technical support received by ourselves. The main criteria was the co-ordination of deliveries to installation, given the overall layout was some 1750m2, we were able to converse freely with their Transportation Office to avoid the necessity of a large storage area.

“The pipes were laid at a depth of 4 – 5 metres plus and their strength was never in question and complied very favourably with their specification. The pipes were easily managed, transported on site and installed and we would have no hesitation in recommending Weholite for similar schemes.”

Gareth Green, Technical Sales Engineer at Asset, said: “The Springhill Meadows project demonstrates once again the versatility of our Weholite product and how it can be effectively used as a solution for flash flood risk areas.

“The attenuation tank was installed on site in a speedy and efficient manner so as not to hold up the dozens of other contractors on site, a particularly important requirement on such a large development, with so many moving parts.

“Our custom drainage solution provided the client with exactly what they were after and ensures the new Barratt properties are safe from flood risk.”

For more information about Weholite call Asset International 01633 273081 or visit www.weholite.co.uk

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The white paper is now available at www.smarthotelsecurity.co.uk and looks at the growing number of issues faced by hotel owners and operators looking to secure their accommodation.

Taken into account in the white paper are the complex issues concerning the need to keep improving the quality of hotels and the price of offerings currently available balanced with ensuring guests feel safe and secure.

The white paper also notes the rising importance of online reviews, which have the ability to raise the profile or damage a hotel’s brand and reputation, potentially losing a lot of future business.

Says Mul-T-Lock’s Managing Director, Steve Ross, author of the white paper: “Whilst the surveys suggest cause for increasing optimism in the hospitality sector, there is no doubt that competition remains intense.  In a digital age, where reviews written online, stay online, factors such as a sense of security can make the difference between success and failure.

“In this white paper, we have attempted not only to raise awareness of the security challenges faced by independent hotels, both front and back of house,but also discuss why hoteliers might be struggling to deal with the issue and what they can do to improve the situation.

“By posing these questions, we are opening the discussion on what is really a very complex and challenging debate. We look forward to opinions, experience and comments so that together with our supply chain partners we can continue to deliver solutions that safeguard the future of independent hotels.”

The white paper entitled “Meeting the security challenge in independent Hotels.’ is now available to download at www.smarthotelsecurity.co.uk

Website: http://www.mul-t-lock.co.uk/

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