Addagrip, Decades of Trusted use in Sensitive Environments

Building Products Index Ltd Resin Bound Surfacing Leave a Comment

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When working within sensitive environments, material selection becomes about far more than appearance alone. Heritage sites, historic landmarks, botanic gardens, public institutions, and carefully designed landscapes all require surfaces that respect their surroundings while continuing to perform reliably over time.

For more than 45 years, Addagrip systems have been trusted within precisely these types of environments.

From historic castles overlooking Loch Ness to pathways weaving through world-renowned botanical gardens, Addagrip surfaces have been specified where durability, aesthetics, accessibility, and sensitivity to place must work together. These are projects where the wrong material quickly becomes apparent — and where long-term performance matters just as much as the initial finish.

A key reason resin bound surfacing continues to be chosen for these settings is its ability to integrate naturally within the wider landscape. Using carefully selected natural aggregates, surfaces can complement existing materials and architecture without dominating the environment. The seamless finish creates clean, unobtrusive pathways, while permeability supports natural drainage and helps reduce surface water runoff.

Equally important is the practical performance of the systems themselves. Sensitive environments are often high-footfall spaces that must remain safe, accessible, and visually consistent throughout the year. Whether within a heritage landscape, a public garden, or an educational setting, surfaces must withstand daily use while remaining low maintenance and comfortable underfoot.

This balance between aesthetics and technical performance is something Addagrip has developed over decades of real-world application.

Projects such as Hampton Court Palace’s Magic Garden, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and Urquhart Castle demonstrate how resin bound and resin bonded systems can enhance visitor experience while respecting the historical and environmental significance of a site. In each case, surfacing was carefully specified not simply to look appropriate, but to perform reliably within demanding and highly visible environments.

Trust is earned through consistency. It comes from systems that continue to perform years after installation, from technical support that understands specification challenges, and from working with approved contractors experienced in delivering projects within complex and sensitive settings.

As landscape and public realm projects continue to place greater emphasis on sustainability, accessibility, and longevity, the importance of proven materials becomes even more significant. Surfaces are no longer viewed as purely functional — they are an integral part of how spaces are experienced, preserved, and used over time.

For Addagrip, this remains at the heart of what we do: creating surfaces that are designed to complement their environment, perform for the long term, and justify specification through proven use.

 

Why vitrified clay pipes remain a proven choice for open-cut and trenchless projects

Building Products Index Ltd Clay Pipes, Pipes Leave a Comment

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Designed for long-term network performance

Urban infrastructure projects have never been more demanding. Traffic disruption, environmental scrutiny, rising costs and tighter programme schedules mean that material selection plays an increasingly important role in long-term network performance.

Steinzeug-Keramo vitrified clay pipes provide a proven and reliable solution for both open-cut and trenchless sewer construction.

Why vitrified clay pipes?

Vitrified clay pipes have been used in sewer and drainage systems for centuries because of their durability, structural stability and resistance to aggressive wastewater environments. Steinzeug-Keramo’s KERA system offers exceptional properties that make it uniquely suited to both trenchless and open-cut installation:

  • Resistant to chemical attacks, acids and aggressive ground conditions
  • Environmentally responsible, made from natural materials and fully recyclable
  • Built to last with lifespans exceeding 150 years
  • High load-bearing capacity ideal for heavy traffic zones
  • Low lifecycle costs offering up to 65% savings

As a rigid material, vitrified clay maintains its shape independently of surrounding soil conditions, supporting consistent gradients without deformation during or after installation.

The full KERA range is manufactured in accordance with BS EN 295.

Reliable performance in aggressive wastewater environments

Sewer and wastewater environments are among the most chemically aggressive. Steinzeug-Keramo vitrified clay pipes are chemically inert across the full pH range (0–14), delivering reliable performance over the long term.

The vitrified clay pipes are highly resistant to

  • Acidic and chemically aggressive water conditions
  • Hydrogen sulphide gases generated by organic waste decomposition
  • Industrial effluents containing heavy metals and organic solvents
  • Salt-laden environments near coastal installations

Stable hydraulic performance over time

Hydraulic efficiency is critical to the long-term effectiveness of any drainage system. Our KERA range of vitrified clay pipes deliver consistently excellent flow characteristics:

  • Smooth internal surface with low wall roughness values
  • Consistent hydraulic performance over decades – vitrified clay does not roughen due to corrosion or biological growth
  • High resistance to abrasion and surface degradation
  • Resistant to high-pressure flushing and jetting

Did you know? Independent research conducted by Project Hub 360 confirms that if the operational lifespan exceeds 40 years, which is the case with the vast majority of sewer systems, vitrified clay pipes are the best investment from an economic standpoint.

AT A GLANCE: VITRIFIED CLAY PIPE SOLUTIONS FROM STEINZEUG-KERAMO:

KERA.Base and KERA.Pro for open-cut installation

KERA.Base and KERA.Pro are Steinzeug-Keramo’s vitrified clay pipe systems for conventional open-cut sewer construction and rehabilitation.

The range is available in diameters from DN100 to DN800 and supports system consistency across new-build, extension and rehabilitation projects.

Compatible joints, fittings and system components are available throughout the range, supporting long-term performance, reduced maintenance requirements and whole-life value.

KERA.Drive for trenchless installation

KERA.Drive is Steinzeug-Keramo’s vitrified clay jacking pipe system for trenchless installation methods.

Available in diameters from DN150 to DN600, KERA.Drive is manufactured in accordance with BS-EN 295-7.

Key features include:

  • Exceptional compressive strength: Up to 100 N/mm², providing outstanding longitudinal compression resistance during jacking
  • Leak-tight joint systems designed for safe, controlled jacking with precise alignment
  • No creep deformation under long-term loading – a rigid material that ensures dimensional stability
  • Reliable performance under jacking loads supports controlled installation conditions
  • Comprehensive accessory range – connectors, short pipes and special components for flexible on-site configuration
Did you know? Pipe jacking operations can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 75%compared with conventional open-cut methods, while also minimising surface disruption in urban environments. This makes trenchless clay pipe installations an attractive option for environmentally conscious developers and utility companies.

(Source: Pipe Jacking Association — 600 mm diameter pipeline at 500 m length x 6 m deep. CO2 saving: 367.8 tonnes)

 

Find Out More About the KERA system

To contact Steinzeug-Keramo, email our Country Manager UK: leon.woods@wienerberger.com or visit Steinzeug-Keramo.com to explore the full KERA range.

 

Glasdon Release New Specification-Led Building

Building Products Index Ltd Modular Building System, Modular Buildings Leave a Comment

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The new Accord™ Building Module adapts to the customer’s bespoke specification.

Glasdon recently unveiled the latest product in their range of buildings and housings – a customisable building module that delivers the benefits of off-site manufacturing without having to compromise on functionality.

While traditional modular buildings offer some ability to configure, they aren’t always suitable for the specific needs of your site. For some locations, a certain aesthetic or branding may be desired, while in others, an enhanced level of performance is required.

Accord offers customers the flexibility and freedom to configure their building however they like. The building uses a hot-rolled steel structural frame to allow walls to be configured with doors, windows, and openings as required by the function of the building.

Whether that be a security gatehouse with openings for checking ID cards, a tourist point with large welcoming windows, or a retail space with an open storefront, Accord can adapt seamlessly to the customer’s design intent.

Part of that agility is also the wide range of cladding options available. With so many finishes that can be applied to Accord, customers can express full visual control over their building’s exterior, helping them achieve their desired look.

This feature can be used to ensure the building conforms with corporate branding, or blends into the existing aesthetic of a site, or even to make sure it stands out in a high footfall area.

Accord is compact but versatile, with a maximum footprint of 10m x 3.0m. The unit is ideal for any small external functions that require a building, such as retail spaces, pop-up stores, security gatehouses, small office suites, visitor points, or welfare hubs.

To learn more about Accord, or to submit a quote, contact Glasdon.

 

Fire Performance That Sets the Standard

Building Products Index Ltd Cladding, Insulation, Rainscreen Cladding, Render Leave a Comment

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In today’s construction landscape, fire safety is no longer just a requirement – it’s a defining factor in façade design. With increasing scrutiny on materials and system performance, selecting the right solution has never been more critical.

At SAS Render Systems (SAS Europe), our systems are engineered to deliver dependable, proven fire performance. Both ProRend EIFS External Wall Insulation and ProWall Rendered Rainscreen provide specifiers, contractors, and building owners with complete confidence.

ProRend EIFS & ProWall Systems. Built for Compliance. Designed for Confidence.

Fire classification is more than a technical label – it’s assurance that your façade system is fit for purpose.

Working in line with BS EN 13501-1, our systems are designed to deliver appropriate fire performance depending on the project requirements:

  • A2-s1,d0 → Limited combustibility, minimal smoke, no flaming droplets
  • B-s1,d0 → Very limited contribution to fire with low smoke production

Allowing the correct solution to be specified based on building height, use, and risk profile.

ProWall Rendered Rainscreen, A Smarter Approach to Fire Safety

ProWall, with a 60-year BBA certificate for durability, is designed as a ventilated rainscreen system, enhancing fire performance while delivering a robust and durable façade.

Why ProWall Stands Out

  • A2-s1,d0 fire classification as standard
  • Suitable for steel frame and timber frame construction
  • Fully aligned with current UK fire regulations
  • Engineered using non-combustible components throughout

What sets ProWall apart is its ventilated design:

  • Reduces heat build-up within the façade
  • Limits potential fire spread pathways
  • Integrates seamlessly with intumescent cavity barriers

The result is a system that not only complies with regulations but also actively contributes to improved building safety.

Ideal for:

  • High-rise developments
  • Education buildings
  • Residential and commercial projects

ProRend EIFS, Flexible Performance Without Compromise

ProRend EIFS is a BBA-approved external wall insulation system offering adaptable fire performance, allowing systems to be specified to suit each project’s requirements, whilst providing a decarbonisation solution and enhanced insulation.

EPS Systems: Efficient. Economical. Energy-Saving.

  • Provides excellent thermal efficiency and cost-effectiveness
  • Typically achieves B-s1,d0 classification
  • Commonly used to reduce heat loss or pre-existing structures, such as buildings with solid walls (no cavity) or older constructions.

A practical and proven solution for improving thermal performance with a breathable and weather-resistant rendered façade solution.

Mineral Wool Systems: High Performance Where It Matters Most

  • Achieves A2-s1,d0 classification
  • Suitable for higher-rise and higher-risk buildings
  • Non-combustible and highly breathable

Combining thermal performance with enhanced fire safety, ProRend EIFS mineral wool EWI system meets the demands of modern construction.

 

It’s Not Just a Product – It’s a System

Fire performance is achieved through intelligent design and correct detailing.

SAS render systems are designed to incorporate, where required:

  • Fire breaks at floor levels
  • Intumescent cavity barriers at openings (within ventilated systems)
  • Careful detailing around:
    • Windows and doors
    • Service penetrations
    • System interfaces

Because even the best materials rely on correct design and installation to perform effectively.

The SAS Approach

SAS Render Systems provides complete façade solutions, with fully backed technical support for every project from start to finish.

With over 35 years of industry experience, we support you with:

  • Project-specific specifications
  • Fire compliance guidance
  • Technical detailing and design support
  • On-site guidance

When you choose SAS, you’re choosing a partner focused on safety, performance, and long-term reliability.

If you have a project in mind, our technical team is ready to help you specify with confidence.

01647 24620
info@sas-europe.com

sas-europe.com

Naylor Commitment to Customer Focus with Completion of Regional Team

Building Products Index Ltd Drainage Leave a Comment

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Naylor has announced the completion of its UK-wide regional sales structure with the appointment of its fourth Regional Sales Manager, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing investment in customer engagement and growth.

Following a proactive year of recruitment that saw the introduction of dedicated external managers across the North West, North East and South West, Naylor is pleased to welcome Anneka French as Regional Sales Manager for the South East.

Anneka brings over two decades of experience in sales management and business development, with a proven track record of driving performance, strengthening customer relationships, and delivering sustainable growth. In her new role, she will lead sales activity across the South East, working closely with customers, distributors and partners to further enhance Naylor’s presence and service offering in the region.

Her appointment reinforces Naylor’s commitment to investing in experienced, regionally focused leadership that understands the nuances of local markets while aligning with the company’s broader strategic objectives.

With the addition of Anneka to the team, Naylor now has a fully established national sales network, enabling greater coverage, improved responsiveness, and more consistent face-to-face engagement with customers across the UK.

Commenting on the completed team, Sales Director Samantha Smith said:
“Anneka’s appointment represents an important step forward for Naylor. Alongside our other Regional Sales Managers, we are now back in a position where we can meet customers face-to-face on a daily basis, strengthening relationships and delivering a level of service that simply can’t be achieved through phone and email alone. This renewed proximity to our customers is central to how we build trust, understand evolving needs, and support long-term partnerships.”

The formation of the full regional sales team reflects Naylor’s broader strategy to deepen customer relationships, enhance service delivery, and drive continued growth across all key markets.

Watch out more for more exciting news on sales team structure…

Naylor | Engineered for life.

Increasing BNG scores with Jakob Green Walls

Building Products Index Ltd Green Walls Leave a Comment

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Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is now part of everyday project planning and MMA is proud to supply Jakob Green Wall systems that support BNG aims on site. In urban environments where space is limited, living walls provide a practical way to introduce planting and contribute to biodiversity.

In built up areas, space for planting can be hard to come by. Fortunately, Green Walls offer a way to work around this. Instead of relying only on ground level planting, trellis systems installed on building facades enable greenery to be introduced. It is a simple idea, one which makes a noticeable difference when space is tight – helping boost BNG by adding habitat where otherwise there simply wouldn’t be any.

Green Walls do more than just enhance a building’s aesthetics too. With the right planting, they can support insects and pollinators, and help create habitats, especially when paired with bat and bee boxes.

The benefits of Living Walls don’t end there. Green Walls can help improve air quality by trapping dust and pollutants. They can take the edge off noise in busy areas, and they add a layer of insulation to buildings.

We are the UK supplier of Jakob Green Wall systems, designing, supplying, and installing living walls which are built to last and support natural, creative planting.

Evergreen plants, which stay green all year round, and deciduous varieties that change with the seasons can both be used to create different looks and benefits. We’ll help you make the most of them.

Green Walls are not a complete answer to BNG on their own. But they are a practical option, especially on sites where space is limited and every surface needs to do more. The plants in the living wall system introduce on-site gains to BNG, a preferred and effective way to add habitat value.

 

As BNG continues to shape how projects are delivered, approaches like this are likely to become more common. Not just because they look good, but also because they help solve a real problem.

To learn more about our Jakob Green Wall Systems, how BNG is calculated and measured, or to discuss your project requirements, please contact us on 01761 419427 or email sales@mma-architectural.co.uk to talk to our technical team.

Addagrip: Proven Performance in the Public Realm

Building Products Index Ltd Resin Bound Surfacing Leave a Comment

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In landscape and urban design, materials must do more than meet a specification — they must contribute to the character of a space and continue to perform over time. For over 45 years, Addagrip has supported architects, landscape designers, and contractors with resin bound surfacing solutions that balance aesthetics with long-term reliability.

Used across public realm, heritage, and high-footfall environments, Addagrip systems are trusted because they deliver consistent performance in real-world conditions. This proven track record gives specifiers confidence that surfaces will not only look right on completion, but continue to function as intended for years to come.

Resin bound surfacing offers a seamless, permeable finish that can be tailored using natural aggregates to complement a wide range of settings. As well as enhancing visual quality, permeability supports SuDS principles, helping manage surface water within the wider landscape design.

Performance remains central to specification. Durability, slip resistance, accessibility, and low maintenance are all critical considerations, particularly in public spaces. Addagrip systems are designed to meet these demands, providing smooth, consistent surfaces that support inclusive access and ease of use.

Sustainability is also a key focus, with solutions that incorporate recycled materials and support efficient drainage. Combined with long-term durability, this helps reduce the need for future intervention, contributing to more sustainable outcomes over the lifecycle of a project.

Working closely with specifiers from concept through to completion, Addagrip ensures that each system is aligned with both the design intent and performance requirements of the scheme.

 

Addagrip. Set in Stone.

Curved Sliding Timber Garage Door

Building Products Index Ltd Doors, Garage Doors Leave a Comment

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Berkshire Residential Project

This Berkshire new build is the result of extensive design development and careful construction coordination, bringing together the many considerations required to deliver a refined long-term family home.

 

The house was designed by NEON Architecture, a design-led Architects practice based in Berkshire. They guided the project through each stage of the RIBA Plan of Work. Working closely with the clients, the practice developed the brief from early concept through to the delivery of a completed home. The intention from the outset was to create a long-term family house reflecting the clients’ interest in both industrial character and the proportion of Georgian architecture.

Traditional Georgian principles informed the overall composition of the building. A villa-style form is centred around a generous two-storey entrance hall, complete with a fully vaulted rooflight that allows natural light to travel deep into the interior and gives the house a strong central focus. Contemporary elements were introduced where needed to control the visual massing and maintain balance across the overall form.

A particularly distinctive part of the project is the garage, which was conceived as an integral architectural element rather than a purely functional space.

The building features a full-height curved side sliding timber solid oak door by Rundum Meir which exudes simplicity as it runs across an 8 meter opening.

Unlike conventional garage doors, this curved sliding system allows the door to follow the form of the building, maintaining clean lines across the façade while resolving a large opening in a controlled and visually integrated way.

The fully automated faceted door follows the curve of the garage wall and operates on a discrete track system that allows it to slide beautifully around the internal plan of the building. The detailing of the track enables the mechanism to remain largely unobtrusive while preserving the usable floor and ceiling space within the garage.

When opened, the door wraps neatly along the internal wall. At dusk, the lighting within the garage spills out across the rendered walls, highlighting the movement of the door as it slides aside. Rob Butcher, of Neon Architecture, describes it ‘creating an almost theatrical experience to present the client’s beautifully curated collection of influential cars’.

Catherine Wilman Interiors led the interior design, introducing considered materials, textiles and finishes to complement the architectural language of the house. The palette balances soft, robust tones with natural timber and stone, reinforcing the connection between interior and exterior.

Rundum Meir combines precision engineering with bespoke design to deliver side sliding timber garage doors tailored to each project. Systems such as this are particularly suited to architect-designed homes, large garage openings and situations where a standard up-and-over or sectional door would compromise the design intent.

Enquiries

For more information or to discuss a similar garage door for your project, please contact Rundum Meir

WAVIN EXPANDS MVHR PORTFOLIO WITH LAUNCH OF FLEXPRO-90

Building Products Index Ltd Pipes, Plastic piping Leave a Comment

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Leading plumbing and drainage manufacturer Wavin expands its Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery solutions with the launch of the new Ventiza FlexPro-90, a higher-capacity semi-rigid radial duct developed to meet the increased airflow demands of modern, energy-efficient homes.

The new 90mm duct builds on the Ventiza FlexPro‑75 system introduced last year, delivering up to 45% more airflow than standard 75mm options at the same velocity levels – enabling installers to achieve required ventilation rates using fewer ducts.

The increased airflow capacity lowers the back pressure and enables MVHR units to operate at lower speeds, helping to reduce energy consumption and lower system noise for homeowners.

Supplied in continuous 50‑metre coils, the new semi-rigid radial duct reduces the number of joints required, supporting simpler installation and minimising air leakage risk.

The duct’s double‑wall construction includes an insulating air void to support improved acoustic and thermal performance, contributing to quieter operation within the home. The material also incorporates antibacterial, antifungal, and antistatic properties to help maintain air‑quality standards and reduce dust build‑up inside the system over time.

Features of the Ventiza FlexPro range include a smooth internal surface designed to reduce air resistance, and a ribbed exterior providing high mechanical strength and impact resistance suitable for on‑site conditions.

FlexPro‑90 is available now, with a full range of connectors to be introduced in May. The duct has been designed to remain compatible with existing connectors on the market, so ongoing projects can adopt the new system without delay.

Ben Perris Sales Director for Indoor Climate Solutions for Wavin said: “The launch of FlexPro‑90 is a great example of our commitment to giving installers and developers the flexibility they need to design high‑performing, future‑ready ventilation systems in action. Its increased airflow capacity supports the growing demands of modern, energy‑efficient homes, while helping installers create simpler, more efficient systems with less noise and lower energy use.”

Alongside the new Ventiza FlexPro range, Wavin’s online Ventilation System Finder supports early‑stage project design by helping built environment professionals identify the correct ducting configuration and suitable MVHR unit for their specification.

Following system selection, Wavin’s technical team works directly with developers and installers throughout design and installation, helping to ensure accurate system performance and smoother project delivery.

For more information on Ventiza Flex-90 visit:

https://wavin.com/gb/p/f30f000a-99c7-459a-b41e-85e19a8c3118/ventilation-pipe-ventiza-flexpro-75

One year on from the launch of Toupret’s Plasterboard Finishing range, Product Marketing Manager Freddie Walton explains more.

Building Products Index Ltd Filler Leave a Comment

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What is Toupret’s plasterboard finishing range?

It’s a complete system for taping and jointing, not just individual products, but a fully integrated range designed to work seamlessly together. Built with Toupret’s trademark quality and reliability, the system helps save time on site while delivering a professional finish.

The range is made up of a powder Joint Filler, a ready to use Finish Filler, an extra sticky Adhesive Scrim, a paper Joint Tape, and a reinforced Metal Corner Tape – everything needed to complete the job efficiently.

Why is Finish Filler being called a game-changer?

It addresses the biggest frustration in joint finishing: sanding time. We spent time with tapers and jointers across the country and discovered ease of sanding is the top priority for professionals, and Finish Filler sands effortlessly, meaning fewer passes and faster results.

There’s no bubbling, so no drywall sealer is required, and no priming before painting. The bucket is also designed to fit an automatic taper pump – just plunge, pump and tape.

What’s revolutionary about Joint Filler?

Alongside a standard 1-hour working time, there’s a 3-hour option. Longer working time means fewer mixes, larger batches and more jointing before stopping to clean up, saving time overall. It can also be used on painted surfaces for patch repairs.

Why choose a full system?

Reliability and convenience. Every product is designed to work together, reducing frustrations and delivering consistent, professional results.