Meet the New Albany Paint Range

Building Products Index Ltd Paint Leave a Comment

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Albany has announced the launch of its new and improved professional paint range. Now available at Brewers Decorator Centres.

Say hello to Albany; the same, trusted brand you know but with a new look and improved performance.

This marks one of the most important developments in Albany’s history. Driven by a commitment to never stand still, the range has been reformulated to deliver even greater quality, improved opacity, enhanced colour accuracy and increased coverage across the range. The result? The best Albany paint ever produced.

Tried, Tested, Trusted.

Every product in the new Albany range has been rigorously tested to perform where it matters most – on the job. Following blind testing across a variety of substrates, 64 professional decorators from across the UK put the leading formulations through their paces in real-world environments, before the top performers were independently assessed by a specialist testing house.

Together, this has created a range designed to give decorators confidence from the first coat to the final finish, with excellent coverage, improved efficiency and durable, reliable performance across the jobs they tackle every day.

The Albany Story

The Albany story began in 1920, when Clement Brewer introduced a wallpaper collection inspired by London’s prestigious Albany Mansions. Paint soon followed, and over the decades Albany has grown into a trusted decorating brand recognised for quality, reliability and practical innovation.

For over 100 years, Albany has built its reputation by listening to decorators, understanding the job and creating products that deliver where it counts. Today, that same commitment continues.

The Four Albany Paints Every Decorator Should Know About

Albany Vinyl Matt

Albany Vinyl Matt is your everyday go-to for interior walls and ceilings, delivering reliable coverage and a smooth, low-sheen finish that helps mask imperfections.

  • Improved coverage for fewer coats and greater efficiency
  • Enhanced spray performance for a smoother application
  • New 350ml sample pots to see the true colour and finish before committing

Albany Scrubbable Matt

Designed for busy spaces such as hallways, kitchens and bathrooms, Albany Scrubbable Matt combines a clean matt finish with the durability needed to withstand everyday knocks, scuffs and repeated cleaning.

  • Improved application on interior walls and ceilings
  • Mould-resistant coating for moisture-prone environments
  • New 350ml sample pots for confident colour selection

Albany AF1 Ceiling Paint

Albany AF1 Ceiling Paint provides excellent coverage with a flat matt finish that helps hide imperfections and leaves ceilings looking clean, crisp and uniform.

  • Faster drying time of just 2 – 4 hours
  • Improved non-spatter formulation
  • Enhanced spray performance
  • New 5L size and tinted option

Albany Acrylic Eggshell Paint

Albany Acrylic Eggshell is easy to apply and built to withstand everyday knocks and scuffs, delivering a smooth, consistent soft-sheen finish for kitchens, bathrooms and other hardworking areas.

  • Improved coverage per litre
  • Better opacity from the first coat
  • Easier application for a smoother decorating experience

Where To Get Your Hands On The New Albany Paints

The new and improved Albany professional paint range is now available to buy in Brewers stores and online at brewers.co.uk.

Eurobrick’s A-Clad makes its mark at Islington development

Building Products Index Ltd Brick slip cladding, Cladding Leave a Comment

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Eurobrick’s A-Clad brick slip rainscreen system has been installed at a new mixed-use development in Islington, London, in one of the first completed projects to use the company’s A1 non-combustible system.

The four-storey development on Roman Way combines commercial space at ground-floor level with eight new apartments. One apartment is located to the rear of the ground floor, with a further seven one- and two-bedroom apartments, including a penthouse, arranged across the upper floors.

A combination of traditional construction and rainscreen cladding was used across the development. Traditional construction was used predominantly at ground-floor level, with framing and A-Clad specified for the upper floors.

Eurobrick’s A1 non-combustible brick slip rainscreen system, A-Clad has been developed to meet the requirements of an evolving construction sector where fire performance, versatility and aesthetics are all important considerations. Eurobrick understands that the best way to future-proof a building is to ensure that it remains functional throughout its lifespan and A-Clad can help to achieve this.

Suitable for use on buildings of any height, A-Clad combines a lightweight construction with the appearance of traditional brickwork. It can be used for both new-build and refurbishment projects and allows designers to achieve an authentic brick finish without the weight and structural requirements associated with full brickwork.

Every component of the A-Clad system has been fully tested for reaction to fire and achieves an A1 classification to BS EN 13501-1:2018. It has also undergone extensive mechanical testing and is a robust solution for rainscreen applications.

The Roman Way project was one of the first completed projects to demonstrate A-Clad in use and provides a good example of how the system can work alongside traditional construction methods to achieve a consistent brick aesthetic across a building.

With a number of other A-Clad projects currently progressing, Eurobrick expects its portfolio of completed installations to continue to grow and hopes to share further project examples over the coming months.

A-Clad joins Eurobrick’s established range of brick slip cladding systems, backed by more than 35 years of experience in the sector. The company also provides extensive technical support at every stage of the process, from specification, detail advice and installation including training courses and comprehensive instructions, to help architects, contractors and installers.

For more information about A-Clad and Eurobrick’s other brick slip systems, visit www.eurobrick.co.uk or contact the technical team on 0117 971 7117 or info@eurobrick.co.uk.

Clement manufactures intricately shaped head steel windows for historic school

Building Products Index Ltd Steel, Windows Leave a Comment

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Clement Windows Group recently manufactured replacement steel windows with intricately shaped heads for Welford & Wickham CE (VA) Primary School in Berkshire.

The school, which is for children aged 4-11 years old, is located between Newbury and Hungerford.  Built in 1857, the school is not listed, but it is historically significant and any alterations need to be in keeping with the original aesthetics of the building.

The project was overseen by the Diocese of Oxford and required Clement to manufacture new windows which were very different to each other.  Four different shaped ‘Gothic head’ style windows were required and each had to be templated to ensure the new steel frames provided the perfect match to the originals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The new windows are a mixture of opening and fixed closed.  The opening vents are furnished with a combination of folding openers and Hampstead handles in a bronze finish with matching peg stays.

Tim Alley of the Diocese of Oxford said:

“Clement Windows demonstrated good value by winning the work by competitive tender.  They were very professional and attended when they said they would, working alongside a Building Contractor.  Work was carried out proficiently and to a high standard.  I am really pleased with the completed windows.”

The Clement EB16 new steel window range was created for use in sensitive fenestration refurbishment projects such as this where a traditional steel window look is required.  Manufactured from recycled steel, EB16 windows are available externally glazed with a 16mm unit which is ideal for Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings and other properties of historic interest.

Clement Windows Group offers an innovative range of steel windows, doors, screens and conservation rooflights for both private residences and commercial projects.

01428 643393

info@clementwg.co.uk

www.clementwindows.co.uk

Roof Lanterns: Getting the Builder’s Kerb Detail Right

Building Products Index Ltd Rooflights Leave a Comment

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The Detail Beneath the Daylight

A roof lantern can transform an interior, bringing daylight into the heart of a building and creating a greater sense of height and space. However, its success depends on something far less visible: the accuracy of the builder’s kerb beneath it.

These three installation stages illustrate why the roof opening, builder’s kerb, waterproofing and lantern should be designed as one coordinated detail.

1. Forming the opening and kerb

The structural opening establishes the internal daylight aperture, while the builder’s kerb provides the support for the roof lantern. These should not be treated as the same measurement.

The lantern may be manufactured to suit the finished external dimensions of the kerb rather than the clear opening below. Its width, height and construction should therefore be agreed with the lantern supplier before work begins.

Accuracy is critical. A kerb can have the correct length and width but still be out of square, so both diagonals should be checked. The top surface must also be level and sufficiently wide to support the lantern frame and accommodate the required fixings.

Be aware that the required kerb width varies according to the lantern system and the roof’s thermal requirements, typically ranging from around 75mm to 150mm. A wider kerb can accommodate more insulation and help achieve the required U-value, but it also reduces the clear opening and available daylight. The final width must therefore balance thermal performance, structural support and daylight.

A typical kerb upstand is at least 150mm above the finished roof surface, subject to the requirements of the selected lantern and roofing system. This must allow for the complete roof build-up, including insulation and waterproofing, rather than being measured from the structural deck.

2. Weatherproofing the upstand

The second stage shows the flat roof and kerb covered with roofing felt. The waterproofing must be dressed securely around the upstand without compromising the level fixing surface.

Felt or membrane can also affect the finished external dimensions of the kerb. These should be checked before the lantern is ordered or manufactured.

 

3. Installing the lantern

When the opening, external kerb dimensions, height, squareness and waterproofing have been properly coordinated, the lantern can sit evenly and achieve the clean, symmetrical appearance intended by the architect.

The lantern may provide the daylight and architectural impact, but the detail beneath it determines how successfully that vision is realised.

Are you confident that the roof opening, kerb and waterproofing have all been designed to work together?

Whatever the scale or complexity of your rooflight requirement, Rooflights & Skylights can provide the practical advice and technical guidance needed to help you specify the right solution for your project.

WAVIN LAUNCHES NEW SEDIMENT SEPARATOR TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY

Building Products Index Ltd Drainage, Surface water drainage Leave a Comment

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Leading surface water management expert Wavin has launched the Certaro Lamella HDS, a new sediment separation system designed to support the treatment of surface water runoff in urban drainage applications.

Developed for use within surface water networks, the system combines hydrodynamic separation with advanced lamella settling technology to remove fine sediment from runoff before it enters downstream drainage or infiltration systems. This supports improved water quality and helps protect the long-term performance of drainage infrastructure.

As rainfall patterns become more intense and urban areas continue to densify, managing runoff at source is becoming an increasingly important consideration. Surface water flowing over hard landscapes can carry fine sediments containing pollutants such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons and microplastics, placing added pressure on urban drainage systems,

The Certaro Lamella HDS is designed to operate within catchment areas of up to 6,000 m² and can remove up to 80% of total suspended solids from surface water runoff, providing a measurable level of treatment within a single compact chamber.

The system is housed within a minimum DN1000 manhole, making it suitable for installation in space-constrained environments such as roads, car parks and public spaces. Its compact design, combined with an integrated conical sump, supports straightforward installation, inspection and sediment removal, helping to minimise excavation requirements and maintain consistent performance in operation.

Blair McDonald, Commercial Manager for Urban Climate Resilience at Wavin said: “Sediment is the primary transport mechanism for many of the pollutants found in urban runoff. If left untreated, it can degrade the quality of our surface and groundwater, harm ecosystems, and reduce the effectiveness and lifespan of downstream drainage and infiltration systems.

“In line with SuDS expectations around water quality, amenity and biodiversity, early sediment removal is a key step in the long-term management of surface water. Solutions such as Certaro Lamella HDS are designed to address this challenge at source, supporting more effective and maintainable drainage systems.”

The launch of the Certaro Lamella HDS expands Wavin’s wider surface water management portfolio, which includes attenuation, infiltration, filtration and separation systems. The range is designed to support specifiers, engineers and contractors in delivering integrated drainage strategies across residential, commercial and public sector developments.

For more information on Wavin’s Certaro Lamella HDS, please visit: wavin.co.uk/certarolamella

Honeywell Gent Self-Test Revolutionising Fire Detection

Building Products Index Ltd Fire detectors, Fire Protection Leave a Comment

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Honeywell Gent Self-Test brings a smarter, safer way to test fire detection systems. By automating both smoke and heat sensor testing, it helps reduce the need for manual access while supporting more consistent maintenance, stronger compliance, and greater confidence that detectors are ready to respond when needed. Designed to make routine testing simpler and more efficient, Self-Test helps engineers save time on site while maintaining high standards of life safety protection.

KEY SELF-TEST & CLSS FEATURES

  1. Anti-masking/blockage check – Confirms that smoke entry points are not obstructed as part of the same automated cycle. Gent S-QUAD Sensor with Audio and Visual Warning includes self-test functionality, automating the functional test of both the smoke and heat sensors while checking that the smoke entry points are clear from blockage with an anti-masking test.

  1. Access to hard-to-reach detectors – Removes the need for ladders, poles, or physical access in voids, high ceilings, and locked rooms. The Self-Test range of detectors eliminates many of the physical barriers associated with testing and maintenance, such as locked rooms, voids, high ceilings, and other hard-to-access spaces. These are all areas that may go untested and can ultimately put buildings at risk.

  1. Bluetooth-verified visual inspection – Still meets BS 5839-1 visual check requirements by confirming that a technician was in range via a Bluetooth beacon, even where full manual access is not possible. Visual inspections are completed by verifying that the technician has been within visual inspection range of the Bluetooth beacon placed within the device.

  1. CLSS integration for remote diagnostics – Self-Test devices connect to the Connected Life Safety Services cloud platform, providing real-time visibility and enabling engineers to test and troubleshoot remotely via the CLSS app. The award-winning Self-Test feature allows both the heat and optical sensors within the device to be tested using the CLSS app, and the CLSS platform gives technicians and facility managers real-time insights into the fire system. This enables maintenance engineers to proactively identify and address potential issues, leading to enhanced first-time fix rates and minimising time spent on site.

  1. Compliance and efficiency gains – A single engineer can run a building-wide test with a full electronic audit trail, improving compliance and reducing time spent on site. With the ability to test both optical and heat sensors and verify that the smoke entry points are free from obstruction, a single maintenance engineer can initiate a building-wide test, improving compliance with an end-to-end electronic audit trail and saving much-needed time.

Historic Whitby Abbey facilities benefit from lift modernisation

Building Products Index Ltd Lift Leave a Comment

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One of England’s most famous historic monasteries, Grade I Whitby Abbey, has invested in a lift modernisation by Stannah to offer reliable step-free access to visitors.

Originally founded in AD 657 and occupied by the Anglian community, Whitby Abbey was later rebuilt as a Benedictine monastery. Today, the 7th-century ruins remain a popular heritage landmark in North Yorkshire, now housing an award-winning visitor centre repurposed from a 17th-century banqueting hall.

Whitby Abbey House Visitor Centre, developed in the early 2000s beside the abbey ruins, includes a souvenir shop, museum and café. The passenger lift is located on the ground floor, providing access to the museum and exhibition area on the first floor.

Due to the age of the existing lift, modernisation work was needed to maintain smooth and reliable operations for visitors who require step-free access.

Whitby Abbey is managed and maintained by English Heritage, who issued a tender for the lift works. Following a rigorous tendering process, Stannah, acting as the lift supplier, worked with Cundall consultants to determine the best approach for this modernisation project.

The challenge

Whitby Abbey attracts over 150,000 visitors each year, so keeping the visitor centre open was important to fulfil the customer experience. The shop’s closure was kept to a minimum to ensure the safe transportation of equipment and initial start of works. This also allowed the on-site team to establish a safety perimeter, prioritising visitor safety. Following this, the shop remained open for the duration of the project.

As this was the only functioning lift in the building, it was important to complete the modernisation as quickly as possible to avoid long disruptions to shop operations and visitors.

The solution

Working collaboratively with Cundall, lift modernisation was proposed in place of full replacement, a recommendation supported by Stannah Lifts to achieve a cost‑effective outcome with minimal impact on day‑to‑day operations.

By upgrading key mechanical and control components, the lift’s reliability, performance and long-term serviceability are improved while shortening installation time and minimising downtime.

The lift modernisation solution included a new Hydroware control panel to improve reliability and lift response times, a hydraulic tank unit for more efficient system operation, and a borehole ram to provide safer and smoother travel.

A new stainless steel car operating panel (COP) and landing push stations were installed to improve passenger usability, accessibility and lift reliability.

The installation of a variable voltage variable frequency (VVVF) electronic drive improves ride comfort by delivering smoother acceleration and deceleration, reducing any jerking movements and mechanical wear, while also improving energy efficiency. The shaft lighting was also upgraded to LED to improve visibility for engineers during future maintenance work.

New vinyl flooring was chosen to enhance the interior appearance while providing a durable, hard-wearing, and easy-to-maintain surface suitable for high-traffic use.

The modernisation package covered all major components, offering a practical solution that optimised performance and restored reliability.

Results

The lift modernisation was completed within five weeks. Overall, these modernisation upgrades successfully enhanced the lift’s reliability, operational efficiency, ride comfort, safety and energy performance, while reducing the risk of breakdowns frequently associated with ageing components.

The new stainless steel COP, updated indicators and vinyl car flooring also modernised the appearance of the lift car, providing a more durable, accessible, and user-friendly experience for passengers.

Upgraded lift components, such as the VVVF drive, help to deliver a smoother ride while also reducing operating costs by more efficient motor control and reduced energy consumption.

Ryan Smith, Field Repair Manager at Stannah North & North East England Service Branch in Gateshead, said: “Working within a heritage site required careful planning and consideration, so we worked closely with on-site teams throughout to ensure the lift modernisation was delivered safely and successfully. Through the upgrade of key lift components, we were able to significantly enhance the lift’s reliability, efficiency, and passenger experience, while also helping to reduce ongoing operational costs for our customer.”

Matt Bishop, National Project Manager at English Heritage, adds: “We are pleased with how all the teams involved came together throughout the lift upgrade. Stannah Lifts kept in consistent communication at every stage, particularly around delivery schedules and installation timelines, which helped everyone to stay aligned and manage our expectations. As a result, visitors were able to regain step-free access to upper floors as quickly as possible once the project was completed.”

Visitors can now enjoy reliable transportation from the only lift on site to the museum, where they can explore the heritage of one of the UK’s iconic landmarks through its exhibits and displays.

Lift modernisations are particularly effective for systems experiencing frequent callouts, breakdowns, repeated repairs, high running costs from outdated systems that consume a lot of power and worn finishes. For more information on lift modernisations, visit: https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk

Image credits: Ben Harrison Photography

www.benharrisonphotography.co.uk

Axis Case Study: Development of the new state-of-the-art Surgical Centre at Musgrove Park Hospital

Building Products Index Ltd Doors, Sliding Leave a Comment

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INDUSTRY: Healthcare

CLIENT: Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

CONTRACTOR: Kier Construction

ARCHITECT: BDP (Building Design Partnership)

 

PROJECT:

The £87 million development of the new state-of-the-art Surgical Centre at Musgrove Park Hospital, in Taunton, for Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

The stunning new build Surgical Centre will be not only be used for operations and endoscopies but will also replace the old critical care unit. It comprises six endoscopy rooms, patient recovery and clinical support areas, eight operating theatres and 22 critical care beds for level two and three critical care patients.

Our brief from the architects BDP and main contractor Kier Construction was for 24 door sets and multiple fixed glazed screens – with all door sets specified from our multi-award- winning Flo-motion® range of low-friction manual sliding doors.

CHALLENGES:

As the innovators and manufacturers of Flo-Motion® doors, developed specifically for healthcare settings and first installed at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in 2015, our experience and technical ability to adapt hybrid versions of each door type ensured all aspects of our brief could be fulfilled.

Overall, we manufactured, supplied and installed the following door sets:

SOLUTION:

Overall, we supplied and installed::

  • 2 x Flo-Motion® E32 (single door, sliding over a wall) with a clear opening width of 1895mm
  • 5 x Flo-Motion® F12 (single door, sliding over a glazed screen) with a clear opening of 1550mm
  • 8 x Flo-Motion® F11 (single door, sliding over a glazed screen) with a clear opening width of 1550mm
  • 1 x Flo-Motion® F11 (single door, sliding over a glazed screen) with a clear opening width of 1745mm
  • 5 x Flo-Motion® F01 (single door, sliding over a glazed screen and a wall) with a clear opening width of 1550mm
  • 3 x Flo-Motion® F01 (single door, sliding over a glazed screen and a wall) with a clear opening width of 1745mm

Finishes:

  • Frames: RAL 9003 White
  • Sliding Doors: RAL 7004 Signal Grey Satin
  • Handles: Hoppe (RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey) back-to-back

    600mm x 34mm nylon handles

  • Glazing – 31.6mm Double glazed units with clear laminated glass

FORCE TESTING:

All doors were force tested three times and certificates produced with the mean average reading for 24no doors being 10.74N. Notably, the E32 doors with 1895mm clear opening width were tested at 8.3N and 11.8N.

OUTCOME:

Our Flo-Motion® door sets and our glazed panels provide many significant benefits for patients, staff and visitors to the new Surgical Centre at Musgrove Park Hospital, including:

• Large sliding doors that are easy to open and close for users of all strengths and abilities

• Excellent light transfer that also maximises the feeling of spaciousness

• An attractive, efficient & effective environment for staff, patients & visitors.

Dani-Alu Barrial Freestanding specified for rooftop safety at Base Building, Manchester Science Park

Building Products Index Ltd Guardrail Leave a Comment

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Non-penetrating freestanding guardrail solution supporting safe maintenance access around rooftop solar infrastructure

Dani Alu UK is pleased to highlight the installation of our Barrial Freestanding guardrail system at the Base Building in Manchester Science Park, a flagship innovation led commercial development.

The rooftop level required a safe access solution for maintenance personnel servicing plant equipment and a substantial solar panel array. A key requirement was to provide compliant collective fall protection without penetrating the roof surface.

Our Barrial Freestanding system was selected for its innovative design, allowing the guardrail to remain securely in place without mechanical fixings into the roof membrane. This non-penetrating approach helps preserve waterproofing integrity and reduces disruption to the roof build up.

To ensure visual consistency with the wider architecture, the system was powder coated in RAL 8000 Green Brown, carefully chosen to complement the building’s external detailing.

The completed installation demonstrates how rooftop edge protection can combine safety, practicality and architectural sensitivity – particularly on modern commercial developments where roof performance, sustainability infrastructure and long-term maintenance access must all be considered.

To discuss non-penetrating rooftop edge protection solutions for your next project, contact the Dani Alu technical team

Phone: +44 (0) 1865 595160

Email: contact@danialu.co.uk

Web: danialu.co.uk

Project summary:

  • Location: Base Building, Manchester Science Park
  • Building type: Flagship innovation-led commercial development
  • Application: Rooftop edge protection for maintenance access
  • Roof usage: Access restricted to maintenance personnel
  • Key requirement: Non-penetrating fall protection system
  • Installed system: Barrial Freestanding guardrail
  • Fixing method: Weighted freestanding system (no roof penetration)
  • Finish: Powder coated in RAL 8000 Green Brown
  • Design intent: Visual integration with building’s external detailing
  • Additional rooftop features: Large solar photovoltaic (PV) array
  • Primary objective: Safe access while preserving roof membrane integrity

Naylor launches 2026 Product Guide for merchants and contractors

Building Products Index Ltd Drainage Leave a Comment

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Naylor has launched its new 2026 Product Guide, providing builders’ merchants, contractors and specifiers with a compact reference covering the company’s drain, duct, sewer and storm product ranges. The guide is available to download free of charge from the Naylor website.

Designed as a practical day-to-day resource, the booklet brings together product information and technical guidance in a portable format, making it suitable for use at trade counters, in sales and specification offices, and on construction sites.

The guide includes details across Naylor’s extensive civils portfolio, helping users quickly identify products and access the information needed to support infrastructure, utilities, highways, housing and commercial projects. Its compact size also makes it a useful reference for engineers and installers working on site.

Free copies of the 2026 Naylor Product Guide can be downloaded via the Naylor website.