Flybox - The Retractable Power Socket For Use In Showrooms And Other Large Indoor Spaces

Flybox provides safe power connectivity within large internal spaces exactly where you need it. It provides all the benefits of a flip-lid floor box, which keeps sockets hidden under the floor until you need them, with the versatility of a lengthy fly lead. The result is easy access to power in all corners of the building – a socket where you need it, when you need it.

Simply open the lid and pull the retractable fly lead to the location where a 13-Amp socket is needed and cover the trailing cable with cable protectors to prevent trips. Simple and versatile, Flybox provides power accessibility for a wide range of commercial and public building uses, such as digital displays, lighting, signage, freestanding heaters and even lighting up the Christmas tree! When the power source is no longer needed, unplug the devices, return the fly lead to the floor box and close the lid. No need for additional extension cables or standard fly leads – everything is contained within the floor box and stored away until you need it next time.

With a robust stainless steel construction and choice of lids to suit the floor type, Flybox is ideal for all kinds of large internal spaces, including showrooms, museums, event spaces, exhibition halls, pop-up food and drink festivals and temporary indoor markets. It can also provide safe access to power in covered outdoor areas, subject to adequate protection from moisture and rainfall. www.popuppower.co.uk

Gilberts Delivers The Low-Down

Gilberts is delivering the low-down on how building services can meet the challenge of the changing office landscape. The drivers of reduced energy costs, creating a healthier working environment and flexible office spaces are combining to see increasing demand for underfloor air distribution (UfAD): up 8% according to market data. 

Gilberts' uniquely designed GFS floor swirl diffuser brings new dimensions for designers and users of the internal space. Its performance characteristics mean GFS can help towards WELL, LEED and BREEAM accreditation.

The GFS circulates air from the floor void with no need for direct ducting. As a result, it can be positioned anywhere across the floor plan. And GFS maximises agile offices: all that is needed is repositioning of the diffuser - often just swapping a floor tile - with no need to reconfigure the air circulation paths nor ducting. The patented design enables the choice of horizontal or diagonal (45°) swirling omni-directional or diffused airflow at floor level.

Heating and cooling is quickly and effectively delivered where the occupants are. Excess heat generated by the occupants - people and machines - and airborne pollutants are displaced upwards and out, optimising indoor air quality and comfort. Gilberts has incorporated a volume control damper into the diffuser which regulates the quantity of airflow as required for occupant comfort and doubles as a dirt trap.

The diffuser plate removes easily to facilitate cleaning, adjustment or maintenance. Whilst predominantly used for air supply, GFS can, like all Gilberts’ swirl diffusers, also function as the ventilation extract, further simplifying the design and specification process.

Dave Harding, Gilberts’ Sales & Marketing Director, comments: “The efficiency of UfAD systems - delivering heating and cooling at low level - is established. Our GFS enhances those proven USPs. It gives much greater flexibility over how the occupied space is used, even as that usage changes. It’s a simple consideration to the specification that can have a huge impact on the appeal for owners and tenants.”

Gilberts has a proven track record in supporting creation of stimulating work environments, with projects including the British Music Experience in Liverpool, the F35 flight simulator at BAE Systems in Warton and lecture theatres at University of Lancashire. All of Gilberts' products - standard lines and bespoke solutions - are designed and developed in accordance with BS EN ISO 9001:2015 quality standard in their state-of-the-art 140,000 ft² facility in Blackpool.

The test facility, including an air movement laboratory and specialist CFD and BIM software suites, give customers unrivalled technical support and specification validation. The company is committed to protecting the environment by minimising embodied life cycle carbon in its manufacturing processes and has achieved bronze status in the Supply Chain Sustainability School.  https://gilbertsblackpool.com

Waterproofing A Basement Swimming Pool And Cinema In Tunbridge Wells

Newton Specialist Contractor MJ Rooney undertook this extensive basement construction project beneath a period Georgian property in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Working alongside designers from Open Architecture and Croft Structural Engineers, the MJ Rooney team needed to carry out deep and large-scale excavations.

This included significantly extending the existing basement beneath the period property and the rear garden, whilst retaining the original structure above with minimal disturbance. The scale of the basement extension included the existing Georgian basement and the area beneath the garden.

The scale of the basement extension included the existing Georgian basement and the area beneath the garden

Robust Temporary Works

Complex temporary works were designed to support the house on stilts during the excavation. Steel sheet piling was also essential to provide support around the site. However, this wasn’t without its difficulties. The deep excavation works took place within the water table, and restricted site access was problematic for both the piling rig and during the new basement construction. Deep excavations were required into the water table in order to achieve the required depth for the new basement swimming pool.

Deep excavations were required into the water table in order to achieve the required depth for the new basement swimming pool

Project Scope

The large-scale new basement area was to include a swimming pool, leisure area, sauna, steam room, and cinema. All areas therefore needed to be completely dry, defined as a Grade 3 environment by BS 8102:2022. This required a waterproofing design that would account for the specific requirements of the site environment and the structure. The new basement area included a combination of existing underpinned structure and new reinforced concrete.

The new basement area included a combination of existing underpinned structure and new reinforced concrete

The Solution

The primary solution was a full internal cavity drain system utilising Newton's comprehensive CDM System. But first MJ Rooney primed all concrete surfaces with CDM 906 Lime Inhibitor to prevent any ‘free lime’ from affecting the CDM System. CDM 508 membrane was then installed to all walls to capture water. The CDM 520 eco Floor membrane also provided high volume drainage capacity across the floor. A perimeter drainage system using CDM BaseDrain delivers any captured water to a Titan-Pro sump chamber with dual pumps for safe and reliable water removal.

The Result

MJ Rooney’s meticulous approach ensured minimal disruption to the residence while delivering a high-quality, functional new basement in compliance with BS 8102. They also demonstrated their capability by supporting the installation with a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee.

Testimonial

“MJ Rooney were extremely professional in every respect. They completed a first-class construction job. I would recommend and use them again.”

Newton Specialist Contractors

Newton always recommends that it's systems are installed by one of it's nationwide network of Newton Specialist Basement Contractors (NSBCs). All members of the network adhere to strict criteria and are required to demonstrate quality workmanship, resulting in a meaningful scheme that provides unsurpassed technical excellence.

Newton Specialist Contractors can also act as the waterproofing designer on your project, taking on the liability under their professional indemnity insurance. Finally, they also offer insurance backed guarantees to support their installations. For further information on Newton's specialist contractors, please speak with a member of the Newton team. Call 01732 360 095 or email tech@newtonwaterproofing.co.uk  www.newtonwaterproofing.co.uk