SFS Center Point System Launched To Enhance Accuracy, Appearance And The Environment

Building on its well-founded reputation as a manufacturer of cladding support systems and high-performance fasteners, SFS Group Fastening Technology has developed an advance, user-friendly new system for installing flat panels across both steel and aluminium sub-frames.

Amongst the benefits of the patented Center Point System is the fact that it answers the challenge of accurately positioning the self-drilling, double thread fastener at the exact centre of the hole in the panel, ensuring the avoidance of subsequent damage to the surface through thermal movement/  It also prevents the environmental risk of plastic waste polluting the site by employing a bio-degradable, pre-fitted centring sleeve, which will not constrict the space around the shaft with any residue.

Being made available through SFS stockists nationwide, in a selection of clamping lengths to suit different panel thicknesses, the well-engineered fixing can double the rate of progress and is designed to negate the problem of façades being disfigured, sometimes within just months of completion.  Having been made available in Europe last year with a standard centring sleeve, the new SDA4 and SX4 fasteners have already been appraised for compatibility by a number of leading OEMs as well as major installers across the UK industry and are being recognised within ETAs. 

The Director of Product and Market Development for SFS, Andrew Stolworthy, comments: “Center Point solves a variety of issues in a single, simple-to-fit development; avoiding the risk of misalignment or having to utilise a separate, expensive centring device for predrilling the hole in the sub-structure member, which takes time. Otherwise, once the building is handed over, the expansion and contraction that occurs across the panel and within the sub-frame will lead to cracks or potting if the movement is not correctly accommodated." 

"With Center Point, the sleeve is ejected from the hole as the installer tightens the fixing and will then biodegrade in line with accepted scientific guidance.  The shaft, furthermore, features a double-thread which avoids it being pulled over to one side, and then there is a thread-free zone to prevent it unwinding and working loose due to vibration.”

In fact, the sleeves, given the designation CS11/4, are produced from biopolymers and other materials which science recognises as being biodegradable under DIN EN ISO 14855, while also meeting limits on heavy metals and other hazardous substances set out under EN13432.2000.  In normal soil and under moderate climate conditions, all traces of the sleeve will be subject to full decomposition by microorganisms during the lifetime of the building. 

Both the SDA4 and SX4 ranges, for steel and aluminium subframes respectively, are available in four different sizes to suit panel thicknesses of 6, 8, 10 and 12-13mm, with corresponding variations in clamping length.  Center Point will be available from early in Q3 in a full selection of RAL colours on a lead time of just five working days: well within the 6-8 week period typical for the panels themselves. For further information, call 0330 0555888 or visit https://uk.sfs.com

Marmox Multiboard Specified Throughout North-East Leisure Complex

Highly versatile Marmox Multiboards from the Marmox range are being installed to create a stable tiling substrate throughout Highlight, the new Active Wellbeing Hub which is currently being built by Wates on behalf of Hartlepool Borough Council. Due for completion in Q1 2026 and replacing the Borough’s ageing Mill House facility, the state-of-the-art Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub will provide the local community with a 25m main pool, smaller learner pool with moveable floor, and a leisure pool, plus multi-purpose studios, fitness suite gymnasium and other spaces.

While the exterior styling by the specialist consultancy, GT3, makes maximum use of natural daylighting, extensive areas internally are being clad in high quality ceramic tiling: all supported by 1250 x 600 x 12.5mm Multiboards secured across the interior of the main structural framework.  The tiling sub-contract, along with installing all the internal drainage system, screeding and application of mastic pointing, is being undertaken by P. Plunkett Tiling Contractors, based in the Tyne Valley, in a package valued in excess of £1 million.

The Contracts Manager for P. Plunkett Tiling, Ryan Burr commented: “We are currently tiling areas like the corridors, two large changing facilities and a dozen individual lavatories, before we move on to the main pool enclosures and further ancillary areas, where the tiling rises to a height of four metres.  We like to use Marmox Multiboard to create a stable surface for tiling, in place of plasterboard or render, and put the product forward for this project.  We have been using Multiboard for more than a decade now as it gives you a far better level of control over the quality of the tiled backgrounds."  "

Generally, we use the thicknesses up to 12.5mm along with the plugs and tapes, as well as the Marmox 3600 as a movement joint.”  Ryan summed up saying: “Covering the full scope of commercial work – including everything from schools and hotels through to airports – we frequently also call on Marmox to create a spec’ for us to work to – and on this job we worked closely with the architect, GT3, who we have also been involved with before.  Multiboard has always proved a good and reliable product for us and we are confident in recommending it to our clients.”

Marmox Multiboards are manufactured from extruded polystyrene or XPS encapsulated in reinforced polymer concrete, produced in a range of thicknesses up to 60mm and offer a variety of positive physical characteristics in addition to being fully waterproof.  They are both light to handle and easy to cut, while still being able to sustain substantial loadings if required, such as for flooring applications.  They further offer good thermal insulation performance, helping to cut condensation risk. www.marmox.co.uk 

Carving Out Connections: Gregory Crane’s Special Relations With Haddonstone

As a leading member of the UK Cast Stone Association, family owned Haddonstone has a reputation for its excellent cast stonework, and works with installers and developers on prestigious projects around the country. Here we meet one such installer, Gregory Cane, managing director of G C Stonework.

G C Stonework offers a complete tailored service to its clients, providing step by step support throughout every project. With over 30 years of experience at its disposal, the company offers a full range of stonework services, from the repair and restoration of existing stonework to the installation of porticos, balustrading, door surrounds, and hard landscaping, and lots more. As an approved Haddonstone installer, Greg has used Haddonstone’s products on many prestigious projects.  

Over the years, our team has gained valuable working techniques which have enabled us to offer a total package, whether that is for a complete house build, a bespoke stone installation, a water feature or for our steam cleaning service. Steam cleaning has become popular over the last five years, with the end results looking great. We travel all over the country and abroad to undertake all of these works. We always say to our clients, if a drawing is provided, we will work with the client and a Haddonstone team member to achieve your dream project.

GC Stonework has worked with Haddonstone for years. What is so special about your partnership?

I think one of the main factors is trust; we have been installing Haddonstone products for around 19 years now. The feedback that Haddonstone receives from clients is wonderful.  We take care and pride on the service we provide to achieve that quality on every project.

What changes have you seen and experienced within the stone industry over the years?

We have been installing cast stone products for a long time now and we are finding that people are, today, willing to spend that little extra on quality cast stone. Cast stone is a superb alternative to natural stone for a number of reasons.

For example, cast stone has a relatively quick turnaround in manufacturing; it is also around 4-5 times cheaper than natural stone. Over the last 2-3 years, we have started to install more and more wet cast products; this is down to the material used.  It is non-porous; the colour is maintained throughout the years, and it is easy to clean, making it a great all year-round choice of material.

What are the main considerations a client should consider when choosing cast stonework for their property or landscape?

There are many factors to consider before choosing the right Haddonstone product. Firstly, Haddonstone offers standard products throughout the brochure, as well as a bespoke service which can be tailored to special requirements. The portfolio includes a range of colours for architectural stonework as well as garden ornaments and statues.

Haddonstone provides three materials, dry cast, wet cast and TecLite and provides sample packs for each colour and material. A major factor for me is the overall appearance of the stone.  How will stone weather in years to come?  Do you want it clean and fresh or the weathered look?  Different properties suit their own individual requirements.  Whether it’s a modern property or a stately home.

If you could choose a favourite project that G C Stonework has been involved in, which would it be?

There are so many to choose from, but for me it would have to be the installation of the temple and bespoke plinth work we installed for the National Military Dog Memorial in Holywell, North Wales. We were appointed very early on with this project, by the National Military Dog Memorial charity. We also attended the opening ceremony with the Royal Navy, and RAF, along with fundraisers and committee members all attending this special occasion. 

Why do you enjoy working with Haddonstone?

One of the many reasons is the quality of the material.  The sharp crisp details of the stone, make installation easier; the products provide a seamless look once pointed whether that be a portico, water feature or bespoke project. The team provides a delivery date, which is never compromised.  This makes our planning a lot easier, knowing the materials will be on site for us to commence work. A team member is always there to help. 

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of embarking on a building project?

Take your time and really give it some thought. There is a lot to consider, with many factors which include design, colour and materials.

Haddonstone provide CAD drawings and expert advice to assist you through the whole process, to ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.  For further information, call 01604 770711 or visit www.haddonstone.com