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Ecclesistical & Heritage World No.98

Michelmersh products are now on NBS Source

0n7250Michelmersh products are now on NBS Source, offering detailed information and BIM files to architects.

Michelmersh is happy to announce its collaboration with NBS Source. This venture allows architects to browse Michelmersh products, BIM files and product specs on the NBS site. The RIBA CPD-approved site offers global leading technology, combining content and connectivity for the design, supply, and construction industry.

Read more: Michelmersh products are now on NBS Source

If you’re renovating a heritage building, having the right insurance is a must

Leigh Ide, business development executive at Trinitas Church Insurance Services, shares some useful guidance on insurance and contract works for heritage buildings.

Providing advice and guidance on the insurance aspects of building works to existing Trinitas clients is a regular part of my role. Those works can be very wide ranging. Most of the buildings we insure are listed as they are Church of England parish churches, and there is often an extra dimension to the advice and guidance required.

Read more: If you’re renovating a heritage building, having the right insurance is a must

Belton visitors help Martin-Brooks repair boathouse

Heritage roofing specialists, Martin-Brooks, have played an integral role in the preservation of a key architectural feature in the grounds of Lincolnshire’s grade I listed Belton House.

The Sheffield-based firm has reroofed the Grantham estate’s boathouse, one of only two surviving structures of its type in the UK, helping return it to its former glory.

Read more: Belton visitors help Martin-Brooks repair boathouse

Ensuring rights of access to heritage sites

In 2010 the Equality Act came into force requiring all buildings to have disabled access. The access requirements go further than just the obvious as they also cover people who are visiting and/or working in the building. Heritage sites must ensure equal access for every user or visitor into all parts, including the historical part of the building. Richard Williams, divisional director of the Assent Group and Oculus Building Consultancy, explains.

Part M of the Building Regulations provides designers with guidance on access to and use of buildings but there are so many intricacies involved with historical sites that to meet every requirement can often be challenging or difficult. This may be due to the building’s layout or the strict planning controls that affect any alterations or works to these types of building.

Read more: Ensuring rights of access to heritage sites

Mastic asphalt used to restore historic Glasgow landmark to its former glory

0n7316Camphill Gate is a five-storey tenement building, designed in an art nouveau style and located on the edge of Queens Park, in the Southside of Glasgow. The category B listed building houses 24 residential apartments and is home to 12 businesses.

Built in 1906 by the prolific architect John Nisbet and builder John McTaggart, Camphill Gate has a unique communal roof garden. It featured in a special edition of the Builder’s Journal in 1906 entitled ‘New Buildings in Glasgow’, in which it was asserted that the building was ‘the first of its kind to be erected in Glasgow’.

Read more: Mastic asphalt used to restore historic Glasgow landmark to its former glory

Co-operation and collaboration – working for the future

0n7266The amalgamation of two churches in Harwood, near Bolton, paved the way for a major redevelopment project, involving demolition of the church hall and former manse to make way for the new building. Opened in July, the facilities at the new Harwood Methodist Church comprise a worship area, activity hall, meeting rooms, kitchen and café. All-in-all, it is a busy social hub with a variety of activities catering for all age groups.

During the redevelopment the church engaged Fullers Finer Furniture to design and build furniture for their beautiful new state-of-the-art building. Fullers Finer Furniture are a multi award-winning bespoke furniture manufacturer, with over 30 years’ experience in crafting furniture for places of worship. Equally happy in a new building, an ancient building or anything in between, they were delighted to work with the church on the project.

Read more: Co-operation and collaboration – working for the future

Why use hard metal roofing in traditional church and heritage buildings?

The problem of lead theft can be a huge source of distress and damage but there are alternatives. Over the long-term, metal roofing is the most cost effective - a typical metal roof can last over 100 years whereas other roofing materials need to be replaced, sometimes more than once, during that time.

Minimum maintenance

A properly installed copper, stainless steel or zinc roof is a once-and-once-only job, with little or no maintenance required. Copper and zinc gradually develop a durable patina, which reforms if damaged, while stainless steel is inherently resistant to corrosion. No chemicals are needed – the roof is resistant to decay and naturally fire proof.

Read more: Why use hard metal roofing in traditional church and heritage buildings?

Repairs secure St Mary's Church, Aylesbury for the next century

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Two contracts at St Mary’s, Aylesbury, were undertaken together as a single project. The works included stonework repairs, repointing, leadwork repairs, window restoration and introduction of isothermal glazing, furniture and flooring repairs as well as renewal of the boiler flue and various other sundry works. The architect for the project was Daniel Benson of Ablett Architects.

The works were coordinated with great care, using experienced craftsmen and specialist firms to undertake the technically challenging and highly artisan-based works. They demonstrate the care and commitment brought to this project which has secured the building into the next century.

The Grade 1 listed church of St Mary’s, Aylesbury, is a nationally important church. The ancient edifice has Saxon origins and has undergone many visible periods of growth, alterations and restoration resulting in the characterful and imposing church we see today. This large church dominates the town centre of Aylesbury and is situated in a walled churchyard ringed by historic buildings which, in effect, creates a setting akin to a Cathedral close.

Read more: Repairs secure St Mary's Church, Aylesbury for the next century

Michelmersh releases 2021 Sustainability Report - Shaping Genuine Sustainability

The Michelmersh Group is proud to release its 2021 Sustainability Report. The Report offers an insightful and detailed account of Michelmersh’s established sustainable practices and its plans for achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Michelmersh is determined to continue being the sustainable face of clay brick manufacturing and with the support of its Chief Executives, its dedicated Sustainability Group and Net Zero Steering Group, it has already undertaken numerous projects to minimise its environmental impact and increase its already efficient production methods with state-of-the-art technology, reporting systems and quality standards.

Read more: Michelmersh releases 2021 Sustainability Report - Shaping Genuine Sustainability

Decorative panels are brought back into use

0n6661Dorothea Restorations have shared the story of their restoration of decorative hand-made panels, which are ‘simple in design but showcase the skills of the blacksmith’ who made them.

According to the firm’s blog: “The origins of the panels are unknown but we believe they were commissioned for the property and removed for storage during renovation works. The panels were stored on the premises but not in use or maintained.

Read more: Decorative panels are brought back into use

ISCVE publish and launch new Guide for Training Microphone Users

The Institute of Sound, Communications and Visual Engineers (ISCVE) is delighted to announce the launch of its new publication, ‘A Guide for Training Microphone Users of Sound Systems and other Communication Systems’.

The new guide is designed to help users learn how to best use their microphone to promote clear communication, which is especially important when used for emergency situations. Important messages, such as safety announcements, evacuation messages or even train departure announcements are often difficult to understand in public spaces. Representing best practice covering topics, such as choosing the right microphone, adjusting microphone settings and effective speaking techniques, the new guide is perfect for first-time microphone users or experienced users looking to improve their skills.

Read more: ISCVE publish and launch new Guide for Training Microphone Users

UK's first 10m LGMG diesel scissor lifts go underground

0n7290Rental specialist PG Platforms has taken delivery of the first LGMG SR818D diesel scissor lifts to be sold in the UK and has sent them straight out on a highway tunnel maintenance project.

Company Managing Director Steve Cutting said he was impressed with the build quality, easy operation and specification of the Chinese-made self-propelled scissor lifts, which made them ideal for working at height in tunnels.

Read more: UK's first 10m LGMG diesel scissor lifts go underground

D-Tech supply Eltek wireless telemetry and remote monitoring to RAF Museum

On April 1st 2018 the RAF celebrated its 100th birthday. To mark the occasion a wide range of events were organised across the country. Additionally, the RAF museum in London and Cosford created four new exhibits which reflect the changing roles and capability of the RAF.

Read more: D-Tech supply Eltek wireless telemetry and remote monitoring to RAF Museum

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