Archetech Issue 47 2020 | Page 92

MODERN BARN CONVERSION GIVES LISTED STONE RUINS A NEW LEASE OF LIFE The historic listed ruins of a former farm estate property, dating back to the 19th century, required sympathetic repair whilst ensuring minimal disruption to the already fragile structure. These partially collapsed rubble stone walls had suffered from years of weathering and deterioration but were now to be incorporated into the annexe of a modern farm conversion. Flexible HeliBars were used to stabilise the ruins as they offered the ideal solution due to the irregularities in the direction of the mortar beds. HeliBars were also suitable for reinforcing the chimney breasts and fireplaces which were important features to be retained from the previous split-level property the ruins once were. Once the concealed installation was complete, the ruins were fully stabilised and reinforced. The original materials were retained, structural integrity restored and the ancient walls could now be incorporated into the new annexe. Helifix Tel. 020 8735 5200 email : [email protected] Web. www.helifix.co.uk ANCON OFFERING ENHANCED NON-COMBUSTIBLE BALCONY CONNECTOR RANGE Ancon is leading the way in developing solutions to meet the Government’s tough new fire safety requirements for buildings, with the launch of an upgraded range of non-combustible insulated balcony connectors. The development follows news that the existing 18 metres height limit for combustible materials in high rise multi-occupancy buildings is to be further reduced to 11 metres, extending the scope of the regulations to buildings over 4-storeys and affecting the vast majority of new flats, hospitals, residential care premises and student accommodation. This has again increased the focus on fire safety with contractors and developers looking to future-proof their buildings. Ancon’s insulated balcony connectors have been re-engineered and now feature non-combustible mineral wool insulation and improved fire-rated thermal pads to maintain their impressive thermal insulation properties and provide the required A1/A2 reaction to fire rating. balconies to a structural steel frame, and Ancon STC for steel to concrete fixing. Ancon Isotec, which features high grade 100% non-combustible mineral wool enclosed in a protective stainless-steel U-shaped profile, carries Class A1 fire rating – the highest level of fire safety performance. As well as complying with the combustibility requirements in the current Building (Amendment) Regulations 2018 for wall components in high-rise residential buildings over 18 metres in height, the Ancon connectors provide contractors with a fire-safe solution for all multi-occupancy buildings, regardless of height. Ancon STS, for steel to steel applications, and Ancon STC, a two-part connector used for fixing large cantilever steel balconies to concrete floor slab, are both A1/A2 rated. Like Isotec, both now fully comply with the new regulations. Connectors are available in a range of types, including Ancon Isotec for concrete to concrete applications, Ancon STS for anchoring steel For further information or advice contact Ancon’s Technical Team on 01142755224 or email [email protected].