The Art of Design Issue 18 2016 | Page 70

70 Chapter House of St Paul’s Cathedral becomes a more ecologically efficient office Chapter House is a striking Grade II* Listed building sitting opposite the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral. Built between 1712-1714, it was designed by Christopher Wren and his son. The building was initially used as lodging for the Dean and other members of the Chapter. However, after suffering severe damage during the Second World War it was renovated in the 1950s into offices, and has since been viewed as the administrative heart of the Cathedral. Recently, Chapter House underwent a major revamp to bring it up to modern and ecological office standards, whilst retaining key features. A key requirement was to improve the thermal insulation throughout the building, retaining the buildings heat and reducing energy bills. As a specialist in the design, manufacture and installation of secondary glazing, Selectaglaze was specified as its tested products can reduce heat loss by up to 50%. This can be achieved by the bespoke fitting of the secondary glazing alongside the use of high performance seals. A number of slim line products were used to suit the various window styles and sizes. These units were mainly chosen as they are discreet, a reversible adaptation and are often accepted by heritage agencies across the UK. Over 120 units have been installed in six different colour finishes to match the existing frames. Selectaglaze has a wealth of experience working in buildings of all types. Established in 1966 and Royal Warrant holders since 2004, Selectaglaze has an extensive range of products to suit the needs of different buildings. For further information, literature and test results, please contact Selectaglaze on tel: 01727 837271 e-mail: [email protected] or visit: www.selectaglaze.co.u k RINNAI WELCOMES ADVENT OF ‘TRANSPARENT’ ENERGY LABELLING Rinnai, designer and manufacturer of the Infinity range of continuous flow gas fired water heaters, welcomes the implementation of the ERP and Energy Labelling Directive on 26 September as its expansive range of water heaters can satisfy a complete range of load profiles and all units are A RATED. On 26 September 2015 The Energy Related Products (ERP) Directive, incorporating Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Directives for water heaters (Lot 2) comes into force, meaning that water-heating products sold in the UK will need to meet minimum energy performance criteria in order to be legally placed on the market, and will require an energy label. “The Energy Labelling Directive offers transparency to specifiers, installers and end users who will now have a clear guide for choosing the most efficient units available,” says Tony Gittings, Managing Director of Rinnai UK. “Rinnai now brings to market the most expansive range of A-rated appliances, that have load profiles suitable for both domestic and commercial projects. Our appliances range from load profile(s) for small domestic models to XXL sized commercial units,” says Gittings. Rinnai is also set up to offer installers expert help with system labelling. The onus of labelling in this scenario falls on the installer, rather than the manufacturer, who will be responsible for system labels for those installations that combine a water heater with renewables, for example. Rinnai has been working well ahead of the deadline for ERP and took delivery of its coveted A-rated labels in July. To get to that stage, Rinnai had all its appliances tested twice. The first test was carried out at the Rinnai headquarters in Japan, where units underwent rigorous interrogation by the company’s expert engineers and then again by notified body who awarded the rating. When these Rinnai water heaters are paired with solar thermal technology and the latest intelligent controls are used for ultimate renewable heat optimisation, even higher efficiencies can be achieved, Gittings adds. Rinnai’s advanced engineering and attention to detail has resulted in the complete range of Rinnai Infinity water heaters being given the coveted A-rating. It shows an energy efficient continuous flow gas fired hot water system, whether teamed with renewables technology or used on its own, actually has a lot to offer as we move towards the Government’s carbon neutral goals. Rinnai Infinity units have been developed to exceed all current demands and lead the field in this respect. For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com