ACTIS Insulation, the manufacturer of leading multifoil insulation products, have announced that its newest product, HCONTROL REFLEX+, has received certification from the British Board of Agrement. The innovation is a three-in-one solution consisting of a reflective vapour control layer and an airtight barrier which also acts as supplementary insulation - triple purpose qualities made possible thanks to reflective multifoils which benefit from one of the best emissivities on the market. HCONTROL REFLEX+ is thinner than other more complex multifoils for a similar thermal performance and is a water vapour resistant material which is installed between the insulation and the internal lining. As a vapour control layer, it prevents water vapour diffusion through the fabric of the building which may cause condensation and protects the insulation which may be sensitive to moisture. It is also completely airtight, acting as a barrier against air leakage, stopping warm air escaping from the building and thus preventing heat loss through convection, saving both energy and money. 

The redevelopment of a former council depot and derelict petrol station in Tower Hamlets, East London, includes a new 14 storey apartment building constructed by Higgins on behalf of the leading affordable housing provider, A2 Dominion. Beko Built In home appliances were specified for the kitchen and laundry equipment for the project through national distributor DBD Distribution Ltd.

The development comprises of more than 300 apartments and DBD are supplying Beko ovens, hobs, fridge-freezers, dishwashers and laundry models.

The large mixed tenure design and build project on Commercial Road in London's E14 postcode is typical of the work which DBD undertakes for leading housebuilders and contractors; and it is seeing the company install a wide selection of Beko's white goods and other high efficiency products.

The Portfolio Collection comprises Hotpoint and Indesit's latest cooking, cooling, laundry and dishwashing appliances, all with free 2-year labour and 5-year parts warranties. Recognising the need for housebuilders to install appliances that meet the latest criteria for sustainable homes, many of the products in the Collection have been recommended by the Energy Saving Trust for their energy and water consumption efficiency.

In addition, many Hotpoint appliances carry the 'Eco Tech' symbol, which is Hotpoint's guarantee of high performance with low energy and water use, and appliances from Indesit's award winning* Prime range feature 'Smart' technology with intelligent functions to optimise energy and water usage. 

 Housebuilders can find out more about Portfolio by phoning +44 (0)7801 726826 or by emailing portfolioteam@indesit.com  

*Note - the Indesit Prime range has been named Get Connected Magazine 'Product of the Year' 2010 

Housebuilder Cawrey Homes has specified H+H Celcon blocks for their new build development of energy efficient homes in Ratby. All thirty six of these homes meet level four of the Code for Sustainable Homes. Cawrey Homes focused on a 'fabric first' approach, therefore relying upon H+H Celcon blocks to build as airtight and thermally efficient envelope as possible. 

"H+H has been involved from the beginning" explains Cawrey Homes manager Daid Wallgate. He continues "It was the technical support and input from H+H staff that really swayed us to use their products. They were always on hand offering advice on how we could meet many aspects of Building Regulations. The highly insulating properties of H+H Celcon blocks make them ideal for building this type of modern, energy efficient home and also, being made from largely recycled material, the blocks are environmentally friendly which enhances their suitability even further".