Spec Finish

30 www.thefis.org Our built environments can affect us inmany subtle ways. Simply sensing fresh air and natural light or seeing greenery and open space can instantly uplift our mood and improve our wellbeing. Ashley Bateson, Partner and Head of Sustainability at Hoare Lea demonstrates how people feel more relaxed and less anxious in open green landscaping and people recover more quickly in hospitals if they can see green landscaping outside. As occupants, there is a clear link between our physical and mental wellbeing and the buildings where we spend up to 90% of our time. Launched in 2014, the WELL Building Standard is the world’s first building certification presenting a performance-based system that focuses primarily on human health and wellness in relation to the built environment. TheWELL Building Standard states, “We believe that buildings should be developed with peoples’ health and wellness at the centre of design”. Resulting in taking a holistic approach to health in the built environment addressing behaviour, operations and design by improving nutrition, fitness, mood, sleep patterns and performance across commercial and institutional buildings. A pilot version has been developed to test and refine howWELL can be applied to new building sectors such as retail, hospitality and multifamily residential. What is the process of becoming WELL certified? Buildings can receive an award for Silver, Gold or Platinum certification based on how a project meets the criteria and whether optional enhancements have been included. For example, the WELL features, intended to change behaviour through making life decisions, are categorised into two categories. Preconditions, meaning the necessary concepts have been included for a baseline certification, and optimisations, which means enhancements have been made, determining the level of certification received. The acoustics of a building also plays an important role, quantified by the overall satisfaction of an occupant. WELL aims to diminish unwanted indoor noise levels and reduce exterior noise intrusion in order to enhance social interaction, learning, satisfaction and productivity. At Komfort, acoustic performance is a key element in the design and manufacturing process of our glass partition systems. Their acoustic partitions provide excellent sound insulation, suitable for a range of office spaces and communal working rooms. Providing a distraction-free and comfortable working environment by reducing the transmission of noise across your office building. John Alker, director of policy and communications at UK-GBC realises we need to put the user back at the heart of the design process, and we couldn’t agree more. Having been in the world of interiors since 1973 and understanding how buildings need to work for the people within them, we work with all parties concerned to make sure that what we deliver performs to the requirements of the building and the people within it. Offering commitment from design, to concept, to installation and beyond, we demonstrate the utmost care for your project achieving unique design briefs and schedules, with technical expertise available at every step. www.komfort.com Buildings are for people PRODUCTS Bio-based binder for safe and healthy everyday living Stora Enso has launched its latest lignin-based innovation, NeoLigno® by Stora Enso. NeoLigno is a fully bio-based binder system without formaldehyde and isocyanates, thus, providing healthier indoor and working environments. NeoLigno demonstrates the unique properties and potential of lignin, which is nature’s second most common macromolecule after cellulose. It is found in all plants and makes up to a third of the composition of wood. Lignin is a renewable raw material free from toxic substances and fully traceable to its area of origin. NeoLigno is a bio-based, high-performing alternative for industries currently using fossil-based binders or hazardous chemicals. Initial target applications for it are in particleboards and insulation materials used in the building and construction industry. www.storaenso.com Chalkstring unveils new integrated takeoff software for specialist subcontractors Chalkstring, a UK provider of construction cost management software for specialist subcontractors, has launched its embedded drawing takeoff capability, strengthening its all-in-one platform for managing project financials across all stages of construction contracts. Subcontractors will now benefit from integrated measurement and markup tools, enabling drawings to be imported and measured, with the quantities linking seamlessly to tenders and live projects. This powerful new functionality makes pricing jobs faster and easier, and eliminates wasted time and risk involved with transferring data between different, disconnected systems. Available free to all users, subcontractors no longer need to purchase third party takeoff software or use inefficient, manual methods to measure, thus reducing costs and ensuring a greater degree of accuracy. www.chalkstring.com