Forced air convection heating is one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally viable means of heating a space, whether in the home or workplace. Nbat has recently completed a major update to a 36-page technical brochure, Versatile, energy-efficient heating, for Smith’s Environmental Products Ltd.

The new publication clearly explains the key characteristics and benefits of fan convection heating, with graphical representations of suitable applications in home and workplace. There is also a useful Product Selector, guiding the reader to the most suitable Smith’s product for heating different spaces within residential and non-residential buildings.

Informative and stylish photography is strongly featured throughout the brochure, which also contains fully illustrated technical detail covering all products within the Smith’s range. Products include fame-effect fan convectors – even complete fireplace suites – high and low-level wall-mounted products, and fan convectors recessed into floors and ceilings.

Nbat’s extremely successful technical brochure on ventilation of roof voids has recently been updated and extended. The new 20-page brochure includes new products and covers ventilators for fully supported metal roofing, slate and tiled roofs, and cold roof construction.

To reflect the visual quality of metal roof detailing, the technical illustrations have been created as extremely finely-rendered watercolour illustrations. And, as a contemporary complement, a CD containing CAD details is also available. In addition to the products featured in the brochure, Nicholson also offer a full bespoke service if required.

As market leader in architectural hardware, Laidlaw has recently introduced its new Anti-Ligature range. In a new brochure produced by nbat, a comprehensive range of architectural ironmongery is presented that is specially designed to minimise risk of self-harm. All products are elegantly formed, with smooth, rounded contours, to discourage any attempted attachment of ligatures. The products are therefore particularly suitable for application in buildings where occupants may attempt to take their lives. The topic is dealt with sensitively, through a thoughtfully designed product range and informative presentation.

Robust Details Ltd has been set up to approve and issue ‘Robust Standard Details’ (RSDs) – constructional details that have been tested for compliance with Building Regulations Approved Document E (Resistance to the passage of sound).

The details, issued in a ring binder, can be used safely without any requirement for ‘pre-completion sound testing’. Consequently, there is no risk of additional costs or project delays arising from remedial work after the project has been completed. Working closely with our client, nbat is responsible for the graphic design concept and layout, production of all technical illustrations, artwork and print management.

The binder, Robust Details Part E, is the first issued Robust Details publication, and has been well received. Robust Details Ltd will continuously monitor the ‘as-built’ details. A scheme exists whereby interested parties can submit proposals for new Robust Details to be included in the handbook.

Lafarge Aggregates’ website is built on Lafarge Groups chosen web technology, IBM Websphere. NBAT have long been responsible for the back-end content management of the Websphere driven website so were delighted to be invited to specify and build a new graduate recruitment area. Due to some of the issues with IBM Websphere it was decided to build a stand-alone website hosted securely on an nbat server. In line with their wish that all graduate recruitment for 2008 intake and onwards be done online, we built a powerful application and sifting back-office that allows candidates to apply for the Graduate Management Programme. In addition to the secure application area we have also created some enhanced pages within the parent website including dynamic flash driven case studies. http://www.lafargeaggregates.co.uk/wps/portal/Graduates

Plaswood , an innovative new product from BPI Poly, now has a promotional microsite created and developed by NBAT. NBAT had the brief to create an easy to navigate, inspiring and original site inline with the “Why Use Wood” campaign. The site showcases the new range of products available in Plaswood and utilises the new upgraded image library. The new site will allow potential customer to gather information and gain ideas on where this environmentally friendly, robust material can be used. Since its launch in September, the site has consistently produced a steady influx of enquiries, ranging from local governments, small contractors, global architectural firms and landscaping companies. www.whyusewood.com

The Knauf Insulation SAP 2005 Calculator, part of the suite of tools developed by NBAT, has recently received approval for use with submitting building control applications for dwellings in Scotland and Northern Ireland (approval was granted for England & Wales in October 2006). The Model Design Calculator has also been updated with these latest regulations to help simplify starting your project, and the tool continues to receive praise from its large user base of construction industry professionals, currently approaching 3,400. The suite of tools are available at http://tools.knaufinsulation.co.uk, accessible after completing a simple registration process.

Academy, our online elearning application with CPD approval continues to go from strength to strength. Academy now has over 500 registered users able to view nine CPD approved presentations. Recent additions include a presentation on “Fall Arrest and Working at Height” from Zoontjens and “A Guide to Wind Load Calculation” from Hi-Span. In addition to the CPD approved Academy at http://cpd.academy-elearning.co.uk we have also created a bespoke version for Halfen that allows internal users to view product information and CPD approved course material. Halfen Academy is at http://halfen.academy-elearning.co.uk

The multimedia team are currently in the process of redesigning Halfen's UK website. The brief is to evolve the site from its current state into a more functional, accessible design that embodies its own identity whilst remaining in line with Halfens corporate brand guidelines. New style marketing collateral and UK literature was responsible for prompting the site redesign with the aim in mind of enhancing the user website experience. Features such as database search facilities and product showcases are all being considered for the site design to ensure that visitors have quick and easy access to whatever information they require. Keep an eyes out for the launch of the new website, due February 2007 at www.halfen.co.uk

Online tools can be purpose-built for clients. For example, NBAT has developed a calculation suite for Knauf Insulation that enables designers to select and specify insulation solutions that meet the new Part L requirements of the Building Regulations. The free online tool allows users instant access to a far wider and more powerful range of data than any other products available to the market. Most of the tools offered by competitors come in the form of basic CD-based products, therefore KI has been able to boost its online offering by providing a truly unique service to specifiers, giving them the competitive edge over industry rivals. For more information please visit the Knauf Insulation Calculation Centre (KICC) at www.knaufinsulation.co.uk