The NWH Group

Project Scotland Bricks & Blocks (feature) -
SCOTLAND TAKES TO H+H CELCON’S THIN-JOINT SYSTEM

An increasing number of Scottish builders are discovering that the use of thin-jointed aircrete block-laying can save time and money, compared with more traditional forms of masonry construction. Three in particular are so enthusiastic that they have already qualified as Recommended Contractors for H+H Celcon’s Rå House and Thin-Joint Systems.

Anthony Jones, a director of Opal Homes, of Dalkeith, Midlothian, first came across aircrete and thin-layer mortar when he was studying at university. When he co-founded developer and builder Opal Homes twelve months ago he was determined to use the system. Two-thirds of the bricklayers he has recruited are Polish, they had never used any system other than aircrete blocks with thin-layer mortar, so his first project, the conversion and three barns and an existing farmhouse into four high-specification homes at Heriot in Midlothian, progressed very quickly and on time.

“My own research has shown that H+H Celcon’s Thin-Joint system is 35-45% faster than laying dense aggregate blocks with conventional mortar,” says Anthony. “We are also using it on a commercial project of two thousand square metres in Mayfield, near Dalkeith and we find a team of three bricklayers and two labourers can lay 100-120 sq m a day. Overall the system is quick and easy and the lightweight blocks are a great advantage.” Opal Homes are now using Celcon Blocks with the Thin-Joint System on all their projects.

Mike Harkin of builders JMS Harkin Construction of Jedburgh is undertaking his first project as a developer as well builder, so it was very important construction should go well. His local builders’ merchant was promoting Celcon blocks with the Thin-Joint System and H+H Celcon’s Area Sales Manager did a demonstration for Mike on site. He was very impressed with the speed of construction resulting from the use of H+H Celcon’s lightweight, large size Plus blocks combined with Celfix quick-setting mortar and immediately decided to use the system. He has been delighted with the results. “Not only has it saved us a month in construction time to build a traditional four-storey block of flats to roof level but it is so easy to work with,” he says. “Blocks can be cut on site with a handsaw and the off-cuts can be used elsewhere onsite, reducing waste. With dense aggregate blocks the off-cuts usually break up. And it is much cleaner to use, there is no need for big cement mixers, you just mix the amount of Celfix mortar you need in a bucket.”

The development comprises 18 flats in three blocks, mostly two-bed but some three or single-bed and four three-bed town houses, all on a brownfield site in Jedburgh. Celcon Hi-7 Plus blocks were used for the inner leaves of all the external walls. The outer leaves are reconstituted stone at ground floor level with coloured roughcast and concrete blocks for the upper floors with lead feature panels. Roofs are partly flat and partly pitched with traditional slate tiles.

All units in the first block of flats have already been sold. Work is about to start on the second with Celcon blocks being used more extensively – for party walls and in the stairwell, as well as the inner leaves of the outer walls. Mike is planning to use the system on a number of projects which he has recently tendered for.

Over on the west coast, at Greenock, another of H+H Celcon’s Recommended Contractors, Ballyconnelly Developments has opened a training academy. Supported by H+H Celcon this is designed to provide training for young people in both traditional construction techniques and Modern Methods of Construction in a realistic, workplace environment. Comments Ballyconnelly director Pol Stewart: “We are looking to help those who may have missed out at school in some way, to give them a skill they will be able to use for life. The focus on MMCs, such H+H Celcon’s Thin-Joint System, is particularly important. We believe this is where the future of the industry lies, so young people coming into the industry should be fully trained in these techniques.” Those on the courses are either schoolchildren who learn a skill one afternoon a week for a year or school-leavers who undertake a six-week intensive course. Once they have completed the course students go on a 10-week work placement funded by the local employment trust. The initial results have been very encouraging with 75% of those who went on a recent work placement being offered permanent employment.

Aircrete is, in many ways, the ultimate structural building material. Manufactured from PFA, which would otherwise be sent to landfill, its thermal insulation properties help reduce the energy consumption in homes. Thin layer mortar systems bring out the full potential of aircrete, speeding the construction process, cutting waste, minimising the effect of construction on the environment and creating an energy efficient, healthy home to live in.

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