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Architectural Panel Solutions

Architectural Panel Solutions

Home to Petrarch and Downer. Simply British reconstituted stone rainscreen and framing solutions.

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Award-winning Petrarch clad Ealing Filmworks

Award-winning Petrarch clad Ealing Filmworks

Architectural Panel Solutions

Capturing all the glamour and splendour of the roaring twentiesthis latest scheme takes to the spotlight. For the restoration of this magnificent building, St. George and TP Bennett turned to a rainscreen which would not only project the right image, yet stand up to the most demanding requirements.For a building with such status and heritage, bothSt. George and TP Bennett opted for a rainscreen solution which would not only project exactly the right image, yet stand up to the most demanding requirements. As a mixed-use development, comprising 209 new homes overlooking a central square, lined with bars and restaurants, and an impressive double-height entrance foyer to the eight-screen Picturehouse Cinema, 'the biggest outside London’s West End,' it was vital that the chosen rainscreen could withstand numerous vying challenges. Thanks to a comprehensive list of intrinsic qualities; including extreme weather resistance, durability, longevity, impact and graffiti resistance, as well as BBA, CWCT and NHBC 2021 certification, Petrarch ticked all the right boxes and exudes pure elegance with its smooth Alabaster finish.Petrarch enrobed Filmworks wins Best Refurbishment project at this year’s Facade AwardsWe’re extremely proud to share that The Filmworks has won the Best Refurbishment project at this year’s Facade Awards. This is the first year that Architectural Panel Solutions has personally entered the awards and we’re thrilled to have debuted as award-winners. We cannot, of course, take all the credit for this project; it is the result of a highly successful collaboration with Richardson Roofing, and talented architect tp bennett for our client Berkeley Group, St George.The Ealing Filmworks by Berkeley Group, St. GeorgeFor a building with such status and heritage, both Berkeley Group, St. George and tp bennett turned to a rainscreen and framing solution which would not only project exactly the right image and retain the splendour of a bygone age, yet also stand up to the most demanding requirements. Blending elegant aesthetics and exacting technical standards; our Petrarch engineered stone rainscreen facade offered the perfect balance.As a £100m mixed-use regeneration scheme comprising: 209 new homes, a central square, lined with bars, restaurants, and featuring a double-height eight-screen Picture-house Cinema (the biggest outside London’s West End) the demands and rigour demanded of the chosen building materials were to be immense.About The Filmworks, in the words of the architect tp bennettGiven the delicate restoration and the fact that this was a conservation area, it was important that the chosen facade retained an elegant and natural aesthetic.’A careful infill within an existing urban block, the scheme has been designed by tp bennett as a contextual response to the surrounding buildings in the conservation areas. Each perimeter facade is designed in a subtly different language, depending on the character of the particular street it is facing. The architectural language changes towards the interior, where the contextual red brick and stone have been complemented with a more contemporary materials palette, including dark blue brick with contrasting green-glazed brick inserts and bronze-coloured cladding laser cut with a distinctive, three-dimensional geometric pattern.‘tp bennett are dedicated to ’creative reuse‘ as a practice – ’our ethos is to re-animate and adapt redundant historic buildings to reinforce a unique sense of place within each project. With our in-house skills and experience to draw from – as well as access to a strong network of conservation specialists – the practice is in a prime position to animate the past and inform the future.‘Here’s what our esteemed installer, Richardson Roofing had to say about Petrarch panels and our level of customer service:‘APS were very easy to deal with during the purchase and logistics process, of getting the Petrarch engineered stone to site. They are very responsive to queries, helpful and went out of their way to assist in any way they could. The team really do know their products well and were very helpful. Despite this being a somewhat difficult site with delivery booking requirements, APS worked with us to optimise logistics for just-in-time deliveries.’Krissy Dawson (Contracts Coordinator)
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CHELAN SERVICE CENTRE - CONFLUENCE AND CHARACTER

CHELAN SERVICE CENTRE - CONFLUENCE AND CHARACTER

Architectural Panel Solutions

Petrarch reconstituted stone rainscreen panels have been implemented to provide confluence and character for impressive Chelan Service Centre. CCPUD had reached a confluence of challenges for its facilities in Wenatchee and needed a generational approach to investing in the future. In search of greater productivity, better customer access, improved employee safety, and economical manageability for the next 50-100 years, CCPUD selected a consolidated facilities option.Heavily inspired by the new site location – where the Columbia andthe Wenatchee Rivers converge – TCF readily embraced Confluence as an overarching project concept. Confluence inspired the layout of the campus, which takes full advantage of gently sloping topography as the land drops off towards the river at its southern boundary.Confluence also describes the merging of staff and resources into onedynamic, centralized home for nearly 600 personnel. This confluence of perspectives blended “tried & true” with “fresh & new” as the larger complexity of a 300,000sf program was organized and integrated as pieces of a greater whole, each contributing to the vision and mission of CCPUD.Why Petrarch recon stone panels? As a tried and trusted facade system, Petrarch offers the perfect balance of exacting aesthetics and equally dependable technical qualities. Highly durable, weather, graffiti, impact and scratch resistant, Petrarch rainscreen facade is designed to stand the test of time. What's more it comes with a 50 year guarantee when used in conjunction with Downer Framing.
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Downer Framing Helps Brent Cross Rise & Shine

Downer Framing Helps Brent Cross Rise & Shine

Architectural Panel Solutions

BRENT CROSS SUBSTATIONIf there was ever an image to uphold our notion that Downer rainscreen framing isn’t ‘just metal’, it’s this one.Brent Cross Town, which is being delivered by Related Argent and Barnet Council – has recently unveiled this powerful and vibrant piece of art. One of the largest urban regeneration projects in Europe, Brent Cross Town has ‘wrapped’ this eye-catching substation in a 21-metre-high permanent public artwork – all of which sits on our robust, sustainably-friendly Downer HELPING HAND framing.Here we come, here we rise’, created by celebrated artist Lakwena in collaboration with architects IF_DO, consists of four undulating bands and triangular-shaped lenticular panels that create a kaleidoscopic visual effect to emphasise the idea of movement as viewers move around the structure. IF_DOThe project has also brought back to life a piece of brownfield, ex-industrial land with the creation of a newly landscaped embankment designed by Gillespies.Brent Cross Town is the neighbourhood at the heart of the Brent Cross Cricklewood regeneration programme. It is a joint venture between Related Argent and Barnet Council to develop a large-scale mixed-use development including new homes, retail and office space, as well as improved schools and green spaces in the area.We’re so proud to have been involved in this striking project, courtesy of our client, installers FIFTH ELEVATION LIMITED and are pleased to see that we’re living and breathing our brand message. Downer. It’s never ‘just metal.WE’RE EQUALLY THRILLED TO HAVE RECEIVED THIS EXCELLENT QUOTE FROM FIFTH ELEVATION'THANKS ANDY AND THANK YOU AND JUAN FOR YOUR EXCELLENT SERVICE (THE BESPOKE ENGINEERING PACK FOR THE DOWNER SYSTEM WAS EXCELLENT) AND EXCELLENT PRODUCTS – WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU AGAIN SOON.' LUKE, FIFTH ELEVATIONQUOTE FROM TEAM LEAD – ANDY CREEDY'SUCH AN IMPRESSIVE PROJECT. WE WERE THRILLED TO WORK IN DEPTH WITH FIFTH ELEVATION WHO DESIGNED THIS PROJECT. JUAN CID BARATO HAD TO INVEST SO MUCH TIME AND PROVIDED SO MUCH MORE THAN OUR STANDARD ENGINEERING OFFERING. WE ALSO ENLISTED A 3RD PARTY ENGINEER TO HELP WITH DESIGN. THANK YOU LEE SHEPHERD AND LUKE FOR TAKING THE TIME TO WORK WITH US ON THIS AS IT WAS QUITE A LENGTHY PROCESS WITH LOTS OF IN PERSON AND TEAMS MEETINGS TO MAKE THIS WORK. BUT CLEARLY THE RESULT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. TRULY STUNNING. EVERYONE SHOULD BE SO PROUD. GREAT PROJECT.'OUR ORIGINAL HELPING HAND SYSTEMAs the original HELPING HAND framing system, it seems fitting that our Downer aluminium rainscreen framing system has been used here to support such a vivid and unique public piece of art.Come rain, or shine, regardless of the cold, frost or rain; Downer can be installed all year round, and offers ultimate weather resistance.Find out more about our DCS031 system here: https://downerframing.com/dcs031-helping-handIf you would like to find out more about our Downer Framing systems, please get in touch here: https://downerframing.com/#contact-usFind out more about how you can optimise your next rainscreen framing project here. Images thanks to John Sturrock Related Argent.
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Downer Framing Launches a new free framing tool

Downer Framing Launches a new free framing tool

Architectural Panel Solutions

Downer Designer helps contractors and specifiers design and cost rainscreen framing systems.A next-generation, dedicated, free-to-use platform for the real-time development, creation and costing of rainscreen cladding framing designs has been launched by leading UK manufacturer Downer Framing.Downer the original Helping Hand framing solution was one of the first rainscreen cladding framing systems on the UK market. BBA approved, tested to the extreme and officially Made in Britain, in its factory near Hastings, it set the benchmark in 1988.Now the company has launched Downer Designer – a free-to-use online tool which enables contractors, installers and specifiers to outline their project-specific rainscreen requirements to generate optimised framing designs. All of which is stored and managed in their own personal online account.Users simply enter the information they know, along with any detail-specific needs for new build or refurbishment projects in the commercial, education, healthcare, retail, leisure and transportation sectors. The technical team at Downer Framing will then provide: static and thermal calculations (up to 10 static calculations per project element), relevant costs, optimised component and fixing configurations, and NBS specification. All of which can be printed off or saved as a pdf. The user process can take as little as 10 minutes, and the Downer Technical team aim to have a Project Pack ready within just 24 hours.The interfacing software which Downer Designer connects with is created by a team of specialist structural engineers. The user-friendly platform enables contractors, installers and specifiers to optimise even the most complex rainscreen framing projects from the very first instance, saving the design team not only money, but time and inconvenience.Information required ranges from building height, cladding area, wind load references and construction type, through static calculations such as product type, panel thickness and weight, horizontal fix centres, and facade/soffit, to cavity depth, rail lengths and cantilevers, substrate, stud grade and centres, wall build up and target U-values.Juan Barato, Downer Framing’s Technical Manager (part of Architectural Panel Solutions - a leading UK manufacturer and supplier of rainscreen systems and solutions) reflected: “While we focused on building our framing systems portfolio, we also realised we needed to help our customers design and price those systems, so Downer Designer was developed to do just that in the quickest and easiest way possible. Trials have proved we have got the balance just right.”Downer Designer enables framing specifiers to access a dedicated space to cost their framing projects quickly and easily. Downer Designer brings everything a customer could potentially want into one place. All new Downer Framing systems can be selected and costed in real-time, with optimised quotes aimed to be returned by our technical team within just 48 hours!
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Downer Helping Hand framing offers a helping hand

Downer Helping Hand framing offers a helping hand

Architectural Panel Solutions

DOWNER, OFFERS A HELPING HAND FOR ANS GLOBAL MOXY HOTELOUR ORIGINAL ALUMINIUM RAINSCREEN FRAMING, DOWNER, OFFERS A HELPING HAND FOR ANS GLOBALWe’re really pleased to share this latest Downer framing projects, courtesy of our client ANS Global.Working in conjunction with Jehu Group, ANS Global have been pivotal in developing this £8.65m boutique hotel in Bristol’s City Centre. They were instructed to create three separate living walls, two on the main brick façade, and one under a covered walkway. As you can see in the images.Hidden beneath this impressive living wall facade, is Architectural Panel Solutions' aluminium rainscreen sub-structure framing system Downer – the original helping hand rainscreen framing system. Specifically, our DCS031 helping hand brackets and rails.IN THE WORDS OF ANS GLOBAL:6,240 plants now thrivingOver the three living walls, 6,240 plants are now thriving and growing, bringing benefits for the local environment and the community. In fact, having something as unique and eye-catching as plants on or around your property has in some studies shown to increase real estate values by up to 20%.MORE ABOUT OUR DOWNER THE ORIGINAL HELPING HAND ALUMINIUM CLADDING FRAMINGMade in Britain – our Downer aluminium rainscreen framing is the original helping hand framing system which continues to be created here in our Hastings factory, since 1987.Downer is a versatile ‘off-the-shelf’ rainscreen cladding support for most facades.Downer extrusions are manufactured from grade 6000 structural and recyclable aluminiumOur Downer solutions cover all types of fixing applicationsEngineered to perform: energy efficiency, versatility, strength, durability, protectionBBA approved for complete assurance – tested to the extremeCutting service availableExtensive UK stocks with items dispatched in 2-3 daysFixings specified for each system and stocked (EJOT)Technical know-how underpins our Downer framing salesValue engineered – If you need specific support for your facade framing calculations, thermal calculations, or for advice on how best to maximise your framing solution the APS team is on-hand to help.
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DOWNER RAINSCREEN FRAMING USED EXTENSIVELY FOR THE BROXBOURNE SCHOOL

DOWNER RAINSCREEN FRAMING USED EXTENSIVELY FOR THE BROXBOURNE SCHOOL

Architectural Panel Solutions

Downer our original helping hand, aluminium rainscreen framing system, helps lead the way for this exemplary education sector project.In the words of leading education sector architects – Bond Bryan, The Broxbourne School is a beacon for excellence for modern education.Architectural Panel Solution's Downer rainscreen framing system - DCS031 was used extensively for this ambitious projects as you can see from the supporting suite of images.A vibrant and contemporary aesthetic was achieved thanks to the complementing, highly durable Swisspearl fibre cement facade panels – Vintago (Colours: VI 061, VI 091) fixed with Sika adhesive onto Swisspearl’s Sigma8 mechanical secret fixing system, and our original Downer DCS031 framing.Architectural Panel Solutions was extremely proud to have won an award for this project in last year’s Facade Awards, thanks to an excellent collaboration with SD Samuels (Special Projects) Ltd, Bond Bryan Architects, ArchitecturePLB, Mid Group Ltd LtdFind out more on our website and check out the photography on the architects’ and installers websites too.https://bondbryan.co.uk/project/the-broxbourne-school/https://www.sdsamuels.co.uk/broxbourne-school/https://downerframing.com/downer-framing-used-extensively-for-the-broxbourne-school
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Huber Car Parks Innovate with Petrarch PlanX

Huber Car Parks Innovate with Petrarch PlanX

Architectural Panel Solutions

Project Cambridge, ARM Peterhouse Multi-Storey Car Park, United KingdomHuber, the name behind the UK’s most innovative car park designs, turned to Petrarch, our innovative reconstituted stone rainsceeen facade, to realise its new vision for Peterhouse multi-storey car park.The background‘HUBER was commissioned to erect this new multi-storey car park at 110 Fulbourne Road, in Peterhouse Technologies Park, Cambridge - part of the ARM Headquarters estate. With a total of 501 parking bays the facility eases the parking situation at the commercial estate.‘The façades of the structure are clad in Petrarch reconstituted stone rainscreen panels.These are reconstituted stone panels to render a visually stunning façade solution which simulates the colour and texture of natural stone.’ Huber Car ParksSales Director, Tom Walker, who had this to say about the project.‘I was really pleased to see our Petrarch reconstituted stone facade installed to a fantastically high standard, across both the original phase, some 5 years ago and the more recent extension, creating a seamless link between the two parts of the project. The spectacular design of the façade coupled with this high-quality installation has delivered a beautiful example of Petrarch applied in two very different yet equally stunning styles, expressing the characteristics of natural stone.’In terms of both the product and service Huber has commended the APS package and very succinctly yet precisely asserted! ‘Fantastic product and fantastic customer service.’Given that the second phase features new material, the client was super-impressed with how the old and new blend so well. Given the natural ageing qualities of Petrarch (emulating weathered stone), it makes it ideal in such instances.
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PETRARCH - INTELLIGENT LEED CERTIFIED DESIGN FOR IDEXX LABS

PETRARCH - INTELLIGENT LEED CERTIFIED DESIGN FOR IDEXX LABS

Architectural Panel Solutions

Petrarch reconstituted stone rainscreen cladding is becoming an ever more popular choice for healthcare and community sector projects. Petrarch clad IDEXX excels, achieving LEED Gold CertificationThe new IDEXX, boasting 240,000 sf of new corporate office space has achieved LEED Gold Certification thanks to its use of daylighting, energy conservation, and green roofs, coupled with low-toxin, locally-sourced, and largely recycled materials.‘We’re so privileged to boast a portfolio of award-winning Petrarch projects. IDEXX is yet again an excellent reference thanks to its eco- conscious ethos. The fact that it has won this esteemed LEED award is testament to its attentive environmental design.’Tom Walker, Sales DirectorIn the words of the architect‘The new public facade echoes the same palette of white masonry, expansive glass, and sleek metals that currently define the company’s image. Mindful of the motto “Under One Roof,” building massing has been proportioned to complement existing facilities. Views to nearby green and wooded landscape have been created to exemplify IDEXX’s mission of fostering connection between its employees and their environment.’To complement this eco-friendly initiative, Lavallee Brensinger Architects selected Petrarch reconstituted stone cladding panels in Alabaster and Limestone, in both Smooth and Riven Matt finishes for the building’s exterior.Petrarch stone cladding was chosen for a whole host of reasons, but principally because it is a highly resistant cladding material that should be celebrated at low levels thanks to its impact resistance. A market leading 50 year guarantee and its depth of colour palette were also key reasons for its choice. Petrarch has been the choice of the most discerning specifiers for over 50 years and continues to push the boundaries of creativity whilst being on point when it comes to price.
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Petrarch creates the perfect finish for Kingsley Care Home

Petrarch creates the perfect finish for Kingsley Care Home

Architectural Panel Solutions

PETRARCH PANELS PROUD TO SUPPORT EDEN FACADESKingsley Healthcare is a next generation healthcare sector project, currently being developed by our client Eden Facades - whose expertise were enlisted for the sourcing and installation of premium quality cladding solutions. The end result will be the creation of a new exemplary care home.“We’ve had the privilege of working with Eden Facades on multiple successful facade projects. This is yet another example. As a premium quality facade solution provider, it goes without saying that we are always confident that our Petrarch Panels are going to be beautifully installed by Eden’s expert team.”Tom Walker, Sales DirectorIn the words of our client‘Our scope of work included installing of the custom coloured cream Petrarch rainscreen cladding, a mechanically fixed system known for its natural aesthetics, robustness, and longevity. This cladding, chosen for its ability to blend seamlessly with the surroundings, provides extreme weather resistance to A2,s1-do and has a proven performance and life expectancy of over 30 years.’’ Kevin Johal, Design Manager.https://petrarchpanels.com/project/kingsley-healthcare-care-home/We’re so pleased to have been able to support Eden Facades with the supply of our reconstituted stone rainscreen cladding, Petrarch, and Downer framing secret fix system for this next generation care home.
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Petrarch showcased at Milkwood Spa Dylan Coastal Resort

Petrarch showcased at Milkwood Spa Dylan Coastal Resort

Architectural Panel Solutions

‘Elements of drama and delight’ Petrarch accents bring a sense of elegance and refinement… As the centrepiece of the magnificent £20 million Dylan Coastal Resort, the design brief for Milk Wood House Spa dictated the need for laid-back luxury. ‘Heralded by the luxury resort sector as ‘world-class,’ Milk Wood House Spa sets a new benchmark.’“We wanted to create a building that felt as though it was hewn out of the landscape, embracing and engaging with its setting. The design inspiration was both the immediate and distant setting on the edge of the River Taf Estuary.Lead architect and Associate Director of LP ArchitectsInspirational design “The building is contemporary and sleek, and we wanted the interior to feel seamless with the architectural design – so we worked closely with the architects and client to select the building cladding, which we then wrapped into the interior to unify with the exterior and enhance the connection to the outdoors.”Interior designer, Louise James of Blackthorn Design StudioWhy Petrarch? Created primarily from crushed marble Petrarch was a fitting choice in terms of the ecological ethos of the development. It’s lightweight nature and appealing aesthetic were also key reasons for its utilisation. https://www.prp-co.uk/what-we-do/architecture/milk-wood-house-499

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