"concrete"

This project combines SuDS bound permeable paving with the most up to date methods of construction in BS 7533-101 and a variety of build-ups over varying substrates including structural concrete, permeable concrete, made up ground and attenuation crates.The Steintec tuffflow system of permeable bedding and jointing mortars was used to construct a SuDS permeable, bound/rigid pavement. The system allows the designer to capitlize on the low maintenance, high durability of a BS structurally compliant bound/rigid public realm pavement, while avoiding the disadvantages of loose bedding and jointing aggregates used in conventional SuDS pavement construction.

These contemporary new washrooms feature a mix of concrete and Fenix laminate which both add depth to the industrial chic deign. Our full height Alto FENIX toilet cubicles were specified in a deep blue colour with bespoke mouldings and brass effect hardware. As well as being ultra matt and soft to the touch, Fenix laminate also brings with it numerous high-performance benefits including being impact resistant, hydro repellent and thermally self-healing. Complementing the cubicles are the bespoke concrete vanities which we manufactured complete with circular ceramic countertop sinks matching the circular mirrors and pendant lighting above. 

Over 100,000 Ancon Rebar Couplers were used to support the concrete of one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the world. Reinforcing bars which strengthen the concrete deck, towers and end piers had to be reliably, mechanically connected end to end throughout the structure. To perform this hidden, but vital structural task, Bartec Plus Parallel Threaded Couplers were selected from the comprehensive Ancon range. Various types and sizes, to match rebar diameters from 12-40mm, were supplied, with the three largest sizes being used to join reinforcement running the full height of the three 680ft support towers.

Christ Church URC in Chelmsford, Essex provides a hub for the whole community, hosting mother and toddler groups, social meetings and youth based events as well as traditional religious services. The church’s brick-clad structure includes exposed concrete columns which were showing signs of deterioration due to carbonation together with other factors causing the steel reinforcement to corrode and the surface to crack and spall, leaving the reinforcement bar exposed in areas.Sika supplied the long-term concrete repair and protection solution for a church façade which had displayed signs of deterioration due to long-term exposure to air pollutants.

With sustainable sea-defence needed more than ever before, Sika explores how concrete can combat the tide and how specification promotes more sustainable projects.

EGGER’s popular woodgrain decor H3332 ST10 Grey Nebraska Oak and on-trend material decor F186 ST9 Light Grey Chicago Concrete were used throughout the interior at The Run Hub's second store in Dublin. The surface texture of Grey Nebraska Oak provides an authentic feel to the visually weathered wooden surface, whilst the tactile Light Grey Chicago Concrete decor is very well suited to the modern store design.Retail displays and sales unit framing were created using Grey Nebraska Oak, and Light Grey Chicago Concrete features on the store’s eye-catching sales desk.Aspire Interior Solutions were responsible for the design and installation of the project. They chose EGGER laminate to create a contemporary and minimalist interior as required by the client. Warren Beattie of Aspire Interior Solutions said, “We have used EGGER products for some time now and specify them whenever we can. The wide range of decors and finishes, including edging is great. EGGER laminates were chosen for this project and these two particular decors suited the overall store design."

Smet Supported Partner, NRS Group machine applied the LIDL External Render System onto Poroton blocks externally using as Base Coat: Bauprotec 850 M - Lightweight Lime Cement Render, and as Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block or mass concrete and insulated plinths: Bauprotec RHS Multi-Purpose Render.The internal Render System specification onto Poroton blockwork consists of a base of Coat: Bauprotec 850 M, Lightweight Lime Cement Render, sponge floated in warehouse areas and skim finished in sales areas. Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block: Bauprotec RHS is used.SMET is committed to delivering consistently superior quality, German-made Render Systems to Lidl Plastering and rendering/plastering contractors across the UK and ROI.If you'd like to speak to us about your Lidl job - contact SMET on.All LIDL spec SMET Render System products are available directly from Smet Building Products Ltd, which ensures the contractor has a superior level of technical backup in the machine application of the LIDL specification.

Hammerson House will be a world-class, 116-bed residential centre for the elderly Jewish Community in Hampstead. Newton Specialist Contractor Cast Contracting Ltd (CCL) were approached during the planning stages to develop a comprehensive waterproofing solution for the extensive basement.CCL recommended the installation of a Newton CDM water management system to comprehensively waterproof the extensive basement. First, they employed the 8mm Newton 508 membrane to the concrete retaining walls of the basement. The 50mm thick Fibran XPS 500-C insulation was then installed beneath more 508 membrane across the entire concrete slab. Additionally, Basedrain drainage channel was installed around the perimeter, including inspection ports to provide a fully maintainable system.This entire system is served by a series of complete sump and pump systems, each consisting of primary and backup NP400 pumps, high water level alarms, and battery backup systems. These are all controlled by Newton’s advanced Control Panel-Pro to ensure a failsafe system, even during a power outage.Finally, Newton’s 107F cementitious waterproof membrane was spray applied to the concrete upstands of the lightwells and lift pits in order to complete the continuous watertight solution.

Demonstrating Products That Perform!Project Description:Hub Victoria (123-151 Buckingham Palace Road) is a 107,000 sq. ft. self-contained, mixed-use residential, office & retail development, a two-minute walk from London Victoria Station. The public walkway along Buckingham Palace Road has been transformed. Renewed hard and soft landscaping and enlarged retail units create vibrancy and street-level activity. Product Showcase:Larsen Streetscape BS 7533 paving mortar system was the preferred option for the installation of paving. Products used:         FBC Eco Fine Bedding Concrete • Ideal for pavements constructed with natural stone, concrete & clay paving units.PS Eco Priming Slurry• Applied to the underside of all paving units to create an exceptional bond to FBC Eco Fine Bedding Concrete.FJM Eco Flowable Jointing Mortar• Filled the joints to complete the installation. Rapid setting with high early strength gain, FJM Eco can be opened to foot traffic in one hour.For further information or technical data sheets on the Larsen Streetscape product range, please visit www.larsenbuildingproducts.com. 

Kings Cross Package 4. The tanking material had to succeed where the specified competiton fell short : all weather installation; self-healing/sealing capabilities; one product application ; mechanical not chemical bond to concrete. It also had to meet the specified requirements of BS8102 1990 Grade 4. The solution was 8000m2 of Voltex, containing zero VOC, installed in almost any weather conditions to green concrete, and proven effective on both new and remedial waterproofing projects worldwide. Aided by CETCO holding both ISO 14001 & 9001, and the properties of Voltex, the project achieved its CEEQUAL award, scoring above 75%, and rating Excellent.

A new paradigm of beauty and functionality: Atlas Concorde's concrete-effect porcelain tiles decorate the exterior floors of a luxurious private villa.In a refined residence on the outskirts of Memphis, the spacious, bright spaces boast the traits of an exclusive designer identity based on a perfect balance between technical performance and aesthetic research. Capable of ennobling the surrounding environment thanks to their value and uniqueness, Atlas Concorde concrete-look tiles were chosen to furnish outdoor paving and the edges of the outdoor swimming pool. An expression of an original urban chic style, the ceramic surface selected for the outdoor spaces is enhanced by textures featuring a blend of the warm shades of oxidation and the cooler hues typical of concrete. In a setting where harmony reigns, the ceramic material stands out not only for its marked personality, but also for the characteristics of safety and reliability necessary when designing outdoor environments. In fact, the large garden of the American residence features concrete-look porcelain tiles in the large 120x120 cm grip format with a 2 cm thickness specific for outdoor pavers: a guaranteed non-slip – and therefore safe – surface. The light colour also makes them ideal for outdoor paving where people walk barefoot during the summer: by absorbing little external heat, the surface is less warm to the touch. The permanence of the ceramic material and the simplicity of cleaning ensure a refined, pleasant external environment over time. With a variety of effects and textures, Atlas Concorde's large format tiles satisfy a wide range of tastes and trends, interpreting the diversity of their original materials and transforming them into an authentic visual and tactile experience that can enhance any project.

refurbishment project posed particular challenges in respect of the flat roof, which consisted of a solid concrete deck, followed by screed laid to falls, a thin dense concrete layer and three bituminous membrane layers. The new roof specification required the application of new insulation to upgrade the thermal performance and a new single ply waterproofing membrane. Due to the location of this project and the presence of existing bonded layers, adhesive application was ruled out at an early stage and a mechanically fastened solution was sought.Initial pull-out tests confirmed that fixing was required through the existing screed and direct into the concrete deck. With the roof’s high exposure rating and dimensions, wind load calculations indicated that only corner and perimeter zones should be used, which demanded a high density of fasteners in these areas.the solutions provided by SFS included its TIA adjustable fastener in combination with the isoweld® 3000 heat induction welding system. This fastener system included specially coated isoweld® stress plates combined with 230mm and 300mm FI-R-20 sleeves and the 150mm long TIA fastener. These were installed through the insulation and screed layers and were mechanically fastened into the concrete substrate.The fasteners were applied through the insulation boards in a field fix grid pattern followed by the Protan SE single ply waterproofing membrane, which was then installed using the specialist isoweld® 3000 system, welding the membrane directly onto the isoweld® stress plates. This provided an extremely secure fix, without having to duplicate fasteners, and the associated drilling, and without the need to penetrate the waterproof membrane as would be necessary on seam fix systems.

HMP Five Wells, Millers Park, Wellingborough HMP Wellingborough is Britain’s biggest prison holding 1,680 inmates. A flagship, mega, category C jail, aimed to rehabilitate offenders with rooms flooded by natural light and barless windows. There are dedicated classrooms and workshops for ‘high quality academic and vocational learning’.The new seven staggered cross-shaped buildings ensure that corridors are broken up into smaller zones, which enables staff to have more direct contact with inmates. They have been designed in this way to offer better use of outside space for sports and gardening facilities.The aim of the programme was to modernise the prison estate to build a more efficient, safer and focused supporting rehabilitation for inmates.KEIM paints were specified for the project due to it being recommended and applied at HMP Wrexham previously.Dave Smith, Senior Sales Executive of KEIM Mineral Paints, was on hand to help during the entire decoration of the prison. Discussions were carried out with the contractor regarding VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), BREEAM and algae and fungal resistance.In order to maintain a consistent colour, KEIM recommended that the precast concrete was painted. This provided both a cost effective solution for colouring the concrete as well as ensuring consistency of finish.A training session was held by Dave & Nicola Young, Senior Colourist of KEIM, for the sub contractor to show them the application of the paint.KEIM Concrete Cleaner and KEIM Soldalit-ME were specified to clean and decorate the concrete exterior of the housing, administration block, and the medical wing. KEIM Soldalit-ME has particular environmental benefits as it helps to degrade nitrogen oxide pollutants from the atmosphere, offering durable protection for years if not decades to come.

Lululemon specified ARDEX polished Concrete Topping (PCT) as it gave them the complete freedom to accomplish almost any design they desired whilst still offering a durable retail floor system.

A luxurious housing development by AJC Homes Scotland in one of the most exposed parts of the UK has used Edgemere concrete interlocking slates and a full dry fix system from Marley for their roofing.

5 Everyman cinemas have been built in a new building in the centre of Harrogate which houses several other retail and leisure facilities.The cinema directly above the ground floor retail units required a concrete floating floor whilst the 4 other cinemas required heavy dry floating floors with large floor voids.Our local branch supplied and installed the floating floors which consisted of Stravifloor Channel isolation rails supporting timber/cement board sandwich constructions or Stravifloor Deck solution supporting a concrete slab.The wall isolation and ceiling hangers completed the box-in-box construction delivering the required sound insulation between cinemas and to the retail units beneath.

CHALLENGEIn Toronto, ON a large mail sorting facility was having an issue with chemicals coming from a concrete processing plant bordering their employee parking lot. The customer was looking to create both a visual and physical barrier from the equipment and excess dust. The fence had to be 2.4m tall, solid and without worry of material maintenance. They wanted to replace the existing fence that was just chain link with tarps, and an eyesore on their property.SOLUTIONA much more visually appealing and effective solution was found with hanit® 100% recycled plastic tongue and groove boards by HAHN, supported by galvanized steel beams. The 3.6m long beams were sunk 1/3 of the length into concrete, then filled with the 3.8cm x 13cm x 2133cm long T&G boards. Each panel was further reinforced at the base using a small hanit® support. The result was a simple, long-lasting privacy fence that met the customer’s needs. Shown here nearly three years after installation, the privacy fence has been a continued success. After numerous seasonal changes and close exposure to the conditions produced by the concrete plant, this installation demonstrates the durability and potential applications of hanit® 100% recycled plastic products. 

Client: P D Hook (Hatcheries)Location: Duns, ScotlandSector: Food & BeverageYear: 2020Project Size: 400 m²System: vebrocrete MFVebro Polymers recommended its medium-duty polyurethane concrete flooring system, vebrocrete MF installed at 4.0 mm for use across the site in an electric blue shade.This system offers excellent chemical, UV and wear resistance – and as it has a similar co-efficient of thermal expansion to the concrete slab below will expand and contract if the ambient temperature warms or cools, making it an excellent flooring option for food processing environments subject to thermal shock and swing.vebrocrete MF is a three-component product that is mixed on-site, spread out across the prepared and primed concrete substrate using a serrated steel float or trowel, before being spike-rolled to assist with levelling and de-aerating the finish. The resulting finish delivers a smooth matt surface that offers excellent wear, abrasion and impact resistance properties.Laid in a seamless application with minimal joints the floor is easy to clean, maintain and sterilise and offers excellent lifecycle cost saving efficiencies compared to other materials such as epoxy flooring or ceramic tiles.

The Canaletto residential tower at 257 City Road in London is located halfway between Old Street and Angel Stations in Islington, alongside the regenerated City Road Basin. It comprises a 31-storey tower with 190 luxury one, two and three bedroom apartments built to the standards of Code 4 Sustainable Homes Level 4.The tower is concrete frame and has a curving facade of metal and glass that breaks the volume into a series of three-to-four storey clusters. In turn, each cluster contains grouped balcony terraces, which are a striking feature of the building. The balconies are of steel construction connected to the concrete frame and as always with cantilever construction elements of this nature, one of the early design considerations had to be the prevention of thermal bridging.For the high specification Canaletto project the Schöck Isokorb® T type SK offers the ideal solution. It is a concrete-to-steel connectivity module that sits between the outer and inner structural connection points and blocks the outflow of heat through the use of high quality polystyrene insulation foam. The Isokorb® T type SK provides a clean and unobtrusive connection detail, minimises on-site assembly time and enables a high level of prefabrication.

Product / System:Reflex Sports Wall in Mint Green.Uplift and removal of existing vinyl, floor preparation, DPM, Reflex Gerflor sports vinyl in polished concrete effect finish, linemarking.Size: 1,278m2

The Little Chapel in Guernsey was built in 1914 and, at only 16 feet by 9 feet, is said to be “one of the smallest functioning chapels in Europe, if not the world”. The chapel and its unique appeal gained national fame after an article accompanied with a colour photograph was published in the Daily Mirror, and it has since been considered one of, if not the most famous tourist attraction in Guernsey.In 2015, work began to weatherproof the intricate building, with the Protec System specified as the best solution for the job.The ChallengeHaving never been finished by its original builder, Brother Déodat, the chapel has been undergoing a long-term restoration project to create a structurally sound building that retains the beauty of the original vision. Firstly, the foundations were underpinned and properly secured for the first time since they were created over 100 years ago. The next priority was to fix the roof, as described by Pat Johnson, chairman of the Little Chapel Foundation:“The asphalt on the roof was hollow and had to be taken off. The concrete underneath was hollow. We ended up with a substrate of soil and clink, so to repair it we had to go inside and grout all the cracks in the ceiling. [The new roof] comprises three layers of concrete, 340 stainless-steel plugs, a stainless-steel mesh and a final coating of concrete”.The task of making the new concrete surface waterproof fell to local Polyroof approved contractor Sarnian Roofing Ltd. Andy Gavey (Company Director) said about the project:“As a boy I would regularly visit The Little Chapel and I’ve always been blown away by its beauty and character. To get the chance to help restore the building to its full potential is a dream come true for me – this has to be my favourite roofing project yet. Polyroof’s contribution towards the roofing works has meant that we were able to provide a top-quality roofing solution that has done justice to the amazing exterior of the building.”The SolutionWith its ability to be applied directly to the concrete to form a lightweight, seamless and durable waterproofing membrane, Polyroof’s Protec System was a clear choice for waterproofing the chapel roof.The first stage was to make the entire roof area fully watertight. Following a coating of primer to seal the porous concrete surface, the first coat of Protec was applied which incorporated fibreglass reinforcement. After 30 minutes the coating had cured and the second coat was applied to the whole roof area. To areas where new mortar was laid to re-embed the pebbles and seashells, which had been painstakingly removed from the old roof, a coating of Polyfinish was applied to provide extra protection.The architect chose a sanded decorative finish to complement the exterior of the building, which is covered in a mosaic made from seashells, pebbles and broken china. To create this finish, a third coat of Protec was applied and, whilst still wet, Quartz Sand was broadcast into the resin. After brushing off the excess sand, the whole roof surface was sealed with an application of Polyfinish Clear.

A £2.7million Environment Agency project to renovate an ageing river sluice facility on the River Medway in Kent, has required the technical attributes of webercem five star repair concrete and the high-build properties of webercem HB30 mortar. The structural sluice repairs are now complete with new gates and operating systems installed, bringing the sluice performance up to standard. Reflecting the substantial improvement in the river water quality over recent years, a new fish and elver pass has been created to enable fish to travel further upstream in the clean waters. This has enhanced the habitat in upper sections of the Medway, whilst allowing migratory and freshwater fish free passage. Constructed in 1937 the Allington Sluice lock gate is the last on the River Medway before it becomes tidal. Although the sluice is not listed, the Environment Agency took a keen interest in the repair of the structure due to its location adjacent to the Museum of Kent. Areas of failed surface concrete that had spalled, due to 70 years of weathering, were repaired sympathetically to match the existing finishes. These areas were cleaned back to sound material with all loose material removed. The major repair areas required shuttering before pouring in the flowing recasting concrete. webercem five star repair concrete is a pre-blended cementitious material that conforms with BS EN 1504 : 3 as an R4 mortar and also with the Highways Agency specification BD 27/86. It contains non-reactive aggregates and low alkali content. This is a shrinkage-compensated, high-strength flowing repair concrete specifically designed for permanent structural repairs that delivers a compressive strength of 65N/mm² after 28 days.Additional smaller damaged areas of the sluice structure have been improved with webercem HB30 repair mortar which is ideal for façade repairs where high compressive strength is not required. webercem HB30 is an acrylic-polymer modified, high-build façade repair mortar that complies with BS EN 1504 : 3 as an R3 mortar. Damaged areas were cut away and any steel re-enforcement was cleaned and coated with webercem keycoat prior to the application of the webercem HB30. This product has a unique shrinkage compensation system that ensures long-term dimensional stability. webercem HB30 is easy to apply with low permeability to water, carbon dioxide and chlorides.Main contractor Jackson Civil Engineering of Maidstone, Kent, carried out the sluice gate works while Structural Renovations Ltd of Slough, Berkshire, carried out the concrete repairs in the overall reconstruction, renovation and modification programme of the main structure. The project was designed by Atkins for the Environment Agency, who also undertook site supervision during the renovation procedure. In addition to the repairs and fish pass, a new wheelchair access has been formed allowing cross river access at this point on the Medway.

Cordek called upon to aid with the practicalities of a formwork solution to create the six concrete diving platforms in a scheme featuring few straight lines at the iconic London Aquatics Centre, built for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

With their delicate nuances, Atlas Concorde concrete-look porcelain tiles define the contemporary esthetic of a Spanish residence. Explore the project.The elegance of contemporary architecture with its clean lines and spaces that communicate with each other is the central theme of a home in Sant Quirze Des Vallès on the outskirts of Barcelona. Warm colors that evoke the cozy ambiance typical of Catalonia give the residence a modern flavor, where every piece of furniture faithfully does its part to reinforce the overall style.In this context, concrete-effect porcelain tiles from Atlas Concorde were selected to clad the building's interiors and exteriors. The warmth of a lived-in space and the authenticity of places reborn to a new life are the values evoked by concrete-effect porcelain floors. Applied in an ivory color, Atlas Concorde porcelain tiles give the rooms a relaxing yet dynamic vibe.In the kitchen, concrete-look tiles were the ideal choice to visually enlarge the space, increasing its depth and making it more welcoming. The ivory shade of the porcelain tile also matched perfectly with the minimalist style of the bedroom, bringing out the space’s contemporary character.The sophistication of this contemporary style is also evident in the outdoor spaces of the residence, where the patio and pool area recall a luxury resort. Indeed, the wide selection of Atlas Concorde outdoor porcelain tiles allows for coordinated indoor-outdoor projects, ensuring the esthetic continuity of the various spaces. Furthermore, porcelain slabs with a 20 mm thickness guarantee non-slip performance and high resistance to weathering.Homes with contemporary-style architecture are treasure chests of elegance, expressing a solid bond with the surrounding nature and rejecting all glitz and superfluous frills. With this in mind, Atlas Concorde's ceramic solutions are able to perfectly satisfy the precise, timeless demand for style.

As part of the Wandsworth regeneration programme to increase the number of affordable homes, Wates Residential were awarded the contract to build a new, six-storey block of apartments on the Shuttleworth Road.The structure included 59 concrete balconies, all requiring waterproofing with a product with a minimum fire rating of A2-s1-d0, tested to BS EN 13501-1.Not only were Newton able to recommend a product that had already been used on a similar project this year, they were also able to recommend the expert services of Newton Specialist Contractor Arti Structural Waterproofing.The minimum fire rating of A2-s1-d0 now precludes the polyurethane and polyurea products that were commonly used on balconies, so Newton recommended the cementitious and modified-polymer Newton 103-S membrane. As well as carrying the required fire rating, 103-S can resist extremely high positive and negative water pressure, forming a hard, durable coating with a degree of elasticity that makes it ideal for protecting concrete.Arti also used Newton 203-RM to create smoothing fillets, and Newton 912-RT to reinforce the 103-S over the joints, details and changes in direction.On site, Arti also needed to work flexibly, as the programme could not proceed without the waterproofing and fireproofing of the balcony upstands. However, due to the propping of the concrete formwork to the floors above, Arti had to execute their installation in two phases of efficient and detailed waterproofing.Thanks to a meticulous eye for detail, as well as careful planning and thorough preparation of the concrete balconies, Arti were able to complete the waterproofing of all 59 balconies in two stages. This was managed as well as delivering the required A2-s1-d0 fire rating, and the installation was completed quickly without compromising the programme of the build.

Date of Project: August - September 2014Project Owner: Occidental PetroleumProject Contractor: Hugh Roberts ConstructionMarket/Environment: Oil ProductionSubstrate: Gunite from the 1960sProduct Used: Five Star Structural Concrete V/0®Project Size: 500+ PailsProject DetailsIn 1965, four artificial islands were built in San Pedro Bay off the coast of Long Island to conceal oil pumping stations. In the year 2000, Occidental Petroleum purchased the islands, known as THUMS Islands or Astronaut Islands, and operations. The islands contain significant landscaping, a waterfall, and tall structures concealing the drilling rigs, including one known as The Condo and often mistaken for "a ritz hotel" by those on land. Island Grissom is the closest to land and contains more sculptured screens than the other islands.The ChallengeOver the years, wind and water have taken their toll on the concrete structures around the island, causing a great deal of deterioration. A few obstacles to overcome were:The depth of repair (Tapcons were driven into the substrate for added reinforcement in the deeper areas of repair)Direct sun/heatHeight of repair was as high as 100 feetLimitations on water saturation for presoak and wet cure.Deliveries had to be scheduled precisely as all products had to be shuttled over to the island via ferry.Five Star® SolutionChosen for this demanding repair project was Five Star Structural Concrete® W/O because of its rapid-setting properties and ability to be used on vertical and overhead surfaces. Moisture-sensitive coatings could also be applied in 8 to 24 hours, speeding up repair time.This high-strength, permanent concrete repair material allowed the workers to make repairs quickly and efficiently, using only one product for thin and thick placement.

Grafton Architects made stunning use of BASWA Phon, insetting the acoustic surfaces into the structural concrete. The smooth marble plaster finish complements the interior aesthetic, whilst the high performance acoustic absorption provides calm and comfort.

A high rise 188 bedroom Hotel development in the Centre of Manchester. Concrete Frame with SFS infill and finished with Aluminium Rainscreen Cladding. 180mm & 220mm Coverock V insulating the envelope of the building to meet the thermal performance required.

Specific service penetration deflection. High movement requirement due to construction type. Firestopping requirements through flexible walls and concrete floors up to 120 minutes with typical 2mm deflection required for all service penetrations.

Synthetic grass is a good alternative to decking, which can get slippery in the winter and requires regular time-consuming maintenance. Leaving concrete or slabs bare can look uninteresting and can be uncomfortable to sit on during summer evenings.

Synthetic grass is a good alternative to decking, which can get slippery in the winter and requires regular time-consuming maintenance. Leaving concrete or slabs bare can look uninteresting and can be uncomfortable to sit on during summer evenings.

Making use of ULMA’s MULTIV+100 polymer concrete channel drainage, topped with a MULTIV+ Heelguard Grating, the site has the capacity to retain access and passenger safety year round, simplifying the drainage system, and making commuter life easier. 

REQUIREMENT: A modular step unit and upper landing to the basement goods lift.The new system would replace the narrow concrete steps, which were concluded to be unsafe and didn’t have handrails to prevent falls.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:A site survey was carried out, and an in-house 3D ramp design was drawn to suit the space.The drawing shows that the air conditioning unit above the step unit would need to be moved 200mm away. END RESULT: We installed a yellow modular system straight over the existing steps within a few hours.This approach prevented the concrete steps from being removed and saved the client the extra time and money involved in hiring another trade to complete the enabling works. A bespoke platform joins the upper landing, and the feet were fixed into the concrete floor to keep the system securely in place.FEATURES INCLUDED:Trombone Ends - these are added to the ends of a step system to prevent clothes catching.Mesh Platform - the self-draining mesh allows water to pass through rather than collect on the surface.Standard Colour: Yellow – one of the easiest colours to see because of its ability to reflect light. The handrails are powder coated to create a durable finish that is tougher than conventional paint.Standard Handrail - this handrail system ensures users always have support to hold onto.

Solid wood floor specialist Junckers worked closely with world-renowned architects BIG (Bjarne Ingles Group), to create a custom finished oak floor for the M/S Maritime Museum in Helsingør, Denmark. The textured floor acts a link within the interior scheme of the award winning building, bringing together elements of concrete, glass and steel, housed in an amazing 150 metre long, old concrete dock. The architects’ brief was for a solid hardwood floor that can withstand the heavy footfall of a national museum, with a rustic quality to soften the raw and patinated concrete and large glass panels featured throughout the building. Junckers created a textured finish solid oak floor, which gives contrasting warmth to the overall impression of the museum. By using a specially developed hard brushing technique, the outer sapwood layer of the timber is removed, leaving a tactile, textured surface to expose the beautiful grain patterns naturally inherent in oak. The floor is finished in Junckers Ultra Matt Lacquer resulting in a matt, very hard-wearing floor. The lively two-strip oak floors really come into their own in the large, open spaces of the museums galleries. When natural light from the floor to ceiling glass wall hits the surface of the floor at an angle, it creates a spectacular effect. Following the immense success of the project, Junckers has added the incredible textured finish to many of its floors, both two-strip and wide board planks.

Architects: IDOMLocation: Donostia, SpainPhotography: Iñaki BergeraMaterial: NATURSIDING-WFinish: RustikThe Aldapeta María Ikastetxea School is the interpretation of modernity, sustainability, and innovation poured into architecture. With the original building demolished, which dated back to the 19th Century, the new school building accompanies the view of education into the future, leveraging new technologies.Efficiency has been key to this project through the use of geothermal energy and natural light used as a shaping tool of space. Our durable rain-screen system wood panels embrace the refinement and warmth typically of wood into the structure in juxtaposition with other materials such as concrete and metal resembling Japanese architecture, with its pure lines, rhythm, dynamism, and sobriety.To accentuate the rhythm and promote harmony between concrete and wood, we have opted for the vertical placement of the slats that evokes the patterns of the wood framework. Achieving such effect is possible given the aesthetics enhanced by the small piece that attains a harmonious relationship between wood and concrete. With an innovative setup in the architectural sphere composed of a hidden system with no visible screws or rivets, the slatted cladding can be placed vertically even in large buildings, and in an easy way that provides a sense of strength and uniformity to the whole. The PARKLEX PRODEMA panels new setup system allows achieving distinctive finishes with the warmth of the wood, longevity, durability, and limited to no maintenance requirements.

A selection of floor coverings from Forbo Flooring Systems, combining aesthetics, functionality and exceptional performance, has helped Maze Workplace to create a dynamic and flexible Next Generation Workspace for Insight Direct's new office in Manchester.Global IT solutions company, Insight Direct has relocated from an existing office in Salford, to a smaller, but more central 9,000 sq ft premises in Manchester. The new office space offers employees a contemporary mix of alternative co-working environments and includes open plan hotdesking for 44 people, arranged in smaller ‘neighbourhoods’, two hot offices, five meeting rooms, two open/soft meeting areas as well as a well-being room and a large games area.The office’s urban location is represented throughout by Maze Workplace’s clever and creative choice of products. This is clear as soon as you enter the office, particularly in the reception area. Here Forbo’s Allura Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) have been used to visually connect the outside pavement area with the interior of the building, by using a concrete aesthetic. Kate explained: “We used Forbo’s Allura in the warm concrete dots colourway in the reception area, which added a nod to the urban location and offered something different from the standard ‘concrete’ look.” Warm underfoot and easy to maintain, Allura LVT provides exceptional dimensional stability, strength and performance, making it the perfect solution for the high traffic reception are